Nigeria News (Standard)
Lafarge Africa Unveils HBM Nigeria Plc Identity in Lagos, Reaffirms Commitment to Industrial Growth
Managing Director Lolu Alade-Akinyemi assures workforce, customers and investors that operations, jobs and supply chains remain unaffected by rebranding
Managing Director Lolu Alade-Akinyemi assures workforce, customers and investors that operations, jobs and supply chains remain unaffected by rebranding
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading cement and building solutions provider, on Thursday unveiled its new corporate identity as HBM Nigeria Plc at an event in Lagos. The announcement comes as part of the company’s alignment with its updated shareholder structure and marks a significant step in its ongoing evolution within Nigeria’s industrial sector.
According to the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the transition to HBM Nigeria Plc signals a new chapter for the company but will not disrupt existing operations, relationships with customers or its workforce. “HBM Nigeria Plc represents an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading building solutions company,” Alade-Akinyemi stated during the unveiling ceremony.
The rebranding exercise is intended to reinforce the company’s long-standing commitment to economic growth, infrastructure development and industrialisation in Nigeria. Lafarge Africa has played a significant role in supplying cement, concrete, aggregates and related products essential for national projects across various states and geopolitical zones.
Alade-Akinyemi further assured stakeholders that while the company’s identity is changing, its dedication to quality service delivery remains steadfast. “While our corporate identity is evolving, our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. We remain focused on delivering quality cement, concrete, aggregates and innovative building solutions that support infrastructure development, housing growth and industrialisation,” he added.
The company noted that the change of name will not affect shareholders’ interests or customer engagements. Industry analysts view this move as a strategic repositioning that could enhance Lafarge’s competitive edge within the cement and construction sector amid rising demand for building materials nationwide. The firm emphasised it would continue upholding values of excellence, sustainability and responsible business practices established over decades of operation.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-NBA Chairman Okoko Urges Federal Government to License Civilian Gun Ownership in Anambra
Calls for review of firearms law spark fresh debate as security agencies face criticism over checkpoints and response times
Calls for review of firearms law spark fresh debate as security agencies face criticism over checkpoints and response times
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idemili Branch, Benjamin Chukwudi Okoko, has called on the Federal Government to allow law-abiding Nigerians to legally own and carry firearms for self-defence, citing the increasing rate of insecurity nationwide. Okoko made this appeal on Thursday in Onitsha, Anambra State, stressing that many residents have become easy targets for armed men due to limited ability to protect themselves.
Okoko argued that government should urgently review the country’s firearms laws and establish a regulated licensing system so responsible citizens can acquire arms for personal protection. ‘Government should liberalise the ownership of arms and ammunition to enable Nigerians procure arms for self-defence against gunmen and bandits,’ Okoko said while addressing journalists in Anambra. He clarified that his proposal was not an invitation to indiscriminate possession of firearms but a measure to empower citizens where security agencies are unable to respond promptly.
The former NBA chairman also criticised the proliferation of security checkpoints across the South-East, alleging that many have become centres of extortion rather than effective crime prevention. He pointed out that personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and local vigilante groups now operate numerous roadblocks, resulting in delays for motorists and increased transport costs. According to Okoko, these checkpoints waste commuters’ time, increase fuel consumption, and create hardship for businesses and travellers.
In addition, Okoko condemned repeated cargo inspections by customs officers on goods already cleared at seaports. He said such practices discourage business activities and raise the cost of moving goods within Nigeria. His comments come amid renewed public debate over whether relaxing Nigeria’s strict firearms regulations would improve personal safety or worsen insecurity by increasing weapon circulation.
Nigeria currently operates one of Africa’s toughest firearms licensing regimes under the Firearms Act. The law requires government approval before civilians can possess specified categories of weapons. While supporters of civilian gun ownership say it would help communities facing frequent attacks by armed men, opponents warn it could escalate violence if not properly managed. Security agencies have not issued any official response to Okoko’s suggestions as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
France’s Dembélé Nets Hat-Trick as Senegal Thrash Iraq 5-0 in World Cup Group Stage
French forward Ousmane Dembélé delivers standout performance against Norway; Senegalese side dominate Iraq in resounding victory
French forward Ousmane Dembélé delivers standout performance against Norway; Senegalese side dominate Iraq in resounding victory
France’s Ousmane Dembélé scored a hat-trick to secure a convincing win over Norway, while Senegal delivered a commanding 5-0 defeat of Iraq in their respective FIFA World Cup group stage matches played on Saturday, 27 June 2026. Both matches, held at different venues, saw the two teams make strong statements early in the tournament.
Dembélé was the star for France, finding the net three times to sink Norway and boost his team’s chances of progressing from the group. The French side controlled proceedings for much of the encounter, with Dembélé opening scoring early before adding two more goals to complete his treble. The Norwegian team struggled to contain France’s attacking threat and failed to register a response.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s national team, representing Africa with high expectations, swept aside Iraq in a one-sided affair. The West African side scored five unanswered goals, showcasing their attacking prowess and solidifying their position as favourites to advance. The victory is seen as a morale booster for Senegalese supporters and underlines the growing strength of African teams on the global stage.
The wins by France and Senegal mark significant starts for both countries in their World Cup campaigns. Football analysts note that Dembélé’s performance could set the tone for France moving forward, while Senegal’s emphatic result places them among early tournament favourites from Africa. The results have sparked excitement among fans back home and increased expectations for deeper runs by both sides.
Both teams will look to build on these results as they prepare for their next group fixtures. For Nigeria and other African football followers, Senegal’s strong showing is a source of pride and optimism as the continent continues its quest for greater success at international tournaments.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Secures Release of Six Nigerians Detained in Côte d’Ivoire, Says Official
Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms intervention led to freedom for citizens held since early June, families express relief
Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms intervention led to freedom for citizens held since early June, families express relief
The Federal Government has secured the release of six Nigerian citizens who were detained in Côte d’Ivoire, according to an official statement issued on Saturday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Nigerians regained their freedom following direct intervention by government authorities.
According to the ministry, the six individuals were held in Ivorian custody after being detained earlier this month. The circumstances leading to their arrest were not disclosed, but officials stated that swift diplomatic engagement with Ivorian counterparts ensured their safe release. “The government acted promptly upon learning of their detention and worked closely with Côte d’Ivoire authorities to resolve the matter amicably,” a ministry official said.
This development comes at a time when concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad have been on the rise. The Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens worldwide and urged all nationals travelling or residing outside the country to comply with local laws and report any challenges to the nearest Nigerian mission.
Family members of those released expressed gratitude to the federal government for its efforts. No details were provided regarding their current location or plans for their return to Nigeria. The ministry did not disclose further information about why the Nigerians were detained, but assured that all necessary consular assistance would continue to be provided.
With this intervention, the government has again emphasised its determination to safeguard Nigerians wherever they may be. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would continue monitoring developments involving citizens overseas and work with foreign governments to ensure their rights and welfare are upheld.
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