How to decorate your homes for the holidays
The Christmas and New Year breaks are probably the best shot at having nice times during the holidays. All these are key events to enjoy the festive period. Besides shopping for gifts, clothes, and many more, decorating your home for the holidays should probably be at the top of your festive period checklist, right? Here, PUNCH Online highlights some selected festive season decoration ideas to transform your home from drab to fabulous:1. Having cozy corners in the house makes for the perfect spot to curl up in.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 21:44 UTC
Afghans marry in mass ceremony in bid to cut costs
Fifty couples married Monday in a joint ceremony in the Afghan capital – a growing practice to reduce the astronomical cost of traditional weddings in the impoverished country. The couples were joined in matrimony in one of the dozens of glitzy wedding halls that punctuate Kabul, but the ceremony itself was somewhat austere. “A traditional wedding would have cost us at least 200,000 to 250,000 Afghanis ($2,800 to $3,600), but this time it will be between 10,000 and 15,000 Afghanis,” he said. – A thousand guests –Hundreds of male guests wrapped in traditional patu shawls attended the ceremony in a large, chilly hall, festooned with garlands. Larger, more pricey weddings in Afghanistan can bring together more than 1,000 guests and cost over $20,000.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 19:17 UTC
NNPP confident of victory at Supreme Court — Kwankwaso
Former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed optimism that the Supreme Court will do justice in the current Kano Governorship Election matter. He noted that his party, the New Nigeria People’s Party, is confident that the Supreme Court will ensure justice in the case. Kwankwaso made the remarks on Monday shortly after a prayer session held at his Miller Road residence in the Kano metropolis. The prayer session was organised by the state government to ensure peace prevails in the state as well as to pray for the victory of Yusuf as the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the Kano State Governorship election dispute. The former governor further applauded the NNPP legal team for doing a wonderful job, praying that the Supreme Court judges would be allowed to dispense justice without using the Federal might and other apparatus to intimidate them.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 19:01 UTC
Small investors make up a big bunch. Do they pack a punch too?
But, in terms of turnover , they too accounted for a mere 0.5% of total turnover or ₹7,450 crore. Their combined share as a percentage of total turnover was a mere 3.1%. But, at ₹11.06 trillion, they accounted for 74.6% of the total turnover of ₹14.82 trillion, the data showed. “The numbers indicate a growing presence of small, middle-class investors post the pandemic," said Alok Churiwala, managing director, Churiwala Securities. Sudhir Joshi, executive director, Khambatta Securities, said the smaller investments reflected the “lack of experience" of small investors who trade small quantities of shares via SIPs through mutual funds or brokerage houses.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 18:33 UTC
Co-creating value-driven offerings via Fintech
The sixth edition of the Nigeria Fintech Week has come and gone but the memory continues to linger. According to Barrow, the African Development Bank strongly believes that a resilient, innovative and diversified Fintech sector is key to accelerating economic transformation in Africa. Continuing, he stated “In April this year, I had the honour to sign a grant agreement with Mr. Segun Aina, President of the Africa Fintech Network, for $525,000 in support of the “Africa Fintech Hub” through the ADFI. Upon completion in 2025, it is envisaged that at least 70 percent of Africa Fintech Network members will actively use and benefit from this digital One-Stop-Shop online platform for all things fintech in Africa. Working together, the innovation potential and co-create value-driven offerings in the fintech industries can be unleashed on the continent and in Nigeria in particular.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2023 18:10 UTC
State Govts Propose Ambitious N15.91 Trillion Budget for 2024, with Lagos Leading at N2.25 Trillion
In the promising year of 2024, the nation’s 36 states, along with the Federal Capital Territory, collectively proposed a substantial budget of N15.91 trillion. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier presentation of a N27.50 trillion budget in late November 2023, titled the Budget of Renewed Hope, is currently undergoing scrutiny and deliberation for final approval. Subsequently, each state’s governor presented their budgets to their respective state assemblies. A regional breakdown reveals that the Southwest led with N4.20 trillion, followed by South South: N3.43 trillion, South East: N2.29 trillion, North West: N2.50 trillion, North Central: N1.89tn, and North East: N1.60 trillion. Kogi presented a ₦258.28 billion budget, to be executed by the incoming governor as the current governor, Yahaya Bello, concludes his two terms in office in February 2024.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 14:16 UTC
Emefiele: I wasn’t involved in $6m withdrawal from CBN — Boss Mustapha
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, has denied involvement in the alleged withdrawal of over $6 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. His denial is coming in response to the publication of the report of the Private Investigator into the affairs of the CBN, Mr. Jim Obazee. “Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. “This is not just about me, it is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served this country with honour. “I trust that the Nigerian people will see through this orchestrated attack and recognise it for what it truly is; a desperate attempt to silence a voice of reason and integrity,” Boss Mustapha said.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 14:12 UTC
Eastern Michigan apologizes to South Alabama for player's punch that sparked brawl
