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ASUU gives 20 universities 14-day ultimatum, threatens strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has authorised branches in 20 universities to issue 14-day ultimatums to their respective authorities before embarking on strike over the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.

The decision was reached at the union’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held at the University of Abuja on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, 2026.

According to the resolutions signed by the ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, NEC expressed concern over what it described as the haphazard implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement and the federal government’s failure to release subvention needed to fully implement the agreement.

The union also faulted visitors to several state-owned universities that had yet to implement the agreement.

Consequently, NEC authorised branches that had approached it for approval to begin procedures for industrial action, subject to the issuance of a 14-day ultimatum.

The affected institutions are Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Gombe State University; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Abia State University, Uturu; and University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

Others are Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Kaduna State University; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Northwest University Kano; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Imo State University, Owerri; Niger Delta University; University of Africa, Toru-Orua; Bayelsa Medical University; and Taraba State University, Jalingo.

ASUU directed that upon the expiration of the ultimatums, the affected branches should embark on strike to press home their demands.

admin by — August 11, 2026 in News 0
OPay bets on digital savings to build financial resilience

OPay is seeking to deepen Nigeria’s savings culture with the launch of its 49-day 7 Savings Festival, a nationwide campaign designed to encourage customers to save consistently while earning competitive returns.

The initiative, powered by OWealth, runs from 10 August to 27 September 2026, and offers eligible participants an interest rate of 27 percent per annum, daily interest and access to a N77m additional interest pool.

The campaign comes as households and small businesses continue to navigate changing spending patterns and rising living costs, making financial planning and disciplined saving increasingly important.

Under the initiative, customers can create Target Savings plans ranging from N77,000 to N777,000 and save towards specific financial goals throughout the campaign period.

Customers who maintain their savings until their target is completed without making an early withdrawal will qualify for the 27 per cent annual interest, daily interest and a potential share of the N77m additional interest pool.

OPay said the initiative is designed not merely to attract deposits but to encourage customers to develop consistent savings habits.

The fintech is positioning the campaign as part of a broader shift in digital financial services, where platforms are increasingly moving beyond payments and transfers to provide products that help consumers manage, preserve and grow their money.

The OWealth platform allows participants to monitor their savings targets, track progress and view applicable rewards during the campaign, with the aim of improving transparency and encouraging accountability.

Chief Commercial Officer at OPay, Elizabeth Wang, said the initiative was aimed at helping Nigerians develop stronger financial habits.

“The OPay 7 Savings Festival reflects our commitment to helping Nigerians build stronger financial habits. By saving consistently towards their goals, customers can enjoy rewarding benefits, including an interest rate of 27 per cent per annum, while building financial confidence on a platform they can trust,” she said.

How the savings campaign works

Customers can participate by logging into the OPay app and accessing the 7 Savings Festival page.

They are required to create a Target Savings plan between N77,000 and N777,000 and save towards their selected target.

The campaign opens on 10th August, while new Target Savings plans can be created until 20 September 2026.

Final interest earnings and distributions from the N77m additional interest pool are scheduled for 27 September 2026.

OPay said the campaign forms part of its wider efforts to promote financial well-being by making savings more accessible and rewarding.

The company added that stronger savings habits among individuals and small businesses could contribute to greater household financial resilience and, more broadly, support economic stability.

Established in Nigeria in 2018, OPay is a fintech company offering digital financial services including money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchases, and merchant payments.

The company is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and its deposits are insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation under the applicable deposit insurance framework.

admin by — August 11, 2026 in Business 0
MTN Nigeria spent N1.63tn on CAPEX – CFO

MTNThe Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria Plc, Modupe Kadri, has disclosed that the telecom firm spent N1,63tn on capital investment in the last 18 months.

He announced this at the firm’s 25th anniversary celebration, which was commemorated with an exhibition at its headquarters in Lagos on Monday.

“So, over the last 18 months, we spent N1.63m on CAPEX or capital investments. Basically, prior to January 2025, when the regulator gave us a tariff increase. Before that time, there was no increase in prices. So, what we’ve done since then is that we’ve committed over a trillion to CAPEX.

