EFCC Arrests Spiritualist For Alleged Sextortion

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested one Odigie Moses, a self-acclaimed spiritualist for alleged sextortion to the tune of $1,100 (One Thousand, One Hundred Dollars).

He was arrested in Ekpoma, Edo State.

The suspect, who misrepresented himself on Zelle, a social media platform as possessing spiritual healing powers, was contacted by his victim, an Indian woman, who was in need of spiritual intervention on some life-threatening challenges. The suspect subsequently deceived her into taking a naked spiritual bath, which he recorded live without her permission, and thereafter blackmailed her to send him money, else he would make the video public.

Investigation by the EFCC revealed that the victim had to pay the sum of $1,100 to the suspect in order to prevail on him not to release her nudity to the public.

He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Keyamo, Onyema, Babalakin Set For LAAC 30th Conference

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin and Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema are the leading dignitaries billed to lead discussions at the 30th edition of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Annual Conference schedule to hold on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The conference, which has become Nigeria’s foremost aviation industry dialogue platform, will bring together top government officials, aviation regulators, airline operators, airport managers and other stakeholders in the aviation industry to deliberate on the theme: “Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth.”

The event will witness the unveiling of the second edition of LAAC’s Champions of Aviation publication which chronicles the achievements and exploits of aviation agencies, airline operators, and other industry players. Keyamo is the Special Guest of Honour, while Babalakin will chair the event and Onyema, will deliver the keynote address, bringing his extensive industry experience to bear on discussions expected to shape policy recommendations for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Speaking on the forthcoming conference, Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, Mr. Wole Shadare, described this year’s theme as timely, noting that the aviation industry is at a critical point where government revenue expectations must be carefully balanced with policies that encourage investment, competitiveness and long-term sustainability. According to Shadare, “The aviation industry remains a strategic driver of economic development, trade, tourism and national integration. However, increasing fiscal pressures and multiple charges have continued to generate conversations about the need to strike a balance between government revenue generation and the growth of the industry.”

He added that the conference would provide a credible platform for robust engagement among policymakers, regulators and operators, with the objective of developing pragmatic recommendations that would support a more competitive and sustainable aviation sector. “We have assembled some of the most respected voices in the industry to examine these issues from different perspectives. We expect meaningful conversations that will ultimately contribute to policy reforms capable of strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem,” Shadare said.

On his part, Chairman of LAAC, Mr. Sulaiman Idris, affirmed the conference underscores the association’s commitment to promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the aviation industry through constructive engagement with stakeholders. He noted that for three decades, the annual conference has served as an important platform for shaping conversations around aviation development and policy in Nigeria.

“Our annual conference has earned the confidence of industry stakeholders because it consistently addresses contemporary issues affecting aviation. As we mark the 30th edition, we remain committed to fostering dialogue that supports sustainable growth, enhances operational efficiency and promotes policies that will make Nigeria’s aviation industry more competitive,” he said.

He urged aviation professionals, government agencies, private operators, financial institutions, and members of the public with an interest in aviation to participate in the conference. The 30th LAAC Annual Conference is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants from across the aviation value chain, with discussions focusing on sustainable financing, regulatory policies, investment climate, infrastructure development, operational efficiency and strategies for ensuring that government’s efforts at ramping up revenue do not undermine the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Fayose Vows To Deliver Tangible Results As He Assumes Board Chairman Of The REA

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has been inaugurated as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with a pledge to mobilise the political will and resources required to expand electricity access across underserved communities.

Fayose was inaugurated alongside other members of the REA Governing Board on Friday by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in Abuja.

Also inaugurated were Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar, Ilyasu Makinta and three other members and non-executive directors, while Abba Aliyu assumed office as the Managing Director of the agency.

Speaking after his inauguration, Fayose thanked President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the board.

He said his immediate priority would be to reposition the agency and ensure that its programmes deliver tangible improvements in electricity access, particularly at the grassroots.

Fayose pledged to use his position to provide the political support required to attract funding for both the short- and long-term programmes of the agency.

“Work has started in earnest; we are reaching out very fast and appealing to people to ensure the work is done,” he said.

The former governor assured Nigerians that the new board would work to justify the confidence placed in it by the President.

“I want to use this window to assure Nigerians that your expectation about my appointment and my colleagues will not be dashed.

“We will give our best to achieve the renewed hope of President Tinubu for the country to be better for us all,” he added.

