Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Adaora Umeoji has been appointed as the first female Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, effective June 1, 2024, pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria. She succeeds Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, who served a successful five-year term. Umeoji, with nearly 30 years of banking experience, previously held the position of Deputy Managing Director at Zenith Bank since October 2016. She is an alumna of Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School, with degrees from various prestigious institutions including the University of Jos, Baze University, University of Salford, and University of Calabar.
2. A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, criticized the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for breaking the Ramadan fast with Muslims in Nasarawa State, calling it a political stunt. Obi was seen in a video sharing the Iftar meal in a mosque during his visit to the state. Ahmad questioned why Obi hadn’t participated in such activities during his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State. He accused Obi of engaging in political maneuvers ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi’s gesture received mixed reactions, with some commending it as a display of love and tolerance, while others viewed it as political opportunism.
3. The Islamic Development Bank approved a $125 million loan for Abia State to support its 2024 budget. Governor Alex Otti announced this during a press briefing, also mentioning approval from the African Development Bank and interest from commercial banks for similar loans. Otti assured cautious use of the loans, ensuring scrutiny of their purposes. He addressed issues such as pension arrears and salary payment delays, assuring correction of errors before payment. Otti denied tampering with local government funds and invited skeptics to observe local government service delivery improvements firsthand.
4. Nigerian sprinter Tobi Amusan won the women’s 100m hurdles Round 1 heat at the 13th Africa Games in Ghana with a time of 13.03 seconds. Her victory secured her a place in the semifinals of the event. So far Nigeria has won four gold medals from the competition with Ruth Usoro winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s Triple Jump and Emmanuel Ojeli helping Team Nigeria secure Gold in the men’s 4x400m Mixed relay.
5. Manchester United’s 18-year-old midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, has been promoted to the full England squad by Gareth Southgate after impressing in the Premier League. Initially included in the U21 setup, Mainoo’s remarkable form has earned him a place in the senior squad for upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Mainoo’s rapid rise from having just one Premier League appearance last year to joining the senior England squad has drawn comparisons to footballing greats such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Clarence Seedorf. Mainoo’s maturity and skill on the field have garnered praise from football legends like Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, indicating a promising future for the young midfielder.
6. The 5th edition of World Poetry Day (WPD), themed “World Poetry Day 2024: Engaging the Quintessential Poet Wole Soyinka @90,” is set to take place on March 21. Sponsored by Providus Bank, the event will be held at the Banquet Hall, Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. It coincides with the 90th birthday anniversary of Wole Soyinka, featuring presentations and performances by nine poets, including six Nigerians and three international poets. The poets will engage with Soyinka’s poems, showcasing varied styles and techniques. The event will also include an exhibition of artworks and photographs of Soyinka’s life and career, followed by a reception. Since 2020, Providus Bank’s CSR initiative, “Providus Bank Poetry Café,” has hosted the event, curated by the Culture Advocates Caucus and directed by Jahman Anikulapo under Soyinka’s supervision.
7. Nigerian gospel singer Theophilus Sunday has announced his engagement to Jamaican real estate agent Ashlee White, stating “As it pleases the Lord!” Notably, the Internet has been abuzz with recent engagements of gospel ministers, including Moses Bliss marrying Marie Wiseborn on March 3rd, and Neon Adejo’s engagement to Lade on March 15th.
