Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Access Holdings Plc has appointed Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer following the unfortunate death of its former CEO, Herbert Wigwe, alongside his family and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group. The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Agbede, who has nearly three decades of experience in banking and business consultancy, previously served in various roles at Access Bank, including Head of Group Human Resources and founding Executive Director of Business Support. She holds degrees from the University of Lagos and Cranfield University UK and is a member of professional institutes in the UK and Nigeria.
2. Daniel Bwala, a former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the February 2023 presidential election, addressed the rising cost of food, attributing it to a global trend. Bwala, who recently pledged support to work with the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration under President Tinubu, noted the high prices of goods in the UK compared to Nigeria, citing examples such as palm oil and haircuts. He reassured the public that global food inflation is projected to decrease by the end of the year. Bwala also urged Nigerians in the US and UK not to solely criticize the government, highlighting challenges faced by leaders in other countries.
3. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, stated that it would be challenging for the Nigerian government to implement a proposed minimum wage of N100,000. He made this remark during an interview with Arise Television, citing the country’s current financial constraints. Onanuga pointed out that many state governments are struggling to pay the existing minimum wage, with only 10 out of 36 states managing to do so. He questioned whether the federal government would be able to afford the proposed increase, given the current circumstances.
4. The Southern and Middle Belt Forum (SMBLF) condemned Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention by the Nigerian Government, warning of potential repercussions on Southeast peace. They also criticized the establishment of an ethnic militia by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and cautioned against condoning such actions. SMBLF urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to uphold the rule of law and obey court rulings regarding Kanu’s case. Additionally, they expressed concern about escalating insecurity nationwide, advocating for a restructuring of the security architecture and increased federal support for state and community policing efforts. The meeting included representatives from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, and Pan-Niger Delta Forum, along with various elder statesmen and former government officials.
5. The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four brothers, Egbo Chukwuebuka, Egbo Favour Chibuike, Egbo Ifeanyi Francis, and Egbo Victor, along with 30 others for alleged involvement in internet fraud. The arrests were made in an intelligence-driven sting operation at various locations within Enugu State. Among the items recovered from the suspects were mobile phones and exotic cars. The suspects will be charged in court once investigations are complete.
6. Victor Onwubiko, a legal practitioner residing in Uturu, Abia State, was reportedly murdered by gunmen while returning home on Saturday night. The incident occurred along the Okigwe-Uturu road around 9 pm. Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police Command’s spokesperson, stated that law enforcement is investigating the situation, with a press statement to follow. Sources indicate that despite heavy security presence in the area, incidents of kidnappings and killings persist along the road.
7. The Super Bowl game on February 11th between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers broke TV viewership records, averaging 123.4 million viewers. CBS had the largest audience ever for a single network with 112 million viewers. Paramount+ reported record-breaking streaming viewership. The game surpassed last year’s Super Bowl corrected to a record-breaking 115.1 million viewers. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas hosted the game, with entertainment by Reba McEntire and a halftime performance by Usher featuring Alicia Keys and others. Celebrity-filled ads included a Verizon spot with Beyoncé. Taylor Swift’s presence at the game alongside Travis Kelce attracted attention.
