Author: Editor Francis

Amid escalating concerns surrounding a potential surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has taken a definitive stance to address the issue. In a statement issued via its official X (formerly Twitter), on Monday, the prominent importer of petrol in Nigeria, NNPCL, sought to allay fears by affirming its commitment against any intentions to elevate the pump price of petrol. The company’s statement read, “Dear esteemed customers, we at NNPCL Retail value your patronage, and we do not have the intention to increase our PMS pump prices…

Read More

A few days after the Niger Junta announced that their President Mohamed Bazoum would be tried for treason, international organisations raised some concern. On Sunday, Niger’s putschists that toppled Mohamed Bazoum said they would “prosecute” the ousted president for “high treason” and “undermining the security” of the country. The international community, including the United Nations, the United States, and ECOWAS, has expressed strong condemnation of Niger’s military leadership’s intention to put President Mohamed Bazoum on trial. This action is predicted to exacerbate existing tensions. “We are incredibly dismayed by reports that President Bazoum’s unjust detention has gone even a step…

Read More

A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has been involved in a crash during its flight from Kaduna to Minna, the capital of Niger State.  The incident occurred as the aircraft was en route to its destination, with reports emerging on Monday about the unfortunate incident. The crash was confirmed by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, in an official statement released on Monday.  The details surrounding the crash, including the cause and potential casualties, are currently being investigated by relevant authorities.  According to the statement, the aircraft initially took off from Zungeru Primary School and…

Read More

In a recent survey conducted by Lagos-based public perception consulting firm, CMC Connect LLP, in collaboration with Analysts Data Services and Resources (ADSR), an encouraging 62% of Nigerians believe that Nigeria will witness progress under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.  The survey encompassed a diverse demographic of 1,714 participants hailing from the country’s six geopolitical zones. These respondents actively shared their viewpoints and assessments concerning the initial 60 days of President Tinubu’s administration. The survey’s outcomes underline a prevailing sense of optimism among Nigerians, signifying high hopes for the nation’s future trajectory under President Tinubu’s governance. “38% do not…

Read More

The United States has announced sanctions targeting four influential individuals within Russia’s financial elite. These individuals have notably served on the supervisory board of the Alfa Group Consortium, a substantial financial and investment conglomerate in Russia.  Additionally, sanctions have been imposed on two entities: the Russian Association of Employers and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The latter is a business organization operating in the technology sector of Russia’s economy. The RSPP has played a role in advocating for import substitution and organizing discussions to formulate responses to existing sanctions. The United States is taking these measures as…

Read More

US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with former Nigerien President Mohamed Issoufou, addressing the ongoing situation concerning President Bazoum’s detention. During the discussion, Secretary Blinken conveyed his serious apprehension regarding the continued and worsening incarceration of President Bazoum and his family. Blinken underscored his deep disappointment at the reluctance of the present leadership in Niger to release President Bazoum’s family members as a gesture of goodwill. The Secretary voiced his dismay over this refusal, emphasising the importance of such actions in fostering a positive atmosphere. Furthermore, Secretary Blinken assured former President Issoufou of the unwavering…

Read More

Burkina Faso’s government, led by the junta, has taken the decision to suspend a prominent radio station due to its airing of an interview that was deemed offensive towards Niger’s newly established military leadership. The country witnessed two military coups in the past year, influenced by frustration over the inability to curb a raging jihadist insurgency, similar to Mali and Niger.  In response, Burkina Faso expressed support for Niger’s new leaders and issued a joint caution with Mali against any intervention to restore Bazoum, equating it to a declaration of war. Recent months saw Burkinabe authorities take strong actions, suspending…

Read More

In an action-packed encounter, Liverpool showcased early dominance as Mohamed Salah’s strike reverberated off the crossbar. However, it was Salah’s remarkable assist that set the stage for Luis Diaz to slide home the opening goal after 18 minutes, putting the Reds in the lead. Chelsea, led by their new manager Mauricio Pochettino, mounted a spirited response in their inaugural Premier League fixture under his guidance. The Blues managed to level the playing field with a goal from their fresh acquisition, Axel Disasi. The defender capitalized on Liverpool’s inability to clear a set-piece, calmly slotting the ball into the net from…

Read More

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a recent series of impactful airstrikes aimed at countering criminal elements across multiple operational zones.  According to a statement by Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), these operations have dealt significant blows to criminal activities in various regions. Addressing the situation, Gabkwet highlighted the targeted efforts in the Niger Delta region to combat the persistent menace of oil theft. This illicit activity has not only been detrimental to the region’s environment but has also posed a significant challenge to the nation’s oil output. On Friday, August 11, the…

Read More

Amid the persisting political unrest following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the Niger junta, has conveyed a newfound openness to engage in dialogue. Despite the junta’s initial reluctance towards peaceful negotiations, Tchiani’s recent statement signals a potential shift in approach. During a meeting with Islamic scholars hailing from Nigeria, Tchiani reportedly expressed the junta’s readiness to explore diplomatic avenues and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. While his regime had previously rebuffed multiple attempts at peaceful reconciliation, this apparent change in tone indicates a willingness to reconsider their…

Read More

Within a mere 36 hours,  many citizens of Munich had worked themselves into a frenzy over the on-off arrival of Harry Kane. RB Leipzig spoiled the happy celebration.  The RasenBallsport  team turned around the Allianz Arena, with Daniel Olmo scoring a hat trick in the game. Here are a few facts about Daniel Olomo. Daniel Olmo Carvajal was born on July 7, 1998, in Spain, He is a Spanish professional footballer, having started his footballing career at Barcelona. He joined the Catalonian football Academy at the age of 9. So far, in his senior career profile, he has only played…

Read More

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has made the decision to reintegrate forward Kylian Mbappe into their first-team squad for the upcoming league opener against Lorient. The announcement of Mbappe’s recall was formally conveyed by the club through their official website on Sunday. The club in a statement said, “Following very constructive, positive talks between PSG and Kylian Mbappé before the game vs Lorient, the player has been reinstated into first team training squad this morning.” The French football sensation had been placed on the transfer list by PSG due to his choice not to extend his contract with the club for the…

Read More