Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has experienced a 25% drop in market value, now standing at €75 million following his loan transfer from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray. This decline, down from his previous valuation of €100 million, has not deterred interest from top European clubs, with Chelsea remaining closely linked.

According to Transfermarkt’s recent update, the value of the Nigerian international has decreased. Nevertheless, Osimhen insists that he is worth more than the current figure. Despite the drop, interest in Osimhen remains high, with clubs like Chelsea continuing to monitor his situation.

The 25-year-old striker’s move to Galatasaray, which made him the most valuable player in Turkish Süper Lig history, came after his failed transfer to Chelsea and rejection of a move to Saudi Arabia. Napoli had initially set a €130 million price tag, which proved too high for potential suitors, allowing Galatasaray to capitalize on the opportunity.

Gökhan Yagmur, Türkiye Area Manager for Transfermarkt, explained that Osimhen’s market value decrease was influenced by his transfer situation and the status of the Süper Lig. “Osimhen is an exception in Turkish football,” Yagmur said. “Napoli expected €130 million, but when top clubs couldn’t meet those demands, Galatasaray seized the moment.”

Osimhen’s impressive performances at Galatasaray, including two goals and two assists in five matches, have continued to attract attention from across Europe. Despite the valuation drop, Osimhen remains confident, stating, “I am worth more than €100 million. There are few players like me in the world who have achieved this style and success.”

[Businessday]

United Bank for Africa has said with its recapitalisation plans at an advanced stage, it expects regulatory approval in a couple of weeks as it plans to grow its deposit base by 45 per cent by the end of the year.

Addressing investors at its half-year 2024 Investor Conference, group managing director and chief executive of the bank, Oliver Alawuba, stated that UBA will continue to focus on market leadership as it upholds the ideals of Enterprise, Excellence, and Execution.

“We are at an advanced stage with our recapitalisation process” Alawuba noted, adding that “our application has been submitted to SEC and we expect their approval in the next couple of weeks following which the market will be advised.”

Stating that the bank entered the second half of 2024 from a position of strength, he said “our proven resilience, strong capital position, and market-leading capabilities position us to continue our growth trajectory. “EXECUTION” will remain our driving force as we focus on market leadership and delivering excellent customer experiences at every touchpoint.”

Having initially projected a 20 per cent deposit growth in 2024 at 20, per cent, Alawuba noted that with a 33.7 per cent growth in H! 2024, the bank expects a 45 per cent improvement in deposit. He also noted that its loan book is expected to grow by 40 per cent as against the 20 per cent that was initially projected for the year and the 26.1 per cent that was recorded in the first half of the year.

Alawuba noted that the bank’s successes in H1 2024 were made possible “by the dedication of our colleagues, the trust of our customers, the support of our regulators, and the confidence of our shareholders. We remain committed to achieving even greater milestones with your continued support.

Commenting on the bank’s performance in the first half of the year, he said “UBA Group delivered strong double-digit growth across high-quality and sustainable revenue streams. This performance reflects our disciplined execution of strategic goals, focusing on balance sheet expansion, transaction banking, and digital banking businesses across our markets.

“We achieved a robust Profit Before Tax of N401.6 billion, reflecting our ability to manage risks effectively amidst macroeconomic volatility. Our deposits grew by 34 per cent, from N17.4 trillion at year-end 2023 to N23.2 trillion in H1 2024, demonstrating the trust and loyalty of our customers.

“We saw a 37 per cent growth in total assets, reaching N28.3 trillion, up from N20.7 trillion at FYE 2023. This growth was driven by strong customer relationships and our ability to capitalise on opportunities across geographies.

“Our intermediation business posted impressive growth, with net interest income expanding by 143 per cent year-on-year to N675 billion, further underlining the strength of our core banking operations. Digital Banking & Payments: Digital Banking income surged by 107.8 per cent YoY to N106 billion, while funds transfer and remittance fees rose 188.7 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively. We continue to lead in digital banking and payment solutions, helping drive financial inclusion across Africa.”