He said the agency must also ensure that the growing Nigerian population benefits from improved access to energy.

According to him, expanding electricity access would have a direct impact on communities and improve economic opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.

“We are not just providing electricity; we are looking at the population of the country who need to feel the impact of the energy,” he said.

The new REA chairman said the agency would work towards ensuring that communities experience tangible benefits from its interventions.

Also speaking, REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work with the board to expand electricity access.

Aliyu said the agency would continue its efforts to provide power to both served and underserved communities across the country.

Earlier, Tegbe said Nigeria’s electricity sector was undergoing a shift from simply measuring power generation in kilowatts and megawatts to assessing how many communities and people were actually being powered.

He described REA as a strategic institution within Nigeria’s power sector, saying its mandate went beyond connecting communities to electricity.

“We are moving from just counting kilowatts and megawatts to how many communities and people were powered in the country,” the minister said.

Tegbe said every mini-grid project, solar home system and electrification project represented an investment in human capital, economic inclusion and national development.

He said the electrification of markets, schools, primary healthcare centres, farms and productive businesses could unlock economic opportunities and improve livelihoods.

“REA is fundamentally an institution for expanding opportunity,” he said.

The minister said the agency’s role had become increasingly important as the Federal Government continued implementing the Electricity Act and deepening reforms across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

He described REA as a bridge between national electricity policy and grassroots development, noting that the agency was expected to ensure that the benefits of power sector reforms reached communities beyond major urban centres.

“Not only in our major cities but also in the remotest communities across the federation,” Tegbe said.

According to him, the constitution of the new board demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening governance and accountability across government institutions.

Tegbe charged the board members to provide effective strategic oversight, promote transparency and innovation, and ensure that public resources entrusted to the agency are used efficiently.

He also urged them to build productive partnerships with development organisations and private-sector investors to accelerate rural electrification.

The minister said the board had assumed office at a critical stage in the country’s power sector reforms and must focus on delivering measurable results.

He urged the members to ensure that every decision taken by the board reflects the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

“Most importantly, I encourage you to continually ask one fundamental question whenever decisions come before the board: ‘How does this improve the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians?’”

Tegbe expressed confidence that if the board maintained that principle as its guide, REA would continue to exceed expectations and make a measurable difference in electricity access across Nigeria.

Lagos State Governor Felicitates Lagos APC Chair, Ojelabi At 68

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, on his 68th birthday.

 

The Governor lauded Ojelabi’s steadfastness and commitment to progressive values, saying they have helped to shape the ruling party and positively impacted many lives.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Pastor Ojelabi as a religious leader, seasoned politician, and administrator who has used his positions to mobilise enormous support for the APC and foster development in Lagos State.

 

The Governor added that, with his role as party chairman, Pastor Ojelabi has contributed significantly to the growth and development of Lagos State. He said the party helmsman had contributed greatly as a council chairman, commissioner, member of the House of Representatives, making him an important figure in the growth of the state.

 

He said: “On behalf of my lovely wife, Ibijoke, the government, and the good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends, political and religious associates, leaders, and members of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State to celebrate our chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, on his 68th birthday.

 

“Pastor Ojelabi has contributed significantly to our dear State and our party. He has served his community, the church, local government, constituency, Lagos and Nigeria in different capacities.

 

“Pastor Ojelabi has displayed a high level of integrity, dedication and professionalism in all the public offices he served within and outside Lagos State.

 

“As Lagos APC chairman, he has worked tirelessly with other party leaders and members for us to retain Lagos, which has been under the progressives for almost three decades.

 

“As Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi celebrates his 68th birthday, I pray that he will be surrounded by good health, happiness and continued success.”

Sahara Upstream Deepens Investment In African Oilfield Services

Sahara Upstream is accelerating the next phase of its oilfield services strategy, strengthening Arahas Global Oilfield Services (Arahas) and SGIR Rigs and Energy Limited as integrated platforms designed to support growing demand for world-class upstream services across Africa.

As part of this strategic direction, Sahara has appointed Gopi Nath as Director, Oilfield Services, with responsibility for providing strategic oversight for both businesses as they drive operational integration, expand service capabilities, and deliver greater value across the upstream value chain.

The development reflects Sahara’s continued investment in building indigenous oilfield services capacity capable of supporting Africa’s evolving energy landscape through engineering excellence, operational reliability, innovation, and sustainable execution.

