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 Our Policies Are Working, $1bn Came Into The Market In Past Few Days – Cardoso The Governor of the Central Bank, Yemi Cardoso says the measures taken so far by the apex bank to stabilize foreign exchange rates have started yielding positive results. He noted that these measures would help to stabilise the foreign exchange rates and minimize the distortion that high exchange has on inflation, as they are closely related. Cardoso, who disclosed this during a briefing of the Joint Senate Committee on Finance, Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions on Friday, said that $1bn has come into the Nigerian market in the past few days through the CBN interventions. “We have already begun to see shifts in the positive direction. Indeed they (CBN measures) have already started yielding early results with significant interest from foreign portfolio investors which was a concern. That has already begun to supply the much-needed foreign exchange to the economy. “For example, upward of the ...

 Abia Begins Recovery Of Govt Properties From Individuals The government of Abia State on Thursday began the recovery of all government properties left in the hands of certain powerful individuals in Aba, the commercial hub of the state. The Abia State government through the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) recovered two government properties situated at 40A /40B, Ekenna Street, GRA, and another one at Onyeador Street, off Aba-Ikot Ekpene Highway. Explaining the situation to journalists, the General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Mr Uche Ukeje said that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure that the fidelity of the state asset is protected. He added that it is equally the responsibility of every government to make sure that assets belonging to the state do not find their way to private hands, especially through processes that are not transparent. According to him, the property at GRA belongs to Abia State Government as it used to b...

 The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the yearly Access Bank Lagos City Marathon coming up tomorrow Saturday, 10th February, 2024 between 5.00 am and 2.00 pm. The following routes will be temporarily unavailable to Motorists during the marathon; A. Funsho Williams Avenue from Stadium, Surulere B. Ikorodu Road to Anthony C. Gbagada to Third Mainland Bridge  D. Third Mainland Bridge (Inbound and Outbound)    E. Dolphin Road to Alfred Rewane Road   F. Falomo Roundabout to Bourdillon Road   G. Lekki Bridge to Freedom Way    H. Akin-Adesola to Ahmadu BelloWay. Consequently, the following alternative routes will be available during the marathon; Scene 1: Apongbon bridge inwards Eko bridge through Costain Roundabout, Iponri and Bode Thomas for a desired destination or utilize Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout and Apapa Road to link Oyingbo/Jebba to access Herbert Macaulay for a desired destination. Scene 2: Motorists...

 “I lost a lot of money , I got addicted to drǔgs — Timaya  “ There was a day I walked into some friends , they were just happy , I asked them what they were taking , they gave me .  I took it and became extremely happy .  I was so happy .  I started buying and taking .  I could take like 3 times a day and spend like 1 million on it in a day . I got addicted to it .  I lost money , I got kicked out of contracts and brands I represented . I almost became broke .  Imagine paying for happiness , happiness is supposed to be natural but I was taking it 3 times a day 😂 “  Dear Young people , the moment you choose drúgs you are gone .  Stay away from people that can introduce you to it .  Some things are harder to stop than starting .  Look at where you come from , your mama need help , papa need help and your siblings need help and you want come start dey smoke loud  .  Say No to Drúgs .

 AFCON Final : It's Time To Deal With The Super Eagles And Revenge Our Loss In The Group Stage - Cote D'Ivoire Striker, Sébastien Haller  “We are playing the (AFCON final) final against Nigeria. It is a great nation. It is heavy. They beat us in the group stage. “But we are already motivated to go and lift the trophy on Sunday in this stadium in front of the Ivorian people. We have revenge to take on Nigeria,”

 BENUE JUKUN SUES GOVERNOR, SPEAKER, TOR-TIV, OTHERS OVER DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES The National Association of Jukun Wanu Association (NAJUWA) has sued the office of the Benue State Governor, Benue State Government and four others over alleged discriminatory policies against its people in the state. The others joined in the suit are the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Benue State House of Assembly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State and HRM, Orchivirigh Professror Ortese Lorzua James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv and President, Benue State Council of Chiefs. The Writ of Summons has been filed at a High Court of Benue State, Makurdi Judicial Division by Falana & Falana’s Chambers on February 2, 2024. According to the Summons, the defendants may appear by entering appearance in person or by a Legal Practitioner and by handing in the appropriate form duly completed at the Registry of the National Industrial Court, Abuja or by sending them to that o...

