News

19 parties sign accord to ensure peaceful 2027 elections in Kogi

Published

1 hour ago

September 8, 2026

Preport

Nineteen political parties in Kogi State have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.

An engagement between the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security and political parties, held at the Kogi State Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja on Tuesday, saw representatives of 19 parties sign the peace accord to ensure a peaceful electoral environment in the state.

Under the agreement, the parties and their candidates are to base their campaigns on policies, programmes, manifestos and issues affecting the people of Kogi State for the overall development of the state.

Some of the parties that participated in the peace accord included the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Action Alliance (AA) and others.

The political parties also rejected the use of sponsorship or mobilisation of individuals and groups for electoral violence, intimidation, threats or disruption of political activities, and agreed to take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporters and campaign organisations conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.

The parties also committed themselves to respecting the independence and lawful functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other institutions responsible for administering and securing elections.

They therefore promised to cooperate with electoral and security authorities to ensure peaceful elections while exercising restraint in public statements, speeches, broadcasts and social media communications.

The accord also rejected the deliberate circulation of false information, inflammatory messages, threats or other content capable of provoking violence or undermining public confidence in the electoral process. The parties agreed to respect the rights of rival political parties and candidates to campaign and participate in the electoral process without obstruction, harassment, threats or unlawful interference.

The parties also committed to protecting the rights of eligible citizens to participate freely in elections without intimidation, coercion, harassment or discrimination, saying that no party, candidate or supporter shall unlawfully interfere with a voter’s freedom to choose a candidate of their preference.

The parties agreed to respect lawful procedures for the announcement and declaration of results after the election, pointing out that any candidate or party dissatisfied with an electoral decision should seek redress through available legal and constitutional mechanisms rather than resorting to violence or self-help.

The commitment, according to the parties, would continue beyond the declaration of results, with all political actors expected to discourage retaliation, reprisal attacks, destruction of property and other forms of post-election violence.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials of the Kogi State Police Command, INEC, representatives of other security agencies, civil society and election observer groups, as well as religious institutions.

The stakeholders urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold the spirit of the accord in the interest of peace and credible elections in the state.

News

“We Moved From Best Loser to Champions” — Aphoun Revels in Legit Footers’ Historic Triumph

Published

2 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Preport

Legit Footers Football Academy youngster Daniel Aphoun has described his side’s triumph in the U10 category of the Late Major R.A. Owolabi Memorial Cup as a moment of immense joy after an unexpected journey from “best loser” to champions.

Legit Footers Football Academy defeated Okeola Concord Football Club 1-0 in the final, with Aphoun scoring the decisive goal that secured the maiden title for his team.

Speaking in an exclusive SPORTS247 interview, the young Togolese-born footballer revealed that he initially believed his team had been eliminated from the competition after the group stage.

“My initial feeling was that we had been eliminated from the competition before hearing about our qualification as the best loser. We moved from being the best loser to becoming champions.

I’m so happy that my team won the trophy and the tournament. I’m so glad to have scored the goal that secured this maiden title for my team,” he said.

Asked what went through his mind when the goalkeeper threw the ball to him moments before he scored the title-winning goal, Aphoun kept his answer simple.

“What came to my mind was to shoot, which I did, and the result was the title-winning goal,” he explained.

Despite his young age, Aphoun already has ambitious dreams for his football career. He wants to reach the very top of the game, both nationally and internationally.

“My goal is to become the best footballer in Nigeria, Africa and the world. Also, I want to become a legend and a footballer capable of scoring goals,” he declared.

His biggest football inspiration is Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he admires for his overall game.

“I love his gameplay—the way he shoots, marks and passes the ball,” Aphoun said.

The youngster also revealed that he supports Chelsea and particularly enjoys watching Cole Palmer, citing the club’s style of play and team togetherness as reasons for his support.

Aphoun acknowledged the important role his parents play in his football journey, saying they provide him with the necessary equipment and fully support his ambitions.

“I’m praying for them that God will help them and provide for them so they can continue to provide for me,” he said.

Asked whether he would represent Togo if called up by the national team, Aphoun was unequivocal: “Togo. I love the country so much.”

He also expressed confidence that he could one day surpass the achievements of former Togolese star Emmanuel Adebayor.

Returning home as a champion, Aphoun said he was happy and eager to share his experience with his friends. More importantly, the tournament has taught him a valuable life lesson.

“It taught me resilience and determination,” he concluded.

Business

Dangote Launches N2.15tn IPO, Targets 10 Million Retail Investors

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Preport

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has launched a N2.15 trillion Initial Public Offer (IPO), targeting about 10 million retail investors, offering Nigerians and other Africans the opportunity to acquire shares in its 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery.

The offer, is made up of 4.1 billion ordinary shares priced at N525 each, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares valued at N5,250.

Chief Executive of the company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who spoke at the launch yesterday, said the offer was designed to raise additional capital for the refinery’s expansion while broadening public ownership of the business.

“This is the IPO for the people. There is no segregation on who can own the shares,” Dangote said.

He disclosed that the company plans to double the refinery’s capacity from 700,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, saying the expansion would increase production and strengthen the facility’s capacity to serve both domestic and international markets.

“The offer represents the refinery’s first public offer since its inauguration in 2023 and is the biggest IPO in Africa.”

He noted that the transaction would provide millions of Nigerians and other Africans with an opportunity to participate in the growth of the refinery.
While the Group Managing Director of Vetiva Capital Management Ltd., Mr Chuka Eseka, said the transaction had been structured to promote transparency, accountability and broad participation.

He explained that retail investors would be able to subscribe electronically through bank applications, internet platforms and stockbrokers, while institutional investors could subscribe electronically or through application forms submitted to receiving agents.

IPO Targets 10m Retail Investors
The Managing Director of FirstCap, Mr Ukandu Ukandu, disclosed that the offer is targeting about 10 million retail investors.

He said the target would significantly surpass the current Nigerian capital market record of about 181,000 retail participants in a single transaction.

Ukandu said the broad retail participation being targeted reflected the company’s desire to make ownership of the refinery accessible to ordinary Nigerians.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum and Petrochemicals, Mr David Bird, said the refinery’s strategic location within the Lekki Free Zone positioned it to serve Nigeria, West Africa and the wider international market.
“This is not just a refinery or petrochemical complex. This is truly a pan-African energy platform,” Bird said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Capital, Oladele Sotubo, said the offer had been structured to enable ordinary Nigerians to acquire shares in the refinery.
SEC Approves Offer

The IPO, which has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is expected to open on September 14 and close on October 13, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and the conditions contained in the offer documents.

Vetiva Advisory Services Ltd. is the Lead Issuing House and Lead Adviser, while Stanbic IBTC Capital and FirstCap are Joint Managers.

The company plans to list the shares on the Main Board of the Nigerian Exchange Group.
Under the offer’s incentive structure, eligible retail investors may receive up to two additional shares, subject to applicable conditions.

The IPO represents a major development in Nigeria’s capital market and could significantly broaden retail participation while providing Dangote Refinery with additional capital to support its planned expansion.

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