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Babcock University condemns ‘Phantom’ allegations in Leadership Search

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Babcock University condemns ‘Phantom’ allegations in Leadership Search

Babcock University has strongly refuted a recent online report alleging a sexual scandal and a cover-up involving a candidate for the university’s top leadership position.

In a statement, the university’s Director of Marketing and Communication, Joshua Suleiman, called the claims “a product of reckless imagination” and a deliberate attempt to damage the institution’s reputation.

The university confirmed that no such allegations were ever received from the group cited in the report, nor was any disciplinary committee ever formed to investigate the matter. The statement clarified that the candidate in question, Dr. Ajewole, left the university in 2018 for a pre-planned leave of absence to be with his children in the United States, not because of any scandal.

Babcock University emphasized that its leadership selection process is a “sacred and spiritual exercise” based on merit, character, and adherence to the strict policies of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university warned those behind the “defamatory act” to stop, stating that it reserves the right to take legal action to protect its name and individuals maliciously targeted.

Nigerian exports to U.S. Plummet amid trade tensions

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Nigerian exports to U.S. Plummet amid trade tensions

Nigeria’s exports to the United States dropped sharply by 41% in July 2025, a sign of deepening trade challenges between the two countries. The decline significantly impacted bilateral trade, even as U.S. exports to Nigeria also fell, leaving the U.S. with a trade surplus of $206 million for the period.

The downturn follows the implementation of new tariffs by President Trump’s administration, which imposed a 15% tariff on Nigerian goods by August 2025. These tariffs have created new barriers for Nigerian businesses, adding to existing economic pressures.

Despite the recent dip, the U.S. remains one of Nigeria’s top trade partners. The latest figures, however, highlight Nigeria’s vulnerability to global trade policy shifts and its reliance on key international markets.

Cement Stock Drop Wipes $163 Million from Aliko Dangote’s Fortune

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Cement Stock Drop Wipes $163 Million from Aliko Dangote’s Fortune

Africa’s wealthiest person, Aliko Dangote, has seen his fortune shrink after a recent slump in his cement company’s stock. The drop, which wiped an estimated $163 million from his net worth, brings his total wealth to $28.8 billion.

The decline was tied to Dangote Cement, where Dangote holds an 87.45% stake. According to Bloomberg data, shares in the company fell more than 3% in just a few days, reducing its market value to approximately $5.6 billion. The dip follows a recent rebound that had added $200 million to his wealth.

Despite the setback, Dangote, 68, maintains his position as the continent’s richest individual. His business empire stretches across various industries, from sugar and salt to his massive $20 billion refinery in Lagos. That facility recently made headlines for shipping gasoline to the United States for the first time, a major milestone for Nigeria’s energy exports.

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Femi Otedola’s Geregu power forecasts record $29 Million Profit for 2025

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Femi Otedola’s Geregu power forecasts record $29 Million Profit for 2025

Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola is poised for a major financial windfall as his company, Geregu Power, projects a record profit of N44 billion ($29 million) for 2025. This forecast represents a near-doubling of the company’s 2024 earnings.

The projected profit is a result of a sharp increase in total turnover, which the company expects to reach N207.66 billion ($137.5 million). Otedola, who is Geregu Power’s largest shareholder, has expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory.

However, the company’s success is not guaranteed. Otedola acknowledged that financing costs and Nigeria’s ongoing energy challenges, particularly a stable gas supply, could impact the final results. He stressed that consistent operations and strong market demand will be essential to sustaining the company’s growth in the coming year.

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BUA foods ramps up Investment to boost Nigeria’s local food production

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BUA foods ramps up Investment to boost Nigeria’s local food production

BUA Foods, the agribusiness giant majority-owned by Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, is significantly expanding its operations with new investments in sugar plantations and milling factories. This strategic push is part of the company’s commitment to boost local production and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on food imports.

The company is accelerating its Backward Integration Project in line with the federal government’s Sugar Master Plan 2.0, a national initiative aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.

At the company’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Rabiu confirmed plans to build four new state-of-the-art wheat mills. This expansion will increase BUA Foods’ annual wheat milling capacity from 1.5 million to 2.5 million metric tons and is expected to create a substantial number of jobs.

In addition to its milling projects, BUA Foods is also expanding its sugarcane plantations and continuing to support its paddy rice program, which was launched in 2023. These efforts are central to the company’s broader strategy to strengthen food security, empower local farmers, and ensure food products remain affordable for consumers.

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In Abuja, doctors begin Indefinite strike, citing failed health system

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In Abuja, doctors begin Indefinite strike, citing failed health system

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has initiated an indefinite strike action, effective Monday, September 15, 2025, over what they describe as the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s failure to address their demands. The decision follows a week-long warning strike that saw no resolution.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Dr. George Ebong, a representative for the group, stated that the strike is not a personal attack on the minister but a protest against the “failed health system” in the nation’s capital.

