Author: Olukayode Oke

CBN Directs Banks To Prioritise ATM Cash Disbursements. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive requiring commercial banks to prioritise cash disbursements through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to alleviate cash shortages experienced by citizens. This announcement, made by Solaja Olayemi, the Acting Director of the CBN’s Currency Operations Department, aims to ensure seamless access to cash for Nigerians. Banks failing to comply with the directive face the risk of sanctions. The apex bank also cautioned against distributing naira notes to parties engaged in illegal currency hawking. Amidst these measures, data from the CBN reveals that…

Olympique Lyon Handed Provisional Relegation To Ligue 2 Amid Financial Crisis. Olympique Lyonnais, one of France’s most iconic football clubs, faces a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and a transfer ban due to ongoing financial struggles. This decision, announced by French football authorities, reflects Lyon’s failure to meet stringent financial compliance standards. The crisis deepened following a dismal start to the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, where the club remained winless after 12 matches, leaving them at the bottom of the table. Fan discontent has also grown, with protests and direct confrontations with players, expressing frustration over the team’s poor…

Tributes As Late Chief Of Army Staff Lt. General Lagbaja Is Laid To Rest. Tears flowed and tributes poured in on Friday as the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest in Abuja. The solemn ceremony marked the end of an illustrious military career spanning decades. The burial, held at the National Cemetery in the nation’s capital, concluded two days of funeral rites that began earlier in the week in Lagos. His casket, draped in Nigeria’s green and white national colours, arrived at the cemetery at approximately 3 p.m. in a white…

Ex-CBN Deputy Governor Testifies On Naira Redesign Controversy. Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Obiora, has disclosed that the CBN Board did not recommend the controversial 2022 naira redesign policy to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking on Thursday during his testimony in Abuja, Obiora revealed that the CBN Board first learnt of the naira redesign on 15th December 2022. He was testifying as the fifth prosecution witness in the trial of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who faces charges including unlawful printing of new naira notes. Led in evidence by Economic and Financial…

Ecuadorian Footballer Marco Angulo Dies in Tragic Car Accident at 22. The football world is in mourning following the tragic passing of Ecuadorian national team player Marco Angulo, who has died at the age of 22 after a car accident earlier this month. Angulo, who was on the roster for Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, was remembered by his club for his warm personality and the positive influence he had on teammates and fans alike. FC Cincinnati issued a heartfelt statement, expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to Angulo’s family, friends, and all who knew him. The club highlighted…

Hero In The Air: Bruno Fernandes Assists Unwell Passenger On Flight To Lisbon. Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes came to the aid of a fellow passenger on a flight to Lisbon this week, displaying quick thinking and compassion when a man appeared to lose consciousness mid-flight. Fernandes, who was en route to join Portugal’s national squad, swiftly assisted the passenger, helping him to a seat and ensuring he was stable until further help could be provided. The passengers on board expressed their gratitude and admiration for Fernandes’ actions, with many noting his calm and supportive response in an unexpected…

Wike Tells Atiku To Abandon 2027 Presidential Aspirations. Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to forgo any ambitions of securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket for the 2027 election. In a live media briefing held in Abuja, Wike asserted that the PDP would not waste its ticket on candidates he described as “serial betrayers,” alluding to Atiku’s past actions within the party. Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, recently responded to Wike’s statements by pointing out his previous victories over the Minister, referencing his success in…

President Tinubu Appoints Bwala And Others To Key Roles In Government. President Bola Tinubu has appointed three new directors-general for various federal agencies and a special adviser for public communications and media. This announcement was made on Thursday, with the appointments aimed at strengthening the leadership of key sectors in Nigeria. The appointments include: 1. Mr. Olawale Olopade – Director-General, National Sports Commission 2. Dr. Abisoye Fagade – Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism 3. Dr. Adebowale Adedokun – Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement 4. Mr. Daniel Bwala – Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media (State House)…

Trump Appoints Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As US Health Secretary. US President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The decision was shared on Thursday via Trump’s social media account, X (formerly Twitter). Trump praised Kennedy’s commitment to tackling public health issues, emphasising that the new administration aims to prioritise the safety and health of Americans. He stated, “The safety and health of all Americans is the most important role of any administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be…

US Hacker Sentenced To Five Years For $4.5 Billion Bitcoin Heist And Laundering Scheme. Ilya Lichtenstein, the US hacker involved in one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history, has been sentenced to five years in prison. Lichtenstein, who pleaded guilty last year, was convicted of laundering nearly 120,000 stolen Bitcoin from the Bitfinex cryptocurrency exchange hack in 2016. At the time of the theft, the Bitcoin was valued at $70 million (£55.3 million) but soared to more than $4.5 billion by the time Lichtenstein and his wife, Heather Morgan, were arrested. Today, the stolen Bitcoin would be worth…

Super Eagles Secure 2025 AFCON Qualification Thanks To Libya’s Victory. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following Libya’s 1-0 win over Rwanda on Thursday. The result means that the Super Eagles, currently with 10 points in their group, are now uncatchable, as second-placed Rwanda trail by four points with only one match remaining. The Nigerian team can now look forward to AFCON without the pressure of their final qualifier against Benin Republic. This marks another proud achievement for the Super Eagles, who are aiming to add to their illustrious history in…

Claudio Ranieri Appointed As Roma Head Coach Until Season’s End. Veteran manager Claudio Ranieri has come out of retirement to take charge of Roma until the end of the season, just six months after stepping away from management. The 73-year-old will also serve in an advisory capacity, helping Roma’s ownership in their search for a permanent manager. Following this temporary role, Ranieri is set to transition into a senior executive position at the club. Ranieri’s appointment follows the dismissal of Ivan Juric, who was sacked after only 12 matches in charge. Juric’s tenure began in early October, succeeding Daniele de…