Regberegbe age grade groups in coordinated Aso Oke at the 2026 Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, held three days after Eid al-Adha. Photo: Elejo Shot It. ‎ ‎ By Egungwu Chukwuka Benjamin ‎E very year, on the third day after Eid al-Adha, Ijebu Ode changes. The historic town known for its calm pace becomes loud with talking drums, bright Aso Oke, and the thunder of horses. This is Ojude Oba, literally translated as “the King’s Forecourt,” a festival that grew from a single family's act of gratitude into one of Africa's most dazzling cultural spectacles. ‎Historical records trace the roots of Ojude Oba to the late 19th century, during the reign of Awujale Ademuyewo Afidipote. When Islam began to flourish in Ijebuland, the monarch showed great wisdom by granting Muslim converts the freedom to practice their faith openly without persecution. ‎Among these early converts was Chief Balogun Kuku, a legendary warrior and prominent leader. Because of his new faith, Kuku could no longer tak...

N igeria’s Super Eagles defended their Unity Cup title with a commanding 3-0 win over Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz on Saturday night at The Valley stadium in London. Alhassan Yusuf led the charge with two goals as Nigeria avoided the drama of last year’s final, when they beat Jamaica on penalties at the Gtech Community Stadium. Nigeria made a fast start. Just three minutes in, Yusuf found space in the box and fired the Super Eagles into an early lead, catching the Jamaican defence off guard. Jamaica pushed hard for an equaliser before halftime and created several good chances, but Nigeria’s defence held firm to keep the 1-0 advantage at the break. The Super Eagles took control again after the restart. In the 59th minute, Femi Azeez delivered a perfect cross from the wing and Terem Moffi rose highest to head home Nigeria’s second goal. Jamaica threw players forward in stoppage time chasing a way back into the game. Nigeria punished them on the break. A quick team move ended with Yusuf calmly s...

T hirty-two years after lighting up the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha still owns a record no player has touched, FIFA has confirmed. The world football body paid fresh tribute to the former Super Eagles captain this week, pointing to his 15 successful dribbles against Italy in the Round of 16 at USA ’94. It remains the highest in a single World Cup match. Okocha’s journey to that moment started at home with Enugu Rangers before he moved to Europe in 1990 to join Germany’s Borussia Neunkirchen. Four years later, he was tormenting one of the best defences in the world. Italy’s backline that day featured legends Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini. Yet Okocha glided past them time and again with his quick feet, close control and bold attacking style. Since then, generations of top dribblers have come and gone, but none have matched his mark in 90 minutes. Brazil’s Jairzinho and England’s Paul Gascoigne sit joint second with 13 dribble...

S enegal qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations final on Thursday after beating hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties. The match ended 1-1 at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr was the key player. He made important saves in the shootout to stop Morocco from winning at home. Senegal will now play Tanzania in the final. Tanzania beat Egypt on penalties earlier on Thursday. Morocco scored a late goal to force penalties. In the 99th minute, Ismail El Aoud’s penalty was saved by Sarr, but El Aoud scored from the rebound to make it 1-1. Senegal took the lead in the 23rd minute. Commissaire Faye’s shot was blocked by the Moroccan goalkeeper, and Mouhamed Wagne scored from the rebound. Morocco had a goal by Adam Al-Laki cancelled by VAR before halftime. In the second half, Morocco attacked more. Amine Moustach and Brahim Rabaj had chances, but Senegal defended well until Cheikh Dieng’s handball gave Morocco a late penalty. During the shoo...

T he National Association of Nigerian Students says it will hold a solidarity and advocacy rally in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. According to report by News Digest , NANS President Akinteye Babatunde made this known on Friday in a notice sent to student groups across the country. He said it is painful and wrong that the victims are still being held captive. He added that students in Nigeria cannot keep quiet while young learners and their teachers remain in the hands of kidnappers. Akinteye explained that the planned rally is meant to push security agencies and government officials to act fast and free the abducted students and teachers. He said members will first visit the schools affected by the attack. These are Community High School and Grammar School in Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. After the school visits, the student body will also meet the Commissione...

M ore than 2,500 police officers have been deployed across Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities as Ogun State ramps up security ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival. The Ogun State Police Command said the operation is meant to ensure a safe and orderly celebration for the thousands of tourists, dignitaries, and residents expected to attend the historic cultural event. Leading the deployment, Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni said officers from multiple units have been mobilized. The team includes frontline officers, the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping and Monitoring Units, the Force Intelligence Department, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and the Motor Traffic Department. Residents and visitors will notice a heavy but visible police presence throughout the festival period. Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, and motorbikes have been stationed at strategic points. Plainclothes detectives, surveillance teams, and rapid re...

