Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have made the final shortlists for the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards in the men’s and women’s categories.
Osimhen, who was on Monday crowned best player in Africa, is among the 11 players in contention for the Men’s award.
The other players who made the shortlist are Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Bernardo Silva (Man City), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City), Erling Haaland (Man City) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr).
Osimhen is looking to become the first African player to win the Best Men’s Player at the Globe Soccer Awards.
Oshoala has been shortlisted alongside Aitana Bonmatí, Mary Earps, Fridolina Rolfo, Linda Caicedo, Amanda Ilestedt, Georgia Stanway, Olga Carmona, Sam Kerr and Debinha for the Women’s award.
The Barcelona Femeni forward won a seventh CAF Women’s Player of the Year award on Monday night in Marrakech, Morocco
The awards gala will hold at five-star Atlantis, The Palm, on January 19, 2024 in Dubai.
The Osun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps has revealed that its operatives arrested three suspected members of a gang that specialises in exhuming corpses and removing their parts for rituals.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Osun State Amotekun spokesperson, Adeniyi Adeshola Brown, said the three suspects were; Kamilu Kehinde, a 43-year-old mechanic, Akeem Hamzat, 56-year-old driver and Wakeel Baka, a herbalist.
Brown stated that they were all arrested following intelligence received by the operatives of Iwo Command.
“On interrogation, the suspects made confessional statements that they were into the business of exhuming corpses from graves; which they then sell to buyers who need them for money-making rituals; and also that.
“Akeem Hamzat was not actually one of them, but rather one Ogun, who is now at large with an exhumed body part.”
The spokesperson, however, disclosed that the Corps Commander, Osun State Security Network Agency, Bashir Abiodun Adewinmbi, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the Nigeria Police for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.
“Residents of the state are encouraged to be more security conscious and always ensure that they report all suspicious activities to the Osun Amotekun.
“When you see something, please always say something.”
Famous Nigerian singer, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, aka Kizz Daniel, has made a “shocking” revelation about his origin.
The Ogun-born star left many in shock after revealing via his X handle on Tuesday that he is partly Fulani.
“So….I am half Fulani, half Yoruba,” he wrote.
Though Kizz Daniel did not break down his origin, many of his fans who reacted via the comment section, suspect that the singer’s Fulani heritage could be through his mother’s side.
Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has revealed that he begged ace rapper and CEO of YBNL Nation, Olamide, for about two years before he accepted to sign him to the record label.
The ‘Mr Money’ crooner said the rapper invited him to his house one day and asked him whether he would like to join his record label, and he accepted with hesitation.
He said Olamide told him to get a lawyer and study the nature of the contract, but he was too excited and signed immediately.
Speaking in an interview with Hip TV, Asake said, “Before he [Olamide] signed me, I’ve been begging Baddo [Olamide] since 2020 to sign me.
“One day, I got to his house, then he asked me… This part burst my head. This is how he signed me. He said, ‘How are you, Asake?’ I said I’m fine. And he asked me, ‘Would you like to join YBNL?’
“You don’t understand, for somebody you look up to, somebody you respect, somebody you’ve been longing to see, to ask you that question. I told him that I’m ready. He said, ‘Go and think about it. Go and look for a lawyer.’ I said, ‘Baba, sign me now now now. I don’t want any lawyer. Because I love the [YBNL] family so much even from afar.”
Asake signed to YBNL Nation in February 2022. That same month, he released his debut extended play, Ololade, which featured his breakthrough song ‘Omo Ope’ featuring Olamide and the single ‘Sungba.’
The FCT High Court has postponed the hearing for the suit seeking damages for a victim of illegal organ harvesting to February 19, 2024.
Justice Abdullahi Aminu on Monday adjourned the suit to enable the parties to prepare for the hearing.
The suit was brought by the father of the 16-year-old victim, Salaudeen Saliman Adedoyin, against Dr Aremu Abayomi Adeniran, Dr. Christopher Otabor, and Alliance Hospital and Services Ltd.
