Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” in infrastructure development and flood control, particularly the Eko Atlantic City project. In an open letter shared by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, Dangote commended Tinubu for initiating the Bar Beach land reclamation project, which he credited with saving Victoria Island from coastal erosion and flooding. Dangote also lauded the President for reviving major road projects like the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, describing them as historic interventions. Drawing comparisons with the recent Texas floods, he praised Nigeria’s flood mitigation…
By Atoyebi Nike The Rivers State Government has warned residents to prepare for potential flooding, following a federal alert listing the state among high-risk areas. According to Hector Igbikiowubo, media aide to the Sole Administrator, NEMA teams will visit communities to raise flood awareness and safety tips. The government urged residents in flood-prone zones to clear drains, avoid dumping waste in waterways, and cooperate with emergency officials. It also warned against illegal land reclamation, blaming it for worsening flood risks, and vowed to prosecute violators under environmental laws. Rivers reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment.
By Atoyebi Nike The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out stricter visa regulations for Nigerian nationals, just months after lifting a two-year ban on visa issuance. According to a report by News360 Nigeria, travel agents were informed Tuesday that transit visa applications from Nigerians are now prohibited, while tourist visa approvals will face tighter scrutiny. Under the new policy: Nigerians aged 18–45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless traveling with a family member or in a group. Applicants over 45 years old must present a six-month personal bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 or…
By Atoyebi Nike Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has explained her decision to delay her return to the Senate despite a court ruling overturning her suspension. In an interview with AIT, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she is waiting to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking further action, based on legal advice. Her earlier plan to resume duties on Tuesday triggered heightened security around the National Assembly, with intensified checks at entry points. Although the court ruled that her suspension was unconstitutional and excessive, a legal review by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, dated July 5, stated…
By Atoyebi Nike The United States has revised its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians, reducing most visa types to single-entry with a three-month validity, effective July 8, 2025. In a statement released by the US Embassy in Abuja, the change is part of a global visa reciprocity review, aimed at aligning US visa policies with international security standards. Visas issued before the effective date will retain their existing validity. The embassy said the move supports efforts to protect the integrity of the US immigration system, and cited benchmarks like secure travel documents, visa overstay control, and international information sharing as…
By Atoyebi Nike The Dangote Refinery plans to completely phase out crude oil imports and switch to 100% Nigerian crude by December 2025, as contracts with foreign suppliers near expiration. According to Bloomberg, about 53% of crude processed in June came from local producers. The refinery, which currently processes 550,000 barrels per day, previously relied heavily on imports from the U.S., Brazil, Angola, and others. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President at Dangote Industries, said the refinery expects a full transition by year-end, aided by improved cooperation with local traders and the government. The shift comes amid challenges such as pipeline vandalism…
By Atoyebi Nike Okeke Chinedu from Anambra State, who emerged as the highest scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with a total of 375, is now at the centre of a controversy over a previously undisclosed university admission. The development came to light on Tuesday when Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), raised concerns over discrepancies in Okeke’s academic record during the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting held in Abuja. According to Oloyede, Okeke who applied to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos—was already admitted four years ago into…
By Atoyebi Nike Justice Marianne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has reserved ruling until July 17, 2025, on an application filed by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who is seeking court approval to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. Bello is currently facing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge involving alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering totaling ₦110.4 billion. The charges are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During Tuesday’s hearing, J.B. Daudu, SAN, counsel to Bello, moved…
By Atoyebi Nike In many rural Nigerian communities, cultural norms continue to place maternal health squarely on the shoulders of women, sidelining men from what should be a shared responsibility. This deeply rooted patriarchy often means that pregnant women must navigate healthcare decisions, access to nutrition, and emotional well-being with little to no support from their partners. This systemic neglect is proving deadly. In northern Nigeria, where men largely control financial decisions and household affairs, pregnant women face severe delays in accessing antenatal care and nutritional support. Experts warn that these delays are a major contributor to Nigeria’s alarming maternal…
By Atoyebi Nike Newly appointed General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmed Musa, has promised a sweeping transformation of the historic club, vowing to return it to the top echelon of African football. The Nigerian international and former Leicester City striker made the pledge during a familiarization meeting with the club’s chairman, Alhaji Ali Umar, and board members on Monday in Kano. His remarks were shared in a statement issued by the club’s Media and Communications Directorate on Tuesday. Describing Kano Pillars as a symbol of pride in Nigerian football, Musa acknowledged the club’s recent setbacks but expressed optimism…