Latest News
FEATURES
The Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Shane Harris, has dismissed reports making the rounds that the company was planning to leave Nigeria.
Naija News reports that this statement comes in response to rumours circulating about the oil major’s divestment of its 100% interest in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited.
In a recent meeting with Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Harris emphasized that ExxonMobil is actively engaged in new investments within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Details of the meeting with Lokpobiri were shared by Nneamaka Okafor, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Petroleum Minister, in a statement released in Abuja on Monday.
“During the meeting, Mr Harris hinted at significant new investments that ExxonMobil is injecting into Nigeria’s energy sector.
“He expressed confidence in the renewed relationship between ExxonMobil and the Nigerian government, assuring the government that the oil giant is not planning to leave Nigeria,” the statement read.
It further quoted the ExxonMobil boss as saying, “We are excited about the prospects these new investments bring. Our partnership with the Nigerian government is crucial for sustainable growth, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as we have no plan to leave.”
Lokpobiri reiterated the Federal Government’s pledge to boost output and create an encouraging atmosphere for investors in the energy industry.
He emphasized the department’s dedication to forming partnerships and exchanging innovative strategies with global oil firms, declaring that the Nigerian government is committed to increasing production and providing a supportive atmosphere for all investors by striving to keep investor faith in our nation.
Lokpobiri praised the ExxonMobil group for their dedication to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, observing that it was in perfect harmony with the country’s goals.
“ExxonMobil’s planned investments are commendable and greatly appreciated. This renewed relationship is a testament to the mutual goals we share for the future of our energy sector,” the minister stated.
The statement mentioned that the talks involved both sides also covered the government’s backing for global and autonomous oil companies.
Lokpobiri guaranteed Harris the Nigerian government’s backing, highlighting the significance of fostering a flourishing atmosphere for all involved parties.
“We fully support ExxonMobil and other lOCs, just as we do with independent operators. Our collaborative efforts are key to the sustainable growth of our energy sector,” he stated.
A suspected ritualist, Lekan Akinyemi, has been arrested by the Adatan divisional Police Officer after he was nabbed with a human head on June 24, 2024, at about 1550 hrs.
Nojeem Balogun who resides around Iyana Cele Car Wash, Abeokuta, visited the police station and reported that on June 23, 2024, at about 0800hrs , one of his siblings alerted him about unusual activities at their late father's grave in Isale Itoko, Abeokuta.
Upon inspection, he found that their father's head had been removed by an unidentified individual or group. Further inquiries led to the identification of Lekan Akinyemi who was caught red handed as the culprit who dug up the grave and severed the head.
Lekan Akinyemi was caught in the act and the case was then handed over to the Anti-Robbery unit for investigation before transferring it to the State CID.
CHIVIDO24: 'She never brings their relationship matters online, even amid many scandals' - Solomon Buchi Applauds Chioma
AFOLABI
Popular Nigerian author and life coach, Solomon Buchi has heaped praises on Chioma Rowland ahead of her wedding to Afrobeats star, Davido.
Taking to the microblogging platform X, Solomon Buchi praised Chioma for never having been on a podcast, interview, or rant talking about their relationship amid rumours of infidelity.
In almost a decade of being together, she has never disclosed any details about their relationship to the public, even during scandals.
He mentioned his deep respect for her, admiring her discretion in keeping family matters off the internet.
In his words: “I must commend Chioma for never having been on a podcast, interview or rant talking about her relationship with Davido. In almost a decade, she’s never given the public a bit about their relationship, even amid the scandals. I respect people who never bring family matters online. Big respect because nobody on the internet cares!”
Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has offered prayers for Davido and Chioma ahead of their wedding.
The couple are billed to wed today.
The movie star took to her social media page to say a word of prayer for the adorable couple who will finally be walking down the aisle.
She wrote:
“If my cheeks burst, you people should hold Davido and Chioma cos what is this smiling I’ve been doing for days now! I just catch myself smiling so hard and it’s such a beautiful feeling. Too many butterflies in my tummy! May God make all things beautiful for them and continue to bless their union. The joy they have brought us all will remain with them o
I haven’t eaten today and I’m ok, the butterflies in my tummy have filled me up. I love love so much and this makes me happy. God bless Davido and Chioma’s union. No evil eye shall see them in Jesus name”.
A Pastor son, Blessing Manyange, has been accused of selling the car of his girlfriend to sponsor his marriage to another woman.
