Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President Bola Tinubu is set to visit Qatar with his two sons, Seyi and Yinka, as part of a state delegation from Nigeria. The trip is scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2024, with the delegation including several government officials and business figures. Tinubu’s decision to include his sons in the delegation has sparked debate, with some defending it as common practice among world leaders, while others criticize it amidst nationwide protests against hardship and high living costs in Nigeria. Tinubu had promised to cut the cost of governance, but skepticism remains about the government’s commitment to this pledge.
2. Former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, addressed the hardship in Nigeria, emphasizing that it predates the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation’s Leadership Colloquium, he stressed the need for a courageous leader like Tinubu to confront the country’s longstanding challenges head-on. Ambode urged Nigerians to refrain from playing the blame game and instead unite for the nation’s common good. He called for support for President Tinubu and advocated for innovative solutions to address Nigeria’s problems, including food security and self-reliance.
3. Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, revealed that approximately $26 billion has flowed through Binance Nigeria, addressing concerns about cryptocurrency platforms like Binance and their impact on currency manipulation and innovation. Cardoso emphasized the need to protect Nigerians and investors, citing collaborations with government agencies to address suspicions of illicit financial flows. He stressed the determination to regulate the market effectively and prevent distortions, promising further action to ensure compliance and prevent infractions. Binance, implicated in speculation against the naira, stated adjustments to trading to address currency movements and protect users. They clarified their platform’s market-driven nature and disassociated from Nigeria’s forex issues.
5. Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside claimed on national television that Nwabali had been warned to avoid South Africa after denying the country a spot in the AFCON Final. Despite this, Nwabali was warmly welcomed by hundreds of Chippa United fans upon his arrival at Port Elizabeth airport. He engaged with fans, taking selfies and singing club songs. Chippa United’s president publicly supported the Super Eagles in the AFCON semifinal due to Nwabali’s involvement. Nwabali’s success with the Super Eagles earned him cash gifts, a national honor, and a chief title in his hometown, highlighting his impact on and off the field.
