Only one day after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's death, Israeli military forces announced on Thursday that they had killed Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif in an operation in mid-July. This would make Deif the highest-ranking Hamas military official to be killed in the war, though it is unclear how the actions will impact ceasefire talks.

When Deif was killed on July 13, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallan announced on X that his passing "is a significant milestone in the process of dismantling Hamas as a military and governing authority in Gaza, and in the achievement of the goals of this war." Gallan called the Hamas leader the "Osama Bin Laden of Gaza."

According to a Telegram post from Hamas official Izzat Al Rishq, "no news published in the media or by any other parties can be confirmed" unless the group's leadership makes the announcement. As of right now, Hamas has not confirmed the death.

According to the site, Deif's death was confirmed by new intelligence that Israeli officials had recently obtained. The strike that killed 90 Palestinians also occurred in a humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip.

The CORAN representative contended that unless the government addressed the exorbitant cost of fuel, particularly by collaborating with the regional refiners, it would be impossible to combat the rising inflation rate. If the price of petroleum products is not addressed at the pump, inflation cannot be controlled. You cannot claim to have a plan to reduce inflation while excluding important industries like refineries; you must include us and let's collaborate.

Furthermore, CORAN claims that we can entirely cease importing petroleum goods in 18 months if the Nigerian government cooperates with our plans and initiatives. Refineries exist in varying states of completion. We can create what Nigeria will need in eighteen months, he said.

Idoko stated that there is enough crude oil in Nigeria to support Dangote and other refineries, but the main issue facing the upstream oil industry has been crude theft. The crude oil we have is sufficient to run these refineries, and fresh fields are getting licenses every day. Thus, crude will be available to supply the refineries. The everyday theft of crude is the reason for our declining production rate.

Crude theft will decrease if there are refineries nearby. Since most refineries are situated close to some of these fields, people steal crude through the pipelines. Because of this, producers of crude oil won't have to worry about pumping their product through pipelines to the export terminal. "The local refineries will simply transport their products to these locations by truck, short pipeline, or barge from their fields. Because dishonest people are stealing petroleum from the lengthy pipes, we are losing a lot of money, Idoko said.

According to the CORAN official, local refineries are expected to purchase crude oil from foreign oil corporations at a price that is less than the international price. He requested that the Federal Government make sure that the price of crude oil is expressed in naira rather than dollars, citing the possibility of lower fuel production costs and less pressure on the local currency. He asked the IOCs to start selling fuel directly to local refiners rather than sending them to their trading representatives in Europe, mentioning that stopping fuel imports would boost the naira against the dollar.

The NMDPRA boss had earlier warned that Nigeria could not rely heavily on the Dangote refinery for its fuel supply. According to him, the refinery had requested the regulator to stop giving import licenses to other marketers to be the only fuel supplier in Nigeria.

"We cannot rely solely on one refinery to feed the country. Dangote is asking that all petroleum product imports, particularly AGO, be suspended or stopped and that all marketers be directed to the refinery. This is not good for the country's energy security.  And because of monopolies, that is bad for the market," Ahmed emphasized. Aliko Dangote, the president of the Dangote Group, refuted the accusation, questioning how he could have a monopoly when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is spending $4 billion to renovate government-owned facilities. The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged by many citizens to assist regional refineries and halt fuel imports.

They said they hoped this would drive down the price of gasoline and diesel at the pump. Dangote, who has been bemoaning the purported inability of foreign oil corporations to provide crude to his refineries, declared lately that he will start supplying gasoline between August 10 and August 12. However, if the current crude crisis continues, a Dangote Group official stated in confidence that the refinery may export its gasoline.

In a statement signed by their National Coordinator, Mrs. Bisi Bakare, the group—which operates under the auspices of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria—expressed shock at the regulator's accusations about the caliber of Dangote's fuel production. Bakare praised Dangote for making the audacious decision to build one of the biggest refineries in the world. She emphasized Dangote's resolve and patriotism by highlighting his significant investments, such as the refinery, and his dedication to the country's progress.

The majority of Dangote's business investments are made in the local area, she continued, and he has made sure to pay taxes, create a large number of jobs, and provide shareholders with steady profits.  The organization denounced what it called regulatory agencies' "unwarranted attempts to demarket the refinery." It issued a warning, stating that such measures might discourage foreign and local investment and jeopardize government efforts to guarantee fuel availability and maintain price stability. "We need to unite behind the Dangote refinery to offer vital support, like the distribution of crude oil, participation from foreign oil companies, and coordination with regulatory agencies," she stated.

