Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended the controversial cybersecurity levy on electronic banking transactions following backlash from the public. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the suspension after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, stating that the policy is currently under review. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had mandated the levy, requiring a 0.5% charge on all electronic transactions to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund. However, the decision led to widespread criticism and calls for suspension, including a motion from the House of Representatives deeming the directive “ambiguous,” and a protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
2. The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, reported that 5.9 million Nigerian children face a severe food and nutrition crisis, the highest globally. At the launch of the 2024 Lean Season Food Security and Nutrition Crisis multi-sector plan, Fall highlighted that the initiative will make efforts to align with existing government efforts in food assistance, health, water, and sanitation, focusing on the North-Eastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. He noted that 700,000 children under five in these states are malnourished and 4.8 million Nigerians are at risk of a food crisis during the June to September lean season, exacerbated by flooding, inflation, and the war in Ukraine. A budget of N306 million is needed to support 2.8 million people and prevent the crisis from worsening.
3. Wigwe University, established by the late Herbert Wigwe, is set to begin operations in September 2024 in Isiokpo, Rivers State. The university will offer programs across four colleges: Management and Social Sciences, Arts, Science and Computing, and Engineering. Course fees vary, with the College of Arts costing N9.6 million and the other three colleges at N11,998,800. These fees cover tuition, books, lab supplies, PPE, project resources, e-learning materials, health insurance, professional association memberships, and student activities. Additionally, a premium accommodation option is available at N1 million per month, with other housing options ranging from N3.5 million to N3.845 million per session.
4. The Cross River State Government has secured $3.5 billion from Afreximbank for the Bakassi Deep Seaport Project. Governor Bassey Edet Otu announced this on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting that the funding will significantly enhance economic growth and infrastructure in the state. The Bakassi Deep Seaport, envisioned in 2014, has undergone several developmental stages including environmental and social impact assessments and obtaining necessary clearances. Despite former Governor Ben Ayade’s efforts, the project had stalled due to funding issues. The seaport is planned to be 16 meters deep and will feature an extensive free trade zone.
6. Manchester City moved closer to securing the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over Tottenham, thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland. This victory places City two points ahead of Arsenal with one game remaining. In a tense match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Haaland scored the first goal by tapping in a cross from Kevin De Bruyne after halftime. Substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made crucial saves after replacing Ederson, who had to leave due to a head injury. Haaland then secured the win with a penalty following a foul on Jeremy Doku by Pedro Porro. City’s win, their eighth consecutive in the league, means they will clinch the title if they beat West Ham on Sunday. Tottenham, now out of the running for a Champions League spot, saw Aston Villa secure their qualification, with Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou criticizing the club’s unstable situation.
