The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has declared Friday, April 12, 2024, as “National Fast and Prayer Day” and is to be observed throughout Liberia as a National Holiday.
A release by the Foreign Ministry said the day is to be observed as a day of supplication, prayer, fasting and meditation.
The statement said the proclamation was announced so that the nation’s efforts as people may be crowned with great achievements to the common cause of the Nation, the State, and its humanity.
The Proclamation further calls upon all Prelates, Priests, Elders, Deacons, Evangelists, Imams, and all residents, regardless of religious creed, to gather with one accord in their places of worship, in each city, town, village, hamlet and home within the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia, in simple and non-costly apparel to fast, pray and meditate from 8 in the morning.
The release said all public offices and business houses, as well as marketplaces are to remain closed during the observance, adding that all citizens and foreign residents will cease from their usual daily occupations and avocations in recognition of God’s love and guidance.
“Through the patience and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, Liberians turned up on Election Day in large numbers and exercised their right to vote peacefully that laid the groundwork for the country’s second democratic transfer of power in over 70 years; the resilience of Liberia’s democratic institutions was instrumental to achieving this milestone and serves as an example for the region and the world,” the Proclamation stresses.
The Proclamation further recalled there have been unusual and extraordinary outbreaks of natural phenomenon and man-provoked national crises that have caused much harm, devastation, and destruction in many parts of the world from which our Nation has been spared by the Grace of God.
The Proclamation recounted that there are large numbers of the nation’s kith and kin living in uncertain conditions in the Diaspora, and the need for remembrance in prayers of those who have made the supreme sacrifice remains unfulfilled.
The Presidential Proclamation stressed that the people of Liberia have always submitted themselves, in humble supplication to the Almighty God for guidance and protection as well as for peace in their national life and affairs.
The Proclamation is in consonance with the Patriotic and Cultural Observances Law of the Republic of Liberia, Chapter one, declaring the second Friday in April of each year as a “National Fast and Prayer Day”, as a day of fasting and prayer for the prosperity of the nation.
A former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has said that the late Ogbonnaya Onu was displaced from being the President of Nigeria in 1999.
DAILY POST reported that Onu, an All Progressives Congress, APC presidential aspirant in the 2023 election, died on Thursday.
Onu, who was the first civilian governor in Abia State, died in Abuja on Thursday
Sani, a former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatoral District in the 8th assembly, while paying tribute to the former minister, said Ogbonnaya could have been Nigeria’s President in 1999 after he won the APP primaries in Kaduna, attended by the likes of the late Ikemba of Nnewi Chief Ojukwu.
“He was deliberately displaced after a midnight merger with the then AD. The military wanted Obasanjo and Falae.
“The late Chief Onu is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished, decent and disciplined political figures in history.
“He has been an influential figure in Nigeria’s politics for over four decades. A Senator in the second republic,a Governor in the third republic and a presidential candidate, party chairman and minister in the fourth republic.
“He is a rare breed politician who lived as unstained, untainted and unblemished like his white apparel. He was a man who lived and served his country with decorum and impactful anonymity.
“He was a true patriot whose nationalist credentials can’t be faulted by any section of the country. Onu was an unnoticed and unappreciated gentleman and national leader. In words and in deeds, he lived above politics of rancour and controversy.
In 1999, the outgoing military wanted power to shift to the South West. Onu was a simple man.
“His known residence in Asokoro remains the one rented for him by his party, the ANPP, when he was elected its chairman. He remained there throughout his tenure as minister.
May his soul rest in peace.”
Super Eagles forward; Ademola Lookman has said that his game style has been patterned after Senegalese forward, Sadio Mane.
Lookman played for Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before moving to Serie A side Atalanta.
The Nigeria international joined Atalanta for a fee in the region of nine million euros paid to Leipzig at the start of the 2022-2023 season.
The winger has scored 24 goals and made 12 assists from 65 all-competition appearances.
The former England youth teamer has now revealed that his game is shaped on former Liverpool star Sadio Mane.
“The guy who I always looked at the most would have to be Sadio Mane,” Lookman told The Athletic.
“Looking at his threat in the box, his threat in those little tight spaces, his movement — I have watched a lot of his game in particular.
“I watch my clips back, and it’s nice to be able to see your performance from a different perspective.
“It gives you more belief in knowing that you’re getting better and developing in certain areas.”
