Author: Mujeedat

Iran struck energy facilities across Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain early Thursday in retaliation for Israel’s attack on its South Pars gasfield and the killing of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, escalating the US-Israel conflict with Tehran that began February 28 into a perilous new phase threatening global supplies.  Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex, world’s second-largest exporter, suffered three fires and heavy damage from ballistic missiles, though contained without casualties; Doha expelled Iranian attaches as persona non grata and decried the “irresponsible” hit as a direct security threat. US President Donald Trump distanced America from Israel’s…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended heartfelt Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and worldwide, celebrating the successful completion of Ramadan while urging a deeper commitment to the holy month’s transformative teachings on piety, empathy, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion. He emphasized that these virtues must extend far beyond the festive period, serving as a guiding compass for Nigerians navigating current economic and social challenges. Tinubu highlighted Ramadan’s profound lessons as particularly relevant “at a time like this,” calling on the faithful to rededicate themselves to selfless service and unity that transcends religious boundaries. He specifically encouraged extending hands of kindness…

Nigeria’s petrol imports dropped sharply in 2025 thanks to ramped-up output from the Dangote Refinery, according to fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The NBS reports imports fell to N8.96 trillion last year, a N6.46 trillion or 41.9% reduction from N15.42 trillion in 2024, though still up N1.45 trillion or 19.3% over 2023 post-subsidy levels. Dangote has boosted daily petrol production to 50 million liters as of early 2026, targeting 1.4 million barrels per day with expansions, despite price adjustments tied to soaring crude costs. Yet imports lingered at N8.96 trillion through 2025, making petrol a top…

President Bola Tinubu urged Nigeria and the United Kingdom to deepen their historic trade and economic partnership during Thursday’s high-level talks at Downing Street with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The meeting culminated in a landmark £746 million agreement to modernize Lagos’s Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, signed later at Lancaster House by Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun and UK Minister Blair McDougall MP. Tinubu described his state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, as “thrilling and significant,” highlighting decades of institutional collaboration amid talks on trade, economy, climate change, terrorism, and global…

Fidelity Bank Plc marked International Women’s Day 2026 by rolling out the “Give Her Power” series under its HerFidelity platform, featuring masterclasses, hands-on training, and direct support to foster income-generating skills and career advancement through March. The initiative, themed “Give to Gain,” kicked off with a March 18 masterclass on communication, presentation, audience engagement, event moderation, confidence-building, and personal branding, tailored for women aiming to elevate their public speaking and professional profiles. A upcoming Gele Masterclass on March 30 offers practical training in gele tying, blending cultural celebration with entrepreneurial potential as a viable income stream for participants. Complementing…

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslims in Lagos and across Nigeria for successfully completing this year’s Ramadan, a 30-day period of fasting, intense prayers, and spiritual reflection that ended with joyous celebrations. In a statement released Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor expressed profound gratitude for the community’s unwavering dedication and sacrifices throughout the holy month. Sanwo-Olu highlighted Ramadan’s central role as one of Islam’s five pillars, emphasizing its teachings on self-discipline through abstinence from worldly pleasures, unwavering commitment to prayer, and complete submission to Allah’s will…

Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke congratulated Osun State’s Muslim community on completing Ramadan, praising their devotion and discipline during the holy month. In a statement by his spokesperson dated 19 March 2026, he described Eid-el-Fitr as more than fasting, a profound commitment to compassion, social justice, and service. Adeleke assured Muslims of his administration’s attentiveness to their aspirations, pledging protection of rights, support for institutions, and equitable inclusion in governance and development. “Osun under my leadership will remain a state of religious harmony where no group feels marginalised,” he emphasized, promising policies reflecting equity and respect for all faiths.…

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) held a high-level bilateral meeting in London on 18 March 2026 to advance customs modernisation and trade facilitation under the Nigeria-UK Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). The discussions occurred on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit, led by NCS Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and HMRC Head of International Customs Megan Shaw. Adeniyi highlighted customs’ role as frontline enablers of secure, transparent trade in key sectors like industrial goods, agriculture, energy, and consumer products between the nations. Both sides identified a significant data discrepancy, UK exports…

King Charles III welcomed President Tinubu and Mrs. Tinubu to Windsor Castle on 18 March 2026, celebrating Nigeria’s transformation into an economic powerhouse of 230 million people, half under 18 with unmatched energy and ambition. Recalling his 2018 Nigeria visit meeting traditional leaders like the Sultan of Sokoto and Ooni of Ife, the King praised Nigerians enriching UK life in business, sports, arts, NHS, and academia through his King’s Trust. He humorously recalled a recent “Jollof and Tea” party debate on the best jollof rice. The monarch highlighted mutual investments: Nigerian banks basing in London, firms listing on…

Guinea Insurance Plc (GIP) held a signing ceremony for its ₦5.8 billion Rights Issue on 16 March 2026, offering 5,295,200,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at ₦1.10 per share, two new shares for every three held. Board Chairman Mr. Temitope Borishade called it a pivotal move for operational scaling, innovation, and shareholder value. “This repositions us for improved services to customers and brokers while boosting investment returns,” he said. Managing Director Mr. Ademola Abidogun stressed growth beyond regulatory compliance: The funds will enhance financial stability, underwriting capacity in key sectors, technology investments, and expansion into retail/SME markets for financial…