Manyange allegedly sold Charity Madare’s Honda Fit, which she had lent him for errands, and used the proceeds to pay the bride price for his other girlfriend, Petronella.
Feeling betrayed, Charity confronted Blessing and demanded the return of everything she had given him during their relationship. Blessing's father, Fungayi Manyange, a priest at Bethsaida Apostolic Church, met with Charity to address the issue. He promised to repay her the equivalent value of the car in instalments.
Blessing admitted to selling Charity’s vehicle, stating, “I sold Charity’s vehicle and used the money. She was disturbed when I separated from her and is now demanding every dollar she gave me, including that vehicle. She confronted my parents, and my father agreed to pay the amount equivalent to the value of the vehicle. She threatened to expose me in front of the congregation since my father is a church priest, and I decided to leave the congregation because of her threats. She once posted a message on social media, and I warned her that I would take legal action if she continued tarnishing my image.”
Blessing was accompanied by the woman he married with the proceeds from the car sale during his interview with local news platforms.
Commenting on the incident, Charity said Blessing’s father had only paid “a few dollars” towards settling the issue. “What Blessing did to me is cruel and far from what we expect of a priest’s son,” said Charity. “He sold the car I gave him for errands to marry another woman. His father signed a document promising to make monthly payments but has kept quiet after the initial few dollars.”
His father, Manyange confirmed his commitment to repaying the money, saying, “We had to intervene as parents because it was detrimental for Blessing and Charity to continue meeting and quarrelling. We agreed on part payments and signed a document in the presence of Charity’s uncle. However, I have been facing financial difficulties since the introduction of ZIG notes, which is why I failed to honour the monthly payments as promised.”
A Nigerian pilgrim has returned the sum of €1,750 (One thousand, seven hundred and fifty Euros) which he found at the Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Na’Allah, from Gumi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, handed the money over to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for onward delivery to the owner.
Receiving the €1,750 found by Na’Allah at the NAHCON office in Ummuljud, Makkah, the commission’s chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi praised the pilgrim, saying the act symbolizes his name (Na’Allah) which demonstrated his closeness to Allah.
“This shows his pilgrimage has positively impacted on his personal character, behavior and attitude,” Arabi told the officials of the Zamfara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who accompanied Na’Allah to the commission’s office.
This is the second time a Nigerian pilgrim would return missing money. Just last week, Abba Limawa from Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State returned 10,500 Russian Rubles, 800 Dollars and 690 Saudi Riyals.
The chairman had also last week commended Limawa, 52, for being honest and projecting the image of Nigeria positively before the international community.
The pilgrim explained that he found the money inside a waist bag while on his way to pray at the Masjid Haram (Mosque).
“Initially, I wanted to ignore the waist bag and move to the Mosque, but on second thought, I said it might belong to a Nigerian, especially some of our old women.
"So, I decided to pick it, and I proceeded to the mosque. When I returned to my accommodation, I opened the bag and discovered that there was no Nigerian currency or sign that it belonged to a Nigerian.
“Immediately, I approached one of the officials of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, narrated the story and presented the money to him.
“From there, he commended me for showing exemplary character and honesty and told me that he would hand over the money to the NAHCON to ensure that the owner gets their money,” Limawa explained.
Prof. Yusuf Saidu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Development at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, has been murdered by bandits.
In a statement released on Monday, June 24, the school authorities say the academician was killed on his way to Kaduna from his Sokoto base.
“The death has occurred of Prof. Yusuf Saidu the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research Innovation and Development Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. He was attacked and killed by Bandits on his to Kaduna from Sokoto state. A man of integrity, religion, dedication, and courage.”
The school described his demise as a “painful loss” to the university, praying to God to rest his soul.
“May Allah accept his soul and forgive his sin but this is a painful loss to all members of the University community and the Academia at large,” the school said.
Afrobeats singer, Ayodeji Balogun, famously known as Wizkid, has opened up about his growth as a father, partner and a believer.
The ‘Essence’ crooner, who is currently with his manager, Jada Pollock, whom he shares his youngest two sons with, disclosed that he has grown to love God and his family more.
He explained that he has no hate for anyone, stressing that he wishes everyone well.
Wizkid stated this while reacting to claims by some social media users that his recent tweets were shades at his soon-to-be married colleague, Davido and his fiancée, Chioma Rowland.
The Starboy clarified that it was just his “daily rant on how much I love my family.”
In a series of tweets, Wizkid wrote: “Y’all so foolish. Don’t mix up my tweets. I wish everybody well.
