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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention in averting what it described as ‘the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN’ against the company.

The company in a statement said the president’s leadership, through his ministers and senior government officials, ensured the restoration of order and stability to the energy sector at a critical moment.

‘Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Bola Tinubu, GCFR for his intervention, through his Ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the Refinery.’

According to the company, among the key government officials who worked ‘tirelessly’ to restore normalcy were Nigeria’s Security Chiefs, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Toyin Ajayi; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Mohammed Mohammed.

The company also commended the efforts of other senior government officials who worked ‘untiringly and determinedly into the wee hours of several nights to avert the declared disruption of Nigeria’s energy sector by anarchists and agents of darkness.’ These, it said, included the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi; the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

‘We remain very grateful to these officials for their patriotism and national service,’ it added.

Dangote Refinery extended heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians for their overwhelming public support during the crisis.

‘To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming. We heard your supportive voices and words of encouragement literally in all the street corners and media channels of Nigeria and were energized and strengthened thereby. You gave us hope and reinforced our belief in the Nigerian nation and people as the backbone of our enterprise. Be assured that we would continue to work for and in your interest and persist in always protecting that interest against rent seekers, economic saboteurs and economic squatters,’ the company stated.

The Refinery also lauded its workforce for their loyalty and commitment during the industrial tension.

‘To our loyal workers, who ensured that our operations were not disrupted even for a second, we thank and appreciate you. The strength of Dangote Group lies in our people and their unalloyed dedication and allegiance to our cause, mission and vision. You proved your allegiance to our cause these several days even in the face of the provocative and inciting comments of and directives from detractors and naysayers who do not wish us and indeed Nigeria well. Be assured that you are treasured and will continue to be handsomely rewarded and remunerated notwithstanding the hypocritical directives and pronouncements of the enemies of Nigeria’s progress and derailers of our economy’.

Reaffirming its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost employers, the refinery noted that the Dangote Group is a model private sector player committed to fair employment practices and national economic development.

The Lagos State government and legal experts have called for stronger regulation and compliance in Nigeria’s real estate sector to curb quackery, fraudulent practices, and consumer exploitation.

Speaking at a seminar of the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria (AEAN), Lagos State Chapter, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Housing represented by Akinbola Temitope Director (lands) Monitoring and Compliance Department said the state is committed to enforcing existing laws and strengthening the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) to ensure professionalism in the sector.

Odunuga-Bakare noted ‘While over 1,000 practitioners have registered with LASRERA, the number of unregistered operators is far higher. These quacks are behind fraudulent transactions ranging from multiple sales of the same property to rent collection for non-existent apartments,’ she said.

According to her, real estate-related complaints are among the top five consumer grievances in the state, with tenants facing unfair rent hikes and hidden charges, while buyers contend with title fraud and delayed property delivery.

She identified affordability as a major challenge, stressing that nearly 70 per cent of Lagosians live in rented accommodation. ‘Access to housing finance remains difficult, with mortgage rates often beyond the reach of average citizens. This pushes many toward informal arrangements with unregulated agents,’ she said.

In a separate presentation, legal practitioner Akinboyo Ayorinde provided a broader legal perspective, noting that real estate contributed 15.9 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP in 2025, making it the third-largest contributor to the economy. He stressed that property ownership and transactions are governed by a web of federal and state laws, with the Land Use Act of 1978 central to Nigeria’s land tenure system.

‘The Land Use Act vests all land in a state in the governor, who grants occupancy rights and must give consent before any transfer or mortgage. Without such consent, land transactions are invalid,’ Ayorinde explained, citing Supreme Court precedent.

He also highlighted Lagos-specific regulations such as the Land Registration Law 2015, the Land Use Charge Law 2018, and the Tenancy Law 2011, which, among other provisions, prohibits landlords from demanding more than one year’s rent in advance from yearly tenants.

He also referenced the pending Real Estate Regulatory Council Bill, which, if passed, would establish a national framework for licensing practitioners and standardising practices across Nigeria.