Speaking on the appointment, Ade Odunsi, Executive Director, Sahara Upstream, said the next phase of growth for Africa’s upstream industry will depend on strong regional service companies with the capability to execute increasingly complex projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

“Building resilient energy systems requires equally resilient service businesses,” Odunsi said. “Arahas and SGIR are strategically positioned to deliver the technical expertise, operational excellence, and customer-focused solutions required by operators across the continent. Gopi’s appointment strengthens our ability to accelerate that ambition.”

He noted that Sahara continues to invest in businesses that create long-term value across Africa’s energy sector.

“Our objective is not simply to grow two businesses. We are building integrated service platforms capable of supporting exploration, drilling, engineering, project delivery, and production operations at a standard that competes globally while remaining rooted in Africa.”

Arahas was established to deliver high-impact oilfield services anchored on engineering excellence, operational reliability, innovation, and sustainability, while SGIR provides drilling, engineering, project execution, and field support services that enhance operational efficiency across upstream operations.

Together, both businesses form a critical component of Sahara Upstream’s long-term strategy to strengthen local capacity, improve execution, and provide integrated solutions across the upstream value chain.

Commenting on his appointment, Gopi Nath said Sahara has built strong foundations for creating one of Africa’s leading oilfield services platforms.

“This is an exciting period for Sahara’s oilfield services business. We have exceptional talent, established capabilities, and a clear strategic direction. My focus will be on strengthening collaboration across Arahas and SGIR, enhancing customer value, driving execution excellence, and expanding our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of Africa’s energy industry.”

He added that the businesses would continue setting new benchmarks for safety, innovation, operational performance, and stakeholder value while supporting sustainable energy development across the continent.

Dangote Confident On Group’s Projected $100 Billion Revenue Target By 2030

Aliko Dangote, has expressed confidence of his company meeting estimated revenue growth in the next four years.

He said detailed internal modelling had reinforced management’s confidence that the Group’s target of generating US$100 billion in annual revenue by 2030 was achievable.

Dangote said this when Senior executives from leading global investment banking and financial services firm Goldman Sachs toured the company’s integrated petroleum refinery, petrochemicals and fertiliser complex in Lagos.

The delegation, led by Co-Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs International and Global Co-Head of Investment Banking, Anthony Gutman, visited the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, Dangote Fertiliser Limited and supporting infrastructure during a recent visit to Nigeria.

He noted that the projections were based on conservative assumptions and had strengthened the company’s conviction that it could pursue an even more ambitious long term growth strategy.

He added that the level of employee participation in the recent private placement of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery reflected strong internal belief in the company’s growth strategy and prospects.

Dangote said the refinery and associated industrial facilities demonstrate the transformative potential of long-term investment in Africa, adding that the Group’s growth ambitions extend well beyond its current strategic plan.

“No matter how we try to explain what we have built, you cannot fully appreciate it until you see it. But this is only the beginning. We need to look beyond 2030. The next phase of our journey will include new investments and acquisitions as we continue to scale the business,” he said.

Speaking after an extensive tour of the 700,000 barrels per day refinery, the Goldman Sachs executives remarked, “It is extraordinary what Mr Dangote and the whole organisation have achieved. The ambition, the scale of the project, the quality of the project and the culture of the people is very impressive.”

The Goldman Sachs team included Adib N. Zouein, Co Head of EMEA Emerging Markets Regional Sales and Head of the Middle East and North Africa region for Global Banking & Markets Public; Ryad Yousuf, Global Head of FICC Sales Strats and Structuring; and Jimi Adesanya, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Sales (excluding South Africa). They were received by President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Devakumar Edwin; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird; Group Executive Director, Oil & Gas, Fatima Aliko Dangote; Chief of Staff to the President/CE, Ibrahim Dikko; Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina; Group Chief Economist, Dr Hassan Mahmud; and Group Chief Strategy Officer, Aliyu Suleiman; Head of Administration, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, Musa Bala, among others.

Guinness Rewards Consumers With N17 Million In First Week of ‘Open For More’ Draw

Guinness Nigeria has started rewarding consumers under its nationwide ‘Open For More’ National Consumer Promotion (NCP), with an impressive ₦17 million in rewards to 107 winners during the campaign’s first live draw held on July 31, 2026.

