Good morning! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Vice President Kashim Shettima has approved a multi-sectoral committee to drive Nigeria’s Human Capital Development (HCD) program which focuses on Health, Education, and Labor, and aims to address challenges in human capital development. During a meeting with stakeholders, including the Country Director of the World Bank, Schubham Chaudhuri and the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, the chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate among others. Shettima emphasized the need for global competitiveness in the workforce. Stakeholders pledged support, acknowledging challenges like inaccurate data. and some other members of the private sector. is also in attendance.
2. The Lagos State Government has denied an allegation by the Labour Party candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, that it funded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s post-election legal dispute. The Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotoso, refuted the claim, stating that although a payment request was made, it was rejected by the governor due to irregularities.
3. On Monday two of Nigeria’s former Presidents, Muhammadu Buhari and Olusegun Obasanjo had things to say about Nigeria and its citizens. According to Buhari, Nigerians were overly impressed by materialism, which posed a challenge for him in gaining support during his presidential bids in 2003, 2007, and 2011. He expressed that the emphasis on material success hindered his efforts to be recognized for initiatives benefiting the less privileged. Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that Western Liberal Democracy has failed in Africa because it was imposed on the continent without considering the majority’s views. He criticized Western Liberal Democracy as a system that excludes the majority and advocated for an “Afro democracy” that reflects the values and needs of African countries. Obasanjo emphasized the need for Africans to define and design their system of government rather than adopting one that doesn’t work for them.
4. Following the abrupt firing of OpenAI’s co-founder, Sam Altman, hundreds of staff members threatened to quit and join Microsoft, where Altman planned to start an artificial intelligence subsidiary. The staff expressed discontent with the board’s decision and claimed that Altman’s removal jeopardized the company’s mission. Reports suggest that as many as 500 out of 770 employees signed a letter threatening to leave if the board was not replaced. Altman’s exit also led to the departure of other high-profile members and faced pushback from investors, but OpenAI stood by its decision. Microsoft, having invested over $10 billion in OpenAI, expressed commitment to its partnership with the company.
5. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has delayed its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for the second time, creating uncertainty among investors. The postponement is linked to the incomplete clearance of a substantial foreign exchange backlog. The meeting, originally scheduled for this week, has not taken place since July. The delay has prompted concerns, with as many as 500 out of 770 employees at the CBN signing a letter threatening to leave if the board is not replaced. with as many as 500 out of 770 employees at the CBN signing a letter threatening to leave if the board is not replaced. Analysts suggest the market is anticipating a rate hike, and the delay has impacted investor confidence, prompting a downturn in market momentum. The meeting is closely watched for signals on addressing inflation and updates on foreign exchange controls.
6. Barcelona’s first-team player Gavi has suffered a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and an associated injury to the lateral meniscus. The injury occurred during Spain’s European Championship qualifying match against Georgia. Gavi will undergo surgery in the coming days, and further updates will be provided afterward. The midfielder, who has made significant contributions to Barcelona this season, including scoring and providing assists, has played 111 matches since his debut in August 2021, winning the league title and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona.
7. Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja declared three days of mourning to honor the late former Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Chris Alli (retd.), who passed away after a brief illness. The mourning period began on Monday, with the Nigerian Army flag at all formations and units flown at half-mast. Personnel have been instructed to wear black hand bands in remembrance of the late former COAS. The statement reflected on Maj. Gen. Chris Alli’s accomplishments and the sacrifices made by soldiers in defense of the country during this mourning period.