Doma United Football Club has announced a major restructuring of its technical and management teams ahead of the new football season, describing it as a strategic move to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and competitiveness.

As part of the reorganization, Coach Najib Mabo – son of the late legendary Super Falcons coach, Ismaila Mabo – has been appointed Technical Adviser. Mabo, a seasoned tactician who previously managed Mighty Jets FC, will head the club’s technical department.

He will be assisted by Coaches Maurice Chigozie and Suleiman Muhammad Anke, both of whom have been retained to ensure stability and continuity within the squad. In the management structure, Saidu Umar retains his role as General Manager, while Ishiyaku Muazu, formerly the Team Manager, has been promoted to Club Director to oversee broader administrative responsibilities. Suleiman Umar Reme takes over as the new Team Manager, charged with supervising the club’s day-to-day operations.

The club also confirmed the retention of Coach Boyin Ayodele, popularly known as Lemmy, as Goalkeeper Coach.

Speaking on the new appointments, the Chairman of Doma United said the restructuring was aimed at ‘strengthening the team’s performance and instilling greater professionalism’ as preparations intensify for the upcoming season.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been advised to strengthen its reliance on legal guidance in all aspects of its operations to avoid costly mistakes and minimize losses.

This call was made by Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, Managing Partner of S.P.A Ajibade and Co., while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Annual Retreat of the Directorate of Legal Services (DLS) of the Commission, which opened in Lagos on Thursday.

The four-day retreat, themed ‘Innovative Strategies for Excellent Legal Service Delivery and Conflict Resolution,’ is aimed at enhancing the capacity of NDDC’s legal personnel in supporting the Commission’s development mandate across the Niger Delta region.

Ajibade said legal services were central to the success of NDDC’s programmes in infrastructure, healthcare, education, environment, agriculture, and social welfare. He noted that each of these areas carried legal implications requiring contracts, regulatory compliance, and negotiations that must be properly managed.

‘There is no aspect of NDDC’s mandate that does not have a legal component. Each of the Commission’s projects involves contracts and regulatory considerations that require expert legal input to protect the interests of both the organisation and the Niger Delta people,’ he stated.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria cautioned that legal departments were often wrongly regarded as cost centres, whereas their true value lies in preventing losses and operational setbacks.

He stressed that integrating legal advice from the outset of projects would safeguard the Commission’s resources and ensure smoother delivery of development programmes.

He also advised NDDC legal officers to adopt pragmatic approaches in dispute resolution, including the use of mediation and arbitration where suitable, while warning against ego-driven technicalities that cause delays in litigation. ‘Negotiation, litigation and conflict resolution require a careful balancing of interests to achieve win-win outcomes,’ he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the NDDC Director of Legal Services, Victor Arenyeka, emphasized the pivotal role of the Directorate in safeguarding the Commission’s integrity and ensuring compliance with established processes. He urged officers to embrace innovation, transparency, and collaboration in discharging their duties.

‘As public officers we must recognize that embracing new strategies is not optional but essential. In so doing, we strengthen the integrity of our operations and uphold the values of accountability and excellence that define the NDDC’s mission,’ Arenyeka said.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major boost for women’s football, confirming that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will expand from 12 to 16 teams starting with the 2026 edition.

Next year’s tournament in Morocco was originally scheduled to feature 12 nations, with qualifiers already in the second and final round. However, CAF said the new format would ‘likely introduce a third preliminary round,’ where 11 countries will compete for the remaining four spots to complete the expanded lineup.

Further details on the qualification process and competition structure will be revealed after CAF’s Executive Committee meeting in Kinshasa.

Since its inception in 1998, WAFCON featured eight teams until the 2018 edition in Ghana. The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before returning in 2022 with 12 participating teams.

CAF said the expansion underscores its ‘growing investment and commitment to the development of women’s football across Africa.’

