Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Naira started the week at ₦1,560 per dollar in the parallel market, following rising demand from travelers preparing for the summer holiday season. Currency dealers said the uptick in demand by end-users is driving fluctuations, although the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) policies have helped keep the exchange rate relatively stable in recent months. On Friday, the Naira closed at ₦1,533.7/$, dropping slightly by 19 kobo. Official CBN data pegged the rate at ₦1,533.5/$. Midweek trading showed further pressure, with the Naira trading at ₦1,534.5/$ on Wednesday, slightly weaker than Tuesday’s rate of ₦1,533.18/$. Foreign…

By Atoyebi Nike The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a $1.35 billion financing deal with Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) to support the continued operations of its massive petroleum refinery and petrochemical complex. Announced via a statement on the bank’s website on Sunday, the deal forms part of a broader $4 billion syndicated loan arrangement for DIL, Africa’s largest industrial group. Afreximbank acted as the lead arranger and contributed the largest share of the funding. The money will be used to refinance previous capital spent on building the Dangote Refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, making…

By Atoyebi Nike Eight OPEC+ members including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, and the UAE will raise crude oil production by a combined 547,000 barrels per day starting September 2025, in response to improved global economic conditions and stronger oil demand. The decision, made during a virtual meeting on Sunday, continues the gradual rollback of 2.2 million bpd in voluntary production cuts introduced in 2023. The phase-out, which began in April 2025, was agreed upon in December 2024 to ensure market balance and price stability. The alliance noted that this planned increase could be paused or reversed if market conditions deteriorate.…

By Atoyebi Nike A baby boy born in Ohio on July 26 has captured global attention  not for his size or cry, but because he came from an embryo frozen 30 years ago. Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was born to Lindsey and Tim Pierce through embryo adoption. The embryo had been frozen since May 1994, making Thaddeus one of the longest-frozen embryos to result in a live birth. “We didn’t know they froze embryos that long ago,” Lindsey said. “We’re just grateful to have him.” The embryo came from Lydia Archerd, who used IVF in the ‘90s and had one daughter.…

By Atoyebi Nike A coalition of professionals, civil society actors, and religious leaders from Benue State has called on the international community to intervene in what it describes as ongoing “ethnic cleansing and strategic displacement” in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday in Makurdi, the group, led by innovation strategist Gideon Inyom, urged the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union to provide emergency asylum and protective status to victims of escalating violence in Benue. The group cited data from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reporting that over 2 million people have been…

By Atoyebi Nike Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. In a statement released Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor praised the team’s remarkable 78–64 win over Mali in Sunday’s final in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He commended their unity, resilience, and winning spirit. Governor Sanwo-Olu described the win as another proud moment for Nigeria, highlighting that the Rena Wakama-led squad has now clinched the AfroBasket title a record seven times—five of those consecutively. “Congratulations to D’Tigress for…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has etched its name in the history books by becoming the first team to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles. In Sunday’s final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Nigerian side defeated Mali 78-64 to secure their seventh overall title. The 2025 tournament, which featured 12 teams, kicked off on July 27 and culminated with the championship showdown between Africa’s top-ranked teams World No. 11 Nigeria and No. 24 Mali. Ezinne Kalu led the Nigerian charge with 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists,…

By Atoyebi Nike Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has completed a permanent move to Burnley, marking another significant step in the Blues’ ongoing summer squad clear-out. The 20-year-old Frenchman joins the Clarets on a full transfer after spending just one season at Stamford Bridge, where he made limited appearances. Chelsea had signed Ugochukwu from Rennes in 2023 for around £23 million but opted to offload the youngster as part of a broader effort to trim their bloated squad. Ugochukwu’s move is seen as a chance for regular Premier League football under Vincent Kompany, who is rebuilding Burnley following their relegation from…

By Atoyebi Nike The International Press Centre (IPC) has strongly condemned the reported shutdown of Badegi 90.1FM in Niger State, allegedly ordered by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The closure reportedly followed an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting held on Friday, August 1, where the governor was said to have directed the station’s closure over its broadcasts deemed critical of the state administration. In a weekend statement, IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, criticized the move as a gross misuse of power and a disregard for democratic principles. “This is a clear abuse of executive authority and a disturbing disregard…

By Atoyebi Nike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to sealing properties of owners who have failed to pay their ground rent. Wike made the declaration during his monthly media briefing held in Abuja on Monday. His statement follows President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directive issued on May 26, 2025, which gave a two-week deadline for property owners to settle outstanding ground rent. Despite this, Wike lamented that many have continued to default. “You know what comes next. The President gave two weeks, but we are now past three months. That’s typical of…