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• November 3, 2025
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Backbone secures $50bn funding for Ondo 500,000bpd refinery

Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, BINL, has secured project funding of over $50 billion for the construction of a 500,000 barrels-per-day refinery and the development of a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone in the Ilaje area of Ondo State through a joint venture agreement with NEFEX Holdings Limited of Canada. The development followed the successful execution
Backbone secures $50bn funding for Ondo 500,000bpd refinery

Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, BINL, has secured project funding of over $50 billion for the construction of a 500,000 barrels-per-day refinery and the development of a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone in the Ilaje area of Ondo State through a joint venture agreement with NEFEX Holdings Limited of Canada.

The development followed the successful execution of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between BINL and the Ondo State Government, through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency, ONDIPA.

The Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited team is set to visit Ondo State to interact with state government officials and pay a courtesy call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The BINL team will be led by the Chairman, ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani, and includes other board members and the executive management team led by Henry Owonka.

A statement released by Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited on Monday said the meeting will explore the roadmap towards commencement of the projects, including presentations with ONDIPA and visits to the project sites and engagement with the host communities led by the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Obateru Akinrutan.

Speaking on the refinery financiers, BINL’s Vice-President for Corporate Services, Mr Wale Adekola, disclosed that NEFEX Petroline is involved in engineering and construction services for ports, terminals and logistics facilities, including pipelines and facilities in the oil and gas industry.

He added that the firm’s specialty also includes port and infrastructure development, petrochemical trading and supply, investment and project management.

Adekola stated, ‘’With operations across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and beyond, NEFEX Petroline combines the advantages of a global network with deep local understanding. The firm maintains partnerships with leading global financial institutions to secure multi-currency credit lines and liquidity support for large-scale operations.

‘’Our partnership with NEFEX opens the next chapter for the commencement of BINL Refinery development.”

He said BINL is also exploring a strategic partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to drive the development of the ultra-modern refinery complex.

The refinery is expected to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves and enhance national energy security.

“The BINL refinery will provide petroleum products for local consumption, feedstock for other local industries and petroleum products for the international market.

“The refinery project includes the construction of roads, storage tanks, loading bays, terminals and handling equipment. The scope of the Free Trade Zone Project includes the development of the required infrastructure and facilities for the effective operation and management of the Free Trade Zone.

“The projected $50 billion investments in the refinery and FTZ are expected to change the landscape of infrastructure in Ondo State while transforming the social and economic status of the people,” the statement added.

Adekola commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support for the projects, and for opening Ondo State to investors.

Backbone secures $50bn funding for Ondo 500,000bpd refinery

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• November 3, 2025
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JAMB extends 2025 public universities’ admissions deadline to November 17

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has extended the 2025 admissions deadline for public universities across Nigeria from October 31 to November 17, 2025. This was contained in a statement on the Board’s official X handle on Monday The statement noted that the decision was taken following emerging circumstances to give institutions more time
JAMB extends 2025 public universities’ admissions deadline to November 17

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has extended the 2025 admissions deadline for public universities across Nigeria from October 31 to November 17, 2025.

This was contained in a statement on the Board’s official X handle on Monday

The statement noted that the decision was taken following emerging circumstances to give institutions more time to complete their admission processes.

JAMB recalled that the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held on July 18, 2025, and chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, had earlier fixed October 31, 2025, as the deadline for all public universities to conclude admissions.

The statement added that the extension became necessary due to two major reasons: an appeal by the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, AVCNU, and the recent accreditation of new programmes by the National Universities Commission, NUC.

“AVCNU has specially appealed for an extension due to the disruption caused by a number of factors, including a court order directing that the status quo should remain on the 2025/2026 admission list, which was only lifted by the same court on 28th October 2025,” the statement read.

“In a bid to expand access in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the NUC on 29th October, 2025, released a list of 229 programmes recently accredited for 37 universities. Admission into those programmes is just being scheduled,” it said.

The tertiary institution examination body commended the diligence and cooperation of public universities in working toward the initial deadline, noting that the extension aims to ensure fairness and inclusivity across all institutions.