“Smoke a joint before u read any of my tweets moving forward.
“lol ok let me explain where I’m at to you guys. I love God more now, love family,Love self and no hate in my heart for no man. Don’t mix my tweets up. Smoke a joint pls my babies.”
[DailyPost]
Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman and chairman of FBN Holdings, has acquired an additional 2.22 percent shares in the First Bank of Nigeria
The acquisition was disclosed in a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) on Monday.
The fresh acquisition further cements the billionaire’s control of the company as his shareholding has now reached 11.63 percent — the highest.
More to follow…
[TheCable]
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has made an accusation against the past government of Muhammadu Buhari.
The minister said the last administration mismanaged the first tranche of the $500 million World Bank loan for women’s empowerment in the country.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Kennedy-Ohanenye alleged that the first tranche of the loan, which is $100 million, meant for the Nigeria For Women Project, was mismanaged.
The Project is a strategic engagement between the World Bank and the Nigerian Government set to improve the livelihood of Nigerian women.
A statement from the bank said the loan is a scale-up financing for the women’s project, which was initially approved on June 27, 2018, with $100m financing.
It stated that the loan will help to ensure better economic opportunities for women, which is essential for addressing gender inequality; guaranteeing better education, health, and nutrition outcomes for families; and building women’s and communities’ resilience to climate change.
Speaking during the interview, Kennedy-Ohanenye said the $100 million was disbursed by the Buhari government and the expenditure didn’t reflect the Renews Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
The minister also alleged that the first tranche was mainly used for advocacy, meetings, and consultancy services and was shared among the states without proper accountability and transparency.
She stated that the project, which is meant for vulnerable women in the country, and the project has been launched in 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She said, “About the Nigeria For Women Project, let me first tell Nigerian women to clap for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who came in after the first $100 million had been expended. When he came into the office, he looked at it with me and we were not satisfied with how the money was used. Let me make it clear, this is not a grant, it is a loan and when monies are given out as loans, they must be managed well so that the money can be paid back. if we don’t manage it well, how do we pay back the loan?
“When money is a loan, we expect whoever is given the loan to be allowed to utilise it properly in a way that the money will be paid back, so Nigeria will not continue owing all the time. So, the first $ 100 million, when I came in, I was not satisfied. It didn’t augur well with the Renewed Hope agenda. It was mainly for advocacy, meetings, and consultancy, and that was it and they shared it among the states. But remember, the project is called Nigeria For Women Project. It is supposed to be meant for projects for women, but that was not the case.”
The minister also stated the new structure has been forwarded to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, for restructuring for the commencement of the disbursement.
She added, “Fortunately, I quickly raised a new structure on how that money will be utilised so there won’t be more issues of advocacy, meetings and consultancy, which to me is a way of lavishing the money. So we took a new structure to him (Tinubu), he looked at it and he signed a memo, approving it for restructure. I quickly wrote to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and I’m waiting for the new template to be restructured because Nigerian women are concerned, and we can work with the old structure.
“The former structure was there and women continued suffering. $500million is not a small amount of money, and I can assure you that it can change the lives of every woman who is vulnerable in this country, and I have planned myself from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, awaiting the new structure. What did I do? I created a portal, and we have started onboarding women from the communities we partner with all the traditional rulers and commissioners across the nation and they have started onboarding the vulnerable women from communities.”
More...
Nigerian businessman, Olakunle Churchill has taken to Instagram to mourn.
The businessman said his first wife is dead.
According to him, his first wife is his grandmother.
Olakunle who was married to Tonto Dikeh took to his Instagram page early on Monday morning, 24th June to make the heartbreaking announcement.
He accompanied the post with a video of the aged woman lying on a hospital bed.
Churchill referred to his grandmother as his first wife, amassing sympathy and condolence messages from netizens.
He wrote:
“My first wife is gone forever.”
Check out the post beneath:
I Pray My Husband of 25 Years Lives Long, He’s My Backbone - Billionaire Businesswoman, Shade Okoya
AFOLABI
Shade Okoya has revealed her prayer for her husband, Rasaq Okoya.
The Nigerian billionaire industrialist said she prays for her husband to live long.
She opened up on her 25-year marriage to her husband.
In an interview with Channels TV, the businesswoman emphasised that their relationship is “beyond husband and wife”.
Shade, 47, said although they have been “through a lot together”, she prays for long life for her husband “because he is my backbone”.
“My husband is my everything. When you see both of us together, our relationship is beyond husband and wife. We’ve been through a lot together,” she said.
