Business

CBN Reports 11.93% Decline in Nigerian Banks’ Loans to Private Sector in March

In March, Nigerian banks experienced an 11.93% decrease in loans to the private sector, attributed to the escalating interest rates. According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), loans to the private sector dwindled to N71.21 trillion by the end of March 2024, a significant drop from N80.86 trillion recorded in February 2024. Quarterly analysis reveals a 6.66% decline in banks’ private sector credit, plummeting from N76.29 trillion in January 2024. This decline aligns with the ongoing stringent monetary policies enforced to combat inflation. As part of these measures, the apex bank elevated the interest rate to 24.75%. By March 2024, Nigeria's inflation rate surged to 33.2%, as per the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Manufacturers in Nigeria have ...
Daniel Igali’s Optimism for Bayelsa United’s NPFL Status
Sports

Daniel Igali’s Optimism for Bayelsa United’s NPFL Status

Expressing his belief in Bayelsa United's ability to maintain their NPFL status, Daniel Igali is confident the team will steer clear of relegation by the end of the season. Currently positioned at the 16th spot in the league, the Restoration Boys are just one point away from the dreaded relegation zone. With six games remaining, Bayelsa United still has the opportunity to secure their place in the top-flight category. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Igali remains positive about the team's potential to reverse their fortunes. Speaking to the media, the Bayelsa State Sports Commissioner highlighted the governor's keen interest in the state-owned clubs' performance and his unwavering support for their success. During a recent radio interview from Lagos, concerns were raised abo...
Illegal Shanties in Wuse Zone 3 Demolished by FCTA
News

Illegal Shanties in Wuse Zone 3 Demolished by FCTA

On Wednesday, in Abuja, the Department of Development Control under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) took action by demolishing shanties that were illegally constructed on a road corridor in Wuse Zone 3. Mr. Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Council, spoke to reporters after the operation, stating that the purpose of this action was to eliminate all unauthorized shanties within the city. The shanties, known to their inhabitants as Unguwan Yan Lambu, had been standing for over 27 years. Despite being demolished multiple times in the past, they were rebuilt by the occupants. Obuah emphasized that the area was designated for a road corridor, and the unlawful occupation not only posed a security risk but also marred the aes...
Senator Bwala Criticizes Peter Obi for Lack of Meaningful Contributions
News

Senator Bwala Criticizes Peter Obi for Lack of Meaningful Contributions

In a recent statement, former lawmaker Senator Daniel Bwala criticized Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, accusing him of spreading misinformation and lacking substantial ideas to offer. Bwala, who earlier suggested that Nigerians should adapt to the current economic challenges, described Obi's governance record as filled with empty promises and misleading information. He made these remarks while responding to a post by Obi regarding his speech at Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin University on African leadership's impact on global citizenship and social responsibility. Disputing Obi's claims, Bwala alleged that Obi had a history of deceiving churches during past elections and that his current presentation was devoid of any significant insights. ...
The backing of APC’s demand for Fubara’s impeachment by ALGON
Politics

The backing of APC’s demand for Fubara’s impeachment by ALGON

It appears that more developments are emerging in Rivers State, suggesting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will encounter further obstacles beyond the current confrontation with pro-Wike legislators. The Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) in Rivers State has now alleged that Governor Fubara is withholding funds designated for the 23 LGAs in the state. According to the state chapter of ALGON, this action has impeded their ability to carry out their responsibilities. The local government chairpersons argue that the Governor’s actions are tantamount to abolishing local government councils in the state. They have also expressed support for the impeachment call against the Governor made by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ...
Politics

NNPP’s Odeyemi: Osun Political Parties Coalition Aims to Oust Adeleke in 2026

For the upcoming 2026 elections, a coalition of political parties in Osun State has announced their intention to overthrow Governor Ademola Adeleke. Comprising parties with shared interests, the coalition believes the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state is becoming disconnected from reality and the people. Tosin Odeyemi, the Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Osun State, spoke on behalf of the coalition in a statement released on Tuesday, emphasizing the necessity of this collaborative effort. According to Odeyemi, the coalition aims to rescue the state from what they perceive as aimless governance it is currently witnessing. In his statement, Odeyemi expressed, “The time has come for us, as like-minded political entities in the state, t...
Sports

Club Brugge vs Fiorentina: Onyedika Suspended for UECL

Club Brugge will have to cope without Raphael Onyedika in their upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final against Fiorentina, as he serves a suspension. Onyedika's suspension stems from his red card in the first leg, a match which Club Brugge lost 3-2. His disciplinary issues began with a yellow card in the 58th minute, followed by a red card just three minutes later. As a result, the 23-year-old is compelled to sit out one game as punishment. The absence of the recently crowned Club Brugge Player of the Month for April will be a setback for the team, who must now overcome a two-goal deficit from the previous clash.
Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, Points to Umahi Emulating Tinubu’s Development Strategy
News

Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, Points to Umahi Emulating Tinubu’s Development Strategy

In a recent statement, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State noted that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, seems to be following the development blueprint set by President Bola Tinubu. Sani praised Umahi for his efforts in driving development projects across Nigeria, regardless of the political affiliations of the regions. During a visit to the minister in Abuja, Governor Sani emphasized the importance of completing the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road. He expressed his appreciation, stating, "I commend the Hon. Minister of Works for his dedicated work in this regard." Sani further remarked, “He has shown a commitment to executing the vision of our President, who has promised inclusive development for every region of Nigeria, irrespective of electoral support." “The Minister reaffirmed President Bol...
UNICEF report highlights challenges faced by Nigeria’s education system in student retention
News

UNICEF report highlights challenges faced by Nigeria’s education system in student retention

In a recent regional stakeholder meeting in Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa states, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed concerns over the retention, transition, and completion rates of students in the Nigerian education system, particularly in the North East and North West regions. Tushar Rane, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Bauchi, mentioned that the current situation regarding student retention has deteriorated compared to a decade ago. He highlighted the alarming statistics of out-of-school children, with 10.2 million in the primary school-age group and 8.1 million in the junior secondary school-age group, placing Nigeria at the forefront of global education challenges. According to Rane, only 63 percent of primary school-age children attend school regularly, ...
Wenger’s Take on PSG’s Loss to Dortmund: Highlighting Vitinha’s Performance
Sports

Wenger’s Take on PSG’s Loss to Dortmund: Highlighting Vitinha’s Performance

In the Champions League semifinal clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Dortmund, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger singled out Portuguese midfielder Vitinha as the standout performer for PSG. PSG, despite high hopes, faced elimination at Parc des Princes after succumbing to Dortmund's prowess. With a goal deficit from the initial leg, PSG's hopes of a comeback were dashed when Mats Hummels scored a crucial header in the 50th minute, adding to Julian Brandt's earlier corner goal. Despite PSG's efforts and hitting the woodwork four times, Dortmund held on, frustrating the hosts and preventing any chance of reversing the deficit. Wenger criticized PSG's overreliance on individual brilliance from stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, emphasizing the need for a more colle...