Mohbad: ‘I’m not the father’ – Oba Elegushi clears air on late singer’s sonPublished on April 12, 2024By Seun Opejobi
The Elegushi of IkateElegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, has denied claims of fathering Liam, son of late singer, IleriOluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.
Elegushi said the rumours were a desperate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Since Mohbad died, the issue of paternity has been at the forefront with the late singer’s father calling for a DNA test to ascertain if Liam is his grandson.
A TikToker, Oloriebimusicproduction2, made several posts on his TikTok page, alleging that the monarch might be implicated in the death of the late Mohbad.
It was also alleged that the monarch was leveraging his influence to obstruct justice for the late singer.
Reacting, the monarch described the allegations as baseless accusations aimed at besmirching his character.
Oba Elegushi also disclosed that a petition has been filed against individuals propagating these allegations.
A statement by his media consultant, Deyemi Saka read, “We would like to respond to a new desperate attempt at dragging His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Elegushi, into the needless paternity dispute over the son of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
“The widely syndicated falsehood was promoted by some persons with the underlisted profile on the social media app TikTok, namely: Oloriebimusicproduction2, PEKINS RULES, and WESTO4LIVE. Also, the same falsehood is being promoted by Auto Success Ola, Olubukola Jesse, Teni Ologo, and Tolani Ilesanmi.
“This is to inform the public that the allegation is false and a figment of the wicked imaginations of these persons.
“HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, through his lawyers, has filed a petition against these persons with the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies in a bid to enforce his fundamental human rights and protect him from cyber bullies, while he is hopeful the Nigeria Police will collaborate with relevant international security organisations in this quest for redress.”
Oba Elegushi, while extending condolences to the family of the late singer, implored members of the public not to entangle the traditional institution in the paternity dispute.
“It must be stated emphatically that Oba Elegushi, just like many Nigerians, is saddened by the sudden demise of Mohbad, and demands a thorough investigation and a quick dispensation of justice.
“While we pray to Almighty God to grant the Alobas the immense strength to bear this painful loss, we urge people to refrain from dragging the integrity of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Elegushi, and the revered traditional institution he represents into public disrepute,” the statement noted.
Covenant University retain Nigeria’s best varsity spot, beats UI, FUTA Others - See full list
AFOLABICovenant University has been ranked above the University of Ibadan and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, as the best university in Nigeria for the second time, according to Times Higher Education‘s 2024 rating.
Analysis of the latest ranking on Thursday showed that the university based in Ota, Ogun State, is among the top 1,000 universities in the world.
The 801st-ranked university in the world first gained prominence in 2018 after it got the prize for the best university in Nigeria and the sixth-best university overall.
The University of Ibadan followed Covenant as the second-best university in the country, while the Federal University of Technology, Akure clinched third.
The ranking web said the World University ranking includes 1,904 universities across 108 countries and regions.
“The Times Higher World University ranking includes 1,904 universities across 108 countries and regions.
“The table is based on our new WUR 3.0 methodology, which is carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across five areas; teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook,: it said.
Other universities that achieve the top ranking in Nigeria include the University of Ilorin, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Afe Babalola University, the University of Benin, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Lagos State University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Port Harcourt.
Among the 15 top universities, nine are located in the South West, two in the South East, two in the South-South, one in the North West, and one in the North Central.
See full list below:
1. Covenant University
2. University of Ibadan
3. Federal University of Technology, Akure
4. University of Lagos
5. Bayero University
6. University of Ilorin
7. University of Nigeria
8. Afe Babalola University
9. University of Benin
10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
11. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
12. Lagos State University
13. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
14. Obafemi Awolowo University
15. University of Port Harcourt
16. Abia State University
17. Akwa Ibom State University
18. Alex Ekwueme Federal University
19. Babcock University
20. Baze University
21. Bells University of Technology
22. Benson Idahosa University
23. Delta State University, Abraka
24. Edo State University
25. Edwin Clark University
26. Elizade University
27. Evangel University, Akaeze
28. Federal University of Kashere
29. Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun
30. Federal University of Technology, Minna
31. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
32. Fountain University
33. Landmark University
34. Nassarawa State University, Keffi
35. Niger Delta University
36. Plateau State University
37. Thomas Adewumi University
38. Veritas University
39. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano
Nigerian football star, Victor Osimhen could be heading to Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.