[Leadership]

Ibrahim Danlami, an assistant general manager in a top private firm in Abuja had picked up his mother who had come to town to spend some time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

As he drove ‘Kaka’ (grandma) to the house, he noticed that she was meticulously engaged in continuous tapping of her phone screen. 

“I thought to myself that she was playing a ‘candy crush’ game, something I also enjoy as an adult. But as the days went by, I noticed that the tapping did not stop. So, I was forced to tell her, ‘Mama, you are too old to be hooked on phone games like a child.’ But she replied, ‘Wait until my millions get paid,” he said. 

That has been the trend in many parts of the country where many have found themselves hooked to endlessly tapping their phone screens with the hope of making money from it.

The ‘buzz’ that has accompanied this supposed new income stream is sweeping across homes and different age groups. Whether at home, supermarket or even in the toilet, everyone seems to be tapping their way to some expected millions they hope would materialise into real cash in the nearest future.

How it started

This tapping frenzy can be traced to the success of a crypto mining app known as Notcoin. Launched in January 2024, Notcoin offered a similar clicker system that rewarded users with NOT tokens. The app’s popularity exploded with over 35 million users joining within a few months. 

Subsequently, for many Nigerians, Notcoin moved from just a game to a path to real financial gain. 

Reports indicate users who diligently “mined” NOT tokens and made significant amounts of money, with some earning upwards of $1,000. 

Many Nigerians, including a man named Gentle Boi, reported financial success with Notcoin. 

Gentle Boi, in a TikTok video, shared his experience of earning $260 (about N416,000) from Notcoin.

This success story fuelled his enthusiasm for another app known as TapSwap, which he claims yielded over 15 million coins for him with no sign of ceasing soon. 

The success stories were further amplified by another youth who proudly showcased an air conditioner he bought using his Notcoin gains while encouraging others to participate in TapSwap mining.

How does TapSwap pay?

Weekend Trust learnt that the process is activated with the accumulation of coins through playing a game and earning enough TAPS coins by tapping and completing given tasks. 

“Once you have a sufficient number of coins, you can convert them into TAPS tokens on the TON blockchain after the TAPS token launch occurs,” Weekend Trust was told.

‘How cryptocurrency mining changed our lives’

In Kano State, many young men accepted crypto trading to either earn a living or complement their incomes. 

Abdulsalam Dahiru, 26, who combines his POS business with crypto mining, told our correspondent that crypto mining has changed the lives of many people and that he sees himself as a potential rich man.

“I know someone who gained over N50 million from cryptocurrency trading. From DOGS alone, a friend of mine got N3 million,” he said.

Asked how much he has so far gained from the crypto business, Abdulsalam Dahiru said he won’t reveal how much he got for his personal security.

Idris Sarina, 60, an estate agent whose office is located along Court Road, was seen busy mining digital currency with his mobile phone and was quick to explain to our correspondent that cryptocurrency mining is paying his bills, though he has not abandoned his estate agent business. 

“I learned about mining from young people and realised that it is real and offers an opportunity to get cool money. So, I embraced it with my two arms,” he said. 

Another crypto miner, Abubakar Danzaria, said though he got little money from mining recently, he is optimistic about making it big soon. 

“I got N12,000 from DOGS, N16,000 from CAT and even from HAMSTER, I got N4,000,” Danzaria told Weekend Trust. 

He said many young people embraced crypto business because of unemployment, noting that even if government provides jobs, many young men would still take to the digital ‘gold’ mining to complement their earnings. 

A young miner, Halipa Salihu, said cryptocurrency had helped quite a number of people, ranging from those without capital to those without employment. 

He said crypto mining not only changed the fortunes of people by creating economic opportunities, it provided entertainment to users, considering the fact that it involves solving a complex puzzle, as well as networking with other people.

Salihu said the crypto business was also promoting literacy among people because it requires basic computing skills and guidance from those familiar with how the system works.