While stressing that the new deadline of November 17, 2025, is final and must be strictly adhered to, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible admission process that aligns with national education goals and institutional autonomy.

JAMB extends 2025 public universities’ admissions deadline to November 17

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• November 3, 2025
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Trump’s threat: Gov Adeleke calls for US-Nigeria dialogue

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States following recent comments by President Donald Trump threatening security and diplomatic actions against Nigeria. In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke urged both nations to build on their longstanding partnership to address
Trump’s threat: Gov Adeleke calls for US-Nigeria dialogue

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States following recent comments by President Donald Trump threatening security and diplomatic actions against Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke urged both nations to build on their longstanding partnership to address emerging security concerns peacefully.

“I appeal to the Presidency of the United States of America to support Nigeria to fully implement the recently developed national security strategy. The new strategy is comprehensive and capable of taking on the monster of banditry and terroristic killings in many parts of the country,” he said.

The governor commiserated with families of victims affected by insecurity in the northern region, describing the situation as a national tragedy requiring international cooperation.

According to Adeleke, the recent US position should serve as “a wake-up call to rigorously implement new security measures and forceful counter-terrorism actions in partnership with diplomatic allies”.

He emphasised that Nigeria needed support from its international partners, particularly the United States, to overcome the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism and armed violence.

“Nigeria suffers from unfortunate killings across Northern Nigeria which has claimed lives of many innocent citizens. We believe a high-powered engagement at the presidential level will particularly open to the American government the ongoing security operations, successes and challenges Nigeria is facing in the fight against terrorism,” he noted.

The Osun governor appealed for diplomatic dialogue rather than confrontation, stressing that “peaceful interface between Abuja and Washington holds the key rather than military intervention by the American government.”

Governor Adeleke also commended the Nigerian Presidency for its diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions and addressing the genuine concerns raised by Western partners, especially the United States.

He urged political leaders across the country to rally behind the federal government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens from insecurity.

“This is the time to unite as a nation to support the national leadership to frontally address internal and external threats for the protection of the citizenry,” Adeleke stated.

Trump’s threat: Gov Adeleke calls for US-Nigeria dialogue

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• November 3, 2025
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Trump’s threat: Onanuga, Bashir Ahmad should apologise to Igbos, Nigerians – Charles Awuzie

A South Africa-based Nigerian cybersecurity expert, Charles Awuzie, has called on presidential aide Bayo Onanuga and former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad to apologise to Igbos and Nigerians for their past divisive remarks. In a Facebook post on Monday, Awuzie said both men, who are now preaching unity in the wake of reactions to US
Trump’s threat: Onanuga, Bashir Ahmad should apologise to Igbos, Nigerians – Charles Awuzie

A South Africa-based Nigerian cybersecurity expert, Charles Awuzie, has called on presidential aide Bayo Onanuga and former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad to apologise to Igbos and Nigerians for their past divisive remarks.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Awuzie said both men, who are now preaching unity in the wake of reactions to US President Donald Trump’s threat against Nigeria, had previously made statements that deepened ethnic and religious divisions in the country.

He recalled that Onanuga once claimed Igbo residents in Lagos were not “Lagos enough” to take part in Lagos politics, while Bashir Ahmad publicly declared pride in being called an “Islamic extremist.”

Awuzie said both men must acknowledge their past mistakes and apologise, noting that Nigeria’s unity cannot be achieved without confronting such issues.

He said: “Bayo now knows that if Trump invades Nigeria and things get out of hand, tribalism will melt away and only true nationalism will save us. Bashir is now realising that extremism of any kind is evil against true nationalism.”

According to him, Nigeria remains deeply divided because leaders have benefited from the divisions, while those who advocate unity and patriotism are often ridiculed.

He urged the presidency to ensure that Onanuga apologises, describing his past comments as hurtful to many Nigerians who believe in the vision of one united nation.