 Tennessee manhunt currently underway for armed and dangerous Tennesse man who shot and killed a deputy during a traffic stop. A major manhunt is underway for 42-year-old Kenneth DeHart. Warrants have been issued for 1st degree murder, attempted murder and a felon in possession of a firearm. These charges and the ensuing manhunt stem from a horrifying traffic stop which took place on Thursday night at around 8:30 p.m. Blount County Sheriff's deputies, Greg McCowan and Shelby Eggers, initiated a traffic stop with an SUV on the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville,Tennessee.  Once the SUV was pulled over, DeHart refused to comply with instructions.  As the situation escalated, he refused to exit the vehicle and the deputies deployed their stun guns; however it had little to no effect on DeHart. It was at this point, DeHart produced a gun and fired on the officers striking both deputies. Eggers was struck in the leg but was able to return fire. DeHart was able to esca...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSENTS TO ELECTRICITY ACT (AMENDMENT) BILL President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law. The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives on July 27, 2023, and the Senate on November 14, 2023, was sponsored by Honourable Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State. The Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to address the development and environmental concerns of host communities, and sets aside five percent of the actual annual operating expenditures of power generating companies (GENCOs) from the preceding year for the development of their respective host communities.   The Bill further provides that the funds set aside for the development of host communities will be received, managed, and administered for infrastructure development in the host communities by a reputable Trustee/Manager to be jointly appointed by the respective GEN...

 Super Eagles to get N9bn for AFCON win The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will reward the Super Eagles  with N9 billion ($7m) if they win the Africa Cup of Nations final. The Nation reported the Confederation had increased the cash prize for the winners of the tournament from $5m to $7m. The Eagles, who play the hosts on Sunday, are among the finalists and have already secured $4 million in cash prize. The African tournament’s runners-up will receive $4 million (N5 billion), the losing semi-finalists, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will each receive $2.5 million, while the four quarter-finalists will each receive $1.3 million. In the official statement of the CAF on cash prizes for the competition, they wrote: “CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions,” Motsepe said. “We have increased the prize money of the AFCON winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a...

 I won’t attend RHOL2 reunion, says Iyabo Ojo Actress and reality TV star, Iyabo Ojo has announced her absence from the Real Housewives of Lagos forthcoming reunion.  Surprising fans of the show, the mother of two said her decision was backed by the wishes of loved ones, especially her children and husband.  Iyabo Ojo took told fans on Instagram not to expect her on the reunion despite being an active cast member of the show. She wrote: “After a lot of back and forth, I choose to listen to my family, loved ones, most especially my man and my children, and also the brands I work with, so I will not be attending the RHOLagos2 reunion”. The Nation reported how Iyabo Ojo was almost on the lips of every fan as she brought in a lot of ‘gbas gbos’ to the show, coupled with her disagreements and fights with some reality stars on the show. Her fight with socialite Laura Ikeji was one of the biggest highlights of the show, which prompted people calling Iyabo Ojo a bully. This was r...

 Notify customers before debt recovery moves, CBN tells banks The Central Bank of Nigeria has instructed regulated entities to provide customers with notices of outstanding obligations before beginning debt collection. This is to ensure that the debt recovery process is transparent, courteous, and fair. CBN stated this in a document released on Thursday on its website titled “Revised Consumer Protection Regulations.” It noted that the essence of the document is to ensure financial institutions follow consumer protection principles. The regulations outline consumer rights and aim for better outcomes and access to financial services. The document states that foreclosures should only be initiated as a last resort after other recovery options have failed. Foreclosure is the legal process in which the ownership shifts to the bank or lender if the debtor fails to pay the loan. “Customers should be given the option of a private sale before foreclosure, which must be exercised within 30 da...

 CAPACITY BUILDING: IGP ORDERS REORIENTATION PROGRAMME, ARMS DRILL FOR POLICE PERSONNEL The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, has ordered regular and continuous reorientation courses, arms drills and Baton and Rifle Exercises (BARE) for all Police personnel across the country.  The IGP reaffirmed his commitment to reposition the NPF through modern global practices through training and retraining of police officers and men, at the Passing out Parade of personnel of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) on a two(2) week retraining program held at SPU Training School, Dei-Dei Abuja, which included a brief display of martial arts skill, assimilation test comprising stripping and assembling of firearm with one hand, either with eyes open or blindfolded in abuja. The AIG SPU, AIG Okon.O. Effiong psc(+),fdc, was represented by the DCP SPU Sabastine Dongshal  psc(+), who was accompanied by some other senior officers of the Unit and reiterated the re...

