Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s top palm oil producers are on track to achieve a combined after-tax profit of ₦161 billion in 2025, according to a new sector outlook from Afrinvest West Africa. The strong forecast is anchored on rising global crude palm oil (CPO) prices and sustained operational performance from industry leaders Presco Plc and Okomu Oil Palm Plc. The report anticipates a 38.8% year-on-year growth in profit before tax (PBT) from ₦166.8 billion in 2024 to ₦231.5 billion in 2025. Profit after tax is projected to rise by 36.8% as both companies capitalize on favorable market dynamics and internal…

By Atoyebi Nike Security has been significantly heightened in Daura and other parts of Katsina State ahead of the return and burial of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82. In line with Islamic tradition, Buhari’s remains will be buried in his hometown of Daura. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to accompany the late president’s body back to Nigeria. Security operatives have since been deployed across key locations in Katsina State. Strategic checkpoints were…

By Atoyebi Nike Former Super Eagles winger, Allen Okwuchukwu Waobikeze, widely admired for his dazzling left-foot and skillful play, has passed away. Waobikeze, nicknamed ‘Babaoo’ by fans and teammates, died peacefully over the weekend, days after Nigeria mourned the loss of ex-Super Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Peter Rufai. Although he had limited appearances for the national team due to stiff competition in the squad, Waobikeze made his mark on Nigeria’s domestic football scene. He played for top clubs including Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, BCC Lions of Gboko, and Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC). His death was announced on Monday…

By Atoyebi Nike The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged professionals to protect their sectors from financial crimes. He made the call on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at a two-day workshop in Abuja. The event focused on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) compliance for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs). The workshop, themed “Effective Implementation of AML/CFT Measures in DNFBPs in Nigeria,” was held to raise awareness. Olukoyede, represented by Assistant Commander Musa Giwa Yusuf, said DNFBPs are the most vulnerable to money laundering and terrorism financing. He explained that the…

By Atoyebi Nike Tributes have continued to pour in from across the globe following the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. World leaders, diplomats, and institutions have commended his legacy of service, discipline, and dedication to national unity. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria expressed its condolences in a statement posted on social media, describing Buhari as “a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office.” The mission also praised his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development, saying, “His legacy includes efforts to strengthen…

By Atoyebi Nike The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to conducting regular and intensive combat training aimed at enhancing troop readiness for a wide range of military operations. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of troops who completed a 21-week intensive training exercise at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) in Kontagora, Niger State, Oluyede emphasized that the army would continue to prioritise combat preparedness through structured, mission-oriented training. The training, dubbed “Exercise Fast Bolt III,” was specifically designed for soldiers of the Special Operations Battalion, who have now been designated…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, describing the monarch as a towering figure in Nigeria’s traditional institution and a symbol of integrity, wisdom, and national unity. In a personal tribute issued on Sunday, President Tinubu said the news of Oba Adetona’s death, which came the same day as the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, brought him “double pain.” He described the coincidence as a profound moment of grief for the nation, losing two iconic leaders within hours. Oba Adetona…

By Atoyebi Nike AccuWeather’s team of tropical experts is monitoring three areas in the Atlantic Basin for potential tropical development as the hurricane season intensifies heading into mid to late July. A stalling frontal boundary moving toward the southeastern U.S. coast and into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico could provide just enough instability for tropical activity to emerge. This setup mirrors early July conditions that led to the formation of Tropical Storm Chantal, which developed on July 4 and made landfall two days later, dumping torrential rain across parts of the Carolinas. Communities like Chapel Hill in…

By Atoyebi Nike Conservation group Wild Africa has issued a strong call to action, urging Nigerian authorities and citizens to confront the growing threat of zoonotic diseases by ending the illegal bushmeat trade, fast-tracking the wildlife protection bill, and safeguarding natural habitats. Zoonotic diseases—illnesses transmitted from animals to humans have triggered some of the deadliest outbreaks globally. Nigeria has not been spared, with Ebola, Lassa Fever, Mpox (Monkeypox), and COVID-19 all affecting its population in recent years. According to the World Health Organization, 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, and 71.8% of these are linked directly…

By Atoyebi Nike President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on African entrepreneurs, executives, and wealthy individuals to channel their investments into transformative projects across the continent, rather than exporting capital abroad. Speaking while hosting participants of the Global CEO Africa Programme from Lagos Business School and Nairobi’s Strathmore Business School at the Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Dangote said Africa’s future hinges on bold investments in key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and agriculture. He emphasised that Africa’s vast human and natural resources give it a competitive edge, but progress depends…