Author: Olukayode Oke

CBN Reiterates Validity Of Old Naira Notes Indefinitely. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed the validity of the old series of ₦1000, ₦500, and ₦200 banknotes, putting an end to ongoing misinformation surrounding their circulation. In a press release issued on 13 December 2024, the CBN reiterated that the Supreme Court’s ruling of 29 November 2023 permits the concurrent use of all versions of these denominations indefinitely. The bank clarified that both old and new designs, including commemorative notes and earlier designs of the ₦100 denomination, remain valid as legal tender without any deadline. The statement urged…

Finland Freezes Simon Ekpa’s Assets And Holds Him In Notorious Prison. Finnish authorities have reportedly frozen the assets of Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure and self-proclaimed Biafran agitator, who is under investigation for terrorism-related activities. Ekpa, along with four alleged accomplices, has been in detention for several weeks as part of an ongoing probe. In addition to freezing Ekpa’s personal assets, authorities have seized assets linked to companies associated with him and the other suspects. The move is part of a broader investigation into allegations of incitement to violence and the financing of terrorism. Ekpa is being held…

Celebrations In Seoul As South Korean MPs Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. The streets of Seoul erupted in jubilation on Saturday as thousands of protesters celebrated the impeachment of South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol. In a historic vote, 204 MPs in the National Assembly approved a motion to impeach the embattled leader, who had declared martial law just last week, plunging the nation into political turmoil. With this decision, President Yoon will be suspended from office, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume the role of acting president. The Constitutional Court now has six months to deliberate on the…

Future Eagles Set Sights On Redemption After Friendly Defeat To Morocco. Nigeria’s Future Eagles have vowed to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to Morocco’s U16 national team in the first leg of a two-match international friendly series. The game, played at the Complexe Mohammed VI de Football, tested the mettle of the young Nigerian side as they continue preparations for major tournaments ahead. The team, led by coach Patrick Bassey, travelled to Morocco earlier this week to participate in the friendlies, which are designed to expose the players to top-tier facilities and enhance their readiness for the upcoming U17…

Former Manchester City Striker Mikheil Kavelashvili Set To Become Georgia’s President Amid Protests. Former Manchester City footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili is poised to become the president of Georgia after being nominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The 53-year-old, known for his brief stint with the Premier League club in the mid-1990s, is now at the centre of a political storm as his impending appointment has sparked nationwide protests. The position of president in Georgia is largely ceremonial, with the role being determined by a 300-member electoral college comprising MPs and local officials. Given the dominance of the Georgian Dream party…

FG Launches National Initiative To Boost Wheat Production And Food Security. The Federal Government has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at increasing Nigeria’s wheat production, reinforcing food security, and reducing reliance on imported wheat. The programme, launched under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP), is set to benefit 16 wheat-producing states across the country. The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, announced the initiative in Abuja, highlighting its potential to enhance agricultural productivity and stimulate economic growth. Speaking during a briefing, National Project Coordinator Ishaku Buba outlined the…

FG, States, And Local Councils Share N1.727 Trillion FAAC Revenue For November. The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed N1.727 trillion to the three tiers of government as revenue for November 2024. This was disclosed during the December 2024 FAAC meeting, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. The total gross revenue of N3.143 trillion for November was derived from statutory allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and Exchange Difference (ED). Of this amount, the Federal Government received N581.856 billion, States were allocated N549.792 billion, Local…

Special Operations Brigade Deployed To Combat Lakurawas Sect In Sokoto And Kebbi States. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has deployed a Special Operations Brigade to intensify efforts against the Lakurawas sect operating in Sokoto and Kebbi States. This move builds on the achievements of Operation FOREST SANITY III, codenamed “CHASE LAKURAWAS OUT.” On 13 December 2024, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, addressed the troops on behalf of Theatre Commander Major General Oluyinka Soyele. He urged the soldiers to ensure the complete eradication…

President Tinubu Appoints Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi As New Acting Controller-General Of Nigerian Correctional Service. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). The appointment comes as the tenure of the current Controller-General, Haliru Nababa, concludes. Haliru Nababa, who assumed office on 18 February 2021, was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His successor, Nwakuche Ndidi, will officially take over the role from 15 December 2024. Confirming the development, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Board, Ja’afaru Ahmed, praised the appointment, noting…

Anambra Wins National Primary Healthcare Awards, Secures $1.2 Million Prize. The Governor of Anambra State has announced the state’s remarkable achievement at the National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, where it won two prestigious awards. Anambra emerged as the Best State in the Southeast zone and the Overall Best State in Nigeria. The governor described the recognition as a testament to the state’s commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of its people. He expressed pride in the achievement, revealing that Anambra was awarded a total of $1.2 million in prize money, which would be invested in further strengthening the…

First Lady Remi Tinubu Donates ₦1 Billion To Combat Tuberculosis In Nigeria. Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has made a significant contribution to the fight against tuberculosis by donating ₦1 billion to support initiatives aimed at tackling the disease. This generous gesture underlines her commitment to improving public health and addressing the challenges posed by tuberculosis, a major health concern in the country. The funds will be utilised to enhance diagnostic facilities, improve access to treatment, and increase awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of the disease. Experts believe that this initiative will have a profound impact on reducing…

Syrians Celebrate End Of Assad Era With Mass Rallies. Massive celebrations erupted across Syria as citizens marked the end of over five decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad regime. Images from Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia showed jubilant crowds taking to the streets following the seizure of power by the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) last Sunday. Former President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia with his family after rebels captured Damascus. Russia has granted them asylum, marking the conclusion of Assad’s long-standing grip on power.  A New Era of Leadership Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as…