 South Africa's Ramaphosa says end to power cuts 'within reach' Cyril Ramaphosa used a state of the nation address to highlight steps taken to address the prolonged energy crisis. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that an end to crippling power cuts was "within reach" and pledged thousands of new jobs in a key speech ahead of knife-edge elections this year. With his historically dominant African National Congress (ANC) party struggling in the polls, Ramaphosa used a state of the nation address on Thursday to highlight steps taken to address the prolonged energy crisis that has vexed businesses and families alike. "We are confident that the worst is behind us and the end of load shedding is finally within reach," he said using the local term for blackouts in a speech to lawmakers at Cape Town City Hall. "But we are not stopping there," he added, touting new reforms and investments including more than 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles...

 Airline to start weighing passengers before takeoff Finland’s flagship airline, Finnair has announced that it will start asking passengers to weigh themselves and their carry-on baggage before takeoff. The airline stated that the weigh-ins are “voluntary and anonymous” and will help to ensure the airline does not exceed the set maximum weight for a safe take-off.

 FUTA students protest incessant robbery attacks Students of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, on Friday, protested what they described as incessant robbery attacks against them off the campus of the institution. The protesters, who were singing various solidarity songs, barricaded the busy Akure -Ilesa Road, causing gridlock on the expressway. The students said they staged a protest to call the attention of the management of the institution, the government, and the security agencies to act to save them from the activities of the bandits.

 Türkiye, Somalia sign defence and economic cooperation agreement The agreement involves collaboration in combatting terrorism and cooperation in military and financial domains. Türkiye and Somalia’s defence ministers have signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement to enhance bilateral relations. Yasar Guler welcomed his Somali counterpart Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur to Ankara as an official guest at a military ceremony on Thursday. Following bilateral talks, they presided over inter-delegation meetings. During the meeting, exchanges of views on bilateral and regional defence and security issues took place, and a defence and economic cooperation framework agreement was signed between the two countries. "Somalia is an important partner of Türkiye in Africa. We had a productive meeting with my counterpart. In our discussions, which took place in a very warm atmosphere and further strengthened our relations, we reiterated the importance we attach to Somalia's sovereignty and ...

 LAGOS, LAWMA AND THE BATTLE AGAINST FILTH By Bolaji Israel The city of Lagos, with its ever-increasing population and bustling economic activities, faces significant environmental challenges. With the ever-growing influx of people from all over the country into Lagos daily in search for greener pasture, coupled with the volume of businesses, manufacturing, trading activities and human movements around the state, it is understandable that its environmental challenges would be humongous and multidimensional.  Dirty markets, littered streets, blocked drainages due to indiscriminate waste disposal and plastic wastes and homeless miscreants squatting all around the state bridges, would readily have been the disgusting optics in the absence of proactive management and control. However, the state government, particularly the current administration, is sparing no efforts in its renewed bid to safeguard the environment and ensure a clean and healthy city for residents to live and thri...

 Court Jails Fake EFCC Staff,  Two Others in Kaduna   The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentencing of Abdulazeez Isah to three years imprisonment for parading himself as a staff of the EFCC.  Abraham Adama and Uzoma Isaac Iwu  were also jailed  for fraud by Justices Darius Khobo and A. Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna.   While Justice Isiaka jailed Isah after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on impersonation,  Justice Khobo handed Adama two years imprisonment  for cheating by impersonating American movie star Sylvester Stallone on social media and three years to Iwu for cybercrimes.   The charge against Isa reads: “That you Abdulazeez Isah sometime in November, 2023 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, committed an offence of impersonation to wit: falsely presenting yourself as a staff of Economic and Fi...

 Don’t come back, South Africans threaten Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, has reportedly received threats from South African fans following his standout performance against the country. The South African fans reportedly warned him against returning to his club after the AFCON. Former Super Eagles international Idah Peterside revealed the threats while speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, stating that some fans have warned Nwabali not to go back to Chippa United in South Africa after the AFCON tournament. While the threat has not been reported, it’s believed that some South Africans are displeased with Nwabali’s role in preventing their team from reaching the finals. Peterside said, “The biggest problem we have had is that we have gotten some messages where people have sent messages to the goalkeeper threatening him. I hear some people are telling him not to come back to South Africa since ...

