Afrobeats megastar, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido is set to perform at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) event.
UNGA is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as its main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ with its headquarter in New York.
In a post via X on Tuesday, Davido announced he will be performing at one of the events at the UNGA tonight.
The Grammy-nominated artiste also urged his fans to anticipate his performance.
“Touch down New York City for the @UN General Assembly. My first time attending should be interesting,” he wrote.
“Also performing tonight at one of the events ! Catch me if u can!”
Davido’s announcement comes a few days after DJ Cuppy, the Nigerian disc jockey, made history at the UNGA. She hosted an opening session at the event.
During her session, Cuppy emphasized the importance of engaging young people worldwide in meaningful conversations.
She revealed her passion for quality education — the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4).
The disc jockey also highlighted her foundation’s efforts in funding education for underprivileged Africans.
After her keynote session, Cuppy also gave a musical performance at the event.
[PM News]
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to meet its pending demands as contained in the agreements between both parties or risk facing a fresh strike action.
ASUU, in a statement on Wednesday by its president, Professor Emmanuel Osodoke, accused the federal government of not showing commitment to executing the agreements with the union, some of which date as far back as 2009.
It urged the government to pay the withheld salaries due to the 2022 strike action and stop exhibiting delay tactics.
The University academic union is also seeking the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021.
ASUU, in its statement on Wednesday, said if its demands are not satisfactorily met in two weeks time, its members will embark on strike, which would cripple academic activities in the nation’s public universities.
“In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union.
“The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from the government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud,” ASUU said
ASUU is also demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
Its demands also include funding for the revitalization of public universities, partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.
Other grievances of ASUU are the proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments, the implementation of the reports of visitation panels to universities, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.
[NaijaNews]
Galatasaray are working on securing the services of Nigerian star, Victor Osimhen permanently, despite previous reports suggesting that the Napoli loanee might leave the Turkish side during the winter transfer window.
There have been reports about certain clauses in Victor Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray, allowing him to pursue a move to a top European club on a permanent deal in January.
Though Osimhen’s release clause has reportedly been reduced to €75 million, retaining him beyond the current season could pose a significant challenge for Galatasaray, given the continued interest from clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Chelsea.
However, the deputy chairman of Galatasaray, Ibrahim Hatipoğlu, has dismissed rumours of the striker’s potential departure from the club in January, emphasizing that the side is committed to retaining Osimhen beyond this season.
In an interview with Turkish outlet NTVSpor, Hatipoğlu said the 25-year-old Nigeria international is contented at Galatasaray.
The football administrator said, “Osimhen’s departure in January is not under consideration. We are making plans for Osimhen to continue playing with us next season as well. Osimhen is dedicated to Galatasaray and demonstrates his commitment in every match.
“A player performs best where they are happy. Osimhen is under contract with us until the end of the season and is delighted to be at Galatasaray. Instead of speculating about his departure, we should focus on how he will contribute in the upcoming seasons. There’s no need to discuss his potential departure during the break.”
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli during the final hours of the summer transfer window, resolving his prolonged summer transfer saga.
He has already contributed two assists in as many games for Galatasaray and is eager to secure his first goal for the club as they face PAOK in a Europa League match at 8 p.m. later today, September 25.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again raised the benchmark interest rate by a half percentage point to 27.25 percent, marking the fifth consecutive rise despite slowing inflation.
The CBN has so far raised the monetary policy rate – a rate set by policymakers to control money supply in the economy – by a combined 850 basis points from 18.75 percent last July, reaching the highest ever recorded in the country.
The continued rise in the interest rate, though aimed to combat inflationary pressures and stabilise the economy, has far-reaching consequences on businesses with households grappling with its passthrough effect.
Babatunde Adesanya, an economist with the University of Abuja said raising the lending rates is geared towards slowing rising inflation “going by conventional belief”.
“But the challenge of inflation in Nigeria is not just a monetary problem. Other problems such as corruption and mismanagement in fiscal sector are also causing inflation in Nigeria,” he said.
Raising MPR halts soaring inflation
Africa’s biggest economy has been struggling with rising prices for the past 19 months which has led to widespread discontent before beginning to decelerate in July from almost 40 percent.