“I pray he lives many more years because he’s my backbone. I have always given him all the respect and will never tarnish his image. My generation will forever be grateful to him and I pray God will help us to see through what we intend to do for him.”
Shade earlier revealed how she resolves conflicts with her husband. She said she is “never in a hurry to respond” during a misunderstanding with her husband.
She said instead of arguing with her husband, she “listens carefully” to him and tries to “understand his point”.
Rasaq is the owner and founder of Eleganza Group, a leading conglomerate in the manufacturing industry.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has condemned the Presidency’s decision to purchase new luxury jets for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as reckless, insensitive, and a clear testament to the government’s detachment from reality.
Recall that Presidency sources had previously stated that the new jets are intended to enhance the President’s security and comfort during official trips.
However, the purchase has continued to spark outrage among many Nigerians, who view it as an unnecessary expense and a sign of the government’s disconnect from the people.
In a statement released on Monday, signed by Muhammed Ishaq, the party’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, the PRP criticized the government for prioritizing the President’s comfort over the welfare of Nigerians, who are struggling with economic hardship and poverty.
The party questioned the rationale behind the purchase, given the country’s current economic situation, and accused the government of being out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
The PRP also noted that the Presidential jet purchased in 2003 is only 19 years old, and questioned why the government is not learning from examples of other countries like China and the US, which have used their presidential jets for 24 and 34 years respectively.
The PRP demanded that the government reconsider this wasteful expenditure and focus on delivering tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.
The party further called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join them in condemning this reckless spending spree and demanding better governance from their leaders.
PRP said, “The government’s decision to purchase new airplanes for the Presidential fleet is a clear testament to their detachment from reality and lack of empathy and accountability.
“They are prioritizing luxury spending over the welfare of the people, despite the country’s crippling economic woes and citizens struggling to make ends meet.
“It is unconscionable that the government is indulging in lavish spending sprees when the economy is in ruins, inflation rates are inching towards 40%, and workers’ wages have not been reviewed.
“They should focus on addressing the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and economic stagnation.
“Other countries like China and the US have shown that it is possible to manage with fewer resources. China purchased its Presidential jet from Boeing in 2000 and has been flying it for 24 years, while the US has a Presidential jet manufactured by Boeing that was purchased in 1990 and has been used by six successive American presidents for 34 years.
“We urge the government to remember that they are not serving themselves but the Nigerian people. They should prioritize our needs as a nation and be responsible in spending against dwindling resources.
“We demand that this wasteful expenditure be reconsidered and that the government instead focus on delivering tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.”
‘You Will Sink Nigeria Unless You Reduce Ongoing Jamborees In Your Govt’ – Dele Momodu To Tinubu
AFOLABI
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dele Momodu, has said President Bola Tinubu will fail and sink Nigeria if his administration continues to engage in ongoing insensitivity and jamborees.
Naija News reports that the former presidential candidate made this known in a post shared on his X handle with the caption, “A Nation in Pain,” stating that only a miracle can avert the unpleasant situation that awaits the country.
Momodu said Tinubu must drastically reduce his administration’s insensitivity and ongoing jamborees so that the country does not sink.
The veteran journalist pointed out that those surrounding Tinubu at the Presidential Villa do not tell him how badly the country has deteriorated.
Momodu said that anybody still expecting anything better from the current administration is only deceiving themselves, adding that the Lagos State template used by Tinubu will not work in Abuja.
He said, “It should be obvious to most reasonable Nigerians that the government of President Bola Tinubu is clearly headed in the wrong direction and that only a miracle can avert the cataclysmic conundrum ahead of us.
“It is the reason that I wish to put it on record that one of Tinubu’s brothers is about to register his opinion and proffer solutions that are not difficult to activate and actualize if a leader ever meant well.
“Inside the villa, the President is being hero-worshipped. Those around him are painting a picture of ‘things are getting better, only opposition people are complaining and grumbling…’ Truth is, nothing is working.
“Those who wish to remain in the good books of Tinubu can continue to delude him and themselves.
“It is not always because of desperate needs, but due to the despicable greed of man. They were mentored by him and largely emboldened by the sheer audacity of the wealth that paved his way to maximum power.
“Let those who still care to plead with these people to have mercy on Nigeria. No matter how long Tinubu spends, he will fail spectacularly and sink Nigeria, unless he can drastically reduce the insensitivity and the ongoing jamborees in his government… Sadly, he doesn’t seem inclined that way….”