Author: Akintayo Adams

The Naira appreciated significantly at the official foreign exchange market, strengthening to N1,567 per dollar on Thursday from N1,608 on Wednesday. This represents a N41 gain against the dollar. However, at the black market, the Naira closed at N1,715 per dollar on Thursday, indicating a N15 dip. Get instant and latest news updates via our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter, or Google News online channel

Ibadan-born Islamic preacher, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, is dead. Though details of his death were sketchy as at press time, the news of his demise was confirmed by a video sighted on the page of Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat who is currently at the house of the deceased. Get instant and latest news updates via our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter, or Google News online channel

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has appointed 200 youths from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as his special assistants, demonstrating his commitment to gender sensitivity by including both male and female appointees. During the presentation of the appointments at the APC Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, state party Chairman Abubakar Kana-Zuru expressed pride in the governor’s actions. He recalled their election campaign, during which they made numerous promises to the people, and noted with satisfaction that the governor has fulfilled about 80% of those promises, with plans to complete the rest soon. Kana-Zuru highlighted some of the governor’s…

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of pensions and other entitlements to retired military personnel, including three months’ arrears. This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike. On Thursday, retired military personnel disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to protest their unpaid entitlements. They expressed frustration over the government’s failure to pay the promised 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024. Their demands included overdue payments…

In the first nine months of 2024, 29 state governors in Nigeria spent a total of N1.994 trillion on recurrent expenditures, including refreshments, sitting allowances, travel, and utilities, according to findings by The PUNCH. Additionally, these states secured loans amounting to N533.29 billion and spent N658.93 billion on debt servicing for local, foreign, and multilateral creditors. However, these states did not meet their revenue targets, generating N1.92 trillion in internally generated revenue, which fell short of the N2.868 trillion target by N948.28 billion. It is important to note that this recurrent expenditure data excludes personnel costs. An analysis of the…

The newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup draw has been completed, and it promises to be an exciting tournament. Here are the full details: Group Stage Draw The tournament will feature 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages. Group A: Group B: Group C: Group D: Group E: Group F: Group G: Group H: Tournament Details The tournament will be held in 12 stadiums across the United States, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Nashville, New York, Charlotte, Orlando, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Get instant and…

The Federal Government has initiated the dismissal of workers holding certificates from unaccredited private tertiary institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo. This action targets Federal Government employees who graduated from these institutions from 2017 onward. Segun Imohiosen, spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirmed this move on Wednesday. The government emphasized that this initiative aims to purge the civil service of fraudulent elements. In August, the Federal Government had announced that only eight universities in Togo and the Benin Republic were accredited to award degrees to Nigerians. This followed an undercover investigation…

Nigerian singers Ayra Starr, Tems, and Rema have achieved global recognition by being featured on Rolling Stone’s list of the best 100 albums for 2024. Rema’s second studio album, ‘Heis,’ landed at the 11th spot and was praised by Rolling Stone as a “unique, buzzy and visceral” project. Tems secured the 37th spot with her album, ‘Born in the Wild,’ noted for its “physical and emotional listening experience.” Ayra Starr’s second album, ‘The Year I Turned 21,’ ranked 53rd, showcasing her musical maturity and passion. It’s worth recalling that in 2022, Asake’s debut album ‘Mr Money’ also made it to…

Erhriatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives caucus. She announced her defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a letter read on the House floor on Thursday. James Ibori, who served as Delta State Governor from 1999 to 2007, is believed to have maintained significant influence over the PDP’s political structure in the state. Ms. Ibori-Suenu’s defection is the latest in a series of defections affecting the minority caucus. after four Labour Party members earlier switched allegiance to the APC. Get instant and latest news…

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s presidential campaign posters adorned major roundabouts in the ancient city of Kano on Thursday. The posters, which proclaimed “Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for President, 2027. He is our Messiah,” caught many residents off guard, as the source and motives behind them remain unclear, especially given that it has only been a year since the Tinubu administration began. While it is common for Nigerians, particularly in Kano, to reflect on and praise the perceived successes of Jonathan’s administration, the widespread appearance of these posters marks a new political development. Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, have…