Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Oando Plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost integrated energy companies, has expanded its Reserve Based Lending (RBL2) facility to $375 million in a significant financial move aimed at reinforcing its operations and strategic goals. The credit enhancement was led by Afreximbank with support from Mercuria, extending the loan’s maturity to January 2029. The refinancing follows Oando’s substantial progress in reducing its debt obligations—cutting the original $525 million facility to $100 million by the end of 2024. RBL agreements typically allow energy firms to borrow based on the value of their proven oil and gas reserves, which for Oando…
By Atoyebi Nike The head of Nigeria’s law enforcement agency, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has authorized a wide-scale deployment of officers and enhanced operational tactics to maintain calm and deter threats during the holiday. This directive, which applies across the country, was communicated to senior officers including regional heads, city-level commanders, and heads of tactical squads. They are expected to reinforce their presence around religious gathering locations, leisure centers, and other busy areas. A statement issued Thursday by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi highlighted the agency’s commitment to a secure atmosphere during the festival. The police chief emphasized the necessity of increased…
By Atoyebi Nike Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has urged Muslims across the state and Nigeria to uphold the spirit of Eid El-Kabir by embracing sacrifice, unity, and prayer for peace, in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In a Sallah message released by his office on Wednesday, Governor Fintiri congratulated the Muslim Ummah for witnessing yet another Eid season, describing it as a time for deep reflection and spiritual renewal. “Eid El-Kabir is not just a time of festivity but an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the values of sacrifice, honesty, dedication, and peace as…
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Jibril Aminu, lauding the former cabinet member and renowned scholar for his lifetime of service that bridged the realms of academia, health, diplomacy, and politics. In a condolence message from the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the entire people of Adamawa State, describing the deceased as one of Nigeria’s most exceptional and accomplished figures. “Professor Jibril Muhammad Aminu, a distinguished statesman and educator, has passed on at 85. My thoughts and prayers are with his…
By Atoyebi Nike The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two officers and the abduction of two workers at a mining site in Oreke-Okeigbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area. The attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Gunmen stormed the facility and opened fire. Two policemen, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Haruna Watsai, and Inspector Tukur Ogah, were shot dead. Both were attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force, Abuja. The attackers also seized the officers’ rifles before fleeing. In a statement on Thursday, police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, speaking on behalf of CP Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the…
By Atoyebi Nike Amnesty International has asked journalists in Plateau State to focus on ethical, rights-based, and conflict-aware reporting. This message came during a two-day training held in Jos. The event was themed “Human Rights-Centered Journalism” and organized for members of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Plateau State Council. Reporters from different outlets took part. Barbara Magaji, Programme Manager at Amnesty Nigeria, said the press should go beyond sharing facts. “Journalists must protect human rights through the stories they tell,” she noted. Magaji stressed the need for careful reporting on killings, evictions, and protests. She said language and tone could either…
By Atoyebi Nike Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hamid, imam of the Grand Mosque, delivered this year’s Arafat sermon on Thursday at Namirah Mosque. Addressing millions of pilgrims, he described the day as a powerful symbol of monotheism, humility, and equality before God. He urged the faithful to engage in remembrance and heartfelt prayers, calling Arafat “a day of answered supplications and multiplied rewards.” Prominent Saudi officials attended, including Prince Saud bin Mishal, the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, and the Ministers of Hajj and Islamic Affairs. The sermon marks the spiritual climax of the Hajj, echoing the Prophet…
By Atoyebi Nike Two FCT High Courts have approved summons for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi. The cases were filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She accuses Akpabio and Nwaebonyi of defamation, sexual misconduct, and breach of rights. Justice Kutigi granted leave to serve Akpabio and his aides in case No. FCT/HC/CV/754/2025. The court set June 9, 2025, for a report on the summons. In another case, Justice Otaluka approved service on Nwaebonyi. That hearing is set for June 25. Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking ₦5 billion in damages over comments Nwaebonyi made on Channels TV on March 6. She…
By Atoyebi Nike Top leaders gathered in Lagos on Wednesday to discuss how Africa can transform its healthcare systems. Among them were Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote, and governors from Gombe and Lagos States. The event, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, focused on funding, partnerships, and the role of local innovation. Bill Gates highlighted the Gates Foundation’s $100 billion investment in global health over 25 years. Over 70 percent of that, he said, has supported healthcare projects in Africa. “In Nigeria, we’ve built strong partnerships to help governments improve healthcare systems,” Gates said. He stressed that local governments bear the main responsibility,…
By Atoyebi Nike Troops under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in Buratai and Mallam Fatori, both in Borno State. The military said scores of insurgents were killed during the engagements. The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. He said the attacks occurred on June 5, 2025, and were foiled by joint efforts from ground troops and the OPHK air component. “In a coordinated operation, troops neutralised scores of terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition in Buratai, Biu LGA, and Mallam Fatori, Abadam LGA,” the statement…