The National Bureau of Statistics report shows that Nigeria’s headline inflation eases to a six month low of 33.59 percent in August, marking the second consecutive decline in nearly two years.
But with a hike in MPR, the CBN is maintaining a stricter monetary control to rein in the stubbornly high inflation.
Marvelous Ige, a financial analyst at Lagos-based investment firm, Commercio Partners, explained that since inflation is defined as “too much money pursuing few goods”, the goal of high interest rates is to reduce the money in circulation in order to control inflation.
“The CBN raises interest rates to tackle inflation, hence lessening cost of living crisis. The approach also reduces frivolous spending and protect or restore purchasing power,” said Samson G Simon, chief economist at ARKK Economics and Data Limited.
For many analysts, the recent drop in Nigeria’s consumer prices is largely attributed to the decline in food inflation, supported by the ongoing harvest season on food supply and not by monetary tightening.
Reduction in business expansion and loss of jobs
While raising benchmark interest rates helps in slowing inflation and reigniting purchasing power, it could also hamper business growth.
Nigeria is a country where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for 96 percent of its business activities and provide more than 80 percent employment opportunities.
But with a tightening monetary conditions, credit will be accessed at higher rates, discouraging business expansion and fueling the already high unemployment rate.
“By hiking inflation rates, credits are discouraged since they are now more costly to obtain. However, what really happens is that certain manufacturers go on with obtaining credits/loans at high costs.
“The increased cost of borrowing will be passed down to final consumers in form of higher prices,” Ige said
“For consumers, higher costs of borrowing means reduced access to finance to fund their personal demands/projects.” the finance expert added.
According to Simon, cited earlier, the 50 basis points hike in lending rates will lead to higher cost of credit resulting in less business expansion for a country where small businesses contribute almost 50 percent to its GDP.
“It will result in contraction or slowing down economic growth and higher unemployment,” the economist added.
Echoing same sentiment, Adedotun Adesile, a US-based finance analyst said high lending rates may lead to slower economic growth as it reduces business investment and expansion.
“This will invariably lead to increased unemployment as businesses cut costs due to higher borrowing expenses,” he added.
Increased FX inflows and stable naira
A higher interest rate environment is expected to drive in dollar liquidity as investors will be in search for a market that gives higher returns on investment.
This inflows is will ensure the stability of the naira and improves consumers’ spending power.
Nigeria’s naira has suffered a 70 percent devaluation since it was allowed to trade freely and made its value to be determined by market forces last June.
The naira, though predicted to appreciate to between 1,350/1,450 per US dollar before the year runs out, is for the past weeks trading above N1,500 at the official market and N1,600 at the parallel market.
“The continuous hike in MPR should increase FX inflows from foreign investments and improve the value of the naira or at least stabilise its value,” Simon said.
He however added that with an increased monetary rate environment, cases of non-performing loans and payment defaults become higher.
High interest rates gives higher returns
In a high-interest rate environment, individuals with excess funds in savings accounts, fixed deposits, or other interest-earning financial instruments benefit from higher returns.
This means they earn more interest income on their savings, making it more attractive to save rather than spend. However, this can also mean higher borrowing costs for loans and mortgages.
Adesile explained that a high interest rates environment gives higher returns on deposits as savings accounts and fixed deposits earn more interest.
“Bonds, debentures, and other fixed-income securities become more appealing,” the financial analysts said.
“It’s not all bad news, a high interest rate environment means higher interest income for individuals with excess funds. They can fix their monies in financial instruments and earn higher interest income,” Ige, earlier cited said.
[BusinessDay]
Fresh queues have surfaced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving motorists spending hours to buy Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), aka petrol.
This followed the closure of many filling stations operated by independent marketers.
Findings by Daily Trust on Tuesday evening, showed that many filling stations in Abuja did not open, while there were long queues at the few stations that dispensed the product, particularly those operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and some major oil marketers.
Outlets such as the NNPC mega station on the Katampe axis of the Zuba-Kubwa Expressway, AP station along Aguiyi Ironsi Street in the city centre, and NIPCO filling station also along the Zuba-Kubwa expressway, among others, had massive queues.
The situation left scores of residents stranded at various bus stops.
It has also created a lucrative environment for black marketers, exploiting the situation to make exorbitant profits.