The case was instituted following a Daily Trust’s investigation that uncovered an organ harvesting syndicate and implicated Alliance Hospital.
At the hearing, defence counsel, C. J. Dimgba, informed the court that he was just briefed by the defence and was yet to study the case file.
He therefore pleaded for an adjournment to enable him to prepare for the hearing.
Counsel to the Legal Aid Counsel, who brought the matter to court, E. M. Kolawole, did not object to the adjournment.
The Legal Aid Council had filed the suit on September 9 seeking the award of the sum of N500 million in general damages for wrongful and unlawful harvesting and removal of the right kidney of Adedoyin’s son.
Another sum of N200 million in general damages for the pain, suffering, anguish, and emotional, psychological, and mental trauma suffered by the Adedoyins.
Adedoyin’s son had averred that sometime on February 9, 2023, he was introduced to one Emmanuel Melody who offered to help him secure employment with the hospital, Alliance Hospital in Masaka, Nasarawa State.
He narrated how in the course of securing the job, Melody and other staff of the hospital made him sign an electronic affidavit in court, without reading it and X-ray on him on a day he was supposed to go for his JAMB capturing.
He said on September 17, he was made to sleep over in the hospital, and in the middle of the night, made to sign a document without reading it.
He further averred that Dr Aremu later informed him that night that a kidney transplant surgery was to be conducted on him.
He said he “resisted but was already too weak to move and he lost consciousness in the course of his resistance.”
Reality star of the Real Housewives of Lagos show, Chioma Ikokwu aka Chioma Goodhair has narrated her experience in an abusive relationship.
According to her, she ended up in the hospital twice while in an abusive relationship.
In an interview with Toke Makinwa on her podcast “Toke Moments,” Chioma explained how she landed in a hospital twice in an abusive relationship.
Chioma recalled that following instances of abuse, she would lock her boyfriend out of her house. He would persistently plead for forgiveness, enduring all weather conditions, and sometimes spending up to three days outside her residence.
She admitted that despite being a strong individual, she found herself repeatedly returning to the abusive relationship.
Further detailing the nature of the abuse, Chioma described her ex-partner as narcissistic.
He said: “I’ve been in a relationship that was violent, like my first relationship. I remember the first time he did it, he stayed outside of my house, he slept outside of my house for three days on the floor in the rain, sunshine, everything, he was begging.”
“Obviously by the fourth day, I’m not a devil, I was like come in to sleep in the corridor. I woke up in the middle of the night, he was next to me on the bed and they beg, they come and shower you with gifts and tell you all these things and I’m very strong, you know that I’m a strong person, but even I went back. and then it happened the second time.”
Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing is about to challenge Grammy singer Wizkid as she unveils her plan for an Instagram giveaway.
Earlier, Wizkid had disclosed his intention to donate N100 million to children for Christmas via his Instagram story on Monday, starting from the Surulere area of Lagos State.
The gesture was in honor of his late mum, Juliana Morayo Balogun, who passed away on August 18, 2023.
In response, Nkechi, in a bid to outdo him, announced her plans to give out N200 million to her Instagram followers on her Instagram page.
She wrote, “200 million for all my followers. Drop Aza. Weekend wey go sweet na from Tuesday you go know!!! It’s nothing.”
Nkechi Blessing N200million giveawayNkechi Blessing N200million giveaway
Her fans in the comment section lauded her for surpassing Wizkid’s gesture, expressing their support and excitement.
Wizkid had recently addressed his fans’ demands for new music on his Instagram story, stating his intention to take a holiday and possibly explore other careers before continuing his music career.
He mentioned the possibility of venturing into acting or sports like ball, golf, or wrestling, also expressing his desire to feature in Nollywood to kiss women and shoot guns.
He humorously added that he loves slapping people, considering it his hidden talent.
The University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT, has promoted 42 senior academics to the rank of professors and 23 others to associate professors.