The inaugural draw instantly transformed the fortunes of consumers across the country, producing seven new millionaires, who each received ₦1 million, alongside 100 additional winners, who each walked away with ₦100,000. The milestone marks the beginning of a series of weekly live draws that will see hundreds more Nigerians rewarded throughout the promotion.

The seven ₦1 million winners are Marcus Barieepie, Ani Valentine Ogochukwu, Okafor Sochima, Taiwo Adebola, Zubair Rukayat, Oluwatobi Femi, and Ebubechukwu Okolo.

The live draw was conducted under the supervision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to ensure transparency and fairness. Representatives of the commission present included Dr. Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator, FCCPC Southwest, and Mrs. Abosede Ogundeji, Surveillance and Investigation Officer.

Speaking during the draw, Ramanathan S, representing Guinness, said the promotion reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to celebrating and rewarding the consumers who have supported Guinness over the years.

“For decades, Nigerians have made Guinness a part of their milestones and celebrations. Today, we are proud to give back by putting ₦17 million directly into the hands of 107 consumers in our very first draw. This is only the beginning. Over the coming weeks, many more Nigerians will experience life-changing rewards as we continue to celebrate the loyalty of the people who have made Guinness part of their stories.”

He added that all weekly draws will continue to be streamed live across Guinness Nigeria’s official platforms, enabling consumers to witness the winner-selection process in real time and reinforcing the transparency and credibility of the promotion. He also encouraged eligible consumers nationwide to participate, noting that every valid entry presents another opportunity to win.

The ‘Open For More’ National Consumer Promotion offers consumers the chance to win ₦1 million every day, ₦100,000 cash prizes for 1,000 winners, and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as the grand prize. Altogether, the promotion will reward consumers with more than ₦400 million in cash and prizes.

To participate, consumers simply need to purchase specially marked bottles of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout or Guinness Smooth, locate the unique code beneath the crown cork or can lid, and enter the code via the designated campaign platform.

With ₦17 million already won in its opening draw, the campaign is off to a remarkable start, reinforcing Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to rewarding consumer loyalty through transparent processes and unforgettable experiences that go beyond the product. Consumers are encouraged to look out for specially marked promotional packs and follow Guinness Nigeria’s official communication channels for updates, winner announcements, and details of upcoming draws.

NMDPRA, NUPRC To Strengthen Domestic Crude Supply Chain As Nigeria’s Refining Capacity Hits 1.25 Million bpd

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has said it will enter into negotiations with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC),to resolve teething issues related crude oil supply shortages to local refineries.

The NMDPRA, says enhanced crude supply to local refineries has become important as Nigeria now boosts of about 1.125 million barrels a day (bpd) of installed refining capacity, led by Dangote’s 700,000-bpd refinery, which has helped Nigeria become a net exporter of refined products.

The Agency hinted of Governments intention to refine all of its crude domestically, as the country targets production of 3 million barrels a day in the coming years.

Nigeria still faces major structural constraints, including crude supply shortages, underperforming state-owned refineries and concerns over excessive dependence on Dangote.

The Director General (DG) of the Authority Rabiu Umar, who dropped the hint in Lagos at the 49th annual conference of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, explained that that the federal government wants to end the pattern where much of its produced crude are exported and refined products on the other hand imported.

“Every molecule of our three million barrels per day that we hope to achieve in the coming years will be refined locally,” Umar said.

To achieve that goal, the NMDPRA is working with the NUPRC to enforce domestic crude supply obligations. Nigerian petroleum law requires producers to supply part of their crude output to domestic refineries.

Umar called the requirement “really, really important” for supporting the expansion of Nigeria’s refining industry.

Nigeria now has 1.125 million barrels per day of installed refining capacity, according to the NMDPRA. The country reached that level for the first time in its history. Dangote Refinery provides the bulk of that capacity. The facility reached its 700,000-bpd nameplate capacity during tests in June.

The refinery has also helped Nigeria become a net exporter of refined petroleum products. Dangote supplies 80% of domestic demand while exporting products to West Africa and Europe, Nigeria Housing Market reported in May.

The Agency’s 3 million-bpd production target represents almost twice Nigeria’s current output.

The NUPRC estimated June production at about 1.73 million bpd. Nigeria must therefore first almost double crude production before it can refine all of its output domestically. That expansion will require several years of investment.

