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The Partner for National Economic Progress (PANEP), a coalition of civil society organisations, has demanded an end to sabotage and other clandestine attacks against individual investments in the Nigerian petroleum sector.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, shortly after a rally on the theme ‘National Unity Against Sabotage: Reclaiming Our Petroleum Sector for the People’, Comrade Olayinka Dada Spike, who spoke on behalf of the Coalition, underscored the importance of the petroleum sector to Nigeria’s economy.

He wondered why a few elements are bent on hijacking it for personal gains.

The coalition said, ‘The Nigerian petroleum sector remains a critical component of the national economy. However, it continues to face persistent threats from internal and external saboteurs whose activities hitherto included product diversion, smuggling, pipeline vandalism, hoarding, round tripping, dumping, collusion to inflate prices, and worst of all, organised economic subversion targeted at frustrating efforts at making Nigeria an oil refining country.

‘With the removal of the criminal regime of subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the successful take-off of the world-class Dangote Refineries and Petrochemical Limited, the saboteurs mutated into launching defamation campaigns against Dangote Refineries, conniving with rogue unions and agencies to discredit Dangote Refinery and continue the importation of very low-quality petroleum products.

‘These actions directly sabotage government reforms, distort market stability, discourage real investments in the downstream petroleum sector, cause scarcity, and bring untold hardship to the Nigerian people.

‘Despite several policy interventions and regulatory reforms, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and subsidy reforms, the sabotage of downstream operations continues to undermine progress, encourage fuel corruption, and erode public trust in the system. This situation calls for urgent and coordinated civic action to support the federal government’s efforts in sanitising the sector and holding saboteurs accountable.

‘This is exactly what PANEP has risen to, especially in furtherance of the liberation spirit of the Nigerian 65th Independence Day Celebrations. Our mission is rooted in an unshakeable collective resolve that sabotage must stop, now and forever.’

The coalition lamented the sad situation following the collapse of Nigeria’s refineries, describing the importation regime, which lasted for decades, as one of the most criminal and economically debilitating ventures in the history of Nigeria.

The coalition urged, ‘Nigeria to break free from this mindless cabal and their agents in government agencies and those masquerading as labour unions,’ adding that the federal government should ‘intensify efforts to stop further acts of sabotage as Nigerians are happy with the drop in prices of petroleum products.’

The Governor of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Europe Region, Ambassador Collins Osazee Idahosa, a prominent advocate for the creation of Benin State, has intensified efforts to draw attention to the long-standing demand for statehood.

As a leading voice for the Benin people, Ambassador Idahosa is urging the Federal Government to acknowledge the region’s cultural, historical, and economic significance and grant it state status.

This call to action comes amidst growing momentum for state creation initiatives across Nigeria, including the Anioma State creation campaign, which has garnered support from 85 senators and traditional rulers in the South East.

‘The creation of Benin State is not just a matter of regional pride, but also a necessary step towards ensuring equitable representation, autonomy, and development for our people,’ Idahosa said.

While Idahosa called on the National Assembly to prioritize the Benin State creation bill, Benin people are also demanding recognition of their right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as increased investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which they said is essential for the region’s development.

This development is part of a broader movement for state creation in Nigeria, with proposals for 31 new states being considered by the National Assembly.

It was noted that the creation of the Benin State would address historical imbalances and promote national unity, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall progress and stability.

The South East Landlords Association (SELA) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create a National Park in the Southeast, stressing that the region remains the only part of the country without one.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the association made its position known in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Prince Onukwue, and Secretary, Pst. Ekeocha Charles.

Onukwue, who read the statement, said, ‘We plead with Mr President to give us one National Park in the Southeast. The Southeast is the only region that has no National Park, and we are feeling left behind. Inasmuch as we appreciate what the President is doing for the region, we urge him to solve this problem for us.’

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu as the Board Chairman of the National Parks Commission, describing it as a recognition of indigenous talents and a commitment to national development.

