Entertainments
now browsing by category
Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation of Service Chiefs
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking for the screening and subsequent confirmation of the new Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs.
Recall that President Tinubu had, last month, appointed Major General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Major General bTaoreed Lagbaja as the chief of Army Staff.
Tinubu also appointed Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff and Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye appointed the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
He urged the Red Chamber to consider his request expeditiously.
Akpabio, after reading the letter, referred the request to the Committee of the Whole as there was no Standing Committee on Armed Forces, just as this means
that the Service Chiefs would be screened on the floor of the Senate, not at the Committee level
Embarking on a journey into the new week
Monday arrives, and we step foot into the week with enthusiasm. The destination may be familiar, but the journey is unique. Each day presents a chance to explore new paths, encounter different experiences, and meet fascinating people. Just as travelers immerse themselves in the culture of a foreign land, we dive into the rich tapestry of opportunities that the week offers.
Burna Boy becomes first African to sell out stadium show in US
Grammy award-winning singer Burna Boy has become the first African musician to sell out a stadium show in the United States of America. The ‘Love Damini’ crooner sold out the 41,000-capacity Citi Field Stadium in NYC, USA, on Saturday.
The self-acclaimed ‘African Giant’ also brought out British rapper, Dave to perform their collaborative song ‘Location.’ Burna Boy performed ‘Ye’ and songs from his last four albums; ‘Outside’, ‘African Giant’, ‘Twice As Tall’, and ‘Love Damini’.
Credit to: thenationonlline.net
Chelsea Reject €25M Inter Milan Offer For Star Striker – Holding Out For €40M
Chelsea have rejected an initial bid of €25 million from Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku, and are holding out for €40 million.
This according to Sky Sport Italia transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, via FCInterNews, who also report that Juventus are interested in signing the Belgian international but that the player only wants Inter.
Inter are now ready to make a straight cash offer for Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri’s previous bids have all faced swift rejection because they’d previously only offered a loan deal. Chelsea are only interested in selling Lukaku on a permanent basis, by contrast.
However, Di Marzio reports, Inter have made a formal offer of €25 million for the Belgian.
However, this is not yet high enough for the Blues. According to Di Marzio, Chelsea have rejected Inter’s offer and countered with an asking price of €40 million.
Whilst the Premier League side hardly expect to recoup anything close to what they paid for Lukaku, they still aren’t ready to accept any low-ball bids.
Chelsea Striker Romelu Lukaku Only Wants Inter – No Interest In Juventus
Lukaku has always made his will clear – he wants to go back to Inter.
However, he is still waiting for the Nerazzurri to make a deal with Chelsea.
That still hasn’t happened, and as Di Marzio reports, Inter’s latest attempt has once again been unsuccessful.
Some reports suggest that Inter’s failure to complete a deal for Lukaku has left the door open for Juventus to make a shock move for the striker.
However, Di Marzio reports, this is not remotely a serious consideration for Lukaku.
Rather, the 30-year-old is fully prioritizing going back to the Nerazzurri. Di Marzio confirms that the Bianconeri have mulled over the idea of moving for Lukaku. But on the player’s side, there is no interest.
Meanwhile, Lukaku would reportedly be willing to reduce his wages to go back to Inter. He is fully committed to making the move happen.
Credit to: sempreinte
OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY RECEIVES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FROM LIFE FOR RELIEF DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
Rise against coup, terrorism, Tinubu tells West Africa
Tinubu was unanimously elected as chair of the 16-nation Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States/Governments of the sub-region, the first he attended as Nigerian leader.
He unfolded his agenda for elaborate socio-economic plans for the sub-region and encouraged trade and investment among member-states.
He said Nigeria will organise a trade and investment summit in October to drum home the importance of private sector-led economic growth in the sub-region.
Opening the meeting, the immediate past ECOWAS Chairman and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region.
He cited Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been distorted, and praised Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through the democratic process with successful elections.
The meeting was attended by leaders from the sub-region.
A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Mr Dele Alake, quoted the President as saying: “In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra-Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023.
“The event will provide an opportunity for member states to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organised private sector within the region.”
He called for the strengthening of the institutions of the body.