Osimhen, one of the most sought after strikers in football at the moment is wanted by Premier League giants, Chelsea and Arsenal.
But PSG are close to wrapping up a deal with Napoli for the talismanic forward, according to Caught Offside.
The French club are rumored to be willing to pay Osimhen’s entire release clause, which is estimated to be worth €120m.
In addition, they are eager to extend an offer of a four-year contract to the striker, who will make €13m a season at PSG.
Chelsea, unlike PSG, are not in a position to pay Osimhen’s entire release clause due to their financial state.
Osimhen, aged 25, has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions for Napoli this season.
A medical tribunal in Manchester, the United Kingdom is grilling a Nigerian cosmetic doctor, Oluwafemi ‘Tijion’ Esho, over an alleged sexual intercourse with a patient in exchange for free botox.
Botox injections are shots that use a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited period, which is used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, Daily Mail reports.
The British-Nigerian cosmetic surgeon, who has appeared on several popular TV programmes, was said to have admitted to an improper emotional relationship with the patient.
The woman, who is OnlyFans model, referred to as Patient A, earlier claimed she got free botox in return for sex at Esho’s clinic. She also alleged that they exchanged “inappropriate” sexual messages on Instagram.
During a recent hearing, the Medical Tribunal Practitioners Service (MPTS) found Esho exchanged toxin treatment for sex with the woman.
According to Daily Mail, the 42-year-old doctor, who has several celebrity clients, had told the tribunal he never had any physical sexual contact with Patient A.
But the panel, during sitting in Manchester, insisted Esho had sexual intercourse with the female patient at his clinic in Newcastle in 2021 and administered botox free of charge.
The tribunal also ruled that the doctor told the woman he “could get away with giving her botox in exchange for sexual services”.
The panel found that the overall conduct of the doctor was sexually motivated, but it did not find Patient A to be vulnerable because of her profession.
In response, Esho, who is the founder of the Esho Clinic, which also has locations in London, Liverpool and Dubai, said he was “disappointed” with the MPTS’ ruling.
He insisted that he only exchanged “inappropriate” sexual messages on Instagram but never had any physical sexual contact with the lady, but, however, apologised for his conduct.
“I am disappointed that the MPTS has today found against me in relation to the charges which I denied,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Throughout the hearing and investigation, with which I have cooperated fully, I stressed that I deeply regretted the mistakes which I made in engaging in communications with Patient A, and I admitted to the charges which related to those serious errors of judgement.
“I am truly sorry for those actions, and apologise to everyone I let down as a result. However, I have always been clear that whilst my conduct in communicating with Patient A was wrong, I repeat categorically that it never crossed over into any physical sexual contact.
“Whilst I respect the MPTS and the process, I do not agree with its decision. My life’s work has been and will remain focused on helping people. I remain dedicated fully to this purpose. I am incredibly grateful to my patients and friends who supported me throughout this incredibly difficult period.”
The panel will reconvene later this month to establish if Esho’s misconduct will endanger his fitness to practice.
The Accord Party urged the Federal Government to enhance its efforts in stabilizing commodity prices in the country, emphasizing that the appreciation of the naira against the US dollar is not mirrored in commodity prices.
The Lagos State Chairman of the Party, Mr Dele Oladeji, made the call in an interview with NAN on Wednesday in Lagos.
Oladeji said Nigerians were seriously anticipating a reversal of rising prices of consumer goods and food items in the country.
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to look into all contributory factors causing inflation and intensify efforts at stabilising the prices of commodities.
“To crash the prices of consumer goods and food items, the plethora of high import duties, levies and fees at the port, road and markets have to be revisited, reviewed, slashed or removed.
“Many Nigerians have always wondered why the price of goods are not reducing to reflect the crash in the dollar rate against the naira.
“The reason is that the dollar rate is just one of the several factors that affect trade and production.
“Without a slash in or removal where necessary, of persisting high import duties on production materials and machinery; with the high levies and fees from local governments on goods on transit; warehouses and those in markets; prices of consumer goods will remain high and continue to rise, in reaction to these plethora high fees and levies,” Oladeji said.
According to him, a cursory tax holiday and rebate to some manufacturers are only enriching the hyper-rich industrialists, with zero impact on the general populace.
