Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), for his comment that the PDP is “dead.” Kwankwaso claimed in an interview while expressing confidence in his presidential ambitions. In response, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed Kwankwaso as an “inconsequential politician” whose party controls only one state. Ologunagba emphasized that the PDP maintains a strong national presence, including 13 state governors and many elected representatives, and accused Kwankwaso of focusing on his presidential aspirations instead of addressing Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
2. Ajuri Ngelale, the spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, stepped down from his role on Saturday, September 7, citing family medical issues. However, reports suggest he resigned due to fears of being humiliated out of office, as the presidency had been seeking a more experienced media professional for weeks. Ngelale held two roles: media adviser and presidential envoy on climate action. Despite his preference to retain the media position, the presidency asked him to focus on climate action. Isolated from the president and excluded from key events like the delegation to China, Ngelale decided to resign. On Friday, September 6, he submitted a memo to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, formally stepping down from both positions. President Tinubu accepted his resignation on Saturday, September 7, expressing sympathy for the personal challenges Ngelale faced and wishing him well.
3. Former Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, praised Mrs. Oluwatoyin Saraki, former First Lady of Kwara State and founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, on her 60th birthday on Friday, 6th September. In a statement titled “Barrister Toyin Saraki@60: Celebrating a Life of Impact and Service,” Ahmad recognized Saraki as a champion for the well-being of mothers and children, lauding her advocacy efforts and philanthropic work. He credited the influence of both the Ojora and Saraki families in shaping her leadership and highlighted her commitment to health, wellness, and her passion for cycling. Ahmad wished her continued blessings, good health, and prosperity.
4. The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has continued to be impacted by negative investor sentiment, causing a year-to-date (YTD) performance drop to 28.97%. After gaining 33.8% in the first half of 2024, the stock market has since depreciated by 3.5% between July and August. In the first trading week of September 2024, the market dropped further by 0.15%. Sector performance was mixed, with gains in Oil & Gas (+1.48%) and losses in Banking (-0.23%), Insurance (-4.76%), and Consumer Goods (-1.18%). Trading volume and value also fell by 23.7% and 3.3%, respectively. Top gainers included Industrial & Medical Gases (+32.58%), while R T Briscoe led decliners (-27.61%). Analysts expect mixed sentiment, with cautious trading, profit-taking, and portfolio reshuffling ahead of half-year results from dividend-paying banks. Despite market volatility, some experts advise investors to capitalize on price corrections and focus on strong stocks.
5. A fuel tanker collided with another truck in Niger state, Nigeria, on Sunday, causing an explosion that killed at least 48 people and burned over 50 cattle alive. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency director, Abdullahi Baba-Arab, initially reported 30 deaths but later confirmed an additional 18 bodies. The victims were given a mass burial. Governor Mohammed Bago urged residents to remain calm and emphasized the importance of following traffic rules.
6. Nigeria concluded its campaign at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, ranking 40th in the overall medal table with a total of seven medals: two gold, three silver, and two bronze. The game highlights include Onyinyechi Mark setting a new Paralympic record by lifting 45kg in the women’s 61kg powerlifting event, and Folashade Oluwafemiayo winning gold in the women’s over 86kg powerlifting category. Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Esther Nworgu secured silver in their respective events, while Isau Ogunkunle made history as the first Nigerian to win a Para Table Tennis individual medal since the 2000 Games, earning bronze in the Men’s Singles Class 4.
