Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno refuted claims that his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, has been appointed as First Lady following the death of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, on September 26, 2024. During a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Eno clarified that his daughter will serve as the Coordinator for the Office of the First Lady to maintain its programs. He emphasized that First Ladies are not appointed but traditionally assume roles as governor’s spouses. He said his daughter’s coordination would help sustain his late wife’s initiatives, including the “Golden Initiative For All.” Eno received support from several governors, including Godwin Obaseki, Seyi Makinde, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who expressed condolences and encouraged him to continue serving Akwa Ibom effectively.
2. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT, to prioritize peace for the state’s benefit. On Politics Today, Fubara shared that he had repeatedly pleaded with Wike to resolve tensions, even kneeling in appeal. He proceeded with recent local government elections despite opposition from Wike’s allies in the PDP and APC. This led to violent clashes and arson across various council areas, fueled by political disagreements. Amidst escalating conflicts, PDP chieftain Bode George has called for reconciliation, emphasizing the need for unity within the party. George and other PDP Board of Trustees members attempted mediation, with plans to meet Wike upon his return from China. George stressed that Fubara, as the state’s governor, is the rightful PDP leader in Rivers and requires support to govern effectively.
3. Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), announced on Sunday, October 6, 2024, that the Federal Government approved the construction of an airstrip at Faith Tabernacle in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State. Speaking at the Tehillah Night Special Edition at Covenant University Chapel, Oyedepo explained that the new airstrip would allow him and other members with planes to travel directly from the church premises, avoiding trips to the airport. This development, aimed at easing transportation for worshippers and visitors during significant events, follows Oyedepo’s recent 70th birthday celebration in September. He encouraged the congregation to pursue their divine purpose, referencing Covenant University graduates who have become pilots.
4. The Nigerian Federal Government, via the Debt Management Office (DMO), opened October 2024 subscriptions for FGN savings bonds from October 7 to 11. Investors can choose a two-year bond with 17.084% interest, maturing in 2026, or a three-year bond at 18.084%, maturing in 2027. Each unit costs N1,000, with a minimum investment of N5,000 and a maximum of N50 million. The DMO reports increased rates (up from 12.074% in 2023) due to recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monetary policies to combat inflation and attract foreign investment. Interest payments will be made quarterly, starting in January 2024.
5. Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning singer and mother of Whitney Houston, died on Monday at 91, confirmed by The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. Surrounded by family, she passed away at 10:30 a.m. ET in hospice care, having battled Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, described her as a “strong and towering figure” with a lasting legacy in music, family, and community. Born Emily Drinkard, Cissy began her singing career in 1938 with The Drinkard Singers, later forming The Sweet Inspirations, who performed with artists like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. Her solo career saw ten albums and collaborations with music legends, including her daughter, Whitney, who died in 2012. Cissy authored a 2013 memoir, Remember Whitney, to share insights on her daughter’s life. Pat Houston expressed gratitude for Cissy’s life and teachings, saying, “May she rest in peace alongside her daughter Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina.”
6. US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering microRNAs, announced on October 2, 2024. Their research, conducted primarily on the nematode worm C. elegans, identified microRNAs as crucial regulators of gene expression, which enables the formation of diverse cell types within multicellular organisms. This ability to control gene expression is essential for complex life forms and prevents all cells from being identical despite having the same DNA. MicroRNA misregulation is linked to various conditions, including cancer, congenital hearing loss, and DICER1 syndrome. Their groundbreaking findings have also sparked research into therapies for diseases like epilepsy.
7. Nine players have arrived at the Super Eagles training camp in Uyo for their 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Libya. Seven players, including Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze, joined the camp on Tuesday morning, while goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie reported on Monday. The team expects the full squad to assemble by their first open training session at 5 p.m. today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The Super Eagles will play Libya on Friday at the same venue.