According to Onukwue, Ononogbu’s appointment is a testament to the president’s effort to empower people from the region while fostering unity and progress across the country.

Reality TV star Anita Singh, popularly known as Nini, has organised a housewarming party to celebrate her newly acquired home.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate welcomed her fans and friends to her new home, stating that the newly acquired house has become her second-own mansion.

In a video posted on her Instagram page, she wrote, ‘One of the many blessings, another HOME’

The beautiful structure is a two-story building with multiple compartments.

Nini took her fans on a tour, starting with the sitting room, which features colorful furniture and chandeliers.

The first floor of the house features a modern kitchen fitted with a range of high-end gadgets and cooking utensils.

The top floor accommodates the reality star’s bedroom and an expansive walk-in closet designed for her clothing and footwear.

Her shoes are neatly displayed on a large rack, while her wardrobe spans almost the entire room, showcasing her extensive fashion collection.

The event featured an impressive spread of assorted dishes, cupcakes, drinks, and wine, all beautifully arranged for her guests.

A video from the celebration captured cheerful moments of Nini’s friends dancing, playing games, and enjoying the feast before departing.

Similarly, former Big Brother Naija housemate Mercy Eke also unveiled what she described as her third home, showcasing a large building in a viral video.

Global Afrobeats superstars Wizkid and Asake, alongside South African sensation Tyla, have been unveiled as headliners for the Afro Nation Portugal 2026 festival.

The three-day music spectacle will run from July 3 to July 5, 2026, at Praia da Rocha in the Algarve, Portugal.

The star-studded lineup also includes Nigerian acts Olamide, Young Jonn, Darkoo, and American rapper Gunna, who joins as a special guest.

Organizers announced the lineup following the huge success of the 2025 edition, which reinforced Afro Nation Portugal’s reputation as one of the world’s top summer destinations for African music lovers.

With Wizkid, Asake, Tyla, and Gunna leading the stage, the 2026 festival is set to deliver another electrifying celebration of African music on a global platform.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to fulfill the promise of releasing N500 million to the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University in 2024.

The lawmakers also urged the governor to begin monthly subvention payments to the university from January 2026 to sustain its academic operations.

The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi, representing Ibadan South West Constituency 2 and Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, and seconded by Hon. Babajide Adebayo of Ibadan North Constituency 2.

Fowokanmi noted that the institution is battling inadequate funding for infrastructure, staff welfare, and academic operations, relying mainly on scholarships, internally generated revenue, and TETFUND grants.

He commended Governor Makinde for inaugurating the university’s Governing Council, describing it as a step towards securing proper state funding for the institution.

ýHe disclosed that since the announcement of the sum of N500 million in 2024 by the government, the money has not been released.

ýThe lawmaker added that the financial burden of the institution has increased with the announcement and approval new minimum wage, which has made the institution start taking bank loans to meet staff payments and other financial responsibilities.

ýAlso speaking on the motion, the lawmaker representing Egbeda state constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, appreciated the efforts of the present administration on the university in terms of road network, perimeter fence, and street lights, which he said have contributed to its physical outlook.

ýEmphasising the recent achievements recorded by the institution at the global stage, the lawmaker said that the release of funds and their inclusion in the monthly subvention would give the university the ability to expand its facilities, retain qualified personnel, and provide wider admission opportunities.

ýWhile toeing the same line with the mover of the motion and Hon. Babalola on the call inclusion of the institution in the monthly subvention payment, like other state-owned tertiary institutions, Hon. Babajide Adebayo also called for the audit of the institution’s account.

ýPassing the resolutions, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, granted the request by the mover of the motion, Hon. Fowokanmi, to allow the House Committee on Tertiary Education to meet with the management of the university.

ýHon. Ogundoyin clarified that the purpose of the engagement is to ensure proper audit of the institution’s account, its internally generated revenue, and other financial records, as well as other challenges confronting it.

