Categories
News

PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced the commencement of a nationwide strike.

It directed all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 AM on Monday, September 29, 2025.

This resolution was contained in a statement following the Association’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting on Saturday.

The Association urged all its members stationed in various field locations including all control room operations, panel operations, and outfield personnel to withdraw their services beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and start a round-the-clock prayer vigil.

It said that the prayer is a call to God to make those in authority to rein in Dangote and his co-travelers on the need to obey Nigeria’s law.

According to the Association, during the strike period, no intervention whatsoever would be entertained across field locations except where the safety of personnel and assets is at risk, adding that such clearance must be obtained from the National Secretariat.

PENGASSAN also directed that all processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery be let off immediately.

”All PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday, 29th of September, 2025.

”All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.

“The prayer point should include a call to God Almighty to give courage to those in authority to rein in Dangote and his co-travelers on the need to obey the laws of our country. No man is bigger than our country, An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement said.

Categories
News

Fuel Price Hike Averted As Dangote Refinery Resumes Sales Of Petrol In Naira

Following the intervention of the Federal Government, Dangote Refinery has resumed the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in naira.

This was disclosed in an email to customers on Saturday.

The refinery stressed that the development followed the intervention of the Naira for Crude Technical Committee Chairman.

“Dear Valued Customer, following the intervention of the Naira for Crude Technical Committee chairman, we are pleased to inform you of the resumption of PMS sales in Naira commencing immediately.

“You may kindly proceed to place your orders in Naira for both self-collection and free delivery of PMS to the earlier advised location(s) across the country.

“Thank you for your continued patronage. Warm regards, Group Commercial Operations.

“For: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE”, the statement reads.

The development has averted a nationwide fuel price hike.

Recall that the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery had suspended petrol sales in naira.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria had earlier on Saturday announced plans to hike fuel prices.

Categories
News

I Did Not Disrespect Olubadan – Peter Obi Clarifies

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has clarified that his goodwill message to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, carried no element of disrespect.

In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Obi said he prefers to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals especially those close to him and for whom he has tremendous respect.

“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing.

“I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals especially close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect.

“I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner.

“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” he wrote.

Categories
News

It’s Economic Sabotage – Dangote Refinery Slams PENGASSAN, Seeks FG’s Intervention

Dangote Refinery has condemned the directive by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) ordering its members to halt gas and crude supply to the facility, describing the move as an act of economic sabotage.

The oil company made this known in a statement on Saturday.

This comes after PENGASSAN hit back at Dangote Refinery for sacking over 800 workers belonging to the union.

In a swift response to the demand for reversal of the sack, PENGASSAN had asked its members across the country to cut off gas and crude supply to the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery.

However, in a lengthy statement, Dangote Refinery described the move as a “criminal and illicit affront” against what it described as a national asset.

“The follow-up question is, in whose interest and on whose behalf is PENGASSAN directing and intending to inflict such anarchic and criminal disruption upon the Nigerian society and persons living in Nigeria? Most certainly not in the interest of the Nigerian State and/or the Nigerian public and citizens.

“This is also economic sabotage against the Nigerian State at multiple levels.

“Dangote Refinery is the only refinery of its type in Africa and ordinarily should be the pride of Nigerians and the government. Indeed qualifies as a strategic national asset. An irreparable injury to the Dangote Refinery, such as PENGASSAN has directed, constitutes a national embarrassment to all of us.

“The directive is a disincentive to external investors who ordinarily would have been encouraged by the success of Dangote Refinery to contemplate investing in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector or generally,” the company said.

It further urged the Federal Government to call the union to order.

“We are, by this write-up, drawing the attention of the Federal Government and its security and law enforcement agencies – as well as all other levels of government in Nigeria – to this criminal, lawless, reckless and irresponsible conduct of PENGASSAN and calling on them – the Federal Government and its agencies, in particular – to call the Association to order.”

Meanwhile, the company remained silent on what PENGASSAN termed an unjust treatment meted out to Nigerian workers through arbitrary termination of appointment.

Recall that PENGASSAN had vowed to take all necessary action to ensure that the ill-treatment against Nigerian workers by the refinery is addressed.