UNIPORT’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Sam Kpenu, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, that the new professors passed through stringent selection criteria set up by the university.
“The promotions followed approval by the Minister of Education on Dec. 8.
“The academics were promoted following the recommendations of the Central A & PC Academic meeting of UNIPORT held on Nov. 23.
“The university hereby announces the promotion of 42 staff nominated as Professors of their various disciplines and 23 others as Associate Professors (Readers),” he said.
A breakdown of the promotion showed the professors’ category has 10 new professors from the Faculty of Education; Faculty of Science got 10, Faculty of Humanities, eight, College of Health Sciences, eight; Faculty of Agriculture, three; Faculty of Engineering, one; Faculty of Social Science, one, and Faculty of Management Sciences, one new professor.
In the Associate Professor (Readers’) category, Faculty of Education produced seven new readers; Faculty of Humanities, five, and Faculty of Science three.
Others are Faculty of Engineering, two; Faculty of Science, two; College of Health Sciences, two; Faculty of Agriculture, one and Faculty of Computing one.
NAN
Nigerian Customs probes officer caught on camera soliciting N5,000 bribe at Lagos airport [VIDEO]
AdminThe Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has commenced investigation into an incident at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where an officer was observed soliciting N5,000 bribe from a passenger.
The National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to Mr Maiwada, this behaviour has rightfully raised public concern, and they are committed to ensuring full accountability.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger.
“The recording reveals an inappropriate request for N5,000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures.
“We wish to confirm that the officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command,” he said.
Mr Maiwada noted that the NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and was dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
“A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinise the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.
“Such behaviour is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation,” he said.
Mr Maiwada encouraged passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly.
He said these reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of the service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards.
“The NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
“The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity,” he said.
NAN
Media
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has cautioned its customers not to patronize touts.
Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.
He said that the authority had gone out of its way to hire undercover agents to observe and report misbehavior at airports.
“The Managing Director of FAAN at a recent event gave a severe warning to staff, as well as all government agencies that operate at our airports that FAAN will ensure that whoever is culpable is punished.
“Do not give bribes or encourage extortion.
“Respect rules and regulations in respect of carriage of prohibited articles, liquids, and gel.
“We have information desks at all our airports to assist you. Please make use of them,” he said.
Yakubu-Funtua stated that FAAN had taken measures to strengthen the security equipment to safeguard the safety of the traveling public’s lives and property.
He advised Nigerians to have faith in the airports throughout the Yuletide season.
The official recommended passengers to come to airports early to avoid crowds and missing their flights.
According to him, FAAN has increased airport screening areas to provide travelers with a better flying experience.
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Bank customers’ agony over the prevailing cash scarcity increased, yesterday, as more banks resorted to rationing cash withdrawals while Point of Sale Operators, PoS, operators, hiked transaction fees by 100 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN in a move aimed at ameliorating the situation, suspended charges for cash withdrawals above the regulatory limits of N500,000 for individuals and N3 million for corporate account holders. The CBN said that the suspension of the charges would last till April 30th next year.
Suspension of charges for large cash withdrawals
Announcing the suspension in a circular to banks entitled, ‘Re-Processing Fees on Cash Deposit’, the acting Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Dr. Adetona Adedeji, said: “Please recall the processing charges imposed on cash deposits above N500,000 for individuals and N3,000,000 for corporates as contained in the “Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial Institutions and NonBank Financial institutions’ issued on December 20, 2019, under reference FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/07/042.
“The CBN hereby suspends the charging of processing fees of two percent and three percent previously charged on all cash deposits above these thresholds with immediate effect. This suspension shall remain in effect until April 30, 2024.
“Consequently, all financial institutions regulated by the CBN should accept all cash deposits from the public without any charges going forward.”
Banks ration cash withdrawal
Vanguard’s visits to bank branches in Lagos and Abuja showed more customers experienced difficulty accessing cash as the ATMs in most of the bank branches did not dispense cash while the banks imposed limits on cash withdrawal in a bid to ration the available cash.