According to Bakare, Nigeria may save approximately 30% of its foreign exchange expenditures on offshore refining if the refinery is built, which would greatly help the nation's foreign exchange problems. "As shareholders, we are unwavering in our commitment to supporting Alhaji Aliko Dangote's vision to strengthen the country's economy and expand opportunities for our citizens," the shareholder stated. IOCs criticized The Dangote Group Management maintained last week that the IOCs were still impeding the refinery's ability to provide crude oil to its 650,000-capacity facility. In a statement, the group alleged that the IOCs insisted on selling crude oil to its refinery through their foreign agents, saying the local price of crude will continue to increase because the trading arms offer cargoes at $2 to $4 per barrel, above NUPRC.

Adarabioyo is eligible to play for Nigeria, and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is actively courting him to abandon his English allegiance to the country. Football lovers have noticed this. Adarabioyo left Fulham after his contract ended and just signed with Chelsea as a free agent.

Despite being born in England to Nigerian parents, he has represented England at different young levels and has yet to make his senior team debut; his most recent appearance was with the U19 squad nine years ago. According to reports, the 26-year-old defender has been urged to think about playing for Nigeria by senior NFF officials. Adarabioyo, though, has declared that he hasn't decided yet. This comes after two previous rejections, one from Jose Peseiro in 2023 ahead of Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, in which they came in second to Ivory Coast.

Adarabioyo's hesitation, nevertheless, has drawn criticism from John Mikel Obi, a former captain of the Super Eagles. Mikel Obi recently chastised dual-national players on a podcast for waiting too long for European countries to call them up and then playing for African teams after they were past their prime. He gave the example of Shola Ameobi, who put off choosing to play for Nigeria to await a call-up from England and ultimately played just eight games for his country before retiring.

Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of Kano State, has given his approval for the Kano Pillars Football Club to appoint a new management group. This came after the previous Kano Pillars Football Club management board's term expired and was dissolved. This was said by the governor in a statement released on Sunday by Sunusi Tofa, his spokesperson. Based on the team's success in the next seasons, the new board members may be extended after their initial one-year term.

Salisu Kosawa is an honorary member of the new board, and Ali Umar (Nayara Mai Samba) is its chairman.

In addition, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Gwarzo, Muhammad Ibrahim (Hassan West), Nasiru Bello, and Yusuf Danladi (Andy Cole) will be members. Along with Mustapha Dankura, Ahmad Musbahu, Rabiu Abdullahi, and Usman Naisa, the media director and deputy media director positions will be held by Abubakar Yamalash and Ismail Tangalash, respectively.

Regarding the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, the presidential candidate states, "We won't be having a Last Supper, as portrayed the way they portrayed it." Former President Donald Trump will deliver the keynote speech at Turning Point Action's "The People's Convention" on June 15.

Donald Trump joined the chorus of right-wing critics denouncing the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony as a "disgrace" for showcasing drag performers in a manner reminiscent of the Last Supper.  During an interview on "The Ingraham Angle" on Fox News on Monday night, the former president was asked about the misguided issue by anchor Laura Ingraham.

I felt the opening ceremony was a disgrace,” Trump retorted.  Ingraham clarified, "The mocking of the Last Supper," to which he replied, "I thought it was a disgrace." The host went on to say that what they see as a parody of the faith has "Catholics and Christians across the country, across the globe, outraged." They can, after all, do certain things. I think that was awful," Trump went on. 

He inquired whether he could stop acts of this nature that would be erroneously branded as "insulting" to Christians from taking place at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics if he were to win the 2024 election. The presidential candidate declared, "We won't be having a Last Supper, as portrayed the way they portrayed it the other night." "I support everyone." I have a pretty open mind. You are the one who knows me the best out of everyone. Although I have a pretty open mind, I found what they did shameful.

After the controversy, Thomas Jolly, the ceremony's designer in Paris, effectively rejected any relation to the Last Supper. The scene was essentially an "interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus" that "makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings," according to many, including the official Olympics X account.