Categories
News

65th Independence Anniversary: President Tinubu To Address Nigerians October 1st By 7 AM

On Friday, the Federal Government announced the official programme of activities for Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, featuring religious services, civic events, and cultural displays under the theme: “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the anniversary activities commenced on Friday, September 26, with a special Jumu’ah prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja, held at 1:00 p.m.

The religious services will continue on Sunday, September 28, with an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, September 29, the programme will shift to civic engagements with a world press conference at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

The highlight of the anniversary comes on Tuesday, October 1, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a national broadcast at 7:00 a.m. to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.

Later that morning, at 10:00 a.m., the traditional Independence anniversary parade will be held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and guests expected to attend.

The week-long celebrations will conclude on Friday, October 3, with the presidential unveiling of the National Values Charter (NVC) and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate at the State House Conference Centre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Categories
Sport News

Atletico Madrid 5-2 Real Madrid: Alvarez outshines Mbappe in chaotic derby

Atletico Madrid thrashed rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a chaotic first derby of the season, with Julian Alvarez scoring twice to outshine Kylian Mbappe and expose Los Blancos’ defensive frailties.

Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but costly errors from Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao handed Atletico the initiative in a fiery contest at the Metropolitano.

Early drama and Madrid response

Robin Le Normand’s header gave Atletico the lead, but Real quickly turned the tide. Mbappe equalised after 25 minutes from Guler’s incisive pass before the youngster himself slotted past Jan Oblak to put Madrid ahead.

Madrid’s backline crumbled under pressure as Alexander Sorloth rose between Huijsen and Militao to nod home a leveller on the stroke of half-time, leaving Courtois stranded.

Alvarez takes control

Atleti regained the lead when Guler’s high boot caught Nico Gonzalez in the area, with Alvarez converting from the spot.

The Argentine then struck again with a sublime free-kick that dipped over the wall to make it 4-2.

Griezmann finishes the job

Antoine Griezmann capped off the rout in stoppage time with a precise finish into the bottom corner, sealing a memorable evening for Diego Simeone’s men and leaving Madrid to reflect on a defensive disaster.

Categories
Sport News

Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool: Reds’ unbeaten run ends

Liverpool’s 17-game unbeaten streak came to a halt after a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with late drama sealing the Reds’ first loss of the season.

Arne Slot’s men were outplayed for much of the contest as Palace struck early through Ismaila Sarr, before Eddie Nketiah’s late goal secured victory despite Federico Chiesa’s equaliser.

Palace strike first

The hosts made a blistering start, capitalising on a defensive lapse when Ryan Gravenberch failed to clear a corner, allowing Sarr to fire home from close range.

Liverpool relied on goalkeeper Alisson, who pulled off a string of world-class saves to keep Palace at bay before the break.

Liverpool falter despite Alisson’s brilliance

Alisson continued to frustrate Palace in the second half, denying Jean-Philippe Mateta in a one-on-one. Liverpool then grew into the game but Florian Wirtz wasted a big chance to open his account before being substituted.

Late drama seals Reds’ first loss

Substitute Chiesa appeared to rescue Liverpool with another late equaliser, but Palace had the final say when Nketiah pounced on a long throw to send the home crowd into jubilation.

Palace remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League, while Liverpool’s title push has suffered a setback.

Categories
Sport News

Brighton 3-1 Chelsea: Welbeck double seals comeback win go Seagulls

Brighton came from behind to stun 10-man Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Danny Welbeck scoring twice in a dramatic second-half turnaround.

The Blues had taken the lead through Enzo Fernandez in the 24th minute, but their momentum collapsed after Trevoh Chalobah was sent off early in the second half.

Chelsea undone by red card

Chalobah’s dismissal for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity left Chelsea playing with 10 men for the second straight Premier League match.

Despite holding onto their narrow lead, Enzo Maresca’s side struggled to withstand Brighton’s growing pressure.

Welbeck inspires Brighton’s comeback

Danny Welbeck struck in the 77th minute to level the contest before Maxim De Cuyper powered home a close-range header to put Brighton ahead.

Welbeck then completed the turnaround with his second goal late on, sealing all three points for the visitors.

Blues slump continues

The result condemned Chelsea to back-to-back league defeats, after falling 2-1 at Old Trafford last weekend.

