MultiChoice Group Ltd. has reported its third consecutive semi-annual loss, attributing the financial challenges to foreign exchange difficulties in Nigeria and persistent power outages in South Africa.
In a filing on Wednesday, Africa’s largest pay-tv company disclosed a net loss of 1.32 billion rand ($72.4 million) for the six months ending Sept. 30.
According to the company, the recorded loss is due to the poor performance of the naira against the dollar. The challenges in Nigeria stemmed from the mid-June decision to allow the Naira to trade more freely against the dollar, resulting in a 40% devaluation. This compelled MultiChoice to revalue inter-group loans, leading to foreign exchange losses.
What Multichoice said
- “After adding 1.4m new subscribers in FY23, subscriber growth in the Rest of Africa was more subdued in 1H FY24. This was due to the impact of inflationary pressures in key markets like Nigeria, and similar trends to previous periods which followed a FIFA World Cup or northern hemisphere football off-season.
- “ A total of 0.1m subscribers were added to end the period at 13.0m 90-day active subscribers. The active subscriber base was broadly stable at 8.9m subscribers and subscription revenues grew 14% organically. Revenue of ZAR10.5bn was flat (+13% organic) with a weaker ZAR against the USD on conversion, offsetting the impact of weaker local currencies relative to the USD.
- “The RoA(return on assets) segment delivered a trading profit of ZAR330m (+ZAR2.2bn YoY on an organic basis) which was underpinned by specific cost interventions around decoder subsidies and content costs.
- “Weaker currencies remained a significant impediment to improvements in profitability, with average first-half exchanges falling sharply against the USD.
- “The sharp fall of the naira resulted in a large proportion of the previously recognised losses incurred on cash remittances now being recorded in trading profit. The net effect of these forex movements was a negative ZAR1.6bn impact on the segment’s trading profit for the period.”
In addition to the currency woes, South Africa experienced rolling blackouts, contributing to a 5% decline in the number of active days per subscriber. This exacerbation further impacted MultiChoice’s financial performance during the specified period.
The company’s shares fell 0.6% in Johannesburg at close on Wednesday after plunging as much as 3.6% to a record.
MultiChoice plans a relaunch its Showmax streaming service in the second half of its financial year and a sports betting service in South Africa following the success of a similar offering in Nigeria.
[Nairametrics]
Olanrewaju Kolawole an indigene of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State believed he is the father of all the four children in his house.
His hope of fathering the four children jointly raised by his wife, Toyin Tella was dashed when the results of the DNA conducted on the four children were released.
The results of the DNA carried out at DDC DNA Diagnostic Center in Osogbo, Osun State capital, showed that the 44-year-old man is not the biological father of the four children.
This made Kolawole to cry out and seek help from well meaning Nigerians.
Kolawole and his estranged wife, Toyin Tella appeared on a live radio programme christened “Kokoro Alate”, anchored by Oriyomi Hamzat on Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Kolawole wept profusely after the DNA test results showed that none of the children was his biological child.
DAILY POST learnt that Kolawole and his wife, Toyin, got married in 2007 and the marriage produced four children.
Kolawole revealed that the DNA test on the first child revealed that the child did not belong to him.
He added that he subsequently carried out tests on the three other children, and all returned negative results.
He said, “I want Nigerians to come to my rescue because I must not suffer this in vain. I married Toyin in 2007 and gave birth to four children. She gave birth to four children, but none of them belong to me after findings from a DNA test.”
However, the wife disagreed with the results.
She said that she was not there when they took the sample and did not know which samples were taken.
“I don’t accept the result. I don’t accept it because I was not there when they took samples, and I don’t know which sample they took, so I don’t accept it. I can’t accept it because I know how I conceived those children,” she declared.
The above story is not a scene in any of the Nollywood movies but a true story of a family which has been shattered by alleged paternity fraud.
DAILY POST reports that this is not the first case of paternity fraud that will gain media attention in recent times.
In 2021, a case of alleged paternity fraud between the family of Mr. Tunde Thomas and the family of Mr. Adam Nuru gained media attention across the country.
It was alleged that Moyo Thomas who married Mr. Tunde Thomas was having a secret romantic affair with the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Mr. Adam Nuru.