“In the area of strengthening our organisation’s institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the ongoing institutional reforms of the organisation.
“Given that community levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organisation, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS. This is in line with the shift of the ECOWAS slogan from ‘ECOWAS of State’ to ‘ECOWAS of People,’” the Nigerian President emphasised.
The ECOWAS Chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of member states as well as their social integration.
“We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private-sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region.
“We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among member states by addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.
“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens.
“To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals,” he said further.
The Nigerian leader, however, warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and the emerging pattern of military takeover that now demand urgent and concerted actions.
He said insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the region.
President Tinubu called for collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonised to actualise the dreams of ECOWAS.
“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges.
“Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.
“In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” he declared.
President Tinubu noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy”.
He added: “There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.
“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilise resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives.
“As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.”
On his emergence as Chairman on his first participation at the summit, having just started as the elected leader of Nigeria, President Tinubu stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the leadership of the regional body, pledging his commitment to serve the interest of the community.
He said: “Indeed, I’m humbled and honoured by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community.”
To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the Nigerian President declared that he would prioritise political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.
While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa where soldiers have toppled the popular mandate of the people through the barrel of guns, President Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.
“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.
“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources. We didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people.
“To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.
On political stability, he said: “You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region.
“We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law. I will enhance engagements with the countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule,” he said.
He appreciated the Authority of Heads of State and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.
President Tinubu said: “Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity in our region.”
Credit to: Thenationonlineng.net
Watch: Jay Jay Okocha shines as Morocco beat Egypt for title in U23 AFCON
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha represented his country Nigeria at the continental stage despite the Olympic Eagles not qualifying for the tournament
Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay Jay Okocha graced the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as he proudly brought out the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations trophy ahead of the final showdown, Soccernet.ng reports.
The iconic figure of the Nigerian took centre stage as the highly anticipated U-23 AFCON final between Morocco and Egypt unfolded in Rabat.
With his illustrious career leaving an indelible mark on football fans worldwide, Okocha had the honour of presenting the coveted trophy on the pitch before the commencement of the thrilling match.
Watch the video here:
The clash between the host nation and the defending champions was filled with excitement and tension, requiring extra time to determine the ultimate victor.
Egypt drew first blood with a goal from Mahmoud Saber Abdelmohsen Hassan just ten minutes into the contest, giving his team an early advantage.
However, Egypian’s joy was short-lived, as Hassan received a card and was sent off just eight minutes after scoring.
Undeterred by their red card disadvantage, Egypt managed to hold onto their lead. However, the resilient Moroccan side equalized in the 37th minute through Yanis Begraoui, leading to a deadlock that persisted until the end of regulation time and forcing the match into extra time.
It was in the extra time that Moroccan midfielder Oussama Targhalline emerged as the hero, securing the decisive goal from a free kick. With the home crowd erupting in jubilation, the hosts celebrated their triumph by lifting the AFCON trophy.
Aissam Charai’s determined troops emerged as the AFCON title winners, clinching a hard-fought victory over defending champions Egypt with a scoreline of 2-1 in extra time.
Credit to: soccernet.ng
BUSINESSNigerian stock market attracts N145.40bn investments from FBN Holding, others
After five days of trading, the Nigerian stock market saw investors exchange 9.831 billion shares in 54,478 deals, worth N145.408 billion, between Monday to Friday.
Investments into the Nigerian bourse significantly topped that of the week before, when 3.369 billion shares were traded by investors in 39,764 deals, valued at N41.986 billion.
Top NGX performing sector
The Financial Services Industry topped the list by volume of shares traded, after recording 8.349 billion shares, valued at N127.944 billion, traded in 27,291 deals.
The Conglomerates Industry took the second spot with 420.770 million shares worth N1.683 billion in 2,840 deals.
Occupying the third spot is the ICT Industry, which reported investors traded 220.121 million shares, worth N2.198 billion, in 3,237 deals.
Top three equities
The top three equities, FBN Holding Plc, FCMB Group Plc and United Bank for Africa accounted for 6.071 billion shares worth N102.488 billion in 7,505 deals.
