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Mbappe, Dembele Heat Up Real Madrid vs PSG Clash in Club World Cup Semifinal

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago22 mins

Football fans are set for a seismic showdown as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain lock horns in the semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup, with more than just bragging rights on the line. Taking place at the massive MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the clash pits two of Europe’s most dominant clubs — and the last two UEFA Champions League winners — against each other in a battle for a spot in Sunday’s final. For Real Madrid, the stakes are historic: a chance to claim a record sixth Club World Cup title. But for PSG, it’s an opportunity to achieve a rare five-title season, adding the CWC crown to their domestic and continental success. Adding an explosive subplot to the tie is Kylian Mbappe’s dramatic reunion with his former club. Now donning the iconic white of Madrid, the French superstar will face PSG for the first time since making his long-anticipated move to Spain in 2024. Team news, starting lineups, and more details are expected to be confirmed in the hours leading up to kick-off. With two of the world’s richest clubs, a galaxy of stars, and Mbappe’s emotional return, this semifinal promises fireworks — on and off the pitch.

NECO Releases 2025 BECE Results, Sets July 23–24 for Re-sit Exams

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), according to a statement by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. The statement, issued on Wednesday and obtained by News360 Nigeria, revealed that a total of 179,201 candidates registered for the examination, which spanned 12 subjects and was conducted nationwide from May 12 to May 23, 2025. While specific performance data was not disclosed, NECO confirmed that the results were released after the successful conclusion of the 2025 BECE Award Committee Meeting, held at the Council’s headquarters in Minna. During the meeting, the Chairperson of the Award Committee, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David — Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education — expressed satisfaction with the integrity of the processes leading to the release of the results. Also present at the meeting were NECO management and selected secondary school principals from across the country. NECO further announced that the BECE re-sit examinations for candidates needing to retake English Studies and Mathematics will be held on July 23 and 24, 2025, respectively. The council urged candidates, schools, and parents to prepare accordingly and consult the official timetable.

