Allow states to control resources, ex-N’Delta militant beg Tinubu
Some ex-Niger Delta militant leaders in the country have called on President Bola Tinubu to find solutions to the current economic hardship facing the country. The group also stressed the need for states to control their resources, adding that this would resolve the country’s present economic problems. This was part of the resolutions reached by Niger Delta militants at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, at Agadagba-Obon, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Friday. He said, “We are gathered here because of the economic situation of the country and the way forward. There’s a need for the Federal Government to work on how to increase our Gross Domestic Production.
Source:Punch
February 25, 2024 09:35 UTC
UFC boss White praises Usman’s dominance
UFC president, Dana White, has praised former pound-for-pound number one Kamaru Usman as one of the most dominant champions in the welterweight division. Usman won the welterweight title against Tyron Woodley in UFC 235 and only lost it at UFC 278 after defending the title five times. Now, UFC CEO Dana White showered flowers on The Nigerian Nightmare’s championship run. “(Kamaru) Usman doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He defended the title twice against Covington and Jorge Masvidal and once against Gilbert Burns.
Source:Punch
February 25, 2024 08:16 UTC
FCSC chair advocates merit in federal civil service
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof Tunji Olaopa, has called for the promotion of merit over federal character in public service. Olaope noted that the country’s civil service must abandon the practice of favouring federal character over merit, adding that getting the best from the civil service required a shift in this approach. He said, “We are working to reinforce the whole dynamics and to beef up the MDA’s IQ by reinventing meritocracy in the civil service. Even the British civil service now has a public service act. We feel it’s very important that there should be some career level in these ministries that only trained economists should occupy.”
Source:Punch
February 25, 2024 03:26 UTC
Qatar declines Nigeria’s request for business forum
Qatar has declined a request made by Nigeria to hold a business and investment forum (BIF) when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visits the Middle East country in March 2024. The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja denied the request in a circular dated Thursday, February 22, 2024. It was addressed to the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria. “The Embassy has the honour to inform that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar apologizes that it will not be able to hold a Business and Investment Forum as proposed by Nigerian side,” the letter said. Qatari authorities said the request was declined because Qatar and Nigeria do not currently have any agreement on investment promotion and protection.
Source:The Guardian
February 25, 2024 02:29 UTC
ECOWAS meets today, may lift sanctions on Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali
The Economic Community of West African States is expected to suspend all sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, who are under military rule after juntas overthrew the civilian governments of all three countries. Presidential sources told Saturday PUNCH that with the lifted sanctions, the bloc would attempt to talk the three alienated states out of their decision to withdraw. However, the military-led juntas of Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger, in late January, announced their withdrawal over “illegal sanctions” harming their people. A presidential source who spoke to Saturday PUNCH late Friday revealed that “ECOWAS is likely to lift the sanctions against those three states. If you check what the President said in Addis Ababa, you will get where this is coming from.”
Source:Punch
February 24, 2024 16:05 UTC
Ukraine war: Russia refuses to negotiate 10-point peace plan — European ambassadors
It has been two years since the full-scale illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. The illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine creates a dangerous precedent for the rest of the world. Our countries support Ukraine with weapons because it has the right to defend itself. “The illegal invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 marked a further escalation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. “Concerning Ukraine specifically, the Russian war against Ukraine also has a direct impact on the security of Europe.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 24, 2024 15:19 UTC
I find it easy acting as lover boy — Chidi Dike
A rising actor, Chidi Dike, has said that acting as a lover boy in movies comes easily to him because he grew up as only boy, amidst four sisters. In an interview with Saturday Beats, he said, “I am comfortable acting as a lover boy, because I grew up with girls. “I adore the female gender, so acting with them is like a piece of cake, because I have been doing it for a while. He said, “Nothing has been heard about me and any woman being romantically involved since I gained prominence, because I have none. I came to Lagos to act in movies, but I ended up doing a couple of other things.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2024 14:48 UTC
Putin Critic May Have Been Killed With "Single Punch To Heart": Report
An activist claims Navalny may have been killed with a single punch to heart. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny may have been killed with a single punch to the heart - an old method used by the KGB - a human rights activist has claimed. "They trained their operatives to kill a man with one punch in the heart, in the center of the body. As per a report, the body of Vladimir Putin's most vociferous critic had "signs of bruises", an anonymours paramedic told an independent news outlet. Navalny's family and supporters have accused Putin of having him killed, an accusation that the Kremlin has angrily rejected.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2024 14:06 UTC
How economy inspires my music – HP Zendo
A budding artiste, Hope Omumati, aka HP Zendo, has said that the country’s tough economic situation influences his music. In a statement sent to Saturday Beats, the singer said, “My music is usually inspired by the economic situation of the country. I also have lots of respect for artistes, such as Davido, Burna Boy and Olamide.”Zendo, who is set to embark on an European tour later in the year, recently released the remix of his single titled, ‘E Don Cast’, featuring CDQ. The artiste, who hails from Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, had earlier released a seven-track Extended Play album in December 2023. Artistes featured on the album include Ojo Olaborede, aka Danny S; and Isaac Sotunde, aka Base One.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2024 13:19 UTC
Are we in recession?
