Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Starting April 1st, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria will implement a three-month ban on publicly funded overseas travel for ministers and government officials. This measure aims to control government spending on foreign trips, prompted by concerns over escalating costs highlighted by his chief of staff. Criticism has mounted against Tinubu’s administration for frequent international visits, including sponsoring over 400 individuals to attend the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has undertaken more than 15 foreign trips, surpassing budgeted amounts. With Nigeria facing economic challenges and widespread hardship, the travel ban reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing public concerns, although it remains unclear if his trips will be affected. The ban will only permit essential travel approved by Tinubu at least two weeks in advance, emphasizing officials’ core responsibilities for effective service delivery.
2. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has urged collaboration between military and paramilitary agencies to boost national security. He emphasized the need to bridge gaps between them, advocating for intelligence sharing and resource allocation. Tunji-Ojo highlighted training for immigration and civil defense personnel at border checkpoints and forested areas. He called for understanding to facilitate coordination and operational assistance. General Christopher Musa commended Tunji-Ojo’s initiatives and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting the ministry.
3. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi asserts that security agencies lack the authority to label any Nigerian as a terror financier. He responds to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit’s declaration of his associate, Tukur Mamu, and others as terror sponsors, stating that Mamu’s case is in court and that the media trial is inappropriate. Gumi emphasizes that only the court should determine guilt. He pledges support for Mamu’s legal process and insists on fair treatment. Gumi suggests that Mamu’s arrest was due to his aid to victims of terrorist attacks and urges adherence to legal procedures.
4. The Nigerian naira strengthened against the US dollar, closing at 1,382/$ at the official market. Increased dollar supply and warnings against currency speculation from the Presidency contributed to this rise. The Central Bank of Nigeria resolved $7 billion in foreign exchange backlogs, boosting market confidence. External reserves grew, and Diaspora remittances surged, indicating a healthier economy. Speculators were advised to sell off their dollars swiftly as the naira is expected to appreciate further. Recent CBN measures and law enforcement actions have stabilized the currency market.
5. Nigeria’s Ese Brume won gold in the women’s long jump at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, with a record-breaking leap of 6.92 meters, defending her title from 2019. Her compatriot Prestina Ochonogor secured bronze with a jump of 6.67m. Despite a strong performance, Ruth Usoro finished fourth with a jump of 6.62m. Additionally, Obiageri Amachi won gold in the discus throw with a personal best of 58.93m, while Chioma Onyekwere took silver. Kemi Francis-Petersen earned silver with 5268 points in the women’s heptathlon, trailing behind Ahouanwanou Odile of Benin Republic. Notably, Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s renowned athlete and world record holder in the 100m hurdles, secured a gold medal at the African Games in Ghana, living up to the expectations of her fans. Despite a false start that resulted in a warning, she demonstrated her prowess by winning with a time of 12.89s. This victory marks her third consecutive African Games title, following her successes in previous editions.
6. Controversial influencer Kesari Okala has spoken out about his decision not to physically confront Nigerian singer and rapper Portable during an altercation at Computer Village in Lagos. In a follow-up video, Kesari explained that he refrained from fighting Portable to avoid being labeled as a ‘hooligan’ by the public, highlighting his conscious choice to avoid escalation despite the heated exchange.
7. Veteran actor Emeka Ike joyfully announced the birth of his baby girl with his wife on March 21st, 2024, coinciding with his 56th birthday. Embracing this double celebration, he named the newborn after his late mother, Mama Comfort Okwuchi Ike. Expressing gratitude, he thanked his wife for enduring the pains of childbirth, describing the arrival of baby Chidera Comfort Thando Ike as a blessing that fills the void left by his late mother.