B uying a ticket and a replica shirt for the 2026 World Cup could cost the average worker in some countries nearly two months’ wages, while fans in others need less than a day, according to new analysis by Gambling.com The study looked at 48 countries and calculated how many days a formal-sector worker would need to work to afford a match ticket and a home jersey. Researchers used 2024 wage data from the World Bank and compared it to retail prices. They assumed a 22-day working month and converted currencies using mid-market rates p May 21, 2026. Days of labour needed to buy a World Cup match ticket, by country. Workers in DR Congo face the steepest burden at 29 days, while those in Switzerland need under half a day. The gap is stark for tickets alone. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it would take 29 days of work  more than a full month  for the average formal-sector employee. Fans in Egypt, Ghana, Senegal and Haiti also face bills equivalent to more than a week’s pay....

U ganda has shut its frontier with the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bid to keep Ebola from spreading, the health ministry said on Wednesday, May 27, in a post on its official X account . The decision comes after Uganda recorded seven confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain since the outbreak first surfaced in the DRC on May 15. Speaking on the measure, health ministry permanent secretary Diana Atwine stated, “Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the DRC with immediate effect.” She clarified that only specific groups would be permitted entry, including medical teams tackling Ebola, humanitarian workers, food and cargo carriers, and security forces. Everyone entering will be subjected to rigorous health screening. Officials also announced that anyone arriving from the DRC must complete a 21-day quarantine. Surveillance has been stepped up in schools close to the border as an added precaution. The border closure comes as the DRC grapples with a growing crisis, with more tha...

Credit :AFP/Getty T he first group of Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa due to escalating anti-foreigner violence is now airborne en route to Accra, Ghana’s foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday. Ghana has arranged repatriation flights for about 800 citizens following recent protests and attacks targeting foreigners across South Africa.  “The flight experienced a delay, but it is currently in the air,” Fred Duhoe, an aide to Ghana’s foreign minister, told AFP. Hundreds of Ghanaians were seen lining up at O.R. Tambo International Airport outside Johannesburg early Wednesday morning, according to an AFP photographer on the ground. Flight tracking data from FlightAware showed the aircraft departed just after 11:00 a.m. local time. Credit :AFP/Getty The Ghana High Commission in South Africa said roughly 300 evacuees are on the initial flight, which is scheduled to arrive in Accra later Wednesday afternoon. Upon return, the government has pledged to provide financial support...

S enior lawyers clashed on Monday over a proposal to abolish the Nigerian Law School during the 2026 Legal Education Summit hosted by the Nigerian Bar Association. According to a report by Punch Newspaper, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, SAN, Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, said the Law School has outlived its purpose. He urged the Council of Legal Education to stop running it and focus only on setting standards for admission to the Bar. Citing the US and UK models, Chukwumaeze said universities should handle training while professional bodies manage accreditation and examinations. He proposed transferring training to accredited university law faculties through a seven-year program: five years of study, one year for Bar Part 2, and one year of internship. The Council would conduct the final Bar exams, similar to WAEC and NECO. He also called for removing the mandatory Literature in English requirement and fixed JAMB subject combinations. Candidates would need credits in English an...

A chievers University in Owo, Ondo State, has uncovered a N457.5 million tuition fraud scheme involving current and former staff, students, and an outside accomplice. According to Punch Newspaper, the institution announced on Monday that a newly completed audit of student fee payments revealed that 320 students sent payments to the private account of a former bursary employee across the 2023/2024, 2024/2025, and 2025/2026 academic years. Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Oyesoji Aremu said the suspect, an Accounting graduate later hired in the bursary department, resigned in April 2025. She reportedly enticed students with promises of reduced fees and commissions, directing them to pay into her personal account. She then manipulated the university’s payment system to mark their bills as settled, enabling them to receive clearance without the school receiving any funds. Investigators found that 11 staff members, 34 students, and one individual employed at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, hel...

A breakaway faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named Dumebi Kachikwu its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, as reported by Leadership Newspaper . The decision was reached Sunday at a National Convention in Abuja organized by the group under newly elected National Chairman Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammed Bashir. The meeting took place a day before the Senator David Mark-led faction was set to conduct its own primary. The party remains split over leadership, with the dispute still before the courts. For now, INEC recognizes the Mark-led ADC. Kachikwu said he would focus his campaign on national unity, economic recovery, and inclusive governance. He described Nigeria as being at a defining moment and said the country needed leadership that could address insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and social division. “For too long, politics has served a few while most Nigerians bear the cost. That has to change,” he said. He pledged to push policies based on mer...

