Author: Akintayo Adams

Aides to former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar have ridiculed Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, for his recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu. Kalu claimed that Tinubu drives around Abuja at night to observe the struggles of residents firsthand, calling him a “street person” who is familiar with the nation’s economic challenges. Speaking on Thursday, Kalu said: “The President himself knows that Nigerians are suffering and hungry. He’s a street person and knows the streets well. Some nights, the President drives around with one or two cars to see what is happening in Abuja. He’s not…

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has shared her reasons for choosing to remain single. During an interview on Monday with Emmanuel Ehumadu, popularly known as Labista, on his Nollywood Hardcore show, Bimbo opened up about her personal life, revealing that she stayed unmarried because the person she intended to marry passed away. “The person I could have done forever with is gone,” she said. “Do you know how long it took me to find him?” When asked if marriage was still on the horizon for her, the 54-year-old actress responded, “I don’t want it.” Bimbo emphasized that she wouldn’t bow to…

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, recently hinted at his star power following an encounter with his colleague, Davido, at a London club. According to trending video, the two artists were clubbing at the same venue on Friday night. Davido was partying with his 30 Billion Gang crew, while Wizkid reportedly came to support his official DJ, DJ Tunez. Amid ongoing tension between them, Wizkid walked past Davido’s table without acknowledgment. After the incident, Wizkid took to social media, hinting that Davido was seeking his approval. On Saturday morning, he posted on his X account: “Everybody Dey…

A Nigerian governor has sparked outrage online after budgeting ₦700 million for the purchase of 50 torchlights and 100 walkie-talkies. The Governor in question is Douye Diri of Bayelsa State. The news has gone viral, particularly on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Oseni Rufai, an Arise News correspondent, highlighted the budget allocation in a post, revealing the extravagant spending plans of the governor. In addition to the torchlights and walkie-talkies, the governor also intends to spend ₦4.6 billion on 20 Hilux and SUVs, alongside another ₦1.2 billion earmarked for government printing machines. Get instant and latest news updates…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported on Tuesday that global public debt is projected to reach a staggering $100 trillion in 2024, indicating a worsening fiscal outlook for many nations. According to the latest fiscal policy report, global public debt is expected to hit 93 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) this year and could approach 100 percent by 2030, marking a 10 percentage point increase from 2019, prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Era Dabla-Norris, the deputy director of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Global public debt is…

The IMF’s executive board approved a $1.1 billion disbursement for Ukraine on Friday to support the country’s budget amid ongoing conflict. This funding is part of a 4-year, $15.5 billion program initiated last March, and it marks the latest tranche in the series of loans aimed at stabilizing the war-torn nation. With this approval, the total funds disbursed to Ukraine since the program’s inception have reached $8.7 billion. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted the significant social and economic impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine, noting that despite the ongoing conflict, the country has maintained macroeconomic and financial stability through…

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address pressing issues hindering the smooth operations of polytechnics and mono-technics in Nigeria or risk facing an extended industrial action. During a press briefing at the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, ASUP Zonal Coordinator for Zone B, Lumpye Simji, outlined the key concerns raised at the national executive council’s last meeting. These concerns revolve around governance challenges in public polytechnics, including violations of the Federal Polytechnics Act, improper appointments of principal officers, and failure to review the suspended “Scheme of Service for…

Fit-again Victor Osimhen has been included in Galatasaray’s squad for their Turkish Super Lig match against Antalyaspor this weekend. The 25-year-old striker returned to full training after recovering from a muscle injury he sustained in last month’s 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa. Osimhen has already contributed two goals in four league appearances this season. Galatasaray, currently leading the league with 22 points from eight matches, will face 14th-placed Antalyaspor, who have eight points. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

The naira appreciated by ₦59.71 against the dollar, reaching ₦1600.78 per dollar on Friday from ₦1660.49 the previous day, according to FMDQ data. This came as foreign exchange transactions increased from $330.18 million on Thursday to $350.72 million on Friday. Despite this recent gain, the naira has fluctuated throughout the week, appreciating twice and depreciating thrice. At the parallel market, however, the naira weakened to ₦1725 per dollar from ₦1705. Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso has suggested that a weaker naira could benefit Nigeria with sufficient investment. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

Nigeria’s national grid has collapsed again. The latest collapse occurred early Saturday morning, with many states reporting total blackouts. Data Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org) revealed that the grid recorded zero megawatts (MW) as of 9.20am today. This latest failure follows Monday evening’s collapse, and another barely 24hrs later which caused power generation to drop to zero, leaving the country in total blackout. Businesses and households continue to suffer over the nation’s unreliable electricity supply amid the high cost and unavailability of fuel. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.