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Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote’s refinery sends first petrol cargo to U.S

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Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote’s refinery sends first petrol cargo to U.S.

The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man, has sent its first gasoline shipment to the United States, a historic milestone for Nigeria’s oil industry.

The 300,000-barrel cargo left Lagos on Aug. 26 aboard the Gemini Pearl and is headed for the U.S. East Coast, expected to discharge in New York or New Jersey.

This is Nigeria’s first-ever direct gasoline export to America, marking a shift from decades of reliance on imports.

With a capacity of 650,000 barrels a day, the refinery has already shipped products to Asia and the Middle East and is now plugging supply gaps in global markets.

For Nigeria, it’s a turning point, from being an importer of refined fuel to becoming a direct exporter.

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Nigeria has emerged as China’s biggest customer in Africa, receiving 11% of all Chinese exports to the continent in 2025

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Nigeria has emerged as China’s biggest customer in Africa, receiving 11% of all Chinese exports to the continent in 2025.

This development comes at a time when U.S. tariffs under Donald Trump’s trade policy are reshaping global trade flows, reducing American orders and allowing Beijing to tighten its grip on African markets.

China’s exports to Africa jumped 25% year-on-year to $122 billion, with demand fueled largely by infrastructure and consumer goods.

For Nigeria, access to low-cost Chinese machinery and manufactured products is driving urban development and industrial expansion. However, the trade relationship remains heavily tilted in China’s favour, as imports from Africa lag far behind.

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United States Government defends visa revocation for Nigerians, cites security concerns

Responding to reports of visa revocations affecting Nigerian students, business travelers, and professionals who were asked to return their passports after being informed their visas were no longer valid, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja said the process was a security measure that falls within its legal mandate.

In an earlier report, NewsWireNGR disclosed that some Nigerians were being blocked from entering the U.S. after discovering at airports that their visas had been cancelled without prior notice.

The development was revealed by former NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye, who said several Nigerians had reached out to him to complain about the cancellations, stressing that they came without any form of warning.

Embassy defends move to ‘secure borders’

A spokesperson for the Embassy told BBC News Pidgin that the revocations were being carried out on “a scale never seen before” as part of efforts to secure America’s borders.

Citing Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the spokesperson noted that both the Secretary of State and consular officers are empowered to revoke visas at any time if there is “indication of a potential ineligibility.”

“The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the Embassy stated.

“Prohibiting entry to the United States by those who may pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety is key to protecting U.S. citizens at home.”

Officials further explained that revocations may target cases involving visa overstays, violations of U.S. law, engagement in criminal activity, or alleged ties to terrorism.

While Nigeria is not on Washington’s formal list of banned or restricted countries, the revocations have nevertheless alarmed many Nigerians who argue that the process lacks transparency, given that most recipients were told only that “new information had come up.”

The controversy has fueled frustration among affected travellers, particularly students and professionals, who say the sudden withdrawals have disrupted their academic, business, and personal plans.

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A suspected motorcycle snatcher was set ablaze by a mob in Makurdi, Benue

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A suspected motorcycle snatcher was on Tuesday morning set ablaze by a mob along the Ibrahim Kashim Road in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue.

An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Andrew Tergu, told newsmen that two passengers had hired a motorcyclist known as ‘okada rider’ to take them to the Railway Quarters area within Makurdi.

Unknown to the motorcyclist, a gang member had stationed himself at the spot where the passengers decided to alight.

The eyewitness said that as soon as the two passengers alighted, the other gang member who had been waiting for his accomplices, approached the motorcyclist, pretending to pay for the fare, but rather brought out scissors and stabbed the rider several times.

Tergu said that as soon as the motorcyclist fell down and shouted for help, the three members jumped on the motorcycle to zoom off.

“Unfortunately, as they tried to zoom off, the last person on the motorcycle fell and people pounced on him, and dragged him to the main road where they set him on fire”, he said.

As of the time our correspondent got to the scene, some staff members of the Benue State Sanitation Agency, in company with the policemen, were seen evacuating the remains of the suspected bike snatcher.

When contacted, the  Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and promised to get back with full details.

However, she had yet to get back as of the time of filing this report.

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EFCC has declared Christopher Enweremadu wanted in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money-laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared Christopher Enweremadu wanted in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money-laundering.

The commission, in a public notice signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday, gave Mr. Enweremadu’s last known address as the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, Abia State.

The EFCC asked anyone with information about Enweremadu’s whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices.

“The public is hereby notified that CHRISTOPHER ENWEREMADU, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds stealing and Money Laundering.

“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its lbadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices,” EFCC declared.

Prince Enweremadu, who served as commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has previously been linked to investigations into the handling of funds for local government councils in Abia.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja in December 2024 ordered a probe into funds allocated to 17 local government areas in Abia between 2019 and 2023 and directed the EFCC to submit its investigation report to the court.