Awuzie added that Trump’s recent threat of military action against Nigeria should serve as a wake-up call for national reflection and unity, warning that continued corruption and disunity could make the country vulnerable to foreign exploitation.

He also appealed to Nigerians to prioritise peace and fairness ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that “the world is watching.”

“BAYO Onanuga and Bashir Ahmad: What Have You Both Learnt From This Period?

Bayo is now preaching UNITY. Bayo is calling for EVERY Nigerian, despite tribe, party, or religion, to rally round our sovereign nation, but the same Bayo declared Igbo-Lagosians as not Lagos-enough to participate in Lagos politics.

“We can’t heal as a nation until we speak these truths.

“Bashir Ahmad publicly declared that he’s proud to be called an Islamic extremist. But today, Bashir is preaching a different message.

“But let’s not forget that people like Bayo and Bashir owe Nigerians from the South East and Nigerians of other religions an apology.

“Bayo works for the Presidency. Maybe the President should ensure he apologises. His tweet hurt a lot of people who have invested in Lagos believing in the dream of One Nigeria. A National leader like Bayo should never be seen strengthening the lines that divide us,” part of his post read.

Trump’s threat: Onanuga, Bashir Ahmad should apologise to Igbos, Nigerians – Charles Awuzie

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• November 3, 2025
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Lagos: Gridlock as gas tanker overturns in Victoria Island

Traffic along the Chisco axis inward Victoria Island came to a standstill on Monday following an accident involving an overturned gas tanker, which triggered emergency response operations and a temporary diversion of vehicles in the area. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed that recovery efforts were immediately initiated in collaboration with other emergency
Lagos: Gridlock as gas tanker overturns in Victoria Island

Traffic along the Chisco axis inward Victoria Island came to a standstill on Monday following an accident involving an overturned gas tanker, which triggered emergency response operations and a temporary diversion of vehicles in the area.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed that recovery efforts were immediately initiated in collaboration with other emergency agencies to ensure the safe removal of the tanker and prevent potential hazards.

The incident, which occurred near the Chisco traffic light, caused major delays for motorists heading toward Victoria Island, as emergency responders cordoned off the scene to prevent secondary accidents and manage the flow of traffic.

In an official statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, said the operation required the temporary closure of the main carriageway to facilitate a “safe, swift, and professional recovery” of the tanker.

“Motorists are strongly advised to exercise patience and cooperate with LASTMA officials and other emergency responders on the ground,” he said.

Taofiq noted that all hands were on deck to conclude the evacuation process as quickly as possible and restore normal vehicular movement.

He assured Lagos residents that the safety of road users remains the top priority of the state government, adding that further updates would be provided once the operation was completed and the road fully reopened to traffic.

Lagos: Gridlock as gas tanker overturns in Victoria Island

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• November 3, 2025
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CPC blacklist: Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom – NIDCOM

The Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s claims that Nigeria persecutes Christians. NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa in a post on her verified X handle on Monday, described the perception as false and unfair. Dabiri-Erewa asked Trump to support the efforts of the Bola Tinubu government in quashing terrorists
CPC blacklist: Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom – NIDCOM

The Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s claims that Nigeria persecutes Christians.

NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa in a post on her verified X handle on Monday, described the perception as false and unfair.

Dabiri-Erewa asked Trump to support the efforts of the Bola Tinubu government in quashing terrorists responsible for the killings of innocent civilians.

The former lawmaker said both Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already responded to the US classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.

She said, “The perception is definitely not true. There are issues with evil terrorists in some parts of the country, no doubt. What Trump needs to do is support the efforts of our government in quashing them, not so falsely denigrate our country.”

She added that Nigeria under Tinubu remains steadfast in upholding democracy, religious freedom, and constitutional guarantees that protect citizens of all faiths, urging Nigerians all over the world to remain united in building a nation “founded on unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.”

Her reaction followed Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform last Friday and Saturday, where he claimed Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and warned that the US might “go in guns blazing” if the killings continued.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’” Trump had said.