“We’ve also paid over N620bn in terms of taxes and levies. And one thing you need to understand is that at the top line, 2.5 per cent of everything you see is actually operating licence. So, that’s how it works. And we continue to meet our obligations in terms of our licence and insurance,” Kadri explained.

According to the CFO, investing Nigerians have enjoyed appreciable capital gain since MTN listed at the Nigerian Exchange in 2021.

MTN Nigeria shares were first listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian capital market on May 16, 2019, through a listing by introduction, when 20.35 billion of its existing ordinary shares were listed at N90 per share.

MTN Nigeria shares traded at N845 per share at the close of trading on the Nigerian Exchange on Monday.

“And while today gives us every reason to be proud of the past, anniversaries should never become excesses in nostalgia. The most important question is not what we accomplished in the last 25 years.

The most important question is what will the next 25 years make possible? Is it artificial intelligence? Internet? 5G? And technology that is emerging? If the transformation between 2001 and 2026 has been extraordinary, I believe what lies ahead can be even more profound,” Kadri asserted.

The General Manager, Access Planning and Optimisation, MTN, Nasiru Hayatu, disclosed that the telco currently had over 92 million subscribers, making it the largest telcom firm in the country.

He explained that the firm had been able to manage the significant rise in its subscriber base with the adoption of step-by-step optimisation.

“Step-by-step optimisation is something that we do every year. We have tools that allow us to forecast. We have tools that allow us to look for new areas of opportunity for our architectures,” he added.

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, emphasised that the firm had no plan to delve into device sales, noting that it would continue to expand its relationship with original equipment manufacturers of mobile devices to enable Nigerians to enjoy the latest technologies.

“So, what we are doing is further tasking our partners and expanding the possible scope of partnerships to ensure that they don’t just come in and want to concentrate on the other areas that they want to focus on in the region but recognise that the opportunity lies across the entire space of the country,” she said.

Also, the firm’s Chief Digital Officer, Aisha Umar- Mumuni, promised that MTN Nigeria would continue to give Nigerians interesting family content like the Next Afrobest Star, whose second edition was underway.

Meanwhile, during the exhibition tour, the firm’s Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, Ugonwa Nwoye, took journalists through the evolution that the telco had undergone, like Project Fame, Extra Cool, etc.

MTN started commercial operations in Nigeria in August 2001, after its historic first test call made on May 16, 2001, at Maritime House in Apapa, Lagos.

admin by — August 11, 2026 in Business 0
UBA, Mikano offer 70% vehicle financing to Nigerian buyers

UBAUnited Bank for Africa Plc has partnered Mikano Motors to offer financing covering up to 70 per cent of the cost of new vehicles, as lenders and auto dealers seek to make vehicle ownership more accessible amid rising vehicle prices.

Under the “Drive Your Dream Today” scheme unveiled in Lagos, eligible customers are required to provide a 30 per cent down payment, while UBA finances the remaining 70 per cent.

The financed amount is repayable over 36 months at an interest rate of 23 per cent, according to the partners.

The scheme is open to both salaried and self-employed Nigerians, including entrepreneurs and other eligible customers who may not have conventional monthly salaries.

The partnership was unveiled at the Mikano Motors showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos, with UBA saying the initiative is aimed at expanding access to consumer credit and encouraging a stronger credit culture.

UBA’s Group Executive Director-designate, Personal and Business Banking, Chidi Okpala, said the arrangement was designed to reduce the upfront financial burden associated with vehicle purchases.

“A customer puts down 30 per cent, we finance the rest, and they pay us back comfortably over a three-year period,” Okpala said.

He said the partnership reflected the bank’s broader effort to provide credit products that respond to customers’ everyday financial needs.

UBA’s Group Head, Consumer Lending, Frank Okoh, said the financing structure was designed to accommodate both salaried workers and business owners.

According to him, prospective customers can begin the process by undergoing an eligibility check at a UBA branch or through the bank’s consumer lending email channel.

Once approved, customers can approach Mikano Motors for a proforma invoice for their preferred vehicle and proceed with the financing process.

For Mikano Motors, the partnership is expected to expand the pool of Nigerians able to purchase its vehicles through structured financing.

