Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The organizers of the October 1 protest against hardship in Nigeria, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, have insisted on proceeding despite opposition from the Federal Government and warnings from the Nigerian Police Force. Sowore confirmed via social media that the protest would be peaceful and nationwide, addressing issues such as rising fuel prices, devaluation of the naira, and insecurity. Despite previous protests being met with force, Sowore maintained that protesters would not be deterred. The Nigerian Police have begun deploying officers across states to prevent violence, with several state police commands taking proactive measures. Meanwhile, the Lagos State government reaffirmed that protests are restricted to two designated venues to avoid disruptions. Regarding the jailed August 1 protesters, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also been actively involved in securing the release of protesters, but foreign support has been lacking.
2. The World Bank has approved $1.57 billion in financing for Nigeria, which aims to address governance challenges, improve primary healthcare, and enhance resilience to climate change. The funding includes a $1.5 billion loan and a $70 million grant. It was approved on September 26, 2024. Part of the financing will support programs to improve governance in education and healthcare, focusing on transparency and accountability. Another portion will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly for women and children, by reducing maternal and child mortality and improving health infrastructure. Additionally, a project will focus on boosting resilience to climate-induced challenges through enhanced dam safety and irrigation, benefiting farmers and livestock breeders. World Bank Country Director Dr. Ndiamé Diop said investing in health and education was essential to improve future employment opportunities, productivity, and poverty reduction. Despite Nigeria securing $6.52 billion in World Bank financing under President Tinubu, disbursement has been slow, with only $774.99 million released by July 31, 2024.
3. Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara humorously announced the construction of an ultra-modern psychiatric hospital in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. He shared this news during a Thanksgiving service, reflecting on his first year in office compared to the eight years of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Wike, who has criticized Fubara’s leadership, claimed to still have control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers and mocked Fubara’s support for the Action Peoples Party (APP). In response, Fubara asserted that his administration had made significant strides, including securing an N200 billion loan for the Port Harcourt Ring Road and initiating the Trans-Kalabari Road project without borrowing. Fubara called for unity among Rivers residents to protect the state’s interests, stating that it belongs to all citizens and is not a personal enterprise. He expressed confidence in his administration’s achievements and dismissed opposition criticisms as attempts to undermine his governance.
4. Football fans in Nigeria, represented by the Movement for the Advancement of Nigerian Football (MANF), oppose the renewal of Mohammed Sanusi’s contract as General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). MANF’s National Convener, Olayiwola Akande, criticized Sanusi’s 11-year tenure for contributing to the decline of Nigerian football and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene. Akande explained that Sanusi’s contract has been renewed four times since 2007, contrary to Federal regulations, and called for a transparent process to appoint a new General Secretary with relevant qualifications. He highlighted Nigeria’s failure to qualify for major tournaments under Sanusi, citing incompetence and corruption as critical issues, and concluded that it is time for new leadership in the NFF.
