The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje, has said the party has initiated moves to de-marginalise Igbos to place them in the limelight of national politics.

Ganduje asserted on Sunday during the APC South East zonal meeting in Abakaliki, noting that Igbos had shown massive support to the party and the President Bola Tinubu-led administration presently.

The APC national chairman said that though a line must be drawn between marginalisation and low performance of the southeast in the APC, the party had decided to break the vicious cycle of marginalisation.

“The present appointments offered the zone by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is heartwarming and with more involvement in the party’s affairs, more would be achieved.

“We must break this cycle of marginalisation with determination, unity and total support to the party and President Bola Tinubu-led administration, he said.

He noted that Ebonyi had followed Imo’s trail in massively promoting the party’s activities and thanked Gov. Francis Nwifuru for sustaining the party’s ideals in the state.

“The challenge before us presently is how to claim Anambra, Enugu and Abia and must get all stakeholders together to achieve this goal.

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi thanked the party’s leaders for honouring the meeting in the state noting that the party is presently rooted in the state and southeast.

Nwifuru noted that Ebonyi had a policy of inclusiveness which had made all stakeholders in the state to be presently under the APC roof.

“The massive defection of opposition stakeholders to APC on July 13 attests to the fact that persuasion works more than bickering and fighting,” he said.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo in his remark, said it is an ugly coincidence that the APC is ruling Nigeria in these hard times occasioned by the world economic meltdown.

The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum said that many citizens of the country experience excruciating hardship with some going into penury.

“People have to know that there is global economic meltdown with some currencies exchanging 15,000 and 20,000 to one dollar.

“I however, have hope that if the tested policies of President Bola Tinubu administration, are well implemented, Nigerians would receive the much needed succour., he said.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu in his remarks, urged people of the south east zone to identify with the federal government’s efforts to de-marginalise the zone.

“President Bola Tinubu has given Ndigbo more than the vote cast for him during the elections.

“It is presently left for us to repay him for his good works because when ones shows appreciation, he gets more,” he said.

He noted that the president offered Igbos lucrative positions in his government as high- ranking ministers, deputy speaker of the house of representatives among others.

“The process for the south east development commission bill which would solve the numerous challenges confronting Igbos, has been finalised and awaiting the president’s accent , he said.

With just over a year in office, a campaign billboard of President Bola Tinubu for his reelection in 2027 has been spotted in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

On the billboard is a picture of Tinubu holding his wife, Remi, in a lovey-dovey manner with the inscription “Grassroots support for Tinubu 2027”.

The reelection campaign for Tinubu is coming a few months after he celebrated his one year as president of Nigeria.

There are growing concerns about the policies of the present administration, which many believe have worsened the economic situation in the country.

There are fears that the president’s popularity is waning among citizens despite having spent less than two years in office.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to fix a timetable for the 2027 elections.

In May, Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the ruling party was being strengthened to enable Tinubu to secure a second term in office.

Ganduje said the APC national leadership is working with states to ensure that the party has functional offices in wards across the country.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, says the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited no longer owns 20 percent stake in Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Speaking during a press briefing at the refinery on Sunday, Dangote said NNPC now owns 7.2 percent of the refinery over failure to pay the balance of their share, which was due in June.

“NNPC no longer owns 20 percent stake in the Dangote refinery. They were met to pay their balance in June, but have yet to fulfil the obligations. Now, they only own a 7.2% stake in the refinery,” Dangote said.

In September 2021, NNPC acquired a 20 percent interest in Dangote refinery for $2.76 billion.

Revealing details of the transaction, NNPC, in its audited financial statements for 2022, said NNPC Greenfield holds the investment.

NNPC said the balance ($1.76 billion) of the cost of equity investments made in Dangote refinery would be paid upon completion of the refinery project or any other date agreed.

Dangote refinery commenced production on January 12.

Carlos Alcaraz produced a stunning performance to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) to win a second consecutive Wimbledon title at Roland Garros on Sunday.

It was also a second consecutive meeting between both players in the final with Alcaraz earning another victory over the veteran Djokovic.

The 37-year-old Djokovic struggled to cope with Alcaraz’s powerful serve as the Spaniard produced one of the best performances of his short career to win the title in style.

Djokovic was aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s titles but he will be disappointed with his performance in the final.

Alcaraz produced late perfect volleys and thunderous forehand winners to stun Djokovic.

He has now won his fourth career Grand Slam after winning the US Open in 2022, Wimbledon in 2023 and French Open and his triumph at Roland Garros in 2024.