Quoting sources, PUNCH reported that members of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) had lifted over 50 million litres of PMS from the Dangote Refinery in the past week.
Speaking during a webinar on Tuesday, Huub Stokman, Chairman of MEMAN, confirmed that major marketers have started loading the product from the refinery.
However, Stokman did not reveal whether or not the marketers were buying directly from Dangote or from the product bought by the NNPCL.
“I can tell you that we have started loading PMS from Dangote refinery. Our members have lifted millions of litres from Dangote,” he said.
[DailyTrust]
Maverick singer, Seun Kuti has revealed the role he played in the ongoing saga between controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, and popular influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.
Recall that VDM, on Tuesday night, released a voice recording allegedly by Bobrisky claiming he bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with N15m to drop the money laundering charge against him.
In the recording, Bobrisky also claimed that he never spent a day in prison after he was convicted and sentenced to a six-month imprisonment, stressing that his godfather arranged for him to serve his term in a lodge instead of a jail.
However, Bobrisky debunked the claims on Wednesday morning, saying that the viral recording was fake because he served his term in prison.
Reacting, Seun Kuti revealed that he was the one who urged VeryDarkMan to expose Bobrisky after he informed him about the existence of the recording.
Speaking during an Instagram live session, Kuti said, “You people are late to the party, I was the first person VeryDarkMan informed about the story. I gave him the go-ahead to expose Bobrisky.”
Meanwhile, the EFCC has summoned Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan over the N15 million bribery allegation against its personnel.
The duo were invited to the EFCC’s Lagos State office to provide information and assist with the ongoing investigation.
[DailyPost]
Renowned comedian Atunyota Akpobome, aka Ali Baba, has opened up about welcoming triplets at 59.
In a recent conversation on the Leadership Podcast, Ali Baba said he and his wife, Mary, initially planned to have one more son, driven by Mary’s desire for another child after their kids left for abroad to study.
The couple considered adoption but opted for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) instead, intending to fertilise two eggs.
However, fate had other plans as one egg split into two, resulting in triplets.
Recounting Mary’s persuasive argument that influenced his decision, Ali Baba said: “Madam had always wanted to have a son. She had two daughters and we talked about it.
“So, I told her I didn’t want to be having school runs, joining Wizkid and attending PTA meetings. One truth is the nest becomes empty when all the children have to go abroad to study and the discussion comes up again.
“By the way, she had wanted to adopt two or three children to take care of them. One day, she then said instead of adopting, let’s just have our own. I was like, OK, but the way the economy is and she replied, ‘you said the economy is bad,’ I said yes and she said, have you stopped paying house rent for people? I said no. She asked again, “Have you stopped paying school fees?” and I said no.
“We have a foundation, the Purple Girl Foundation, taking care of over 120 people in schools from primary to university. Beyond that foundation, we have people we are paying school fees for and people we are sending to law school. So, she said all those people you are helping, do you remember the economy?
“She said if you think about it, the reason why God put you in this position might be more than taking care of yourself. So I said okay, let’s do one and she now said if we do one you know that IVFD fails so let’s do two.
“So, I said, let’s do two and then one of the eggs split into two and that was how it became three. When it became three she and the doctor knew that it had become three but they didn’t want to tell me. So they they were like sometimes when we ask God for one million, he gives you two million. When God want to bless you you don’t know how he wants to bless you, he will just do.
“So, I was like where is this going? She said the eggs split into two and I said it was two we were looking for and she said it is now three. Then we have three boys.”
[TheNation]
France World Cup winner Raphael Varane on Tuesday announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United center-back Varane had joined Italian club Como for this season but was then excluded from their Serie A squad having suffered a knee injury in August.
“A new life begins off the pitch,” Varane said on social media.
“I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads.
“Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon,” the four-time Champions League winner added.
AFP
A former female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, has asked the Nigerian Army to publish the outcome of its investigation on alleged sexual harassment.
Ruth Ogunleye had accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment.
In January 2024, Ruth Ogunleye via her TikTok page, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, Ogunleye alleged that Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo had made her life unbearable.
She specifically accused Abdulkareem of making repeated attempts to assault her, administering injections against her will, forcibly removing her from her residence, and confining her to a psychiatric hospital for several months after she rejected his sexual advances.
