Paris St Germain, PSG, were crowned Ligue 1 champions for a record-extending 12th time on Sunday, as their third straight title was wrapped up.

This was following another dominant domestic campaign when second-placed AS Monaco lost 3-2 at Olympique Lyonnais.

PSG, who missed the chance to secure the title on Saturday when they drew 3-3 draw with Le Havre, have 70 points, 12 ahead of Monaco with three games remaining.

“Winning the league is fantastic, but winning Ligue 1 for the twelfth time is even more special for everyone connected to Paris Saint-Germain.

“We’re going to enjoy this moment as a family. And also keep working hard, game after game, until the last moment of the season,” PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on the club’s website.

Monaco were the only side left who could prevent PSG lifting the title, but their faint hopes were extinguished in Lyon as they fell to their first defeat in nine games, despite taking an early lead.

The visitors scored with a little over 20 seconds on the clock, with Wissam Ben Yedder tapping home Takumi Minamino’s cross at the back post.

But Monaco were 2-1 down within 25 minutes through goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma.

Ben Yedder brought the sides level again on the hour mark, heading home a floated ball into the box by Youssouf Fofana.

But it was Lyon who found a winner six minutes from time with Malick Fofana scoring from outside the area.

After Saturday’s draw which kept the champagne on ice, PSG manager Luis Enrique was unconcerned, safe in the knowledge that their far superior goal difference meant the title was all but assured.

“We’re champions. I don’t care if there’s a party or not.

“We have a goal difference of plus 29 on the second place, I already feel like champions. Even if we don’t score any more points, we’ll be champions,” the coach said.

The Spaniard, who took over at PSG at the end of last season, was proved right, as they secured their 10th title in 12 seasons without having to play another game.

The champions have suffered just one league defeat this season, against Nice in September and while they made a slow start to their campaign, once they took top spot after matchday 12, they never looked back.

PSG went 3-1 down to relegation battling Le Havre, but a Goncalo Ramos goal late in added time salvaged a point, and extended their unbeaten league run to 26 games, but the manager said that didn’t concern him.

“I don’t care if I’m undefeated. That goal gave us the title.

“That, and for the rage I had because we didn’t play much. We’re missing two titles, we’re going to do everything we can to get them,” Luis Enrique said.

PSG are still involved in the Champions League, and they also have the Coupe de France final against Lyon to come, in what could turn out to be the club’s finest ever season.

Striker Kylian Mbappe is leaving at the end of the campaign, and would love to bow out on a high, and this season is already his best in terms of goals scored, netting 43 times in all competitions.

It has long been PSG’s goal to win the Champions League, but few expected it in the manager’s first season.

Now that the league title is secured, the treble-bid is on, beginning on Wednesday with the semi-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said their remaining two away fixtures at Fulham and Tottenham will be “difficult.”

Guardiola was speaking after they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday.

The result keeps City one point behind leaders Arsenal, although they have one game in hand. 

On the remainder of the season, Guardiola said: “Everything can happen, Liverpool have dropped points in the last few games but that can happen to us, can happen to Arsenal, so tough games for everyone. Fulham away and Spurs away will be difficult.

“I would prefer not to have a long week [off] and to play the Champions League semi final.

“But in the circumstances we have two or three days to recover and prepare for all the finals that we have.”

Famous Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, aka Rema, has insinuated that he is on the same level as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.

Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido are widely regarded as the biggest Nigerian/Afrobeats artists in the world and are jointly referred to as the “Big 3.”

Rema is now laying claims to the elite list. In a recent X post, the ‘Calm Down’ crooner asserted that he is now in that league when he wrote: “No more Big 3 there’s now a Big 4.”

His post elicited mixed reactions, with many concurring with him while others insisted that despite his stream and chart successes, he needs years of consistency to earn it.

Popular dancehall singer and a former member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz group, Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo aka Blackface, has stated that he does not see the possibility of the group reuniting.

The Plantashun Boiz group, which included Blackface, 2Face aka 2Baba, and Faze, was dominant in the Nigerian music scene from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s. In 2004, the group went their separate ways, and they reunited again in 2007 but later split.

Speaking in a recent interview with Channels TV, Blackface made it clear that there was very little chance of the group reuniting again. 

He added that if a reunion was possible it would have long happened.

He said, “I don’t see that [Plantashun Boiz reunion] happening. If it is something that would have happened, the members would have deemed it fit to sit down and discuss going forward. Of which they haven’t done and don’t want to do. I don’t want to cajole someone into doing what they don’t want to do.”

On his relationship with his former bandmates, Blackface said, “I talk to Faze and I talk to brothers of Innocent Idibia [2Baba]. His family are all my friends. But personally me and him we have nothing to discuss. It has to be business. There is no need waiting for who is not ready to be committed to a project.”

In a strategic move to enhance economic growth, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has announced the creation of a $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund. The initiative is designed to harness the potential of diaspora investments in bolstering the Nigerian private sector.

During a recent press conference, Minister Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite revealed that the fund aims to attract significant foreign direct investment into the country. The government has formed a committee to develop a comprehensive framework for this ambitious project, reflecting a proactive approach to economic revitalization.

Eligibility to manage the fund is a competitive process, and firms interested in participating are required to demonstrate robust credentials. The key requirements outlined by the FMITI for potential fund managers include:

1. Firm Profile: Detailed information on incorporation, ownership structure, management team, performance history, and branch locations.

2. Staff Competency: Evidence of staff expertise relevant to fund management. 

3. Investment History: Data on successfully exited investments over the past three years, including strategy, size, and returns.

4. Current Portfolio: Details on existing investments such as sector focus, company descriptions, investment types, targets, terms, and status.

5. Fund Interest Justification: Explicit interest in managing the Nigeria Diaspora Fund, with reasons.

6. Networking Capability: Existing relationships with both local and international investors.

7. Geographic Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and their funding landscapes.

8. Opportunity Profiling: Ability to identify investment opportunities across all Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory. 

9. Operational Readiness: Availability to manage and direct funding inquiries nationwide.

10. Application Process: Submission guidelines requiring a combined digital and physical application by May 6, 2024, marked “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: NIGERIA DIASPORA FUND.”

Applications are expected to be sent to the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment at their headquarters on the 12th Floor of the Bank of Industry Building, Abuja. Submissions can also be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, visit [www.nigeriadiasporafund.gov.ng](http://www.nigeriadiasporafund.gov.ng).

This fund represents a critical step towards leveraging the Nigerian diaspora community’s potential to foster substantial economic impacts through strategic investments.

Prices of some foodstuffs have recorded a drop in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.

A survey of the prices conducted by NAN in some markets in Yola, Maiduguri, and Damaturu towns indicated that the prices of some foodstuffs were lower in April when compared to February and March.

In Yola Central Market, a bag of 50kg foreign rice which sold between N80,000 and N85,000 two months ago, now sells for between N57,000 and N58,000, while a bag of 100 kg of beans which sold for N110,000 is now N100,000.

Guinea corn which is another staple food in Adamawa, now goes for N55,000 for a 100kg bag as against N60,000 two months ago.

Malam Suleiman Adamu, a trader in the market who deals in pasta, said a big carton of spaghetti which sold for N13,500 two months ago, now sells for N12,800, while that of Indomie, which sold at N15,000, now sells for N13,500.

Adamu associated the decrease with the recent rise in the value of the Naira and urged the government to sustain the tempo.

Dr Mohammed Tukur, a lecturer at the Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yoĺa, urged the government to put in mechanisms that would control the prices of essential commodities to ensure access and affordability for the citizenry.

In Yobe, a bag of 100kg white beans now costs N75,000 as against N110,000, while that of red beans goes for N95,000 as against N130,000.

Similarly, a bag of 50kg local rice has dropped from N65,000 to N45,000, while a bag of 100kg Guinea corn dropped from N60,000 to N50,000.

Alhaji Abdullahi Garin-Dayi, Chairman of the Grain Sellers Association in the market, said the drop could also be associated with farmers who needed cash to prepare for the next cropping season.

At Bayan Tasha market in Damaturu, the Chairman of the traders association, Alhassan Ibrahim, said a 50kg bag of local rice now sells for N45,000 as against N65,000 while a bag of sugar has also dropped from N80,000 to N78,000.

Ibrahim said that a 25-litre jerry can of cooking oil goes for N44,000 as against N60,000.

In Maiduguri, a 50kg bag of foreign rice goes for N70,000 as against N80,000 while local rice goes for N63,000.

A 100kg bag of maize, which used to sell at N75,000, is now N64,000 while millet retains its price of N64,000, and a sack of onion which sold for N35,000 is now between N15,000 to N15,000.

However, a basket of tomatoes that sold for N9,000 two months ago has risen to N18,000 while a sack of Atargu (pepper) has risen from N52,000 to N65,000. (NAN)

The judicial commission of inquiry on public properties and assets established by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to probe the previous administration led by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has scheduled its inaugural session for today.

The commission’s secretary, Salisu Mustapha, said this in a letter addressed to the director-general media and publicity, Kano State Government House on Saturday.

The session will take place at High Court No. 3 within the Audu Bako Secretariat by 10am prompt.
Earlier this month, Governor Yusuf inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry (JCI) to investigate instances of misappropriation of public properties and assets, political violence, and missing persons between 2015 and 2023.

During the inauguration of the JCI members, Governor Yusuf pledged to hold accountable anyone found culpable, emphasizing his commitment to uncovering and prosecuting those responsible for political violence in the state before and during previous elections.

The governor urged the commission to thoroughly investigate cases of misappropriated public properties and assets during the tenure of immediate past administration.

He instructed the commission members to uphold their integrity, remain true to their oath, and serve the people of Kano State by ensuring justice is served.

Governor Yusuf clarified that the initiative was not politically motivated or directed at any individual but rather a response to the mandate of the people of Kano State.

Justices of the State High Courts, Farouq Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf along with other eminent personalities were selected and appointed as chairmen and members of the two commissions of inquiry respectively.

Nigeria’s listed banking stocks’ value declined by N2.069 trillion in 16 trading days following the announcement of the recapitalisation exercise by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This is as the April 30, 2024 deadline that the CBN gave banks in the country to submit their recapitalisation plans and strategies expires tomorrow.

The sector on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) has witnessed massive sell-off since the beginning of April, thereby triggering a huge loss of N2.069 trillion. The banking stocks comprise Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Fidelity Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Jaiz Bank, Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Unity Bank, Wema Bank, FCMB Group, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, Access Holdings and FBN Holdings (FBNH).

Recall that on March 28, 2024, CBN had revised the minimum capital requirements for banks and, according to data compiled by LEADERSHIP, the overall total market value of the banking stocks dropped by N2.069 trillion to N6.013 trillion as of April 26, 2024 from N8.082 trillion on March 28, 2024.

Also, the NGX Banking Index within the period under review recorded a decline of 25.75 per cent from 1,029.63 points on March 28, 2024 to 764.50 points when it closed trading on April 26, 2024.
Of the 13 banking stocks between March 28, 2024 and April 26, 2024, only ETI recorded a gain of 16.12 per cent. On the other hand, FBNH recorded the biggest loss of 42.76 per cent, while GTCO followed with a decline of 32.38 per cent.

Access Holdings was down by 32.24 per cent, Sterling Financial Holdings Company (-29.26 per cent), Zenith Bank (-26.74 per cent), Wema Bank (-26.47 per cent), FCMB Group (-19.41 per cent), Unity Bank (-18.36 per cent), UBA (-17.86 per cent), Jaiz Bank (-15.83 per cent), Stanbic IBTC Holdings (-11.61 per cent) and Fidelity Bank (-6.00 per cent).

Speaking to LEADERSHIP on the current banking stock performances, the managing director of HighCap Securities Limited, David Adonri said “after the announcement by the CBN directing banks to recapitalise, the market started declining, but we cannot see for sure that, that policy is behind the decline in the prices of banks’ stock since that announcement was made.

“I think the major factor should be the second announcement that restrained banks from paying out good dividends in line with their extraordinary income within the financial year.”
Another reason he associated with the situation was the contractionary monetary policy of the Central

Bank wherein the interest rate had been hiked heavily in the last MPC meeting. So, this has caused a migration of financial assets away from equities to debt, he stressed.

Adonri explained that the recapitalisation structure, as directed by CBN, is predicated on the flow of fresh capital to the banks.

“The banks will have to raise fresh capital from all the sources where they can raise. But we are presuming that a lot of them will have to leave the capital market. They will come to the primary market to raise fresh capital. Judging by historical antecedents, that is likely to cause some price movement in the banking sector before the banks hit the market to float their public offerings,” he said.

On mergers and acquisitions, he said “there is no need because banks are segregated into different segments. Some are regional banks, some are national Banks, and some are international banks. So, any bank that is unable to meet the minimum requirement for a segment will drop down to the lower segment instead of going to a forced merger or offering itself for acquisition.

“But banks have been given about two years to raise fresh capital. What will happen is that there will be a timetable in the capital market that will make them come one after the other so that the market will not be fatigued if all of them are to swamp the market at a fair swoop. I believe that the SEC will come up with a timetable that will give space for each of the listed banks to come to the market via a public offering so that the success rate will be very high.”

The head of Investment Management at STL Asset Management Limited, Oluwaseun Magreola said this bearish sentiment was beyond banking stocks.

Magreola said “since the MPR was jerked up by 400 basis points by the CBN governor in February, the whole equity market has been at risk of a negative turnout. Over the years, there’s been a strong inverse correlation between the fixed income market and the equities market.

Magreola asserted that the reaction to the high yields in the fixed income market was ‘quite slow’, noting that most investors were waiting to earn their dividends.

If you think some courses are not relevant in Nigeria, I won’t say you’re wrong. Some even argue these courses are what they are, even before the advent of the internet. They’re not just feasible. The propagation of digitisation and technological advancement has made some fields more demanding. Yes, daily discoveries tend to relinquish the importance of so many fields in schools. Notwithstanding, some courses are still doing very well in the labour market—lucrative and relevant. Here is a list of the highest-paying courses in Nigeria you can consider anytime: 

1. Law

If you want to study law, you must be very determined and be ready to put in the work. I won’t sugarcoat anything for you because this profession demands a lot of dedication. The aim of studying it should not be “I want to be a lawyer” — rather a question of “what kind of lawyer do you want to be?” You must consider the niche you’ll want to carve using the profession. What would distinguish you from every other lawyer? As a student, Law is a course you’ll never regret studying. It is prestigious and exposes one to different high-earning opportunities. You can’t deny that lawyers are very well respected in Nigeria; one of the reasons is their crucial role in society. On average, good lawyers earn between N1.8 to N18 million yearly.

2. Graphic Design

Technology improvement has made graphic design a formidable way of communicating in businesses, media and advertisement. It is a way of creating designs for a specific purpose that would be visually appealing. Currently, graphic designers are among the most sought-after people in advertising agencies, media organisations and design companies. You don’t have to contemplate; the future is bright, and technology has come to stay — it will only continue to improve. Studying graphic design gives you an edge, and you don’t have to wait until you finish the entire course before making a living. There are many tools available online to practice it. The yearly average salary of an outstanding graphic designer is N1.8 to N3.6 million.

3. Medicine

We cannot erode the fact that, as humans, we need to take medication if the need arises at any point in our lives. Medicine is highly regarded across the world. Even in Nigeria, you cannot be idle; you’ll find a place to work because it is very demanding. Becoming a medical professional and being excellent at it requires rigorous work. But never doubt the reward of this profession;  you can decide to be a specialist rather than just a doctor working with organisations, hospitals, and clinic centres. Don’t limit your thinking to what you see around you; this is a high-paying course in Nigeria and it is relevant anywhere in the world. As a specialist, you can earn an average of N1 million to N4.5 million annually.

4. Information Technology

Technology has posed the need to have skilled professionals in companies and organisations. It has made information technology one of the courses that receive the highest pay. It entails knowledge and skills in developing and managing computer systems and networks. These are areas employers are looking for to foster the growth of their firms in meeting and competing well in the world of technological development. This course can equip you to get employment if you aim to be a software developer, database administrator, cyber security and Information Technology manager — the course is a good starting point. Per annum, you can earn between N1.7 to N2.3 million.

5. Electrical Engineering

If you’re interested in electrical control systems, power maintenance, and how telecommunications work, you should opt for this course. This is a field that can always be noticed because electrical power is a necessity.  Electrical engineering is a course that would prepare you to work for companies in power generation and distribution, construction, transport networks, renewable energy, etc. You can dedicate your life to this field without regret or doubt. Your prowess will get you better opportunities after graduation. Electrical engineers tend to earn between N1.2 to N3.6 million per annum.

6. Computer Science

Computer science has proven to be one of the highest-paying courses over the years. This field is useful for every sector, even personally — the knowledge you get from it can shape how you handle tasks. You can be a software developer, data analyst, or anything concerning computational principles. You can specialise in artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, programming languages and database systems. The benefits of the course are enormous; you can work in technological companies and financial institutions and even create your own startup. In this digital age, computer scientists will continue to be relevant. Computer scientists earn N900,000 to N1.8 million per annum.

7. Estate Management

If you are interested in real estate, this course is for you. It will equip you to understand the legal use of land and how to manage and develop it. The real estate industry thrives very well in Nigeria; individuals, companies, and corporations hire estate experts to manage or sell their properties. You can be an adviser and investor in estate development. The average yearly earnings for a smart estate manager are around N1.2 million.

8. Petroleum Engineering

As a Nigerian, you should know petroleum is a very lucrative business. This course will enable you to understand every hydrocarbon-related activity, such as crude oil, gas, and other properties. In this sector, the salary structure is very encouraging; you can work for national and international companies. The growing need for energy has placed petroleum engineering as one of the most important and highest-paying courses in Nigeria. You can work as a drilling engineer, reservoir and production engineer. You can earn between N2.4 to N12 million per annum as a petroleum engineer.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described as very unfortunate the fire incident caused by a tanker conveying premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol which burnt motorists and commuters beyond recognition and destroyed several vehicles on Friday night.

The incident occurred between the Indorama Petro-Chemical Company Gate and the Aleto Bridge on the popular and ever busy Eleme section of the East-West Road now undergoing major reconstruction by the Federal Government.

The governor expressed sadness at the gory sights that he saw when he visited the scene of the incident, accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Uchechukwu Nwafor, on Saturday morning.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.

The governor also spoke about the tanker inferno that had become a sad episode in the State with over 120 vehicles razed and about five lives lost, describing it as “great tragedy”.

“It is a very sad day in our dear State. Something happened in Eleme, along the route of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited. A tanker had an issue with a tipper, and there was an unfortunate situation that caused the State a very devastating loss.

“I went there this morning to see for myself what happened, and I can tell you, I’ve not been happy since then. With all the dramas in our State, it is not even proper for us to add that to it. 

“But it wasn’t our fault. It was just what impatience caused. The tanker driver, knowing the state of that road, was not patient, and it resulted in that colossal loss. Over 120 vehicles were completely burnt, and five lives were lost. It was very unfortunate.”

Governor Fubara spoke at the country home of Sir Celestine Omehia in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday.

Earlier, Fubara explained that he got a call from the Managing Director of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertilizer Company Limited in Eleme Local Government Area, informing him of the incident.

At the news of the incident, the governor said he immediately routed a call to the security agencies and instructed that they visit the scene to take charge of the security of the area to avoid escalation of the situation.

Governor Fubara stated, “We are here to see for ourselves and get first-hand information of the incident of what happened yesterday night.

“About 7.30 – 8pm, we got information of the gravity of the incident. I was told that it was caused by a tanker vehicle that was conveying Premium Motor Spirit.

“In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.

“And from what we are seeing this morning, it was not a pleasant case. We recorded a huge number of vehicles destroyed and lives lost.”

The governor explained that he had already requested the relevant government agencies to provide him a detailed account of their findings to enable the State Government to take appropriate decisions and actions to significantly remedy the situation and reduce the negative effects on the affected people.

“I have already asked the relevant agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing to how much we can support the families that are bereaved, and also cushion the effect of the losses, which I believe, is no fault of a good number of them.

“We all know the situation of this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, should ply it with caution.

“I believe very strongly that this situation would have been avoidable, if the motorists had behaved properly. But it is late already. The damage has happened. This is the situation we have found ourselves in. We will see how we can control the aftermath,” he added.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement said four bodies, including that of a pregnant woman were seen at the scene of the inferno.

The statement read, “At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, the Rivers State Police Command received a distress call regarding a fire incident along East-West Road near Indorama Gate, Eleme, caused by a tanker explosion. Immediate action was taken by contacting the fire department and mobilizing operatives to the scene.

“Upon arrival, a joint operation of the Police and Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire by 10:30pm. However, over 70 cars were engulfed, and several individuals were trapped. Efforts led to the rescue of many, though the total casualties are yet to be determined.

“Regrettably, four individuals, including a pregnant woman, have been confirmed dead, and those injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.”

When contacted, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Rivers State Command, Christopher Kuje. Corroborated the casualty figure by the police, saying the charred remains were bagged and taken to the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt.

Kuje added, “We counted four bodies that were burnt beyond recognition. So, we use body bags to carry them to the Military Hospital. The vehicles we counted that got burnt were 60.”

An eyewitness who gave his name as Precious, said, “Some people were running when the fire caught them and they died,” he explained, even as he blamed the tragedy on the reconstruction of the road which, according to him, had worsened the gridlock.

“Yes, they are working the road, which is good, but they should also create access. Not the way they are doing it. One they should be fast about it and secondly the contractor should know that vehicles are using the road. Otherwise, this would not have happened. It is unfortunate,” he added.