 NNPCL: No increase in petrol prices The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has denied any imminent hike in the pump prices of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), petrol. A statement by its chief communications officer, Olufemi Soneye issued in Abuja on Thursday, February 8, urged motorists to shun panic buying of the product. The statement also assured customers of the abundant availability of the PMS. The statement reads in part: “NNPCL assures the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. “NNPC Ltd. urges Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assures them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS Price. “Motorists nationwide are advised against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.”

 Anambra billionaire’s death throws community into confusion The death of Chief Osondu Nwoye, the Umueze, Amanuke billionaire, in Awka North local government of Anambra state, has thrown the area in confusion  While some believe he is still alive, others have started counting the losses from his demise.  Nwoye, according to his kinsmen, was à philanthropist of high repute not only in the sleepy Amanuke community but in the entire Awka North council area.  The 53-year-old business man, who resides in Ivory Coast, was said to have died during the Nigeria /South Africa match.  His friend and kinsman, Chief Chikodi Anarah, who is Anambra Commissioner for Home Affairs, told The Nation that it was difficult to believe his death.  À musician from Amanuke, Chibuzor Okafor (aka ‘onyeoma)  told The Nation that the entire community was in pains, adding “à heavy rain has fallen in Amanuke.”

'Gegemu' herbal concotion knocks 65-year-old man, 1 other dead in Kogi A 62-year-old man, fondly known as Okiribo, and a 45 year-old man Samuel Omo-Folorunsho have died in Isanlu community, Kogi State after they reportedly drank her drink made of Gegemu roots and other items. Two other persons are also currently in the hospital battling to survive after drinking the self-made herbal drink in excess The victims reportedly drank the herbal concoction, a combination of Gegemu and other roots to get high but only landed themselves in trouble. While Okiribo and Omo-Folorunsho died, one Shola Pempe and another youth were hospitalized at ECWA hospital, Makutu. Some of the youths in the community went ahead to dig the said roots and turn them into concoction (agbo) by themselves and consumed them to be high. The traditional ruler, Oba Moses Etombi, Agbana of Isanlu, who confirmed the incident described the incident as “tragic” and “very unfortunate”. The traditional ruler said the inci...

 Six docked for allegedly assaulting actress Lizzy Anjorin at Lagos market Six suspects were docked in a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly attacking, assaulting and blackmailing the popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State. The suspects, made up of four women and two men were accused of allegedly attacking, assaulting and blackmailing the popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal. The police charged Qudus Jokogbola, Siri Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed and Opere Morenike with conspiracy, breach of peace and causing bodily harm. The Prosecutor, Insp Samuel Isholla told the court that the six defendants and two others at large, committed the alleged offence on Feb. 5, 2024, at about 1.30p.m, at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State. Counsel to the defendants S. Ade Oshodi and Ademola Olabiyi, announced their appearance for the defendants and nominal complainant’s lawyer respective...

 TROOPS  NEUTRALIZE 4 INSURGENTS, RESCUE 11 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, CAPTURE WEAPONS IN KADUNA Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army (NA) on fighting patrol in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State on 6 February 2024 made contact with insurgent.  During the firefight that ensued, troops neutralized 4 insurgents while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 7 AK 47 rifle magazines and 2 motorcycles. Similarly, troops of the Division deployed at Birnin Gwari received a tip off on insurgents movement on 7 February 2024. The troops swiftly moved to intercept the insurgents at Kwaga village. The insurgents who could not withstand the fire power of the troops absconded into the forest in disarray abandoning their victims. The troops successfully rescued all 11 victims namely; Zakari Galadima 54 years (male), Ishaku Galadima 50 years (male), Habibu Illaysu  40 years (male), Nuzuli Ibrahim 18 years (male), Ramatu Aliyu 60 years (female), ...

 Special forces capture suspected kidnapper after gun battle in Ekiti State The rapid deployment of special forces has led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper along the Ikere-Igbara Odo Ekiti axis. The operation, based on intelligence, culminated in a gun duel with the suspected kidnappers, leading to the capture of Salisu Dangani. Addressing the newsmen at the scene of the arrest, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Security Matters, stated that the suspect has been detained for further profiling. Items confiscated from the suspect include a mobile phone, fabricated gun, torchlight, dagger, and substances suspected to be charms. The swift and decisive action of the special forces demonstrated the state’s determination to tackle security threats effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.