He said, “In the last one year, I got nearly over N2 million from the crypto business. It has really impacted lives. I am a beneficiary of the crypto business.” 

Steven Nwafor, an accountant in a private company based in Kano, is also actively engaged in cryptocurrency mining. 

Nwafor created a WhatsApp group called; Digital World Opportunity, with 64 members, where latest information is shared for members’ benefits. 

He said the whole idea was to create a community that explores opportunities the innovative digital mining offered, adding that nearly 40 million people joined the DOGS, making it acceptable among crypto users. 

Although some Islamic scholars have given conflicting views on whether digital currency is lawful or not, crypto business continues to get wider acceptance among people, particularly the young ones.

How tapping apps dashed our hopes – Hamster Kombat miner 

Inside a yellow bus at the chaotic Iyana Oba in Lagos, our correspondent observed a middle-aged man glued to his mobile phone with both hands, tapping Hamster Kambat, the trending crypto app among many Nigerians. 

As he exerted his energy, he was focused and consistent on the tapping spree as no amount of noise and intermittent calling of passengers could distract him from this money-chasing goal. 

He was not alone as it was observed that aside from their comfort zones, many commuters are found engaging in this tapping business in moving commercial buses within Lagos. In most cases, the tappers find solace in the exercise when they are caught up in Lagos traffic jam. 

 “I was intrigued by the potential to earn income through something that seemed like fun,” a female corps member serving in Abeokuta who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent. 

She has been mining coins for about five months. Some of the apps she has used are Hamster, Memefi, Blum and DOGS. 

The 25-year-old graduate of statistics told our correspondent that the rewarding system varies according to the app, but, “it is not life-changing money and that is definitely not satisfactory considering the time, energy and money invested in it.” 

She said, “So far, I have $38 and I see it as a loss.”  

Asked if she has lost money to the crypto apps directly, she said, “I haven’t lost any money directly, but I have invested time into an app that didn’t pan out as expected, which felt like a loss.”

The corps member said she was particularly disappointed about Hamster Kombat’s reward system. 

“Hamster Kombat was a mixed bag for me. The game was entertaining, but I found that the earning potential was lower than I anticipated. Overall, I was disappointed,” she said.

An expert explained that Hamster disappointed many because people mounted pressure on it.

Abdullahi Abubakar said he was introduced to the apps by friends, although he does not have much trust in the system.

“I have been mining since during lockdown, but I have not been serious, so I didn’t benefit from any of them. My friend forced me to do Notcoin, and it eventually paid off. On the number of apps used, he said, ‘‘I mined Pie, Aqua protocol, PEPE Notcoin, Avacoin, Hamster and Tapswap.

“The rewarding system varies; each platform has its own way of compensating miners. I am not satisfied with what I am making, though, it is my problem. I know people that made huge amounts of money from it. I focus more on understanding the technology used, and I am thinking of coming up with my own,” Abubakar said. 

Another miner, Babatunde Oluwaseun, told Weekend Trust that he started mining coins to boost his financial capacity in the face of the current economic hardship in the country.

“Ever since I joined the platform, I have not derived any satisfaction. So, far, I have made N1,500 or thereabout,” he said.

Oluwaseun said he thought he would get at least N2 million reward from tapping Hamster Kombat, but he got only N1,500.  

“I was shocked when I was given a share of $1 dollar despite mining over 10 million coins,” he said.

Another female corps member said: “I have made N200,000 so far and I haven’t lost any money. You can’t lose money except you invested your money and the airdrop happens to be a scam project.”

Another miner who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that he had been mining coins for about six years and had made about N2 million, but he is not satisfied with the outcome.

Mining is permissible – Cleric

A renowned Islamic scholar, Professor Mansur Isah Yelwa, said there was no clear and specific textual Islamic authority prohibiting the practice of internet mining, saying, “We can conclude that it is permissible.  

“Except where exceptions apply, the general principle under Islamic jurisprudence is that all commercial transactions and means of earnings are permissible. Nothing becomes impermissible except what a clear textual authority declares as prohibited. This general rule is derived from the Quranic provision in Chapter2 Verse 275.”

