Monday, May 6

Massive Appreciation of Naira Against Dollar
6May By Afolake IbidunNo Comments
Business

Massive Appreciation of Naira Against Dollar

Upon resumption of trade on Monday, the naira saw a significant appreciation against the US dollar in the foreign exchange market. According to FMDQ data, the naira strengthened to N1353.21 per dollar on Monday, rising from N1,400.4 recorded on Friday. This translates to a gain of N46.83 compared to the Friday rate of N1,400.4 against the dollar. Similarly, in the parallel market, the naira experienced a N20 increase against the dollar, with an exchange rate of N1400 per dollar as opposed to N1420 over the weekend. Despite interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the naira has been witnessing fluctuations in the FX market for several months. The central bank has intervened three times from March to the present by supplying dollars to Bureaux De Change operators to support the nair...
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Commencement of Compensation Payments for Holy Ghost Property Owners at Enugu Modern Transport Interchange
6May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Commencement of Compensation Payments for Holy Ghost Property Owners at Enugu Modern Transport Interchange

Starting from Tuesday, property owners at the location where a new modern transport Interchange (bus terminal) will be constructed at Market Road in Enugu, known as Holy Ghost, will begin receiving their compensations as agreed with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the lessor. The Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, was informed about the commencement of payment on Monday. Governor Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State had a meeting on 19th October, 2023 with critical property owners and stakeholders regarding the proposed Enugu Central Station. He explained that this station is part of a larger infrastructure plan that includes other modern transport interchanges at Garki, Abakpa Nike, and Nsukka. The goal is to address traffic congestion, enhance safety, optimize tran...
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Vice President Shettima Scraps US Trip Due to Aircraft Malfunction
6May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Vice President Shettima Scraps US Trip Due to Aircraft Malfunction

The planned visit of Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to the United States has been abruptly called off, with Shettima returning to Nigeria. Shettima was originally slated to participate in the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Media and Communications aide, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the change in plans, revealing that Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will now step in on behalf of the President at the Summit in Dallas. Explaining the sudden alteration, Nkwocha cited a technical issue with the Vice President's aircraft, compelling a diversion based on the Presidential Air Fleet's recommendation. It was also stated that Shettima will continue to fulfill his other national obligations without interruption. Hi...
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Three Convicted of Robbery in Ekiti State, Sentenced to Death
6May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Three Convicted of Robbery in Ekiti State, Sentenced to Death

Following a trial at the Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti, three individuals have been handed the death penalty. Additionally, one person has been given a 10-year prison sentence, while another has been acquitted. Charged before Justice Lekan Ogunmoye on January 30, 2020, the defendants faced five counts including conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of stolen goods, and membership in a secret cult. The accused individuals, namely Babalola Bidemi (28), Akinwale Oluwaseun (26), Oyebanji Sola a.k.a. Solademmy (31), Jimoh Azeez a.k.a. Asela (31), and Ogunlade Babatunde (28), were accused of conspiring to commit robbery on March 10, 2018, at Oke Oniyo Street, Ado Ekiti. During the incident, they robbed Tijani Omowumi and Ogunrinde Olumide of various items including phones, a plasma...
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Hamas agrees to truce proposal for Gaza
6May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Hamas agrees to truce proposal for Gaza

The acceptance of the Gaza truce proposal by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been conveyed to mediators, Qatar, and Egypt, following nearly seven months of conflict by his Palestinian militant group. In a statement released on its official website, the group announced that Haniyeh had discussed the approval of their ceasefire agreement proposal with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel over the phone. A senior Hamas official clarified that despite the announcement, the ceasefire is not yet in effect as the Israeli side has not communicated its stance. An additional senior official, speaking anonymously to AFP due to lack of authorization to speak publicly on negotiations, mentioned that the decision now rests wi...
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Gov Fubara: ‘While I Value Wike’s Contribution, I Won’t Idolize Him’
6May By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments
Politics

Gov Fubara: ‘While I Value Wike’s Contribution, I Won’t Idolize Him’

During a meeting at Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of River State mentioned that he wouldn't worship former governor Nyesom Wike for assisting in his election as governor. Receiving a delegation from Bayelsa State led by ex-governor Henry Seriake Dickson, Gov Fubara expressed his belief that aiding others doesn't equate to being deified. He acknowledged human roles in divine plans, emphasizing the importance of humility and recognizing God's ultimate power in all actions. While appreciative of past leaders' contributions, especially Wike, Gov Fubara highlighted the distinction between gratitude and worship. Addressing the political unrest in the state, the governor mentioned his efforts in pursuing peaceful resolutions through various reconciliation meeti...
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Lobi Stars Players Take Stand Against Unpaid Wages
6May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Lobi Stars Players Take Stand Against Unpaid Wages

Protesting the delay in salary payments, Lobi Stars players have decided to go on strike. Reports indicate that the players have not been paid their wages for the past two months. In response, they have collectively agreed to refrain from training or participating in any club activities until their overdue salaries are settled. Recently, the Makurdi club has experienced a decline in performance, resulting in their exit from the title race. Currently, Eugene Agagbe's team occupies the fifth spot in the table with 52 points from 32 matches. The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, is presently on a one-month hiatus.
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INEC’s findings on alleged irregularities during Ondo APC primaries spark concerns
6May By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments
Politics

INEC’s findings on alleged irregularities during Ondo APC primaries spark concerns

Uncertainty now surrounds the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerged as the party's candidate for the upcoming November gubernatorial election, amid questions regarding the integrity of the primary election process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) report highlighted various irregularities that tainted the shadow election held in different parts of the state. Governor Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner of the primaries by the Primary Election Committee chaired by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State. Aiyedatiwa secured 48,569 votes, outshining 15 other aspirants. According to the report submitted by INEC electoral officials who monitored the primaries across 203 political wards in the state, irregularities were noted i...
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The crackdown on Uzo-Uwani assailants leads to numerous arrests during Gov. Mbah’s operation
6May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

The crackdown on Uzo-Uwani assailants leads to numerous arrests during Gov. Mbah’s operation

Efforts to eliminate criminal activities in Uzo Uwani local government area and bolster the safety of the people have been heightened by Enugu State's governor, Dr. Peter Mbah. The recent coordinated onslaught against assailants and criminal elements resulted in the arrest of many suspects found with dangerous weapons in the forests of the area. To deter self-help measures by certain community members, the governor issued a stern warning. He emphasized that individuals or groups encouraging self-help actions would face legal consequences, as his administration strictly opposes vigilante justice, deeming it unacceptable and unlawful. During an unexpected visit to Adani and Igga communities in Uzo Uwani LGA, Governor Mbah called for peace among the communities involved in reprisal att...
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Call for Nigerian Government to Expose Fuel Scarcity Cabals
6May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Call for Nigerian Government to Expose Fuel Scarcity Cabals

It is imperative that the Federal Government reveals the entities believed to be responsible for the ongoing fuel shortage plaguing Nigeria, as advocated by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). During the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, Dr. Tommy Okon, the President of ASCSN, expressed concerns over the persistent fuel scarcity and the long queues at gas stations, asserting that these issues are adversely impacting the economy and intensifying the hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly the working class. Dr. Okon reiterated the significance of the one-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on the reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike, emphasizing that labour remain...
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