Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories:
1. President Tinubu on Thursday met with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands to discuss investment opportunities and bilateral partnerships between Nigeria and the Netherlands. In Tinubu’s speech at the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum, Tinubu stated that the mutually beneficial partnership will foster stronger bonds in commerce, innovation, and enterprise, and proposed focusing on industrial value addition, agribusiness, technology, green energy, marine economy, and solid mineral processing. Rutte acknowledged Nigeria’s economic reforms and announced $250 million worth of Dutch investments, including a $100 million waste-to-wealth facility in Lagos.
2. A rainstorm on Thursday, damaged part of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, leading to the escape of 119 inmates. Efforts to recapture them are underway, with 13 already back in custody. The facility, built during the colonial era, is undergoing efforts to modernize and improve security. Residents reported the damage caused by heavy rains, with security reinforcements deployed to arrest fleeing inmates. Normalcy has returned to Suleja town, with ongoing efforts to recover the escaped prisoners. This incident occurs as the government works to decongest correctional centers nationwide, with plans to release 4,068 indigent inmates.
3. Former Senator Ayogu Eze, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District and was the APC governorship candidate in the 2015 election, has passed away at 66. His family or the party has yet to issue an official statement on his death. He died in Abuja after battling a prolonged illness. Eze, a founding member of the PDP, later joined the APC and was a prominent figure in Enugu State politics. Eze previously served as Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism under Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, and later as a Special Adviser on Public Affairs. In the Senate, he chaired the Committee on Information and Media and was involved in constitutional amendments during his eight-year tenure.
5. Following yesterday’s naira decline to N1,309.81/$1 at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) window and N1,450/$1 at the parallel market, Analysts caution that the recent positive performance of the naira against the dollar may be temporary without fiscal support, despite recent gains. The naira weakened across official and parallel markets, with significant declines. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s interventions have stabilized the currency, but sustainability is questioned without addressing fundamental issues. Suggestions include enhancing exports, improving business efficiency, and tackling insecurity to attract foreign investments. While recent interventions have temporarily boosted the naira, lasting solutions require broader government action beyond monetary policy.
6. Manchester City gained the lead in the Premier League race with a dominant 4-0 victory over Brighton. Phil Foden scored twice, supported by goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez. Despite Brighton’s initial high press, City’s precise passing and relentless attack proved too much. De Bruyne’s expert header opened the scoring before Foden’s fortuitous free-kick and composed finish extended the lead. Alvarez sealed the win with a close-range effort. The win narrowed the gap to Arsenal to just one point, with City needing five more wins for a fourth consecutive title. Liverpool dropped to third in the table. Arsenal, with a superior goal difference, led the title race. Next, City will face Nottingham Forest while Arsenal faces Tottenham.
