July 2025 | Page 47 of 48

Arsenal Submits Bid for Chelsea’s Madueke

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Arsenal has reportedly submitted a bid for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke this week in may be one of the biggest deals for the summer. Talks are said to have started and the England forward who Arsenal boss sees as the perfect player to bolster his attack ahead of the new campaign. Arsenal could certainly do with more options in attack and may use Madueke to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard who were lacklustre last season. Now, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg the Gunners have made an offer to their London rivals as talks begin for the 23-year-old. “Understand Arsenal have already submitted an offer to Noni #Madueke. 23 y/o winger could leave Chelsea in the summer. Talks have started. #CFC “Madueke is one of several top profiles Arsenal are assessing for this position. Arsenal are still considering a transfer for Rodrygo should he wish to leave Real Madrid.” The Blues are due to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton, Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and have already secured Liam Delap from Ipswich Town as manager Enzo Maresca reshapes his attack. Arsenal will see this as an opportunity to snap up Madueke who likely won’t be in Maresca’s plans heading into the new season. Despite this, the Italian boss has already stated his desire to keep Madueke at the club but a high bid could swiftly change his mind. “Noni is our player, you can read a lot of speculation at the moment but we consider Noni our player for the coming season,” Maresca said last month.

My Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Dream Is Still on Track, Says Inkosi Brou

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Despite exiting in the knockout stage of the individual men’s sabre event at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Nigeria’s fencing sensation Inkosi Brou remains confident that his dream of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is still alive. Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer at both junior and senior levels, showcased his talent at the continental tournament, which concluded over the weekend in Lagos. He advanced from the group stage, competing against a field of seasoned athletes. In the preliminary round, Brou defeated Guinea’s Conte Aboubacar 5-0 in his opening bout and overcame Algeria’s Akram Bounabi 5-3. He then lost 0-5 to Egypt’s Ziad Elsissy, bounced back with a 5-1 win over Niger Republic’s Ali Djibo, and concluded the group stage with a 0-5 loss to African champion Ahmed Ferjani of Tunisia. Despite the mixed results, Brou finished among the top three in his group of six, securing a spot in the knockout stage. In the first-round bout, Brou took an early lead against fifth seed Evann Girault of Niger Republic. However, a tactical error allowed his opponent to stage a comeback and win the closely contested match 15-11. Though disappointed with the outcome, the bronze medallist at the 2025 African Junior Championships remains undeterred in his Olympic pursuit. “I believe my 2028 Olympic dream is still intact. It’s a step-by-step journey, and I just need to stay consistent,” he said. Brou, the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Dora Akunyili, described the recently concluded African Fencing Championships in Lagos as a positive development for the sport. He expressed hope that more events would be organized to raise awareness and participation among young Nigerians. “Hosting the continental tournament means a lot for fencing. It was well-organized and proved that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international fencing events,” he added. Acknowledging the challenges of competing in multiple international events, Brou—who made history as the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international tournament—said: “Travelling and competing at this level is tough, especially with my Olympic aspirations. But with the support of my parents and coaches, I’m managing well. Hopefully, it will all pay off with a ticket to the 2028 Olympics.” He also acknowledged the enduring legacy of his grandmother: “Yes, my grandmother’s influence has opened doors for me. What she achieved continues to inspire and guide us. We’re trying to follow the path she laid down.”

Lagos Begins Full Enforcement of Single-Use Plastic Ban

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Lagos State Government has commenced the full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics, effective July 1, 2025, following a six-month grace period for compliance. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, warning that organisations found violating the directive risk prosecution and possible shutdown. Wahab made it clear that there would be no further extensions or reconsiderations of the implementation timeline. “We will not compromise the safety and well-being of our residents,” he said, reiterating that the ban targets plastics less than 40 microns, including styrofoam containers, plastic straws, disposable cups, cutleries, and lightweight nylon bags. The Commissioner dismissed claims that the ban would lead to job losses, stating instead that new employment opportunities would emerge as stakeholders shift to eco-friendly alternatives. He clarified that while Lagos bans the distribution and usage of the listed items within the state, production for external markets remains allowed. Wahab urged producers and distributors to embrace sustainable packaging options in line with the state’s environmental agenda. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to combat plastic pollution, protect the environment, and promote a cleaner, healthier Lagos.

