Oil prices rise over Iran’s threat to close Red Sea
Oil prices rose on Friday, July 17, 2026, after the United States and Iran stepped up attacks across the Gulf. The two nations’ broken truce limited oil flows out of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran asked Houthi political and military organisation to stand ready to shut the Red Sea export route. Brent crude futures rose 70 cents, or about 0.83%,...
Argentina’s President to skip World Cup final over lucky ritual
Argentina's President, Javier Milei, says he will not attend Sunday's 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain in the United States, choosing instead to watch the match from home to maintain what he considers a lucky tradition. Speaking to El Observador radio on Thursday, Milei said he would "under no circumstances" break the ritual of watching Argentina's World Cup matches...
Yobo commends Wike, Tinubu over FCT infrastructure projects
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has praised the ongoing infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing it as a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu's administration. Yobo spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the launch of the Abuja City Walk, where he commended the pace of development across the nation's capital. He lauded...
Court restrains FRSC from operating on Kano township roads
The Federal High Court in Kano has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has no legal authority to operate on state and local government roads in Kano, declaring the commission's activities on township roads within the metropolis unlawful. Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice M. S. Shuaibu held that FRSC officers exceeded their statutory powers when they stopped, questioned...
Rising petrol prices squeeze fuel importers
Nigerian fuel importers are coming under renewed pressure as rising international petrol prices and higher freight costs increase the cost of imports, while the Dangote Petroleum Refinery's pricing continues to limit profit opportunities, a new market report has revealed. The latest Daily Refined Products Commentary by S&P Global Commodity Insights said market participants were increasingly concerned about higher global fuel...
Messi misses Okocha’s World Cup dribbling record
Argentina captain Lionel Messi produced another standout performance to inspire his side’s 2-1 comeback victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, but his display fell short of a long-standing record held by former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha. Messi played a decisive role in Argentina’s victory at Atlanta Stadium after England took the lead through Anthony...
Insurance, tech coys drag stock market down by N32bn
The Nigerian stock market closed Thursday’s trading session bearish, shedding N32 billion after recording gains in previous sessions. The downturn was driven by profit-taking in insurance and technology stocks, as Eunisell Interlinked, BUA Cement, and other equities recorded declines. Market capitalisation dipped by N32 billion, representing 0.02 per cent decline, to close at N156.207 trillion from N156.239 trillion recorded on Wednesday...
Security operatives rescue abducted NECO candidates, officials in Kogi
The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of four persons abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, while the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination was in progress. The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Fanwo said the victims...
UBA Business Series lists SMEs, fintech, creative industry as Africa’s next growth frontier
United Bank for Africa Plc has hosted another edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and business leaders to explore how customer insights and technology is shaping Africa's next generation of high-growth businesses. Held at the UBA corporate headquarters in Lagos under the theme, "Building for Africa's Realities: Turning Consumer Feedback into Technology-Driven Solutions," the...
Amaechi loses mother at 89
The mother of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Mrs. Mary Amaechi, has died at the age of 89. According to a statement issued on Thursday by Amaechi's media office, the family said the matriarch passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The statement described the late Mrs. Amaechi as a respected community women...