“The government is to meet any of our demands financially and non-financially,” he said. “The Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike.”

In a communiqué issued after their emergency general meeting, the resident doctors listed a series of grievances, painting a stark picture of a healthcare system in crisis. Their demands include:

  • Salary Arrears: Immediate payment of up to six months of outstanding salaries owed to members hired since 2023.
  • Manpower Shortage: The doctors cited an “unbearable” physical, emotional, and psychological strain due to a severe lack of staff, which they say has led to “avoidable stress-related deaths” among medical professionals.
  • Unpaid Allowances: The doctors are demanding the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which is essential for their professional development, as well as a 13-month backlog of hazard allowance.
  • Widespread Neglect: The communiqué also noted the “deplorable state of FCTA hospitals,” which are described as lacking essential equipment, consumables, and basic functionality.

The strike comes at a time of heightened concern over the welfare of healthcare workers and the quality of public health services in Nigeria. The ARD-FCTA hopes the indefinite action will compel the FCT administration to address their demands and prioritize the health sector.

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With an Eye on 2027, Peter Obi meets Ladoja, Obasaanjo

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With an Eye on 2027, Peter Obi meets Ladoja, Obasaanjo

As political maneuvering for Nigeria’s 2027 general election intensifies, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has embarked on a series of high-profile visits, meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The meetings, which Obi’s camp described as a way to discuss the state of the nation, are widely seen as strategic moves to build a coalition ahead of the next presidential race.

Obi, accompanied by key political allies, including Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s former governorship candidate for Lagos, paid homage to Oba Ladoja in Ibadan, a city he called “strategic and central to the development of Nigeria.”

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Obi emphasized that his visit was to acknowledge the importance of the city and its new leader. He praised Oba Ladoja’s experience as a former senator, governor, and business tycoon, saying it would be invaluable to the city.

“The visit is about Nigeria, selfless leadership, [and] leadership that is committed to turning society around,” Obi said. “I will support him as Olubadan for the sake of one Nigeria.”

Obi later shared on his official X account that the meetings were an opportunity to discuss the need for Nigerians to live in “unity, love, fairness, and justice.” He expressed a belief that a “competent team with capacity, compassion, and commitment” can build a “new Nigeria.”

For his part, Oba Ladoja responded by offering thanks to God for his new role. He said his ascension to the throne was a “further confirmation of the Grace of God” and was a continuation of his service to humanity.

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Dangote Refinery launches CNG trucks for Nationwide Fuel Distribution

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Dangote Refinery launches CNG trucks for Nationwide Fuel Distribution

The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals is set to begin nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) using its new fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks. The move, announced by the company’s chairman, Aliko Dangote, marks a strategic shift to reduce dependency on third-party carriers.

The refinery, which received the first of its 4,000 CNG-powered trucks in August, sees this as a “national imperative.” The decision follows a public dispute with local petroleum marketers who accused the refinery of offering lower prices to international buyers while charging higher rates to domestic distributors.

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) recently voiced concerns that the Dangote Refinery was bypassing their distribution network. They alleged that the refinery was not offering free product delivery to local buyers, and that its direct-to-consumer strategy was an attempt to monopolize the downstream market.

In response, Dangote defended the new distribution model, citing significant cost savings. He explained that using the traditional Single Point Mooring (SPM) system, an offshore loading method, would add an extra N75 per liter in handling fees. This, he said, would amount to an “avoidable” N1.5 trillion in annual costs.

By contrast, the company’s new fleet of CNG trucks will use gantry loading, which eliminates these costs entirely. Dangote stated that it would be irresponsible to lose N75 per liter to intermediaries who cannot guarantee the product’s delivery to Nigerian consumers.

The company’s investment in the 4,000 trucks is worth over N720 billion and is intended to lower logistics costs, reduce environmental impact, and provide more affordable energy to millions of small businesses across the country.

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Lawyer Femi Falana criticizes Tinubu’s proposed fuel tax

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Lawyer Femi Falana criticizes Tinubu’s proposed fuel tax

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana is strongly opposing the federal government’s plan to impose a new 5% fuel surcharge, arguing that Nigerians should not be burdened with fresh taxes when the state itself has failed to account for existing funds.

Speaking on the program Sunday Politics, Falana stated that the government must first pay the over one trillion naira it owes the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). “It is the Federal Government that is owing, not the Nigerian people,” he said.

Falana’s criticism stems from a long-standing issue of financial mismanagement. He explained that a 2007 law created a 5% user charge on fuel sales to fund road maintenance, with 40% designated for federal roads and 60% for state roads. However, according to Falana, the government never implemented this provision.

