Articles by Obinna Ezugwu
Tinubu returns after Abu Dhabi trip, unveils new trade, climate finance push
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where Nigeria recorded a major economic milestone with the signing of a trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Senegal cry foul, accuse Morocco of disrupting AFCON final preparations
Senegal have raised the alarm over what they describe as deliberate actions by host nation Morocco to undermine their preparations ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final. In a statement released on Saturday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) accused the hosts of creating logistical and security challenges that threaten fair competition, insisting that the issues go beyond routine organisational lapses.
‘It’s a personal choice,’ Atiku says as son Abba joins APC, backs Tinubu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described his son’s decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a personal choice, stressing that he neither interferes with nor coerces his children in matters of conscience.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Our heroes live in our minds - Obi
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, describing them as heroes whose “true graves are not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of the people they protected.” Obi made the remarks on Thursday in a statement marking the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, where he honoured members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the defence of the nation.
Edo: Ekpoma residents hold counter protest, rally behind Okpebholo, applaud security response
Some residents of Ekpoma, Esan South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Tuesday staged a peaceful solidarity protest in support of Governor Monday Okpebholo, praising his handling of security challenges and the recent unrest in the university town. The demonstration followed days of tension after violent protests, allegedly over insecurity, degenerated into arson and destruction of property, including markets and shops.
Court fines Meta $25,000 for spreading false illness claim about Falana
A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has ordered Meta Platforms Inc. to pay $25,000 in damages to human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), over the publication of a false Facebook video alleging that he was suffering from a terminal illness. The ruling followed a suit filed by Falana after a video circulated on Facebook in early 2025 falsely portrayed him as critically ill.
FG launches Lagos gold refinery, $600m Nasarawa lithium plant; cracks down on illegal ore transport in Kwara
The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-purity gold refinery in Lagos and announced the commissioning of a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, as part of a broader push to strengthen Nigeria’s local mineral processing capacity and position the country as a leading hub for critical minerals in Africa.
BUA Group’s Rabiu promises $500,000 for semi-final win, $1m for AFCON glory to Super Eagles
Nigerian businessman and BUA Group chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has promised generous financial incentives to the Super Eagles following their 2–0 quarter-final triumph over Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Taking to Facebook after the victory, Rabiu lauded the players for lifting the nation’s spirit and pledged USD $500,000 for a semi-final win, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored in that match.
DHQ renames Armed Forces Remembrance Day to honour serving troops, fallen heroes
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has renamed the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, saying the change better reflects the purpose of the event. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the new name underscores the dual objective of the occasion: celebrating serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces while also honouring those who lost their lives defending the country.
Man City land Semenyo in major Bournemouth raid
Manchester City have completed the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, securing the attacker on a long-term deal that runs until 2031. The Premier League champions confirmed on Friday that the 26-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola strengthens his squad for the second half of the season.
Terror financing allegations: Buratai drags ex-army general Ali-Keffi to court, demands N1bn damages
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has approached the Kaduna State High Court seeking N1 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements linking him to terrorism and Boko Haram financing. The suit, filed on January 8, 2026, is against another retired senior officer, Maj. Gen.
2027: Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s ex-running mate, declares presidential bid under Labour Party
The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday formally announced his presidential ambition for 2027, signaling a fresh phase in Nigeria’s opposition realignments. Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the declaration at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, just days after Obi left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Dangote’s Anthony Chiejina named among world’s most influential communications leaders for fifth straight year
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, has once again been named to the prestigious 2025 Influence 100, reaffirming his status as one of the most influential corporate communications leaders globally – and the only Nigerian on this year’s list. The latest recognition marks Chiejina’s fifth consecutive appearance on the global ranking, having been previously listed in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
N277bn capital gap threatens shake-up in pension industry as PenCom recapitalisation bites
Nigeria’s pension industry is staring at a major funding challenge, with analysts estimating that operators will need about N276.8bn in fresh capital to comply with new minimum capital requirements introduced by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Dangote Refinery debunks shutdown claims, says 50m litres PMS daily still on stream
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed reports suggesting it is shutting down operations for maintenance, describing the claims as false, misleading and deliberately crafted to misinform the public. In a statement issued on Monday, the refinery said production remains stable and uninterrupted, with the capacity to supply between 40 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily through January and February, subject only to market demand.
Sheikh Gumi Refutes Viral Claims of US Airstrike Targeting Him
Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has dismissed circulating reports suggesting he was targeted by a United States military airstrike in Kaduna. The claims, which began trending on social media on Sunday, alleged that security forces had launched a mission to eliminate the controversial cleric. Gumi, however, clarified that the video fueling the rumours is old and referenced a past threat to his life from Boko Haram in 2012.
OPEC+ freezes output hikes amid glut, eyes fallout from Venezuela crisis
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, OPEC+, have agreed to pause planned oil supply increases through the first quarter of 2026, choosing to keep production at current levels as global markets grapple with oversupply and uncertainty surrounding Venezuela’s future output. The decision was taken at a brief virtual meeting on Sunday led by the group’s dominant producers, Saudi Arabia and Russia, according to a Bloomberg report.