An unidentified EMU played charged into the group and punched a South Alabama player in the back of the head. Another South Alabama player dragged the EMU player onto the field, sparking a free-for-all among members of both teams as smaller skirmishes also broke out. He apologized to the EMU community, the South Alabama team and its fans. Wetherbee said he had been in contact with South Alabama's athletic director and that Creighton had reached out to Jaguars coach Kane Wommack. South Alabama AD Joel Erdmann issued a statement Sunday saying he was disappointed in the postgame conflict, but was grateful that EMU “took ownership” of the confrontation and apologized.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 13:40 UTC
Emefiele: Beyond the sordid revelations
The report accused Emefiele of working in concert with a minister in the Muhammadu Buhari government, CBN officials and his proxies. In one account in the United Kingdom, the CBN allegedly lodged £543.48 million. But Nigerians are not impressed, as past revelations of massive corruption have mostly failed to result in commensurate convictions, or full recovery of diverted public funds. In Nigeria, corruption thrives on elite conspiracy, the compromised judiciary, and absence of political will by presidents. The larceny at the CBN must not go unpunished and all public funds must be fully accounted for.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 13:34 UTC
Oil revenue crashes by N289.6bn as output falls
Nigeria lost about N289.6bn crude oil revenue in November 2023 following a plunge in the country’s oil output last month, when compared to what it pumped in the preceding month of October. Meanwhile, further analysis of the NUPRC report showed that in January, February, March, April and May 2023, Nigeria’s crude oil outputs (excluding condensates) were 39,266,420 million barrels, 36,182,712 million barrels, 39,268,847 million barrels, 30,131,770 million barrels and 36,869,280 million barrels respectively. For the months of June, July, August and September 2023, the country pumped 37,827,842 million barrels, 33,761,767 million barrels, 36,615,125 million barrels and 40,396,863 million barrels respectively. Lokpobiri had also said the country has the capacity to increase crude oil production to two million barrels per day. The PUNCH reported on Friday that the dispute over crude oil production quota between OPEC and a few of its members eventually made Angola to exit the global oil cartel on Thursday.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 12:37 UTC
2024: I foresee president’s assassination, gov’s death, attempted takeover of Tinubu govt – Primate Ayodele
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has predicted the assassination of a sitting president and the death of a governor. Primate Ayodele also predicted that cabals would attempt to take over President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele said: “Tinubu’s Government: I foresee the Cabals will want to take over the Tinubu government. Let us pray against coup in Africa or mounting pressure or an uprising that can lead to the removal of a sitting President. I foresee a sitting President will escape assassination.
Source:Punch
December 25, 2023 08:28 UTC
Tech Expert, Akindoye, shares insights on AI-driven future
The rise of AI is reshaping our world, challenging the essence of work as we know it. Through brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), our personal “digital twins” operate diligently while we sleep, perhaps even engaging in activities like trading. Where will humanity derive purpose and meaning without the anchor of traditional work? “Imagine waking to the gentle hum of your AI companion, updated on the latest news or brewing your favorite coffee. Dignity Beyond Labor, If work no longer defines us, where do we find new sources of self-worth and purpose?
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 25, 2023 04:06 UTC
Emefiele’s proxy-run TTB denies fraudulent Union Bank acquisition
Titan Trust Bank has blasted the Central Bank of Nigeria investigator, Jim Obazee-led panel over the report of the apex bank’s activities. The new generation bank claimed that there was no fraud in the acquisition of Union Bank. Recall that the Obazee-led panel had, on Wednesday, submitted the report of investigations into the acquisition of Union Bank and Keystone Bank to President Bola Tinubu in two separate letters dated December 20, 2023. The report of the special investigation had accused Emefiele, of using proxies to acquire Union Bank for Titan Trust Bank Limited, as well as Keystone Bank without any evidence of payment. In his letters to the president, Obazee said he had completed his investigation into the illegal acquisition of Union Bank by Titan Bank, and was on the verge of recovering the two banks for the federal government.
Source:Punch
December 24, 2023 20:56 UTC
EFCC uncovers N37bn fraud in humanitarian ministry, indicts Buhari’s minister, contractor
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered a total sum of N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk. He is also linked with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks in which 134 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies. Umar-Farouq was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. “The monies were sent to 38 bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks. Nigerians deserve to know what happened in the aviation sector, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and other sectors.
Source:Punch
December 24, 2023 18:50 UTC
Nnamdi Kanu’s Family Expresses Gratitude to Supporters for IPOB Leader’s Cause
The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has extended its appreciation to various entities for their unwavering support since Kanu’s arrest in Kenya and subsequent detention in Abuja since June 2021. In a statement issued on Sunday by Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Kingsley Kanunta Kanu, the family expressed gratitude to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Joint Body of Southeast Traditional Rulers, bishops, archbishops, and certain Southeast governors and members of the National Assembly. The statement acknowledged the exceptional dedication and support from civic and political leaders in the Southeast, recognizing their commitment to seeking Nnamdi Kanu’s release and addressing the injustice of the case. The family particularly thanked Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Joint Body of Southeast Traditional Rulers, bishops, archbishops, Southeast governors, and members of the National Assembly for their constant interventions, both overt and covert. They expressed genuine gratitude for the remarkable efforts and unwavering support, anticipating a positive outcome from the collective interventions.
Source:Punch
December 24, 2023 17:20 UTC