The cleric, who is also a lecturer and the Head of the Department of Islamic Law under the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, added, “Despite its permissibility, I do not encourage youths to engage in it as a single means of earning. This is because in Islamic law, there are certain matters that are detestable although they are permissible. For example, divorce is a permissible act but at the same time vehemently detested and discouraged due to its negative effects.

“In internet mining, certain negative effects are notable. It prevents many youths from observing certain religious obligations, such as consistency in prayers. It distracts many youths from focusing on what is mandatory for their future, such as reading and studying. It prevents many of them from participating in physical economic development skills, such as farming, merchandise, handcraft, etc.

“It costs time and yields less. For example, one of my students among those ‘active miners’ met me this week and lamented that he gathered billions of points under the recently launched “Hamster” mining but ended up in getting less than N30,000. How do you think our youths will thrive and prosper under these circumstances.” 

Responding to some sections of scholars aligning mining with gambling, Professor Yelwa said mining is an act of service while gambling is a game of lottery where money is put in a pool of other people’s money in order to win, but nothing like that applies in mining.

Pitfalls for miners

A crypto expert, Obani Ebenezer Nwokoma, said some miners lost because they used external auto-clickers and programmes downloaded from app stores that automate the tapping process.

During the Notcoin evaluation process, Nwokoma explained that the system flagged irregular clicking patterns and disqualified users suspected of using bots as it saw the users as robots, not legitimate participants and didn’t receive coins.

A silver lining in the tapping frenzy 

Despite the unknown surrounding profitability, there might be a positive consequence to it, Weekend Trust gathered

Experts believe the surge in interest is fuelled by the desire for financial gain, and could inadvertently lead to increased crypto education.

A crypto expert and content creator, Uche Ikechukwu, said although people were making money from it, it is not advisable to totally rely on it. 

He said, “We were not tapping months or years back; there were several ways people made money. So, I would advise that people should focus on the skill around how to make money in crypto than just focusing on tapping.”

 [DailyTrust]

The election process has officially begun in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Voting is proceeding smoothly at Ward 6, Unit 10 in Egwi-Etche, despite earlier concerns about potential disruptions.

While there were apprehensions about security, a limited presence of personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, was observed at the polling unit.

Voters have, however, been casting their ballots peacefully.

[DailyPost]

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has denied claims that he asked Christians to stop paying tithes.

The cleric on Thursday apologised for saying in one of his messages that anybody who does not pay tithe will not make heaven.

However, he said his apology message was misinterpreted stating how surprised he was by how quickly false reports spread online, claiming he had discouraged tithe payment.

Making clarifications during the church’s October Holy Ghost Service on Saturday at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Adeboye addressed the misrepresentations that has now stirred controversy among social media users.

Adeboye acknowledged that he apologised for any previous statements on tithing that may have been misunderstood. 

He said: “The issue of tithing became contentious, and I decided to apologise for anything I might have said wrong. 

“Yet, within an hour, it was being circulated online that I said Christians should stop paying tithes “

He further explained he encouraged believers to give more than the traditional 10 percent, referencing an encounter at Kenneth Hagin’s church where a man shared how his financial situation improved after committing to tithe 90% of his income.

He said: “Today, I’m close to giving 90 percent but I am far from 10 percent. So, I said it is wrong to limit yourself to 10 percent when God can take you to a higher percentage.

“As you grow in the Lord, you should grow in praising Him, winning souls, and in giving. 

“I said that for beginners, the minimum is what God calls 10 percent. I said, from now on, begin to increase what you give.

“Of all I said, the only thing they put on the internet is that Adeboye apologised, and therefore, people should no longer pay their tithes. I said 10 percent should be the minimum.”

There are five bands according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). They include Band A, B, C, D and E. 

Under Band A, customers are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours per day. 

For Band B, these are customers with a minimum of 16 hours of light per day. 

Band C are customers who have access to a minimum of 12 hours per day.