He also became the 2nd man in the Open Era to win his first 4 Grand Slam Finals after Roger Federer.

He is just the sixth man to win the French Open and Wimbledon back to back.

Alcaraz described his triumph as a dream come true.

He said, “It is a dream for me, winning this trophy,” said Alcaraz at the trophy ceremony. “In an interview when I was 11 or 12 years old I said my dream was to win Wimbledon, so I am repaying my dream. I want to keep going but it is a great feeling to play in this beautiful court and to lift this amazing trophy. This is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court and most beautiful trophy.”

He is delighted to join the group of players to have won the French Open and the Wimbledon Open in the same year.

“It is a huge honour for me to be part of those players who have achieved Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. They are huge champions. I don’t consider myself as a champion yet, not like them, but I will keep going to build my path, my journey. It is a huge honour for me.”

Spain earned a late 2-1 win over England to win the 2024 European Championship trophy in Berlin on Sunday night.

The La Furia Roja capped off their impressive performances in the competition with glory after a pulsating encounter.

The first half ended goalless as both sides struggled to get hold of the game before the clash burst into life immediately after the restart.

Lamine Yamal, who had a quiet first half, set up Nico Williams to finish past Jordan Pickford after the England defense suffered lack of concentration in the 47th minute.

The young star became the youngest male footballer to play in a major international tournament final. He surpassed Pele (17 years, 249 days) at the 1958 World Cup.

Substitute Cole Palmer came off the bench to score a brilliant leveller after he was set up by Jude Bellingham.

Another substitute, Mikel Oyarzabal became the hero for Spain with the winning goal in the 86th minute to break England’s heart and set Spain on course for an historic triumph.

Dani Olmo produced a stunning goal line clearance to preserve Spain’s lead as they held on to win their fourth European Championship trophy.

Spain are the first country to win the men’s European Championships four times after their triumph in 1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024.

England’s agonising 58-year trophy drought continues as they switch attention to the 2026 World Cup.

Lamine Yamal was named the young player of the tournament after a return of one goal and four assists, while Rodri was named the player of the tournament.

Meanwhile, A total of six players will share the Golden boot award after they all scored three goals in the competition.

Harry Kane, Spain’s Dani Olmo, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze, the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo, Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz and Germany’s Jamal Musiala will share the award.

In the past, UEFA used assists as the tie breaker which could have seen Spain’s Dani Olmo emerge as the top scorer but it was announced at the beginning of the tournament that the award would be decided only on goals.

I had the pleasure of being a teacher and am ready to work assiduously for the improvement of this noble profession. The benefit of being a teacher is that it is a rewarding experience. According to Chris Drew from Swinburne University, teaching creates new knowledge.

Teaching is also a great way to create new knowledge through research and discovery to help be part of that continued growth and development. The benefit of teaching is essential to improving sustainable education. At the same time, teachers acquire new knowledge and are enthusiastic about new experiences.

Teachers create the future of the country. As teachers, we have a great role to play in all professions, and teaching is an excellent profession. Keep learning as a teacher and be honest with yourself. Technology has taken a prominent place in the classroom, and having the necessary equipment helps in delivering the best. Nigerians deserve the best education, and I do believe in the future of this country. 

Nigeria will be great again. The future of the country is bright. Inclusiveness is key to teaching. As teachers, our focus should be on individual students, ensuring that they make progress in their personal learning. Continuous evaluation is a good way of keeping track. In order to address the problems and anomalies in the educational system, the government needs to invest heavily in infrastructure and training teachers in modern methods of teaching and technology. A good curriculum that include practical work and engages students in 21st-century skills is important.

In conclusion, let us begin to touch lives through our teaching and shape the minds of the next generation in a positive way. Lastly, the benefits of being a teacher are countless and equivalent to a rewarding experience. Changing the lives of our students positively should be our goal. Additionally, we should strive to transform the future of education. As teachers, we have the power to inspire, encourage, and motivate our students through learning.

Shosanya Babatunde Oluwaseyi, a prolific writer, historian, critic, scholar, researcher, activist, educator par excellence, and Director of music/choirmaster.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Sunday welcomed the former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim into the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying his decision to join the ruling party would further spur development in the South East region and Nigeria in general.

It will be recalled that Anyim who was also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, formerly defected to APC in a remarkable public event on Saturday in Ebonyi State.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Sunday, Hon. Kalu who graced the event said that having served as Senate President in the Legislature and SGF under the Executive Arm of government, Anyim is bringing his great wealth of experience to bear in the progress and development of the nation.

