Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX will begin phasing out its Dragon series spacecraft, citing tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision comes after Trump threatened to end the company’s federal contracts, deepening a growing public feud between the two figures. Musk made the announcement via a post on X (formerly Twitter), declaring that the spacecraft decommissioning would start “immediately” in response to the former president’s comments. The rift ends a political partnership that had lasted nearly a year, now marked by a barrage of online jabs between the two. The Crew Dragon capsule, operational…
By Atoyebi Nike With just under a year remaining, preparations are intensifying for the next global men’s football showcase — set to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This upcoming edition marks a transformative moment in the event’s history, expanding to 48 participating countries for the first time. The host trio, by virtue of their position, were the earliest to gain automatic entries into the competition. As other teams continue their continental campaigns, several nations have already earned their place in the tournament. Two Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan and Jordan, have made history by clinching qualification through…
By Atoyebi Nike The Chancellor of Maduka University, Dr. Samuel Onyishi, has urged Nigerian universities to work more closely with industries. He made this call during a lecture at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Onyishi warned that artificial intelligence is changing the job market fast. He said schools must adjust to help students stay relevant in a digital world. “AI is already taking over jobs,” he said. “Universities must start preparing students for new ways of working.” He expressed concern over Nigeria’s dependence on imported medical supplies. He said this shows the need to grow the local medical business…
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…