Fola Badmus

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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.

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EFCC Submits Video to Prove Oyo-Ita Gave Confessional Statement Voluntarily

EFCC Submits Video to Prove Oyo-Ita Gave Confessional Statement Voluntarily

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented video evidence in court to support its claim that former Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, voluntarily wrote her confessional statement during a 2019 interrogation. The footage, submitted on June 30, 2025, during a trial-within-trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was introduced by EFCC’s lead witness, Chief Superintendent Hamma Adama Bello. He said the video counters allegations that the statement was extracted under duress. Oyo-Ita is standing trial alongside aides Ugbong Effiok and Garba Umar, and six companies, over alleged diversion of ₦3 billion through fictitious contracts and financial misconduct. The trial resumes on October 14 and 16 to determine the admissibility of the statement.

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PDP United and Focused on Governance, Says Governor Bala Mohammed at NEC Meeting

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculations of internal divisions within the party, declaring that the PDP remains united and resolute. Speaking during the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, Mohammed emphasized that the PDP is focused on strengthening its internal cohesion and delivering quality governance. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to restoring public confidence and retaining its position as a key force in Nigeria’s political arena.

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Kim Jong-un Weeps Over Coffins of North Korean Troops Killed in Ukraine as He Plans to Send Thousands More

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was seen in tears during a ceremony honouring North Korean troops who died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine — even as reports suggest he is preparing to deploy thousands more to the war front. In a solemn state event, Kim draped national flags over at least six coffins while an orchestra played mournful music and singers performed emotional ballads. Broadcast images showed the dictator visibly moved as he watched footage of himself honouring the fallen soldiers, who were reportedly among the 12,000 North Koreans sent to aid Russia’s war efforts. The troops, many poorly equipped and undertrained, suffered heavy losses in Ukraine, particularly in the contested Kursk region. Despite the staggering casualties, North Korea is expected to send an additional 6,000 troops to the front lines later this summer. The event, held in a vast Pyongyang auditorium, was attended by Russian and North Korean military personnel and dignitaries, including Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova. It also marked the first anniversary of a strategic partnership treaty signed last year by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which includes a mutual defense clause. The Korea Central News Agency praised the memorial as a celebration of “internationalist obligation” and a reaffirmation of the “blood-forged” alliance between the two nations. However, the growing military collaboration has drawn strong criticism from the international community. South Korea and Japan have both condemned the deployment of North Korean troops as a violation of United Nations sanctions and a dangerous escalation in the conflict.

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World Fencing Federation Promises More Tournaments for Nigeria

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has lauded the Nigerian Fencing Federation for its outstanding organization of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, held at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29. The FIE also announced its intention to consider Nigeria as a host for future international fencing tournaments. During her first official visit to Africa, FIE Secretary General Gulnora Saidova praised the high standards of the facilities and the warm hospitality extended throughout the event. She noted that the impressive atmosphere and organizational excellence have positioned Nigeria as a strong candidate for hosting more global fencing competitions. “This is my first time in Nigeria, and I was truly impressed by the quality of the facilities and the professionalism of the organizers,” said Saidova. “It has given us confidence that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international competitions. The Deputy Governor’s commitment to supporting fencing in a country with such potential was particularly encouraging.” Saidova was part of a high-level FIE delegation that paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, where she expressed optimism about the future of fencing in Nigeria. She emphasized that the enthusiasm shown by the Lagos State Government is a promising sign of institutional support for the sport. “The facilities here show that Nigeria can host even larger tournaments in the future. Based on my experience over the past few days, I am confident that the FIE will seriously consider Nigeria for major fencing events,” she added. Saidova also stressed the importance of government involvement in the sport’s development: “Nigeria is on the right path, but sustained government backing is crucial. Without it, the sport cannot thrive. There must be a genuine commitment to developing fencing, and this is vital for its success.” During the visit, she formally requested that fencing be recognized as a priority sport in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. She highlighted the sport’s potential to contribute to youth development and the broader progress of the state. “Fencing is an Olympic sport, and it presents a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its presence at future Olympic Games. I kindly urge the government to grant formal recognition to fencing as a priority sport in Lagos State.” Saidova concluded by calling for government support in hosting an international fencing competition in Nigeria. She noted that the FIE aims to position Nigeria as a continental leader in the development of fencing, which could bring substantial economic benefits and promote long-term sustainability.

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Norway’s Largest Pension Fund Divests from U.S. German Firms Over Sales to Israeli Military

Norway’s biggest public pension fund, KLP, has announced it is divesting from two major international companies—Oshkosh Corporation of the United States and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp—due to their sales of military equipment to the Israeli army, which may be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a statement released Monday, Kiran Aziz, Head of Responsible Investments at KLP Kapitalforvaltning, said the fund made the decision after reviewing UN reports indicating both companies were supplying weapons or equipment potentially involved in hostilities in the Gaza Strip. “Our conclusion is that the companies Oshkosh and ThyssenKrupp are contravening our responsible investment guidelines,” Aziz stated, adding, “We have therefore decided to exclude them from our investment universe.” According to KLP, it held $1.8 million in Oshkosh and nearly $1 million in ThyssenKrupp shares until June 2025. The fund manages about $114 billion in assets and provides pensions to nearly 900,000 Norwegians, mostly municipal workers. Warships and Vehicles KLP’s engagement with the two companies revealed that Oshkosh had confirmed ongoing sales of military vehicles and parts to Israel. ThyssenKrupp acknowledged a long-standing relationship with the Israeli military, having delivered four Sa’ar 6 warships between 2020 and 2021 and preparing to supply a submarine later this year. The fund noted that both companies failed to show sufficient due diligence in ensuring their products were not being used in violations of humanitarian law, a core requirement under KLP’s ethical investment policy. Track Record of Ethical Divestment KLP’s latest move continues a trend of ethical divestment. In 2021, the fund pulled out of 16 companies, including Motorola, over ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing “an unacceptable risk” of contributing to human rights abuses. That same year, it also divested from India’s Adani Ports due to links with Myanmar’s military and, in 2023, from U.S.-based Caterpillar, whose modified bulldozers are widely used in demolitions within Palestinian territories. In May 2025, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund also cut ties with Israeli firm Paz Retail and Energy for its role in supplying infrastructure to illegal settlements, followed by a complete sell-off of shares in Bezeq in December 2024 for similar reasons. Other European funds, including Denmark’s largest pension fund and the UK’s Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), have also reduced or eliminated investments linked to Israeli military actions or settlement activities, marking a growing shift in institutional investment strategies amid international scrutiny. KLP emphasized its commitment to human rights compliance and responsible finance, calling on all corporations to conduct thorough due diligence to avoid complicity in war and occupation-related violations.

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