The court also ordered the seizure of international travel documents of three former state officials, including Enweremadu, a former Aide to the immediate past Governor of the state, Erondu Uchenna Erondu, and the Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Abia State, Deaconess Joy Nwanju.

The court action last year arose from an ex parte motion by an activist who, demanded accountability, said the state received billions of naira for the 17 LGAs and that the funds were under the control of the officials during the period in question.

EFCC did not give further public details about the specific transactions linked to the fresh wanted notice.

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New Curriculum for Nigerian students: Full List of JSS, SS subjects is out

The full list of subjects in the newly introduced school curriculum has surfaced online after the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, shared it on Wednesday.

Olusegun, in a post on his X handle, displayed an unsigned and unmarked image said to contain the subjects for Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School.

“The new curriculum for Nigerian Schools which will commence from the next session in September 2025 has been released,” he said.

The curriculum, which was unveiled by the Federal Government on Sunday, introduces compulsory digital literacy and basic entrepreneurship at the JSS level, while programming, artificial intelligence, and new languages feature prominently at the SSS level.

Below is the full list of subjects for JSS and SSS as shared:

JUNIOR SECONDARY (JSS 1–3)

  • Mathematics & Measurement: Numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, rates, geometry (angles, area, volume), algebra, statistics, graphs, measurement (km, m, cm, g, kg, ml, °C, time zones).
  • English Language: Essay writing (narrative, descriptive), advanced grammar (clauses, idioms), comprehension, vocabulary, oral (debates, speeches, drama).
  • Integrated Science: Physics (motion, forces, energy), chemistry (matter, mixtures, reactions), biology (cells, reproduction, ecology), earth science (climate, resources), technology, lab safety.
  • Digital Literacy & Coding: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet research, coding (Python basics, Scratch advanced), robotics (basic kits).
  • Social Studies: Nigerian and African history, geography, civics, economy (trade, money, entrepreneurship basics), global issues.
  • Languages: Advanced mother tongue, conversational fluency in foreign language (French/Arabic).
  • Creative Arts: Drawing, painting, crafts, drama, theatre, film basics, music.
  • Physical & Health Education: Sports, fitness, nutrition, reproductive health, first aid, drug abuse awareness.

SENIOR SECONDARY (SS 1–3)

  • Mathematics & Advanced Applications: Algebra, trigonometry, calculus basics, probability, statistics, financial maths, applied maths.
  • English & Communication: Advanced essays, academic writing, literary analysis, world literature, research skills, public speaking, journalism, fact-checking.
  • Sciences: Physics (mechanics, waves, electricity, nuclear physics), chemistry (organic, inorganic, industrial, analytical), biology (genetics, ecology, biotechnology), environmental science.
  • Technology & Innovation: Programming (Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS), data science basics, AI & robotics, digital entrepreneurship, cybersecurity.
  • Social Sciences: Government & law, economics (micro, macro, trade), history (Africa, world revolutions), philosophy & ethics, entrepreneurship.
  • Languages: Advanced mother tongue literature, fluency in international language (French/Arabic/Chinese optional).
  • Creative Arts & Innovation: Fine arts, music, drama, film/media production.
  • Physical & Health Education: Advanced sports, mental health, first aid & CPR, leadership.
  • Research & Project Work: Final-year project, data collection, analysis, presentation & defense.

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“Lagos is a no-man’s land” – Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala says

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The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has described Lagos State as a “no-man’s land” and the pride of Nigeria’s economy.

Bwala, who spoke on the Daybreak programme on Arise Television on Wednesday, argued that the concentration of federal projects in Lagos should not be seen as favouritism but as investment in the country’s commercial hub.

He said, “Let me tell you why Lagos State is different. Lagos State is a no-man’s land. In the last election, the President who comes from the South-West did not win Lagos. That tells you the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State.

“The richest man in Africa is a northerner. His business is not in Kano, it’s in Lagos. Almost every rich man that you know in Nigeria has business undertaking in Lagos and the Nigerian people are represented in Lagos.

“If not because probably the majority of the people are Yoruba speaking, you will wonder whether Lagos indeed is from the South-West.”

Comparing Lagos with other global economic centres, he added, “ London has more investment than the entire states in England put together. New York has more infrastructure and investment than the rest of the United States, including California. Paris has more investment.

“So in every country, wherever you find the commercial nerve of that country, you are likely to see the need to put infrastructure in place in order to boost the economy. Whatever Lagos benefits, the country benefits.”

Bwala insisted that the N3.9 trillion worth of federal projects reportedly allocated to Lagos in two years was justifiable, stressing that Lagos remained Nigeria’s hub of commerce and a beacon of economic growth.

“So the idea that you put more in Lagos than in other states or the federation should be put into a proper context. Lagos is a no-man’s land. Lagos is the hub of Nigeria. Lagoss is the pride of the country,” Bwala stated.

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Kaduna State Government has reintroduced the five-day school week in all public schools

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Kaduna State Government has reintroduced the five-day school week in all public schools across the state, with a promise to enhance teachers’ welfare to improve productivity.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani-Sambo, disclosed this when he received members of the Kaduna Government College Old Boys Association in his office.

