Sunday, May 19

IMF Identifies Import Restrictions and Forex Scarcity as Key Business Challenges in Nigeria and Other African Nations
19May By Afolake IbidunNo Comments
Business

IMF Identifies Import Restrictions and Forex Scarcity as Key Business Challenges in Nigeria and Other African Nations

Business operations in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries face significant hurdles due to import restrictions and a lack of foreign currency, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In its Regional Economic Outlook report titled 'A Tepid and Pricey Recovery,' the IMF highlighted how these twin challenges could potentially hinder the post-pandemic recovery and profitability of companies in the region. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty and economic shocks, the IMF emphasized that rising interest rates are diverting SSA countries' resources away from essential capital investments towards servicing debts. Specific countries like Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria are grappling with issues such as foreign currency shortages and trade barriers, compli...
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URGENT: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Involved in Helicopter Crash
19May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

URGENT: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Involved in Helicopter Crash

Reports indicate that a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in northwestern Iran on Sunday afternoon. The fate of Raisi and other passengers aboard the helicopter remains uncertain. The incident occurred during Raisi's visit to neighboring Azerbaijan. Iran's Interior Minister confirmed that rescue teams are en route to the crash site. According to IRNA, the helicopter involved in the crash was carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and local officials. Fars news agency, a semi-official source, has urged the public to pray for Raisi in light of the situation. Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi informed state TV that authorities are awaiting further information. Raisi, aged 63, assumed office in 2021 after his second presidential bid. During his ten...
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Appointment of Ajuri Ngelale as Special Envoy on Climate Action by Tinubu
19May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Appointment of Ajuri Ngelale as Special Envoy on Climate Action by Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Action. This decision was announced through a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Sunday. The appointment is part of a strategic approach taken by Tinubu to drive forward his administration's climate and green economic initiatives. In his role, Ngelale will be a key member of a larger Presidential Committee, which will be under the leadership of the President. The establishment of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, led by the President, aims to streamline and supervise all policies and initiatives related to climate action and the development of green economies. This initiative is designed to eliminate c...
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Increased Financial Investment Urged for Federal Teaching Hospitals by Representatives
19May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Increased Financial Investment Urged for Federal Teaching Hospitals by Representatives

Amos Magaji, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, has emphasized the need for continuous financial support for federal teaching hospitals nationwide. He highlighted the importance of this initiative aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu's administration, aimed at enhancing the well-being of the populace. Magaji made these comments while leading members of his committee on an oversight visit to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo. Recognizing the pivotal role of health institutions in the country, he emphasized the necessity to allocate more resources to the healthcare sector. In acknowledging the achievements made within a year, Magaji commended the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the ...
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Intersociety Calls for Reform of Petition Court and Voting Process
19May By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments
Politics

Intersociety Calls for Reform of Petition Court and Voting Process

Following the governorship election in Imo State last November, the International Society For Civil Liberties And Rule Of Law, known as Intersociety, is advocating for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s Electoral Act. According to Intersociety, the reform should include the adoption of both electronic and manual voting systems, the establishment of separate electoral courts, and the elimination of 'judicial technicalities'. These demands were articulated during a press briefing in Enugu, where Emeka Umeagbalasi, Anayo Okoli, Chidinma Udegbunam Esquire, Prof Jerry Chukwuokolo, and Engineer Ikenwoke Nwandu addressed the media. Intersociety emphasized the need for electoral reform in light of the 2023 general elections and the challenges witnessed during the recent governorship election in...
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After Losing Heavyweight Title to Usyk, Tyson Fury Brands Decision as Most Foolish in Boxing History
19May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

After Losing Heavyweight Title to Usyk, Tyson Fury Brands Decision as Most Foolish in Boxing History

Reacting to his defeat by Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia, British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury expressed his disappointment. Fury labeled his loss of the heavyweight title as one of the most foolish decisions ever seen in the history of boxing. Speaking from ringside, Fury remarked, "I believe he took a few rounds, but the majority were mine. "To me, it was one of the silliest decisions made in the sport. But I will bounce back," he added. In a thrilling match, Usyk emerged victorious over Fury in a split-decision. Fury had a strong start but faced a tough situation in the ninth round when he received a standing 10 count and was barely saved by the bell from an aggressive Usyk attack. The judges' scorecards showed 115-112 and 114-113 in favor of Usyk, while a third judge scored it 114-...
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AFAN’s Threat to Boycott Edo State Governorship Election
19May By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments
Politics

AFAN’s Threat to Boycott Edo State Governorship Election

In a recent statement, the Edo branch of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) declared its intentions to abstain from the upcoming governorship election in Edo State scheduled for September 21, 2024. They emphasized that they would only participate if the political candidates' manifestoes include explicit plans and initiatives for the welfare of farmers in the state. During an interview in Benin City, AFAN's State chairman, Alhaji Bako Dogwo, insisted that winning political parties must assign the position of Commissioner for Agriculture to a member of their party. Dogwo stressed, “It is imperative that candidates vying for the governorship election on September 21, 2024, prioritize the welfare of farmers in their manifestoes. The future leader must outline their stra...
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Important Declaration from Arsenal’s co-chairman, Kroenke to Arteta before crucial match
19May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Important Declaration from Arsenal’s co-chairman, Kroenke to Arteta before crucial match

Josh Kroenke, the co-chairman of Arsenal, has made a commitment that the team will progress consistently, regardless of the outcome of the Premier League title showdown on Sunday. Arsenal trail Manchester City by two points going into the final matches of the season. To clinch the title, Mikel Arteta's squad needs to secure a win against Everton while hoping for City to stumble against West Ham. In his pre-match notes for Sunday’s finale, Kroenke wrote: “Even though we take pride in the advancements we've made, it's essential to understand that no one within the club will remain stagnant. “No matter how today concludes, we are all diligently working in the background to propel us forward – consistently forward. “We have ambitious goals, both domestically and in Europe, and our focus i...
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EFCC arrests duo found with 81,700 counterfeit dollar notes
19May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

EFCC arrests duo found with 81,700 counterfeit dollar notes

Two individuals, Abdullahi Yahaya and Ibrahim Haruna, were apprehended by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Kaduna metropolis on suspicion of currency counterfeiting. Upon their arrest, a significant sum of $81,700, consisting entirely of fake $100 bills, was discovered in their possession, as revealed by the commission. A statement released to the press in Kaduna over the weekend by Dele Oyewale, the commission’s head of Media and Publicity, mentioned that during questioning, Haruna stated that the fake dollars were entrusted to him several months earlier for safekeeping by an individual named Babangida, who is currently evading capture. Yahaya, on the other hand, claimed that he became aware of Haruna's possession of ...
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Breaking News: 11 Suspected Pipeline Vandals Apprehended in Benue State
19May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Breaking News: 11 Suspected Pipeline Vandals Apprehended in Benue State

Authorities from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have successfully captured eleven individuals believed to be involved in pipeline vandalism near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited depot at Apir, a suburb of Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Yakubu Ibrahim, made the announcement on Saturday, revealing that upon receiving intelligence, a team was dispatched to investigate suspicious activities near the NNPCL depot in Apir. During the operation, the team uncovered unauthorized tampering with an NNPCL pipeline, known as the Yola line, leading to the apprehension of the eleven suspects at the scene. They will undergo questioning and profiling in connection with the incident. Describing the actions of the vand...
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