Vanguard’s findings indicated that there has been a short supply of cash to the banks from the apex bank, prompting the banks to reduce the amount disbursed both via the Automated Teller machines, ATMs, and Over-the-Counter.
Like the beginning of the year, when Nigerians faced biting cash scarcity, banks now prioritise customers holding accounts with them, while rationing available cash to make it get to as many customers as possible.
While some still maintain the N100,000 daily withdrawal limit in tranches of N20,000 through ATMs, others have since reduced the amount dispensed through the ATMs.
Also, POS agents who spoke to Vanguard confirmed the unavailability of cash at the banks, saying that they hardly get the amount they requested from the banks in the last one month.
When our correspondent visited a new generation bank located on Old Ojo Road, off Badagry Expressway, Lagos, she was told that she could withdraw a maximum of N50,000 in the banking hall.
At the same branch of the new generation bank, our correspondent discovered that only two out of the four ATMs were in use. While customers of the bank are allowed to withdraw up to N40,000 from the ATM in batches of N10,000, non-customers could make withdrawals for up to N20,000 but in batches of N5,000.
A staff of the bank, who works in the marketing unit, told Vanguard that the challenge was not limited to the bank alone, saying “We started experiencing this shortage at the beginning of this month (December). Besides the fact that customers no longer make deposits as much as they used to, we also have a short supply from the CBN.”
At 4p.m., yesterday, a customer of an old generation bank, who made a withdrawal from the bank’s ATM told our correspondent that the withdrawal limit for non-customers had further been reduced to N3,000 and further down to N1,000 as at the time she left the ATM gallery.
At another second-generation bank, located at Old Ojo Road, all the ATMs were out of use.
Checks by our correspondent revealed that customers, who visited the bank earlier in the day were availed of N50,000 maximum withdrawal in the banking hall.
Echoing the same sentiment as the staff of a new generation bank, a security personnel at another new generation bank, who confirmed to Vanguard that the ATMs have not been loaded in the last one week due to the cash scarcity.
A staff of a new generation bank around Abule-Ado axis on Badagry Expressway told Vanguard that the bank still allows N100,000 daily withdrawal limit even through the ATM for their customers. Withdrawal limit at the banking halls, according to him, depends on cash availability and the time of the day the customer visits the bank. For non-customers of the bank, the withdrawal limit was set at batches of N5,000 while the N35.00 withdrawal charges still apply for each withdrawal.
Explaining, he noted that the scarcity was a yuletide occurrence in the banking system, but said that the intensity of the scarcity worsened this year and it’s akin to what happened earlier in the year.
The story was, however, different at one of the generation banks situated around the same axis as customers could withdraw as much as N200,000 over-the-counter.
Vanguard checks also showed that only one ATM out of the ATMs in the bank were operational as at the time our correspondent visited.
Vanguard visit to another branch of a new generation bank at Igando, Lagos State, showed that the ATM was surrounded by bank customers, who could only withdraw N20,000 as customers and N10,000 per withdrawal for non-customers.
Mrs. Omotosho Vivian, a customer, said: “God help us. These people have started again. We were going through hell during this period last year. We have been here for hours.
“They just loaded the ATM now and it is only one out of four ATMs that is serving this huge crowd you are seeing.
“I am very tired. I have been to other banks but none of their ATMs are dispensing cash.”
A branch of an old-generation bank at Igando bus stop had a crowd sitting and waiting at the ATMs to be loaded with cash.
Another bank customer, Mrs. Hannah Martins said she has been waiting for over 30 minutes and the ATMs have not been loaded with cash.
“I have been patronising this bank since Saturday with no luck in withdrawing cash. Today, I have waited for 30 minutes yet they have not loaded the ATMs with cash.
“I am very exhausted and will be leaving any minute to pick my kids from school. I really don’t know what is going on.
“The security men are saying there is no cash. This was the same scenario we experienced last year. We are just here unable to have access to our money. What is the benefit of banking when we collect our money through suffering?”