Reacting to her claims on Tuesday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a press conference, noted that the outcome of the investigation has invalidated Ruth Ogunleye’s claims.
Nwachukwu said that after an exhaustive review of the facts, testimonies, and evidence presented, it was determined that Abdulkareem did not commit the offences alleged by Ogunleye, noting that medical reports following an evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja indicated that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable.
But reacting to the above claims Ogunleye via her TikTok account urged the Nigerian army to publish the outcome of the investigation.
In her words: “I want to say a big thank you to the Nigerian Army and its spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu. It is no longer news that I was discharged from the service on June 15, 2024. I humbly request that the Nigerian Army publish the outcome of the investigation that led to my discharge.
“On January 9, 2024, I came on social media to complain about how I was harassed by Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo. I beg the Nigerian Army to post the outcome of the investigation on its social media platforms so that the whole world will know what truly transpired and what led to my discharge. I will be very grateful if my request is considered.
Urges Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy to intervene
“I’m calling out the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy. You’re not just a mother, you’re a woman everybody respects so much. Please come out and say things as they are. Ma, you requested me to leave the job, and I submitted my handwritten voluntary resignation letter to you, which you gave to the Army, and requested that they release me to your office. The psychiatric doctors were there when you intervened.
“Come out and tell the truth, ma. Thereafter, the Chief of Army Staff called me on July 1, where he told me he converted my voluntary discharge to a medical discharge because you wanted me to benefit from pension and other entitlements. How was I boarded out, and where is this mental illness coming from?”
[Vanguard]
President Bola Tinubu has called for inclusivity, multilateralism and permanent seats for Nigeria and Africa on the United Nations security council.
Africa has long clamoured for equal representation on the council.
Each year, the UNGA elects five new members from different geographical zones for two-year terms on the council. The continent has three rotational seats on the 15-member UN body.
Speaking at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said a reform of the council has become imperative.
“Some permanent members of the United Nations security council have offered encouraging, if tentative indications of support on the issue of reform of the council. We welcome the change in tone and urge an acceleration in momentum to the process,” he said.
“The security council should be expanded, in the permanent and non-permanent member categories, to reflect the diversity and plurality of the world. We fully support the efforts of secretary-general Guterres in this regard.
“Africa must be accorded the respect that it deserves in the security council. Our continent deserves a place in the permanent members category of the security council, with the same rights and responsibilities as other permanent members.”
Tinubu also sought for debt forgiveness for Nigeria and a reform of the global financial architecture.
“We reiterate the call by countries, especially of the global South, for reform of the international financial architecture and promotion of a rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent multilateral trading system,” the president said.
“Similarly, we must ensure that any reform of the international financial system includes comprehensive debt relief measures, to enable sustainable financing for development.
“Countries of the global South cannot make meaningful economic progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden.”
ILLICIT FINANCIAL FLOWS
Tinubu also harped on the dangers of climate change, proliferation of weapons, coups on the African continent and human rights abuses.
“From last year’s summit, and indeed from previous years, we have carried over the numerous challenges of terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, racial discrimination, human rights abuses, food crises, hunger, irregular migration, piracy, global pandemics, hyper-inflation, nuclear proliferation, grinding debt burden, climate change, and a host of other vexations,” he added.
“The continued manifestation of these challenges testifies to our failings rather than to any lofty achievements on our part. Billions of dollars are being committed to the prosecution of wars and the fanning of the embers of conflict.
“Our people need employment. They need decent livelihoods. They desire good and affordable education and healthcare for their children and families. They need to live in healthy, safe and secure environments. They need hope and they need opportunity.”
The president also spoke about recovery of the proceeds of corruption and illicit financial flows, maintaining that the return of such funds to countries of origin “is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption”.
“Therefore, the international community must promote practical measures to strengthen international cooperation to recover and return stolen assets and to eradicate safe havens that facilitate illicit flows of funds from developing countries to the developed economies,” he added.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Shettima also solicited the support of Finland in Nigeria’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the UN security council.
During a meeting with President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, Shettima said: “Nigeria has 25 years of uninterrupted democracy. And in Bola Tinubu a president with huge democratic credentials and commitment. With him in the saddle, Africa and the larger world would be safe, futuristic, acceptable and more peaceful.”
