NFF’s Choice of Finidi as Super Eagles Coach Explained by Ikpeba
Sports

NFF’s Choice of Finidi as Super Eagles Coach Explained by Ikpeba

Victor Ikpeba, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee, has shed light on the decision to appoint Finidi George as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The NFF officially announced Finidi's appointment on Monday. Ikpeba, who played alongside Finidi during their time in the Super Eagles, disclosed that financial constraints played a significant role in the selection process. "I would like to extend my congratulations to Finidi George on his new role as the Super Eagles coach. The decision was challenging because initially, we were considering a foreign manager," Ikpeba stated during Supersports Monday Night Football. He further added, "However, due to financial limitations, we ultimately opted for Finidi. This does not mean we lack faith in our local coaches. W...
Enhanced Security Essential for Benue’s Prosperity, Alia Informs New Police Commissioner
News

Enhanced Security Essential for Benue’s Prosperity, Alia Informs New Police Commissioner

The importance of adequate security in Benue State was emphasized by Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, stating that without it, the state would struggle to thrive as the 'Food Basket of the Nation' and ensure food security for its residents and the country at large. This statement was made during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Steve Yabane, to the Government House in Makurdi, as revealed in a press statement by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. Alia expressed worries about the widespread insecurity in the state, including attacks by herders and unknown gunmen that have resulted in the displacement of many residents now seeking shelter in IDP camps. He also highlighted the presence of internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yah...
Armed Kidnappers Engage in Shootout with Security Aides of Cross River Speaker
News

Armed Kidnappers Engage in Shootout with Security Aides of Cross River Speaker

On the Ikom-Calabar federal highway, there were sporadic encounters between the security personnel assigned to Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, and armed individuals attempting to abduct travelers. This incident occurred on a Sunday evening as the convoy of the Speaker was heading back to Ikom following the attendance of Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi’s thanksgiving event in Obudu LGA. Reports indicate that a group of unidentified gunmen obstructed the road, bringing traffic to a standstill from both directions. According to a statement released by his media aide, Matthew Okache: “The Speaker and his team took necessary action to disperse the assailants and resorted to sporadic gunfire in order to clear the way for stranded motorists to cont...
Minister: Nigerian power sector needs $10bn annually for revival
News

Minister: Nigerian power sector needs $10bn annually for revival

In Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu stated that to revive the power sector for the next decade, the Federal Government needs an annual investment of $10 billion. Speaking at a one-day investigative hearing on halting the electricity tariff increase by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), organized by the Senate Committee on Power, Adelabu emphasized the essential need for significant investment. Highlighting the challenges faced by the sector, Adelabu pointed out the necessity for a stable infrastructure, stressing that the government alone cannot afford the required investment amount. He insisted that to attract investors and lenders, the sector must become more appealing. According to Adelabu, creating an attractive sector involves imp...
Entertainment

Kizz Daniel Criticizes Tekno for Discrediting His Contributions to their Collaboration ‘Buga’

In a recent turn of events, Nigerian artist Kizz Daniel has publicly lambasted Tekno following remarks made by the latter that downplayed Kizz Daniel's financial success in connection to their joint track, 'Buga'. Reports had emerged wherein Tekno refuted claims of receiving N1 billion in royalties from their collaborative song, indirectly suggesting that Kizz Daniel's financial standing did not match his own. Seizing the opportunity, Kizz Daniel resurfaced the issue on Monday, admonishing Tekno for what he perceived as ingratitude. He insisted that he played a pivotal role in revitalizing Tekno's dwindling career through their song. Expressing his disdain, Kizz Daniel tweeted, "Money was mentioned and you still talk... spewing nonsense like a chatterbox. Behold the wretch we saved wi...
Significant Depreciation: Naira Weakens by N79 against Dollar
Business

Significant Depreciation: Naira Weakens by N79 against Dollar

According to FMDQ data, the official foreign exchange market witnessed a substantial depreciation of the naira by N79.88 against the dollar. On Monday, the naira's closing rate was N1,419.11 per US dollar, a noticeable decline from the previous Friday's rate of N1,339.23. This signifies a 5.6% depreciation against the dollar compared to the rate of N1339.23 on Friday. Simultaneously, the naira's value decreased to N1,280 per dollar at the parallel market section on Monday, showing a drop from N1,300 over the weekend. The widening gap between the official and parallel markets now stands at N139 per dollar, indicating a growing disparity. In response to the recent naira depreciation, Bureau De Change operators proposed aligning the retail segment of the foreign exchange market to address...
The Nigerian Airlines in Labour’s Crosshairs for Anti-Unionization Stance
News

The Nigerian Airlines in Labour’s Crosshairs for Anti-Unionization Stance

The National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, has declared its intention to stage pickets at airline offices nationwide due to their prohibition of staff from joining trade unions. During a national campaign advocating for the unionization of private domestic airlines in Nigeria, Mr. Ben Nnabue, the national president of NUATE, made this announcement in Lagos on Monday. Nnabue informed the workers about the support received from the International Transport Workers Federation, ITF, based in London, regarding unionization efforts. He emphasized that it goes against labor regulations for certain airlines to make employment terms conditional on not being part of a trade union. Those who threaten to dismiss their employees for unionizing are contravening Nigerian laws, he added. Rec...
Ganduje Mocks NNPP: Presidency Not Up for Grabs in Aso Rock in 2027
News

Ganduje Mocks NNPP: Presidency Not Up for Grabs in Aso Rock in 2027

Declaring confidently, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, assured that Aso Rock will not have any vacancies in 2027. Addressing supporters at the party's national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, Ganduje accused the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its members of being fearful, having suffered defeats nationwide in the last general elections and anticipating further losses. He alleged that this fear is what drives them to propagate falsehoods against the APC leadership. Ganduje then turned his attention to the NNPP leadership and members in Kano State, alleging that they are behind protests and campaigns calling for his removal as the APC national chairman. In his remarks, he said, "They are gripped by fear as w...
News

N2.669 trillion Treasury Bills Sold by Nigeria’s Debt Management Office in March

In March 2024, Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO) conducted auctions and sold treasury bills totaling N2.669 trillion. This information was recently revealed in the Markets Monthly Report for March by FMDQ. The N2.669 trillion figure reflects a 3.07% increase (N79.54 billion) compared to the value of treasury bills sold in February 2024, which stood at N2.589 trillion. Additionally, in March 2024, the DMO auctioned Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds amounting to N608.86 billion, which includes N133.20 billion from non-competitive bids. These bonds comprised a new three-year issuance along with the reopening of seven-year and 10-year FGN bonds. The report highlighted that the total sale of bonds had a 35.30% oversubscription rate compared to the offer and saw a 59.27% dec...
Warning to Tinubu: Consider Second Term to Avoid Betraying El-Rufai and Yahaya Bello – Former Atiku Aide
News

Warning to Tinubu: Consider Second Term to Avoid Betraying El-Rufai and Yahaya Bello – Former Atiku Aide

President Bola Tinubu has been cautioned by Atiku Abubakar's former spokesperson, Segun Sowunmi, against betraying the ex-governors of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and Yahaya Bello of Kogi State if he intends to contest for a second term. Sowunmi pointed out that El-Rufai and Bello supported Tinubu diligently during the 2023 presidential election but have not been given positions of power, which appears to be a form of betrayal. In a statement released by the PDP chieftain, he highlighted that despite their efforts in helping Tinubu ascend to the presidency, El-Rufai and Bello have faced political challenges after leaving office. He emphasized that the treatment accorded to El-Rufai and Bello by Tinubu's administration goes against the historical understanding between the Yorubas and...