Author: Tribune Online

  • Nigeria’s over N130trn credit deficit stifles growth of 39 million MSMEs, says Oye

    Nigeria’s over N130trn credit deficit stifles growth of 39 million MSMEs, says Oye

    Dele Oye, Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics LTD/GTE, has stated that Nigeria’s credit deficit exceeding N130 trillion is hindering the growth of 39 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation. In a statement, Oye described the widening gap between the financing needs of small businesses and the capacity […]

    The post Nigeria’s over N130trn credit deficit stifles growth of 39 million MSMEs, says Oye appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • Abandoned projects reduce quality of life of Nigerians —Jagun

    Abandoned projects reduce quality of life of Nigerians —Jagun

    Pastor Stephen Jagun, a seasoned facility manager and former chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lagos Branch, speaks about dangers of having 56,000 uncompleted/ abandoned projects in the country in this interview with DAYO AYEYEMI. There was a report that Nigeria has over 56,000 uncompleted/abandoned government projects nationwide. What is your […]

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  • What Victor Osimhen told Turkey president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during meeting

    What Victor Osimhen told Turkey president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during meeting

    Galatasaray and their star striker, Victor Osimhen met Turkey President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday night.

    This was in continuation of their  championship festivities which took them to the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office.

    Osimhen took the opportunity to convey his appreciation to the president.

    The Galatasaray delegation, headed by club president, Dursun Aydın Özbek and manager, Okan Buruk, was welcomed by Erdoğan in celebration of their triumph.

    Osimhen was one of the key players as The Lion clinched a fourth consecutive title with one match remaining, netting fifteen goals and providing five assists in twenty-two appearances.

    During the ceremony, the Nigerian international shared a brief message directed at president Erdoğan, expressing his gratitude for the invitation and the privilege of being welcomed at the presidential office.

    Osimhen stated, “Thank you very much for receiving us. It is always a great pleasure to be in your presence.

    “As our president mentioned, we must secure the cup to meet you in person.”

    Osimhen returned to Galatasaray on a permanent deal last summer after a fruitful loan period, signing a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2029.

    What Victor Osimhen told Turkey president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during meeting

  • World Cup 2026: Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti announces squad for tournament [Full list]

    World Cup 2026: Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti announces squad for tournament [Full list]

    Head coach of the Brazil national team, Carlo Ancelotti, has revealed his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Under Ancelotti’s guidance, the Seleção is set to enter the tournament as one of the leading contenders once again.

    This will mark the legendary Italian manager’s debut in a World Cup, and he bears the significant responsibility of restoring Brazil to the pinnacle of international football, a feat not achieved since they last lifted the trophy in Korea-Japan 2002, over twenty years ago.

    With prominent players like Vinicius Jr., Raphinha and Bruno Guimarães, and uncertainties regarding Neymar’s fitness, Brazil aspires to secure its sixth World Cup title.

    Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup

    Goalkeepers

    Alisson — Liverpool (Premier League)

    Ederson — Fenerbahçe (Süper Lig)

    Weverton — Grêmio (Brasileirão)

    Defenders

    Alex Sandro – Flamengo (Brasileirão)

    Bremer – Juventus (Serie A)

    Danilo – Flamengo (Brasileirão)

    Douglas Santos – Zenit (Russian Premier League)

    Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal (Premier League)

    Ibañez – Al Ahli (Saudi Pro League)

    Léo Pereira – Flamengo (Brasileirão)

    Marquinhos – PSG (Ligue 1)

    Wesley – Roma (Serie A)

    Midfielders

    Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle United (Premier League)

    Casemiro – Manchester United (Premier League)

    Danilo – Botafogo (Brasileirão)

    Fabinho – Al Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)

    Lucas Paquetá – Flamengo (Brasileirão)

    Forwards

    Endrick – Lyon (Ligue 1)

    Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal (Premier League)

    Igor Thiago – Brentford (Premier League)

    Luiz Henrique – Zenit (Russian Premier League)

    Matheus Cunha – Manchester United (Premier League)

    Neymar – Santos (Brasileirão)

    Raphinha – Barcelona (LaLiga)

    Rayan – Bournemouth (Premier League)

    Vinicius Júnior – Real Madrid (LaLiga)

    World Cup 2026: Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti announces squad for tournament [Full list]