It was claimed that the relationship between Moyo Thomas and Nuru started when the woman was an employee of FCMB.
Tunde Thomas had been legally married to Moyo Thomas, and it was generally believed then that the two children produced by the marriage were those of Mr Thomas.
It was reported that Moyo had informed her husband that she was leaving Nigeria for the United States with the kids only to inform him upon arrival that the children were not his but for the FCMB MD.
The news allegedly caused Mr Thomas to be down with a stroke and later cardiac arrest which led to his death.
However, Moyo later came up and dismissed the claims.
In her statement, she denied ever telling her late husband that he was not the father of her children.
“I write in reference to all the allegations and accusations that have recently been making the rounds on the internet and various social media platforms. I have refrained from responding to this matter for various reasons, one of which is to preserve the memories of Tunde who departed to be with his maker on December 16, 2020. Memories, not only to me, but to his children, who are still young, and to everybody who had a relationship with him.
“Just like any marriage, Tunde and I had a lot of differences in our marriage, some of which even led to police intervention. But I remain committed to keeping only positive memories of him. No one can ever understand what transpired between us or what each of us experienced in the marriage; like they say, it is he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches. In all of it, I never for once wished him bad. His untimely and sudden death is still a shock to me as it is to many others.
“On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is therefore deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his. The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in my place, or anyone’s place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.
“Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments.
“I do wish his family and friends the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss and I ask that we all be allowed to grieve his loss in peace. He has now been laid to rest and we implore all and sundry to please respect our privacy and allow those grieving his loss, including the children and I, to do so in peace,” she said.
On his part, Nuru, who opted to go on leave as the bank investigated the allegations, was also said to have denied the claims.
It was also reported in 2016 that an Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos granted the prayers of a 48-year-old artisan for the dissolution of his marriage after he confirmed that his second child belonged to another man.
The Court President, Mrs Omolara Abiola, separated the 10-year-old couple, having confirmed through a DNA test that the second child was not his.
In February this year, a Nollywood actor, Yomi Alore, also known as Yomi Gold, cried out for help over an alleged threat to his life following a paternity scandal with a Lagos big boy, Mosh and his wife Doyin Aduke.
These upsurge on cases of paternity fraud in many families across the have raised concern among Nigerians.
Nigerians express divergent views
There is popular belief that paternity fraud has rocked many families, although only few have been reported.
A lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Calabar, Pius Akah noted that it required a multi-faceted approach to address cases of paternity fraud in the country.
Akah, who doubled as National Auditor, Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) maintained that a combination of legal measures, educational initiatives and support services is needed to reduce the occurrence and impact of paternity fraud across the country.
“This revelation undoubtedly presents a profound emotional challenge for the 44-year-old man and his family.
“From a social worker’s standpoint, it’s crucial to approach this situation with empathy and a commitment to fostering understanding.
“Initial intervention might involve providing a safe space for the man to express his feelings and fears. Offering family counselling services can facilitate open dialogue, enabling all family members to navigate the complex emotions associated with this discovery.
“The focus should be on rebuilding trust, fostering resilience, and ensuring the well-being of the children involved. The social worker may also guide the family towards legal resources and help the man establish a supportive network to navigate this unexpected and emotionally charged journey.
“Overall, the objective is to promote healing, understanding, and ultimately, a path towards a healthier family dynamic.
“Addressing the issue of paternity fraud requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness campaigns can help individuals understand the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships.
“Legal reforms might focus on updating paternity testing regulations to ensure accurate and accessible methods.
“Counselling services should be readily available to support individuals and families navigating the emotional aftermath of such revelations.
“Additionally, promoting open communication and mutual respect within relationships can contribute to preventing such situations.
“Overall, a combination of legal measures, educational initiatives, and support services can work together to reduce the occurrence and impact of paternity fraud,” he told DAILY POST.
There should be regulation for the conduct of paternity tests – Marriage counsellor
A marriage counsellor, Mrs. Elizabeth Adamolekun noted that the government should rise up to the occasion by putting a regulation to control paternity tests.
She added that the government should be proactive enough to control how it is done.
She told DAILY POST that, “We need to look at it holistically. We need to find out if the equipment used and if the result is not influenced.