He recalled that in 2011, FERMA confirmed that despite the deductions being made at the pump, it had not received a single naira from the government. The lawyer added that by 2022, the Senate Committee on FERMA confirmed the government’s debt to the agency had grown to an estimated one trillion naira.

Falana argued that introducing a new surcharge would be a form of multiple taxation, placing an unfair burden on citizens already struggling with economic hardship. He stressed that authorities must first explain what happened to the earlier deductions before demanding more.

Falana also cautioned the government against a complete removal of all subsidies, calling it “economically unrealistic and socially insensitive.” He pointed out that developed nations like the United States and the United Kingdom still subsidize key sectors like electricity, agriculture, and social services.

He criticized the influence of international lenders like the IMF and the World Bank, urging Nigeria to resist their blanket prescriptions. “You cannot devalue the naira, dollarize the economy, remove subsidies, and simultaneously raise politicians’ pay,” he said. Falana argued that government policies must be holistic and designed to protect vulnerable citizens from further economic shocks.

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Nigerian Senate President calls for Patience with the Tinubu government

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Nigerian Senate President calls for Patience with the Tinubu government

In a plea for national unity and endurance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, assuring them that the government’s reforms will soon lead to economic prosperity.

Speaking at the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Akpabio drew an analogy between nation-building and the construction of a cathedral.

“A nation is like a mighty cathedral—it is not raised overnight,” he said. “Do not despair when the winds blow strong or the scaffolding shakes.”

The Senate President’s message comes amid widespread public frustration over economic hardship, a situation the Tinubu administration has acknowledged is a result of its bold reform policies. Akpabio called on Nigerians to “renew hope” and work together, saying that “transformation is not the burden of one arm of society.”

Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, echoed the Senate President’s message of hope.

“This administration came into office with a firm commitment to renew hope, strengthen our democratic institutions and build a Nigeria that works for all,” Akume said. He added that the government has taken “bold steps to stabilize the economy” and is implementing social investment programs to ensure no one is left behind.

In his own address, the host of the event, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, highlighted the Catholic Church’s role in promoting justice and good governance. He called for the church’s continued support as his administration works to lift people out of poverty through various intervention programs.

The meeting brought together top government officials and prominent religious leaders, including the Pope’s representative to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, signaling the deep ties between faith and politics in the country.

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Video of DSS Agents Assaulting Anambra Commissioner

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Video of DSS Agents Assaulting Anambra Commissioner

A viral video showing agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly assaulting the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba, has sparked widespread outrage and concern over the use of force by Nigeria’s security agencies.

The footage, shared on Sunday by Uche Nworah, an aide to the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, shows multiple officers rough-handling the commissioner. One officer is seen punching him in the head, while others push and pull him.

The incident reportedly occurred after Aghamba allegedly blocked the entrance to the Onitsha General Hospital, preventing DSS personnel and others from accessing the facility. While the reason for the commissioner’s actions remains unclear, many Nigerians online have condemned the officers’ aggressive response.

“The conduct of the DSS officers is also condemnable,” Nworah wrote in his post. “It raises concerns about what could have happened if they had injured Hon. Aghamba.”

The video has ignited a public debate on social media, with many users questioning whether the DSS’s actions were a necessary response or an excessive use of force. The DSS has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.

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Billionaire, Dangote pledges to support Intra-African Trade

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Billionaire, Dangote pledges to support Intra-African Trade

Dangote Industries Limited, a leading African conglomerate, announced its continued support for industrialization across the continent, citing its strategic partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for the upcoming 2025 Abuja International Trade Fair.

The company is a key sponsor of the fair, which opens on September 25, 2025. According to a statement from the company’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, the event provides a crucial platform to engage with stakeholders and boost intra-African trade.

The theme of the 20th annual fair, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” aligns with Dangote Group’s core business philosophy. Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, a Senior Adviser to the company’s president, highlighted that nearly all of Dangote’s business units—from cement and sugar to petroleum products and trucks—will be featured at the event.

She also noted the company’s long-standing support for local content development in Nigeria and its commitment to the ACCI’s new “Buy Africa, Build Africa” (BABA) initiative.

For the ACCI, the collaboration with Dangote is a major win. The Chamber’s President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, stated that the partnership reflects a shared goal of driving economic growth and creating business opportunities. He expects the 12-day fair to attract over 100,000 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, multinational corporations, and diplomatic missions.

The event, which aims to be both a marketplace and a platform for showcasing green innovations, is designed to enhance networking and collaboration. The ACCI leadership emphasized that Dangote’s participation not only increases the fair’s global visibility but also reinforces its mission to promote sustainable development and investment.

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