Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

El-Rufai Declares Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid Doomed, Cites Widespread Disapproval. Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s prospects for re-election in 2027, declaring that the incumbent has “no pathway to victory” and would be “lucky to come third.” Speaking on Arise TV’s PrimeTime programme on Monday evening, El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), cited widespread public dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration as a key factor in his bold prediction. El-Rufai, who played a pivotal role in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, expressed regret for his support, admitting he…

Breaking: Trump Announces Israel-Iran Ceasefire, Urges Both Nations To Uphold Peace. US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday morning that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, marking a potential end to a 12-day conflict that has claimed numerous lives and heightened tensions across the Middle East. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump hailed the agreement as a “complete and total ceasefire,” urging both nations to respect the truce and avoid further escalation. The announcement followed a chaotic period of tit-for-tat strikes, with Iran launching missiles at a US military base in Qatar…

Senate Scrutinises Nigeria Customs Service Over 2025 Budget, Sets Ambitious ₦10 Trillion Revenue Target. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) faced intense scrutiny from the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise on Monday during its 2025 budget defence, where it proposed a ₦6.584 trillion revenue target and ₦1.132 trillion expenditure plan. In a bold directive, the Senate instructed the NCS to raise its revenue goal to ₦10 trillion, citing the agency’s strong performance in 2024 as proof of its potential. The session, held at the National Assembly in Abuja, saw Deputy Comptroller-General Jibo Bello, representing Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,…

Super Falcons Hold Portugal To Resilient Goalless Draw In Pre-WAFCON Friendly. The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance in their international friendly against Portugal, securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw at the Estádio José Gomes in Amadora, Lisbon, on Monday night. This match, a key part of their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, showcased the team’s defensive solidity and attacking promise as they gear up for their quest for a record-extending 10th continental title. Under the guidance of head coach Justine Madugu, the nine-time African champions displayed resilience and tactical discipline…

Edo Police Urge Women to Share Location Amid Rising Safety Concerns. In response to a troubling rise in murder cases, the Edo State Police Command has issued a vital safety advisory for women, urging them to share their location with a trusted contact, even when attending casual meetups or “hookups.” The guidance, delivered by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Moses Yamu, aims to enhance personal safety and reduce risks in social encounters. Speaking to the public, SP Yamu emphasised the importance of proactive measures in light of recent incidents. “Ladies, tell someone your location, no matter the…

Nigeria’s Naira-For-Crude Policy Heralds Bright Future For Local Refining. Nigeria’s innovative naira-for-crude policy is proving to be a game-changer for the nation’s oil and gas sector, marking a significant step towards economic self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on foreign exchange. The policy, which prioritises the sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira, has already facilitated the supply of over 48 million barrels of crude to domestic refineries, with payments made in the local currency, according to recent reports from the Technical Sub-Committee on Domestic Crude Sales in Naira (ICONS). The initiative, hailed as one of the most pragmatic…

Brazil’s Vice President Arrives In Nigeria For Landmark Strategic Talks. As part of initiaves to boost Nigeria’s international diplomacy, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his wife, Maria Lúcia Alckmin, arrived at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport this morning, marking the start of the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM). The high-level visit, set to run from 23 to 26 June, is poised to strengthen ties between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s industrial powerhouse, with expectations of transformative agreements in multiple sectors. The Brazilian delegation was warmly received by a distinguished Nigerian…

EFCC Arrests Former NNPCL CFO Umar Isa Over Alleged ₦11.17 Trillion Refinery Fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Umar Isa, a former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over an alleged ₦11.17 trillion fraud. The case involves the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s key refineries in Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt, which have long suffered from mismanagement and operational failures. EFCC sources confirmed that Isa was detained in Abuja on Monday following investigations into the handling of funds allocated for the refineries’ turnaround maintenance. The agency is probing allegations of abuse…

No Iranian Missiles Hit US Airbase In Qatar, Tensions Ease After Retaliatory Strike. In a significant development amid heightened Middle East tensions, no Iranian missiles struck the US military’s Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar during a retaliatory attack on Monday, 23 June 2025, a US official has confirmed to Reuters. The news has brought a sense of relief to the region, with oil prices falling and hopes rising for de-escalation following Iran’s response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what it described as a “devastating and powerful” missile attack, dubbed “Annunciation…

US Issues Travel Advisory for Abuja, Nigerian Government Reassures Citizens Of Safety. The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a security alert, urging American citizens to avoid non-essential travel to military and government facilities in Abuja due to heightened global security concerns. The advisory, released on Monday, 23 June 2025, has sparked discussions about safety in Nigeria’s capital, though the Federal Government has swiftly reassured residents and visitors that Abuja remains safe. The US Embassy’s warning, posted on social media platform X, advised Americans in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary visits to…

Nigeria Climbs To Third Most Powerful Military In Africa, Says 2025 Global Firepower Index. In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s defence sector, the country has been ranked as the third most powerful military force in Africa according to the 2025 Global Military Strength Index, released by Global Firepower (GFP). The announcement, made public on Monday, 23 June 2025, underscores Nigeria’s growing military capabilities and its pivotal role in regional security. The GFP Index, a globally respected annual assessment, evaluates 145 countries based on over 60 metrics, including troop numbers, equipment capabilities, financial resources, logistical efficiency, and geographical advantages. Nigeria’s…

Iran Launches Missile Strike On US Bases In Qatar In Unprecedented Escalation. In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran has launched six missiles targeting US military bases in Qatar, marking only the second time since World War II that a nation has officially attacked American interests. The audacious strike, which occurred on Monday evening, has sent shockwaves through the region and prompted widespread concern about the potential for further conflict. According to reports from international media, including Axios, the missiles were aimed at the Al Udeid Air Base, a critical US military hub in Qatar…