GBN

By Olufemi Orioye  As the political landscape of Ogun State continues to evolve with an eye on the 2027 general elections, one name that is increasingly being highlighted as a strong contender for the Deputy Governorship seat is Honorable Dapo Okubadejo, the Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the state’s Commissioner for Finance. Okubadejo has, over the past few years, proven his exceptional leadership, financial expertise, and unwavering commitment to the development of Ogun State.  His strategic vision and remarkable track record make him not just a key player in …

Lagos, April 18, 2026 – The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has expanded its trading hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (WAT) effective Monday, April 27, 2026 to deepen market liquidity, enhance price discovery, and broaden investor access. According to a statement from the NGX, the expansion has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria. The new development shifts the market opening time from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and extends the closing time from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking a significant evolution in the Exchange’s market …

Lagos, April 18, 2026 – Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has teamed up with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to deliver a Geosciences Centre of Excellence at the University of Lagos, a world-class learning and research hub in a critical sector of the economy. The centre which was inaugurated on April 17, 2026, is an impressive five-level structure equipped with state-of-the-art learning and research facilities, including facilities for research in hydrogeology, mineralogy and environmental geology, a …

London, April 18, 2026 – Investors placed a bet worth about $760 million on a falling oil price around 20 minutes before Iran’s foreign ​minister announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was open, ‌another sizeable wager on the world’s most traded commodity ahead of major announcements in the course of the Middle East war. Large, well‑timed trades in recent months ​have drawn concern from U.S. lawmakers and legal experts that ​decisions around war and diplomacy can give some traders an ⁠edge in volatile and opaque derivatives markets. Between …

Huston, April 18, 2026 – Oil prices settled down by around 9% on Friday after Iran said passage for all ​commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period and U.S. President Donald Trump ‌said Iran has agreed to never close the strait again. Brent crude futures settled down $9.01, or 9.07%, to $90.38 a barrel, after falling to a session low of $86.09. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled down $10.48, or 11.45%, at $83.85 a barrel, after touching a low of $80.56. …

 Lagos, April 18, 2026 – The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has expanded its trading hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (WAT) effective Monday, April 27, 2026 to deepen market liquidity, enhance price discovery, and broaden investor access. According to a statement from the NGX, the expansion has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria. The new development shifts the market opening time from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and extends the closing time from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking a significant evolution in the Exchange’s market …

Abuja, April 17, 2026 – President Bola Tinubu has signed the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Federal Appropriation Bill into law. He also signed another bill extending the implementation of the 2025 budget from March 31 to June 30, 2026 The Presidency disclosed this on Friday in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The budget earmarked ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent expenditure, while ₦32.2 trillion is set aside for capital expenditure as Development Fund. The sum of ₦4.799 trillion is earmarked for statutory transfers, …

Lagos, April 17, 2026 – The Board of ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC) has appointed Mr. James Makinde as the new Managing Director of the company following the statutory retirement of Engr. Effiong Okon, effective April 20, 2026. Until his appointment, Makinde was the General Manager for Gas Business at Seplat Energy Plc. AGPC is an NNPC Limited–SEPLAT Energy Incorporated JV, and the operator of the flagship 300mmscfd ANOH gas plant. Makinde is an industry professional with expertise in commercial deal delivery and project management. He has worked in roles …

Akure, April 17, 2026 – Yòmí Oyékàn, a media and community development advocate, has led his platform, Akure Outsiders, into a strategic partnership with Stanfield Attorneys, spearheaded by E. D. Elabi Esq., Managing Partner, to facilitate the release of 50 inmates from maximum correctional facilities across Ondo State. The initiative, described as a humanitarian and justice-driven intervention, is targeted at inmates eligible for release due to minor offences, prolonged detention without trial, or fulfillment of legal conditions for freedom. Speaking on the development, Oyékàn noted that the effort reflects a …

Beirut, April 17, 2026 – Iran said Friday it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but President Donald Trump said the American blockade on Iranian ships and ports “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the crucial waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil is shipped was now fully open to commercial vessels, as a 10-day truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group …