”Such tax rebates and tax holidays should come with a conditional agreement to subsidise prices of the produce.
”The FG has to look more into and resolve these other contributory factors to create respite and a reversal of rising prices in consumer goods and food items,” he said.
His passing is national loss
Abia to immortalise first governor
President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, have described the passing of former Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Ogbonnaya Onu as a huge national loss.
The duo, who in collaboration with Onu engineered the birth of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),were joined in mourning the Ebonyi State-born statesman by Governors Alex Otti(Abia), Francis Nwifuru(Ebonyi), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Others who lamented the death of Onu included APC National Working Committee (NWC), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; former Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Onu, the first governor of old Abia State and a first class Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, died an Abuja hospital yesterday. He was 72.
He had been out of circulation since he lost the APC presidential ticket in 2022. The Nation gathered that Onu had been shuttling between Nigeria and the United States(US) due to a lingering throat-related ailment.
A source said after his recent return from the US , the ailment worsened, necessitating his hospitalisation ahead of a fresh trip to the US.
A statement by a member of his family, Uzoma Onu, which announced the former minister’s demise, was silent on the cause. It said the family was “filled with sorrow” over the development.
The statement recalled that Onu, who was the first Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Governors (now Nigerian Governors’ Forum), resigned as minister during Buhari’s second tenure after seven years.
It partly reads: “ In total submission to the will of the Almighty God, the family of His Royal Highness, the Late Eze David Aba Onu, Eze Adu of Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State announces the death of our distinguished son, His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
“He was the former National Chairman/National Leader of defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He initiated and facilitated discussions that finally resulted in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), that has been the ruling political party in the country since May 29, 2015.
“ He was a fine statesman, party leader, political strategist, brilliant scholar, outstanding intellectual, public speaker, teacher, lecturer, inventor, researcher, consultant, engineer, youth mobiliser, accomplished administrator, prolific author and poet, a man of great ideas as well as a distinguished man of exceptional principle, integrity, discipline and exemplary character.
“He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for a long time to come.”
In their separate reactions, Tinubu and Buhari described Onu as a “ luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament and intellectual giant.”
Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, and Garba Shehu, Buhari’s spokesman, made these known.
Ngelale’s statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the Onu family over the passing of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, CON.
“Chief Onu passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.
“The President mourns a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament. The first civilian governor of Abia State; former minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections.
“Most importantly, the President celebrates the life of an accomplished scholar, first-class engineer; a man of proven integrity; defiant to indiscipline, but ever yielding to the highest standards of rectitude.
“President Tinubu affirms that Chief Onu epitomises Nigeria in concord; in wholeness, as the late statesman believed in and defended Nigeria’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship across the Niger.
“The President also condoles with the friends and associates of Chief Onu, Ebonyi and Abia State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.
“President Tinubu prays to God Almighty to grant repose to the gentle soul of this great leader.”
Buhari, according to Shehu , said Nigeria has lost one of its most outstanding scientific minds and intellectuals.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari joins family members of the deceased and the entire nation in mourning the demise of a notable politician, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the first civilian governor of Abia State and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation under his administration.
“He was an intellectual giant. My heart goes out to his family, the government and people of Ebonyi and Abia states as well as the country at large. May his soul rest in peace.”
FEC, in a statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), said the former minister was a detribalised Nigerian and a statesman who believed in the unity of Nigeria.
It commiserated with the government, people of Ebonyi State and the Onu family and prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal repose.”
“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), mourns the death of the former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, aged, 72.
“He made giant and unprecedented strides in revolutionising the ministry into a scientific and technological hub of Africa by promoting innovations and invention for nation building,” the office .
Otti, Uzodimma, Nwifuru, others express shock
Governors Otti, Uzodimma and Nwifuru, who described the death of Onu as shocking, said Nigeria would miss his political contributions and interventions.
“Onu is one of such living statesmen with the character, carriage and statesmanly disposition required to reposition the nation for the better.
“Even though he held public offices, both as a governor and minister respectively at difficult times, he was never associated with conducts or controversies capable of diminishing his reputation and personality.
“We are therefore, saddened by his demise at a time his contributions and interventions were needed in Nigeria,” Otti said.
The governor promised to immortalise him by ensuring that the democratic journey he started in Abia as a civilian governor many years ago was advanced to a level where the well-being of Abians would be made an institutionalised priority.