N igerian-American singer Mannywellz will release his 7-track EP Small Chops on June 5 through Vydia. The project comes with a trailer and cover art that introduce its sound and visual tone. The title refers to the Nigerian snack platter served before a main meal. Mannywellz calls the EP a musical appetizer for his next phase and says it will be his final EP in this rollout.  He produced the entire project himself. Small Chops blends soulful vocals and smooth grooves with storytelling shaped by his Nigerian roots and U.S. upbringing, landing in R&B and soul with an African pulse.  The trailer shows him playing piano and dancing through a house, set to a narration about sending a gift to someone unseen. Nigerian snacks feature throughout, tying the visuals to themes of identity and dual culture.  The release follows recent momentum for Mannywellz, including over 100 million streams worldwide and features on BET’s Next Up and Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Top 100. Watch Ep...

R angers International F.C. sealed the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League title on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City F.C. at Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The victory gave the Enugu side a record-equalling ninth league crown, drawing them level with Enyimba F.C. as the most successful clubs in NPFL history. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo scored in both halves to put Rangers in control. Ikorodu City reduced the deficit in the 58th minute when substitute Moses Ali capitalized on a mistake from goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh, but the Flying Antelopes held firm to close out the win. Heading into the final day, Rangers knew only a win would secure the trophy. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side delivered under pressure, seeing off a tense finish to claim the title. Rangers finished the season top with 68 points from 38 matches, one point ahead of Rivers United, who beat Katsina United 3-0 in their final game. The title is Ilechukwu’s second with the club. It also means Rangers will represent N...

Incident captured in viral video sparks outrage as Anambra Police Command remains silent on the matter A landlord-tenant disagreement in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, turned fatal this week after a baby allegedly died when a police officer’s blow meant for an adult missed and struck the child. The incident, which has drawn widespread outrage online, occurred after a landlord invited police officers to the tenant’s residence to resolve an ongoing dispute. According to eyewitness accounts shared by media personality Uche Nworah, the tenant was not at home when the officers arrived. Instead, they met a relative holding an infant. The situation escalated quickly. Witnesses say an officer attempted to slap the relative but missed, hitting the baby instead. The child fell and died shortly afterward. A distressing video now circulating shows the lifeless infant lying on a decorated mat. In the footage, a narrator speaking in Igbo describes what happened and pleads for the video to be ...

T he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed counterfeit and unwholesome products worth more than ₦1.8 billion at the Kuje dumpsite in the Federal Capital Territory, according to a statement released on the agency’s official X page. The exercise targeted seized medicines, banned sachet alcohol, expired drugs, falsified chemicals and other hazardous items confiscated in Abuja and neighboring areas. Some items were also voluntarily surrendered by companies, NGOs, and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria. Speaking at the site on behalf of the Director-General, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said criminal networks are now using advanced cloning methods to replicate genuine products. He noted that the technique is making it harder for consumers to distinguish fakes from originals. Iluyomade added that the agency recently intercepted multiple containers of suspicious goods falsely declared to evade detection...

  T he Academic Staff Union of Universities has rejected the Federal Government’s proposal to phase out university courses considered irrelevant to Nigeria’s economic future.  According to a report by News Digest , the union made its position known during a press briefing in Bauchi on Wednesday. ASUU Bauchi Zonal Coordinator Comrade Namo Timothy said the proposal was misguided and insisted that every programme offered in Nigerian universities plays a role in national development and personal growth. Timothy noted that subjects often described as less practical, such as philosophy, religious studies, linguistics and fine arts, help students develop creativity, communication, critical thinking and digital literacy. He also rejected the claim that graduates of the social sciences and humanities are responsible for rising unemployment, pointing out that joblessness affects graduates across all fields. He said reducing the problem to “irrelevant courses” ignores the deeper economic...

P resident Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof Segun Aina as the next Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.  The announcement came on Thursday through a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Aina will officially take over when Prof Ishaq Oloyede’s tenure ends on July 31, 2026. At 39, Aina is set to become the youngest person to head the board in its history. He will turn 40 in July. From Lecture Halls to National Exams Aina is a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. For the past 15 years, his work has focused on helping public institutions shift to stronger digital systems, with a special focus on education and examinations. He has already worked behind the scenes with bodies like NECO and NABTEB, advising them on how to improve their ICT infrastructure and reduce exam malpractice through better technology. Officials say his background ...

R ivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Rivers State. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Fubara said the decision followed consultations with his family, friends, and associates.  “I have decided to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries. I will support whoever emerges as the candidate of our party,” he said. Fubara stated that the peace and stability of Rivers State should come before individual interests. He thanked his supporters for their backing and said his recent silence on the matter was deliberate. “My silence was guided by the interest of the state and its people,” he said. Quoting a local proverb, he added, “Not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.” The governor also thanked the APC for the platform given to him and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support. He said he would continue to serve as governor until the end of his tenure. Background Fuba...

  T he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency [NDLEA] has shut down a large Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine cartel operating from a hidden lab in an Ogun State forest, arresting 10 suspects including three Mexicans and the alleged ring leader. NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday that the operation led to the recovery of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals worth over N480 billion. He called it the biggest meth bust in Nigeria’s history. According to Marwa, operatives of the agency’s Special Operations Unit carried out coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos after months of intelligence work. The main target was a secret production lab in Abidagba forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area. “Through a clinical, simultaneous operation, we dismantled a sophisticated transnational syndicate run jointly by a Nigerian drug cartel and their Mexican partners,” Marwa said. “They were manufacturing industrial-scale quantities of highly lethal drugs on our soi...

D esmond Elliot has withdrawn from the APC primary for the Surulere 1 House of Assembly seat, saying his supporters were being intimidated at the polling venue. The Lagos lawmaker announced his decision on Wednesday at the Paddington mini stadium on Western Avenue, where the party was holding its primary election.  Elliot, who made the switch from acting to politics, told party members that he had pleaded with electoral officials several times to let his supporters into the venue. According to him, the requests were ignored. “They’ve been intimidating and stopping us in all zones,” he said. “I’m officially stepping down from this race. This is my ward, and my people are outside waiting.” He noted that many of his supporters were kept out of the venue despite repeated appeals. After the announcement, his supporters held a short peaceful protest before leaving the stadium with him.  Elliot said he chose to walk away to avoid any unrest, adding that no election should cost lives....

P eter Obi has been cleared to run for president under the Nigeria Democratic Congress [NDC] in the 2027 general elections. The party’s National Screening Committee confirmed his eligibility on Wednesday, a day after the screening exercise in Abuja.  Chairman of the committee, Senator Sam Egwu, who is also a former governor of Ebonyi State, said Obi met all the requirements set out in the party constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution as amended.  “After reviewing his documents and responses, we are satisfied that Peter Obi has complied with all necessary conditions,” Egwu said in a video posted on the party’s official X account. “He is therefore cleared to participate in the presidential primaries on a date to be announced later.” Speaking after the exercise, Obi said the process took more than two and a half hours. He explained that the committee examined his academic certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declaration, and also asked about his plans for Ni...

A truck driver has been jailed for 13-and-a-half years after smuggling £7.2 million of cocaine hidden in a shipment of Kim Kardashian’s Skims clothing. According to BBC report, officers stopped Jakub Konkel’s lorry at Harwich International Port in Essex on 4 September and found 90kg of cocaine concealed in the trailer doors. The 40-year-old had transported the drugs as part of a legitimate delivery of Skims products from the Netherlands. Konkel, of Kartuzy in northern Poland, pleaded guilty to smuggling Class A drugs at Chelmsford Crown Court. Judge Richard Wilkin said he acted as a “willing driver,” collecting the drugs from an industrial estate in Belgium and driving them to Hook of Holland for a ferry to the UK. He was paid €4,500 (£3,918) for the job. The court heard that officers became suspicious of how Konkel was driving a lorry carrying 28 pallets of clothing. An x-ray revealed the modified trailer doors, and a phone linked to the operation was set to wipe itself after 18 hou...

T he Anambra State House of Assembly has dismissed reports that it recently passed a new burial law, calling the claims false and misleading. According to a Champion Newspaper report, Franklin Osankwa, Special Adviser to the Speaker’s Office, said the clarification was in response to a Punch Newspapers headline alleging that the state had banned cows, goats, and other condolence gifts at funerals. “For the record, this publication is false, misleading, and a gross distortion of facts,” Osankwa stated. He clarified that the 8th Assembly has not introduced, debated, or passed any burial legislation. The regulatory framework being referenced was enacted in 2019, before the current Assembly was inaugurated, and no amendments have been made since. Osankwa described the attribution of a non-existent law to the present Assembly as unprofessional and a tactic to generate traffic and public outrage. He urged media outlets to treat journalism as a public responsibility rather than a tool for c...

  T he US government has temporarily lifted a visa bond requirement for football fans from five African countries attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The State Department announced Tuesday that citizens of Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia who have purchased valid World Cup tickets and registered on the FIFA Pass system will no longer need to pay the $5,000–$15,000 refundable bond. The exemption applies only to those who booked through the system, which has been open for expedited visa appointments since April 15. The bond policy was introduced last year for travelers from 50 countries with high visa overstay rates and security concerns. World Cup players, coaches, and staff were already exempt. “The United States is excited to organise the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history,” said Mora Namdar, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. “We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets.”  Namdar described the waiver ...

