PUNCH@50: Celebrating five decades of news, memories
It is celebration galore as PUNCH Nigeria Limited, publishers of the most widely read The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH and PUNCH Online clocks 50. I covered different beats such as crime/police, general beat, and religion, among others, before I was transferred outside the head office. There was a case that happened when I was still PUNCH’s Oyo State correspondent that I keep remembering. I had the opportunity to make this point when Chief Ogunshola said he called because he had an assignment for me. He introduced me in that same way to many influential persons including the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the then governor of Oyo State.
Source:Punch
February 28, 2024 03:57 UTC
Oyo Assembly chides foodstuff sellers over hoarding, excessive profit making
As solutions are being sought to the present high cost of food items, the Oyo Assembly has chided some sellers who hoard in anticipation of further price increases and those keen on excessive profit making. This is as he admonished the state government to procure food items directly from the farmers and sell at subsidized rates. The duo of Honourables Adebayo Babajide (Ibadan North 2), Comforter Olajide (Ibadan North 1) queried the implementation of the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) intervention in terms of the modalities of distribution and whether it was truly getting to the intended beneficiaries. Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Abiodun Fadeyi, who presided over the plenary, said the Assembly would invite the SAfER committee to explain how funds were being disbursed. The Assembly also urged the executive arm to task the market leaders to desist from hoarding of food items.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 28, 2024 00:48 UTC
Manufacturer decries poor infrastructure, difficult regulatory process
Apparently worried by the lip service being paid to the issue of doing business, the Chief Executive Officer, Chemstar Group of Companies, Dr Remi Awode, has decried the poor state of infrastructure in the country, saying it is inhibiting businesses. Bemoaning the situation, he explained that industrialists and entrepreneurs are faced with challenges ranging from poor infrastructure, difficult regulatory procedures and environment to corruption. He appealed to the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to work with professionals like town planners to critically look into the subject of discussion. “It is our desire that Lagos State grow in leaps and bounds,” he said. It would be my desire and that of the public to see an end to this.”He congratulated Adedire, ATOPCON Executives and committees that were being inaugurated.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 27, 2024 17:52 UTC
Nigeria lose as Rwanda lead NCF T20i cricket tourney
Former champions Rwanda made it two wins in two matches at the ongoing Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s T20i invitational tournament, after beating Sierra Leone by 10 wickets on Monday at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Leonard Nhamburo’s ladies, who beat debutants and the highest ranked team, Tanzania, by 33 runs on Sunday also inflicted Sierra Leone’s second defeat on them. That gave Rwanda some light work in the second innings as they needed just 5.5 overs to reach the 58 runs target for no loss. Sierra Leone are still without a win after two matches. The teams will return to action on Wednesday with Nigeria and Rwanda renewing their rivalry, while Tanzania will hope to extend their lead against Sierra Leone.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2024 15:54 UTC
Lawmakers’ salaries too small for job responsibilities -Deputy Speaker
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Monday said the current salaries of federal lawmakers cannot take them home to do the jobs they were elected to do. The deputy speaker spoke when he featured on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Monday. Kalu said, “At the moment, talking about the salary of the National Assembly. “So talking about the salaries of the National Assembly, it is a far cry from what is supposed to be. In reducing the cost of running government, the need for it cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2024 14:53 UTC
4 countries going through recession in 2024
Economic recession is a challenging phase for any nation, impacting livelihoods, businesses, and overall prosperity. Several factors contribute to a country slipping into recession, including economic policies, global market trends, and internal socio-political dynamics. Here, we’ll explore four countries currently experiencing economic recession, shedding light on the causes and potential implications. United KingdomThe United Kingdom has entered a technical recession with two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. The recession poses political challenges for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of the anticipated 2024 national election.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 27, 2024 13:24 UTC
N30bn allowance: Akpabio makes a u-turn, apologises to govs
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has apologised to the state governors over his comment on the N30bn hardship allowance allegedly given to them. In response to the Senate President, some governors, like Seyi Makinde of Oyo State refuted the claim. Makinde said, “This is not the time to play politics, as we have real issues that deserve real solutions. “The unfortunate conjectures to take away the kernel in the material facts of FAAC payment are rather regretted. He, therefore, urged the sub-national governments not to be distracted by any misunderstanding of the context and true meaning of the statement.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2024 10:15 UTC
