Author: Aminu Ridwan

Travel agents in Nigeria report a slowdown in ticket bookings for Emirates flights due to the airline’s dollar-based charges and the stringent visa policies implemented by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirates recently announced the resumption of its services in Nigeria starting October 1, after a two-year suspension. Despite the resumption, bookings have been affected by these financial and regulatory hurdles. While Emirates offers competitive fares in dollars, the cost of converting naira to purchase tickets has proven to be a challenge for many travelers. Susan Akporaiye, managing director of Topaz Travels and Tours, noted that the dollarized ticket prices…

Alhaji Sherif Shagaya, Chairman of the Salman Shagaya Foundation, and Honourable Muktar Tolani Shagaya, member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, were present at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in support of the party’s chairmanship candidate, Hon. Abdulrahman Babatunde Ladan, alongside Vice Chairmanship candidate, Hon. Suliyat Oyindamola Olowu, and Ojuekun/Zarumi Ward Councilorship candidate, Hon. Aminu Abdulrazaq. The event took place at Oke Apomu Junior Secondary School. During the rally, Honourable Muktar Shagaya enjoined the electorate to support the APC in the upcoming polls, assuring them that Hon. Ladan would not disappoint. He emphasized that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has set a…

Boavista full-back Bruno Onyemaechi made a strong statement on Monday, scoring his first goal of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Estrela Amadora at Estádio José Gomes. The Nigerian international broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, showcasing his attacking capabilities alongside his defensive duties. Onyemaechi’s performance was not limited to his goal; he completed 23 passes and registered four tackles before being substituted in the 83rd minute. His well-rounded display highlighted his importance to Boavista and could potentially draw interest from bigger clubs. After the match, Onyemaechi shared a playful message on social media, asking fans to…

Nigeria’s inflation rate slowed to 32.15 percent in August 2024, driven by improved food supplies following the harvest season. This represents a decline from 33.40 percent in July, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The deceleration was largely attributed to the drop in prices of staple food items such as tomatoes, pepper, yam, and garri. Food inflation, which has been a significant contributor to the overall inflation rate, also eased, falling to 37.52 percent in August from 39.53 percent in the previous month. Analysts have credited the harvest season for this reduction, as the…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced the new prices for petrol sourced from the Dangote Refinery, revealing that a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will cost N950 in Lagos, while prices in Abuja, Kano, and Sokoto will soar as high as N999.22 per litre. In certain northern states, such as Borno, the price could reach N1,019 per litre, depending on logistics. This marks a significant shift in petrol pricing across the country, with varying costs based on geographical location. In a statement issued on Monday, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC spokesperson, said that the new prices are determined…

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery began supplying premium motor spirit (PMS) to filling stations nationwide on Sunday. This marks the first time in nearly three decades that a substantial portion of Nigeria’s PMS needs will be met domestically. The refinery, built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, has started producing petrol after overcoming initial disagreements over pricing and off-take rights. The $20 billion refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, is expected to alleviate Nigeria’s long-standing fuel shortages. Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria has struggled to refine its own crude, relying on imports to…

Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has revealed his intention to become a parent within the next five years. The controversial cross-dresser and social media influencer shared this personal aspiration during a recent interview with content creator Egungun of Lagos. When asked about his future plans, Bobrisky confidently stated, “I see myself in five years with beautiful children.” This announcement marks a significant shift in the public persona of Bobrisky, who is widely known for his extravagant lifestyle and bold social media presence. In addition to discussing his parenting goals, Bobrisky also opened up about his recent cosmetic surgery. He…

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday. Sowore, the founder of Sahara Reporters and a key figure in the #EndBadGovernance and #RevolutionNow movements, had just returned from the United States when he was intercepted by DSS operatives. The arrest, which comes amid increasing tension between the Nigerian government and its critics, is said to be tied to Sowore’s ongoing activism and his involvement in organizing protests against the government. Particularly, his role in the 10-day…

Lagos residents are eagerly anticipating the commencement of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line, which promises to alleviate commuting stress. The Red Line, spanning 37 kilometers from Agbado to Oyingbo, aims to reduce traffic congestion and slash travel times from over two hours by road to just 67 minutes by rail. The project, which is set to begin full operations by the last quarter of the year, will transport an estimated 500,000 passengers daily, generating over N200 million monthly in revenue. The train service also creates jobs, with approximately 320 Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) staff employed…

Nigeria’s rising economic challenges and insecurity are reshaping age-old traditions, forcing many to alter long-standing cultural practices. Events like traditional marriages, burials, and festivals, once rooted in villages, are now being held in cities or even overseas by Nigerians in the diaspora. Traditionally, marriages required the groom to visit the bride’s village to complete rites with her kinsmen. However, rising insecurity, particularly in the eastern part of the country, has led families like Hyacinth Nweke’s to host their daughter’s traditional marriage in Lagos instead of traveling to their hometown in Enugu. “We avoided the risk of traveling due to insecurity,…