Kano on the brink as Gov Kabir Yusuf dumps Kwankwaso for APC
Kano State, Nigeria’s most populous political battleground, is bracing for a seismic political shift as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf prepares to formally defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, in a move that has shattered his alliance with political godfather Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and deepened uncertainty within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Inside Rivers crisis: Budget standoff triggers fresh showdown between Wike and Fubara
Fresh details have emerged on the renewed political crisis in Rivers State, indicating that a dispute over a proposed supplementary budget reignited the power struggle between Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Sources familiar with the development told TheCable that tensions resurfaced after associates of Wike attempted to push a supplementary appropriation bill through Rivers State lawmakers loyal to him.
David Mark, Tambuwal, other heavyweights join Peter Obi as he declares for ADC, calls for unity ahead of 2027
Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, on Wednesday, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reaffirming his commitment to a national coalition aimed at rescuing Nigeria from deepening socio-economic hardship and democratic decline. Speaking at a historic gathering held at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, Obi urged Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic, and religious divisions to reclaim the country’s future.
CBN sees FX reserves topping $51bn by 2026 as inflation cools, naira pressures ease
Nigeria’s external reserves are projected to climb to $51.04 billion by 2026, reflecting strengthening foreign exchange inflows and improving macroeconomic stability, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. The projection is contained in the CBN’s Macroeconomic Outlook for Nigeria, 2026, titled Consolidating Macroeconomic Stability Amid Global Uncertainty, released on Tuesday.
Tax laws: Tinubu insists January 2026 rollout despite Reps’ revolt, students’ protest threat
President Bola Tinubu has doubled down on plans to roll out Nigeria’s new tax laws from January 1, 2026, dismissing growing calls from lawmakers, students and civil groups for a suspension amid allegations of unlawful alterations to the Acts and an ongoing court challenge in Abuja.
From Stage to Boardroom: Beyoncé Hits Billionaire Status Following Blockbuster Tours and Hits
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has officially been named a billionaire by Forbes, making her only the fifth musician in history to reach a ten-figure fortune. The 44-year-old global superstar and entrepreneur now joins an exclusive group that includes Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and her husband Jay-Z, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $2.5 billion.
Tax laws: Tinubu insists on Thursday rollout despite Reps’ revolt, students’ protest threat
President Bola Tinubu has doubled down on plans to roll out Nigeria’s new tax laws from January 1, 2026, dismissing growing calls from lawmakers, students and civil groups for a suspension amid allegations of unlawful alterations to the Acts and an ongoing court challenge in Abuja.
NNPC running costs spike as board pay jumps 58% to N4.1bn, staff benefits near N750bn
The cost of running the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) rose sharply in 2024, with directors’ fees and expenses increasing by 58 per cent to N4.096bn, while spending on employee benefits surged to N749.7bn, according to the company’s audited annual financial report. An analysis of the 2024 Annual Report by Punch shows that payments to NNPC directors climbed from N2.593bn in 2023 to N4.096bn last year, representing a 214 per cent increase from the N824m paid in 2022.
US congressman says airstrikes mark turning point in fight against killings in Nigeria
A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has described recent American airstrikes in North West Nigeria as a critical first move toward ending the killing of Christians and restoring security across the country. Moore said the strikes, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, signalled a tougher stance by Washington under President Donald Trump against terrorism and religiously motivated violence.
Araraume Salutes Christians At Christmas, Calls For Peace, Unity And Love Amongst Nigerians
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume Ph.D, has enjoined Christians to reflect on the import of Christmas brought about by the birth of Jesus Christ and its redemptive hope to millions of Christians and non-Christians around the world.
PDP Crisis: INEC snubs Turaki-led excos as Wike camp claims victory
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), a decision that has widened the party’s internal rift and triggered jubilation in the camp loyal to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike.
2027 realignment deepens as two Rivers senators dump PDP for APC
The political crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State worsened on Tuesday following the defection of two serving senators, Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a development that underscores the shifting political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
FG maintains Nigeria-US ties strong despite visa freeze, ambassador recall
The Federal Government has insisted that Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the United States remain robust, even as fresh visa restrictions and the recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria under President Donald Trump’s administration have raised concerns. Speaking at a year-end news conference in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said sustained dialogue between the two countries had largely resolved recent tensions.
FG reclassifies bandits, kidnappers as terrorists under sweeping new security policy
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared that all bandits, kidnappers and armed non-state actors will henceforth be treated as terrorists, marking a significant shift in the country’s security doctrine. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision at a press conference on Monday, saying the government would no longer treat mass kidnappings and rural attacks as ordinary crimes but confront them using full counterterrorism measures.
Tributes as Peter Nwaoboshi, former Delta North senator, Anioma power broker dies at 67
Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, a former senator who represented Delta North Senatorial District and a towering political figure in Delta State, has died. He was 67. His death was confirmed on Friday, triggering an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, party members and associates across the state and beyond.