Whatever the source of inspiration, the participation of drag queens like host of "Drag Race France," Nicky Doll, in the performance caused a strong backlash, especially from right-wing political quarters.  "Last night's mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games," Speaker Mike Johnson said on X. He went on, "Today, the battle against our faith and traditional values knows no bounds." However, we are aware that morality and the truth will always win out. According to John 1:5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

In an apparent attempt to resolve the recent altercations between the two parties, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), hosted Dangote and representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) yesterday for what the ministry described as a crucial meeting. Additionally present were the leaders of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), according to a statement issued by the minister's spokesperson, Amaka Okafor.

Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), hosted Dangote and representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) yesterday in what the ministry called a critical meeting. This appeared to be an attempt to resolve the recent altercations between the two parties. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) leadership were also present at the meeting, according to a statement issued by the minister's spokesperson, Amaka Okafor.

The House of Representatives has demanded that the Federal Government place Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, on leave while the investigations into the claims made against what it referred to as the CEO's "unguarded statement" are completed. During Tuesday's plenary, the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance regarding the need to address issues arising from Farouk's remarks regarding the country's local refineries. The motion was sponsored by Esosa Iyawe, the member representing Esosa Federal Constituency in Edo State. The legislator stated that engine hardware might be affected by fuel quality and reminded his colleagues that allegations of tampered fuel in the Nigerian market need to be looked into in detail.

He explained that because the excessive sulfur concentration in fuels damages engines and adds to air pollution, ultra-low sulfur diesel is advised for all kinds of power plants, storage tanks, industrial facilities, fleets, heavy equipment, and even ships.

He stated that nations all around the world have taken action to control sulfur because of the different threats it poses. These efforts have resulted in rules that demand a maximum decrease of sulfur emissions, to which diesel makers are obliged to comply. However, the Labour Party MP pointed out that, as agreed by the Economic Community of West African States, the NMDPRA allows regional refiners to manufacture diesel with a maximum sulfur concentration of 650 parts per million till January 2025. According to the head of the NMDPRA, which he mentioned, the diesel produced at the Dangote Refinery is not as good as diesel that is imported into the nation, and the fuel's sulfur concentration is high—between 650 and 1,200 parts per million.

Nigerians are facing further economic hardship and calls for a statewide demonstration against President Bola Tinubu's administration are growing. In response, the Federal Government has asked for more time and assured the people that the problem is being handled urgently.

This message was delivered on Wednesday in Abuja by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, following a Federal Executive Council meeting called by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Idris stated that the government is dedicated to addressing all concerns in a way that preserves peace and stability throughout the nation and referred to the planned protests as a "family matter."

The Minister emphasized that the administration is concentrated on putting solutions in place to lessen the burdens while also acknowledging the justifiable concerns of the populace.

He underlined that during this time of economic transition, communication, and tolerance are crucial.

Following the private meeting, Idris addressed reporters and stated, "We came together to discuss." As you can see, several of the ministers are present, and this is taking place at the SGF's office rather than the Council Chambers. We've talked about matters of national importance, and since we're all working for Nigeria, we think and hope that the country will once again be great.

"There won't be any sleepers. The people who are inciting unrest and calling for protests are Nigerians; we are all Nigerians, as are our brothers, sisters, and other individuals in positions of power, including ministers, the president, and all of us. This is therefore a family issue. This is a family problem in Nigeria, and we are all carefully considering it hoping that peace will ultimately win. 

When asked if there had been any communication between the government and the protest organizers and stakeholders, Idris replied that there has always been constant communication.

"This is not an odd circumstance. There has been constant engagement. Every major stakeholder has had multiple meetings with the president. Along with other government employees, I have been interacting with stakeholders and other important parties.

"We will keep engaging because it is in Nigeria's best interests to do so. We understand that this is the only nation we have, and ultimately, Nigeria would benefit from this for all of us, he said.

In response to claims made by a few prominent Nigerians, such as Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, that the protests must continue, Idris stated that the senior attorney had a democratic right to voice his opinions.

"Falana is a unique individual. Since we live in a democracy, everyone is free to express their opinions. This is a democratic scenario, and the demonstrators are also Nigerians. I keep emphasizing that we are all Nigerians and that we are all working for Nigeria, but let me just point out that yesterday, Mr. President stated that there was no need for protests and that everyone should calm down.

"A lot is occurring, Nigeria will continue to advance, and we think that the government that emerges will be beneficial to the country. We don't believe that any kind of protest is necessary; instead, we are calling for serenity and a peaceful solution to any problem.

