Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Ltd, has criticized the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 30 percent interest rates, warning they could stifle business growth and job creation. Speaking at the Nigeria Manufacturers Summit, Dangote spoke on the need for government policies that support and protect both local and foreign investors. He suggested that stable and affordable power, accessible financing, and a supportive industrial policy are crucial for attracting and retaining investors. Dangote argued that ignoring these factors leads to issues like insecurity and poverty. He also noted that import dependency harms the economy, advocating for policies that nurture domestic industries. Former Minister Olusegun Aganga echoed these sentiments, urging President Bola Tinubu to prioritize manufacturing as a national sector.
2. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has declared a state of emergency on oil and gas production in Nigeria. Group CEO Mele Kyari announced this at the 23rd Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja. He emphasized that NNPC is committed to addressing the challenges hindering crude oil production, aiming to produce two million barrels per day without new rigs. Kyari mentioned plans to replace old pipelines and implement a rig-sharing program. He also highlighted NNPC’s investment in midstream gas infrastructure and the construction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations. The event featured keynotes from industry leaders, including OPEC and GECF representatives.
3. Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, has urged the federal government to designate July 13 as a national day to honor Wole Soyinka’s contributions to Nigeria’s development. Speaking in Abeokuta, Gbadebo also called for Soyinka to be awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) in celebration of his 90th birthday. July 13 will be recognized as Wole Soyinka Day in Egba land. The theme for Soyinka’s birthday celebration is “Defiance and Creativity: A Celebration of Soyinka’s Artistic Ingenuity and Impact on Nigeria, Africa, and the Entire World.” Gbadebo emphasized Soyinka’s significance as the first African Nobel laureate in literature and his positive influence on the youth. He noted that New Orleans already honors Soyinka with a dedicated day and encouraged Nigeria to do the same.
4. The Nigerian Senate has passed for a second reading a bill allowing all persons, including foreigners residing in Nigeria, to obtain and use a National Identification Number (NIN). Sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, the bill aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to encourage NIN compliance. Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who led the debate, explained that the bill seeks to repeal the existing Act and enhance the regulatory capacity of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The bill’s objectives include expanding registrable persons’ scope, protecting personal data, improving administrative enforcement, and removing criminal penalties for non-use of NIN. The bill was debated and passed by the senators.
5. A bill proposing the creation of Etiti State from parts of Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi states has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives. The bill was presented during plenary by five representatives: Amobi Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Chinwe Nnabuife, and Anayo Onwuegbu. The proposed state would include 11 local government areas from these five states, with Lokpanta as the capital. The bill aims to amend three sections of the 1999 Constitution, changing the number of states from 36 to 37 and listing Etiti State after Enugu. The affected LGAs are Isuikwuato and Umu-Nneochi (Abia), Orumba North and Orumba South (Anambra), Ivo and Ohaozara (Ebonyi), Aninri, Awgu, and Oji River (Enugu), and Okigwe and Onuimo (Imo).
6. Paul Pogba, the Juventus midfielder, insists he is “not finished” and vows to fight the “injustice” of his four-year ban. Pogba failed a doping test in August 2023, with a B sample also testing positive, leading to a suspension until 2027. He is appealing the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In a recent video, Pogba, 31, clarified that he is still a football player and intends to clear his name. Despite not being able to train or play, Pogba remains positive and is spending time with his family. He confirmed that his contract with Juventus is still in effect and awaits the outcome of his appeal. Pogba hopes to return to football soon but faces legal challenges before he can play again.
7. Veteran Yoruba actor Ibrahim Bello Sanya, known as Baba Lawori, has sought help after an alleged attack by Lagos State National Union of Road Transport Workers boss Koko Zaria. In a viral Instagram video, Baba Lawori recounted that the incident occurred on June 25, 2024, during the Idimu Day event. He was approached on stage by a man who informed him that Koko Zaria was calling him. When he went to meet Koko Zaria, he was questioned for not recognizing his presence. As Baba Lawori apologized and promised to acknowledge him on stage, another man broke a bottle on his head, leading to him losing consciousness and bleeding.
