Leo Edochie, the eldest son of legendary Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has warned that those wishing his father’s death will die before him, as the family dismissed viral rumours claiming the film icon is dead. Reacting in a video shared on his Instagram page recently, Leo described the reports as false and malicious. “I’ve been receiving text messages and calls over the nonsense post by some people that our father, Chief Pete Edochie, is dead. ALSO READ: Why Pete Edochie is trending on X in Nigeria – Tribune OnlineLeo added that the actor is alive and in good health, condemning those responsible for spreading the rumour. Tribune Online reports that Pete Edochie recently trended on X in Nigeria following the rapid spread of the unverified claims, which alleged that the 78-year-old actor had been rushed to the hospital and passed away.

ALSO READ: Dangote makes history, becomes first refinery in the World to hit 650,000bpd capacityWhile noting that local content policies have matured across Africa, the GMD said countries are currently mulling over local content plans, training commitments, and supplier development pathways. Indigenous suppliers reduce import dependence, shorten downtime, and localise maintenance capability. “Across Africa, local content policies have matured. Many countries now require local content plans, training commitments and supplier development pathways. “Nigeria’s local content framework demonstrates a strong legislation and empowered implementing institutions on giant strides that can be achieved- driving participation, in-country fabrication and service growth,” he added.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has stated that the relaunch of the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) 3.0 would not only stimulate micro and small enterprises but also strengthen household incomes and community resilience. The Minister made the statement at the official launch of GEEP 3.0 and the flag-off of the FarmerMoni Dry/Wet Season Disbursement, held in Abuja on Wednesday. Mahmoud praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership for sustaining people-centred interventions that combat poverty, foster inclusive growth, and empower citizens. She described GEEP 3.0 as a strategic and timely demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, expanding affordable financing to traders, artisans, farmers, women, and youth to boost micro-enterprises, household incomes, and community resilience. She also called on implementing partners to maintain diligence and innovation.

The North East Health Awareness Forum (NEHCAF) has expressed serious concern over the inability of the Federal Ministry of Health to access the budgeted sum of ₦218 billion in capital expenditure for 2025, as only ₦36 million was reportedly released. The disclosure was contained in a statement distributed to journalists by the Chairman of the Forum, Abdullahi Ahmad, and the Secretary, Ummu Kulsum Rabiu. The Forum stated, “Our attention has been drawn to the widely circulated publication in various national dailies of a statement credited to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, alleging that out of the ₦218 billion capital project funds appropriated for the health sector in 2025, only ₦36 million was released.”It added, “We express our profound shock and astonishment at this revelation made by the Coordinating Minister. It is alarming to learn that only ₦36 million has been received by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare out of the staggering ₦218 billion earmarked for this critical sector.”The statement further noted, “This disclosure raises serious concerns about transparency and the effective management of healthcare resources in Nigeria. We remain committed to advocating for the necessary reforms to ensure that financial resources are not only allocated but also effectively utilised for the benefit of all Nigerians.”It urged stakeholders, “We urge all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and the media, to collaborate in addressing these concerns and to work towards a more accountable and responsive health financing system.”The Forum concluded, “Together, we can ensure that the promise of quality healthcare is fulfilled for every Nigerian.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved a major operational milestone with the full restoration and optimisation of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block. Following a scheduled maintenance exercise on the CDU and MS Block, the refinery has commenced an intensive 72-hour series of performance test runs in collaboration with licensor UOP. These tests are designed to validate operational efficiency and confirm that all critical parameters meet global standards. He further confirmed that all remaining processing units will begin their respective performance test runs in Phase 2, scheduled to commence next week. With the CDU and MS Block now fully restored, the refinery is positioned to comfortably deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS to the domestic market as required.

Federal Government, through the National Social Investment Programme Agency, says no fewer than 22,000 farmers will benefit from interest-free loans under its FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season Programme. “We are targeting more than 22,000 farmers for this phase, looking at about 28 farmers per local government,” he said. “The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is anchored on inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity. “The Renewed Hope G3.0 is a practical expression of this commitment,” he said. Our farmers remain the backbone of the Nigerian economy.”He said that supporting the farmers was an economic necessity and also a moral obligation.

The Grammy Awards are the most prestigious music awards in the world. NominationThe voting members at the Grammy Academy vote only in their expertise to ensure credibility. Grammy Award StatuetteYou have to acknowledge and agree to certain terms before receiving a Grammy Award Statuette. Key Phrase: Grammy Award. Meta Description:Before you can win a Grammy Award, your recordings must pass the nomination stages, and you must have the highest votes.

The Oyo State Government has held high-level talks with the leadership of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, as part of efforts to advance collaborative initiatives and commence full implementation of the state’s AfCFTA Strategy. The meeting, described as the first engagement between both parties in 2026, followed a Training of Trainers workshop on AfCFTA implementation held in Ibadan last week. According to her, discussions centred on Oyo State’s 2026 AfCFTA Action Plan, particularly following the allocation of dedicated funds for AfCFTA implementation in the state’s 2026 budget — a move considered rare at the sub-national level. The deliberations also focused on advancing AfCFTA implementation at the sub-national level, accelerating industrial development, and enhancing Oyo State’s competitiveness within the continental market. She added that the engagement with the AfCFTA Secretariat underscored the growing importance of proactive state-level leadership in translating continental trade policy into measurable economic outcomes.

The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has said that a well-structured, low-risk approach in Nigeria’s energy sector is essential to unlocking investments, accelerating economic development and strengthening energy security. Anowi stated that reducing risks in oil and gas projects, beyond being a business strategy, was a matter of national importance for Nigeria’s economy, energy security, and long-term development. Anowi also highlighted the importance of good infrastructure, local skills, and modern technology in reducing everyday operational risks. He said that when pipelines, processing facilities, and digital systems work well, projects are safer, cheaper to run, and more reliable over time. In his closing remarks, Anowi noted that Africa and Nigeria in particular are investable when risks are planned for and managed carefully, not ignored.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has identified shared infrastructure, policy alignment, coordinated investment frameworks, cross-border knowledge and technology exchange, integrated gas market development, and sustained regional diplomacy among National Oil Companies (NOCs) as key pillars for securing Africa’s energy future. Ojulari disclosed this during a chat with the Deputy Chair of Ørsted and President of the Energy Institute, Andy Brown, at the 2026 International Energy Week (IEW) in London, on Wednesday. Addressing the imperative of expanding cross-border energy infrastructure, the NNPC boss said the Company’s ongoing regional gas initiatives demonstrate how shared assets can unlock scale, efficiency and resilience. He emphasised that accelerated delivery of flagship projects such as the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline and the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline is critical to strengthening regional integration and advancing cross-border energy trade. He also called for structured joint investment platforms among African NOCs, stressing that Africa can attract and deploy capital more effectively when acting collectively rather than individually.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026. Yusuf replaces the erstwhile Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who resigned from the post on Monday, citing “personal reasons” for his decision. According to the presidential spokesman, Ambassador Yusuf, a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat, served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. Yusuf becomes the third NAHCON Chairman/CEO appointed by Tinubu since assuming power in May, 2023. “I wish to state unequivocally that this decision is taken entirely for personal reasons.

The Oyo State Police Command have confirmed the arrest of the suspected kidnappers as well as the recovery of the firearms at the Komu village area of Oyo state. He gave their identities as one Aliu Umaru, male, aged 22 years, Gure Wadi, male, aged 60 years, and Ibrahim Yobo, male, aged 35 years, all of Komu Village. The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its sustained fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of firearms, following intelligence-driven and coordinated security operations. “Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, after which all suspects will be charged in court accordingly. “The Oyo State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges continued cooperation through the provision of credible and timely information.”

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting depositors’ funds and promoting financial stability in the country. The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NDIC, Mr Thompson Oludare Sunday, made the assertion at the ongoing 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday. Sunday emphasised that NDIC’s mandate encompasses deposit insurance coverage for depositors of licensed banks, bank supervision, distress resolution, and liquidation of failed banks. NDIC’s presence at the trade fair has been welcomed by participants, who appreciate the corporation’s efforts to promote financial stability and protect depositors’ funds. The NDIC Special Day at the trade fair featured presentations, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, providing opportunities for attendees to learn more about the corporation’s activities and initiatives.

The management of Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDC) has notified its customers about service disruptions under its jurisdiction. ALSO READ: FG to empower over 20,000 farmers nationwideTitled ‘Power supply update’, it read, “Dear Valued Customers, we are writing to inform you that the recent service interruptions are due to challenges beyond our direct control. These include nationwide gas shortages affecting generation and a fault on the 330kv Shiroro lines 1 & 2, which supply our transmission stations. “Due to this fault, we are currently receiving reduced supply via the 330kv Jos line due to load limitations. Our technical team is in constant communication with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to monitor efforts to fully restore the primary lines.

The Nigerian equities market extended its bullish run on Wednesday as sustained buying interest in banking and insurance stock counters lifted the benchmark index higher. In tandem with the index performance, market capitalisation appreciated by N880.34 billion to settle at N114.38 trillion, reflecting value accretion across major counters. Leading the gainers’ chart were Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Meyer Plc, and Chemical and Allied Products Plc, all of which recorded notable price appreciation on the back of renewed demand. The NGX Insurance Index followed closely, climbing 1.53 per cent as investors rotated into undervalued counters within the segment. In contrast, the NGX Industrial Goods Index slipped slightly by 0.02 per cent, while the NGX Commodity Index closed flat, reflecting mixed sentiment in those segments.