In category D, customers are given a minimum of 8 hours of electricity per day.

Lastly, the Band E customers have access to a minimum of 4 hours per day.

Months ago, the Federal Government approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.

A major part of one’s electricity is spent on the use of energy consuming appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, electric water heaters etc.

Businesses, both small and large, in band A areas are not immune to the impact of the tariff hike. Higher electricity costs directly affect operational expenses.

Recently, some residents of Akinola and Aboru communities in Alimosho LGA of Lagos State protested their “forceful migration” to the Band A category by Ikeja Electric Distribution Company.

The residents took to the streets carrying placards with inscriptions like ‘re-migrate our communities away from Band A’, ‘scrap all bands’, ‘affordable tariff reduces cost of living’, among others. During the protest, some residents said they can no longer afford to pay N227 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for electricity.

For Band A users, there is a need for an adjustment in behaviour and lifestyle which will ensure conservation of more electricity, lessen use of fuels, and reduce utility bills payment. Here are the tips below:

1. Energy-saving electronics – Take note that the use of energy-saving equipment for household items like bulbs, inverters, fridges, and others are great ways to manage your power costs. 

2. Don’t leave appliances on standby –The Nigerian Electricity System Operator has emphasised that unplugging electronic devices when not in use is a cost-effective way to manage electricity whether you are metered or not. It is important to watch out for appliances that use up to 50% power even when they are on standby.

3. Exploring other alternatives – Those who can afford installation of solar panels or inverters can explore this alternative. These days there are also appliances such as air conditioners, fridges, washing machines etc that operate on Low Voltage System (LVS). These appliances help you save on electricity. Also check the stand-by consumption when buying appliances or ask for energy efficient devices.

4. Minimise usage of air conditioners, electric water heater – Band A users can ventilate during the night or early in the morning to store the coolness for the day. When windows and doors are open, they allow warm air from outside to enter your space. This creates a constant exchange of air and puts less strain on your AC unit. Also, use water heaters only when necessary. Lower the temperature of your water heater to conserve energy used for heating water.

5. Turn off lights when not in use – Turning off the lights when not in use is especially important for those who make use of tungsten filament (regular) bulbs as opposed to LED lights. It will take 16 hours for a regular bulb to consume 1 kilowatt of electricity, meanwhile, it will take 66 hours for an LED light to consume 1 kilowatt of electricity.  So, it is important to switch off the lights when not in use, especially in daylight.

[TheNation]

Buildings and other property were shattered in the early hours of Saturday as explosives suspected to be dynamite shattered the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

The explosion brought down the gate of the secretariat while doors, windows and other property were destroyed.

This is the second time the Chief Tony Okocha-led APC would be experiencing such an attack at its secretariat this year.

This came as the local government elections is set to hold in the state today as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission said on Friday that all sensitive materials have been distributed to the various local government areas.

A viral video of the incident scene seen by our correspondent showed some workers at the facilities going round to ascertain the extent of damage.

When contacted, the spokespetson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she had yet to get a report on it but promised to revert.

The party has yet to make a statement on the incident.

Details later…

[Punch]

Dr. Muhammed Sanusi is the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. He has been in the news these past few days. The gentleman is my friend. I like him a lot. As far as I can see from my observatory in the rolling hills of Wasimi, he has maintained great decorum in the handling of the affairs of football in the country. 

I have not interacted with him close enough at any time since I first met him many years ago to know him beyond his courteousness, politeness, soft-spokenness, and never-in-your-face attitude. He carries good credentials in his long and varied experiences working in the NFF as well as in academic scholarship (with a Doctorate degree to boot).

As far as his handling of the affairs of the NFF is concerned, I have not had any close interactions with the organisation since he became the Secretary General over 10 years ago, so, I know little and cannot be a fair judge about his capacity and performance as administrator of the secretariat of the most important sports federation in Nigeria. 

