Category: News

Categories
News

Elon Musk Becomes First Person In History To Surpass $600bn Net Worth

Elon Musk has made history as the first person to exceed a net worth of $600 billion, with his wealth estimated at $677 billion as of 12 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Monday, according to Forbes.

The surge in Musk’s fortune was driven largely by a sharp rise in the valuation of his private space company, SpaceX.

Earlier this month, SpaceX completed a tender offer that valued the company at $800 billion, doubling its valuation from $400 billion in August, according to investors cited by Forbes.

The increase followed a tender offer by SpaceX earlier this month, which valued the company at $800 billion, up from $400 billion in August, two of the company’s investors told Forbes.

Musk owns an estimated 42% stake in SpaceX, and the higher valuation alone added approximately $168 billion to his fortune.

The tender offer comes as SpaceX prepares for a potential IPO in 2026, which could value the company at around $1.5 trillion, according to one investor. Such an IPO would likely make Musk the world’s first trillionaire, even without considering gains from his other holdings.

Tesla, xAI, and other wealth drivers

Forbes estimates that Musk’s $336 billion stake in SpaceX is his most valuable asset, surpassing his 12% stake in Tesla, which is worth about $197 billion.

Tesla stock options from his 2018 CEO performance award, voided by a Delaware judge in January 2024, have been discounted to $69 billion, pending the outcome of Musk’s appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court.

Musk’s xAI Holdings also contributes significantly to his fortune.

The AI company is reportedly raising funds at a $230 billion valuation, more than double the $113 billion valuation he cited when forming xAI in March by merging it with his social media company X. Musk owns 53% of xAI Holdings, valued at approximately $60 billion.

With an estimated $425 billion lead over the world’s second-richest person, Google co-founder Larry Page, Musk is closer to reaching $700 billion than losing his spot as the world’s richest individual, the report emphasised.

Categories
News

Aliko Dangote Reacts to Reports that Donald Trump Is Unhappy With the Launch Of Dangote Refinery (Video)

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Refinery, has denied claims that U.S. President Donald Trump is displeased with the launch of the $20 billion refinery.

There were claims on social media suggesting that Trump’s recent threat to attack certain locations in Nigeria could be linked to Africa’s largest refinery.

Trump had threatened to strike terrorists targeting Christians at various locations in Nigeria, which led to the spread of various propaganda and social media reactions.

Addressing the press, Dangote said that the USA has been a major supplier of crude to the refinery, adding that the talk about Trump being angry over its establishment “does not hold water.”

“The US has been one of our major suppliers of crude, which is why when someone says Trump is not happy with our refinery, it’s not true,” he said.

“Trump is more than happy with our refinery, because on average for a year, we do not buy more than 100 million barrels from the US.”

Dangote also said Nigerians now have the option of buying high-quality, locally refined petrol at a cheaper price or opting for blended imported fuel at a higher cost.

Dangote stated that fuel importers could continue to incur losses while Nigerians enjoy more affordable petrol prices.

According to him, the availability of locally refined petrol gives consumers a clear choice between quality fuel sold at a lower rate and blended premium motor spirit (PMS) sold at higher prices by importers.

Categories
News

Terrorism: Two Former Governors Are Fueling Insecurity – Bandit Leader, Turji Alleges

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has alleged that two former northern governors are responsible for fueling insecurity in the country, particularly in the North.

Turji made this allegation in a viral video which surfaced on Sunday, accusing past political leadership in Zamfara and Sokoto states of laying the foundation for the region’s long-running insecurity.

According to the bandit leader, he has participated in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the administration of a former governor of the state.

The bandit leader, however, denied claims that he received N30 million or any material inducement to participate in the process.

At the time of filing this report, efforts made to get the reaction of both former governors were unsuccessful.

According to Vanguard, several sources close to the former governors insisted that the words of a terrorist should not be taken seriously or believed.

“Why would anyone want to place a premium on the words of a terrorist? Is it not clear that the terrorist is just trying to present himself as a victim? It is all lies,” one of the sources said.