Ogbonna Committed The Crime He Was Convicted For -Ogun Commissioner

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago213 mins

The Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN) has opened on the conviction of Ogbonna Ogbojionu, saying the claimant indeed committed the crime he was convicted. Ogungbade reacted to Ogbonna’s claims in a lenghty statement made available on his Facebook page on Wednesday. The later had claimed on Honest Bunch Podcast that he was incarcerated for merely buying a generator. In the Attorney General summary of events, he wrote; “My Office has observed recent viral publications regarding Ogbonna Ogbojionu, who was recently released from prison after many years. These reports allege that Ogbonna was wrongfully imprisoned for over two decades for merely buying a stolen generator and that the real thief – one Segun Ajibade – was pardoned in 2016, leaving Ogbonna to suffer for nine more years. This narrative is entirely false. “Ogbonna was convicted on 14 January 2003 by the Ogun State High Court and sentenced to death. However, Ogbonna’s death sentence was converted to a life sentence in June 2021 by Governor Dapo Abiodun CON, in exercise of the prerogative of mercy. The prerogative of mercy is a constitutional power vested in the President and State Governors, based on advice from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (ACPM). The Attorney-General of Ogun State is the Chairman of the Ogun State ACPM. Ogbonna was a beneficiary of the most recent prerogative of mercy exercised by the Governor to commemorate Democracy Day 2025. “Ogbonna did not merely buy a stolen generator. Indeed, there is no evidence till date, that Ogbonna ever bought the generator in issue. The true facts are that around 10:00 pm on 3 October 2000, a gang of armed robbers attacked ELF petrol station along Abeokuta-Lagos road and stole a 10 KVA Lister generator. The armed robbers overpowered and detained the two guards at the fuel station. They hit one guard – Yusuf Akanni – with an iron rod on his head and on his leg, breaking his femur. They hit the second guard – Moses Bankole – on the head with an iron rod as well, then they bound both guards. Moses Bankole died on the spot, while bound, while Ogbonna and the other armed robbers made away with the Lister generator. Yusuf Akanni, the surviving guard, was the first prosecution witness for Ogun State. Ogbonna was a generator technician so he was the robber who specifically loosened the generator from where it was secured in ELF filling station. “At 2:30 am a few days later, around Toll Gate, Ota, the Police randomly stopped a vehicle which was loaded with firewood and pure water bags that had been used to conceal a big generator. That generator turned out to be the same generator stolen from ELF. Ogbonna was in the vehicle alongside the vehicle’s driver (Sunday Oloyede) and one Kolawole Oladeji. When confronted by the Police, none of them could produce a receipt for the generator, so the Police decided to impound he vehicle and arrest its occupants. As the Police were planning to move the vehicle to the station, the driver and Kolawole Oladeji zoomed off with the vehicle, leaving Ogbonna behind. Ogbonna was detained in one of the cells at Toll Gate but before morning, Ogbonna escaped by breaking the asbestos in the cell’s ceiling. “However, by that time, the Police had already recorded the vehicle’s registration number. Investigations at the Alausa licensing office disclosed the owner of the vehicle who presented his four drivers to the Police. Sunday Oloyede turned out to be one of the truck owner’s drivers – and he was arrested. He led the Police to Kolawole Oladeji and Segun Ajibade. The three then led the police to Ogbonna who was arrested but by then had already sold the generator. Ogbonna led the Police to the person he sold the generator to, one Ali Rihan, who released the generator back to the Police and testified against Ogbonna and the others, as the eleventh prosecution witness. “Based on these events, these defendants, including Ogbonna, confessed to how they had planned the whole robbery. Ogbonna made two confessional statements in two different Police stations – they were admitted as Exhibits K and B, without objection as to coercion. The prosecution called eleven witnesses in all, but Ogbonna and his co-defendants did not call any witnesses. Instead, they chose to rest their case on that of the prosecution. Under the law, this meant that they agreed with the facts narrated with the prosecution but did not believe it was enough to convict them. However, the court thought otherwise and convicted them. “These facts completely dispel all the lies that Ogbonna and his packagers are currently circulating. Ogbonna participated in the armed robbery. Ogbonna participated in transporting the generator by cover of night, hidden under pure water bags and firewood – nobody carrying property they believe to be theirs will hide it in that manner. Ogbonna fled lawful detention. Ogbonna, also, after having seen the driver run away from the Police with the generator, still proceeded to reunite with that same driver and still sell the generator without regard to the driver’s suspicious conduct. Ogbonna was an integral part of the armed robbery. “If Ogbonna truly owned the generator, he would have presented a receipt or any evidence of purchase to the Police at the checkpoint or at his trial. Ogbonna knew the value and status of a receipt, because he issued Ali Rihan a receipt after selling the generator to Ali. If Ogbonna was truly tortured in detention to confess, what is his explanation for not objecting to the confessional statement at trial? How does he explain his legal strategy of calling no witnesses? Why did he not bring any witnesses who knew that he owned the generator, who knew his lawful source of living, or who sold him the generator? The truth is that all these did not exist. “Ogbonna rested his case on the prosecution’s case. He did not call any witness…

Gbajabiamila: Lawmakers Forced Into Budget Insertions Due to Broken Local Governments