Uzodimma said that Onu would be remembered as a leading light in the APC family having, for many years, imbibed the tenets of progressive democracy as the easiest route to serve the people.
The governor condoled with the APC family, President Tinubu, Nigeria, Southeast and its people over the development.
Governor Nwifuru lamented in a terse statement that Ebonyi State had lost an illustrious son.
“His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, was a thoroughbred politician and an advocate of justice and fairness. It is indeed a sad development losing a patriotic leader who stopped at nothing at rendering best services to his people when he served in different capacities,” Nwifuru said
He extended his heartfelt condolences to Onu’s immediate family and prayed God to give them fortitude to bear the loss.
The Chairman of the Ebonyi APC, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, said: “The news is a sad one, we all know that he was sick sometime and has recovered, we didn’t know that he was going to die so unexpectedly.
“There is nothing we can do , he has contributed his quota to the building of nation. He also contributed heavily to the creation of Ebonyi and has been playing advisory role in Ebonyi and APC.”
It’s a big blow, says APC
APC’s NWC described Onu’s passing as a big loss to the party and the country, saying Nigeria will miss his contributions and interventions in national politics.
“During the merger, he was one of the founding fathers of the party and remained a party man until his death. He was a big wig of the party in the Southeast. We will miss him so much,” said APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East) Ijeoma Arodiogbu.
“He had been ill for a while and had not been seen in public circle, “Arodiogbu added.
Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru also said: “He was a gentleman, focused and very deliberate. Everything we know about life is a continuum. He has run his race and gone to his maker. We can only continue to wish for his soul to be at rest wherever he is.”
Obi, Kalus, Jibrin, Abaribe, Onyejeocha Obasa extol Onu’s virtues
Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, described Onu’s death as a “significant loss to the nation.”
Obi noted that “Onu was as a patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader” who served the nation diligently in various capacities.
“The late Dr. Onu epitomised leadership characterised by a commitment to peace, progress, and justice.
“He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation,” he said.
Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Kalu, in a condolence message, said that Onu was a frontline politician, author and an engineer who made invaluable contributions to nation –building.
Jibrin, Benjamin Kalu, Abaribe, Onyejeocha and Obasa also extolled the virtues of the late elderstatesman, saying he was a role mode and a consummate patriot who left indelible footprints in the nation’s political space
Nollywood actor, Jamiu Azeez has revealed that he battled with depression for some time.
According to him, he was depressed for over two years due to the downturn of his career and finances.
In a post via his Instagram page, the actor revealed he had suicidal thoughts because he felt lost and didn’t know who to confide in.
Azeez said the past two years have been a whirlwind for him, but he was afraid to seek help due to his fear of mockery.
He further expressed appreciation to his colleague, Toyin Abraham, who gave him relieved after a conversation with her.
He said, “Mummy Ire, @toyin_abraham, I know this might catch you off guard but I simply had to do this. You over looked the fact that we don’t really talk but you shown me so much love and gives me an assurance that everything is going to be fine.
“The past two years have been a whirlwind for me like I’ve been losing everything, even my Mind. Thoughts of suicide have been ringing in my head.
“The fear of being mocked kept me silent. Nothing seemed to work, and I felt lost, unsure of who to confide in.
“But the truth is, I grew tired of putting on a brave face and pretending to be okay.
“So, yesterday, I mustered the courage to reach out to @toyin_abraham and her response left me speechless. I feel compelled to express my deepest gratitude openly.
“I’ve prayed for her countless times but now I ask for your prayers too, please help me pray for @toyin_abraham and her family.”
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The immediate past Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, has raised concerns about allegations of ‘predatory pricing’ by foreign airlines against Nigeria’s Air Peace.
The accusations come as Air Peace recently commenced its Lagos-London route, slashing economy class fares by approximately 66 percent.
Irukera, speaking exclusively with The ICIR, emphasized the need for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and FCCPC to urgently investigate the claims made by Air Peace’s chairman, Allen Onyema. “When you go below market price, knowing that any competitor who doesn’t have the financial muscle or market share than you will not survive is called ‘predatory pricing’,” Irukera explained. “In most cases, those competitors die off, and the other competitor comes in to muscle the market.”