A visit to a new-generation bank in Igando revealed that none of the ATMs was loaded with cash. Customers could only make withdrawals over the counter.
At another old-generation bank located in Kirikiri, Apapa, customers, who wanted to withdraw large amounts of cash, were seen complaining, as they lamented that they were only allowed to withdraw N10,000, which could serve their needs for a day.
Also at the branch of a ngew generation bank located inside the Alaba International market, Ojo, Lagos, customers were only allowed to withdraw N10,000.
Vanguard visit to some new generation banks in the Akowonjo area of Lagos State, showed that the ATM was paying N20,000 to customers and N10, 000 to non-customers.
However, the bank was paying N10, 000 over the counter, OTC to customers withdrawing via withdrawal slip or PoS machine inside the bank.
When Vanguard enquired why customers were receiving N10, 000 OTC, one of the front desk personnel responded rudely that that was what the bank was doing.
Also, a visit to branch of a new generation bank at Apapa Wharf, yesterday, showed that the unavailability of cash degenerated over the weekend.
The bank was paying N20,000 to corporate account holders and N10,000 to individuals, who wanted to withdraw their money.
Further findings showed that the bank programmed its ATMs in a way that customers could not exceed the maximum daily withdrawal limit of the bank.
A customer of a new generation bank, who spoke with Vanguard at Apapa Wharf, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwudi, said that she went to the bank with the hope of withdrawing over N200, 000 because it is a corporate account.
She said her request was turned down and was asked to make a request of not more than N20, 000.
Chukwudi said: “We wanted to use the money urgently to sort out an urgent need, but when they told me I cannot do more than N20, 000, I was discouraged and had to go back to report back to the people I am working for.
“We took another alternative, even though it was not favourable, we had no option.”
Abuja residents groan over escalating cash scarcity
The escalating Naira scarcity in banks has left residents of the Federal Capital Territory grappling with frustration and inconvenience.
Vanguard reports that bank customers and even POS, operators in Abuja have been struggling to withdraw cash from ATMs and were often faced with long queues and limited services at banking halls.
Our correspondent who visited some old and new generation banks in Nyanya, and another new generation bank in Mararaba, observed numerous complaints lodged at these banks by customers over the uneasy situation they find themselves in.
Our correspondent noticed that a lot of the bank branches had ATMs that were not dispensing cash, and there were extremely long lines inside the banking halls.
Some of the bank customers who spoke to our correspondent said that they had been forced to make multiple visits to different banks in the hopes of obtaining some much-needed cash.
“I have been to three different banks today and none of them has enough cash to give me. It’s very frustrating. We can’t even access our money when we need it the most,” said Bola Adeyemi, a civil servant residing in Abuja.
Another customer at an old generation bank in Nyanya, Abuja, Eno Effiong, said: “It’s frustrating that we’re living in the capital city and still facing such cash scarcity issues. I came to the bank to withdraw N15,000 but I was told I could only get N10,000. I mean, isn’t Abuja supposed to be one of the most developed and well-equipped cities in Nigeria? It’s high time the government acted upon this and ensured that banks have enough cash to cater to our needs.”
A Nasarawa State Polytechnic student, Apindo Patience, said: “I just don’t understand why they can’t manage the cash flow properly in the banks. It’s not like Abuja is a small town with limited resources. The inconvenience caused by this scarcity is undeniable, especially when we have important bills to pay and can’t access the desired amounts of money from our own accounts.”
An Abuja trader, who identified herself as Genevieve Johnson, said: “The lack of cash in the banks has definitely made life more difficult for us. Even simple tasks like grocery shopping or paying for transportation have become a hassle when you can’t withdraw the required cash. It’s causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience in our daily lives.”
Also, a POS operator, Asmau Usman, said: “Since yesterday, I have been struggling to get money. I have only been able to gather small. Now, we don’t collect N100 for N5000 again, it’s N150. This is because banks are giving little or nothing.”