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago14 mins

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, says Nigerian lawmakers are often forced to insert constituency projects into the national budget to meet public expectations caused by the collapse of local government systems. Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of the 2025 Open Week of the House of Representatives in Abuja, Gbajabiamila — a former Speaker of the House — said there is a widening disconnect between the constitutional role of lawmakers and what the public expects of them. “It is a source of frustration that, nearly three decades later, the vast majority of our nation’s people still do not fully comprehend the legislative functions, powers, responsibilities, and limitations of each member of parliament and the institution,” he said. Gbajabiamila explained that the public pressure on legislators to build roads, classrooms, and healthcare facilities — responsibilities assigned to the executive and local governments — has driven lawmakers to rely heavily on budget insertions to deliver tangible projects to their constituents. His remarks follow revelations by BudgIT, a civic tech group, which recently said it uncovered over 11,000 projects worth N6.93 trillion inserted into the 2025 national budget by the National Assembly. The group described the practice as a systemic abuse of power. But Gbajabiamila argued that in the absence of functioning local governance, lawmakers have little choice but to fill the vacuum. “A member of the House of Representatives who isn’t actively engaged in providing education and healthcare facilities, who isn’t doing road construction and waste management, while delivering sustained empowerment for commercial activities, is not going to be a legislator for very long,” he said. He warned that the blurring of legislative and executive roles risks long-term dysfunction and growing public resentment. Legislators, he said, are being judged on duties they were never constitutionally designed to perform. “For example, when the executive builds roads, there is a framework for maintenance through the public works department. No legislator can provide that, nor should they be expected to,” he noted. Gbajabiamila assured that the Tinubu administration is working to restore autonomy and functionality to local governments through improved funding, transparency, and accountability. He emphasized that in more advanced democracies, local governments handle most quality-of-life services — from waste disposal to community policing — now unfairly expected of federal lawmakers. He expressed hope that a strengthened local government system will allow legislators to return to their core constitutional duties: lawmaking, policy development, and oversight of the executive.

Senator Natasha Donates 700 Computers to Historic Okene School, Vows Broader Digital Uplift

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago13 mins

In a landmark effort to bridge the digital divide in public education, Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan on Monday donated 700 computers to Abdul Azeez Attah Memorial College, Okene (AAAMCO) — one of Northern Nigeria’s oldest secondary schools. The donation marks a major milestone in the senator’s education modernization agenda, aimed at arming students in Kogi Central with vital digital skills for the 21st century. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the urgency of integrating technology into learning environments. “To educate a mind is to enlighten a mind,” she said. “Now that we live in the age of artificial intelligence and robotics, it would be an injustice to our children not to equip them with up-to-date tools for learning.” She pledged to replicate the intervention in more public schools, citing digital access as a basic educational right — not a luxury — referencing progress made in Rwanda and Ghana. Traditional ruler of Okene, HRH Alhaji Okatahi Mamman, praised the senator’s foresight, calling it a “forward-thinking investment in our future.” School principal Mr. Paul Amoh lauded previous interventions including road construction, classroom renovations, and solar lighting installations, saying the senator is turning AAAMCO into “a fully smart school.” Representing the alumni, Engr. Yusuf Momohjimoh, National Secretary of the AAAMCO Old Boys Forum, hailed the initiative as a catalyst for pride and progress, pledging support to ensure the devices are well-maintained. Founded in the 1920s, AAAMCO has produced notable Nigerian figures, including former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida. Senator Natasha’s gesture, observers say, is not just a gift of technology, but a legacy of opportunity.

Dangote Refinery Targets 100% Nigerian Crude Supply by End of 2025 — Bloomberg

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago23 mins

Africa’s largest oil refinery, the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, is poised to fully transition to sourcing its crude oil exclusively from Nigerian producers by the end of 2025, according to a report by Bloomberg. The refinery, which is already processing 550,000 barrels daily, received 53% of its crude from local sources in June, while the remaining 47% came from international suppliers including the U.S., Brazil, Angola, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Dangote Industries Ltd., told Bloomberg that the transition to 100% local sourcing is underway as several long-term foreign contracts are set to expire. “Personally, and as a company, we expect that before the end of the year we can transition 100% to local crude,” Edwin said during a recent interview at the Lagos-based facility. The $19 billion refinery, inaugurated in May 2023, is seen as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on fuel imports. Although Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria has historically exported crude for refining abroad and re-imported the finished products—a costly and corruption-prone cycle that the Dangote refinery aims to break. In July and August, Dangote is scheduled to receive five crude oil cargoes each month from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), with each shipment containing nearly one million barrels. Challenges and Outlook The road to full local sourcing has not been without obstacles. Nigeria’s oil sector has been hampered by crude theft, pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, and a shift in ownership of oil assets from international oil companies to under-resourced local firms. Despite these challenges, Edwin expressed confidence that improved cooperation between Dangote, local oil traders, and the Nigerian government will stabilize domestic supply chains. A Regional Beacon of Hope During a recent visit to the refinery, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, hailed the project as a “beacon of hope” for Africa, underscoring its significance in driving regional industrialisation and economic independence. The Dangote Refinery, when fully operational, is expected to drastically reduce Nigeria’s import bill, generate jobs, and cement Nigeria’s status as a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Enugu Air to Expand Globally as Governor Mbah Unveils Ambitious Aviation Vision