“If we are sure of that, then we need to look at the agreement between the couple before we conclude that the woman is at fault.
“We need to be sure if the man’s reproductive organs are in a good position and if it is fertile. There are some situations where the man’s sperm is not fertile and the man makes arrangements with his family members or friends to impregnate the woman.
“This case has gone beyond the family but the society at large. It shows the moral decadence in the society. The government should rise to the occasion.”
Court can order for DNA to be conducted – Lawyer
A Jos-based lawyer, Sam Tokz, noted that the law is clear on the issue of paternity of a child.
Toks, a former President of Students’ Union Government, University of Jos, while speaking with DAILY POST, maintained that the Supreme Court has held that there is a presumption of paternity of a child during a subsisting marriage.
He added that where there is suspicion on the paternity of a child, the Court can order for DNA to be conducted.
“Yes, the law is clear on issues of paternity of a child. The Supreme Court has held that there is a presumption of paternity of a child during a subsisting marriage.
“Where there is suspicion on the paternity of a child, the Court can order for DNA to be conducted, and this is at the court’s discretion. From the authorities I have read so far, it is more of civil liability than criminal liability. It all depends on the circumstances,” he said.
Men should normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child – Public health professional
A public health professional, Pharmacist Opeyemi Akindele advised men to save money for DNA testing if they do not trust their wife.
He also enjoined men to normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child.
He added that women who see any other man apart from their husbands should take emergency contraceptives after sex.
“We must come to a point where society accepts the value of abstaining from sex until marriage. It will prevent a lot of the issues.
“That said, a man who has not had sex for some weeks with the wife, if he suspects extramarital affairs, he should insist she does a pregnancy test before they can have sex again.
“This definitely sounds weird since lack of trust doesn’t make sense in marriage.
“Secondly, men should normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child. If you don’t trust your wife, then save up money for DNA testing. That will save you headaches.
“Women who see any other man apart from their husbands should take emergency contraceptives after sex to avoid this kind of situation.
“Emergency contraceptive drugs are widely available, affordable and supported by the Nigerian government,” he told DAILY POST.
There is no sin for the conduct of DNA if the husband is in doubt – Deaconess
A deaconess at one of the churches under Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oyo State, Mrs. Funmi Ogundipe, while speaking with DAILY POST, said there was nowhere that DNA is forbidden in the Holy Bible.
Ogundipe said that a husband can conduct DNA on his child if he is in doubt of their paternity status.
“When the husband is not sure of the paternity of his child, he can conduct DNA.
“There is no place in the bible that says DNA should not be conducted. It is a matter of choice. There should be trust among couples,” she stated.
[DailyPost]
Necessary sacrifices must be made to generate enough revenue and reduce Nigeria’s high deficit financing, the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, submitted yesterday.
He foreclosed government’s reliance on borrowing to fund the next year’s 2024 Budget, saying the cost of taking foreign loans would be too heavy for developing nations to shoulder.
Edun spoke when he appeared before the Senator Sani Musa-led joint Senate Committee scrutinising the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) in Abuja.
The minister made the assertions before the panel in the company of the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji and the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha before lawmakers called for a closed session.
Edun insisted that the best was for Nigeria to fund its annual budgets was to invest more money on revenue-generating infrastructure.
According to him, advanced countries have raised their interest rates to bring down inflation rate and to stabilise their economies, adding that accessing foreign loans will be very expensive for a developing countries to cope with.
Edun said: “Clearly the environment that we have now, internationally as well as nationally we are in no position to rely on borrowing.
“We have an existing borrowing profile. Our direction is to reduce the quantum of borrowing or intercepting deficit financing in the 2024 Budget.
“Simply put internationally there is focus among rich countries on bringing down the inflation rate to stabilize the economies and give them opportunity for investment growth.
“They are in the process, sacrificing that immediate goal for compacting their economies, or at least contracting the money supplies and pushing up the interest rates and of course high interest rates and investments don’t go together.
“What is left for us to access those funds are expensive. So, it is the last thing that we must rely on. “As we know we have all the figures on debt servicing and cushioning 98 per cent of government revenue.
“The last thing you can think of is to pile up more debts. The government needs to not just maintain its activity, it needs to spend more.