  • We need to raise standard of representation in National Assembly —ADC Reps aspirant, Abidikugu

    We need to raise standard of representation in National Assembly —ADC Reps aspirant, Abidikugu

    Dr Kazeem Adesina Abidikugu (KS0) is a United Kingdom-based psychiatric consultant, an alumnus of prestigious Ibadan Grammar School and an aspirant for Ibadan Northeast/Southeast federal constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC). In this interview with YINKA OLADOYINBO, he speaks on development issues in Nigeria, his ambition and […]

    The post We need to raise standard of representation in National Assembly —ADC Reps aspirant, Abidikugu appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Tension In NNPCL As Ojulari Introduces Early Exit Scheme To Retrench Pre-2030 Retirees

    EXCLUSIVE: Tension In NNPCL As Ojulari Introduces Early Exit Scheme To Retrench Pre-2030 Retirees

    …Exit Scheme Voluntary, Not Targeted At Any Staff—NNPC Spokesman

    There is palpable tension among the workforce of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited following the commencement of a structured staff exit programme approved by the company’s management as part of its ongoing transformation into a commercially driven energy firm, THE WHISTLER can report.

    The initiative, according to THE WHISTLER findings includes an Accelerated Exit Scheme (AES) and a Voluntary Exit Scheme (VES), being positioned by management as a strategic step to realign the organisation’s workforce with its long-term goals.

    However, many employees view the move as a precursor to large-scale downsizing, triggering uncertainty and apprehension across departments.

    In an internal communication to staff members, a copy obtained by THE WHISTLER, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Bashir Ojulari, said the programme was designed to ensure that the company’s talent structure remains aligned with its ambition of becoming a globally competitive energy company.

    “Over the past year, we began an important recalibration of our organisation as part of our broader transformation,” Ojulari said.

    “As we build momentum on this journey, it is essential that our workforce continues to evolve in line with the future we are building.”

    He explained in the memo that the AES would target employees due to retire by 2026, while the VES would be open to staff scheduled for statutory retirement in 2027, as well as employees on grade level SS1 expected to retire between 2028 and 2030.

    “These programmes form part of our deliberate efforts to responsibly manage workforce transitions while creating the right conditions for organisational renewal and long-term sustainability,” he added.

    Ojulari, however, sought to reassure employees that the decisions were made with careful consideration and respect for staff contributions over the years.

    “Let me emphasise that decisions of this nature are taken with deep respect for the many contributions our colleagues have made to the growth and success of NNPC Limited,” he said. “This transition is aimed at building an organisation that is agile, performance-driven, and accountable.”

    He added that eligible employees would be contacted directly by the Human Capital Management team and provided with detailed guidance on the process, urging affected staff to consider the opportunity carefully.

    “As we plan ahead and continue to strengthen our enterprise for the future, I encourage all of us to approach this transition with professionalism, understanding, and a shared commitment to the long-term success of NNPC Limited,” Ojulari stated.

    Nevertheless, the announcement has continued to fuel speculation about the scale of the planned workforce reduction, with employees bracing for what many fear could be a far-reaching restructuring exercise.

    Despite the assurances, some employees who spoke on condition of anonymity described a tense atmosphere within the organisation.

    An employee noted that while the company framed the initiative as an opportunity, the broader implications suggest a significant workforce reduction.

    “There is a silent pressure. When management starts talking about ‘renewal’ and ‘alignment,’ you know jobs are on the line,” the staff member said.

    But the NNPC Limited has dismissed concerns that its newly introduced staff exit programme is a covert attempt to force workers out of the organisation, insisting that the initiative is entirely voluntary and not targeted at any category of employees.

    Speaking to THE WHISTLER in response to growing unease among staff, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, clarified that the scheme is open to all eligible employees and is designed to provide flexibility rather than compel exits.

    “It’s an opportunity for anybody,” Odeh said. “It’s not about targeting any individual or group. Whether you are retiring this year or next year, it gives you the option of an early exit if you choose.

    “It’s a voluntary scheme, not mandatory,” he said. “Nobody is being forced to take it. Those who do not want to take the option can continue their careers as planned.”

    Odey further told THE WHISTLER that the concept is not new within the organisation or the broader corporate environment, noting that similar programmes have been implemented in the past to allow employees make personal career decisions while enabling organisational renewal.

    “What organisations do is give people the opportunity to decide if they want to leave earlier than scheduled, often with certain benefits attached,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation for the individual and for the organisation.”

    According to him, the scheme also creates room for workforce rejuvenation by allowing the company to bring in younger talent and fresh skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving energy sector.

    “It helps the organisation to look ahead and also gives individuals the chance to pursue something different if they so wish,” Odeh added.

    Odeh maintained that the company’s approach is guided by fairness and respect for its employees.

    “It is not about forcing people out,” he reiterated. “It is about giving them a choice.”

    EXCLUSIVE: Tension In NNPCL As Ojulari Introduces Early Exit Scheme To Retrench Pre-2030 Retirees is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Senator Kaila loses return bid despite defecting to APC as Abdullahi wins Bauchi South ticket

    Senator Kaila loses return bid despite defecting to APC as Abdullahi wins Bauchi South ticket

    The Senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, Samaila Dahuwa Kaila, on Monday lost his bid to return to the senate under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC,  after suffering defeat at the party’s primary election.

    Kaila, who was  elected to the senate under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to the APC in 2025 and became one of the leading voices opposing the planned defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, to the ruling party.

    Announcing the results of the direct primary election on Monday, Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Brigadier-General Saidu Abdulhameed (Rtd), said three aspirants contested for the Bauchi North senatorial ticket.

    According to him, Dahuwa Kaila scored 12,912 votes, Ibrahim Mohammed Baba polled 22,744 votes, while Sirajo Ibrahim Tanko secured 5,202 votes.

    “Therefore, Ibrahim Mohammed Baba, having satisfied the requirements and garnered the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner for Bauchi North Senatorial District,” he stated.

    In the Bauchi South Senatorial District, Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi emerged winner after polling 25,762 votes to defeat four other aspirants in the contest.

    The committee disclosed that Brigadier-General Abubakar Suleiman Maikano (Rtd) scored 6,870 votes, Hon. Shehu Aliyu Dass polled 6,648 votes, Rt. Hon. Abdulmumini Kundak secured 4,975 votes, while Ibrahim Usman got 4,922 votes.

    “Therefore, Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi, having satisfied the constitutional requirements and guidelines of the election, is hereby declared the winner of the Bauchi South Senatorial District APC ticket,” the chairman added.

    The committee also announced the results of the Bauchi Federal Constituency primary contested by five aspirants, including Idris Isa Yuguda, son of former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda.

    According to the results, Idris Isa Yuguda polled 4,053 votes, Salisu Sabo secured 1,410 votes, Bidi’atu Inuwa got 1,350 votes, Jibrin Abdullahi Sirajo scored 13,190 votes, while Mohammed Mustapha polled 1,214 votes.

    “Therefore, Jibrin Abdullahi Sirajo, having satisfied constitutional requirements and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner of the APC ticket for Bauchi Federal Constituency,” the committee declared.

    Senator Kaila loses return bid despite defecting to APC as Abdullahi wins Bauchi South ticket

  • Bago, Sanni and the 2027 succession battle in Nigeria

    Bago, Sanni and the 2027 succession battle in Nigeria

    The race towards the Niger State Government House in 2013 appears to have started even before the 2027 elections. In this report, Aliyu Hamagam looks into the maneuvering and permutations between the incumbent, Governor Mohammed Bago and the Senator representing Niger East senatorial district, Senator Mohammed Musa, who is interested in the seat. Interest in […]

    The post Bago, Sanni and the 2027 succession battle in Nigeria appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • Asthma should not be stigmatised

    Asthma should not be stigmatised

    Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in the lung; it makes the airway swollen, narrow, and sometimes filled with mucus, making it difficult for person to breathe. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), asthma affected estimated 262 million people worldwide, and it has caused about 455,000 deaths. Sadly, many people living with […]

    The post Asthma should not be stigmatised appeared first on Tribune Online.

  • Group conducts free medical outreach for 1,000 elderly in Ogun

    Group conducts free medical outreach for 1,000 elderly in Ogun

    In a bid to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable citizens, the women’s wing of the City Boy Movement, a political support group, has organised a free medical outreach for about 1,000 elderly persons in Ogun West senatorial district of Ogun State. The outreach, which featured free medical consultations, health checks and distribution of drugs […]

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