Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President Bola Tinubu has appointed 65 new members to the governing councils of 13 Federal Universities and Tertiary Institutions across Nigeria. This move, announced on August 7, by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), aims to enhance the administration and strategic direction of these institutions. The appointees, including chairpersons and members, are expected to bring expertise and experience to ensure effective governance and advancement in their respective institutions. President Tinubu expressed confidence in their ability to perform their duties diligently and within their statutory responsibilities.
2. The Kaduna State Government has adjusted the 24-hour curfew in Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan areas to be in effect from 6 pm to 8 am daily, starting Thursday, August 8. The decision, made by the state Security Council led by Governor Uba Sani, came after reviewing the security situation in the areas. Citizens can now move freely from 8 am to 6 pm but must observe the curfew from 6 pm to 8 am. The government emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace and security and warned that security forces would strictly enforce the curfew and address any actions that could disrupt order.
3. The naira gained slightly in official trading on Wednesday after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold $876.26 million in a retail auction to support the currency. The naira strengthened to N1596 per US dollar from N1601 the previous day at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). This sale is the largest under Governor Olayemi Cardoso. The CBN sold the dollars at a rate of N1495 per dollar, with bids from 26 banks qualifying, while bids from six banks were disqualified. The auction aims to address the growing foreign exchange demand and ease pressure on the naira. However, the naira weakened in the parallel market, trading at N1,620 per dollar compared to N1,603 the day before. The success of this measure depends on managing the supply of foreign exchange inflows, primarily from crude oil sales. The reintroduction of the Retail Dutch Auction system is seen as a positive step in supporting the naira and reducing speculative demand.
4. Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, exited the 2024 Olympic Games after losing 88-74 to the United States in the quarterfinals. Despite the loss, D’Tigress made history by being the first African team to reach the last 16 in the Olympics. Although, they started strong, matching the Americans early on, but struggled to keep up as the game progressed. However, the U.S. maintained control, with key plays from A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, leading to a gap that D’Tigress couldn’t close. However, Nigeria’s impressive performance in the final quarter, winning it 26-12, earned them admiration from basketball fans worldwide. The U.S. women’s team has kept winning since 1992, with victories in nine Olympic Games and seven gold medals in a row. D’Tigress returned home as basketball heroes, having exceeded expectations.
5. Tobi Amusan is confident about winning an Olympic medal at Paris 2024 after winning her 100m hurdles heat in 12.49 seconds. The world record holder (12.12 seconds) finished ahead of Alaysha Johnson (USA) and Janeek Brown (Jamaica), with only Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico posting a faster time in the semifinals. Having competed in two previous Olympics without a podium finish, Amusan feels ready to win a medal this time. Despite her record status, she feels no pressure and approaches each race as an underdog. Nigerians are hopeful she can become the first Nigerian sprint hurdler to medal since Glory Alozie in Sydney 24 years ago.
6. Chidinma Vanessa Adetshina, a South African pageant contestant born to a Nigerian father, is under investigation for potential fraud and identity theft concerning her citizenship. This scrutiny began after social media users questioned her legitimacy as a South African citizen. Preliminary findings suggest that her recorded mother might have committed fraud and identity theft in 2001 when Adetshina was a minor. The investigation revealed that a South African woman, whose identity may have been stolen, faced significant issues, including being unable to register her child. The Department of Home Affairs is investigating implicated officials and seeking legal advice on Adetshina’s citizenship status, with possible criminal charges pending. The controversy has sparked broader discussions on xenophobia and discrimination in South Africa. As the Miss South Africa pageant approaches on August 10, 2024, Adetshina’s eligibility remains uncertain. The winner will represent South Africa at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico.
7. Popular Nollywood actor Francis Duru has announced the death of his son, Ifeanyi, in an emotional Instagram post. Duru described Ifeanyi as a “champ” and a “lion” who fought valiantly. The actor expressed his deep sorrow, saying he will miss and forever love his son, while also thanking God. The news, coming just months after Ifeanyi’s 15th birthday, has shocked fans and colleagues, who have flooded Duru’s Instagram with condolences and support