ýThe Speaker noted that the steps will give the House the lead on how to further intervene and provide legislative support on behalf of the institution.

A heated altercation broke out between Big Brother Naija housemates Faith and Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal, leaving Sultana with a twisted ankle.

The clash began after Sultana accused Faith of being controlling and insisting on leading the group despite the task not being related to his medical expertise.

The situation escalated when Faith dragged a basket containing group materials, causing Sultana to fall and sustain an injury.

She also claimed her hand was hurt in the process.

Despite interventions from fellow housemate Kaybobo, who briefly took the basket from Faith, tensions remained high. Frustrated, Sultana declared she could no longer work with Faith in the same group.

The incident has sparked outrage among viewers, with many demanding Faith’s disqualification from the show for causing physical harm to a fellow contestant.

Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agun Gbenga, has slumped and died.

Gbenga slumped at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City, where he was to receive an award.

Witnesses at the event said he slumped a few minutes after delivering his goodwill message at the event organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).

He was rushed to the Military Base Hospital, Benin, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

A senior official of the NSCDC, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development.

‘Our oga was in the office this morning. It was at the office that he dressed up to attend the event.

‘He didn’t show any sign of ill-health. He slumped and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday reaffirmed that the dissolution of its Akwa Ibom State chapter and the constitution of a caretaker committee remain binding and irreversible.

Addressing journalists at an interactive session, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, faulted National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu for attempting to void the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC), insisting he acted beyond his constitutional powers.

Quoting provisions of the PDP Constitution, Ologunagba stressed that only the National Chairman has the authority to summon meetings of the party. He added that the 607th NWC meeting was duly convened, with 16 out of 18 members present, and valid decisions-including on the Akwa Ibom matter-were taken.

He dismissed speculations of a rift between the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary over the conduct of congresses in some states and the appointment of the caretaker committee in Akwa Ibom.

Ologunagba emphasized the need for all party leaders to respect the constitutional limits of their offices, noting that the role of the National Secretary has often been misunderstood.

He further disclosed that the planned elective National Convention in Ibadan will hold as scheduled, assuring that all committees involved are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful convention.

He said, ‘The Ibadan convention is on course. It is holding as planned. The committees are working hard, and I can assure you that Ibadan is waiting to receive the PDP. Nothing and nobody will stop the convention from holding.’

He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress was jittery over its planned convention and the fact that it was putting its house in order ahead of the next round of elections.

He, however, dismissed the President’s Independence Day broadcast, alleging that it was full of statistics that cannot be verified, while asking the President to explain to the nation what the loans being taken by the government were meant for.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has held the maiden edition of its Consumer Service Week and Awards Day, honouring individuals and organisations for exceptional commitment to consumer protection.

Speaking at the event, LASCOPA General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, highlighted the agency’s achievements since its establishment in March 2018. He disclosed that out of 11,101 consumer complaints received, 10,474 have been resolved, 437 are still being processed, while 197 were referred to other agencies.

In monetary terms, the agency has recovered over ?530,266,592.31 and $14,901.80 for consumers across sectors such as electronics, banking, healthcare, telecommunications, food and beverages, logistics, insurance, online marketing, automobiles, electricity, and oil and gas.

Solebo also noted that LASCOPA has conducted multiple enforcement operations in supermarkets, open markets, and retail outlets to rid Lagos of expired and hazardous products.

He noted that the agency has also intensified consumer education through partnerships with the NYSC, schools, trade associations, and market leaders.

‘These achievements underscore our dedication to building a Lagos where every consumer can buy, trade, and consume with confidence,’ he said.

According to Solebo, the agency is proud of its achievements, but more work lies ahead, given emerging consumer challenges in a fast-growing Lagos.

‘The agency was not set out to run people out of business but to bridge the gap between service providers and consumers. Together, we must build a Lagos where consumer rights are respected, businesses thrive on integrity, and residents enjoy fairness and value,’ he said.