“If you look at government spending, if you look at the budget as a percentage of GDP, ours is one of the lowest being 10 per cent. Even Ghana is at 25 per cent while rich countries are at 50 per cent.
“The very rich countries have to be most advanced in terms of social safety nets and its social security system at 70 per cent of GDP. Government spending definitely will lead to increase.
“The number one source of revenue especially in short term, even in the medium term is all revenue.”
Musa earlier fears that the revenue projections of the ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government that have so far appeared before his panel were far less than what the Federal Government has proposed as income in the 2024 fiscal year.
He noted that going for external interventions would definitely not be an option because it would further push the country into deficit financing.
Musa said: “Currently there are lots of leakages in the use of government resources. A lot of funds being generated as revenues by most MDAs are not being remitted as at when due. Some even remit funds a year after they collected the money.
“The office of the Accountant General of the Federation should look properly in that direction. The current practice of delaying the remittances of revenues by the MDAs had created a room for the misappropriation of those funds.
“After meeting with the Nigerian Customs Service officials yesterday, we realise that there were lots of shortfalls they are experiencing as a result of incidences of waivers.
“We want to know who is issuing those waivers. Is it the FIRS or the Ministry of Finance? We are also interested in knowing details of the Customs modernization project, known as e-customs.
“The Senate Committee on Finance is interested in knowing the type of agreement that was signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“What is the value of the e-customs agreement? How much is Nigeria expecting? We are tired of judgement debts all over the place. We need to know the plans on ground to collect excise duties and other tariffs so that we won’t run a deficit budget again next year.”
[TheNation]
The Federal Government has linked the country’s foreign exchange scarcity to its low export earnings.
Speaking at the 40th annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors on Thursday, in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, said the government was planning to further diversify the economy.
The minister asserted that the country’s economy had been diversified, but expressed worry that foreign exchange revenue had yet to grow because oil had remained the major source of income.
“An important part of that is diversification. The economy is diversified as other sectors are increasingly contributing to the economy. But what is not diversified is our source of foreign exchange revenue.
“So, from all those sectors, whether telecommunications, transport or manufacturing, there are not enough foreign exchange earnings or enough savings to give us what we need, which is the positive balance of trade,” Edun enunciated.
He, however, noted that the current administration was ready to provide a stable economy.
“This means one that is growing more than the population growth, one where inflation is low, the exchange rate is stable, and a reasonable interest rate for people to borrow and invest in productive activities.
According to the minister, the country’s export earnings need to be greater than import expenditure so that it would have foreign exchange earnings with which to stabilise the currency.
He added foreign investors were not interested in improving the country’s foreign direct investment due to rising inflation in Western countries.
Edun maintained that the lack of investor appetite to invest in Nigeria may force the government to turn to the corporate world for solutions and investments.
According to Edun, the development is forcing the government to depend on “our domestic resource mobilisation”.
He claimed that the essence of attracting investment into the economy was to increase productivity, grow the economy, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
He said, “The government does not have the funding and the funding is not available internationally. They are not really interested and they have inflation to fight in the Western world, so they have to keep interest high, tighten the money supply and cannot not provide any kind of development financing at the level we need.
“When we talk about investment and attracting investment into the economy, we are not only talking about domestic investors but about foreign direct investments, private investment, and much more than what the multilateral organisations may have to offer.
“The big prize is to make our economy, institutions, and corporate governance such that it attracts people from around the world those interested and have surplus savings to invest in profitable ventures.”
On his part, a former Minister of Finance, Dr Olusegun Aganga, posited that Nigeria had the hallmark of a weak economy.
He said the bane of the economic growth was a lack of continuity and implementation of policies.
“The economy is the number one priority of any government. In some countries, elections are won or lost because of the economy. Our economy today is relatively small. It is not growing fast enough and is not inclusive.
“It has all the features of a weak economy; import dependent, weak and unstable macroeconomic environment, exports of primary products without value addition, among others,” he noted.
[Punch]
National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu says kidnapping has replaced armed robbery in Nigeria today because people no longer carry cash about.
The NSA who was addressing participants Thursday at Day Two of ongoing All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), 2023 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital said the trajectory of the nation’s insecurity was allowing Boko Haram, Banditry, Niger Delta and South East unrest to fester too long.