At the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco, CAF increased the prize pool by 45% to $3.45 million, with champions Nigeria receiving $1 million after winning a record-extending 10th title.

‘I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football,’ Caf president Patrice Motsepe said.

‘Part of my starting point is making sure [men and women] are paid well and they can make a career out of football.

‘I can assure you women’s football will continue to improve because that is an area we are focussing on a lot.’

Oil giant ExxonMobil has announced plans to cut about 2,000 jobs worldwide as part of a sweeping restructuring effort aimed at streamlining its operations and consolidating smaller offices into regional hubs.

The job losses, representing between 3% and 4% of the company’s global workforce, were disclosed in a memo to employees on Tuesday by Chief Executive Officer Darren Woods. He described the move as part of Exxon’s long-term strategy to improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness.

‘This is a tough decision, but the changes announced today will further strengthen our advantages and grow the gap with our competition, helping us remain in the lead for decades to come,’ Woods said in the memo.

The restructuring will center operations around growth projects such as oil exploration in Guyana, liquefied natural gas along the U.S. Gulf Coast, and global energy trading. Recently, Exxon confirmed it would relocate staff from Brussels and Leatherhead, U.K., to its London hub. Exxon has been undertaking a major internal overhaul since 2019, reducing bureaucracy by collapsing its nine largely independent units into three core divisions: production, refining, and low-carbon. Shared services across engineering, IT, and project management have helped the company cut $13.5 billion in annual costs, more than its international peers combined, with plans to push cost reductions 30% higher by the end of the decade.

The company employed about 61,000 people globally at the end of 2024, nearly 20% fewer than in 2019. Imperial Oil Ltd., Exxon’s Canadian affiliate in which it holds a 70% stake, separately announced a 20% workforce reduction on Monday.

Exxon’s cuts mirror similar moves by Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and BP, which have all trimmed jobs this year amid volatile oil prices triggered by oversupply from OPEC and its allies.

The funeral of the mother of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, took a political turn over the weekend in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Yilwatda’s mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, passed away in August 2025 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital at the age of 83 and was laid to rest last Saturday.

A funeral service was held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters in Jos, after which her remains were taken to Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State for final interment.

However, what was expected to be a solemn occasion quickly transformed into a political jamboree and campaign-like event ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the days leading up to the burial, numerous banners and billboards appeared at strategic locations across Jos, sponsored by politicians, government officials, organisations, and party support groups.

Political observers, particularly from Plateau State, had earlier noted the unusual delay in the burial, suggesting that it might have taken on political dimensions – especially since Plateau’s cultural practices rarely permit corpses to be kept for such extended periods.

From condolence visits and wake services to the funeral procession, political undertones became increasingly evident.

The situation escalated further after it was confirmed that President Tinubu would be in attendance. Ahead of his visit, several individuals and groups accused the president of neglecting the ongoing insecurity and killings in Plateau State, where hundreds have died, to attend a political ally’s family event.

A group known as Plateau United Front even addressed an open letter to the president, signed by one Sargwak Haruna, criticising the timing of his visit. The group alleged that the visit portrayed the president as prioritizing partisan loyalty over the welfare of Plateau residents amid widespread insecurity.

In response, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Gyang Bere, dismissed the letter as mischievous and ill-motivated. He urged the public to ignore it, describing it as an attempt to mislead the president and stir unnecessary controversy around his planned visit.

Campaign banners on display

Yet on Saturday, the politicisation of the burial ceremony and church service became unmistakably evident. Various women and youth groups, alongside party loyalists, were seen chanting political songs, wearing party-branded T-shirts and face caps, and waving flags. Even the Boys’ Brigade joined in with a street march accompanied by a live band, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

There was also a noticeable collapse of party divisions, as supporters of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) participated side by side, displaying banners and placards with different political inscriptions.