In those past 10 years, I have not had any serious dealings with the Nigeria Football administration outside journalistic enquiries about some issues for which Dr. Sanusi was always quick to provide the needed information, or direction to the source of better information. He would do these things courteously. 

What I do not know is whether that attitude and treatment are general or a special treat reserved for me. Either way, I thank him.

From time to time, however, Dr. Sanusi comments on some of my postings on my social media platforms, often with a kind word here and there. Even when I wrote what some persons considered negative about him by raising issues about his humongous salary, he did not take it personal, and did not miss a beat in our friendly relationship. 

So, I know Dr. Sanusi Muhammed enough even if I have not had much direct dealings with him in the over 10 years of his being the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. So, I respect our remote friendship. 

At the moment, his matter is heating up the system. Some stakeholders in the General Assembly of the NFF are planning to use their numbers and resources to offer him a new contract when the present one expires at the end of the year. Undoubtedly, the move is not popular. It may create a ripple effect that could become a storm in the immediate future.

Ordinarily, renewing Sanusi’s contract should be routine. There should be no issues about reappointing a competent and performing Secretary-General. Unfortunately, there are issues that negate this intention. The public and some media are raising very serious issues about why Sanusi’s contract should not be renewed. He has been in that office for 11 years, longer than anyone else in history. That’s not the problem. His latest contract will end in December this year. 

I will not pretend that I am familiar with all the issues, but there is one issue that attracts my attention and the need for this humble comment. 

Let me establish this background. 

I am not a tribalist. I do not have a single drop of tribalism in my blood. 

I am of Yoruba extraction by birth. I spent the first 17 years of my life in Jos, in Northern Nigeria. I speak the Hausa language, even better than my Yoruba. 

In the formative years of my life, I attended primary and secondary schools owned by the Catholic Church, and populated mostly by Igbos in the years before the political crisis of 1966 that led to the bloody Civil war of 1967. So, I speak the Igbo language and some of my best friends are from that ethnic group.

I have spent the decades since December 1970 to date in Yorubaland, going through useful lessons in understanding my own ethnic roots. My mother was originally a Muslim and my father was one of the founders of the African Church in Jos. I am a product of this mixture of cultures, indoctrinations, exposures and experiences, finally emerging as a totally detribalised Nigerian that does not see things through the prism of ethnicity. 

So, back to the ongoing conversation on Dr. Muhammed Sanusi. Ethnicity has reared its dangerous head. 

A journalist called me the other day and wanted my views on the issue of the renewal of Sanusi’s contract from the position of ethnic balancing and federal character in the board of the NFF. He asked: Why would the two most powerful officials in the Nigeria Football Federation board come from the same geographical, political and ethnic group? Really?

How did that happen? Avoiding such a situation has voided the ambition of many aspirants to offices in the NFF in the past. Including me. There is always consideration for careful balancing and federal character consideration for appointments into national offices. It is so important in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria that provision is inscribed into the country’s constitution.

In sports, although unwritten into the constitution of federations, it goes without saying that stakeholders would navigate through this minefield by deploying common sense, always observing the simple code of ethnic balancing during elections and in the employment of key staff. 

Occasionally there is a blip, but always created by circumstances that cannot be helped, and not as a deliberate strategy to impose any group on the rest. One such situation is Ibrahim Gusau succeeding Amaju Pinnick as President of the NFF when Sanusi was still Secretary General, inadvertently creating the present situation where the two most powerful men in Nigerian football come from the same geographical zone of the country. 

The reality is that when Sanusi was first engaged over 10 years ago, Amaju Pinnick, from the Southern part of the country, was President. 

Presently, some stakeholders are stoking the ambers of crisis. They are attempting to be clever-by-half by distorting what has ensured the equilibrium of things and instilled some level of equity and fair representation at the top of Nigerian football through the decades. 

I am not surprised, therefore, that an army of opposition has emerged to try to halt the clandestine plot. Sanusi is to be used as a pawn and returned as Secretary General against the grain of best established practise, common sense, equity and ethnic balancing in the administration of football in Nigeria.