General Manager of Mikano Motors, Tarek Mostafa, said the company would complement the financing arrangement with sales and after-sales support.

He said the company provides genuine spare parts, maintenance and other after-sales services to customers across the country.

The partnership comes as vehicle affordability remains a major constraint for many Nigerians, particularly as the cost of new vehicles has risen sharply in recent years.

By allowing buyers to spread the financed portion of the purchase price over three years, the initiative shifts part of the vehicle acquisition burden from an upfront payment to scheduled repayments.

The arrangement also deepens UBA’s consumer lending activities by linking bank credit directly to the purchase of a tangible asset.

admin by — August 11, 2026 in Business 0
Dangote, NUPRC differ over Q2 crude supply

Crude oilThe commission said the refinery had required 63 million barrels during the quarter, but producers offered a higher volume.

“At the level of refinery participation, the statistics show that the Dangote Refinery required 63 million barrels in Q2, but the producers offered higher volumes of 68.1 million barrels. The 68.1 million barrels offered to the Dangote Refinery by producers represents 98 per cent of all offered volumes.

“Eventually, 52.6 million barrels were accepted by the Dangote refinery. This implies that the refinery only accepted 78 per cent of what it was offered,” the NUPRC stated.

The development formed part of the commission’s assessment of compliance with the DCSO, which requires oil producers to make crude available to domestic refineries in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

According to a statement by the NUPRC spokesman, Eniola Akinkuotu, a total of 53.7 million barrels of crude oil and condensate were supplied to local refiners between April and June, representing an overall performance rate of 97.4 per cent.

It said the DCSO was being actively administered and enforced through monthly consultations with crude oil producers and local licensed refineries.

“However, in line with the PIA, the framework operates on a ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ basis, which shapes eventual outcomes,” the commission stated.

The NUPRC said 18.13 million barrels were allocated to producers in April, while 19.31 million barrels were offered to refiners. Actual supply stood at 20.88 million barrels, representing 114.9 per cent performance against the allocation.

In May, it was stated that producers were allocated 18.78 million barrels and offered 23.19 million barrels to local refiners, but actual supply fell to 14.23 million barrels, representing 75.8 per cent compliance.

In June, 18.17 million barrels were allocated to producers, who offered 26.84 million barrels to refiners. The refiners eventually took 18.61 million barrels, representing 102.4 per cent performance.

The commission attributed the improvement in DCSO performance to increased local oil production and the signing of long-term crude supply agreements backed by bankable sales and purchase agreements between producers and domestic refiners.

“The commission observed that the improvement in DCSO coincided with an increase in local oil production and the signing of the long-term crude supply agreement supported by bankable sales and purchase agreements between the producers and domestic refiners,” it said.

The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to the Federal Government’s objective of achieving energy sufficiency, saying it would continue to enforce the DCSO framework while sustaining recent gains in crude oil production.

“The commission reaffirms its commitment to achieving the government’s objective of energy sufficiency. Leveraging the framework of the PIA, 2021, the commission aims to sustain recent gains in crude oil production while continuously enforcing the DCSO,” it stated.

However, Dangote spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, asked the NUPRC to show proof of the crude offered and rejected.

“Let them show us the statistics, we’ll now compare and check, and then we’ll come back to you. That’s all. Because they can’t just by word of mouth tell you, ‘Oh, we give this to Dangote’. It’s crude, it’s not pepper.

“If they have the statistics, let them send it to us and the period it was done, then I will now come back to you to match it. That’s all,” he reacted.

admin by — August 11, 2026 in Business 0
Osun 2026: Gov Adeleke, Oyetola trade accusations over poll

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have exchanged accusations over the credibility of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

The disagreement followed comments by Oyetola, a former Osun governor and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, who said Adeleke should prepare to lose the forthcoming election.

Oyetola made the statement on Saturday while addressing APC stakeholders and supporters in Osun State as the party intensified its campaign ahead of the poll.

He maintained that Adeleke’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election would not prevent the APC from reclaiming the Osun governorship seat.

Speaking in Yoruba, Oyetola said, “They realised that they are already losing out. Then they claimed to have endorsed us. He almost cried. Endorsement cannot retain this seat for you. We are taking it over.”