Another POS operator, Emeka Ugwu, said: “I sent my boy to some money in two different banks since morning and he is not yet back. The last time I called him, he was only able to get N10,000. For now, everything has increased and Nigerians are going through hell. People spend hours waiting in long queues, only to be told that there’s not enough cash available. It’s a pity.”
Except for one bank employee, who casually and anonymously mentioned that the bank cannot provide cash exceeding N20,000, all attempts to obtain comments from other bank officials were unsuccessful as they refused to comment on the matter.
At another old-generation bank located at Mpape in Abuja, customers were restricted to a withdrawal limit of N20,000. These limitations have imposed a substantial strain on Nigerians needing access to cash.
PoS agents hike transaction fees
Some point of sales operators in Nigeria have announced new service charge.
Some of the operators said that the increase in service charges was to ensure survival of their business.
Speaking to one of the operators, Miss Gloria Chima, said, for withdrawals up to N5000, Nigerians would pay a service charge of N200 while for withdrawals of N10.000 customers would pay service charge of N400.
Gloria said, “I don’t want what happened last time to happen again, where people were sleeping in front of banks for three to four days.”
Another operator, Miss Tope Adekunle, expressed fears of not travelling to see her parents during Christmas.
“As a PoS operator, if I cannot withdraw money in the bank to give to customers, how then will I see money to travel to my village or how will other people out there see the money to even eat with their families.”
Another PoS agent, who simply wished to be known as Mama Precious, revealed that she had to plead with bank officials to withdraw N30,000 from the bank’s bulk room.
Recounting her ordeal, she highlighted the hardships local cash agents were experiencing in order to meet demand.
“I had to beg the bank officials in the bulk room before they grudgingly handed over N30,000,” she narrated.
In reaction to the cash shortage, PoS operators along Ajegunle road in Mpape, Abuja, have doubled their charges. Now, they charge N200, N400, and N800 to dispense N5,000, N10,000, and N20,000 respectively, a significant hike from the N100, N200, and N400 rates as of last weekend.
Mr Femi Akande, a PoS agent in Igando, Lagos State, said he sourced for cash through some traders he had a relationship with to sustain his business since last week.
“The cash scarcity was experienced in areas like the Island, Mainland and outside Lagos since last month.
“It is telling on us as the festive season is drawing near and people are requesting for huge cash withdrawals daily.
“My bank could only give me N200,000 per day as an agent. I have to source for cash from some of my friends, who are traders and deal mostly with cash transactions.
“Some people are now selling cash just like January this year when there was cash scarcity.
“This has doubled transaction fees for customers.”
Also, Mr. Abraham, who lives in Magbon axis of Lagos Badagry expressway, added that a few PoS operators have started taking advantage of the naira rationing to increase charges.
How are banks responding
Each bank’s strategy to deal with the cash crunch may differ based on regulatory guidelines, and customer behaviour, but the goal remains to strike a balance between meeting cash demands and promoting digital payment adoption to maintain efficiency and prevent potential cash shortages.
A confidential source from an old generation bank in Mpape, Abuja, conceded that the public’s frustration was palpable as the current situation hinders daily financial operations and impacts the overall economy.
However, he assured that the commercial banks were working diligently with the CBN to ensure an adequate cash supply to meet customer needs.
“The CBN is partnering with us (commercial banks) to identify and address these underlying issues to prevent future cash shortages,” the source stated.
On the specific measures the bank had undertaken to adapt to the increased cash demand, he shared, “We have escalated the frequency of cash pickups from the CBN and are collaborating with PoS operators to streamline and optimise cash distribution.
“Also, we have temporarily adjusted withdrawal limits to manage liquidity and are encouraging online transactions to reduce the reliance on physical cash.”
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau has praised the trio of Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie for making Nigeria proud at the 2023 CAF Awards in Morocco on Monday night.
Nigeria became the biggest winner at the event, winning three major awards to make history.
Victor Osimhen won the African Player of the Year award to end Nigeria’s 24-year wait for the coveted prize.
Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala won a record-breaking sixth African Women’s Player of the Year award following a sensational season with Barcelona, which culminated in a league triumph and Women’s Champions League glory.
Another Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was named African Women’s goalkeeper of the year.
The Super Falcons were named the women’s team of the year after their impressive showing at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Gusau expressed his delight after a history-making night for Nigeria in Morocco.
Gusau said: “I am very excited tonight. This has been hugely rewarding for our football and for our country as a whole. I congratulate Osimhen, Oshoala, and Nnadozie, and I congratulate the Super Falcons as a team for bringing us this honour.
“My charge would be that they all keep doing what they know how to do best, keep improving, and keep winning. The sky will be the beginning for them.”
Gusau was present at the event. He was presented with the women’s team of the year award won by the Super Falcons.
He dedicated the award to all women football teams in Africa.
Nnadozie used the opportunity to encourage young footballers not to give up on their dreams.
“To all the young girls growing up in Africa, dreaming of becoming a footballer one day, believe me dreams do come true. My dad didn’t want me to play football, but I’m sure he’s gonna see this and be happy. So, keep dreaming, keep working, and I believe that one day you’ll get to this stage.”
The naira appreciated by 27.16 per cent to close at N864.29/$ on the official Investors and Exporter window on Monday.
This is as the daily turnover of the dollar surged by 86.83 per cent to $132.46m at the closing of trading from $70.90m last Friday. The naira’s rise signifies a N234.76 gain from the all-time low of N1099.05/$ it closed trading last Friday according to data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange.
On Monday, trading opened at N867/$, before hitting a high of N1185.10/$, then a low of N720/$. It eventually settled at N864.29/$ as the daily turnover of the dollar hit $132.46m.
Monday’s rate signifies a marginal recovery for the national currency whose movement has been volatile since the Central Bank of Nigeria removed the rate cap on it.
Since the apex bank’s move to unify rates, the country’s foreign exchange reserves have fallen by about $1.6bn to $32.97bn. This decline in FX reserves has been blamed for the free fall of the naira.
Recently the Economist Intelligence Unit said Nigeria did not have enough in its FX arsenal to defend its exchange rate unification policy.
In its Africa Outlook report, it said, “In Nigeria, an unsupportive monetary policy implies that the naira will remain under pressure, while the central bank lacks the firepower to adequately supply the market or clear a backlog of foreign exchange orders, which will keep foreign investors unnerved. High inflation and a continued spread with the parallel market will leave the exchange rate regime unstable and result in periodic devaluations.”
Recently, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, discussed Nigeria’s attempt to stablise its exchange rates. He said the bank was set to release new FX guidelines in the hope to save the market.
He said, “In order to ensure the proper functioning of domestic and foreign currency markets, clear, transparent, and harmonized rules governing market operations are essential. New foreign exchange guidelines and legislation will be developed, and extensive consultations will be conducted with banks and FX market operators before implementing any new requirements.”
Afrobeat sensation, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has topped the list of the most-searched artistes in Nigeria in 2023, followed by Khalid and Shallipopi.
This is according to the Google most searched list for 2023 released on Monday.
According to the list, Asake was the most searched artiste in Nigeria, and his hit single, ‘Lonely At The Top’, was the most searched song.
The top 10 most searched artistes are:
1. Asake
2. Khalid
3. Shallipopi
4. Seyi Vibez
5. Kizz Daniel
6. Portable
7. Spyro
8. Boy Spice
9. Odumodublvck
10. Ayra Starr
Top 10 most searched songs:
1. Lonely at the top – Asake
2. Reason – Omah Lay
3. My G – Kizz Daniel
4. Who is your guy – Spyro ft Tiwa Savage
5. Terminator – KIng Promise
6. Sability – Ayra Starr
7. Asiwaju – Ruga
8. Carry me go – Khalid ft Boy Spyce
9. Ojapiano – KCee
10.Rich till I die – Kizz Daniel