CPC blacklist: Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom – NIDCOM

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• November 3, 2025
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Fanatical extremists – Sheikh Gumi names three religious groups causing crisis in the world

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, on Monday accused extremists from the three major Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam of endangering global peace and humanity. In a post shared via his Facebook page, Gumi alleged that Jewish Zionist extremists were “using state-of-the-art weapons to kill innocent Palestinians and seize their ancestral homeland.” The cleric further
Fanatical extremists – Sheikh Gumi names three religious groups causing crisis in the world

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, on Monday accused extremists from the three major Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam of endangering global peace and humanity.

In a post shared via his Facebook page, Gumi alleged that Jewish Zionist extremists were “using state-of-the-art weapons to kill innocent Palestinians and seize their ancestral homeland.”

The cleric further accused “white evangelical Christian supremacists” of exploiting military power to intimidate other nations, seize their resources, or topple governments, citing the Middle East, Venezuela, and Nigeria as examples.

According to Gumi, “peasant Muslim terrorist groups” were creations of the CIA, spreading violence across Muslim countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, and Nigeria.

He said: “The three extremist religious zealots are holding humanity to ransom.

1. Jewish Zionist extremists are using state-of-the-art weapons to kill innocent Palestinians and seize their ancestral homeland.

2. White evangelical Christian supremacists are using military might to suppress ‘others’ and intimidate countries to hand over their wealth, get blackmailed, or cause governments to topple. The Middle East and Venezuela are examples of their victims. And now Nigeria.

3. Peasant Muslim terrorist groups are a creation of the CIA, terrorising Muslim countries and causing rifts. Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, and now Nigeria.

“All three Abrahamic religions are stained by these fanatical extremists. All are mentioned in the holy scriptures.”

Fanatical extremists – Sheikh Gumi names three religious groups causing crisis in the world

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• November 3, 2025
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Cross River Deputy Governor urges media aides to embrace modern communication techniques

Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, has advised media aides and communications managers of government functionaries in the state to imbibe lessons from modern techniques. He made the charge when he stopped by the two-day training organised by the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence, Data
Cross River Deputy Governor urges media aides to embrace modern communication techniques

Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, has advised media aides and communications managers of government functionaries in the state to imbibe lessons from modern techniques.

He made the charge when he stopped by the two-day training organised by the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, and Law in Communication. The training was organised for journalists and media aides to the State Governor, his deputy, and local government chairmen over the weekend.

Odey said the need for the training was very important to make participants more effective, efficient, and relevant to the system.

“We need you to be well trained, more effective and efficient in order to guide your principals in modern communications,” he stressed.

The lead trainer and media consultant, Dr. Monday Ashibogwu of Quick News Africa, charged the media aides to make themselves and their official inputs to their work more effective in line with modern trends.

Another trainer at the event, acting head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Cross River State, Dr. Cornelius Ellah, urged government spokesmen, press secretaries, and media assistants to show greater allegiance to the public rather than to their principals.

He reminded media aides that, like their principals, they are also serving the public.

“You are servants to your principals who are servants to the people. Even though you are paid to protect and promote their public image, you owe greater allegiance to the public than to your principals or your pockets,” Ellah stressed.

The journalism scholar advised that when their principals make derogatory comments about citizens, whether deliberately or inadvertently, media aides should temper their responses with public interest and fairness.

Speaking on the topic Media Information and Literacy in Communication, Ellah cautioned media aides against using harsh or bitter language when responding to criticisms of their principals.

“You are not doing your bosses any good by attacking critics with bitterness. Be mature, keep learning, and set aside personal sentiments whether issues favour you or not,” he advised.

Ellah, however, reminded them not to undermine their employers, saying,

“You cannot also bite the fingers that feed you.”

He clarified that media aides are public relations officers, not journalists, and therefore should approach their roles with tact and deliberation.

“As media aides, you must necessarily engage all stakeholders before issuing statements. You’re not bound by journalists’ deadlines, so take time to consult your principals and verify issues before reacting,” he added.

He urged them to see communication as a tool for bridge-building between government and the governed rather than as a weapon of attack.

Cross River Deputy Governor urges media aides to embrace modern communication techniques