Author: bukoye

Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), has announced that cholera vaccines will soon arrive in Nigeria to help combat the ongoing outbreak. In a tweet on Thursday, Nishtar expressed encouragement over the development, stating that Gavi is ready to work with partners UNICEF and WHO to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to contain the outbreak. As of July 15, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The outbreak has spread to 187 Local Government Areas, with a cumulative case fatality…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the minimum benchmark for admissions into tertiary institutions at 140 for universities, 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. This decision was taken at the 2024 policy meeting in Abuja, where heads of higher institutions gathered to determine the minimum tolerable score for admissions. According to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the benchmark is not a cut-off mark, but rather a minimum score that institutions can use as a basis for admissions. Each university has submitted its benchmark scores to JAMB, and no institution is allowed to admit candidates with scores…

In a landmark ruling, a Milan court has ordered journalist Giulia Cortese to pay Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni €5,000 in damages for mocking her on social media. Cortese was also handed a suspended fine of €1,200 for “bodyshaming” Meloni in a tweet about her height. The court’s decision comes after a heated social media exchange between the two women in October 2021. Cortese had published a mocked-up photo of Meloni with fascist leader Benito Mussolini in the background, prompting Meloni to take legal action. Cortese responded to the lawsuit with a tweet that read, “You don’t scare me, Giorgia…

Contrary to previous reports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied approving a $10,000 bank balance and N640,000 fee requirements for Nigerian visa applicants. The UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism clarified that the document verification website ((link unavailable)) is not affiliated with the government. Instead, visa applications should be directed to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD), which requires a personal photo, passport with at least six months validity, travel ticket, and valid medical insurance. A tourist visa costs approximately 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000). The GDRFAD denied knowledge of the $10,000 bank balance requirement, advising…

Manchester United are poised to bolster their defense with the signing of Lille defender Leny Yoro, with the player set to undergo a medical test with the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, a renowned football transfer expert, United have agreed to a €50m fixed fee plus €12m add-ons with Lille for Yoro’s services. This development comes after United outbid Real Madrid for the Frenchman’s signature. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Romano confirmed the development, saying: “Manchester United have booked travel and medical tests for Leny Yoro! Plan ready after agreement reached with Lille last week for €50m fixed fee…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that the cholera outbreak has spread to 187 local government areas across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a total of 3,623 suspected cases and 103 deaths as of July 15, 2024. According to the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, the cumulative case fatality rate stands at 2.8 per cent since the beginning of the year, with males accounting for 52 per cent of cases and females accounting for the rest. The predominant age affected is five years old. While there has been a…

Grammy-winning singer, Wizkid, has marked his 34th birthday, receiving accolades from colleagues and fans worldwide. Notably, Reekado Banks praised Wizkid’s significant influence on the new generation of afrobeats artists. “Happy birthday to the biggest bird @wizkidayo,” Banks wrote on X. “Your talent inspires a whole Generation. You’re blessed and I tap from it.” Wizkid expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, taking to X to say, “Appreciate all of the love. God bless and grant all the heart desires! Real thankful.” As the music industry celebrates Wizkid’s milestone, his impact on the afrobeats genre and inspiration to younger artists are…

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced October 19 as the date for the local government election across the state. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s judgment declaring caretaker committees in local government areas illegal. According to KOSIEC Chairman, Mamman Eri, the election date is in accordance with the 1999 Constitution and the powers vested in the state electoral commission. A comprehensive timetable has been prepared to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process. Eri assured stakeholders that the commission has considered inclusivity, transparency, and adherence to electoral laws in the timetable. Candidates for counselorship and chairmanship positions…

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced a $30 billion revenue target by 2025, which is expected to boost the value of the naira. During a media tour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Dangote said the significant inflow of foreign exchange into Nigeria through his businesses will automatically boost the value of the naira. The refinery, which began full operations in 2024, is expected to produce 53 million litres of petrol per day and 1.1 million tonnes per day. Dangote also announced plans to list Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertilizer Limited…

Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a illustrious career that spanned 14 years and 125 caps. The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Chicago Fire in the US, is Switzerland’s second most-capped player behind Granit Xhaka. Shaqiri made his international debut in 2010 at the age of 18 and went on to represent Switzerland at four World Cups and three European Championships. His last game for the national team was the Euro 2024 quarter-final against England, where he scored in the penalty shoot-out. In a social media post, Shaqiri bid farewell to…