Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Senate has approved amendments to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, including the death penalty for drug manufacturers and traffickers, and 15 years imprisonment for consumers. The decision was made due to the increasing substance abuse among youths in Nigeria. The amendment was raised during a committee review on Thursday, with some senators expressing concerns over the severity of the penalty. Despite objections, the amendment was passed and will be sent to the President for assent. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Mohammed Monguno, emphasized that the penalty was an effort to curb drug abuse’s destructive impact on the country’s future.
2. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan Markle, are set to visit Nigeria for three days starting Friday. The couple were invited by Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff to connect with and support wounded soldiers, aligning with Harry’s role as the founder of the Invictus Games. Scheduled from May 10 to May 13, the visit aims to provide invaluable support to soldiers undergoing recovery efforts, with a focus on boosting self-esteem and mental health. Upon arrival, they’ll meet with the Chief of Defence Staff before visiting educational and medical institutions supported by their NGO.
3. The IMF recommended Nigeria regulate global crypto trading platforms, enforcing similar standards to financial intermediaries, due to concerns about FX market stability. Nigerian authorities acknowledged the need for FX stabilization and cited illicit flows through crypto platforms as a pressure on the exchange rate. They implemented stricter controls and compliance measures. Currently, South Africa leads in crypto regulation, licensing 60 platforms. However, Nigeria has seen crypto trading as a national security issue, directing fintech startups to block crypto transactions and report them. The Securities and Exchange Commission also proposed removing the naira from crypto platforms.
4. Tunde Hassan-Odukale has officially stepped down as Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Limited after the expiration of his tenure. Ebenezer Olufowose has been appointed as the new Chairman, bringing over three decades of financial sector experience. Olufowose previously served as the Group Managing Director of First Ally Capital Limited. His appointment was disclosed in an official filing by FBN Holdings on the Nigerian Exchange. Hassan-Odukale’s departure follows a 12-year tenure on the board, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s guidelines for Non-Executive Directors.
5. Tijjani Babangida, former Super Eagles player and president of PFAN, was hospitalized after a car crash on the Kaduna-Zaria highway. His brother Ibrahim died in the accident. Babangida, along with his wife, son, and maid, was rushed to the hospital. Babangida is conscious, and other victims are recuperating. Ibrahim will be buried after Friday’s Jummat service. Babangida had a notable career with the Super Eagles, winning the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics. Ibrahim was also a former footballer, known for his role in Nigeria’s 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup victory.
6. Bandits raided Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) in Kogi, abducting students studying for exams stipulated to start on May 13. They allegedly entered the school on Thursday night through the bushes, fired shots, and trapped students in three lecture halls. Unfortunately, some students were abducted before security could respond. The Vice-Chancellor confirmed the incident but didn’t disclose the number of students abducted. Authorities, including the Commissioner of Police and State Security Adviser, are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
7. Hailey and Justin Bieber are expecting their first child! They announced the news on Instagram with romantic video clips of Hailey debuting her bump in a white lace dress. Hailey’s representative also confirmed she’s just over six months pregnant. Famous faces like Kim Kardashian and Gigi Hadid took to Instagram to congratulate them. The couple married in a secret ceremony in New York in 2018. The photo shoot was from their vow renewal ceremony in Hawaii, according to Yves Saint Laurent. Justin who canceled tour dates last year due to health issues surprised fans by performing at Coachella last month.
