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A leading agribusiness organisation specialising in cocoa processing and other farm produce, Johnvents Group, has launched its Environmental Charter, marking a major step in translating sustainability policy into actionable operations across the company. The Charter provides a structured framework to guide environmental performance across the Group, emphasis ing resource efficiency, waste management, pollution prevention, and […]

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ogun State Area Unit, has strongly has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to reconsider his plan to return public schools to missionary bodies, saying that the move is capable of triggering far-reaching educational and social consequences.

The group, in a press statement said it received the governor’s declaration, made while hosting Catholic leaders, including the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria with “profound alarm and unrestrained indignation.”

Governor Abiodun had announced that missionary schools in the state would be handed back to their original owners, a development MSSN insists undermines the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and constitutional responsibility.

Reacting, the MSSN said, “the return of public schools to missionary bodies is inimical to the educational welfare of Muslim students, injurious to inter-religious harmony, and fundamentally at variance with the constitutional obligations of a government elected to serve all citizens without religious distinction.”

The society called on the governor to reconsider the decision “in the interest of peace, unity, and sustainable educational development in Ogun State.”

MSSN dismissed the state government’s description of the move as a “partnership,” arguing that it amounts to the outright transfer of publicly funded institutions to religious organisations.

“A genuine partnership requires mutual contribution and shared accountability. What is being proposed is a unilateral surrender of public assets built with taxpayers’ money,” the statement said.

“It is not partnership, but privatisation of public education along religious lines.”

The group further questioned the legality of the proposed policy, noting that public schools were taken over by the government to ensure equal access to education for all citizens, regardless of religious background.

According to MSSN, “Governor Abiodun lacks the constitutional authority to transfer publicly funded institutions without legislative backing or a clearly defined transition framework.”

Citing Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution, the group stressed that the responsibility for providing free and compulsory education rests squarely on the government.

The student body warned that returning schools to missionary control could expose non-Christian students to discrimination and compulsory religious practices.

It also expressed concern that school fees could rise beyond the reach of low-income families, thereby restricting access to education.

MSSN raised alarm over the potential impact on teachers, many of whom are civil servants with long-standing entitlements.

“Transferring these schools does not transfer government obligations to teachers. Instead, it threatens job security, career progression, and pension rights,” the group stated.

It added that the transition could disrupt academic activities, including examinations and record-keeping, particularly for students in critical classes.

The society further warned that the move could erode the long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence in the State.

“Ogun’s public schools have historically been neutral grounds fostering unity across religious lines. This policy risks institutionalising division and breeding generational resentment,” MSSN cautioned.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of this declaration, not as a concession, but as a necessity to preserve the integrity of public education and the unity of Ogun State,” the statement read.

The MSSN reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the matter until a “satisfactory resolution” is reached, insisting that public schools “belong to all citizens, irrespective of faith.”

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US Vice President JD Vance urged the Vatican Monday to “stick to matters of morality” amid an escalating row between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo over Iran.

“I certainly think that in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality… and let the President of the United States stick to dictating American public policy,” Vance told Fox News’s “Special Report with Bret Baier.”

AFP

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By Shina Abubakar

The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, has commenced a 72-hour lecture boycott over hitches experienced in transportation, as the buses donated by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commenced operations.

The university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, had last week appealed to the students’ union leadership to give the management time to resolve issues arising from the deployment of the 50 buses and 30 tricycles for transporting students within the campus.

The union, in a statement issued by the President and Secretary, Adelani David and Habeeb Oke, dated April 13, instructed students to boycott all academic activities from Monday to Thursday, April 16th, 2026.

According to the union, the decision was reached following its one-week observatory mode, and the subsequent joint meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC), Hall Executive Council (HEC), and the leadership of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC).

The students’ leadership added that the current transportation system introduced by the university management has continued to subject students to severe conditions, including inadequate coverage of the campus, persistent shortage of operational tricycles and buses, overcrowding and discomfort and insufficient drivers.

It therefore demands, “provision of more vehicles to cater for the over 35,000 members of the University community. Immediate reintroduction of the existing transport system until more buses are introduced.

“Proper implementation of the new transport system to guarantee adequate, affordable, and reliable intra-campus mobility for all students. Full consultation with the Students’ Union leadership before any further major changes to campus transportation.”

