Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has made history by becoming the youngest-ever player to score in six consecutive Premier League games. His remarkable streak began with a goal against Aston Villa on Boxing Day and continued with goals against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham, and Aston Villa again. Despite missing a game due to illness, Hojlund’s impressive run persisted, culminating in a goal against Luton Town. At just 21 years old, he surpassed Joe Willock’s record to achieve this feat. Although Hojlund is the fourth United player to accomplish this, his achievement remains notable in the club’s history.
2. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, addressed the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Addis Ababa, affirming that closing the gender gap is not charity but justice. She emphasized the importance of education for girls in breaking the cycle of poverty and gender inequality, noting obstacles such as early marriage and childbearing, sexual violence, family health crises, and poverty. Senator Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s efforts, including the establishment of Alternative High Schools for Girls, aimed at providing second chances for those who dropped out of school due to various reasons. She also discussed government initiatives to reduce cervical cancer prevalence and promote women’s health. The gathering focused on enhancing access to health and education for African women and girls, with discussions on school dropout prevention, school feeding programs, economic empowerment, and eradicating gender-based violence. Other First Ladies shared their nations’ experiences and interventions related to the theme of the assembly.
2. Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for its mishandling of the economy, especially regarding foreign exchange management. He highlighted concerns about rising poverty and economic decline due to ineffective policies and advocated for a gradualist approach to FX management. Atiku emphasized the importance of sound counsel and internal reforms to tackle corruption and economic challenges. In contrast, Nigerian actor and comedian Seyi Law expressed unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu despite the nation’s economic difficulties. He likened the situation to the biblical wilderness journey, suggesting that enduring hardships with a visionary leader like “Moses” is preferable to short-term comforts. Seyi Law criticized the government’s lack of effective communication and urged Nigerians to demand more from state governments for long-term sustainability. Despite facing criticism, Seyi Law reaffirmed his backing for Tinubu, indicating he would vote for him again if given the opportunity.
4. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil met on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties across various fields. Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s economic potential and ongoing reforms to facilitate business growth. He emphasized investments in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture to ensure welfare and sustainable economic prosperity. President Lula expressed determination to restore and strengthen bilateral relations, citing past trade volumes and the need for increased collaboration. Both leaders discussed opportunities for cooperation in aviation, trade, agriculture, and infrastructure. They agreed to establish direct air links and form joint committees to develop action plans for mutual benefit. Tinubu underscored the importance of solid mineral exploration, agriculture, education, and healthcare in fostering collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.
5. Oluchi Oparah, the suspended treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Party (LP), has taken legal action against the party’s chairman, Barr Julius Abure. She seeks to overturn her six-month suspension and compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the party’s financial records under Abure’s leadership. Oparah alleges financial misappropriation of N3 billion out of N3.5 billion raised for campaigns in 2023, raising concerns about the party’s financial management. Former acting national chairman Maria Labaka also accuses Abure of forging her signature and withdrawing funds from the party’s account without her authorization. Oparah’s lawsuit, filed by her lawyer Emeka Etiaba, SAN, questions whether EFCC rules permit investigations into forgery. She contends that Abure should be investigated for forgery, embezzlement, abuse of office, and failure to account for party funds.
6. The Nigerian naira has experienced a significant depreciation against the US dollar, decreasing by 69.47% under the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amidst the implementation of foreign exchange reforms. Data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange indicates that the naira has weakened from N469.50/$ on June 8, 2023, to N1,537.96/$ currently, following the unification of the FX markets. Factors contributing to the naira’s weakness include import reliance, narrow export base, fiscal deficit, and excessive money supply. Efforts to stabilize the naira include anticipated increases in local crude oil production and favorable global oil prices, aiming to boost external reserves and stabilize the official exchange rate. R recent FX policies by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) include mandating the processing of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) exclusively through electronic channels to promote transparency and stability in the FX market.
7. According to reports from the Nation, cult leader Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2Baba, was reportedly shot dead during a combined security raid at his hideout in Idu-Ekpeye, Rivers State, on Saturday, February 17, 2024. A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, revealed that 2Baba was hit multiple times during the operation. Although there was no official confirmation of his death, communities in Ahoada, Rivers State, were reportedly celebrating the news. This event follows the capture and killing of a divisional police officer, allegedly by 2Baba’s gang, in September 2023. Police authorities were yet to confirm these developments at the time of the report.
