1.3 Million Pilgrims Arrive in Mecca as Saudi Enhances Hajj Safety

By Ayomide Otitoju More than 1.3 million Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Mecca ahead of the 2025 hajj, as Saudi authorities ramp up heat mitigation efforts and security measures to safeguard worshippers amid soaring desert temperatures and a crackdown on unregistered pilgrims. The annual pilgrimage, which begins Wednesday, is taking place under intense conditions with…

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Abbey Mortgage Bank Reports 22.6% Profit Rise to ₦1.07bn in 2024

By Ayomide Otitoju Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc has reported a 22.6 per cent increase in its profit after tax for the 2024 financial year, reaching ₦1.07 billion, up from ₦871.28 million recorded in 2023. The figures were disclosed at the bank’s 33rd Annual General Meeting, held recently in Lagos. According to the audited financial statements…

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Nigeria Accelerates $25B Gas Pipeline to Europe, VP Shettima Says

By Ayomide Otitoju Nigeria is accelerating plans to construct a $25 billion undersea gas pipeline that will supply natural gas to Europe, Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed on Monday during a meeting with executives of Vitol Group at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project is designed to channel gas through the…

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Access ARM Pensions Posts 187% Profit Surge to ₦10.9bn in 2024

By Ayomide Otitoju Access ARM Pensions has posted a 187 per cent increase in profit after tax for the 2024 financial year, rising to ₦10.9 billion, as its Assets Under Management (AUM) climbed to ₦3.5 trillion. The impressive performance comes despite prevailing macroeconomic headwinds. The pension fund administrator also recorded a 129 per cent increase…

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Shell Loads Maiden Crude from Nigeria’s New Otakikpo Terminal

By Ayomide Otitoju Shell has loaded the maiden crude oil cargo from Nigeria’s newly completed onshore Otakikpo terminal, marking the start of exports from the $400 million facility developed by marginal field operator Green Energy International, according to a report by Argus on Monday. The Otakikpo terminal, situated in the OML 11 block southeast of…

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Wike Accuses Amaechi of Power Grab Over Hunger Comment

By Ayomide Otitoju Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday lashed out at his predecessor and political rival, Rotimi Amaechi, over recent comments about hunger, accusing the former minister of seeking a return to power at all costs. Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike described Amaechi’s statement as an…

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U.S. Confident of Imminent Trade Deal With India

By Ayomide Otitoju U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has expressed confidence that a trade agreement between the United States and India will be reached soon, potentially averting tariffs proposed by former President Donald Trump. Speaking at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum on Monday, Lutnick said, “You should expect a deal between the United States and…

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