The former governor added, “If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you.”

Adeleke, however, interpreted the statement as a threat to the conduct of the governorship election, accusing the APC of preparing to manipulate the process.

The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in which Adeleke urged democracy advocates and relevant authorities to take note of Oyetola’s remarks.

Adeleke said the people of Osun would resist any attempt to interfere with their constitutional right to freely elect their preferred candidate during Saturday’s election.

He also defended his endorsement of Tinubu, arguing that it demonstrated his political strength and ability to mobilise support for the President ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to Adeleke, Oyetola’s actions were hurting the APC’s standing in Osun and affecting the image of the President.

He said, “A serving minister of the Republic had made an open threat against a free and fair election.

“The minister has personally confirmed all previous reports that Osun APC has lost the electoral confidence of the people and is therefore focused only on rigging next Saturday.”

Adeleke declared, “As for us, we are winning this election by the grace of God and mass support of the people. We are not going to snatch the democratic rights of the people as Mr Oyetola had threatened. We will be re-elected by the choice of the voters.”

admin by — August 10, 2026 in News 0
2027: APC Forum urges North-Central first term governors to sit up

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has urged first term governors elected on the platform of the party in the zone to sit up in order to ensure their return for a second term.

The North-Central APC Forum asserted that improved performance by the governors will translate to victory for the party in the forthcoming election.

The APC Forum made the call on Sunday in a statement released by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, after a second quarter stakeholders consultative meeting in Abuja.

First term governors in the North-Central, who are seeking re-election in the 2027 election, include Ahmed Ododo, Kogi, Hyacinth Alia, Benue, Mohammad Bago, Niger and Caleb Muftwang, Plateau.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Abdullahi Sule, the governors of Kwara and Nasarawa, respectively, the two other states in the North-Central, are rounding off their second terms in office.

The North-Central APC Forum, while expressing a desire for the APC to retain the control of all the states in the zone after the 2027 elections, said the performance of the first term governors will go a long way in determining their chances of re-election.

It urged the governors to step up in the provision of dividends of democracy as the elections approach.

“We urge the first term governors in the North-Central to sit up in the discharge of their duties as the elections draw closer. Our target as the North-Central APC Forum is that the party will continue to retain control of all the states in the zone.

“As leaders of the party in their respective states, we urge the governors to take the lead towards ensuring that the North-Central remains totally under the control of the APC after the elections. The North-Central was the first geopolitical zone to come under the control of one party, APC, and we as stakeholders are proud of the feat.

“As stakeholders and dedicated party men, we declare our resolve to ensure that the North-Central retains its enviable position as the number one APC zone in the country. To this end, we are calling on the first governors to redouble their efforts in the provision of dividends of democracy to the people. We particularly urge them to pay special attention to security, the economy, agriculture, education, youth and women empowerment, and the general welfare of citizens,” the Forum said.

However, the North-Central APC Forum in the same vein commended the governors of Niger and Plateau states for their achievements in office.

The Forum noted that Bago and Muftwang have recorded notable achievements in various sectors, which it said have improved the living conditions of citizens in the two states. It highlighted improved security, economic advancement especially through investment in modernized agriculture, and empowerment programmes initiated by the governors in their states.

The Forum said Bago and Muftwang have prioritized the welfare of workers and implemented policies which have improved business activities, thereby attracting much needed private investment.

“Following the second quarter 2026 assessment of governance in the North-Central, we believe that the governors of Plateau and Niger states, Mohammed Umaru Bago and Caleb Muftwang, respectively, have recorded commendable achievements in various sectors.

“The Bago administration in Niger State has recorded major infrastructure and industrial projects including the 1,000km statewide road network and flyovers, 500-hectare solar farm and industrial park in Diko/Sabon Wuse, the Minna urban renewal and overhead bridge expansion, and the 500-unit housing estate in Kontagora.

“In Plateau State, the Muftwang administration has executed several landmark infrastructure, as well as agricultural and tourism projects, including the 19.7 km Mangu Bypass, the Plateau Potato Value Chain Project, and the remodeling of hospitality and sports centers like the Hill Station Hotel and Rwang Pam Township Stadium.