According to him, the decision was taken to boost learning outcomes and strengthen the education system.

He also revealed that the government was making plans to review teachers’ salaries, stressing that their welfare remained a priority.

On the temporary use of Kaduna Government College by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Prof. Sambo explained that the arrangement was made at the height of security challenges in the state.

He, however, noted that with the improved situation, both organisations would now be required to move to their permanent sites to allow the school to function optimally.

The National President of the Kaduna Government College Old Boys Association, Muhammad Yusuf Sa’in Lere, had appealed to Governor Uba Sani to intervene, lamenting that the NYSC and Civil Defence currently occupy about 70 percent of the school premises, thereby disrupting its academic activities.

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NCAA DG, Captain Chris Najomo has raised the alarm over the rising cases of fraudulent activities in Nigerian aviation sector

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The Director General, DG, of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo has raised the alarm over the rising cases of fraudulent activities in the aviation industry in Nigeria.

He noted that such directly affects aviation safety, economic regulation and investor confidence.

The DG, who noted this when he led a delegation of his management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede in his office, urged the Commission to intervene to address the issue.

The Director General, DG, of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo has raised the alarm over the rising cases of fraudulent activities in the aviation industry in Nigeria.

He noted that such directly affects aviation safety, economic regulation and investor confidence.

The DG, who noted this when he led a delegation of his management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede in his office, urged the Commission to intervene to address the issue.

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APC remains the only party for the masses and one that truly cares about their interests and needs – Mudashiru Obasa

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Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, says the All Progressive Congress, APC, remains the only party for the masses and one that truly cares about their interests and needs.

Mr Obasa said this when he hosted Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, a party chieftain, at his official residence in Ikeja on Tuesday.

Mr Obasa lauded President Bola Tinubu for his bold reforms, designed to better the lot of Nigerians.

“These reforms are a step taken in the genuine interest of Nigerians, despite anticipated criticisms from detractors and fifth columnists.

“It takes courage and leadership to introduce such reforms in the face of resistance.

“The President has once again demonstrated his resolve to put the people first, and I align fully with this vision,” he said.

Mr Obasa, while warmly welcoming Adediran back to the party, described his return to the APC as “a very good move”.

The Lagos Speaker said he was delighted to have Adediran, who recently rejoined the party, back in the APC.

The speaker also commended the party chieftain, popularly known as Jandor, for his courage and conviction.

He assured him of full reintegration and collaboration in the collective effort to continue the delivery of good governance to the people of the state.

In his remarks, Mr Adediran, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, expressed appreciation to Obasa for the warm reception.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the APC family for the progress of the state and the nation.

At the meeting, both leaders pledged to work together to strengthen the party and advance the welfare of the people.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adediran had on March 18, 2025, defected to the APC, weeks after resigning from the PDP.

Mr Jandor cited internal crises and lack of party discipline within the PDP as the reasons for his departure, expressing disappointment in the party’s inability to address anti-party activities of some leaders.

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Reactions as Shina, the only child of veteran actress Peju Ogunmola, is confirmed dead

Shina, the only child of veteran actress Peju Ogunmola, has died.

The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday while Ogunmola was on a movie set.

The 24-year-old passed away a few months after completing his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC programme.

Shina’s death was announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday night by Seun Oloketuyi, a popular filmmaker.

Oloketuyi wrote: “Peju Ogunmola loses a 24-year-old son. Her only child. Please, remember her in prayers.”

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“Maybe I could have stayed” – Media personality Toke Makinwa has shared a candid reflection on her past marriage

Media personality Toke Makinwa has shared a candid reflection on her past marriage, revealing how she found the strength to walk away despite public judgment and misconceptions about her resilience.

In a recent conversation with media host Chude Jideonwo, the actress and entrepreneur described the difficulties of living through a highly scrutinised relationship while dealing with private struggles many did not understand.

According to Makinwa, people often misjudge survivors, assuming their challenges were not severe simply because they emerged alive and continued their lives.

She noted that society sometimes envies those who bounce back stronger, rather than drawing inspiration from their recovery.

“People like to say it must not have been that bad because you didn’t die. But if someone comes back 10 mins stronger, it unsettles others. Instead of learning from it, they see your strength as a threat. Until you have walked in my shoes, don’t comment on it,” she said.

Toke further explained that the public nature of her marriage ultimately influenced her decision to leave. If the relationship had been private, she admitted she might have considered staying longer.

However, the overwhelming scrutiny, coupled with the intensity of her emotions, made the situation unsafe for her well-being.

“Maybe I could have stayed if it wasn’t so public. But the way I loved this person would have been dangerous for me. If I stayed, how I felt would have consumed my entire life,” she added.

The mother of one emphasised that choosing herself over remaining in a toxic environment was the only way to preserve her life and future, even though the process of walking away was not easy.

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