Author: Opeyemi Ogabi

In a remarkable tribute to football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal is set to launch a commemorative 7 Euro coin, honoring his exceptional achievements in the sport. Ronaldo’s Illustrious Career The 39-year-old legend has left an indelible mark on football, with stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Saudi Arabia. His impressive credentials include: – All-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football (132 goals, 214 caps) – Euro 2016 champion – 2019 UEFA Nations League winner – Four-time European Golden Shoe winner – Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond the pitch, boasting over 1 billion social media…

The Nigerian currency Naira experienced a significant surge in value on Wednesday, rebounding from Tuesday’s decline. According to FMDQ data, the Naira strengthened to N753.65 per dollar, representing a substantial N116.91 gain. This upward swing surpasses the loss recorded on Tuesday, indicating a notable recovery in the foreign exchange market. Specifically, the Naira appreciated from N1656.56 per dollar on Tuesday to N1539.65 per dollar on Wednesday. In contrast, the parallel market witnessed stability, with the Naira maintaining its rate of N1,660 per dollar for the second consecutive day. Market analysts attribute the Naira’s volatility to ongoing fluctuations in the foreign…

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has taken a significant step towards clearing his name by honoring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This development comes amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged financial impropriety during his tenure. According to a statement from his media office, Bello’s decision to appear before the EFCC was made after consulting with his family, legal team, and political associates. He was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians. Bello has been facing 19 counts related to money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion, alongside three others. Despite this,…

The Federal Government has issued a warning to Nigerians about the controlled water release from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, starting from Tuesday, September 17, 2024. According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the water discharge will gradually increase to 1000m³/s over the next seven days, depending on the inflow from the Garoua River. _No Cause for Alarm_ The agency reassures that there is no need for panic, as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is unlikely since the Benue River’s flow levels are within cautionary limits. However, states bordering the Benue River system – Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo,…

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its decision to increase boarding fees in its model colleges, citing the need to provide better welfare for students. According to Mr. Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the current N35,000 boarding fee, which has remained unchanged since 2021, is no longer realistic in 2024. *New Fee Structure* The government approved a new boarding fee of N100,000 for the 2024/2025 session, which commenced on September 15, 2024. This decision was made to ensure the students receive quality care and services. *Government’s Rationale* Lawal emphasized that…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has released estimated pump prices for petrol lifted from the Dangote Refinery, with prices varying across regions. According to NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the prices range from N950 to N1,019 per litre. The highest price of N1,019 per litre will apply in states such as Borno, while Abuja, Sokoto, and Kano will pay N999.22 per litre. Oyo, Rivers, and other southern states will pay N960 per litre, while Lagos and its environs will enjoy the lowest price of N950 per litre. “The NNPC Ltd has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit, also…

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has cautioned that another global pandemic is likely to occur within the next 25 years, citing the world’s lack of preparedness. Gates’ Warning: “If we avoid a big war… then, yes, there will be another pandemic.” Reasons: Global unrest, animal-to-human pathogen transmission. COVID-19 Lessons: Gates highlights US’s shortcomings in pandemic response. Quote: “The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations.” Prevention Efforts: Gates advocates for: Enhanced quarantine techniques Investment in vaccine research Global Health Risks: Experts stress need for improved preparedness. Next Steps: International cooperation,…

The Nigerian currency, Naira, ended the week on a high note, appreciating significantly against the US dollar. FMDQ Data: Naira gained N103.38 to close at N1,546.41/$ on Friday. Previous Day’s Rate: N1649.79/$ on Thursday. Black Market: Naira depreciated by N10 to N1,665/$. CBN Interventions: Despite efforts, Naira continues to experience fluctuations. Market Volatility: Naira recorded gains and losses throughout the week. Key Statistics: Official Market: N1,546.41/$ (Friday) Black Market: N1,665/$ (Friday) Previous Day’s Official Rate: N1649.79/$ Economic Implications: Naira’s appreciation may boost investor confidence. Next Steps: Market watchers await CBN’s next move to stabilize currency.

Tyrese Haspil, 25, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the gruesome murder of his former boss, Fahim Saleh, founder and CEO of Nigerian transportation company Gokada. Conviction: Haspil was found guilty of first-degree murder, grand larceny, and other charges. Motivation: Prosecutors say Haspil killed Saleh to hide his embezzlement of $400,000. Brutal Crime: Haspil tasered, stabbed, and decapitated Saleh in his Manhattan apartment. Dismemberment: Haspil returned to the apartment to dismember Saleh’s body. Arrest: Haspil was arrested four days later. Embezzlement: Haspil set up fake accounts to funnel Saleh’s money. Gokada Legacy: Saleh’s company described…

Armed bandits launched a dawn attack on Thursday, blocking the Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducting an unspecified number of travelers. Eyewitness Accounts: Commuters described the scene as bandits, riding about 50 motorcycles with three persons each, mounted a roadblock around the Tazame axis. “We have been stuck here since morning, waiting for the military to clear the road.” – Yusuf Tsafe, stranded commuter Multiple Roadblocks: Bandits also blocked the Magazu-Kucheri Road, linking Gusau to Funtua. Military Response: The military arrived around 9 am, engaging the bandits in gunfire. Police Confirmation: Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar,…