You are allowed to post anything you want online, but the government is adamant that since we are all Nigerians, we must maintain our composure and be patient. Suffice it to say, let's give peace a chance. Everybody is working around the clock, including the president and his ministers.

As I mentioned yesterday, the President is listening to all of us, and he has a message for all Nigerians: please calm down and allow him some more time. All of their requests and entreaties will be granted," he continued.

Among the ministers present were Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Planning), Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties), Tahir Mamman (Education), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), and Nyesom Wike (FCT).

Other notables included Bello Matawalle (Defense), David Umahi (Works), Wale Edun (Finance), Mohammed Idris (Information), and Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Obiageli Ezekwesili, the former minister of education, has urged President Bola Tinubu to start an impartial audit of the NNPC and Dangote Refinery transactions right away.

"I kept quiet about the Dangote refinery-NNPC saga because I believe that evidence should always guide our opinion," the speaker stated. But as more and more details began to emerge from both sides, it is reasonable to assume that something mysterious has occurred and that it must be thoroughly investigated to hold the public accountable. Additionally, urgently. In the full view of the local and global investment community, how can a project that by definition became a "national interest project" be tarnished by such a serious and embarrassing controversy?

According to Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, he does not possess a blending plant located outside of Nigeria.
This was said by Kyari on Tuesday, July 23, in response to rumors that certain NNPC officials owned mixing facilities in Malta.

In response, Kyari posted on his X handle, which was once Twitter, stating that he had received a lot of calls from friends and family inquiring if he owned a blending factory in Malta.

Kyari declared that, other than a small-scale local agricultural endeavor, he does not own or run any businesses anywhere in the world, either directly or through a proxy.

Additionally, he stated that he is not aware of any NNPC employee who owns or runs a blending factory in Malta or any other country.  "I am receiving a ton of questions from friends, family, and colleagues on the public statement made by the Dangote Group President stating that certain NNPC employees have set up a blending factory in Malta, which is preventing the purchase of petroleum products made locally.

To address the claims regarding the blending plant, let me say that, aside from a small agricultural venture here in the area, I do not own or run any business directly or through a proxy anywhere in the world. Moreover, I am not aware of any NNPC employee who does so in Malta or anywhere else in the world.

My relatives, friends, and associates are contacting me nonstop with questions over the public statement made by the president of Dangote Group stating that certain NNPC employees have set up a blending factory in Malta, which is preventing purchases of petroleum products made locally.

To address the claims regarding the blending plant, let me say that, aside from a small agricultural venture here in the area, I do not own or run any business directly or through a proxy anywhere in the world. Moreover, I am not aware of any NNPC employee who does so in Malta or anywhere else in the world.

A blending plant located in Malta, or anywhere else in the world, has no bearing on the commercial dealings and strategic decisions of NNPC.

If such crimes are committed by any NNPC officer, the organization's head warned to punish them.

The Special Advisor on Communication and Strategy to the President, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has been given 72 hours by Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, to pay N5 billion in damages and issue a public apology for libel and defamation that will be published in four national newspapers, or face legal action.

Obi insisted that Mr. Onanuga take back the outrageous accusation that he was connected to the August large demonstration.

Remember how the Presidential Spokesman asserted on July 20, 2024, using his X handle @aonanuga1956, that Obi should be held accountable for the chaos and that Peter Ob's supporters were the ones preparing mayhem in Nigeria.

The allegation, which was widely publicized in social and mainstream media and read by many both inside and outside the country, maligned Obi's hard-earned reputation as a man who indulges in violence when all of his prior experiences demonstrate that he abhors violence even in the face of extreme provocation. Obi made this claim through his attorney, Chief Alex Ejesieme, SAN of the MADIBA Chambers.

"Our client believes that the publication was a planned scheme to disparage, mock, shame, and embarrass him in the eyes of every rational member of society," the legal representative wrote.

The letter went on to say that since well-wishers from all over the world have flooded Obi with messages of shock, the accusation may have succeeded in its petty goal.

"Despite being referred to as "Okwute" or "the Rock," our client has suffered significant emotional harm as a result of the scandalous and insulting publication, especially considering his exceptional career management in both public and private life. As a result, we have our clients' mandate that you withdraw the statement published in the publication and offer him an unconditional apology within 72 hours of receiving this letter in at least four national newspapers, including your verified X"@aonanuga1956.