No matter how attractive the offer may be, or what power the stakeholders planning this plot may have at the moment, my advice is that they should shelve the plan for the good of the game and of peace, and follow the path of reason. Should they choose to pursue this narrow agenda, they may be planting the seeds of a future crisis.

In an ideal society it should matter the least where a person comes from in the matter of employment, but not so in Nigeria as history and previous experiences have taught us through the country’s history. A word is enough for the wise. 

I wish the General Assembly of the NFF useful deliberations.

The Rivers State Electoral Commission, RSIEC, has stated that it is using the authentic Voters Register obtained from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the conduct of the local government council elections in the state.

The Presiding Officer for Unit 8, Ward 3 Isiodu Community, Emohua Local Government Area Azunda Fulfill, said the process was peaceful and that the Voter Register used is authentic.

Azunda said: “The process is going fine. People are voting. For now, there is no issue. We are doing the work calmly.

“The voter register we have is the same thing as the one used for the 2023 election. The voter’s card and the register are tallied. It is the correct voter register.”

Also, voting is ongoing at unit 26, ward 4 of Emohua LGA, the ward where Senator Andrew Uchendu, votes.

Meanwhile, the Chairmanship Candidate of the Action Peoples Party, for Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Chijioke Ihunwo, after casting his vote at unit 40.

[Vanguard]

Nollywood’s ‘Queen Lateefah’ and ‘Joker: Folie A Deux’ are movies TheCable recommends for you to watch in the cinema or on streamers this weekend.

More recommendations are below:

Queen Lateefah

Running time: 2hrs 5mins

Starring: Wunmi Toriola, Kunle Remi, Lateef Adedimeji

Synopsis: A socialite with a wealthy online personality meets a man who falls head over heels with her. The man is in love with her influential, accomplished persona, a facade that will come undone soon.

Joker: Folie A Deux

Running time: 2hrs 18mins

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Ken Leung, Lady Gaga

Synopsis: Arthur Fleck is placed in Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur stumbles upon true love and finds the music that’s always inside him.

Lisabi

Running time: 2hrs

Starring: Adebowale Adedayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, Ibrahim Chatta

Synopsis: It tells the legend of the eponymous Lisabi and his fight to liberate his Egba community and its people from the hegemony of the ancient Oyo empire.

Farmer’s Bride

Running time: 1hr 45mins

Starring: Gbubemi Ejeye, Tobi Bakre, Femi Branch

Synopsis: A young bride marries an old farmer with her mother’s arrangement. The bride despises her husband and falls in love with the old farmer’s younger nephew. The forbidden love spins out of control.

Hellboy: The Crooked Man

Running time: 1hr 39mins

Starring: Adeline Rudolph, Hannah Margetson, Jack Kesy,

Synopsis: The blockbuster Hellboy returns with another exciting sequel. Hellboy goes on a new adventure with fresh allies and foes.

The Wild Robot

Running time: 1hr 41mins

Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, Paul-Mikél Williams

Synopsis: An intelligent robot is stranded on an uninhabited island after a shipwreck. To survive the harsh environment, the robot bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

Transformer One

Running time: 1hr 44mins

Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Chris Hemsworth, Jon Hamm

Synopsis: The prequel tells the origin story of  Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, who were once friends and bonded like brothers.

When Love Strikes

Running time: 1hr 53mins

Starring: Chuks Joseph, Jimmie Akinsola, Natse Jemide, Osas Ighodaro

Synopsis: A promising young footballer must choose between following his dreams of soccer success and returning to college to support his family.

Ajaga

Running time: 1hr 46mins

Starring: Femi Jacobs, Jaiye Kuti, Jayeola Monje

Synopsis: A pastor wrestles with the yoke of his moral inadequacies. He womanises despite his stern preaching against sin. This is the story about the hypocrisy of some religious leaders.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Running time: 2hrs 7mins

Starring:  Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Garner, Ryan Reynolds

Synopsis: Wolverine and Deadpool put aside their differences to defeat a common enemy.

[Cable.]