Category: New PM

ýýPresident Bola Tinubu will attend funeral prayers for Nana Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of APC Chairman Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda after which he will address Christian leaders during his visit to Plateau State today, Saturday, 4 October, the presidency has said.

ýThe mother of APC National Chairman Mama Lydia Yilwatda died on August 17 at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital aged 83.

Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement on Friday.

ýHe said during the visit, Tinubu will address northern church leaders at the COCIN Church headquarters in Jos.

Tinubu is further expected to use his address to the Christian leaders in Plateau State to dismiss the claims of religious genocide in Nigeria as being peddled by some lawmakers in the United States of America.

Recall that the President had last Tuesday in Imo State said allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria were ‘unfounded and misleading’

Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side-not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us,’ Tinubu said while addressing a gathering at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre, Owerri.

ýýThe President will return to Lagos on the same day after the visit.

Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu, with goals from Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and a spirited team display.

The hosts dominated possession from the onset, controlling 81% of the ball in the opening stages and keeping Villarreal pinned in their own half.

Despite several early half-chances, Real had to wait until the second half to make their breakthrough.

After a goalless first period, Real Madrid found the breakthrough just two minutes after the restart.

Vinícius Júnior showcased his trademark quick feet and dribbling ability, weaving through multiple yellow shirts before his deflected effort wrong-footed goalkeeper Arnau Tenas and found the back of the net to make it 1-0 in the 47th minute.

Villarreal, however, refused to be subdued and attempted to respond swiftly through Georges Mikautadze and Pape Gueye, who both came close to testing Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid extended their lead in the 69th minute when Pape Gueye’s handball inside the box prompted referee Guillermo Cuadra to point to the spot. Vinícius stepped up confidently and, despite Tenas getting a hand to the ball, slotted home to make it 2-0.

The goal came after a series of substitutions by Alonso, including the introduction of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, which injected more energy and precision into Madrid’s midfield.

Villarreal managed to pull one back just four minutes later when Gueye’s clever pass found Mikautadze at the edge of the box. The Georgian forward unleashed a pinpoint strike into the bottom left corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving the visitors a brief glimmer of hope.

That hope, however, was extinguished in the 81st minute. Brahim Díaz, who had just come off the bench, slipped an incisive pass to Mbappé inside the penalty area.

The French star calmly slotted past Tenas from close range to restore Madrid’s two-goal cushion at 3-1. Moments later, Mbappé limped off after appearing to suffer a minor knock, replaced by Rodrygo.

In stoppage time, Real Madrid continued to press for a fourth goal. Federico Valverde sent a fierce long-range effort over the bar, while Bellingham saw his late strike blocked inside the box. Villarreal offered little in response, especially after Santiago Mourino was sent off for a second yellow card in the 77th minute.

The world oil market is facing a shock as OPEC plans to increase oil production. Oil prices fell again on Thursday, marking the fourth straight day of decline.

Brent crude dropped to its lowest level since early June, as traders worried about too much oil in the market.

Sources say OPEC+ may agree to raise production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day in November three times more than the increase for October. Saudi Arabia is reportedly leading this move to regain its share of the market.

Jorge Montepeque, Managing Director of Onyx Capital Group, said some banks, including Macquarie, are warning of a possible ‘super glut’ meaning there could be far more oil than needed, which is lowering market confidence.

Meanwhile, the finance ministers of the G7 countries said on Wednesday they plan to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who keep buying Russian oil.

The United States also plans to give Ukraine intelligence to help with long-range missile strikes on Russian energy sites. According to officials, this will help Ukraine attack refineries, pipelines, and other key facilities to cut Russia’s oil revenue.

UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said there are renewed concerns that Russian oil supplies could be disrupted. However, he added that unless actual disruptions occur, the effect on oil prices will likely be small.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed viral claims suggesting he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having ties to Boko Haram, describing the reports as ‘twisted and misleading.’

The rumours began circulating after Jonathan’s remarks at the public presentation of a book by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd), were allegedly misrepresented by some media outlets.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan said his words were deliberately taken out of context.

‘At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form,’ the statement read.

He explained that his comments were meant to highlight how Boko Haram used deceit and manipulation in its early days to sow confusion in Nigeria’s political space.

‘The reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent Boko Haram and named prominent Nigerians as possible mediators – without their consent,’ he clarified.

According to him, the terrorist group often invoked the names of respected figures like Buhari to ‘exploit political divisions and undermine public trust.’

Jonathan also questioned the logic of the false claims, asking rhetorically:

‘If indeed Buhari was their chosen negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram end their evil campaign when he became president?’

He further stressed that both he and Buhari fought terrorism during their respective administrations, sharing ‘a common commitment to peace and stability.’

Jonathan urged Nigerians to disregard any political mischief or sensational distortion of his comments.

‘Dr. Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria. The nation’s progress depends on truth, not twisted narratives,’ his office said.

The Lagos State Government has indefinitely shut down Itedo Market in Lekki due to repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, stating that five individuals were arrested during the enforcement exercise for breaching state laws.

He wrote: ‘This morning, we took decisive action at Itedo Market, Lekki, which has now been shut down indefinitely due to repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading. Five individuals have been arrested for flouting state laws.’

Wahab added that three Black Maria vehicles had been stationed at the market to deter further illegal activity and ensure public order.

‘Three Black Marias have been stationed at the location to deter further illegal activity and maintain order. Lagos will not tolerate disregard for environmental regulations or unauthorised street trading.

‘Our commitment to restoring sanity, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law remains unwavering.’

The closure forms part of the state’s ongoing clampdown on environmental infractions and unauthorised trading across major markets and roadways.