He said, “These are four massive security problems and each is capable of bringing us to our knees.
“If you have not noticed, kidnapping has replaced armed robbery. That is what is going on across the country. Now most armed robbers have turned into kidnappers. Don’t allow insecurity to remain part of you for a long time. It will destroy you.
“If you have noticed, kidnapping had replaced armed robbery in the country. That is what is happening now. And that is because people no longer carry cash. So armed men would rather kidnap you, so you can now bring the money out.”
He pointed out that when they came into office it was observed that almost 600 kidnap victims were not released for about two to three years, claiming that with the coming in of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, many are being released and much work being done to reduce the insecurity.
“Going forward we intend to run an open and transparent government. We also appeal to you (Media) for support. We are all this together”, he added.
Meanwhile, the scourge of insecurity continued yesterday as bandits abducted the District Head of Kujama and five others in Chikun Local Government Area, and injured two policemen at Birnin Gwari community in Kaduna State.
Also, a pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, Pastor David Musa, was killed by his abductors after the criminals collected N1,000,000 ransom from his family. Indeed, Enugu State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has threatened to embark on a strike over the kidnap of 10 doctors in the state in the last two months.
Senate summons NSA, service chiefs
To address Nigeria’s security problems, the Senate yesterday summoned the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff , other service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, as well as heads of all intelligence agencies to a crucial meeting.
The Senate took the decision after adopting and debating a motion, titled “Urgent need for the Improvement of the coordination and synergy among Nigerian Security Forces and Agencies to help strengthen and win the fight against Insecurity in the nation,” sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar ’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), at plenary.
While leading the debate on the motion, Yar’Adua noted that the contemporary security landscape in Nigeria posed unprecedented challenges that outstripped the protective capabilities of any security agency alone.
He urged all relevant security agencies, ministries departments and agencies, MDAs, to improve on their synergy to combat insurgency and other emerging security threats.
“Nigeria has various security agencies, aside from the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force. These include the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Nigerian Prisons Service, NPS, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and other authorised Civilian Task Forces.
“Additionally, Nigeria has other key security services that oversee both internal and external threats, the Department of State Service, DSS, the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, and the National Intelligence Agency, NIA.
“Nigeria faces numerous simultaneous security crises. These include Boko Haram in the North-East, the activities of bandits and kidnappers in the North-West; the activities of gunmen in the South-East and South-South, and other forms of criminality, such as armed robbery, herders/farmers clashes and cross-border crimes.”
Reign of terror, abductions, killings The federal lawmaker made reference to the several incidents of killings and kidnappings across Nigeria.
He made specific mention of an incident which occurred on October 23, 2023, where no fewer than five people were killed, and some others injured when bandits attacked the Anguwar Dankali community in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He continued: “We are aware of the kidnapping of Major General RC Duru (retired) in Owerri, Imo State on September 27, 2023, by members of IPOB, and the overall nefarious acts of the proscribed outfits, and the much-touted ‘unknown gunmen’ in the Eastern part of the country.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 9 to 16 October 2023 neutralised bandit/armed robbers and arrested 59 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, railway vandalism, gun-running, illegal mining as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.
“According to reports, on October 18, 2023, no fewer than 50 people, including a district head, women, and children, were abducted while three others were reportedly killed in an attack by bandits in Bagega, a mining village in Zamfara State.
“Just recently, on October 20, 2023, bandits in their numbers raided Danmusa town, the headquarters of Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing seven people, and injuring 10 and kidnapped a yet to be ascertained number of people.
“Furthermore, the bandits also attacked the people of Wurma, Tamawa and Dadawa villages in Kurfi LGA killing people and rustling cattle.”
He equally noted that the main task before security agencies should be to make Nigeria safe for citizens and residents.
Yar’Adua explained that this could only be accomplished if all security and allied agencies and parastatals crucial to national security collaborated under a single command structure to ensure the nation was secure from internal and external threats.
This kind of coordinated effort, he said, also strengthened the interdependence and interrelatedness of security agencies. After contributions from senators across party lines, the Senate resolved to invite the security chiefs for a closed session to discuss the challenges and find a way forward.
