Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Gateway International Airport Secures NCAA Approval For Commercial Flights. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, to commence commercial flight operations, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector. The announcement, made on Friday, 15 August 2025, follows a rigorous process of technical inspections, on-site verifications, and facility audits, positioning the airport as a new hub for trade, investment, and tourism in the region. The approval, issued under Part 12.15.17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), grants the airport an Interim Aerodrome Operational Permit, certified…

FIFA Bans Three Nations, Including One African Country, From 2026 World Cup. Three countries, including one from Africa, have been barred from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to political sanctions. The nations—Russia, South Africa, and Yugoslavia—faced exclusions stemming from United Nations sanctions, marking significant moments in the tournament’s history. Russia’s suspension, ongoing since May 2022, was triggered by its invasion of Ukraine. FIFA and UEFA imposed the ban after several European nations, including England, Poland, and Sweden, refused to compete against Russian teams. The decision, upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, extends to all…

Nigerian Diaspora Reaches 2.1 Million, Remits $21 Billion In 2024, Says IOM. The Nigerian diaspora has grown to an estimated 2.1 million people, with remittances reaching a remarkable $21 billion in 2024, according to the latest annual report from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria. This substantial contribution highlights the critical role Nigerians abroad play in supporting the nation’s economy. The report emphasises the growing impact of the diaspora, with the $21 billion in remittances serving as a vital economic lifeline for Nigeria. These funds, sent by Nigerians living worldwide, support households, education, healthcare, and various sectors, helping…

D’Tigers Stun Defending Champions Tunisia With Emphatic 87-66 Victory At AfroBasket 2025. Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, delivered a commanding performance on Friday, 15 August 2025, defeating defending champions Tunisia 87-66 in their second Group B match at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship in Luanda, Angola. The victory, held at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, marks Nigeria’s second consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the group and boosting their prospects for a deep tournament run. From the opening tip-off, D’Tigers set an electrifying pace, racing to a 10-0 lead within the first three minutes, driven by…

Liverpool Launch Title Defence With Thrilling 4-2 Victory Over Bournemouth At Anfield. Premier League champions Liverpool kicked off their 2025/26 title defence with a dramatic 4-2 win against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, 15 August 2025, in a match that blended breathtaking football with emotional tributes and a troubling off-field incident. The pulsating encounter, marking the opening fixture of the new season, saw the Reds overcome a spirited Bournemouth comeback to secure three points, with late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah sealing the victory. The match began with Liverpool asserting early dominance, as new signing Hugo Ekitike…

Bauchi Governor Appoints Chinese National As Economic Adviser. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has announced the appointment of Mr. Li Zhensheng, a Chinese national, as the state’s Economic Adviser, marking a bold step towards enhancing international cooperation and economic growth. The appointment was revealed on Thursday, 14 August 2025, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bauchi State Government and the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi. Governor Mohammed described the partnership as a transformative move to position Bauchi as a hub for global collaboration. The MoU aims to foster investment and development…

Veteran Nollywood Actor Segun Remi, Known As Chief Kanran, Passes Away. The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of veteran actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, who passed away on Friday morning, 15 August 2025. The beloved thespian, celebrated for his distinctive style and commanding presence, was a household name in the Yoruba film industry, leaving an indelible mark on stage and screen. Chief Kanran, whose real name was Olusegun Akinremi, reportedly died at the age of 62, according to close family sources, though some reports initially suggested he was 72. Naija News reported…

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Falls To 21.8%, Signalling Economic Relief. Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has decreased to 21.88% in July 2025, down from 22.22% in June, marking the fourth consecutive month of disinflation this year. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced the positive development in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released on 15 August 2025, offering a glimmer of hope for the nation’s economy amid persistent price pressures. The NBS reported a year-on-year decline of 11.52% compared to July 2024’s rate of 33.40%, attributing the drop to a slowdown in the rate of price increases for goods…

Floods Devastate Communities In Yobe State, Nigeria. Severe flooding has struck multiple communities across Yobe State, Nigeria, causing widespread disruption and distress. Heavy downpours have submerged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including parts of the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu, making access to the facility challenging for residents. The floods, reported on 15 August 2025, have displaced numerous families, with Potiskum among the hardest-hit areas. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been actively assessing the damage, with preliminary reports indicating significant destruction across several local government areas. Governor Mai Mala Buni has directed immediate assistance…

Lagos State Government Closes Dowen College Over Waste Disposal Violations. Dowen College in Lekki Phase 1 has been sealed by the Lagos State Government due to improper waste disposal practices, as announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on 13 August 2025. The closure follows the discovery of waste materials linked to the school being disposed of in violation of environmental regulations. The enforcement action was prompted by a viral video showing a man, reportedly associated with Dowen College, admitting to flouting waste management rules. Operatives from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, in collaboration…

PDP Launches 44-Member Zoning Committee, Calls For Wike’s Full Commitment. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a 44-member zoning committee to shape its strategy for the upcoming national convention on 15-16 November in Ibadan, Oyo State, as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The committee, inaugurated on 14 August 2025 at the party’s Abuja headquarters, is tasked with allocating key national offices across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and advising on the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket. Chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal as vice-chairman and Plateau State Governor Caleb…

Dangote Refinery Begins Nationwide Fuel Distribution With Free Shipping. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced a groundbreaking initiative to distribute petrol and diesel directly to retailers across Nigeria, effective today, with the added benefit of free shipping. This move is set to transform the country’s fuel supply chain, aiming to stabilise pump prices and ease distribution bottlenecks for retailers and consumers alike. The refinery, Africa’s largest single-train facility located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, has introduced this programme to ensure a steady and affordable fuel supply nationwide. By absorbing transportation costs, Dangote Refinery seeks to reduce financial pressures on retailers,…