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.

Davido, Bashir Ahmad set to clash in Osun as APC, Acord Party intensify campaign

Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and an All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, Bashir Ahmad may clash in Osun State on Tuesday ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

DAILY POST recalls that the duo traded jabs on Thursday after President Bola Tinubu held a telephone conversation with the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is Davido’s uncle.

Following the call, Davido took to his X handle to celebrate the development, stating that he “was there live! I witnessed history.”

Reacting, Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, said he had bookmarked the singer’s post, suggesting that Davido would return to the platform to lament the outcome of the governorship election.

However, Davido fired back by mocking Ahmad over his recent performance in the APC primary election, where he allegedly secured 16 votes.

The singer also accused the former presidential aide of failing to impact the lives of people in his community positively despite serving in government for eight years.

Responding in a follow-up post, Bashir disclosed that he would be in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, from Tuesday, August 11, for the APC campaign rallies.

“I will be in Osogbo from 11th, David,” Bashir wrote.

Meanwhile, the governorship race has gathered momentum, with APC’s Bola Oyebamiji and the Accord Party’s incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke intensifying their campaigns ahead of the August 15 poll.

Kebbi gov approves creation of two new districts in Argungu

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved the creation of two new districts in Argungu Local Government Area as part of efforts to strengthen local administration and traditional institutions in the state.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar Dutsinmari, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi.

According to the statement, the decision followed the resolution of the Argungu Local Government Council to create additional districts within the local government area.

The commissioner said the newly created Yamman District, with headquarters in Gungu, will be headed by Alhaji Abubakar Mohammad Mera, while Darikwai Muhammadu Ibrahim has been appointed as the District Head of the upgraded Gwagwange District.

He explained that the creation of the new district and the upgrading of Gwagwange District were carried out in line with the provisions of the Kebbi State Local Government Law, 2008, Section 10 (A) and (B), which empower local governments to create and upgrade districts.

Dutsinmari urged the newly appointed district heads to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, honesty, transparency and dedication, noting that their appointments were based on merit and track records.

He also assured them of the continued support of the state government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the discharge of their duties.

Abiodun declares no safe haven for kidnappers as security forces rescue abducted Ogun students

The Ogun State Government on Thursday recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, with the successful rescue of the seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers earlier this week.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the company of security chiefs and some of the rescued students, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no hiding place anywhere in Ogun State.

The Governor disclosed that the rescue was achieved through a coordinated security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters.

“I am pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that in the early hours of today, Thursday, August 6, 2026, the combined security operation successfully rescued all seven victims alive.

“One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical attention. The student has since been stabilised.

“This operation is still ongoing, and I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal enterprise,” he said.

Governor Abiodun revealed that the operation received a significant boost after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, approved the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance, a move that proved crucial to the successful rescue of the students.

“Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor,” the Governor declared.

He added that security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who remain at large.

According to him, recent joint security initiatives, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, have demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained operational pressure against criminal elements.

Governor Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to combating banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country, noting that the recent rescue of 308 abducted victims by Nigerian security forces underscores the growing effectiveness of coordinated security operations nationwide. (Reuters)

“At this juncture, I must acknowledge the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has placed the restoration of peace and security at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda through sustained investment in the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“The strengthening of intelligence coordination, the acquisition of modern security assets and his deliberate reforms have continued to deepen inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

The Governor further noted that the Federal Government has continued to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, adding that the recent approval of a substantial salary increase for officers and men of the Armed Forces would further boost personnel welfare and morale.

He said the successful rescue of the 308 kidnapped victims demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of coordinated security operations across the country, restoring public confidence, strengthening national security and reinforcing Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for both local and foreign investment. (Reuters)

Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the families of the victims, the students and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their patience, cooperation and support throughout the rescue operation.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to invest in security infrastructure and provide the necessary logistical support to security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

Speaking during the briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Mr. Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that no ransom was paid to secure the students’ freedom, stressing that the rescue was achieved solely through the coordinated efforts of security operatives.

The police commissioner further revealed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were already providing useful information to investigators, while security agencies had intensified the manhunt for other fleeing members of the gang.