[TheCable]
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Professor of Medical Law and Ethics, University of Abuja Professor Uwakwe Abugu has promised to work with the management of the institution in ensuring that her Law Faculty becomes the best in Nigeria
Speaking shortly after he emerged the new Dean of the Faculty of Law in a keenly contested election, Professor Abugu said he was prepared to build on the existing infrastructures in the institution and make the faculty the “first choice”.
Abugu, the Head of the Department of Private and Property Law, Professor Uwakwe Abugu, succeeded Prof. Abdurasheed Musa Yusuf, a Prof. of Islamic Law.
He commended Prof. Yusuf, immediate past Dean for his remarkable achievements and contributions to the Faculty. He also praised Prof. Muktar, for his significant impact on various aspects of the faculty while serving as Dean.
The new Dean was the Vice Chancellor of Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State while Muktar, was a former Dean of the Faculty and one time Deputy-Vice Chancellor, (Academics) of UNIABUJA.
“While I’m commending my predecessors in office for their outstanding contributions to the development and positioning of the faculty, I promise to build on their achievements and take it further. One of my cardinal plans is to work with the management of the University to improve on infrastructural development as well as making sure that UNIABUJA Law Faculty becomes the Faculty of first choice,” he stated.
Abugu, a Director of Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace Leadership and Development Studies, University of Abuja, obtained his first degree in Law from University of Calabar in 1994.
He came out in Second Class (Honours) Upper Division and won several prizes and awards for brilliant academic performance and the best graduating student in seven courses, including Land Law. On graduation at the Nigerian Law School, where he won two awards for the Best Graduating Student in Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure, Abugu was invited alongside five other best graduating students in the Bar Final Examination to compete for the Danley Alexander Scholarship.
After obtaining his Master of Laws (L.LM) Degree from the Obafemin Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Abugu joined the academic staff of the University of Ilorin as an Assistant Lecturer.
Prof. Abugu once served as Special Assistant to Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Among other professional offices and recognitions, the new Dean is; Director General, Institute of Medical and Health Law(IMHL), President, Medical Law Professionals Association of Nigeria (MELPAN) and President, Lifeline Centre for Medical and Health Rights Advocacy. He is also a Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration; and Associate, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
Prof. Abugu, who is the author of Land Use and Reform in Nigeria: Law and Practice(2012), has published widely in both local and international journals.
He is happily married to his Learned Friend, Barr. Nkechi Uwakwe-Abugu and they are blessed with two children, Nmachinemelum and Jidechukwu.
[DailyIndependent]
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31 to give its verdict regarding a lawsuit aimed at removing Chiedu Ebie from his position as Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) due to allegations of improper appointment.
Naija News reports that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the judgement day today during the court session following the submission of written addresses by the parties involved, which served as their arguments for and against the originating summons.
It is worth noting that certain communities from the Niger Delta have initiated legal action against President Bola Tinubu, claiming that he breached the NDDC Act by appointing Ebie to the position.
The plaintiffs, representing communities from Bayelsa and Delta States, contended in court that Ebie is unqualified for the role of Board Chairman, as he does not hail from “the oil-producing area with the highest quantum of oil production.”
The individuals who filed the lawsuit include Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei, acting on behalf of themselves and the communities of Bisangbene, Agge, and Amatu1 in the Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The respondents in the case include President Tinubu, the Senate President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NDDC, and Ebie, listed as the 1st to 5th respondents, respectively.
Additionally, Jerry Mulade-Aroh, representing Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr. Jolomi Itsekure, representing Itsekiri oil and gas-producing communities, and Friday Ugedi, representing Egbema Kingdom, all from Delta, have sought to be included as plaintiffs in the case.
During the proceedings on Tuesday, the plaintiffs, through their attorney Mr. Egberipou Sotonye Barakemi, requested the court to reject the preliminary objection raised by President Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, asserting that the entire case against all respondents should be dismissed for lack of merit.
Maimuna Lami Ashiru, representing President Tinubu, along with Umaru Jibril, who stands for the Attorney General of the Federation, and Emmanuel Akumaye, representing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ebie, collectively urged the court to dismiss the case on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction.
Following the presentations from all parties involved, Justice Abdulmalik announced that the ruling on the preliminary objection, as well as the judgment regarding the main suit, would be delivered on October 31 of this year.