Rahul Dravid's motivational punch as Shubman Gill bounces back from the verge of getting dropped
However, a sudden flurry of wickets meant that England had their tails up when Gill was joined by Jurel in the middle. A jubiliant Indian cricket team coach, Rahul Dravid, hugs batter Shubman Gill after the team’s victory over England. Gill, Jurel grind England out of the seriesMonday’s hard-fought victory gave India a record-extending 17th successive home series win. The aggressive field did help England make a comeback, but it didn't last long, as Gill and Jurel blunted the threat. Gill scored 39 runs in 119 balls before suddenly unleashing two sixes in three balls to get to a half-century in 123 deliveries.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2024 09:54 UTC
Tata Punch EV Electric Punch On Roads
Tata Punch EV Electric Punch On RoadsThe Tata Punch EV is an electric auto that packs a important punch on the roadways. The Punch EV is set to revise City trip with its clean, fragile Design and zero emigration drivetrain. The Punch EV demonstrates Tata s fidelity to offering guests an electric auto that packs a punch of interpretation and makes every punch a strong and clean experience, whether they re negotiating megacity Highways or going on exhilarating emprises.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2024 08:19 UTC
JUST IN: NECO releases 2023 SSCE external results
National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2023 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) external results, with 67.35 per cent of candidates scoring five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics. Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Dantani Wushishi, announced the release of the results at the NECO headquarters in Minna on Monday. “The number of candidates that sat for Mathematics is 73,119, out of which 67,815, representing 92.75% got Credit and above. “Also 62,530 candidates, representing 84.11% got five (5) Credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics. “The examination malpractice cases for 2023 SSCE External included two centres, one each in Kaduna and Ogun States involved in whole centre cases.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 27, 2024 00:54 UTC
PICTURES: Africa’s largest mosque unveiled in Algeria
Algeria has unveiled a massive mosque on its Mediterranean coastline following years of political turmoil that delayed its completion. It is reported to be the third-largest mosque globally, the largest in Africa, and the biggest outside Islam’s holiest cities, with a prayer room that can hold 120,000 people. Former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika initiated the mosque project with the vision of making it the largest in Africa. He envisioned it as his lasting contribution and wanted to name it “Abdelaziz Bouteflika Mosque,” similar to the Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco. The Mosque Hassan II in Morocco, dedicated to the former King of Morocco, a neighbour and regional rival of Algeria, was previously promoted as the largest in Africa.
Source:Punch
February 27, 2024 00:23 UTC
Met detective sacked for racism has been reinstated and sent on leadership course
A Metropolitan police detective initially sacked for racism has been reinstated and sent on a leadership course, the Guardian has learned. The Met added that a new misconduct hearing date was set but its directorate of professional standards reviewed the case and decided not to proceed. The former Met superintendent Leroy Logan said the case risked damaging public confidence and “that the Met has not moved on and tolerates this behaviour”. “The officer took this to the police appeals tribunal, which overturned the panel’s decision and reinstated him. Those who are held to account for standards in policing should have the powers to deliver the change that is needed.
Source:The Guardian
February 26, 2024 18:19 UTC
Nigeria ready to contribute to global dialogue at WTO 13th Ministerial Conference
As the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) approaches, Nigeria stands poised and actively ready to contribute to global dialogue and negotiations, a statement signed by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite has revealed. The Ministerial Conference is the highest-level decision-making body of the WTO and under the Marrakesh Agreement the group is obliged to meet every two years. Notably, the agenda of the ministerial conference includes discussions focused on both the environment and inclusivity in trade policy. In preparation for MC13, Nigeria has conducted extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including other WTO state members, government agencies, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations. As the world gathers for MC13, Nigeria looks forward to fostering meaningful discussions, building consensus, and working towards a positive outcome that benefits all members of the global community.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 26, 2024 18:00 UTC
BUK set to graduate over 11,000 students, 180 first class
The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, has said that during the 38th convocation of the BUK commencing today (Tuesday), over 11,284 students will graduate, while 180 students will be graduating with First Class Honours. He maintained that this year the university is graduating a total of 11,284 students, which would cut across different faculties and departments. Speaking further, Prof. Abbas hinted that the university currently has 379 professors teaching at BUK, with 18 faculties and 16 research centres. BUK is now ranked 5th in Nigeria based on a ranking body based in the UK. It ranked fifth after Covenant University, the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and Ekiti, all based in the South West.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 26, 2024 16:58 UTC