Peter Obi raises alarm over Nigeria-France tax pact, calls for full disclosure
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to make public the full details of the tax cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and France, warning that secrecy around revenue-related agreements could undermine public trust.
Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup hopes revived as NFF challenges DR Congo over ineligible players
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dramatically reignited after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it has petitioned FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-offs. Reports say the move could reopen Nigeria’s path to the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Aisha Buhari: How Aso Rock Rumours, Missed Meals Pushed Buhari Into 2017 Health Crisis
Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has disclosed that damaging rumours within Aso Rock, alleging she intended to kill her husband, unsettled late President Muhammadu Buhari, disrupted his feeding routine and ultimately contributed to the health crisis that kept him away from office for a total of 154 days in 2017.
After Obasanjo visit, PDP faction targets Osun, Ekiti comeback in 2026, presidency in 2027
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by its chairman, Taminu Turaki, has vowed to reclaim Osun and Ekiti states in the 2026 governorship elections, declaring the party’s readiness to reassert itself on the national political stage after consultations with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The faction said its visit to Obasanjo was to seek guidance, encouragement and strategic insight as it prepares for the 2026 and 2027 electoral cycles.
Oyebamiji clinches Osun APC ticket as party adopts consensus
The immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, on Saturday emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election, following the party’s adoption of a consensus arrangement.
Jaiz Bank becomes Africa’s first IILM Primary Dealer
Jaiz Bank Plc, Nigeria’s pioneer non-interest financial institution, has signed a landmark agreement with the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM), becoming the first primary dealer for IILM instruments in Africa. The agreement was formalised at the recent CBN–IILM Liquidity Management Capacity Building Conference held in Abuja.
FOR THE RECORD: Economic development and sustainability: Beyond oil, By Alex Otti
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY: BEYOND OIL, EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE REVENUE POTENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA Being the Text of the 37th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology Owerri Delivered by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, at the Prof. C. O. E.
JUST IN: Tinubu Swears In Gen. Chris Musa as Defence Minister
General Christopher Musa (rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has formally assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence after taking his oath before President Bola Tinubu on Thursday at the State House, Abuja. The swearing-in, which came less than a day after his confirmation by the Senate, marks the latest major change in the administration’s security leadership.
Nigeria named AFRIPERF headquarters, Komolafe elected continental chairman
Nigeria has been chosen as the official headquarters of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), a coalition of continental oil and gas regulators, with Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, elected as its Chairman.
Otti hails Abia-born Brig.-Gen. Chima Ekeator on promotion to Major General
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has congratulated Brigadier General Chima A. Ekeator on his promotion to the rank of Major General in the Nigerian Army. Ekeator, who hails from Abaki Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, was among senior officers elevated by the Army in a promotion list released on Friday.
Tinubu nominates Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Mahmud Yakubu, 29 others as ambassadors
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a new list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, expanding his ongoing diplomatic reshuffle and injecting high-profile political figures into Nigeria’s foreign service. The latest batch, comprising 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees, was transmitted in two separate letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. It arrives barely a week after the President forwarded an initial list of three nominees.
VIDEO: Obasanjo calls for foreign help as insecurity escalates, warns FG against negotiating with terrorists
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the Federal Government to stop negotiating with terrorists and instead invite international support to confront the surge in violent attacks across the country.
Nigeria’s current account balance rose 85% to $5.28bn in Q2, bolstering external buffers - Cardoso
Nigeria’s external position has strengthened significantly on the back of a sharp rise in the current account balance, which grew by more than 85 per cent to $5.28bn in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.
Nigeria reels as new wave of kidnappings sweeps Niger, FCT, Delta and Kogi
Nigeria is facing one of its bleakest weeks in recent memory after a fresh chain of coordinated kidnappings and killings swept across Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Delta, and Kogi, leaving dozens abducted, several injured, and at least two confirmed dead.
CBN clamps down on misleading bank adverts, orders immediate withdrawal
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered all banks, payment service banks and other regulated financial institutions to immediately withdraw any advertisement or promotional material that falls short of consumer-protection and fair-marketing standards.
Fresh Terror in Niger: Bandits Kidnap 24, Sever Arm of Blind Man in Twin Attacks
Niger State has been hit by another wave of violence as bandits carried out coordinated attacks that left 24 people abducted – including a pregnant woman – and a blind resident brutally mutilated. Reports said the latest kidnap incident occurred on Wednesday in Palaita community, Erena Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed a farmland while labourers were harvesting produce. According to witnesses, the attackers surrounded the workers, held them hostage and led them into the bush.
FCTA orders immediate shutdown of Abuja senior secondary schools amid rising security threats
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered all public senior secondary schools in Abuja to shut down on or before Friday, November 28, following fresh security concerns in the nation’s capital.
16 banks meet new capital rules as CBN holds interest rate at 27%
Nigeria’s financial sector recorded major developments on Tuesday as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) confirmed that sixteen banks have fully met its revised capital requirements, while the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to retain the benchmark interest rate at 27 per cent. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced both outcomes during a press briefing at the end of the committee’s 303rd meeting in Abuja.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Obinna
Contact Obinna, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack