Business

Shell’s Tax Contributions to Nigerian Government Reach $2.45 Billion in Two Years

During the years 2022 and 2023, the Nigerian government collected corporate taxes and royalties totaling $1.36 billion and $1.09 billion, respectively, from Shell Nigeria's operations conducted through Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Limited. The details were revealed in the 2023 Shell Briefing Notes recently published by the company, according to a statement by Abimbola Essien-Nelson, the firm’s Media Relations Manager. Further breakdown showed that SPDC paid $442 million, while SNEPCo remitted $649 million in taxes in 2023 alone to the Nigerian government. However, there was a $27 billion decrease in tax remittances in 2023 compared to the previous year. “These payments are solely from Shell and ...
Why Lionel Messi is Dominating MLS – Insights from a Pundit
Sports

Why Lionel Messi is Dominating MLS – Insights from a Pundit

In the world of Major League Soccer (MLS), Lionel Messi has been a standout performer, and football pundit Andrew Wiebe sheds light on his success. One key factor behind Messi's stellar performance is the reluctance of defenders to challenge him directly. With a remarkable record of 12 goals and 11 assists this season for Inter Miami, Messi continues to impress with his on-field prowess. Setting new benchmarks each time he plays, the Argentine star is rewriting the narrative of his MLS journey. In a recent game where Inter Miami outplayed NY Red Bulls with a score of 6-2, Messi contributed significantly with 1 goal and 5 assists. During a discussion on the MLS Wrap-Up, Wiebe pointed out that the main reason defenders steer clear of Messi is the fear of being outwitted by his skillfuln...
Allegations of Panic and Defeat Looming over Edo Governorship Race
Politics

Allegations of Panic and Defeat Looming over Edo Governorship Race

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have raised concerns about the recent actions of Governor Godwin Obaseki and other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, indicating a sense of panic within their camp ahead of the upcoming governorship election. In a statement, these leaders accused Governor Obaseki, the PDP, and its candidate Asue Ighodalo of orchestrating a smear campaign against the APC's governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The APC Vanguard members claimed that the sudden desperation exhibited by the PDP, Obaseki, and Ighodalo stems from their anticipation of a significant defeat in the upcoming polls. A group of Civil Society Organizations recently held a press conference and lodged complaints with various authorities, alleging tha...
Ademola Lookman reveals toughest match at AFCON 2023, snubs Ivory Coast and South Africa
Sports

Ademola Lookman reveals toughest match at AFCON 2023, snubs Ivory Coast and South Africa

During the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Super Eagles striker Ademola Lookman disclosed the most challenging match he played. Managed by Jose Peseiro, Lookman mainly operated on the left flank throughout the tournament in Ivory Coast, featuring in six out of seven matches. Lookman netted three goals and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament. In the semifinals, Nigeria faced off against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, clinching a victory through a penalty shootout. Subsequently, they progressed to meet the host nation, Ivory Coast, in the final, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Elephants. Nonetheless, speaking to Calister Enejele, the Atalanta forward identified the Super Eagles' opening fixture against Equatorial Guinea as the most testing. "'Probably Equatorial Gui...
Potential Ban for Arteta in Man Utd vs Arsenal Match
Sports

Potential Ban for Arteta in Man Utd vs Arsenal Match

If Mikel Arteta receives a booking during the upcoming clash against Manchester United, he risks being banned for Arsenal's match against Everton. Arteta finds himself in a precarious position as Arsenal navigate through their final two matches of the season. Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League standings leading by a single point, albeit having played one more game than Manchester City. With five yellow cards already to his name this season, Arteta faces suspension if he earns another at Old Trafford, which would see him watching the Everton game from the sidelines. Earlier this season, the 42-year-old had to skip the match against Aston Villa due to his third booking of the season received in a win against Luton Town.
Arteta’s Potential Ban Threat during Man Utd vs Arsenal Match
Sports

Arteta’s Potential Ban Threat during Man Utd vs Arsenal Match

There is a possibility that Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, might face a ban for their upcoming game against Everton if he receives a booking during the match this Sunday against Manchester United. Arteta finds himself in a precarious position as the Gunners approach their final two fixtures for the season. Arsenal is currently leading the Premier League by a narrow margin, with one point separating them from Manchester City, although they have played one more game than the latter. Having already accumulated five yellow cards this season, Arteta risks being suspended if he receives another booking at Old Trafford, which would result in him watching the Everton match from the sidelines. Earlier in the campaign, Arteta was sidelined during Arsenal's clash against Aston Villa following ...
Ex-Convict and Accomplice Apprehended by Osun Amotekun for Alleged Shop Breaking
Metro

Ex-Convict and Accomplice Apprehended by Osun Amotekun for Alleged Shop Breaking

Two individuals, Yekini Sulikaleni, 30, a former convict, and Toheeb Yekini, 35, were captured by the Osun Amotekun Corps for suspected involvement in a shop breaking incident at Oje Oniyan area in Iwo town, Iwo Local Government area of Osun State. According to a statement by retired Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, Commander of Osun Amotekun, the arrests took place around 11:30 am on Tuesday. “Upon receiving a distress call regarding their activities, the suspects were swiftly apprehended by the Amotekun Iwo Command personnel,” mentioned Adewinmbi. The suspects admitted to the crime and indicated that it was not their first offense during the interrogation. In a surprising revelation, Yekini Sulikaleni acknowledged his previous conviction and imprisonment for a similar offense. Adewinmbi...
The Condemnation of Nigerian Security Forces’ Attack on Enugu Community by BRGIE
News

The Condemnation of Nigerian Security Forces’ Attack on Enugu Community by BRGIE

An alleged attack on Igga community in Uzo-Uwani local Government Area of Enugu State by security operatives has been condemned by the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, BRGIE. Reports indicate that a combined group of security personnel, led by the Nigeria Police Force, set fire to the community and resulted in the deaths of some villagers. The attack was said to have been in retaliation for the killing of two policemen and three members of the Enugu State Neighbourhood Watch Group by criminals in the area. BRGIE, in a statement released on Tuesday through its Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, accused the security forces of attempting to suppress the movement advocating for Biafra's independence as a sovereign state. Despite the attack, the freedom fighters remain undeterred. Accor...
List of licensed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria as released by CBN
Business

List of licensed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria as released by CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria has revealed the roster of 44 licensed deposit money banks operating in Nigeria. The latest update was shared on the official CBN website earlier this week. Among the licensed banks are seven institutions holding Commercial Banking licenses with international authorization, such as Zenith Bank, Access Bank, First Bank, First City Monument Bank, United Bank of Africa, Fidelity, and Guaranty Trust Bank, valid as of April 26, 2024. An additional fifteen banks possess commercial banking licenses with National Authorization. Furthermore, four banks have commercial banking licenses with regional authorization, whereas four non-interest banks are granted national authorization. There are six merchant banks with national authorization within the country, according t...
PSG boss Enrique laments unfairness of football after Dortmund loss
Sports

PSG boss Enrique laments unfairness of football after Dortmund loss

In the aftermath of their Champions League elimination by Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique bemoaned the perceived injustice in football. Dortmund emerged victorious with a 1-0 win at the Parc des Princes, sealing a 2-0 aggregate triumph in the semi-final. They now await either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the final. Reflecting on the defeat in an interview with TNT Sports, Enrique expressed his frustration: “When the result is like that, it's certainly tough. It was a close contest, but in my opinion, we should have emerged victorious. Despite creating 31 shots and hitting the post four times, football can be cruel at times.” He concluded, “Credit to Dortmund. They're a fantastic team, and I wish them success in the final."