T ax administration in Nigeria is getting a major overhaul as the federal government launches a single Taxpayer Identification number to replace the fragmented system that has long frustrated individuals and businesses. The Nigeria Revenue Service announced the rollout of the unified Tax ID via its official X account, saying it will serve as the sole identifier for all tax dealings across federal, state and local levels in partnership with the Joint Revenue Board. The move is backed by Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act of 2025. For years, taxpayers have had to manage different numbers depending on the level of government they were dealing with. The practice led to duplicate paperwork, conflicting records and delays in processing. Under the new system, every taxpayer will now use one number for life for registration, filing returns and making payments. Officials say the change is designed to simplify compliance and cut down on administrative friction. By consoli...

  John Arum Azi speaks after his release. Photo: Champion Newspaper A Jos-based keyboard technician, John Arum Azi, is finally free after spending 11 days in the hands of kidnappers who collected N10.3 million from his family for his release. Azi shared his experience on Sunday after a thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jos. According to Champion Newspaper report, he said the kidnappers beat him daily and left him with barely enough food and water throughout his time in captivity. The ordeal started on April 11, 2026, when Azi got a call from an unknown number in Kaduna. The caller said he needed help fixing a keyboard and sounded like it was a small job. After some convincing and a N15,000 payment for transport, Azi agreed to go. He left Jos early that Saturday morning from Farin Gada motor park, expecting to be back the same day. But things changed as soon as he arrived in Kaduna. He was taken from Giwa park to a remote village, where the men he met pulled ou...

  N igerian and U.S. forces have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS worldwide, in a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin. The strike took place overnight in an area long known for extremist activity. Both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and U.S. President Donald J. Trump confirmed the mission early Saturday, saying it was carefully planned and carried out without a hitch. Trump said al-Minuki had been hiding in a heavily fortified compound, believing he was safe in Africa. “He thought he could disappear here, but our people on the ground kept us informed,” “He won’t be planning attacks on Americans or spreading terror on this continent again. His removal is a major setback for ISIS.” Trump said. Tinubu said the raid also killed several of al-Minuki’s senior commanders. Early reports from the ground show the mission hit its targets with precision. He thanked U.S. forces for their professionalism and said the operation proves what can be achieved when both coun...

  A uthorities at Gombe State University have confirmed that a newborn baby boy was found at the female hostel on Friday. The university described the incident as unfortunate and said it is working with security operatives to trace those behind it. Napthali Hadu, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development during a telephone interview with The Punch Newspaper. “I also heard about the unfortunate incident today at school. I will get back to you as soon as I gather more details,” Hadu said. He added that steps are already being taken to identify the person responsible and make sure they face the necessary consequences.  “Security agencies are doing everything within their powers to fish out the perpetrator,” he said. The baby has been moved to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, where doctors are attending to him. As part of the ongoing investigation, the university has restricted access to the female hostel. This is not the first time such a case has...

F ormer Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi says Nigeria’s biggest need right now is leaders with real business experience, arguing that practical wealth creation matters more than academic degrees alone. Obi made the comment during an interview on "60 Minutes with Mr. Kay" on News Central TV, hosted by broadcast journalist Kayode Akintemi. The discussion came up after former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had said he was more qualified for leadership because of his PhD. Obi responded by saying qualification depends on perspective. “Qualification is a perspective; it depends on where you’re coming from,” Obi said. “Rabiu Kwankwaso said he’s more qualified because he has a PhD. I don’t have a PhD. Today, in the country, I would say he has some experience. He’s been exposed; there’s no doubt about that.” While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s academic and political background, Obi argued that Nigeria’s current economic challenges call for a different kind of leader...

  A liko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, says some powerful people in Nigeria’s fuel import business tried to stop his $20 billion refinery. He believes they were afraid the refinery would end Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. Dangote made this statement in an interview with Nicolai Tangen, the head of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund. He explained that these groups resisted the project because it threatened their business of importing petrol into Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer. Dangote said he decided to build the refinery because of Nigeria’s long history of fuel shortages. “For more than 50 years, Nigerians have queued for fuel, sometimes for days during Christmas, in a country that produces oil,” he said. Since government refineries were not working well, he started building Nigeria’s first private mega-refinery in 2013. The project faced many problems from the beginning. Getting the land alone took five years. Dangote also said some of the delays were caused on purpo...