The former FCCPC head urged all relevant government agencies to examine the issues and service provisions to ensure that Air Peace is not pushed out of the market. He called for the FCCPC, in alliance with the NCAA, to invoke the provisions of section 112 of the FCCP Act, which prohibits excessive or manifestly unjust and unreasonable pricing.
Findings by The ICIR revealed that foreign airlines have started crashing their airline ticket prices below those of Air Peace for the Lagos-London route, with some selling economy tickets for as low as ₦700,000. Analysts observe that the emergence of Air Peace on this route has threatened the profit margins of these foreign airlines, potentially leading to a “price war” aimed at crippling the Nigerian carrier.
Former Senator Shehu Sani also shared his concerns, explaining that foreign airlines are crashing their prices because of Air Peace’s competitive fares. The global civil aviation market, worth around $842.71 billion in 2022, is predicted to grow to approximately $1.631 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.62 percent between 2023 and 2030.
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As the situation unfolds, the Nigerian government and its regulatory bodies are called upon to investigate the allegations of predatory pricing and ensure fair competition in the aviation industry, protecting the interests of both domestic and international airlines operating in the country.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has inaugurated a new card with a lot of features including payment functions for all types of social and financial services.
According to NIMC, the card will solve the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, and access government and private social services.
NIMC said the card which is the initiative of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was designed in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System, and will be powered by a national domestic card, AfriGO.
With this NIMC card, Nigerians have the opportunity to be holders of a multipurpose National ID card that can serve the purpose of identity verification, payments, and even government services.
Meanwhile, the NIMC has released the details of how to apply for multipurpose card
According to NIMC, the card will also be enabled for the eNaira in compliance with the EMV operational and security standards.
How to apply for new NIMC card
1. Visit the nearest bank or bank-approved centre and demand the payment card uperimposed on your identity.
2. Provide NIN details for identity verification and proof of a minimum age of 18 years.
3. The bank sends the NIN to NIMC and receives relevant authorised identity data in the specified format.
4. The bank uses the verified identity data to securely prepare the standard Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) data for the card before getting it personalised and printed on by a partner bureau.
5. After which the bank will issue the finished card to the person who requested it.
What not to do with new NIMC card
Holders are advised not to give out photocopies or scanned images of the card bearing sensitive payment details, to unauthorised parties.
NIMC said while the user’s NIN is not visible on the card, it can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the card.
The commission noted that only citizens who have a National Identification Number (NIN) can obtain the cards
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has apologised to Nigerians for saying that they keep freezers on for days due to low electricity tariff.
“Anything we have said that are considered offensive, we are sorry about that,” Adelabu said with slight remorse on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
The minister had come under fire by many Nigerians in the last one week for his comment which was considered offensive.
Adelabu had told journalists in Abuja on April 4, 2024 that Nigerians lack the culture of electricity consumption management because of “cheap” power supply.
He had made the statement after the government announced tariff increase for Band A consumers. The minister’s comment generated outrage with some persons calling for his removal.
However, Adelabu, on Thursday, expressed regret over his comment, saying it “was never intended to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians in anyway”.
“It was an innocent advice with regards to energy consumption management which we believe will go a long way in reducing people’s energy bills. And that advice was directed at those that we believe that because of the recent increase in tariff will start enjoying 20 hours of power per day,” he said.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had on April 3, 2024 raised electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 hours power supply daily. Customers in this category are said to be under the Band A classification.
The increase will see the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N66, a development that has been heavily criticised by many Nigerians, considering the immediacy of the tariff hike and the current hardship in the land.
The minister subsequently said the new electricity tariff hike would only affect only 1.5 million of the about 12 million consumers in the sector.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again adjusted the foreign exchange (FX) rate for duties to N1, 238.17 per dollar.
This represents a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to N1,246.66/$ displayed on April 8.
The rate adopted by customs was observed yesterday.
It fell below the official foreign exchange rate, which closed at N1,248.5/$ on Tuesday at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).
The drop in the FX rate for customs tariffs and duties is coming amid the Central Bank of Nigeria‘s (CBN) effort to stabilise the naira.
On Monday, the apex bank announced the sales of forex to the bureau de change (BDC) operators at the rate of N1,101/$.
The bank reduced its rate for dollar allocation to BDCs from N1,251/$ announced on March 25.
To further strengthen the naira, the financial regulator also directed all banks to stop the use of foreign currency-denominated collaterals for naira loans.