Hon. Kalu said: “It is my pleasure to welcome my big brother, the former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, to our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“This decision is indeed a step in the right direction for the future of the Southeast and our nation, Nigeria.

“With your experience and leadership, I believe that this step will inspire other leaders to join hands in unity for the growth and development of our nation.

“Welcome to APC, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim”.

Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is reportedly in the protective custody of the state Governor, Usman Ododo.

Naija News learnt that Bello has been in the custody of the Kogi state government since he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to Cable News, Yahaya Bello is currently enjoying protection from the security agents attached to the state since the aborted attempt by the EFCC to arrest him.

Recall that the EFCC had issued a Red Notice on Bello to the international police organisation, also known as Interpol, based on the warrant of arrest issued by a federal high court in Abuja.

EFCC asked INTERPOL in three North African countries, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, to place Yahaya Bello on its watchlist.

Other countries where the ex-governor is on the watchlist are Egypt, Libya and Sudan.

Sources in the anti-graft agency disclosed that there are many options on the table in dealing with the Bello situation, which include but is not limited to storming the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, where the ex-governor is believed to be hiding.

The watch list was activated ahead of the July 17th expected appearance of the former governor before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Loading and transporting of petrol and other related products have been halted by members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in Oyo and Osun states.

The petroleum stakeholders announced the suspension of their operations at an emergency meeting held in Ibadan on Saturday.

According to them, the decision became imperative due to the incessant “harassment and extortion of members by the police”.

The emergency meeting was attended by Mutiu Bukola, Ibadan depot chairman and Hammed Hamzat, chairman, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG.

Also in attendance were Surajudeen Adegoke, chairman, independent marketers branch of NUPENG, and Olalekan Lawal, IPMAN, vice-chairman.

NAN reports that they unanimously condemned the operations of the “inspector general of police (IGP) monitoring team” on the highway which had been “disrupting the lifting of petroleum products” from depot to filling stations in the two states.

Bukola, speaking on behalf of the associations, called for an immediate end to harassment and extortion of members of the associations.

He said they would not resume operations until the issues were addressed.

According to the IPMAN branch chairman, no filling stations would open and there would be no movement of petroleum tankers in the two states until members of the IGP monitoring team are removed from the road.

“A tanker driver bringing in a truck load of diesel was arrested at Gbongon junction in Osun in the early hours of Saturday and detained along with his truck,” the associations said.

“The team has assumed the role of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) which is the regulator in the sector.

“The NMDPRA officers at the lifting depot had already certified the product, meaning that there was no issue at all, only for the driver and the truck to be detained by the IGP monitoring team at Gbongbon.

“We hereby call for immediate release of the driver and the truck.”

In the last few months, he said the police team had “wrongly arrested” several tanker drivers and trucks, only to discover that they were innocent after investigations.

“There will be no movement of trucks in and out of Osun and Oyo states, meaning that there will be no loading of petroleum products from depot to filling stations within the two states,” he said.

“The purpose of the IGP monitoring team was to stop vandalism of pipelines but the team has left its function and is now chasing other things.”

Bukola also condemned what he described as multiple charges that “had been crippling operations” in the petroleum sector in the two states.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has re-arraigned Binance on a four-count charge bordering on alleged tax evasion.

Ayodele Omotilewa, Binance’s representative in Nigeria, was arraigned on Friday before Emeka Nwite, a judge at the federal high court in Abuja.

Omotilewa pleaded not guilty to the four counts.

In the amended charge filed on June 14, Binance Holdings Limited is listed as the sole defendant.

After the plea by the Binance representative, Moses Ideho, counsel to FIRS, sought a date for the commencement of trial. The presiding judge subsequently fixed October 11 as the trial date.

Over the past few months, Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, has been facing trial in Nigeria over alleged tax evasion and money laundering.

On June 14, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) dropped the tax charges against Gambaryan.

A federal high court in Abuja discharged Gambaryan after the FIRS confirmed the appointment of Omotilewa as the firm’s representative.

However, the EFCC has yet to drop its charges against Binance and its executives.

The anti-graft body had arraigned Binance Holdings Limited, Gambaryan, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, over allegations of money laundering.

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were detained by the Nigerian authorities on February 28.

However, Anjarwalla escaped from the custody of the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), leaving Gambaryan to face the charges alone.