Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President Bola Tinubu on Sunday celebrated Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of THISDAY and Arise Group, on his 65th birthday. Tinubu and other notable figures like Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praised Obaigbena’s contributions to the media industry and his role in creating employment for journalists and broadcasters. Obaigbena’s leadership in establishing media platforms such as THISDAY Newspapers and Arise Television marked a milestone for press freedom and responsible journalism. His philanthropic work in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment was also commended. Various leaders expressed their wishes for Obaigbena’s continued success and good health.
2. On Saturday, a 20-year-old man named Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally. Spectators noticed Crooks acting suspiciously, leading to a search by law enforcement. However, Crooks managed to climb onto a roof and open fire, killing one spectator and critically injuring two others. Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service snipers. Investigators are treating the incident as potential domestic terrorism but have not identified a clear motive. Crooks’ background, including his limited social media activity and past experiences with bullying, is being scrutinized. President Biden called for patience and a thorough investigation, while global leaders condemned the attack.
3. Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Refinery, announced that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited no longer holds a 20% stake in Dangote Refinery, and has now been reduced to 7.2% due to NNPC’s failure to pay the balance of their share. This revelation, made during a media parley, contradicts earlier government claims. NNPC had originally planned to acquire a 20% stake but only paid for 7.2%. Dangote also discussed crude supply challenges, sourcing from the US and Brazil, with the government intervening to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, Nigeria, is set to be Africa’s largest oil refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. It aims to create 9,500 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs. Expected outputs include 50 million liters of petrol and 15 million liters of diesel daily, along with significant amounts of diesel and jet fuel annually. Additionally, the refinery will feature a fertilizer plant using refinery by-products. The Group targets $30 billion in revenue by 2025, aiming to be Nigeria’s largest foreign exchange supplier, and plans to reduce its dependence on the Central Bank of Nigeria for forex. The Group also intends to diversify its revenue streams, reducing reliance on the cement business and increasing foreign-based earnings.
4. Uncertainty surrounds the political situation in Rivers State as the House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, approaches the deadline for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget. Issued on July 8, the seven-day ultimatum expires this week, following a court ruling supporting Amaewhule’s leadership. The budget was initially set at ₦800 billion and is currently under implementation with tensions within the assembly. Governor Fubara has indicated his administration is already preparing the 2025 budget, suggesting the demand for a 2024 resubmission is unrealistic. The political crisis, ongoing for about eight months, has included events like a fire at the Assembly, attempted impeachment, and resignations. Chijioke Ihunwo, a pro-Fubara politician, criticized the ultimatum, urging support for the governor and emphasizing the need for local governance.
5. The National President of the Nigeria Union of Fishermen and Seafood Dealers (NUFAS), Alhaji Sani Usman Rilwan, has urged members not to participate in the proposed anti-government protests, stating it’s too early to judge the Tinubu administration after just one year. He emphasized the need for patience and called for dialogue with reputable businessmen to help improve the economy. Meanwhile, the Arewa Youth Federation has distanced itself from the protests, citing potential destabilization and urging support for the Tinubu administration. Amid rising public anger due to economic hardship, there are plans for nationwide protests scheduled from August 1-10, 2024, aimed at addressing citizens’ grievances. The police are reportedly preparing to prevent these protests, raising concerns among lawmakers about potential backlash from the public.
6. Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal celebrated his 17th birthday by winning UEFA EURO 2024 and being named the Young Player of the Tournament. Yamal played in all seven of Spain’s matches, starting in six, and finished with one goal and four assists. His significant contributions during the knockout stages included scoring a crucial goal against France and assisting in three goals against Georgia, Germany, and England, totaling four combined goals and assists in the tournament knockouts.
7. Spain’s Euro 2024 victory was widely celebrated as fully deserved, with La Roja winning all seven games without needing penalties, setting a new European Championship record. They defeated all former European World Cup winners—Italy, Germany, France, and England—and 2018 finalists Croatia. Spain won the final against England 2-1, securing their fourth European title. Key players included Rodri (Player of the Tournament), Lamine Yamal (Young Player of the Tournament), and Dani Olmo (Golden Boot co-winner). Despite not being pre-tournament favorites, Spain’s cohesive team play, contrasting with England’s reliance on star players, impressed many. Coach Luis de la Fuente was praised for his management, having previously worked with many of the current players at youth levels.
