Author: Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) launched its annual “We Can Be the Generation That Ends HIV” campaign to commemorate International Youth Day. Inspired by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the campaign aims to empower young Nigerians to take charge in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Supporting Partners: Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria and its Joint Venture partners sponsored the initiative. Awareness Events: Media discussions on HIV/AIDS among young people Awareness walk from University of Lagos to Onike Iwaya Roundabout Parallel event in Abuja, starting at Federal Medical Centre Jabi Reaching Out: Participants distributed 5,000 educational materials,…

The Nigerian currency suffered a significant setback yesterday, plummeting by N57.13 against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market. According to data from the FMDQ, the Naira exchanged for N1637.59 per dollar, a stark contrast to Monday’s rate of N1580.46. This reversal of fortune comes on the heels of two consecutive days of appreciation. At the parallel market, the Naira also weakened, shedding N5 to trade at N1660 per dollar, up from N1655 on Monday. Industry experts point to market forces as the primary driver of the currency’s volatility. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent intervention,…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on administrative bail, following widespread condemnation of his arrest. Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. Pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, broke the news of Ajaero’s release on Twitter, saying: “BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released the @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail.” The NLC had condemned Ajaero’s arrest, describing it…

American actress and singer Selena Gomez has made a shocking revelation about her health, stating that she is unable to carry a child due to her medical conditions. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez explained that her lupus diagnosis and other health issues make it impossible for her to have a baby without putting her life and the child’s in danger. “I have a lot of medical issues that would put my life and the baby’s in jeopardy. That was something I had to grieve for a while,” Gomez said, highlighting the challenges she faces due to her…

Nigerian music producer, Samklef, has lambasted Davido for his comments about Israel DMW’s estranged wife, Sheila Courage. In a viral video on social media, Davido was heard saying that Sheila “is regretting now” while boarding his newly acquired private jet with Israel. Samklef took to his official X handle to express his disappointment with Davido’s remarks, stating that the musician lacks empathy and morals. “Dear Davido, you have shown a lack of morals by calling Israel’s ex-wife a ‘bitch.’ How would you feel if someone called your wife, Chioma, the same?” Samklef questioned. He noted that Wizkid and Burna Boy…

The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed confidence in winning the 2027 presidential election. Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made the statement on Saturday during the inauguration of the NNPP Secretariat in Katsina. The former Kano State Governor, who was in Katsina for a condolence visit to the Yar’Adua family over the death of their matriarch, Hajiya Dada, said the party was ready to take over the presidency, states, and other positions across the country come 2027. “I wish to remind you that the Peoples Democratic Party…

The remains of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, were interred on Friday at a funeral service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State. The service, which was attended by dignitaries including members of the Oyo State cabinet, former lawmakers, and security personnel, marked the final farewell to the octogenarian who passed away a year ago. In his remarks, Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, described Akinkunmi as a national figure, saying that his burial should have been a Federal Government affair. “Pa Akinkunmi represented a classic example of a national icon, and the…

Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has added her voice to the growing outrage over the brutal murder of Idowu Christianah, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). Christianah was allegedly killed by her friend, Ayomide Adeleye, a suspected serial killer, who had been a close friend of the victim. The gruesome murder has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for swift justice for Christianah. Ayra Starr took to her official X page to condemn the act, writing, “Stop killing us! Stop raping us! Women deserve better #JusticeForChristianah.” The singer emphasized the urgent need to address violence against…

A student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Christiana Idowu, who was kidnapped between Ikorodu and Yaba in Lagos State, has been reportedly murdered by her abductors. The Student Union Government (SUG) president of FUNAAB, Ibrahim Adeyemi, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Thursday. Adeyemi said, “The Union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon.” A family source had earlier told PUNCH Metro that Christiana was abducted while traveling from Ikorodu to Yaba, where she was observing her industrial training. The source disclosed…

The nominees for the Kopa Trophy 2024, an award that recognizes the best young player in the world, have been revealed. The award, voted for by previous Ballon d’Or winners, has been previously won by Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Pedri, and Gavi. A total of 11 young players have been shortlisted for the prestigious award, including Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), and Arda Guler (Real Madrid). Other notable contenders include Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Karim Konate (RB Salzburg), and Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United). The 2023-24 campaign saw a number of youngsters thrive at the highest level, with some of…