They will hope to pick themselves up again, when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Categories
Sport News

Brentford 3-1 Man United: Fernandes penalty miss costly as Red Devils slump after Chelsea win

Manchester United failed once again to secure back-to-back Premier League victories after falling 3-1 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty in the second half proved crucial as Ruben Amorim’s side slipped back into old habits just a week after defeating Chelsea.

 

United’s barren run of consecutive league wins now stretches back to May 2024.

 

Brentford capitalise on United’s frailties

Brentford’s Benjamin Sesko finally opened his account after earlier misses. Harry Maguire’s failed attempt to play Igor Thiago offside gifted the hosts their opener before Thiago struck again on 20 minutes, pouncing after Altay Bayindir parried into his path.

Mathias Jensen sealed the win in added time, leaving United’s defence and midfield exposed.

Despite Bayindir producing several key saves, United’s lack of urgency and poor pressing left them under constant pressure.

 

Fernandes and Dalot show frustration

 

Fernandes cut a frustrated figure throughout the game, arguing with teammates and officials.

He was booked for a rash challenge on Dango Ouattara after protesting referee Craig Pawson’s decisions.

Diogo Dalot, back from injury, endured a torrid afternoon, repeatedly beaten for pace and misplacing key passes.

His lapse of concentration contributed to Brentford’s dominance on the flanks, with United supporters voicing their anger from the stands.

Amorim under pressure again

Manager Ruben Amorim stuck to his 3-4-2-1 system despite United struggling for attacking fluency.

Mason Mount was deployed out wide, but the tactical shift failed to change the flow of the game.

Categories
News

The Throne Of Our Ancestors Is Not A Stage Of Mockery – Monarch Blasts Taye Currency Over Performance At Olubadan Coronation

The Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has criticized Fuji musician Taye Currency for his performance at the installation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.

In a viral video making the rounds on social media, the musician could be heard singing in Yoruba “Were la fi n wo were”, meaning “we cure madness with madness.”

Watch Below

Here

Reacting in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, Oba Tejuosho said that Currency engaged in what he called “disgusting and uncultured lyrics.

He asserted that such careless statements and vain glory songs failed to accord the highly respected Yoruba tradition and sacredness of the coronation event the respect that it deserves.

The royal father said that the coronation of a monarch is expected to be a momentous occasion, steeped in tradition, grandeur and the collective pride of traditional institutions and the nation at large, and that no one is therefore allowed to subject such a highly significant cultural and spiritual event to any form of disrepute

He said, “The throne of our ancestors is not a stage for mockery, nor the coronation of a great monarch a subject for careless entertainment.

“Kingship is sacred, adorned with honour and guarded by tradition. It demands reverence, dignity, honor, class and the utmost respect from all who stand in its presence.

“Listening to the musician (Taye currency), who was invited to render music before the Crown, as a matter of fact before the entire world, to serenade the audience and sing in a way to express admiration, singing songs like (were lafin wo were) We use madness to cure madness

“Such lyrics were classless and unbefitting of such occasion, it is insulting to the sacredness of the gathering.

“His Majesty Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja Arusa the the first, is unarguably considered to be the first Nigerian to be a senator, a governor as well as a king, his coronation ceremony was filled with dignitaries from all walks of class, royalties, big political figures, world ambassador and representatives of diverse clans.

“Such conduct and lines of music was unfit and unacceptable in the presence of the entire world, music in the royal court is not mere noise, but an offering of homage to history, culture, and authority.

“It is of utmost importance to state it clearly that before the throne, words must carry weight, rhythm must uphold respect, and melody must be a vessel of honor, (Sekere loba njo).

“To do otherwise is to stain the dignity of our heritage and diminish oneself before the people.

“The sanctity of the crown remains untouchable. Those who approach it must do so with wisdom, restraint, and profound respect.

“Doing a deep thinking will make one queries the reason of the organizers presenting such individual to represent an event of such magnitude, especially with presence of dignitaries such as His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Gcfr) the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“No wonder people invest so huge in having the likes of King Sunny Ade, Commander Ebenezer Obey or Alh Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 d ultimate) at the band stand to duly represent and promote their images.

“And if Oyo State had wanted to promote their own, the likes of Alh Rasheed Ayinde (Merenge) and other calm artistes would have been an appropriate selection for an event like this.”

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters