Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, has vowed to tackle the commoditisation ( buying and selling) of Naira notes, which has become widespread in the country.

CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso made this vow in a keynote address at the inaugural Stakeholders’ Conference of the Committee of Heads of Banks Operations (CHBO) in Lagos, with the theme “Commoditization of Naira: The Way Forward.”

Represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the CBN Governor, Fatai Kareem, Cardoso stated that commoditization of the Naira poses a significant threat not only to the banking sector but also to the daily lives of Nigerians who rely on the currency for transactions.

He described Naira commoditization as a process by which the national currency is being treated as a tradable asset with its intrinsic national value being subjected to the principles of capitalism rather than being seen as a means of exchange for economic and items of value.

According to him, “The Naira is not merely a currency; it embodies our national identity. Its stability is vital for economic growth and development.” Recent trends, however, have seen the Naira treated as a commodity rather than fulfilling its primary function as a medium of exchange.

“The commoditization of the Naira, our national legal tender, has become a critical challenge for Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. It is a problem that not only affects the operations of the banking industry but also the lives of every Nigerian that relies on the currency for his day to day transactions.”

He said the apex bank’s strategies to tackle the commoditization of the Naira are: enhancing public engagement awareness on the responsible use of the Naira; strengthening cash management system to ensure fair distribution across the country; collaborating with law enforcement agencies to enforce existing regulations and bring perpetrators to book; promoting digital payment channels to reduce the use of cash transactions and the need to escalate digital errors to the banks and the CBN.

Chairman of the Executive Committee of CHBO, Abraham Aziegbe attributed the commoditization of the Naira to severe scarcity which led to its monetisation.

He noted that over the past two years, Nigerians have faced significant challenges due to cash shortages, leading to instances where citizens pay premiums for everyday transactions. This situation raises concerns about cash availability and potential hoarding practices among banks.

Italian Serie A side Udinese have removed Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from their registered players list amid an ongoing investigation into alleged betting irregularities.

The 25-year-old, who is being investigated over suspicious betting patterns surrounding a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 win against Lazio on March 11, 2024, faces a potential five-year ban if found guilty.

Investigators raided Okoye’s house following a complaint by betting agency Sisal, whose algorithm detected unusual gambling activities linked to the goalkeeper’s yellow card for time-wasting in the 90th minute.

The Prosecutor’s Office in Udine also searched the premises of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner whose restaurant is frequented by Juventus footballers, as part of the investigation.

Udinese have replaced Okoye with newly-signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik in their 25-man squad, though it remains unclear if the decision was due to the allegations or the Nigerian’s season-ending wrist injury.

The club’s coach, Kosta Runjaic, had earlier maintained that the team’s atmosphere remained positive despite the controversy.

“We haven’t talked about it; we’re focused on Como. The atmosphere is still very good; the team spirit is there, and we’re working diligently,” Runjaic said.

Okoye, who joined Udinese in 2023 from Watford, has made 37 appearances for the Italian club. His legal representatives have dismissed the betting allegations as baseless.

The National Youth Service Corps has confirmed that the 2024 Batch C Stream 2 Orientation Camp will officially open today, Wednesday, January 22, 2025, across all states in the country.

This announcement was shared via messages on the NYSC’s official X handle, #officialnyscng, on Tuesday.

“Prospective corps members (PCMs) are to report to their various camps on the date slated on their call-up letters, with their required documents and survival packs,” the statement advised.

The NYSC also announced the release of deployment letters for the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II. PCMs can now access their deployment details to prepare for the service year.

In a safety advisory, the scheme urged prospective corps members to exercise caution while traveling to their designated camps.

“PCMs are advised not to travel to Orientation Camps at night,” NYSC emphasised, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of corps members.

Additionally, PCMs were reminded of an important requirement to complete their registration at the camps.

“Prospective corps members are advised to print and sign the addendum, which is to be submitted during registration in the orientation camp,” the update noted.

For logistical reasons, the NYSC disclosed that some prospective corps members initially deployed to Lagos State will undergo their orientation course in Ekiti, Ondo, or Osun camps.

Similarly, some PCMs deployed to the Federal Capital Territory may have their orientation courses in Nasarawa or Kaduna camps.

“Some PCMs deployed to Lagos State will have their orientation course in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun camps.

” Some PCMs deployed to FCT will have their orientation course in Nasarawa, and Kaduna camps,” it read.

The NYSC urged all prospective corps members to comply with these directives and prepare adequately for the mandatory three-week orientation program.

For further updates, PCMs are encouraged to follow the official NYSC social media platforms.

PUNCH Online reports that the orientation course takes place over the space of three weeks in all designated camps – one – in each states nationwide.

NYSC is a programme established by the Nigerian government in 1973 to promote national unity, integration, and development.

It is a one-year mandatory service for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30, which includes a three-week orientation camp, a primary assignment phase, and a community development service period.

A middle aged man, Sunday Omisakin, one of the ex-convicts granted state pardon by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on December 24, 2024 had been remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Centre by an Osogbo Chief Magistrates Court, sitting in Osogbo, for stealing a plasma television set.

The ex-convict who was number 8 on the list of ex-convicts granted state pardon, returned to crime on January 3, 2025, by breaking into a house in  Inudun Area, Osogbo, to steal a plasma TV worth N600,000.

A charge sheet obtained by our reporter on Tuesday, “COUNT I read this,: “That you Adebayo Omisakin Sunday ‘m’ on the 3rd day of January 2025 at about 12:00 pm at the Al-medinat Area, Iludun in the Osogbo Magistrarial district did break and entered the house of one Shittu Damilare ‘m’ and steal one Plasma TV valued the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000:00k) only.”

COUNT II: “That you Adebayo Omisakin Sunday ‘m’ and on the same date, time and place in the Aforementioned Magisterial District did Steal one Plasma TV valued the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (#600,000:00k) only property of one Shittu Damilare ‘m’.”

He was said to have committed offences contrary to and punishable under Section 411 (1) (2) of criminal code cap 34 vol.Il and Section 383 and punishable under 390 (9) of Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.Upon his first arraignment on January 7, he applied for bail, but Magistrate A. Adeyeba adjourned the matter till January 10 to rule on the bail application.

In his ruling, the prosecutor, Kayode Adeoye ordered that ,the defendant be reminded in Ilesa correctional center.

Famous Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has revealed that he may not be worthy of emulation in keeping home.

The comedian made this known on Tuesday, while praising his brother, Yomi Casual, for the love and respect he has for his family.

This is coming a few months after the comedian admitted to having found himself doing things that he is not proud of during his marriage.

Celebrating Yomi’s 40th birthday, AY in a now controversial post on Instagram, said: “I may not have scored 100% in other responsibilities as a perfect example that is worthy of emulation when it comes to keeping the home front intact.

“But I’m proud to say the love and respect you (Yomi) have for the family is second to none. Love you lots!”

DAILY POST recalls that AY confirmed separation from his wife, Mabel Makun, in April, 2024, after nearly 20 years of their union.

On Monday, an unnamed group of Northern Nigerians led by Jamilu Majia and Adams Funtua organised a luncheon to celebrate Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.

Majia, a musician, composed and released a music video in November 2024 to drum up support for Trump during the build-up to the presidential election.

In the music video posted on his TikTok page, he extolled Trump and urged Americans to vote for his return to the White House.

In the music video, children hold American flags and wear customised vests while singing about Trump.

However, the luncheon video he posted on his TikTok to celebrate Trump’s inauguration sparked mixed reactions and raised questions among netizens.

He posted the viral video with the caption, “Congratulations, President #Trump Inaugural Luncheon in Nigeria.”

A video from the gathering continues to trend online.

The one-minute, thirty-one-second video showcases jubilant Hausa participants singing in their native language, clapping, and expressing joy in honour of the occasion.

Analysis

The video featured attendees dressed in traditional Hausa attire, a dignitaries’ table adorned with juice, Coke, and water, and a banner in the background that read, “Congratulations, Mr. President. Trump’s inauguration.”

Set amidst vibrant decorations, the celebration included traditional Nigerian cuisine, such as jollof rice and suya, creating a lively atmosphere filled with cultural pride and festivity.

A special song was composed for Mr Trump in Hausa, accompanied by English subtitles. In the video, which had sparked discussions about the global interest in American politics, attendees stood, clapped, and danced enthusiastically to the song.

A woman and children were also seen at the front of the dignitaries’ table, singing, clapping, and dancing in unison with the celebratory crowd.

The song’s lyrics praised Trump’s boldness and commitment, describing him as a great leader chosen by God.

They sang, “In God, we trust Africa; in God, we trust America. Oh! Hail Donald Trump, the American President. Oh! Hail Donald Trump, America. We’re all in support. Donald Trump is the President. The great leader, Trump, may God uplift your dignity.

“God chose you, made you, and protected you. Always take care of your supporters. America loves you. Oh, hail Donald Trump. Africa is also praising you, Asia is praising you, the Middle East is praising you, and Latin America is praising you. Everyone supports you, and everyone believes in you, Donald Trump.”

Not the first time

This newspaper gathered that it was not the first time Nigerians celebrated Trump in election-related matters. They celebrated him after he won the presidential election in November 2024.

More so, in November 2020, a rally was held in Onitsha, Anambra State, to drum support for the 78-year-old when he sought a reelection. During the event, a group organised a pro-Trump rally to mobilise support for him.

The group, consisting primarily of women and youths, marched through the streets while singing victory songs for Trump, whom they believed deserved another term in office.

Dressed in white and blue uniforms, they waved the United States flag alongside banners and placards bearing inscriptions such as “Make America Great Again” and “President Trump: America needs a man like you.”

Trump tweeted about the rally, captioning it: “A parade for me in Nigeria, a great honour!”

However, Trump of the Republican Party lost his re-election bid to the immediate past President Joe Biden of the Democratic Party.

This newspaper earlier reported that two prominent Nigerians, William Kumuyi, founder of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, and renowned gospel artiste Nathaniel Bassey, ministered during Trump’s inauguration.

Kumuyi led a prayer session at President Trump’s Inaugural Prayer and Praise Convocation on Sunday in Washington, D.C., while Bassey performed at the inaugural prayer breakfast. The prayer breakfast is a non-political, faith-based event held every four years before the swearing-in of a new administration.

A coalition of 18 Democratic states in the US has filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to overturn birthright citizenship.

The states’ attorneys general filed the lawsuits on Tuesday.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War, stipulates that all persons “born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” are automatically citizens.

The language was crafted and added to the Constitution to establish full citizenship rights for Black Americans, who at the time suffered exclusion.

But for over a century, it has been interpreted as also granting rights to all children born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

After his inauguration on Monday, Trump invoked his presidential orders to begin his long-touted immigration crackdown.

A statement issued by the White House said the century-old interpretation was misplaced, “clarifying” that the privilege does not extend to children whose parents are not US citizens.

DEMOCRATIC STATES KICK

The lawsuit filed by the 18 states said Trump’s initiative violates the law.

The states that joined the suit are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Letitia James, New York attorney-general, said the law is a cornerstone of America’s commitment to justice and is not open to reinterpretation by executive order or presidential decree.

“President Trump’s attempt to undermine the fundamental right to birthright citizenship is not just unconstitutional; it is profoundly dangerous,” James said.

“Today, we are suing to uphold the integrity of the U.S. Constitution and ensure the promise of birthright citizenship remains intact for all who are born here.”

Trump’s aides hinted that the executive order would take effect 30 days after he signed it.

The Democratic officials also filed a request asking the court to put the case on a fast track and rule on whether to block enforcement before it takes effect.

In a separate legal action, the American Civil Liberties Union also filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking Trump’s order.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Abuja has hosted a grand farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerian pilgrims selected for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Umrah 2025.

This is part of its dedication to promoting Islamic unity and facilitating access to Islam’s most sacred sites for Muslims around the world.

The ceremony, led by His Excellency Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, Saudi ambassador to Nigeria, highlighted the kingdom’s unwavering commitment to supporting Muslims and fostering spiritual connections through pilgrimage.

The programme, initiated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, provides Muslims from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to perform Umrah with full sponsorship, symbolising Saudi Arabia’s role as the spiritual heart of the Islamic world.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Al-Ghamdi expressed profound gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their steadfast dedication to Islam’s holy sites. He praised their exceptional leadership in enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and ensuring their journey to the sacred sites is spiritually fulfilling and logistically seamless.

“The custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the crown prince have prioritised the well-being of pilgrims, viewing it as a sacred duty and an immense honour. Through this programme and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey,” he said.

Ambassador Al-Ghamdi revealed that the kingdom had invested over $100 billion in the recent expansion and modernisation of the Two Holy Mosques. According to him, these ambitious projects, encompassing state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced crowd management systems, and cutting-edge technology, reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina each year.

He added that the kingdom spares no effort in mobilising resources to improve the pilgrimage experience for all Muslims.

He also emphasised the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s laws and regulations, designed to maintain order and ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.

“The leadership of Saudi Arabia remains fully committed to serving the guests of God. This is a responsibility we hold dear, and we continuously strive to enhance the spiritual and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage experience,” he said.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme has become a symbol of the kingdom’s efforts to unite Muslims worldwide and facilitate access to the holiest sites in Islam. Each year, the initiative provides thousands of pilgrims the opportunity to perform Umrah, covering all costs, including travel, accommodation, and other logistics.

The guests sincerely thanked and appreciated King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. May God protect him for the generous hospitality of the kingdom‘s leadership in serving Islam, Muslims, the House of God, and the Holy Land.

The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital has revealed that N112 million will be spent on the treatment of 16 victims of the recent fuel tanker explosion in Niger State within one week.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Bissallah Ahmed Ekele, confirmed the hospital’s involvement following directives from the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.

The CMD, who spoke when our correspondent visited the hospital on Tuesday, said that the hospital, alongside other tertiary institutions, dispatched ambulances to assist in managing the emergency.

He said, “It is true that we have some of the victims. On Sunday, at about 3 p.m., the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, gave directives to the public tertiary hospitals in Abuja. Ours is one of them, to take ambulances to the general hospital in Niger State, where the victims were, to assist in their management. And some of our ambulances were taken there, and as we speak, 16 of them are currently with us. Three of them are critically sick.”