FBN Holding, FCMB Group and UBA were rated as the top three equities by volume, with the firms contributing 61.75 per cent and 70.48 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
Top five gainers of the week
Japaul Gold stock gained N0.41 kobo, ending the week with N1.11 kobo per share, higher than the N0.70 kobo it started with.
Consolidated Hallmark Insurance’s share rose to N1.29 kobo per share, from N0.82 kobo per share, gaining N0.47 kobo.
Chams Holding saw its stock price rise by N0.42 kobo, to end the week with N1.16 kobo, in contrast to the opening price of N0.74 kobo.
Omatek’s share value grew to N0.55 kobo per share, increasing by N0.19 kobo, from N0.36 kobo.
Veritas Kapital’s share closed the week at N0.34 kobo per share from N0.23 kobo per share, appreciating by N0.11 kobo.
Coronation Insurance’s share lost N0.22 kobo, to settle at N0.61 kobo, below the N0.83 kobo it opened the week with.
Tripple Gee’s share lost N0.99 kobo, to close at N2.76 kobo per share, against the opening price of N3.75 kobo per share.
Ikeja Hotel also reported a loss of N0.84 kobo, dropping the share to N3.15 kobo per share, from N3.99 kobo per share.
Lasaco’s share dropped to N2.16 kobo, losing N0.44 kobo, from the N2.60 kobo per share it started trading with.
Champion Brew’s share fell from N5.38 kobo to N4.60 kobo per share, losing N0.78 kobo.
Credit to: ripplesnigeria.com
Tinubu arrives Guinea-Bissau for ECOWAS summit
President Bola Tinubu, on arrival in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, paid a visit to the Nigerian Troops under the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, reminding the Nigerian armed forces that the country depends on them.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, the President told the troops that he was in their camp to show solidarity and to let them know their country is proud of them and their loyalty.
He further reminded the troops, led by their Commander, Brigadier-General Alhassan Grema, that Nigeria is a giant on the African continent, recalling the country’s contributions to the sustenance of democratic culture anywhere in the world.
He, however, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the soldiers and their Commander, Brigadier-General Grema, for their dedication and service to Nigeria and their host country, adding that Nigeria would continue to support democracy in West Africa and around the world.
“I am here to show solidarity with you. I want to assure you we are committed to supporting peace and democracy not only in West Africa but around the world.
“Nigeria is a giant that has made its mark in Sierra Leone and Liberia and other places. We count on your support for the defence of constitutional order. I heard your allowances have been paid up to date. Nothing else should make you angry. We will continue to build a virile force.
“We are proud of you. Proud of your loyalty. Nigeria depends on you. There will be peace and progress in our country,” President said.
Brigadier-General Grema expressed the appreciation of the troops to President Tinubu for being the first Commander-in-Chief in Nigeria’s history to visit his soldiers outside the shore of the country.
The 63rd Ordinary Session summit, which will open on Sunday, July 9, 2023, will be the first international engagement of the President within the African continent since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
President Tinubu, whose plane touched down at the International Airport in Bissau at exactly 5.30 pm, local time, will be the centre of attraction at the summit.
The 16 regional leaders are expected to address memoranda on pressing sub-regional issues including the report of the 50th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) covering security challenges faced by the member countries, Report of the 90th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers on the financial situation of the body and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Other matters slated for consideration by the leaders are the Report on the status of Transition in the Republics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, Memoranda on the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme and the Report on Obstacles to Free Movement of Goods on the Abidjan- Lagos corridor.
While in Guinea-Bissau, the Nigerian leader is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and have other engagements on the sidelines of the summit.
On the entourage of the President on the trip are National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Folashodun Shonubi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa.
; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Aliyu Ahmed; and ECOWAS Permanent Representative, Ambassador Musa Nuhu.
Others on the entourage include former Governors, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Senator Abu Ibrahim from Katsina State.
Credit to: thenationonlineng.net
Sierra Leone: Childfund Hands Over Construction Sites to Two Companies
To increase access to secondary school education for 3,300 out of school children in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, Childfund in collaboration with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has on Friday 9th June handed over construction sites to companies for the construction of secondary schools.
The official handing over ceremony took place at the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress Secondary School, Eastern and Sengbeh Pieh Secondary School, Hamilton respectfully.
The three-year project (April 2023- December 2025) will be implemented by ChildFund Sierra Leone in partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School (MBSSE) in 6 schools in the Western Urban and Rural Districts. The total cost of the project is USD 1,555,000 (One Million Five Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand).
The two construction companies, Associate Investment Enterprises and HI Construction and General Services would construct two set of three classrooms block with office, store, ramp and railing, two set of separation VIP Latrines with menstrual hygiene for girls and urinal for boys.
They would also construct two mechanised borehole with solar power, six taps and with Elevated Water Tower with two 10,000 Litter water tank.
Delivering her statement on behalf of the Country Director of ChildFund, Victor Kamara , the Programs and Sponsorship Director for ChildFund, Isatu O.C Venn said Childfund is an international organization that promotes societies whose individuals and institutions participate in valuing, protecting and advancing the worth and rights of children especially girls.
She said they have been in Sierra Leone since 1985 and their main focus is on the protection of children, adding that they implement their work on three live stages, stage one they target children from 0-5 years, stage two 6-14 years and stage three is from 15-25 years.
She further said for the construction of schools fall under stage two where they focus on having children that are educated and confidence,adding that last year they did assessment of various schools.
She said the project is an inclusion, noting that they are also looking at children with disabilities, pregnant girls and sucking mothers.
She said they work with the deputy directories in identifying the schools and luckily Sierra Leone Muslim Congress and Sengbeh Pieh Secondary Schools were among the schools selected, so she congratulated both schools because they were others out in the country that are looking for support.
“The main focus of the project is training of teachers on the code of conduct and radical inclusion, construction of classrooms to decongest over crowing in the schools, construct VIP latrines to make sure t6hat we improve on sanitation and handwashing in schools, so it a three year project for different schools in the country so we are targeting two years this year. We are requesting for support from the schools, community stakeholders to maintain the structures that will be constructed,” she said.
Also speaking, Compliance Advisor from Korea, Grace Eunhye Yong stated that the project is geared towards the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 and the government’s National Policy on Radical Inclusion in Schools.
She said the reason why the project was chosen in Sierra Leone was that the country has high poverty rate and gender inequality which cause serious threat to children’s education.
She added that the rate of girls dropping out of schools is also high, so the project will promote intervention to reduce social control discrimination and promote educational rights among out-of-school adolescent girls.
She further said the purpose of the project is to increase access to quality education and to provide safe, inclusive and equal education services to pupils.
She said the project will also improve community’s awareness on education.
“Today, we are here to create a safe in educational environment for pupils, during this project the school will create safe educational environment with classrooms, gender toilet that will be use by girls and proving drinking water sanitation for them. I want to assure you all that we will not stop here but we will strive until the end when all children have rights to education,” she said.
Speaking from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, Suliman Sandy applauded KOICA for supporting President Bio’s flagship program, noting that KOICA has for over decades been supporting Sierra Leone’s educational sector.
He added that the Ministry is charged with education programmes for all pupils in the country, so they were happy for the support because President Bio places premium on human capital development, so the KOICA and ChildFund intervention is a step in the right direction.
He continued that the project is geared towards ensuring that out of school girls are supported to continue their education and communities are meaningfully engaged in the protection of marginalized children and enrolling them to school.
He concluded that the 6 schools that are due to be constructed in the Western Area will help return a lot of drop out girls and urged all stakeholders in the educational sector to come together and build a sustainable Sierra Leone for the project to succeed.
In a statement from the Principal of Sengbe Pieh Memoral Secondary School, Brima Kamara commended KOICA and ChildFund for such a support and encouraged the donors to fund more educational projects.
He said the project serves as a morale booster to teachers, pupils and community stakeholders because it will increase the number of classrooms for pupils to have proper accommodation, so he pleaded that such projects are to be established all across the country.
He promised that they would make sure that they take good care of the structures that would be constructed in due time.
The handing over ceremony attracted stakeholders in the communities, pupils, parents, ex-pupils, engineers from the two companies and members of the Fourth Estate.
Credit to: allafrica.com
D5 Creation