“Added to these, the administrations have recorded improvements in security and economic empowerment and several other sectors, which we believe would ensure victory for the APC in the 2027 election. Other first term governors in the zone have also made progress, but we urge all of them to do even more as the elections approach. It is our fervent desire that the North-Central retains its pride of place an the number one APC zone in the country at the end of the 2027 elections,” the Forum added.

The APC Forum expressed confidence that, with the strides recorded by Bago and Muftwang, and the performance of other governors, the pledge to deliver six million votes from the North-Central to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election is on course.

It would be recalled that, in December 2024, the Forum became the first political organization to endorse Tinubu for a second term, pledging six million votes for the President from the North-Central zone.

admin by — August 10, 2026 in News 0
Transfer: Costa joins Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr

Saudi Pro League giants, Al-Nassr have secured their first signing of the summer transfer window, bringing in Portugal international, Samu Costa.

Costa will join his national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo at the club as they look to retain the league title they won last season.

Costa is expected to make a significant contribution to the Knights of Najd, stepping in for Marcelo Brozovic, who left the club as a free agent earlier this summer.

Before his transfer, Costa gained recognition at Almeria and subsequently moved to Real Mallorca in 2023.

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder showcased his talent last year, leading to reports that an agreement was reached for his transfer to Ronaldo’s team for €9 million as early as last July.

The Knights of Najd have faced a financial crisis this summer, which hindered their ability to make new signings.

Fortunately, they have recently resolved some financial issues, allowing them to officially finalize the signing of Samu Costa.

The announcement of Costa’s signing was made on Al-Nassr’s official X page, featuring the Portuguese star dressed as a knight.

admin by — August 10, 2026 in News 0
WAFCON 2026: Highest goalscorers ahead of semi-final fixtures [Top 10]

Zambia striker, Barbra Banda is the highest goalscorer at the ongoing CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, ahead of the semi-final fixtures on Wednesday.

Banda has five goals to her name, and she is one goal ahead of Ivory Coast’s Inès Konan.

The 26-year-old will not play in the WAFCON semi-final stage after the Copper Queens failed to qualify from the group stage.

DAILY POST reports that Algeria will face Malawi in the semi-final on Wednesday evening, while Morocco will tackle Cameroon in the other semi-final fixture.

2026 WAFCON’s highest goal scorers so far ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final fixtures:

Barbra Banda (Zambia) – 5 goals

Inès Konan (Ivory Coast) – 4 goals

Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa) – 3 goals

Temwa Chawinga (Malawi) – 3 goals

Marie Ngah (Cameroon) – 3 goals

Marine Dafeur (Algeria) – 2 goals

Sakina Ouzraoui (Morocco) – 2 goals

Uchenna Kanu (Nigeria) – 2 goals

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) – 2 goals

Asissat Oshoala (Nigeria) – 2 goals

admin by — August 10, 2026 in News 0
Lagos govt warns celebrities, influencers against patronising ‘agberos’

Lagos State Government has appealed to celebrities, social media influencers and other members of the public to stop actions that could encourage the activities of street urchins, popularly referred to as agberos, across the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the appeal in a post on X on Sunday after being tagged in a video documentary depicting the activities of street urchins in Lagos.

Reacting to the footage, Wahab said the state government had repeatedly carried out operations to apprehend and remove street urchins from various locations.

He, however, noted that the financial assistance and patronage received from some members of the public continued to undermine efforts to keep the streets free of such activities.

“The state government has consistently apprehended and dislodged these street urchins from various locations across the state.

“However, the continued financial support and patronage they receive from some influencers, celebrities, and members of the public, as seen in this video, inadvertently encourage them to return to the streets and, in some cases, view it as a lucrative means of livelihood, while also breeding a sense of entitlement,” he wrote.

The commissioner acknowledged that the government has a responsibility to maintain law and order and protect residents, but stressed that the public also has a role to play in addressing the problem.

Wahab urged residents to avoid actions that could promote street begging, lawlessness, insecurity and activities that create environmental problems on Lagos roads.

“We urge everyone to desist from activities that may inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisance on our roads.

“Collective responsibility and cooperation are essential to building a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos,” he added.

admin by — August 10, 2026 in News 0