Turji further alleged that former administrations armed vigilante groups, popularly known as ‘Yan Banga,’ which he claimed disproportionately targeted Fulani communities and escalated violence.

He specifically mentioned former Sokoto State governor and his former Zamfara State counterpart, calling for their arrest and investigation over what he described as their roles in the crisis.

“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji claimed.

Categories
News

Yakubu Gowon Is Alive And Well – Aide Denies De@th Rumour

Mr Adeyeye Ajayi, a personal assistant to former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has debunked rumours suggesting that the elder statesman has passed away.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ajayi described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading.

He urged members of the public to ignore the claims and rely on verified information.

According to him, General Gowon is alive, in good health, and remains active in public life. He said the former leader has continued to attend public events and contribute to national discussions as a respected voice for peace, unity, and Nigeria’s development.

Ajayi warned against the spread of unverified information, stressing that such rumours cause unnecessary panic and distress.

He appealed to Nigerians to always confirm news from credible sources before sharing it.

Categories
News

Bandits Attack ECWA Church In Kogi, K!ll One, Abduct Worshipers

At least 20 worshippers were abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when gunmen attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Local sources said the attackers stormed the church while a worship session was ongoing, firing sporadically to create panic among congregants.

Many worshippers reportedly fled the scene, while an undisclosed number were seized by the assailants, who later escaped through nearby bush paths.

The attack threw the otherwise quiet community into chaos, with residents describing widespread fear and confusion as the incident unfolded.

The abduction has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kogi State, where repeated attacks on rural communities and places of worship have left residents increasingly anxious and calling for stronger security measures.

One person, identified only as JayJay, was k!lled during the attack, while several worshippers were reportedly abducted.

This incident marked the second attack on a church in Okun land within weeks, heightening fears among residents and worshippers across the area.

A recent incident occurred on November 30, 2025, when armed men stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting the cleric identified Orlando and about 13 worshippers during a service.

The attackers initially demanded ₦500 million in ransom, later reducing it to ₦200 million, giving the victims’ families a two-day ultimatum and warning of unspecified “consequences” if the demand was not met.

Residents also recalled that the Ayetoro Kiri community came under attack about three weeks ago, when armed assailants targeted a local school.

On that occasion, the community vigilante group reportedly repelled the attackers, preventing casualties and abductions.

Categories
News

FG Bans Admission, Transfer Of Students Into SS3 Nationwide

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.

The directive is part of renewed efforts by the Federal Ministry of Education to address the growing issue of examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the government said the prohibition would apply to all secondary schools across the country.

“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools,” the statement read.

Under the new policy, students will only be eligible for admission or transfer into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry added.

According to the ministry, the prohibition follows growing concerns over malpractice in public examinations, including the controversial use of so‑called special centres designed to give some candidates unfair advantages.

Officials explained that the measure is intended to discourage last‑minute student movements aimed at improving exam performance, enhance academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals, and administrators have been directed to comply fully with the new policy.

The ministry warned that any violation of the directive would result in sanctions in accordance with existing educational regulations and guidelines.

Reaffirming the government’s stance on educational integrity, the statement added,“The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.”

Categories
News

There’s No Going Back On Nationwide Protest Against Insecurity – NLC Vows

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has affirmed that it will go ahead with its planned nationwide protest on December 17, aimed at addressing the rising insecurity across the country.

National President of the union, Joe Ajaero, made this vow shortly after a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the nineteen Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya.

Ajaero stated that the protest would demand decisive government action against insecurity, stressing that the situation now affects every Nigerian, regardless of status or occupation.

According to him, banditry and violent crimes were alien to Nigeria’s culture and must be collectively condemned to reverse what he described as a dangerous national narrative.

The NLC boss further stated that insecurity is damaging the economy and weakening Nigeria’s ability to attract local and foreign investors.

The NLC had on December 8 announced plans to hold a nationwide protest over the insecurity in the country.

“We condemn in totality the kidnapping and killing of school staffer during the Kebbi school attack and the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack.