The Students’ Union leadership further disclosed that it will review the situation at the end of the 72-hour boycott, after which, “possible mass protest/march shall be considered if the management fails to address the demands satisfactorily within this period”.

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Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick blasted referee Paul Tierney for sending off Lisandro Martinez in Monday’s 2-1 defeat against Leeds.

Martinez was dismissed in the second-half at Old Trafford after the United defender pulled the hair of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Tierney showed the Argentine a red card after VAR officials told him to consult the pitch-side monitor.

United were trailing to Noah Okafor’s first-half double when Martinez was dismissed.

And although Casemiro got one back for Carrick’s side, they were unable to avoid the second defeat of his 11-match reign.

“I thought the boys, the way they went about it, they stayed positive and fought to get something out of it after another shocking decision to send off Lisandro,” Carrick said.

“Two games in a row we’ve had decisions like that go against us but this one was one of the worst I’ve seen.”

Claiming Calvert-Lewin’s initial contact with Martinez had played a role in the centre-back’s reaction, Carrick said: “You can throw your arm in Martinez’s face and then as he’s off balance because of that, he’s half grappling, he half touches the back of his hair which pulls the bobble to come out.

“I don’t even know what it looks like. It’s not a pull, it’s not a tug, it’s not aggressive. He touches it and he gets sent off.

“Worst of all, he gets sent to overturn it, a clear and obvious error. Shocking.”

Martinez could face a three-match ban and, asked if United would appeal, Carrick said: “I am going to have to discuss it but I think it is a bad decision.”

Carrick was also frustrated that Calvert-Lewin got away with a strong challenge on United defender Leny Yoro in the build-up to Okafor’s opener.

“We obviously conceded when Leny Yoro gets a forearm smash in the back of the head and they score the first goal,” he said.

“They didn’t decide to overturn that decision. That was a big moment in the game.”

United remain in third place in the Premier League, seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea in the race to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish.

With one win in their last four games, United travel to Chelsea on Saturday for a crucial clash in the battle for Champions League places.

“This is one game. We’ll certainly look at it and look to improve. We’ve got another big game, an important game next week and a big end to the season,” Carrick said.

“We’re in a really good position. Tonight’s disappointing, we didn’t want to lose and we didn’t want the referee’s decisions to be so bad against us but we move on.

“We’ve got a big end to the season and there’s a lot to be positive about.”

AFP

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By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has disclosed that Nigeria’s crude oil output, excluding condensate, rose to 1.38 million barrels per day (bpd) in March 2026, up from 1.31 million bpd recorded in February.

In its March 2026 Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR), OPEC stated that the figures were based on data obtained through direct communication with Nigerian authorities.

However, data from secondary sources showed that Nigeria’s production stood at 1.46 million bpd in March, compared to 1.44 million bpd in February.

Despite the marginal increase, Nigeria fell short of both its OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd and its 2026 budget benchmark of 1.84 million bpd, which includes condensate.

Nonetheless, Nigeria retained its position as Africa’s leading oil producer, ahead of Libya, which recorded output of 1.30 million bpd during the period.

Meanwhile, industry regulators and operators have outlined a coordinated roadmap to boost Nigeria’s crude oil production to three million bpd, emphasising the need for sustained regulatory reforms, increased investment, digitalisation, and critical infrastructure development.

Speaking at the 26th Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum in Abuja, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the 3mbpd target by 2030 is achievable under the current policy direction.

She noted that the goal builds on a near-term target of two million bpd by 2027 and would depend on frameworks that attract capital, encourage innovation, and enable digital oilfield operations.

Eyesan added that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 has repositioned the upstream sector through a regulatory framework anchored on certainty, transparency, and performance, helping to restore investor confidence.

According to her, recent projects such as Bonga North, Ubeta, and HI developments—collectively unlocking over $10 billion in investments—demonstrate the impact of clear policies and streamlined approvals.

She further stressed that digital transformation, including real-time data systems, predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics, would play a critical role in reducing costs, minimising downtime, and boosting output.

Eyesan also highlighted improved oil recovery as a key driver of production growth, noting that new performance-based frameworks now compel operators to maximise reservoir value.

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By Udeme Akpan

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has recorded a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy history, exporting 44,000 barrels per day (b/d) of gasoline in March 2026—an achievement that has positioned the country as a net exporter of petrol for the first time, with a surplus of about 3,000 b/d.

The landmark development marks a decisive turnaround for Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, which for decades depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products.

Industry analysts say the export surge, driven by rising output from the refinery, is expected to generate significant foreign exchange inflows, easing pressure on the forex market and supporting macroeconomic stability.

The March milestone highlights Nigeria’s accelerating progress toward self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and reinforces its ambition to become a competitive player in the global downstream oil market.

In a notable expansion of its international footprint, the refinery also exported gasoline to East Africa for the first time, shipping a 317,000-barrel cargo to Mozambique.

The move reflects growing regional demand as buyers diversify supply sources away from the Middle East amid ongoing disruptions. Another gasoline cargo is scheduled for delivery to Beira, Mozambique, in April.

Data from market intelligence firm Kpler showed that Nigeria’s gasoline imports dropped sharply to 41,000 b/d in March—the lowest level on record.

Meanwhile, crude supply to the refinery rose to about 565,000 b/d, the second-highest intake since the 650,000 b/d-capacity facility began operations in late 2023. The figures indicate strong processing rates and improving product yields.

Analysts say Nigeria’s transition from a major gasoline importer to an exporter is set to reshape regional trade flows and intensify competition in global fuel markets.

The development could also exert additional pressure on Europe’s already oversupplied gasoline market as Nigeria emerges as a new supplier.

Commenting on the broader economic impact, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, credited reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring investor confidence and creating an enabling environment for large-scale investments in domestic refining.

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By Udeme Akpan

Nigerian regulators, banks, and civil society groups have intensified efforts aimed at easing stringent banking restrictions on non-profit organisations (NPOs).

These concerns were expressed at the just-concluded multi-stakeholder working group convened by Spaces for Change, which brought together financial institutions, regulators, and non-profit representatives to address regulatory bottlenecks in Lagos.

According to the non-profits, their biggest challenge is access to the financial system, particularly difficulties in opening and operating bank accounts due to strict compliance requirements.

Speaking at the event, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, said banks are reluctant to adjust without explicit directives from regulators.

She said: “Banks say they know the law has changed, but the Central Bank has not directed them to enforce it. We are the ones facing the consequences of that gap.”

“Previously, many banks categorised NPOs as high-risk entities. That is now beginning to change,” Ibezim-Ohaeri added, noting that training programmes are being conducted for financial institutions across the country.

Similarly, Pattison Boleigha, Managing Director of Pattison Consulting Limited, said: “One of the major challenges is the inability of NPOs to open and operate bank accounts, in some cases hindering their ability to deliver essential humanitarian services.”

Boleigha noted that many banks wrongly classify all non-profits as high-risk entities. “Financial institutions should not treat all non-profit organisations as high-risk,” he said.

Also speaking, Bawo Egbakumeh, Registrar/Chief Executive of the Compliance Institute Nigeria, said improved engagement is bringing clarity.

“There is now greater clarity on how NGOs operate and how they should be onboarded within the financial system,” he said.

Confidence Obayuwana of the Nigeria INGO Forum added: “The needs continue to increase, and the government alone cannot meet them. This is where non-profit organisations play a critical role.”

He further noted that private sector support should be seen as a strategic investment. “When you contribute to reducing poverty, it expands market opportunities for private sector players,” he said.

The experts examined several issues, including the need for a uniform onboarding process across banks to standardise documentation and reduce compliance burdens, especially for smaller organisations.

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Democatic Representative Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress Monday over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Swalwell, who had been a candidate for governor of California, announced his decision in a statement posted to his account on X.

“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” Swalwell said in the statement.

Swalwell’s troubles escalated rapidly over the weekend as reports in the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed allegations from four women, including a former staff member who said he sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent.

Swalwell had suspended his gubernatorial campaign over the weekend.

AFP

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Governorship hopeful Iyabo Obasanjo has halted her ambition for the Ogun State top seat following the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the All Progressives Congress consensus candidate for the 2027 election.

Obasanjo, who is the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, made this known in a statement she personally signed on Monday.

Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West in the Senate, secured his position as the party’s consensus candidate during the meeting at the APC secretariat in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo said, “I congratulate him and wish him every success. I also thank the state and national leaders of our great party for the opportunity to participate in the nomination process.

“Based on these developments, I have decided to suspend my gubernatorial aspiration.

“To my supporters across Ogun State, I am deeply grateful for your calm, steadfast support and unwavering trust throughout this journey. Together, we move forward with patience, strength and hope.”

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