The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Osun State chapter has described the suspension of activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the state as unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of union members. In a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo, the state chairman of ALGON, Hon. Sarafadeen Awotunde, said local government chairmen are concerned about the ongoing crisis in the transport sector and the directive that halted NURTW operations. According to him, the suspension has continued to affect the livelihood of thousands of drivers, conductors, and other stakeholders who depend on the union for their daily income across the 30 local government areas and area office in Osun. Awotunde noted that while the state government has the responsibility to maintain peace and order, it must do so within the ambit of the law. He stressed that no government has the power to proscribe a registered trade unio...

    Enugu Air plane after veering off runway at Benin Airport during heavy rainfall.    Source: DESSY'S BLOG Passengers and aviation stakeholders experienced a tense moment after an Enugu Air flight reportedly slipped off the runway while landing at Benin Airport. The incident, which occurred during landing operations, sparked concern among travelers and prompted an immediate response from airport emergency personnel. According to preliminary reports, the aircraft veered off the runway after touchdown under circumstances that are yet to be officially confirmed. Emergency response teams, including airport firefighters and rescue personnel, quickly arrived at the scene to ensure the safety of everyone on board and to assess the situation. Passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, with no immediate reports of fatalities. Authorities are, however, expected to provide further details regarding any injuries or damage to the aircraft. Airport operati...

  Gas tanker with fire.    Source: DESSY'S BLOG Emergency responders have successfully contained a gas tanker fire that broke out in the Ikotun area of Lagos, averting what could have been a major disaster. Preliminary reports indicate that no casualties were recorded, thanks to the swift response of emergency agencies and the cooperation of residents who quickly evacuated the vicinity. The incident occurred when a gas tanker caught fire in Ikotun, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and causing panic among residents and motorists. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, but emergency officials immediately mobilized to the scene to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings, businesses, and other vehicles. Firefighters, supported by other emergency response agencies, worked intensively to bring the situation under control. Their coordinated efforts helped contain the flames within a relatively short period, reducin...

CBN Holds Interest Rate at 26.50% Amid Global Economic Uncertainty The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained its benchmark interest rate at 26.50 per cent, maintaining a cautious monetary policy stance as policymakers continue to assess inflation pressures, exchange rate challenges, and uncertainties in the global economy. The decision reflects the apex bank’s effort to balance the need to control rising prices with concerns about the impact of high borrowing costs on businesses, investment, and economic growth. At its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the CBN opted to keep the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) unchanged, signalling that the current rate remains appropriate for managing inflation expectations and maintaining stability in the financial system. The committee noted that global economic conditions remain unpredictable, with factors such as geopolitical tensions, changing commodity prices, and adjustments in major economies’ monetary policies influen...

Former Lagos State governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said he is not interested in contesting for the presidency of Nigeria, ending speculation about whether he would join the race for the nation’s highest political office. Fashola, who served as Lagos governor from 2007 to 2015 before joining the federal cabinet, made his position known while addressing questions about his political future. The former minister stated that he has no intention of seeking the presidency and is currently focused on contributing to national development in other ways. The announcement comes amid growing political discussions ahead of future elections, with several prominent figures being mentioned as possible contenders. Fashola’s name has often appeared in conversations because of his experience in public administration, his record as governor of Lagos, and his roles in the federal government. During his time as Lagos governor, Fashola gained recognition for i...

The European Union has taken a strong approach toward regulating major technology companies, including Google, as part of its efforts to promote fair competition in the digital economy. Over the years, EU regulators have investigated Google’s business practices, arguing that some of its actions could limit competition and create advantages for its own services over those of rivals. Competition concerns involving large digital platforms often focus on issues such as self-preferencing, control over online advertising markets, data access, and the ability of smaller companies to compete. Because companies like Google operate across multiple areas—including search engines, online advertising, mobile operating systems, and cloud services—European regulators have examined whether their size and market influence create unfair conditions for competitors. The EU’s approach is based on competition laws designed to prevent companies with significant market power from abusing their p...

Arsenal have reportedly agreed an early extension to their long-running sponsorship partnership with Emirates, covering both the front-of-shirt sponsorship and the naming rights to Emirates Stadium. Although the club has not yet officially announced the full details, multiple reputable reports say the agreement has been finalized.  Key reported details include: The new deal is worth around £70 million per year, a substantial increase from the previous agreement, which was valued at roughly £45–50 million annually. Performance-related bonuses could increase the total annual value further.  The extension was agreed before the existing contract expired, reflecting Arsenal's stronger commercial position following recent on-field success.  Football London +1 Emirates is expected to remain: The front-of-shirt sponsor for Arsenal's men's and women's teams. The stadium naming-rights partner for Emirates Stadium.  The increased revenue is expected to strengthen Ar...

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated once again following a sharp exchange of public statements by senior officials from both countries, underscoring the deep hostility that continues to define their relationship. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a pointed warning directed at Iran's leadership, declaring that Israel possesses precise intelligence regarding the whereabouts of Iran's Supreme Leader. Netanyahu stated, "We know the exact location of your Supreme Leader, and we can act whenever we choose." His remarks were widely interpreted as a signal of Israel's intelligence capabilities and its willingness to maintain pressure on Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions. The statement quickly drew a forceful response from Iran's military leadership. Iran's Army Chief dismissed Netanyahu's claim, insisting that Israel lacks the intelligence capabilities to determine the Supreme Leader's exact location. In his respo...