“The surge in attacks on schools is alarming. We call on the Federal Government to secure all schools, particularly those in remote and vulnerable areas,” he said.

Categories
News

Peter Obi Reacts As Arrested Terrorists’ Confessed Govt Officials Supplied Them Arms, Ammunition

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for an immediate, thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the confession of arrested terrorists who alleged that government officials supplied them with arms and ammunition.

Obi made this call in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday.

He decried that despite the huge amount of money the government has collected in the name of security, insecurity has only expanded across the country, and in an increasingly brazen manner.

“Yesterday, a disturbing video emerged from Kwara State in which suspected terrorists arrested by security forces claimed that ammunition and logistics were supplied to them by government officials.

“This allegation, now circulating widely, over the years, trillions of naira and billions of dollars have been continuously collected by the government in the name of security.

“This type of news fallout gives credence to the much-referenced quotation of the late military leader General Sani Abacha that any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, the government is involved.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reinforced this point even more directly when he said: Before I left office, Nigeria could identify and locate anyone who committed any crime anywhere in the country. Today, with technology such as drones and improved tracking tools, we can easily locate and remove them. But we are not doing that. Why are we negotiating with terrorists?

“The government controls telecommunications, intelligence systems, and even financial trails, yet kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to thrive. This reality raises serious questions for those in power.

“Between 2010 and 2015, under President Jonathan, Nigeria built one of the most advanced police communication and tracking infrastructures in its history. These systems were specifically designed to track criminal movements, particularly those of terrorists, monitor communications, and facilitate rapid response.

“We must therefore begin to ask:

Where are these pieces of equipment, and why are they not being used? Why do terrorists’ confessions so often implicate government officials?

“In cases such as the St. Mary’s Catholic School attack, about 100 children were released just days ago, and government officials celebrated. Yet no terrorist was arrested, no punishment announced, and, to this day, no clear update has been given on the more than 200 children and teachers still in captivity.

“Why have we not deployed the equipment already at our disposal to trace these terrorists and rescue the remaining abducted schoolchildren?

“When insecurity persists on this scale, day after day, it points either to complicity or to a failure of leadership. No society should accept either.

“A government that truly makes human life a priority does not pamper insecurity; it eliminates it. The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property. Nigeria needs leaders of competence, transparency, and capacity, leaders who will end this insecurity once and for all,” he wrote.

Categories
News

BREAKING: Private Jet Crash-Lands In Kano

 

A private jet operated by Flybird made an emergency crash-landing on Sunday morning at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The aircraft, which was flying from Abuja, landed around 9:30 a.m. with 11 people on board, including three crew members.

An eyewitness said all passengers were quickly and safely evacuated from the plane, and no deaths were reported.

Reports are still coming in on the crash with details expected to come in later.

Categories
News

Abacha Loot: Malami Reacts to EFCC Claim That He Operated 46 Bank Accounts

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has denied claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he operated 46 illegal bank accounts or had any connection to funds looted during the regime of late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

Malami, through his media aide, Bello Doka, described the allegations as “baseless, ridiculous and unfounded,” insisting that the former minister has no involvement in any financial misconduct.

Doka said Malami operates only six bank accounts, all of which are known to the EFCC and relevant authorities.

“The EFCC is fully aware of the six bank accounts belonging to Malami. Claims that he operates 46 illegal bank accounts are false and misleading.

“For the record, the former minister has no link whatsoever to Abacha loot or any recovery funds,” Doka stated.

He added that the EFCC did not formally notify Malami of the allegations regarding the alleged 46 accounts during his invitation for questioning by the commission.

Doka challenged the anti-graft agency to publicly disclose at least 23 of the alleged accounts, representing 50 per cent of the claims, if it had credible evidence to support its allegations.

He further urged the EFCC to either withdraw or clarify the claims in the interest of transparency, arguing that media statements alone were insufficient to establish wrongdoing.

Doka said Malami remains willing to cooperate with investigators, while expressing appreciation to his supporters for their continued backing.

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