Happy new month! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) demolished structures at Breathe Restaurant & Lounge in Enugu, citing various violations including lack of title documents, fraudulent submission of Certificate of Occupancy, exceeding approved building limits, and changing the purpose of the building without authorization. The agency acted based on the withdrawal of building permits and an affidavit by the developer declaring the permit invalid if false information was provided or deviations from the approved plans occurred. ECTDA had previously raised concerns about fake documents and illegal structures in the area. Despite the demolition, the agency spared two permitted buildings to allow the developer to rectify the situation. The restaurant owners claimed to have proper approvals and accused the ECTDA chairman of personal vendetta rather than acting in the government’s interest.
2. Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the Commander General of Kano State Hisbah Board, has resigned. He announced his resignation in a viral video recorded on March 1, 2024, during a retreat in Kaduna. Daurawa cited his inability to maintain Kano’s moral standards, including those related to TikTokers, despite his efforts. He mentioned comments made by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf about his work as a reason for his resignation and apologized to the governor for any discomfort caused by his actions, emphasizing that his intentions were good.
3. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed cement companies to revert to previous pricing levels for the commodity. This directive was disclosed by Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following his visit to the BUA cement factory in Sokoto. The Executive Director of BUA group had stated that they were selling cement bags at N6000 in line with the President’s directive not to exceed N7000 nationwide. Umahi urged the companies to adhere to the President’s directive to facilitate housing programs and concrete road projects. Umahi also commended BUA for completing its 5th production line. The Minister inspected ongoing road projects, emphasizing the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. Senator Aminu Tambuwal praised BUA for fulfilling its responsibilities and urged them to ensure product availability at affordable prices. BUA’s managing director assured increased production to lower cement prices further.
4. The Lagos Mass Rail Transit (LMRT) red line train project was officially commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, 29th February. The first phase of the project spans from Agbado in Ogun State to the Oyingbo axis of Lagos State, covering a distance of 37 km with eight stations. President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic future and urged perseverance and hard work. He also cautioned against strike actions by the Nigeria Labour Congress within nine months of his administration. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State praised President Tinubu for his support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing the state’s transportation sector. Plans for expanding the LMRT project were also discussed, including the green and purple rail lines. Phase 2 of the LMRT red line project (Oyingbo to Marina) was signed at the event.
5. Paul Pogba, a star player for Juventus, expressed shock after receiving a four-year ban from football due to an alleged doping offense. The ban, announced on Thursday, means the 30-year-old will not be able to play until 2027. Pogba was tested after Juventus’ first match of the season in August 2023 and faced provisional suspension in September for elevated testosterone levels. Italy’s anti-doping tribunal confirmed the positive test in October, leading to the four-year suspension. Pogba denies knowingly using banned substances and plans to appeal the decision. His agent also asserts Pogba’s innocence, stating he never intended to break any rules.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Al Nassr’s 4-4 draw against Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League due to a one-match suspension and a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) imposed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. He was penalized for allegedly making an obscene gesture towards Al Shabab fans during a previous match. Despite Anderson Talisca’s hat-trick, Al Nassr failed to secure victory as Al Hazm equalized in added time. Ronaldo’s suspension means he will miss only one game and will return for Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League clash with Al Ain.
7. Afrobeat artist Ahmed Ololade, known as Asake, faces criticism from Christians for allegedly disrespecting Christianity in his music video “Only Me,” directed by TG Omori. In the video, Asake is seen wearing priestly attire, sparking outrage among Christians who accuse him of disrespecting their faith. Social commentator Solomon Buchi condemned Asake’s actions, questioning why he targets Christianity in his videos while being Muslim. Another critic, @AniBae94, expressed frustration over Asake’s portrayal of the Eucharist and other Christian symbols. This incident recalls a similar backlash against singer Olamilekan Taiwo, aka Logos Olori, for his music video “Jaye Lo,” which featured scenes in front of a mosque and the use of Islamic phrases, upsetting some Muslim fans.
