Concerns of CBN regarding the decline in economic activities
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Concerns of CBN regarding the decline in economic activities

Expressing worry over the diminishing economic activities in the nation, the Central Bank of Nigeria has voiced its concerns. As stated in a release on the bank's website, Bala Bello, the CBN's deputy governor of Corporate Services, highlighted this issue. There has been a significant decline in the country's Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index, dropping to 39.2 index points in February 2024 from 48.5 index points recorded in the previous month, according to Bello. Attributing the contraction of economic activity for eight months to exchange rate pressures, inflation, and security challenges, he emphasized the challenges being faced. The sharp decline of the Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index to 39.2 index points in February 2024 from 48.5 index points in the ...
Advocating for Equal Access to Decent Work
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Advocating for Equal Access to Decent Work

Focused on the importance of providing equal opportunities for decent work, Japan Tobacco International Nigeria has reiterated its commitment. Commemorating this year's Worker's Day under the theme "Social Justice and Decent Work for All," the company extends its felicitations to its workforce worldwide for their unwavering dedication, pursuit of excellence, and innovative contributions that have significantly influenced the company's growth. A member of JTI Worldwide with a presence in over 130 countries, the company has consistently been honored with the esteemed 'Top Global Employer' award for a decade, alongside regional accolades in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East. This remarkable achievement has been attributed to the compa...
Examining National Forgetfulness through the Story of the White Lion
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Examining National Forgetfulness through the Story of the White Lion

The relationship between sleep and memory is a prominent concept according to neurologist Andrew Budson and neuroscientist Elizabeth Kensinger in their book titled “Why We Forget and How to Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory”, published in 2023 by Oxford University Press. From my perspective, a lack of sleep can distort one's perception, much like how Nigerian leaders, blinded by temporary wealth, fail to realize the transient nature of life. They mimic the tale of Solomon Grundy with their actions echoing a swift journey from birth to burial. Drawing parallels, just as Macbeth's guilt-ridden conscience deprived him of sleep, Nigerian leaders, despite their malevolent deeds, continue to slumber in the discomfort of their misdeeds because the inferno of c...
Solution to the Ongoing Petrol Crisis: Privatize the Downstream Sector
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Solution to the Ongoing Petrol Crisis: Privatize the Downstream Sector

Nigerians are once again facing the hardship of petrol scarcity, raising questions about the country's recurring socioeconomic challenges. The recent fuel shortages that started in the Federal Capital Territory have now spread nationwide, causing prices to skyrocket and intensifying the already existing cost-of-living crisis. The leadership of NNPC, led by Mele Kyari, has once again failed to deliver for the people. The situation is dire, with long queues forming at the few petrol stations that have the product available. Prices at independent stations have surged to N1,300 per litre from N650, while the black market price has reached N2,000 per litre. Many people are spending the night at stations, and some even spent the May Day holiday waiting in line. Report...
Importance of Free Press in Upholding Democracy
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Importance of Free Press in Upholding Democracy

World Press Freedom Day serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role played by the media in championing democratic values within society. It is an occasion to acknowledge the significance of a free press in a democratic system and to commend the journalists who bravely work to deliver news to the public. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1993, World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd, marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek. This declaration, formulated by African journalists in 1991, was a response to the oppressive media policies under the apartheid regime in South Africa. The 2024 theme of "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis" resonates with the pressing issues of climate change. Environmenta...
Two Arrested by FCT Police for Suspected Child Trafficking, Five Minors Rescued
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Two Arrested by FCT Police for Suspected Child Trafficking, Five Minors Rescued

Following an operation by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, two individuals named Kulu Dogonyaro and Elizabeth Ojah have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in child trafficking. The suspects were intercepted while attempting to transport five minors, whom they had taken, into the Federal Capital Territory. A previous incident reported by PUNCH Metro in February involved the arrest of a pastor, Simon Kado, his relative Jesse Simon-Kado, and their driver, Muhammad Isah, for trafficking 12 underage children, consisting of eight girls and four boys aged between five and 16 years, from Nasarawa State to Ogun State. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, it was disclosed that t...
Prof Tella’s Journey: Sacked and Recalled by Ogun State Government
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Prof Tella’s Journey: Sacked and Recalled by Ogun State Government

An interesting revelation came from Sheriffdeen Tella, a retiring professor of Economics and former Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, as he shared his experience of being sacked and recalled by the Ogun State government during his tenure as an academic staff at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. The disclosure took place at a ceremony celebrating his 70th birthday and retirement from the university, held at the OGD Lecture Theatre. The event also included the launch of a book titled ‘Making Africa Emerging Global Economic Power,’ written to honor the esteemed professor. Among the notable attendees were the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ayodeji Agboola, the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Sen Adegbenga Kaka, Emeritus Professor...
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters Reports 715 Terrorists Killed and 465 Hostages Rescued in April
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The Nigerian Defence Headquarters Reports 715 Terrorists Killed and 465 Hostages Rescued in April

In April, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters announced that over 715 terrorists were eliminated while 465 kidnapped hostages were rescued during coordinated ground and air operations. The Director of Defence Media Operation, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, shared these accomplishments during a bi-weekly media briefing in Abuja. Emphasizing the necessity of defeating terrorist groups to ensure the safety of citizens, Buba highlighted the success of the operations in neutralizing the threat posed by terrorists. The operations in April involved various tactics such as ambushes, raids, and fighting patrols, with aerial assets pinpointing terrorist leaders and their strongholds. The coordinated efforts between ground and...
Importance of Vaccination Across All Age Groups
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Importance of Vaccination Across All Age Groups

The term immunization often brings to mind the protection of infants and young children against diseases like polio, measles, and mumps. Childhood immunization programs are commonly associated with essential vaccinations that guard against these illnesses. However, vaccination goes beyond childhood as it serves as a fundamental aspect of preventative medicine that extends throughout one's lifetime. While crucial for children, vaccination is equally beneficial for adults. By leveraging the body's natural defenses, vaccines boost immunity against specific infectious diseases, fortifying the immune system and providing protection before potential exposure. Therefore, the scope of vaccines transcends age boundaries, benefiting individuals of all ages. Despite this, ...
Acclaim for Tinubu’s Role in Ikorodu-Epe Road Rehabilitation
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Acclaim for Tinubu’s Role in Ikorodu-Epe Road Rehabilitation

President Bola Tinubu has received praise from Lagos-based businessman and educationist, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, for the efficient rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Imota-Itoikin-Epe road, which had long been neglected. In a statement released on Wednesday by Mr. Abimbola Olulesi, the Director of Public Relations at Caleb University, Adebogun applauded Tinubu's swift action in addressing the poor state of the road. Describing the road as one of the most dilapidated in Nigeria, Adebogun commended the President for restoring hope among residents and commuters who had lost faith in its repair.  Highlighting the road's previous status as one of the worst in Lagos state and the country as a whole, Adebogun emphasized the challenges faced by users, particularly during unfa...