The case, designated as FHC/ABJ/CS/28/2024 and filed on January 11, 2024, involves plaintiffs who allege that both President Tinubu and the National Assembly violated the NDDC Act by screening and appointing Ebie Chiedu as the Chairman of the NDDC Board.
The plaintiffs contended that while Ebie hails from an oil-producing state, he is not eligible for the position of board chairman as he does not originate from the highest oil-producing region.
In the affidavit deposed in support of the suit, the plaintiffs averred that Ebie’s appointment “Was done in error and is against the clear provisions of the law.
“That the screening and confirmation of the 5th defendant by the Nigerian Senate was also done in error and was against the clear provisions of the law.
“That as a result of the facts above and in particular the facts in paragraphs 2 – 11, the appointment of the 5th defendant is null, void and of no effect”.
The plaintiffs, represented by their attorney B. B. Abalaba, requested the court to ascertain if Ebie, hailing from a community with limited oil production, is eligible to serve as the chairman of the 4th defendant, the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Additional matters for consideration include whether the 1st defendant’s appointment of the 5th defendant as chairman of the 4th defendant contravenes the provisions of the NDDC Act.
“Whether the appointment of the 5th defendant by the 1st defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant is not Illegal null and void?
“They therefore prayed the court for an order setting aside the appointment of the 5th defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant by the 1st defendant.
“An order of injunction restraining the 5th defendant from assuming office or in any way acting as the chairman of the 4th defendant.
“An order of injunction restraining the 4th defendant from recognizing the 5th defendant as its chairman or allowing him access into its premises for the purpose of beginning or continuing work as its chairman.
“An order of injunction restraining the 5th defendant from holding himself out as the chairman of the 4th defendant,” the requests reads.
{naijaNews]
Lusail University in Qatar has announced a fully funded scholarship opportunity for Nigerian and international undergraduate students for the 2025 academic year.
A statement on the University’s website disclosed that the institution will offer twelve study programmes for the Qatar scholarship programme.
The institutions also disclosed that the programme will cover all essential costs, including tuition, accommodation, round-trip flights, visa fees, and monthly stipends for living and research expenses.
According to the report, the move is to support aspiring students from developing countries in their pursuit of higher education.
The Scholarship will be open to students who have graduated from high (secondary) school, as the programme is designed for international candidates looking to study at one of Qatar’s leading educational institutions.
Further details provided that to qualify for the Lusail University Qatar Scholarship, candidates must have earned a high school diploma with a score of 90% or higher, must be between the ages of 18 and 22 years, must have passed the personal interview, and passed the language test at Lusail University
The applicant must not have previously obtained any higher education certificate, and cannot be a resident of Qatar.
Prospective candidates must have several documents for their scholarship application including a medical fitness certificate, which will be verified upon arrival in Qatar.
The candidate must also have a certificate of good conduct from their home country, a written permission from a legal guardian, a certified birth certificate, a valid passport, and a high school certificate must also be submitted.
The high school certificate must be validated by relevant authorities to ensure equivalency with the standards set by Lusail University.
Interested candidates are directed to visit the scholarship website to review the eligibility criteria for their desired programme, as applicants must meet both academic and language requirements before proceeding.
Candidates were also directed to apply to Lusail University or another partner university within the Qatar Scholarships Programme.
After applying for admission, candidates will automatically be considered for the scholarship.
The deadline for scholarship applications is October 20th, 2024.
[Leadership]
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, has raised the interest rate by 50 basis points to 27.25 percent, the fifth hike since February 2024.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this during a press briefing at the end of 297th MPC in Abuja on Tuesday.
The development comes as the country’s inflation rate eased for the second consecutive month in August to 32.15 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.
Recall that at its last MPC meeting in July 2024, the apex bank raised the interest rate to 26.75 percent.
This is coming five days after the United States Federal Reserve announced a significant 0.5 percent cut to its interest rate, the first time since July 2023.
Economist and Executive Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Muda Yusuf had urged the CBN to pause interest rate hikes.
DAILY POST recalls that since February 2024, CBN has raised interest the rate four times – from 22.75 percent to 26.75 percent. Before the appointment of Cardoso in September last year, the country’s interest rate stood at 18.75 percent.
[DailyPost]