Prominent among the slogans displayed on banners, T-shirts, and caps were: ‘4+4 Tinubu – On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,’ ‘APC Team Tinubu 2027,’ ‘Tinubu or Nothing,’ and ‘Nigeria Generation Next for Tinubu 2027 Mourns Our Mother, Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe.’ Others read: ‘2027 Sealed, Mr. President,’ ‘Team Akpabio for Tinubu 2027,’ and ‘2027 Plateau No Vacancy’ – the latter in apparent support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Although Governor Mutfwang belongs to the PDP, he maintains a cordial relationship with President Tinubu of the APC. According to political insiders, many Plateau leaders have informally endorsed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections and are reportedly determined to deliver the state’s votes in his favour.

This sentiment, they say, is rooted in what they describe as Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Plateau’s economic development and security. They also cited the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu’s two visits to the state, during which she donated N500 million and N1 billion respectively to victims of the incessant attacks.

In September, Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, had expressed similar confidence that Plateau would play a decisive role in Tinubu’s 2027 victory. Speaking in Jos during a thanksgiving event following the death of his wife, Plang said, ‘Apart from the fact that Tinubu had a hand in making our son, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, we will ensure his re-election. I even know that many of my people in other parties will still vote for Tinubu.’

Echoing this sentiment on Saturday, the former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, who chaired the Mobilisation Committee for the event, praised the massive turnout that welcomed President Tinubu to the state.

He said the enthusiasm and overwhelming show of support demonstrated that Tinubu remained deeply admired by Plateau citizens. Hassan assured that the state would reciprocate the president’s goodwill in 2027, noting that Tinubu himself must have been pleased with the warm reception and show of loyalty.

Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang struck a conciliatory tone in his remarks at the funeral service held at COCIN Headquarters, subtly suggesting that Plateau State would continue to work harmoniously with the Tinubu administration.

Mutfwang said the President’s visit meant a lot not only to the Yilwatda family but also to the entire people of Plateau State.

‘The wife of the President and First Lady of the nation has visited Plateau twice to commiserate with us over the killings and donated tangible sums to the victims.

‘We are truly touched by this gesture. As a people, we have enjoyed the love of the First Family. Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, has spread her motherly wings of love over us both to comfort us and to encourage us to continue restoring peace in Plateau State,’ he said.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, described Plateau State as a key player in Nigeria’s political history. He recalled his longstanding relationship with the state since the era of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The president noted that the massive turnout of governors, public officials, and dignitaries at the event was a testament to the respect people had for the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda. He urged leaders to uphold the values of unity, contentment, and productive leadership.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a ‘unifier bringing together all faiths, regions, and political divides.’

‘All former governors of Plateau State are here today, irrespective of political party. The people of Plateau have shown tremendous affection and excitement at your visit.

‘Thousands lined the streets from the airport to this venue, waving and cheering. That alone speaks louder than words,’ Akpabio said.

Roll call

The event drew a large number of dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, represented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and his predecessor, Boss Mustapha. Others included former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha; members of the APC National Working Committee; legislators; and senior government officials.

Critics slam politicisation of funeral

Observers described the ceremony as one of the largest political gatherings in recent times – a mix of mourning, reunion, lobbying, and early political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, Sabiu Ibrahim Musa, the Galadiman Ginin Jos and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), condemned what he called the ‘politicisation’ of a solemn event.

He alleged that supporters carrying APC flags, banners, and chanting party slogans were paid to turn the ceremony into a political rally.

‘Such conduct is a negation of African culture and the dignity expected at a burial,’ he said, adding that the ADC was not invited and would not have engaged in such an act.

Political analyst Jacob Pwakim Choji also criticised the development, noting that Plateau’s political culture had once again overshadowed decency and decorum.

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has vowed to make infrastructure development and nationwide talent discovery the cornerstone of his administration as the new President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation.

