Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Imo State governorship election held on November 11, 2023. Uzodimma secured 540,308 votes, while the closest contender, Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received 71,503 votes. The announcement led to protests by the Labour Party (LP) representative, who alleged manipulation in favor of the APC candidate. The PDP and LP called for the cancellation of the election, citing rigging and security concerns.
2. The presidency has congratulated Usman Ododo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, for winning the Kogi State governorship election. Ododo secured 446,237 votes, defeating rivals Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer declared Ododo the winner, and President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser acknowledged the victory, noting that Ododo surpassed his closest rival by over 187,000 votes.
3. Meanwhile, in the Bayelsa State governorship election, PDP’s Senator Douye Diri leads with 138,009 votes, while APC’s Timipre Sylva trails with 74,255 in six declared local government areas. Collation challenges led to the postponement of results from two areas. PDP won in five local governments, and APC won in one. Sylva faced setbacks, including the cancellation of 26,000 votes in Nembe. Protests ensued, with a reported death of a PDP supporter in Brass. PDP accused Sylva of hostage-taking an INEC official in Twon-Brass to manipulate results.
4. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a new exchange rate for cargo clearing at the port, increasing it from N770.88/$ to N783.174/$ as of November 10, 2023. This adjustment is the second change in the exchange rate in the port industry within the past five months.
5. The Lagos State Government has closed five markets in Mushin and Odi-Olowo areas due to environmental violations. The closure, carried out by LAWMA, LAGESC, and KAI, is in response to offenses against the 2017 Environmental Management Protection law. The Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, and Special Adviser, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, held a meeting with waste operators to discuss transparency and service improvement, emphasizing the need for digitized cash collection among Private Sector Participants (PSP) waste operators.
6. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State plans to replicate the Healthy Living Initiative led by Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Governor, across all 179 communities in the state. The State Coordinator of NYSC highlighted the alignment between this initiative and the NYSC’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers. The program involves free medical services, education, and collaboration with communities, emphasizing areas like nutrition, hygiene, and community values. The NYSC Coordinator urges ASATU Youths to raise awareness and invite NYSC to their communities for a healthier lifestyle.
7. Robert Lewandowski played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s comeback victory over Alaves, scoring both the equalizer and the winning goal. Despite an early deficit, Barcelona secured a 2-1 win. The team, managed by Xavi Hernandez, has faced recent criticism for poor performances, including a defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk. Xavi responded by attributing some of the team’s struggles to media scrutiny and urged for support. Despite the victory over Alaves, there is growing criticism of Xavi as Barcelona’s performances have been inconsistent. The manager’s attempt to shift blame to the press has been met with confusion and frustration, with expectations for improved performances in the future.
