Author: Yusuf Lawal

Nigerian singer, Charles Chibuezechukwu, popularly known as Crayon, has shared his harrowing experience with drug addiction, revealing a shocking episode that nearly claimed his life. In a candid interview with YouTuber Korty EO, Crayon recounted his struggles with substance abuse, which led to a disturbing incident outside his record label office. “There was a day my manager saw me and was alarmed by my condition. He asked what was wrong with me, and I told him I only smoked weed,” he said. Crayon’s descent into addiction took a toll on his mental health, landing him in a psychiatric hospital in…

The Nigerian Naira ended the week on a high note, gaining strength against the US Dollar on Friday, September 20, 2024. According to FMDQ data, the foreign exchange market witnessed a significant 117% increase in dollar supply, jumping from $87.51 million to $190.57 million. This surge in liquidity boosted the Naira’s value, with the currency trading at N1,541.52 and N1,663 against the dollar at the official and parallel foreign exchange markets, respectively. Compared to the previous week, the Naira appreciated slightly against the N1,546.41 and N1,665 exchange rate. *Key Highlights:* – _117% Increase in Forex Supply_: Dollar supply surged from…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has temporarily withdrawn its Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for Fiscal Years 2024-2025, citing misinterpretation and misrepresentation by stakeholders. In a statement on its website, the CBN clarified that the guidelines, published on September 17, 2024, were misunderstood as new policies, whereas they are a compilation of previously issued policies and directives effective until December 31, 2023. “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to certain instances of misinterpretation or misrepresentation of its biennial publication… In response, the CBN has temporarily withdrawn the document to minimize risk…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has officially launched its campaign for the October 19 local government election, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressing confidence in a 100% victory for the party. This optimism stems from the party’s performance in the state, which has seen significant development under Governor Ododo’s leadership. Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “We are not lazy in Kogi State. We are committed to earning our living by ourselves. But unfortunately, the enemies don’t want it. Kogi State is our state and we must be united. Politics, religion and ethnicity should not…

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declined to sign the Presumptive Tax Bill passed by the state House of Assembly, citing concerns about its potential impact on the poor. Makinde emphasized his commitment to fighting poverty, not the poor. The governor rejected the bill, stating that it would impose additional burdens on already struggling citizens amidst the country’s economic challenges. “Anything that will put money in the pocket of the people is what I am interested in… At this time, I’m not interested in any policy that will empty their pockets.” The Presumptive Tax Bill aimed to increase Internally Generated…

Referee Anthony Taylor has been removed from this weekend’s Premier League fixtures following a barrage of online abuse and death threats after last Saturday’s Bournemouth vs Chelsea clash. Taylor’s performance in the match, which saw Chelsea win 1-0 courtesy of Christopher Nkunku’s late goal, was marred by controversy. He issued a record 14 yellow cards to players and two to the coaching staff, sparking heated debate among fans. However, the backlash took a disturbing turn as Taylor became the target of vile online trolls, with some individuals issuing death threats against him and his family. The Premier League has condemned…

The National Identification Number-Subscriber Identity Module (NIN-SIM) linkage deadline expired on September 14, 2024, leaving approximately 65 million phone lines at risk of disconnection. The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) had warned that no SIM card would remain active without a verified NIN from September 15. _Telecom Operators Begin Disconnection_ Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, confirmed that the disconnection process is ongoing. “It’s difficult to provide exact numbers for the lines disconnected so far, but it’s certainly less than 66 million because, even on the day of the deadline, people were still linking their…

Nigerian street-pop star, Portable, has issued a public apology for slapping a pastor who visited his bar to preach. The incident, which went viral, sparked widespread condemnation from netizens and religious leaders. In a midnight video confession on Monday, Portable begged for forgiveness, revealing that his actions were triggered by past experiences. “My fans, community issues are different from that of the street. May God forgive me. I didn’t know he was a genuine man of God. If I knew I wouldn’t have slapped him.” Portable explained that he mistakenly assumed the pastor was there to harm him spiritually, citing…

The Big Brother Naija “No Loose Guard” season witnessed its latest eviction on Sunday, with Ben and Chizoba bidding farewell to the competition. Ben, who was the first housemate to be evicted after the unpairing of contestants, expressed gratitude for his time on the show. Five housemates – Kassia, Soj, Kellyrae, Chizoba, and Victoria – were initially up for possible eviction. However, Ben and Chizoba ultimately received the lowest votes from viewers, sealing their fate. In a post-eviction interview, Ben shared his thoughts on his departure from the show. “I’m not shocked by my eviction. I feel I got an…

Oil marketers have confirmed that they will start lifting Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery next week. Initial Supply: 25 million litres daily supply anticipated. Market Deregulation: Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, declares downstream sector fully deregulated. Price Speculation: Marketers hint at N1,200/litre price range. Imported Petrol: Major marketers expect imports before month-end. NNPC’s Denial: NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, denies loading petrol from Dangote refinery. Dangote’s Confirmation: Marketers sending trucks to load products from Sunday. Independent Marketers: IPMAN President, Abubakar Maigandi, confirms import plans and Dangote loading. Price Uncertainty: Discussions ongoing, no official price…