Ogunbiyi, who was elected unopposed after polling all 13 votes in a transparent election held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, succeeds Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd). The election, described by stakeholders as one of the freest and fairest in recent times, also saw Mr. Kayode Abulazeez emerge as Vice President with 13 unanimous votes.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ogunbiyi commended the outgoing leadership for laying a strong foundation and steering the Federation to international recognition through consistent participation in global events, including Olympic qualifiers. He emphasized that the next phase of growth will focus on building world-class infrastructure and developing talent from all corners of the nation.

‘Nigeria is richly endowed with vast water resources, and these natural assets must be turned into hubs for sporting excellence,’ Ogunbiyi said. ‘We will invest in infrastructure that meets global standards and establish programs that discover, nurture, and empower athletes from every region of the country.’

The new president underscored that the Federation’s vision aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to create a sustainable ecosystem that combines public and private sector support.

Acknowledging the long-standing challenge of poor maintenance culture, Ogunbiyi promised a dual approach – constructing new facilities while ensuring the proper maintenance and modernization of existing ones. He expressed confidence that, with focused investment and collaboration, Nigeria would witness a dramatic leap in rowing, canoeing, and sailing within the next two years.

Vice President Kayode Abulazeez echoed Ogunbiyi’s vision, stressing that robust infrastructure is essential for uncovering hidden talents across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

‘From Lagos Lagoon to River Niger and beyond, our waterways are a gift. The goal is to make rowing, canoeing, and sailing truly national sports accessible to all Nigerians,’ he said.

One of Nigeria’s leading real estate firm, Bilaad Realty has revealed that it is mentoring young Nigerians in the real estate and other sectors of the economy as part of private sector contributions to national growth and development as government alone cannot do everything.

Cordinating Trustee at Bilaad Development Trust, Dr. Sadiq Suleiman Abdullahi made the disclosure in Abuja over the weekend at the 4th edition of the Gem Hunt series, themed ‘Reboot Nigeria: Echoes from the Past, Visions of the Future.’

He said ‘Bilaad has leveraged on our professional network and got over 150 internship slots from blue chip companies and sign MOU with universities to give us the high flyers from STEM, that science, technology, engineering and maths.

During the holiday rather than them sit at home and do nothing give them to us. We’ll fix them you know across these internship places. Number one they are being productive during holidays.

Then number two there’s a link between academia and industry. So by the time they get to NYSC and they finish NYSC they already have some experience. So there’s strategic linkages between us and critical partners and when we are done.

‘As such, we mentor these young ones across real estate and other sectors so that they are equipped with skills to thrive on different sectors of the economy, ‘ he said

He added that for entrepreneurs, some are supported with funding give them funding supports while for those that are in branding, Bilaad reaches out to networks across branding industry to assist them

Winners of the Gem Hunt Series 4.0 were Ayomide Christopher Dada (Communication and Branding Experts), Muhammad Abduljalal Musa, Winner (NYSC Category) and Judith James (Secondary School category)

The 10th season of the reality television show Big Brother Naija came to a close on Sunday, with 23-year-old Imisi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, emerging as the winner.

Imisi, who enjoyed massive support from her loyal fanbase known as ‘Ijoba 606,’ clinched the title after ten weeks in the Big Brother House, beating 28 other contestants to take home the grand prize of N150 million, which includes N80 million in cash and a brand-new SUV.

She secured the win through votes from fans across Nigeria and abroad, finishing ahead of Dede Ashiogwu and Koyin Sanusi, who emerged as first and second runner-up respectively.

Her victory makes her the fourth female housemate to win the reality show since its inception, joining Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye in the winners’ circle.

Speaking after the finale, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, described the season as ‘phenomenal.’

‘The housemates gave Nigerians unforgettable moments, and Imisi’s win is a testament to her authenticity, resilience, and ability to connect with fans,’ Babatunde said.

‘At MultiChoice, we are proud to continue creating platforms that celebrate Nigerian talent, showcase our culture, and unite audiences across Africa.’

Now in its 10th season, Big Brother Naija continues to rank as one of Africa’s most popular reality television shows, credited with producing several entertainment stars and shaping contemporary pop culture across the continent.