However, refineries operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna are operating below capacity.

The NNPCL acknowledged in November 2025 that the facilities cannot match Dangote’s fuel quality.

Dangote refinery is also planning expansion to 1.4 million bpd. However, concerns remain over the risks that a single dominant refiner could pose to the country’s fuel supply, as Agence Ecofin reported in May.

State-owned refineries remain part of the strategy. Their combined potential capacity exceeds 300,000 bpd. Yet the facilities have failed to reach their full potential despite more than $25 billion in public investment between 2003 and 2023.

The NNPC Ltd is now seeking private partners that will receive payment only when the refineries actually produce.

The approach contrasts with the previous model, which paid companies to rehabilitate the facilities regardless of their operating performance

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has said it will enter into negotiations with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC),to resolve teething issues related crude oil supply shortages to local refineries.

The NMDPRA, says enhanced crude supply to local refineries has become important as Nigeria now boosts of about 1.125 million barrels a day (bpd) of installed refining capacity, led by Dangote’s 700,000-bpd refinery, which has helped Nigeria become a net exporter of refined products.

The Agency hinted of Governments intention to refine all of its crude domestically, as the country targets production of 3 million barrels a day in the coming years.

Nigeria still faces major structural constraints, including crude supply shortages, underperforming state-owned refineries and concerns over excessive dependence on Dangote.

The Director General (DG) of the Authority Rabiu Umar, who dropped the hint in Lagos at the 49th annual conference of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, explained that that the federal government wants to end the pattern where much of its produced crude are exported and refined products on the other hand imported.

“Every molecule of our three million barrels per day that we hope to achieve in the coming years will be refined locally,” Umar said.

To achieve that goal, the NMDPRA is working with the NUPRC to enforce domestic crude supply obligations. Nigerian petroleum law requires producers to supply part of their crude output to domestic refineries.

Umar called the requirement “really, really important” for supporting the expansion of Nigeria’s refining industry.

Nigeria now has 1.125 million barrels per day of installed refining capacity, according to the NMDPRA. The country reached that level for the first time in its history. Dangote Refinery provides the bulk of that capacity. The facility reached its 700,000-bpd nameplate capacity during tests in June.

The refinery has also helped Nigeria become a net exporter of refined petroleum products. Dangote supplies 80% of domestic demand while exporting products to West Africa and Europe, Nigeria Housing Market reported in May.

The Agency’s 3 million-bpd production target represents almost twice Nigeria’s current output.

The NUPRC estimated June production at about 1.73 million bpd. Nigeria must therefore first almost double crude production before it can refine all of its output domestically. That expansion will require several years of investment.

However, refineries operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna are operating below capacity.

The NNPCL acknowledged in November 2025 that the facilities cannot match Dangote’s fuel quality.

Dangote refinery is also planning expansion to 1.4 million bpd. However, concerns remain over the risks that a single dominant refiner could pose to the country’s fuel supply, as Agence Ecofin reported in May.

State-owned refineries remain part of the strategy. Their combined potential capacity exceeds 300,000 bpd. Yet the facilities have failed to reach their full potential despite more than $25 billion in public investment between 2003 and 2023.

The NNPC Ltd is now seeking private partners that will receive payment only when the refineries actually produce.

The approach contrasts with the previous model, which paid companies to rehabilitate the facilities regardless of their operating performance

2027: Kebbi APC chieftain withdraws support for Tinubu, cites lack of recognition

An All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Kebbi State, Adamu Yahaya, popularly known as Adam Fakai, has announced the withdrawal of his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as a lack of recognition by party leaders.

Fakai made the announcement in a statement, saying he would no longer promote the activities and programmes of the Tinubu administration after spending more than two years publicising government projects and policies across the country.

According to him, he invested his personal resources, time and energy in promoting the administration because he believed in Tinubu’s leadership and development agenda but received no encouragement or support from APC leaders at either the state or federal level.

He alleged that some prominent political figures had used photographs and videos of Federal Government projects he documented without acknowledging or contacting him.

Fakai said the perceived lack of appreciation informed his decision to discontinue promoting the administration, adding that he believed he might have received greater support if he were from another state.

Despite his decision, he expressed appreciation to individuals who supported and encouraged him during the period.

Fakai became known on social media for visiting major Federal Government projects across the country and publishing photographs, videos and reports highlighting the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure and development initiatives.