Ten years after his passing, former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi will be honored by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) for his significant contributions to Nigerian sports and diplomacy. His name is set to be inscribed on the NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame in Lagos, a monument dedicated to Nigerians who have advanced the country’s international standing through sports. Former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami confirmed that Keshi’s selection was officially approved by the NIIA, with a ceremony planned for July 28, just one day before the 10th anniversary of his burial.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Odegbami highlighted that Keshi’s influence extended far beyond his national team achievements, noting that he was instrumental in paving the way for African players to transition into professional football in Europe. Keshi’s celebrated career included winning the Africa Cup of Nations both as a captain in 1994 and as a coach in 2013, as well as qualifying Togo for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. This induction into the NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame is intended to solidify his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian football history.

Key Takeaways

• The Honor: Stephen Keshi will be inducted into the NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame for his contributions to sports diplomacy and Nigerian football.

• Significance: Beyond his titles, Keshi is recognized for assisting a generation of African players in securing professional opportunities in Europe.

• Ceremony Details: The event is scheduled for July 28, timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of his burial.

• Legacy: Keshi remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated sports figures, having earned the CAF Coach of the Year award twice.

The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has resumed protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, citing frustration over unpaid project arrears. This demonstration occurred shortly after the Federal Government announced it had processed over ₦700 billion in payments for verified contractor obligations, with ₦436.6 billion processed in May alone. The Ministry explained that this recent payment batch prioritizes contractors with verified claims of ₦100 million or less to ensure the economic impact reaches a broader range of businesses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Cooking gas marketers have linked the recent sharp rise in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices to a combination of seasonal demand, supply shortages, and an imbalance between the number of consumers and available products. Spokespersons for the Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) and the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc (NIPCO) explained that prices in areas like Abuja have surged by 40 to 66 percent within the last three weeks, with per-kilogram costs climbing from a previous range of ₦1,000–₦1,200 to between ₦1,400 and ₦2,000.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chinedu Ukadike of NOGASA noted that the rainy season has intensified demand, as households shift away from firewood, which becomes less accessible during this period. Meanwhile, Taofeek Lawal of NIPCO highlighted that the current market struggle is primarily a supply issue, as the available volume is insufficient to accommodate the growing consumer base. Despite the current financial strain this places on households amid broader inflationary pressures, marketers expressed optimism that prices will naturally decline as supply improves and more operators, including the Dangote Refinery, enter the LPG supply chain.

Key Takeaways

• Price Surge: Cooking gas prices have risen significantly, now selling between ₦1,400 and ₦2,000 per kilogram in Abuja and neighboring areas.

• Primary Drivers: Increased reliance on LPG during the rainy season and a mismatch between high demand and limited supply are cited as the main reasons for the price hike.

• Market Outlook: Marketers expect the situation to be temporary, anticipating that increased participation from more gas companies will stabilize and eventually lower prices.