 Man sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing teenager to death over girlfriend  A High Court in Kano State on Thursday, sentenced a 22-year-old man, Nura Sabiu, 22, to life imprisonment for stabbing an 18-year-old to death. The court also sentenced Dahiru Ubale, 21, to five years imprisonment. Sabiu and Ubale were convicted on two count charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. Justice Usman Na’abba held that the Prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. “I hereby sentence Sabiu to life imprisonment and Ubale to five years imprisonment,” he held. Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Lamido Sorondinki, informed the court that the defendants committed the offence on April 17, 2017, at Jalabi Village of Bunkure Local Government Kano. He said the defendants conspired and attacked and stabbed the deceased Abba Isma’il, 18, to death. The police said the convicts stabbed the teenager with a knife in his back because he was having a relationship with his...

 ‘Save us from incessant herders attacks’ — Ogbomoso farmers appeal to Soun  Farmers from Oriire Local Government in the Ogbomoso geo-political zone of Oyo State have cried out over what they described as incessant attacks on their farms. They made the declaration when scores of farmers staged a protest at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, on Thursday. The farmers appealed to the traditional ruler and other stakeholders to save them from incessant attacks on their farms. The spokesman for the protesters, Chief Aremu Ogundare, who doubled as the head of Kedo Arigbeyo, said that the protesters came from three villages in Oriire Local Government, namely Kedo Arigbeyo, Kedo Salami, and Mosunmaje. He lamented that they had to come to the palace to solicit the assistance of the monarch because the herders persisted in their destructive activities. He said: “Cows have become a menace to us; the problem escalated about four or five years ago. We don’t enjo...

No crisis between me and Oyetola, says Basiru …Osun APC chairman calls for cohesion The national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has said there is no crisis between him and the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. He, however, warned those spreading false information about a frosty relationship between him and the former Osun state governor to desist from falsehood. Basiru, who paid a courtesy visit to the Osun state chairman of the APC, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, at the party secretariat, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, said he enjoyed cordial relations with the minister and party leader. The national secretary urged party members and the public to disregard the antics of propagators of the misinformation and falsehood bent on causing disaffection and acrimony within chapter. Basiru hinted that he was preoccupied with how to reinvigorate the party across the nation with a view to improving its fortune in many states. He said the report about an imagina...

 Aisha Jibrin, others get administrative bail as Niger apologies to detained protesters Following the backlash that followed the arrest of Monday’s protesters over the rise in food prices in Minna, the Niger State Government has granted administrative bail to the woman who initiated the protest, Aisha Jibrin and 24 others arrested by the police. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hajiya Binta Mamman, while announcing the administrative bail for the protesters, said that after conducting its findings, the State Government exonerated the 57-year-old Jibrin of any wrong. “All of those arrested by the police, along with the initiator, Aisha Jibrin, have been released on bail. We apologize to the family of Aisha and others for the arrest,” she said.  She said that the Niger State Government is committed to upholding citizens’ rights and freedoms, ensuring transparency, fairness, and justice in all legal matters.  overlay-clevercloseLogo The Commissioner called on the p...

 A 12-year-old boy dies 1 day after entering a wilderness therapy camp. The unidentified young man passed away only 1 day after being enrolled in a North Carolina wilderness therapy camp, Trails Carolina.  According to reports the teen was found deceased in his bed last Saturday morning.  The death is currently under investigation.  Trails Carolina Therapy Camp describes itself as a treatment program for troubled youth and accommodates children ages 10 through 17. The program, which can cost up to $700.00 a day, has proven results through natural healing, or so says the organization about itself. However they have been subject to quite a bit of  controversy in the past, with a 17-year-old female dying after running away from the camp in 2014. They have also had ex employees come forward with stories of completely unprofessional behavior by staff. They also  claimed some of the children try taking their own lives. Other wilderness therapy camps have been for...

 Outrage as Nigerian nursing council demands two-year experience for overseas practice The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, on Wednesday, announced revised guidelines and requirements for individuals applying for certificate verification with foreign nursing boards/councils. Applicants are now required by the council to have at least two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of their permanent practising licence. The revised guidelines for verification of certificates was signed by the Registrar/Secretary General of NMCN, Dr. Faruk  Abubakar, and posted on the council’s X page on Wednesday. It read, “Applicants are to visit https://licence.nmcn.gov.ng/ and login to initiate verification application by clicking on the verification application link. “A non-refundable fee per application shall be paid for verification to Foreign Boards of Nursing as specified on the portal. This shall cover the cost of courier services to the applicant’s instit...