Earlier, senators had urged the various security agencies in Nigeria, both military and paramilitary, to improve and enhance their inter-operational synergy and coordination for effective and holistic tackling of the various types of insecurity facing the nation.
[Vanguard]
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ites yesterday clashed with men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during a pro-Palestine protest in Kaduna.
Although the Shiite protesters claimed that the two of their members were killed, the state police command said one civilian, it identified as Aliyu, was killed.
The police accused members of the IMN of firing at their personnel who were drafted to disperse the “illegal” protesters.
The protesters were out to declare their unalloyed support for the ‘oppressed’ people of Palestine, they said.
When contacted, the command’s public relations officer, ASP Mansur Hassan said, “It is a lie to say that Police killed two Shi’ite members. We were only out to disperse the protesters because IMN is a proscribed organisation in Kaduna State. They were protesting against the Israel and Palestine war, but this is not Israel, this is Kaduna.
“On the contrary, it was the IMN members that started firing at our men. They fired catapults with pellets at our men. In the process they (Shi’ites) killed one civilian identified as Aliyu. They blocked the road, attacked innocent civilians passing by.”
IMN members who started their protest from the premises of the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) marched through Muhammadu Buhari Way to the office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to submit their protest letter.
A few minutes after the protest commenced, men of the Nigeria Police engaged the protesters, firing teargas and shooting into the air to disperse them.
Speaking during the protest, their leader, Aliyu Umar Tirmizi said,
“The Israeli occupiers have for the past 75 years been unleashing genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid on the unarmed civilians that include men, women and children.
“They have murdered thousands of children and the aged and have demolished houses and worship places of innocent civilians. The Zionist Israel has abused the sanctity of the holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa and terrorized innocent worshipers that visit the place.
“In recent times the Zionist Israel has increased its atrocities on the good people of Palestine where they have been using internationally banned weapons on innocent civilians and even attacked hospitals killing innocent people. These atrocities are committed with full knowledge of the so-called United Nations who have remained silent and subservient to the wicked plots of the Zionist regime.
“It is an understatement to say that the United States of America is providing funds in the name of military aid worth $3.27 billion annually to Israel. The oppressed people of Palestine and indeed human minded people from all over the world have risen against these atrocities,” he said.
The protesters carried placards and white clothes wrapped like dead babies with blood stains, symbolizing the children killed in the Israel/Palestine war. They were chanting death to Israel, support for Palestine.
The first Miss Nigeria beauty pageant winner, Grace Oyelude, was honored on her 93rd birthday, as announced by the Miss Nigeria Organisation in an Instagram post on Thursday, November 16th.
The caption read, “We are immensely delighted to celebrate the evergreen beauty and brave leader, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, on her 93rd birthday.
“Her courage, resolve, and great strength of character are excellent qualities that have endeared her to us and many others.
“Happy birthday, once again, to the first Miss Nigeria, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude.
“Thank you for paving the way and setting the standards that all Miss Nigeria Queens walkthrough, as well as your priceless contributions towards women’s empowerment.”
There is no respite yet for the nation’s currency as the naira recorded the biggest fall in recent times exchanging for N1,105 at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved official market.
The currency depreciated by over N200 within hours after it opened earlier in the day at N830. However, the fall would not last as the currency bounced back, closing at 841.14 yesterday.
According to Reuters, the sharp depreciation of the currency yesterday brought “The official exchange rate within touching distance of the parallel market rate.”
At the parallel market, Daily Trust reports that dollars opened at N1,135 and closed at N1,150 to N1,200.
One of the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators at a popular market in Lagos, Alhaji Hassan Sabo said, “Today we are buying at N1,100 and selling at N1,150.”
Asked on the prospect of the rate dropping, he said, “It cannot come down like that because the dollar is not available, some are not even selling at the rates I just gave you. It might even go up tomorrow.”
A capital market analyst, Samuel Showunmi said the government should return to multiple exchange rates to push the dollars into the market through the BDC.
“What we are seeing now with the banks is currency racketeering within the banking sector as well,” he said.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will clash in a “historic” fight for the undisputed heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia on February 17, it has been announced.
British star Fury will put his WBC belt, Lineal heavyweight belts on the line, while the WBA, IBF and WBO titles held by Ukraine’s Usyk will be up for grabs in Riyadh.
