Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, has been elected as the new Chair of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) Convergence Council, succeeding his Ghanaian counterpart. This appointment is important in the region’s pursuit of a single currency, akin to the Euro in Europe. Addressing a gathering of West African leaders, Edun cautioned that despite projected economic growth in Nigeria for 2023, it might not substantially enhance living standards for most Nigerians. Structural challenges and inequalities within the economy could hinder the distribution of benefits from this growth. Speaking about Nigeria’s commitment to fostering tangible improvements in people’s lives,…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to mutual collaboration in the defence sector. Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to fostering a partnership with the Government of India during a meeting with Mr. Anurag Bajpai, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence India, and his delegation at Ship House Abuja. Dr. Matawalle outlined various areas of mutual military cooperation, including intelligence sharing, joint training initiatives, and support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity. He hailed the meeting as a significant step towards enhancing operational capabilities and fostering closer ties between the…
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released an important advise cautioning against large gatherings that could present dangers during the coming religious observances; Lent for Christians and Ramadan for Muslims. According to DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya, it’s critical to be vigilant about potential threats in the public, especially improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or movements to the security agencies. Felicitating with both Muslim and Christian communities, Afunanya stressed the significance of tolerance, compassion, and respect for one another during these sacred rites. He cautioned against economic exploitation, sabotage, or…
Commemorating the International Women’s Day, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to advancing the development and welfare of women. Addressing attendees at this year’s commemoration event held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, themed ‘Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated the indispensable role of women in driving societal progress and need of empowering women economically as a catalyst for positive societal transformation. He acknowledged the resilience and invaluable contributions of women to the growth and development of Lagos State, pledging continued…
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed an appeal against the $83.3 million defamation verdict in the case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The appeal, submitted to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, challenges various aspects of the January 26 verdict, which stemmed from Carroll’s accusation of rape against Trump dating back decades. Trump disclosed that he secured a $91.63 million bond from Federal Insurance Co. for the appeal, in line with the trial court’s practice of requiring bonds equal to 110% of judgments. Previously, Trump argued against the need for any security, claiming Carroll…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a stern warning to development finance institutions (DFIs), primary mortgage banks (PMBs), and microfinance banks (MFBs) in Nigeria regarding the timely submission of regulatory returns through the Financial Institutions Returns Automation (FinA) application. Failure to comply, the apex bank stated, would result in sanctions. In letters dated March 5, 2024, addressed separately to these financial institutions, the CBN expressed its disapproval of their tardiness in submitting their returns. The FinA system serves as an offsite surveillance automation platform for the online submission of returns by financial institutions to the CBN. Signed by…
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Thursday experienced a brief power outage, at approximately 11:20 am local time in the E-arrival hall of the MMIA old terminal which disrupted the airport operations. To clarify the issue, The FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, released a statement stating that the power disruption resulted from an electrical short circuit, which the airport’s engineering team swiftly addressed, restoring normalcy within minutes. The statement reads, “On March 7, 2024, at approximately 11:20hrs, a cable short circuit incident occurred at the E Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International…
The Federal Government has formally established Silver Lake Television (SLTV), a new in-house satellite Pay TV network, with the goal of giving Nigerian customers more choices and value for their money in the Pay TV sector. At the unveiling ceremony held in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, lauded the initiative as a significant step towards satisfying the yearnings of the populace for quality and affordable entertainment options. Representing President Bola Tinubu, Akume emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment and encouraging investment in the Nigerian economy. According to Managing Director…
As Nigeria commemorates International Women’s Day 2024, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has voiced out his desire for a female president to lead the nation. Speaking at the PDP International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja, Damagum stated the need for gender equality and noted the failures of men in current Nigerian leadership. During the event, attended by PDP officials and women leaders, Damagum, represented by the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, mentioned the crucial role of women in society. He expressed his hope that, even if not in their generation, a woman would one…
Amidst the ongoing foreign exchange crisis affecting the Nigerian economy, The House of Representatives has called for a thorough review of the 2024 budget project due to the depreciation of the naira against major currencies,particularly the dollar, in recent months. Rising from a plenary session on Thursday, lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion titled, “Need to evaluate the implications of the current exchange rates on the 2024 national budget implementation to ensure a balanced budget and increase in the standard of living of Nigerians.” The motion, spearheaded by Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Kosofe Federal Constituency,…
The Troops of Joint Task Force South East, operating under Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have raided and destroyed the notorious Supreme Headquarters of the Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The operation, which commenced on 11 February 2024, has seen a series of successful clearance and liberation missions in various areas, culminating in the destruction of the last stronghold of the separatist groups located in the Mother Valley spanning Orsu and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra States. The well-concealed headquarters, situated about 5,000 feet below sea level, served as…
The Federal Government has issued a strong warning, stressing serious punishments for any sort of maltreatment, molestation, or abuse against children. The admonition came during a visit by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to Junior Secondary School, Kagini in Kubwa, FCT, Abuja. Expressing the unequivocal commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration towards the psychological and physical well-being of children, Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that the government remains resolute in ensuring the protection of children’s rights. “Every Nigerian child has the right to grow and function effectively in society,” she stated, underlining the government’s declaration…