Nigeria News (Standard)
Dangote Revives Plans for Mega Free Trade Zone in Olokola, Ondo State
Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomes project aimed at industrialising South-West, leveraging deep seaport and Lagos-Calabar highway
Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomes project aimed at industrialising South-West, leveraging deep seaport and Lagos-Calabar highway
Billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote has announced renewed plans to develop a massive free trade and industrial zone in Olokola, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The announcement came after a strategic meeting with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure on Monday, where Dangote described the project as a comprehensive industrial hub designed to attract investors and accelerate manufacturing growth in the region.
The proposed free trade zone is expected to feature dedicated power generation, gas infrastructure, cement production facilities, water supply and logistics support. According to Dangote, the initiative will address major constraints faced by manufacturers in Nigeria, especially unreliable electricity supply and high operational costs. He said the “plug-and-play” model will allow companies to benefit from stable power and efficient logistics within the zone.
Speaking during the meeting, Dangote stated, “We want to create the biggest free trade zone where investors can just come and plug in. We will generate power, provide infrastructure and remove the bottlenecks around doing business.” The industrial zone will leverage its proximity to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Olokola’s coastal location, offering seamless access for importers and exporters.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed strong support for the investment drive, noting that it aligns with Ondo State’s goal of becoming a leading industrial centre in South-West Nigeria. He highlighted that Ondo’s deep seaport licence positions it as a key player in maritime trade. “The limestone deposits in the state have been tested and found suitable for industrial use, signalling potential for cement production expansion,” he said. The governor also disclosed that a technical committee has been set up to work with Dangote Group on legal frameworks and community engagement for smooth project implementation.
Dangote emphasised that provision of reliable energy through a dedicated power plant and an east-west gas pipeline corridor would help resolve longstanding electricity challenges that have hampered Nigerian industries for decades. He explained that such infrastructure is critical to reducing dependence on generators and lowering production costs for manufacturers operating within the zone.
The Olokola free trade zone is expected to boost job creation and stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors including construction, transport, energy and manufacturing. While timelines for commencement were not disclosed, both parties indicated readiness to fast-track preliminary processes. Governor Aiyedatiwa assured Dangote of full government support throughout land acquisition, regulatory approvals and stakeholder engagement phases.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Malaysian Platform Winbox Launches Live FIFA World Cup 2026 Streaming and Betting
Platform offers real-time match streaming, live betting, and rewards for Malaysian fans during ongoing FIFA tournament season
Platform offers real-time match streaming, live betting, and rewards for Malaysian fans during ongoing FIFA tournament season
Winbox, an online gaming platform, has introduced live streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches alongside in-play betting features for Malaysian football fans this June. The initiative aims to enhance fan engagement during the global tournament, allowing users to watch matches and place bets seamlessly on their mobile devices or computers.
According to details released by the company on Sunday, Winbox now streams every fixture of the World Cup—from group stages through knockout rounds—directly on its platform. This service is designed for mobile-first access, with features that ensure quick loading and stable video quality whether users are at home or in public venues such as mamak restaurants. Previously, fans had to switch between separate streaming and betting apps to follow matches and place bets.
The new offering also integrates real-time betting markets that update as matches progress. Fans can respond instantly to major developments on the pitch—such as red cards or penalties—by placing or adjusting their bets without leaving the live stream. Winbox stated that its system is optimised to handle heavy traffic during peak match times when national interest is high.
In addition to live features, Winbox has launched a FIFA Points promotion exclusive to the World Cup period. Registered users can accumulate points through regular engagement on the platform, with new members receiving bonus points upon signing up. These points can be redeemed for various prizes during the tournament window. Registration reportedly takes under two minutes, giving users immediate access to all live features and promotions.
Winbox’s management said the combined experience of streaming, live betting, and rewards makes this year’s World Cup unique for Malaysian users. The company emphasised that these services are available only during the tournament period, encouraging fans to register early for maximum benefit.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oshiomhole Says APC Sacked Him as National Chairman via Zoom Meeting at Presidential Villa
Former Edo governor alleges court orders and internal party moves led to his removal after 2019 electoral victories
Former Edo governor alleges court orders and internal party moves led to his removal after 2019 electoral victories
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed that he was removed from office through a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held via Zoom at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Oshiomhole, who now represents Edo North Senatorial District, made this known during an interview on AIT aired on Sunday, 16 June 2026.
Oshiomhole explained that his ouster in June 2020 came after he led the APC to a second-term victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and resolved leadership disputes within the National Assembly. According to him, moves to remove him began with a petition allegedly signed by eight members of his ward in Edo State, which was followed by a series of court cases and interim orders that paved the way for his suspension.
He said, “I led my party to victory under Buhari. With my colleagues in the National Working Committee, we were able to fix the leadership tussle of the National Assembly, both Senate and House of Representatives effortlessly. Our president didn’t have to run around the country; we did all the marketing and persuasion needed.” Oshiomhole alleged that after stabilising the party, aggrieved members resorted to court actions when they could not remove him democratically. “Once the system got stabilised, I was sacked through a Zoom. When people couldn’t get me removed democratically, they claimed eight members of my ward passed a vote of no confidence on me. Based on that, they went to court and obtained an interim order.”
The former Edo State governor further stated that although he appealed against the suspension order and initially won at the Court of Appeal, the same court later reversed itself three weeks later. He recounted how, shortly after this reversal, an unprecedented NEC meeting was convened virtually at the Villa where his removal was formalised.
Oshiomhole’s exit marked a significant turning point for APC leadership. The party’s NEC subsequently dissolved its National Working Committee and set up a Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee to oversee party affairs amid ongoing internal divisions. His latest statements offer fresh perspective on one of Nigeria’s most dramatic recent political shake-ups.
At press time, no official response had been issued by current APC national officers regarding Oshiomhole’s account.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Approves Digital Address System for All Nigerian Buildings, Targets Rollout in October 2026
Communications Minister Tijani says initiative will boost security, curb fraud and improve service delivery nationwide
Communications Minister Tijani says initiative will boost security, curb fraud and improve service delivery nationwide
The Federal Government has announced plans to assign a unique digital address to every building across Nigeria, in a move officials say will tackle fraud, insecurity and poor logistics nationwide. The rollout of the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System is set to begin with selected states in October 2026, according to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The new addressing system will see all residential, commercial and public buildings across the country assigned a distinct alphanumeric code linked to their precise geographic coordinates. Authorities say this will replace the current reliance on vague descriptions and popular landmarks—such as ‘opposite the filling station’—which often hinder emergency response, deliveries and security investigations.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the platform is being developed in partnership with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. “This digital addressing system will provide a reliable national location framework for security agencies, businesses and government institutions,” Tijani stated at a press briefing. He added that agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC and DSS would benefit from improved ability to trace suspects and strengthen investigations involving fraud or other crimes.
Officials argue that Nigeria’s outdated addressing system has contributed to billions of naira in annual losses due to failed deliveries and inefficiencies in moving goods and services. NIPOST projects that standardising addresses will also boost e-commerce deliveries, postal services, transportation planning and access to essential government services. Responding to concerns over privacy, government representatives stressed that address-related data will be protected by existing data privacy laws.
With phase one scheduled for October 2026 before a nationwide expansion, stakeholders see the initiative as one of the most ambitious attempts yet to unify Nigeria’s national addressing framework. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the announcement.