There’s a lot of talk in the air about whether we’re in a recession or not, and it’s important we understand what that means for us and our families. In simple terms, a recession is when the economy of a country isn’t doing well. If these are all going down for a while, then yes, that’s what you call a recession. Now, if our country is indeed facing a recession, it can sound scary, but there are things we can do to help our households. A recession can feel like a big rock on our path, but remember, it’s not forever.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 24, 2024 12:57 UTC
Group wants NASS to probe how FG spent $3.4bn IMF loan
“As of June 2023, Nigeria’s total debt portfolio stood at N87.9 trillion ($ 114.3 billion) and will climb to N107.38 trillion in 2024, following recent approvals by NASS. It also said that the unsustainable level of public debt showed the need for a reassessment of government spending and revenue generation. ADVERTISEMENTIt also urged NASS to revise the legal and institutional frameworks relating to debt management, emphasising transparency and accountability. It recommended the harmonisation of tax laws and rates to reduce overlaps and inconsistencies, eliminate multiple taxation and improve tax revenue mobilisation. “NASS should establish a Tax Committee, empowered to approve Double Tax Agreements, rather than the general floor of the National Assembly.
Source:The Guardian
February 24, 2024 12:51 UTC
Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding reforms, minister insists | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The government also insisted that the naira is stabilising, saying the foreign exchange market is seeing a surge of inflows. He also said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Yemi Cardoso, had also highlighted that $1.8 billion flowed into the forex market last week, on the back of the new reforms. “First, he announced an immediate end to the petrol subsidy regime, because it could no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of dwindling resources. “Since the removal of the petrol subsidy, petrol importation has dropped by 50 per cent, amounting to one billion liters monthly, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. “President Tinubu’s second most far-reaching pronouncement was his promise that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would work towards a unified exchange rate.
Source:The Guardian
February 24, 2024 04:13 UTC
10 tips to avoid being kidnapped
The PUNCH had in January reported that civil society groups, under the aegis of the Civil Society Joint Action Group, said 17,469 Nigerians were abducted under the Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu administrations from 2019 to date. With the waves of insecurity and kidnapping for ransom, here are safety tips that may protect you from being a victim. Avoid standing by the roadside to board a bus to pay cheaper fare. Avoid travelling at night, particularly on bad, poorly lit roads if you can. – Respect curfews or restrictions imposed on the movement of vehicles and persons on the road or at your destination.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2024 04:05 UTC
INEC releases 2023 general elections report
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has released the 2023 General Elections Report. Olumekun said the election report was reviewed and approved for publication at the commission’s weekly meeting held on Thursday. “The report showcases the election’s unparalleled diversity in party representation, demonstrating significant democratic progress. “The report underscores the pivotal role of technological advancements, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in enhancing electoral integrity and reducing fraud. “Other aspects covered in the report include logistics, security arrangements, staff recruitment and training, inclusivity measures, and the electoral framework,” he said.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 24, 2024 00:27 UTC
It’s time to equip Nigerian youths for nation-building - Reps Committee says
Another member of the committee, Rep. Marcus Onobun, described Yiaga Africa as the face and voice of the youths. Describing the responsibility before the committee as huge, Oguche said the House committee could not do alone without partnership and support. He added that the retreat would look at the role of the legislature in youths development in terms of law-making, representation and oversights. “Participate will be exposed to legislative instruments that are valuable to youths in promoting youths development,” he stated. He said that the retreat would look at the Appropriation Act, 2024 from the perspective of youth development to help the committee in its oversight.
Source:The Guardian
February 23, 2024 21:28 UTC