Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Saudi Arabia has announced that Ramadan will begin on March 11 after sighting the crescent moon. Following suit, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar declared March 11 as the first day of Ramadan. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, involving fasting from dawn to dusk. Saudi Arabia typically leads in moon sightings, followed by other countries. Ramadan customs vary but include fasting, extra prayers, and charity.
2. Over the weekend, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have had differing perspectives on the motivations behind political power struggles in Nigeria. Governor Fubara, during the funeral service of the Late Herbert Wigwe, questioned the purpose of such struggles seemingly referring to Nyesom Wike, noting its potentially fatal consequences. He emphasized the transience of power and wealth in the face of mortality. In contrast, Akpabio, while recalling his own political experiences, seemed to defend Nyesom Wike, suggesting that power struggles might be driven by the desire for political influence. This led to a response from an RCCG pastor, who praised Fubara’s message on the futility of such struggles and urged Akpabio to reflect on it.
3. President Kabiru Minjibir has expressed worry over Nigeria’s leading position in emigrant health workers in Africa. The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) disclosed that a significant number of Nigerian health workers obtained visas to the United Kingdom, with 18,224 visas issued in one year. Data from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) revealed that approximately 75,000 nurses left Nigeria between 2017 and 2023 to work abroad. These concerns were raised during the conference in Abuja, highlighting the strain on healthcare workers due to poor working conditions, inadequate facilities, and disparities in salaries compared to developed countries. Efforts are underway to engage with the government to address these issues, including salary structures and working conditions.
4. In a highly anticipated match between Premier League title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City, the game ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Liverpool appeared to have the upper hand throughout the game but were denied a last-second penalty when Jeremy Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was not penalized. Ex-referee Mike Dean suggested that VAR should have reviewed the incident as Doku’s challenge while touching the ball, also caught Mac Allister in the chest. Despite controversy over the penalty decision, the match ended with both teams earning a valuable point.
5. Nigerian billionaire businesswoman, Folorunsho Alakija, and her husband, Modupe Alakija, have reportedly separated after 30 years of marriage. According to reports, significant challenges led to their separation, and they no longer live together in their lavish home in Ikoyi, Lagos, despite having four children together. The couple has been experiencing frequent conflicts, leading Folorunsho to request privacy within her residence, which prompted Modupe to find alternative accommodation nearby. Sources suggest that their relationship has been strained for several years, but they maintained a united front due to their public status.
6. At the 94th Academy Awards, John Cena humorously presented the award for best costume design by appearing nearly naked with only an award envelope strategically placed to cover himself, reminiscent of a past streaking incident at the Oscars. Cena’s comedic stunt drew laughter and applause from the audience. However, he struggled to open the envelope without revealing too much, prompting Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel to assist him. Cena then underwent a quick costume change into a makeshift toga-like outfit made from a curtain. He announced Holly Waddington as the winner of the movie “Poor Things.” The film, starring Emma Stone, also won three other awards, including Best Actress for Stone. Waddington thanked her fellow nominees and the cast of “Poor Things” in her acceptance speech.
7. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to compensate the families of victims who died in a stampede during the purchase of seized rice in Lagos State. The incident occurred on February 23, 2024, when thousands gathered for subsidized rice at the Customs’ Zonal Office, resulting in fatalities. Falana criticized the NCS for not compensating the victims’ families and emphasized the NCS’s responsibility for the tragedy due to negligence. He demanded monetary compensation for the families and threatened legal action if necessary. Falana also called for the resumption of rice distribution through local government channels to prevent future stampedes.