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago24 mins

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State says the newly launched Enugu Air will soon begin international operations, with future routes extending to China, Europe, the UK, the US, and other African nations. Speaking on Monday at the airline’s inauguration in Enugu, Governor Mbah revealed that Enugu Air would start with three Embraer aircraft, operating initial routes between Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, before expanding to other Nigerian cities including Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano. “In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah announced, calling the airline a strategic tool for economic transformation in Enugu and the South-East region. He described the initiative as more than an infrastructural project, branding it an economic enabler and job creator, poised to position Enugu as a regional transportation and logistics hub. The governor emphasized that the project would support the state’s aviation strategy, stimulate tourism, and attract over three million visitors annually. Mbah said the transportation sector would generate over 20,000 jobs across various services, including BRT systems, airport operations, ride-hailing, logistics, and support roles. Enugu Air will operate under a technical partnership with XEJet Airlines for 24 months while working to obtain its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Mbah credited Fidelity Bank Plc for supporting the state’s aviation vision financially. XEJet CEO Emmanuel Ayuba Iza described the launch as “a bold dream” powered by the people of Enugu. He revealed that Kelechi Ossai, a native pilot from Enugu, has been recruited, and that the cabin crew includes trained locals prepared to deliver world-class service. Transport Commissioner Obi Ozor said the state aims to replicate Dubai’s success by creating a transportation system that will grow the state’s economy from $4 billion to $30 billion, powered by innovation and infrastructure. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, present at the launch, praised Mbah as “one of Nigeria’s top-performing governors”, joking that even political opponents are worried about his rising profile. He, however, urged the government to keep Enugu Air free from politics and bureaucratic inefficiency. “Do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally, and ensure it delivers on schedule,” Keyamo advised.

FG Clears ₦20bn Debt, Processes Over 3.5m Passports Under Tinubu Administration

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago24 mins

The Federal Government has cleared a ₦20 billion debt and resolved a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications inherited before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of a new Passport Front Office in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said the achievement was part of the broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has so far resulted in the issuance of over 3.5 million passports in less than two years. “When we came in, there was a backlog of over 200,000 passports and nearly ₦20 billion in debt. Today, that backlog has been cleared, and the debt has been settled,” the minister stated. From August 2023, a total of 3,546,258 passports have been processed: 3,080,141 locally and 466,117 in the diaspora. He credited the improvements to reforms that also saved the government over ₦1 billion annually. A key move, he said, was the automation of breeder document uploads—such as birth and marriage certificates—previously managed by expensive third-party contractors. “This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with government now,” Tunji-Ojo noted. To enhance accessibility and global recognition, the number of centres issuing enhanced e-passports has expanded from 26 to 44 locally, and from five to 47 internationally. All passport offices now issue harmonised, ICAO-compliant enhanced passports, eliminating inconsistencies that previously undermined Nigeria’s global travel credibility. He also announced that a central passport personalisation facility—funded at zero cost to the government by Iris Smart Technologies—will launch in August 2025, further modernising Nigeria’s passport infrastructure. Nigeria has also joined the International Civil Aviation Organization Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD), allowing global digital authentication of its passports. Additionally, the minister revealed that from July 31, 2025, all applications for Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be submitted online only, citing national security and transparency. “Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometrics, and documentation of every applicant,” he said. The reforms, according to Tunji-Ojo, are rooted in a commitment to digital transformation, transparency, and national security, while eliminating systemic inefficiencies and ensuring citizens get timely, secure, and world-class services.