One Dead in Fatal Crash on Ibadan-Lagos Expressway

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

A tragic road accident claimed the life of an unidentified man on Tuesday along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, near the Soka area in Oyo State. The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved a Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number, according to eyewitness accounts. The vehicle reportedly hit a roadside culvert and subsequently crashed into a stationary trailer, which had been abandoned at the same spot following another fatal accident that claimed over ten lives last week. “The driver of the Camry died on the spot,” an eyewitness told reporters, confirming the severity of the impact. Another witness noted the trailer had not been removed despite last week’s tragedy, raising concerns about ongoing road safety in the area. Authorities are yet to confirm the official cause of the crash as investigations are ongoing. Road users have appealed to the government to clear accident debris and enforce stricter safety regulations on the highway.

PDP at a Crossroads: Internal Power Struggles Threaten 2027 Prospects

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

As the 2027 general elections approach, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faces deepening internal divisions reminiscent of a chaotic household, raising concerns over its viability as a national political force. Once Africa’s largest party, the PDP is now struggling with unresolved power struggles, factionalism, and a lack of ideological coherence. From its fall in 2015 to the unresolved tensions of the 2023 elections — including the fallout from Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy and the G5 governors’ rebellion led by Nyesom Wike — the PDP has battled internal sabotage and defection. The entry of Wike into the APC-led government has further eroded trust. With no clear consensus on zoning, questions around Atiku’s potential sixth presidential run, and the absence of a unifying vision, the PDP risks collapse unless it reforms. Analysts warn that without generational leadership, internal democracy, and a compelling national message, the party may lose relevance in 2027.

Tension in Ibadan as Students Protest Renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Ibadan was thrown into gridlock on Tuesday morning as students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan staged a protest against the Oyo State Government’s decision to rename the institution. The protest caused major disruptions along the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving hundreds of commuters and staff stranded. The unrest follows Governor Seyi Makinde’s announcement to rename the institution as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo — the first Ibadan indigene to govern the old Oyo State, albeit briefly between October and December 1983. Students, expressing displeasure over the name change, blocked the school’s main gates and obstructed traffic on the major thoroughfare. Eyewitnesses report that staff members were also unable to access the campus as protesters maintained their blockade. As of press time, the demonstration remained peaceful but tense, with security personnel reportedly deployed to monitor the situation. The state government has yet to issue an official response to the protest. Ask ChatGPT

Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices

Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price to ₦840/Litre as Marketers Plan Nationwide Reduction

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

In a move that could ease the financial burden on Nigerian consumers, the Dangote Refinery has cut the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from ₦880 to ₦840 per litre. The ₦40 reduction, effective Monday, is expected to trigger a nationwide drop in pump prices starting Tuesday, July 2, 2025. Confirming the development, the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, said members will implement the new pricing once they begin loading new supplies from the refinery. “It is true. Dangote Refinery reduced its petrol ex-depot price to ₦840. We are happy. Our members will reflect the new price starting Tuesday,” Maigandi told News360 Nigeria. IPMAN has summoned an emergency meeting to review and align pump prices nationwide. The latest price slash follows a prior hike by the refinery on June 20, attributed to a spike in global oil prices due to the Israel-Iran conflict. However, with the recent ceasefire announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump and subsequent de-escalation in the Middle East, crude oil prices have declined significantly. As of Monday night, Brent crude dropped to $67.81 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to $64.97. Despite the refinery’s new template, petrol prices at various filling stations in Lagos and Abuja remained high on Monday, ranging between ₦875 and ₦970 per litre. Partners like MRS, NNPC, AA Rano, Shafa, and Ardova sold at ₦945, while others like Ranoil and Empire were dispensing as high as ₦970. The new price adjustment by Dangote may prompt immediate market-wide corrections in coming days, offering Nigerians much-needed relief from soaring fuel costs. Ask ChatGPT

Reps Demand Breakdown of Rivers’ ₦1.48tn Budget, Question ₦24bn for CCTV and ₦30bn for Gunboats

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), demanding a detailed breakdown of key allocations in the controversial ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget. During a session in Abuja on June 30, committee chairman Julius Ihonvbere raised concerns about several budgetary provisions, including ₦24 billion for CCTV installations at the Government House and ₦30 billion for gunboats. Lawmakers also questioned the ₦23 billion contingency reserve and allocations to federal projects without reimbursement agreements. The committee demanded submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a report on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and clarification on the handling of local government funds. Ihonvbere emphasized accountability and praised President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers’ political crisis. Responding, Andrew Nweke, Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy, said many provisions were inherited and based on security needs and agency recommendations.