Hello and welcome!
In today’s trending news stories;
1. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State clarified that 137 school children, not 287 as initially reported, were abducted from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area. He confirmed their rescue by the military and local authorities from Zamfara State after a four-week ordeal, which included the tragic death of a teacher who was abducted with the students. Governor Sani expressed condolences to the teacher’s family while celebrating the safe return of the abducted children.  The children were abducted from LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga village on March 7. The release of the children followed negotiations and coordinated efforts by security agencies, with the Nigerian Army playing a significant role. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 1 billion naira ($620,000) and threatened to kill the students if their demands were not met.Â
2. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, urged Nigerians to utilize the concluding part of the Lenten season to seek divine intervention for the nation. In a series of posts on his social media platform, he emphasized the significance of the Holy Week, highlighting its reflection on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Obi encouraged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention amidst the nation’s challenges, including insecurity and economic hardships. He stressed the need for unity and love, urging citizens to present the nation to God for healing and restoration.
3. Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria for alleged tax evasion, has reportedly escaped from custody. He fled on March 22 from an Abuja guest house during Ramadan prayers, using a Kenyan passport despite his British passport being held by Nigerian authorities. His escape complicates the legal battle between Binance and the Nigerian government over alleged tax violations. The incident highlights regulatory challenges facing the cryptocurrency industry, especially in Nigeria, amid accusations of money laundering and terrorism financing against Binance. Authorities are investigating Anjarwalla’s escape and his intended destination.
4. Senegal’s presidential election holds significant implications for the country’s direction, particularly in managing upcoming oil and gas revenues and navigating recent political turbulence. Initial results suggest opposition figure Bassirou Diomaye Faye leading, with at least seven contenders congratulating him. Faye’s promised profound change contrasts with former Prime Minister Amadou Ba’s continuity platform. The election, originally postponed by President Macky Sall, faced a fraught campaign amidst political crises and socio-economic challenges. Youth turnout was significant, reflecting aspirations for change. Observers noted a calm and orderly voting process. The outcome will shape Senegal’s future amidst lingering unrest and economic struggles.
5. The 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is scheduled for May 10-11, 2024, with nominations unveiled by MultiChoice Africa. Tolu Ajayi’s “Over The Bridge” leads with 12 nominations, followed by “Breath of Life” and CJ Obasi’s “Mami Wata” with 11 each. Other films with multiple nominations include Femi Adebayo’s “Jagun Jagun” and Editi Effiong’s “The Black Book.” Categories include Best Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, Art Direction, Costume Design, Makeup, Writing, Documentary, and Best Movie. The event aims to celebrate a decade of excellence in African storytelling, reaffirming its commitment to promoting unique African narratives and creators.
6. Veteran Nollywood actor Amaechi Muonagor has passed away at the age of 62. His cousin and popular singer, Tony One Week, confirmed his death via Instagram, expressing condolences and acknowledging Muonagor’s impact on society. Muonagor had been battling kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke, with his health struggles becoming public knowledge in November. Despite efforts to manage his condition, including weekly dialysis and treatments, his health deteriorated. Known for his roles in films like “Aki and Pawpaw,” “Igodo,” “Karishika,” and “Police Recruit,” Muonagor hailed from Idemili in Anambra State.
7. Kenya surpassed Nigeria in private equity deals in Africa last year, as per a report by DealMakers Africa. While Kenya recorded 95 deals worth $600.3 million and Nigeria had 82 deals valued at $493.1 million, both countries experienced a decline in private equity deals compared to the previous year. Private equity transactions constituted 50 percent of the total deal flow, with the overall deal activity in Africa amounting to $11.2 billion, marking a 36 percent decline from the previous year. East Africa led in deal activity, followed by West and North Africa. Southern Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, stood out in terms of deal value, driven by significant mining transactions. Despite lingering recessionary fears, the African Development Bank projects GDP growth, indicating the potential for investor activity in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, consumer goods, and infrastructure development. The top 10 deals in 2023 predominantly involved targets in the energy or resources sectors, mainly in Southern Africa.