The winner will be crowned the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis who reigned from 1999 to 2000.
Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, were originally expected to clash on December 23 but Fury’s poor displayed in a split-decision victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou last month forced a delay.
The pair will finally step into the ring in 2024 as Fury looks to add to his record of 34 wins with one draw since turning professional in 2008.
“This is a historic event. The whole world of boxing has been waiting for many, many years, and they now have this fight,” Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told reporters at a press conference in London on Thursday.
“For the first time this century, we will have an undisputed heavyweight champion.
“As a promoter I’ve been banging my head against the wall. But now we have the creme de la creme. These two undefeated heavyweight fighters.”
In typically combative mood at the press conference, Fury referenced his 2015 victory over Usyk’s fellow Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, which earned him the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.
“I already relieved one Ukrainian of all the belts, and now I’m going to take them all back,” Fury said.
“Usyk’s a champion, I’m a champion. It’s going to be a fight for the ages.”
Fury believes a victory over Usyk would cement his status as one of the all-time greats.
“He’s a good boxer, slick. But I’ve seen people like him before, and when they fight the big man, they lose,” he said.
“I believe we’re both destined to be here. I’m destined to become the undisputed champion, and more than that, cement my legacy.”
Usyk kept his cool amid Fury’s insults, which included taking swipes at his opponent’s height and his ear-ring.
“Yes I’m a little man. I’ll speak in the ring,” Usyk said.
Fury has held the WBC belt since he defeated Deontay Wilder in 2020 and has defended the title three times.
He stopped Dillian Whyte at Wembley in April 2022 and beat Derek Chisora at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium eight months later.
Usyk, who has won all 21 of his fights, has been the WBA, IBF and WBO title holder since defeating Anthony Joshua in 2021.
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists in Aniocha South and Ika South Local Government Areas of the state.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, November 16, 2023, said three locally-made cut to size guns, one AK-47 magazine, five rounds of ammunition and substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the suspects.
“On 12/11/2023 at about 0500hrs, operatives of Agbor Area Command while acting on credible intelligence, stormed Kelubia Street Agbor-Obi where they apprehended four suspects: Ogbolu Peter ‘m’, Justice Nmor ‘m’, Precious Odilu ‘m’, Queen Mba ‘f’, all of Agbor Community, and aged 35, 28, 26, and 27 years respectively,” the statement read.
"Preliminary investigation led to the search of their premises during which two (2) locally made cut-to-size guns, one AK-47 magazine loaded with five (5) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three (3) rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two (2) live cartridges, two (2) Vikings secret cult berets, and ten (10) wraps of weed suspected to be Indian Hemp were recovered.
“The suspects and exhibits are in custody, and investigation has commenced as efforts are being made to arrest other members of the criminal gang.”
In another development, members of Crack Squad received information about a cult activity at Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku Road.
Upon arrival, the members of Crack Squad cordoned off the premises and arrested one Chigozie John 'm' aged 36 years, and recovered one locally made cut-to-size gun with one live cartridge.
The suspect admitted being a member of Aro Bagger Confraternity. Meanwhile, further investigation is in process, as efforts are being made to arrest other cult members operating within the state.
Reacting to the arrest, CP Wale Abass hailed the successes achieved as well as the tenacity of the operatives in the execution of their duties.
He further called on the assistance of the public in the speedy eradication of firearms and ammunition, stating that the opportunity given by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM for persons in possession of firearms to return to the nearest police station is still open, noting that criminal activities will not be tolerated in the state.
The police boss issued a warning to residents, particularly the youths in the State to shun cultism and other related vices, stating that the Command will not relent in identifying, arresting, and bringing them to justice.
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Real life “miracle” witnessed as statue of Virgin Mary is filmed “crying” with eyes turning “red”
AdminChurchgoers are claiming they witnessed a miracle after a small statue of the Virgin Mary appeared to shed tears in a church.
The “crying” figure in El Chanal, Mexico, has attracted believers and sceptics, with hundreds reportedly visiting the church to witness the weeping Virgin.
Videos on social media show water droplets seemingly coming out of the statue's eyes and running down its face.