The explosion, which occurred at Dikko Junction, Nigeria State, resulted in severe burns for many victims. “We have 16 victims, three of whom are critically ill with burns exceeding 80 per cent,” Ekele stated.

The hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee Chairman, Dr. Bob Okonu, highlighted the intensive care provided. “We have not slept since Sunday, working around the clock to save these lives,” he said.

He said that the initial resuscitative efforts involved extensive use of medical supplies, including over 20 cartons of normal saline and various antibiotics to combat potential infections.

According to Dr. Okonu, the financial burden is substantial, with each patient’s care costing between six to seven million naira in the first week alone. Okon added that managing burns of this magnitude is capital-intensive, requiring specialised nutrition, fluid replacement, and infection control measures.

“From Sunday night to Monday morning, if you quantify the amount of money spent to ensure that the resuscitative phase took place, it was over two million already.

“So because the body system, the skin is quite critical, if not properly taken care of, it also will affect other internal organs. Of them, I don’t think anyone will spend anything less than six to seven million keeping them within the first seven days. Yes, because of the active engagement, the active phase of resuscitation that will happen,” he explained.

Speaking further, Dr Okonu said that the hospital’s mental health unit was preparing to offer psychological support as part of a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation. “We have seasoned clinical psychologists ready to intervene when needed,” Dr. Okon emphasised.

Narrating his harrowing experience, one of the victims, Yunusu Yusuf, shed light on the events leading up to the disaster that claimed numerous lives and left many injured.

He recounted his ordeal at the market on the fateful Saturday. “I was at the market when a tanker fell, and fuel started spilling out. People began scooping the fuel, and another tanker was brought in to offload. Someone nearby was smoking a cigarette, and that’s when the fire started,” he said.

Yusuf described the chaos, saying, “I quickly removed my trousers and jumped over the fence as the fire followed me.” Despite his injuries, he expressed gratitude for the medical care he is receiving. “The doctors and nurses are looking after me very well,” he added.

Another affected family is Mr Hamza, whose two children, Alhassan and Isah, were caught in the blaze. “The fire started near my shop. My children were repairing a machine while the fuel was offloaded into another tanker. When the fire broke out, they tried to run but fell into the fuel,” Hamza explained.

He said he rushed to the scene upon hearing the news. “They are now being well cared for at the hospital, with proper feeding and medical attention,” he said. Hamza also mentioned that the Nigerian state governor provided N50,000 to support the victims’ families in feeding at the hospital.

The explosion, triggered by locals siphoning fuel from a crashed 60,000-liter tanker, resulted in 98 fatalities and 69 injuries, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). A mass burial has been conducted for those who perished at the scene.

Over 200 repentant Niger Delta militants have staged a peaceful protest, accusing the federal government of flouting the amnesty deal it signed with the ex-agitators, which compelled them to drop their arms to embrace peace in 2009.

Under the aegis of Ukanafun Freedom Fighters (UFF), led by the coordinator, Udom Ebetor, the protesters, who were armed with placards of varying inscriptions, laid siege to the Ukanafun local government area headquarters at Ikot Akpankuk, Akwa Ibom State, demanding urgent federal government intervention to address the core issues of welfare, jobs, and empowerment, as enshrined in the amnesty document.

“The federal government has failed to keep its word in training and empowering the ex-militants to become economically self-reliant”, one of the placards read.

They also alleged that “The ex-militants from Akwa Ibom axis were seen as strangers by other militants from a certain tribe and discriminated against by some officials in the amnesty office.”

Ebetor, who, in 2009, led other militants under the umbrella of the Supreme Council of Niger Delta (SUCOND) to surrender arms, recalled that he had mentioned in July 2009 that “no fewer than 500 members of the group were still in bushes owing to their scepticism of the federal government’s sincerity towards the amnesty programme.”

It was gathered that many of those protesting at the Ukanafun council headquarters initially refused to lay down their arms because they feared the federal government would not keep to its terms of negotiating the ceasefire deal.

Lamenting the plight faced by the ex-militants from Akwa Ibom, Ebetor lamented that “while others are benefitting, some of our leaders at the local and state levels are busy talking while their people are suffering.”

Denying that he was neither a cultist nor ever involved in criminal activities, Ebetor, who said he had gone for training in Vietnam under the Amnesty Programme, advised the protesters on the gains of peaceful protest and non-involvement in criminal activities, including indulgence in drug abuse.

He explained that “the protest is a result of the people being pushed to the wall and that it serves as a call to the federal government to do the needful before the issue escalates.”

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Paul Mel Udoh, the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer (COMO) for Ukanafun LGA, promised to transmit their demands to Abuja,  assuring that “The federal government will respond in a way to assuage your grievances.”