Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Explosion Rocks Trans-Niger Pipeline In Nigeria’s Rivers State. A powerful explosion tore through the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, late on Monday night, 17 March 2025, sending flames and thick black smoke billowing into the night sky. The incident, which has set a section of the vital oil pipeline ablaze, has raised fresh concerns about the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure in the volatile Niger Delta region. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the chaos. The blast occurred near the Bodo-Bonny Road, currently…

Super Eagles Camp In Full Swing Ahead Of World Cup Qualifier Against Rwanda. The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a significant boost as more players arrived in Kigali ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Wasps of Rwanda. On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, team captain William Troost-Ekong led a group of key players into camp, reinforcing the squad’s determination to secure vital points in the qualification race. Joining him were Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Joseph Aribo, Igoh Ogbu, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Their arrival follows that of Moses Simon, who, alongside…

Szczęsny Praises Barcelona’s Style Of Football. Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny who currently plays for FC Barcelona has expressed his admiration for his new team style of play, describing it as a source of excitement and inspiration. Speaking about the contrasting football philosophies of Juventus and Barcelona, the Polish international highlighted the aesthetic appeal of the Catalan club’s approach. “Beautiful football—this is what makes me excited about Barça,” Szczęsny remarked. “Juventus focuses primarily on achieving results, while at Barça, there is a pure, contagious joy in football.” The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who has played at the highest…

Political Tensions Rise As Rivers State Lawmakers Move To Impeach Governor Fubara. The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened following the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The move, led by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule and backed by 26 lawmakers, has shifted attention to the State Chief Judge, who is legally mandated to set up an investigative panel. However, reports indicate that the Chief Judge has proceeded on vacation, raising questions about the legality of the process. Legal Concerns and Constitutional Debate Legal experts have weighed in on the situation,…

Last Surviving Battle Of Britain Pilot, John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, Dies At 105. The last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, Group Captain John “Paddy” Hemingway, has passed away at the age of 105, marking the end of an era for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and World War II veterans. Originally from Dublin, Mr Hemingway joined the RAF as a teenager before the outbreak of the Second World War. By the age of 21, he was serving as a fighter pilot during the Battle of Britain, a decisive three-month campaign in which the RAF defended British skies against…

Israel Launches Airstrikes On Gaza Following Ceasefire Breakdown. The Israeli military has launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, with at least 330 Palestinians reported killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as targeting “terror targets” belonging to Hamas. Among those reportedly killed in the strikes was Mahmoud Abu Wafah, Gaza’s deputy interior minister and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in the territory. This marks the most extensive wave of airstrikes since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January, following the collapse of negotiations to extend the truce. …

OSGF Distances Itself From Aide’s Corruption Investigation. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has officially distanced itself from an ongoing investigation into Andrew Torhile Uchi, the Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Uchi was reportedly arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of bribery, money laundering, and corruption. He is accused of being involved in a N10 billion money laundering scheme and using stolen public funds to illegally acquire properties worth an estimated N6 billion across multiple Nigerian cities, including…

Dangote Commends Ogun’s Investment Policies, Plans New Developments. The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has praised the Ogun State government’s investor-friendly policies, stating that they played a key role in his company’s decision to reinvest in the state. Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Dangote described Ogun as one of Nigeria’s top investment destinations and a hub for manufacturing. He also revealed plans to revive the abandoned Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) and construct the country’s largest port.  Overcoming Past Challenges   Dangote expressed regret that the $580 million Itori cement factory,…

Nigeria’s Debt Servicing Drops By Half, Says CBN. Nigeria’s debt servicing costs have fallen significantly, dropping from $540 million in January to $276 million in February, according to figures released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The reduction comes amid the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to restructure the country’s debt portfolio, enhance dollar liquidity, and ease pressure on the foreign exchange market. IMF Gives Positive Rating but Warns Against Excessive Borrowing   Despite concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a positive rating, stating that the country’s debt levels have not yet reached…

Absence Of Former Taraba Governor Ishaku Stalls Trial In Abuja Court The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, was stalled on Monday due to his absence in an Abuja High Court. Ishaku is facing a 15-count charge alongside a former Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero. The charges, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), include criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the alleged conversion of public funds amounting to ₦27 billion. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, while Yero was present in…

Peruvian Fisherman Rescued After 95 Days Adrift In The Pacific. A Peruvian fisherman who survived 95 days lost at sea by eating turtles, birds, and cockroaches has been rescued and reunited with his family. Maximo Napa Castro, 61, set off on 7 December for what was meant to be a two-week fishing trip from the coastal town of Marcona, southern Peru. However, just ten days into his journey, a storm blew his boat off course, leaving him adrift with dwindling supplies. Despite extensive search efforts by his family and Peru’s maritime patrols, he remained lost at sea for over…

Lagos Government Responds To NYSC Member’s Comments On The City. The Lagos State Government has criticised a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, for her remarks describing Lagos as “smelling.” Responding to her comments, the Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adesina, stated that despite her criticism, Uguamaye has been seen enjoying the city’s nightlife, as evident from her TikTok videos. Adesina attributed challenges in maintaining the city’s cleanliness to the large influx of people arriving in Lagos daily, placing significant pressure on its infrastructure. He…