Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has refuted claims that its website was hacked, clarifying that the issue was related to connectivity problems, not a cyberattack. The reports emerged just a day after the bank renewed its domain for another five years. While some speculated that a fraudulent version of the website was created for phishing purposes, no hacker group has claimed responsibility. Despite the website disruption, GTBank’s mobile applications remained functional. A top bank executive confirmed that the problem was purely technical, unrelated to any hacking attempts.
2. Prominent national figures have strongly criticized a proposed bill in Nigeria’s House of Representatives that would impose a 10-year prison sentence on individuals who refuse to recite the national anthem. The bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is set for its second reading and includes penalties for various offenses, including defacing national symbols and organizing unauthorized processions. Critics, including activist Aisha Yesufu and former minister Obiageli Ezekwesili, have condemned the bill as authoritarian and irrelevant, particularly in light of the recent reintroduction of Nigeria’s old national anthem. Both have vowed to continue singing the current anthem, “Arise O Compatriots,” and have expressed their willingness to face legal consequences for their defiance.
3. Recent reports have alleged that the monthly pay of 99 non-principal Nigerian senators exceeds 20 million naira. Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila revealed that he receives about N21 million monthly for office-related expenses. This revelation contrasts with the official figures from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which states each senator’s salary is approximately N1.06 million monthly. The high earnings of legislators have sparked criticism, with civil society organizations calling for greater transparency and a reassessment of lawmakers’ pay in light of the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also condemned the practice of legislators setting their salaries, labeling it as immoral.
4. Kylian Mbappé made a remarkable debut for Real Madrid on Wednesday, August 14, by scoring in a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. This marked the first time Mbappé wore Madrid’s iconic white jersey in a competitive match. He scored the second goal in the 68th minute, securing the win and the trophy. Federico Valverde had earlier given Madrid the lead in the 59th minute. Despite a challenging first half, Madrid dominated after the break, with Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham being standout performers. Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the squad’s potential, while Bellingham commended Mbappé’s exceptional qualities.
5. The man featured in a viral video where his wife was reportedly seen tearing up his passport has clarified that the incident was staged as a skit. In a follow-up video on their Instagram page, he explained that his passport was not damaged, and they were merely reenacting someone else’s story. He apologized, stating that they are law-abiding Nigerians who would never defy the country’s laws by destroying a passport. The Nigeria Immigration Service launched an investigation after the video circulated, identifying and inviting the individuals involved for further questioning.
6. Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old pageant hopeful, has accepted an invitation to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria after withdrawing from Miss South Africa due to a nationality controversy. Despite being a South African citizen, her eligibility was questioned because her father is Nigerian and her mother has Mozambican roots. Following an investigation by South Africa’s Home Affairs department, which suggested possible identity fraud by her mother, Adetshina decided to leave the competition for her family’s safety. Miss Universe Nigeria invited her to compete, offering her the chance to represent Nigeria internationally. If she wins, Adetshina will compete against Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, at Miss Universe in November.
7. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent surge in monkeypox (mpox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This follows advice from an IHR Emergency Committee, which cited the rapid spread of a new mpox strain and outbreaks in neighboring countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed the need for a coordinated global response. This is the second PHEIC for mpox in two years, reflecting the ongoing challenges. WHO is seeking immediate funding and support for enhanced surveillance and response, and is working to expedite vaccine access, especially for lower-income countries.