Local resident Victor Ramos said: "Similarly, when we cry, and our eyes become red, the same happens to the image. So a couple of tears started flowing. This is the event, the phenomenon that is happening here in the church."
Many associate the tears with the prevailing insecurity in the state of Colima, currently immersed in a wave of violence.
Victor added: "We can associate it with... the violence rates that are being experienced here in the state of Colima, also here in the community."
Real life ?miracle? witnessed as statue of Virgin Mary is filmed ?crying? with eyes turning ?red?
As of October this year, 702 confirmed intentional homicides had been recorded by the Colima Prosecutor's Office.
Visitor Maria Mercedes Hernandez said: "Peace, may she give us peace in Colima and throughout the world, that we may return to the Colima of before."
Sceptics have said there could be a scientific reason behind the crying statue.
Professor Luigi Garlaschelli pointed out that certain statues can soak up water due to the porous materials they're made from.
Garlaschelli explained: "You need a hollow statue made of plaster or ceramic, which must be covered on the outside with a waterproof layer.
"By filling the statue with water through an imperceptible hole at the top, the porous material will absorb it, but the outer layer will prevent it from coming out.
“However, if a slight scratch is made in the protective glaze in the tear duct area, the absorbed water will come out through it as if it were tears.”
Malawi's President, Lazarus Chakwera has suspended with immediate effect all international travel for himself and his government in a bid to save money.
The president disclosed this during a televised address on Thursday, November 16.
The measure follows a huge devaluation of the currency as Malawi secures a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to boost its ailing economy.
Mr Chakwera has also ordered all ministers currently abroad to return home.
Fuel allowances for senior government officials have been cut by 50%.
Malawi's economy has been undergoing turbulent times, characterised by an acute shortage of petrol and diesel, as well as high inflation.
Mr Chakwera said the measures would remain in place until the end of the financial year in March 2024.
As part of moves to ease the cost-of-living crisis, the president has asked the finance minister to make provisions for a reasonable wage increase for all civil servants in the next budget review.
He has also ordered a lowering of income tax on individuals in the upcoming budget, to help workers whose incomes have lost value.
Gunmen who kidnapped Mr. Isaac Bature Gbaja, an Assistant Manager with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Lafia, Nasarawa State branch, have demanded N10m ransom.
Gbaja was kidnapped alongside two other persons on Monday night, November 13, 2023.
A close associate to the CBN staff who pleaded for anonymity told Daily Trust that Mr. Gbaja was abducted alongside the other victims around 8pm at his wife’s joint near MACFES Royal Suites, along Kwandere Road, Tudun Gwandara, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
“Three Fulani guys, wearing face masks came from nowhere and leaned on the CBN staff’s car, then asked those at the joint who owned this car, they answered that they don’t know the owner. So the kidnappers said since they don’t know the owner of the car all of them (customers), including the shop owner should stand up and let them go. That’s how they were taken away,” the source said.
According to him, the woman told them that the kidnappers were about ten in number, three came and effected the kidnap, then others joined them, as they took their victims on bush parts.
He disclosed that two hours after the incident, the Gbaja's wife was released by the kidnappers to go and source for 10 million naira to secure the release of her husband.
The source said a total of five persons were kidnapped, one escaped, the woman was released, while they went away with the CBN staff and two others.
I was legitimately married, welcomed by my husband's family - Actress Rita Edochie throws shade at 'back door' wife
AdminActress Rita Edochie has taken to her Instagram page to throw shade.
She shared a picture of herself and her husband Comr Tony Edochie on their wedding day 33 years ago, and stated that she was welcomed by all and sundry in her husband's family, "unlike some persons who thought they could come through the back door," as a wife.
She wrote;
‘’EVERYWHERE DEY QUITE
WETIN DEY HAPPEN NOW ?
LEGITIMATELY MARRIED AT AGE 22 IN 1990
(WEDDING)
WAS WELCOMED AND ACCEPTED BY ALL AND SUNDRY RIGHT IN MY GREAT HUSBAND'S FAMILY
COMR. TONY EDOCHIE
(BOTH NUCLEAR AND EXTENDED)
UNLIKE SOME PERSONS WHO THOUGHT THEY COULD COME IN THROUGH THE BACK DOOR.... JUST DEY PLAY.....''
