Good morning! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Nigeria has approved a total expenditure of N27.5 trillion for the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, announced this after a FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu. The targeted revenue for the Federal Government in 2024 is set at N18 trillion. The Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) was also reviewed, with changes including an exchange rate of N750 to a dollar and a crude oil benchmark of $77 to improve revenue. Additional details of the budget will be provided when President Tinubu presents it to the National Assembly on Wednesday.
2. Mele Kyari, the CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has been reappointed along with eight other board members, surviving potential removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The appointments were made on Monday, retaining Kyari and Umar Ajiya from the previous administration. Despite criticism for fuel subsidy-related concerns, they continue in their roles.
3. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the circumstances surrounding the diversion of the United Nigeria Abuja-bound flight to Asaba International Airport on Sunday. The Director-General, Musa Nuhu, stated that preliminary steps have been taken, and there is a possibility of suspending all wet-leased aircraft under the carrier’s operations pending the investigation’s conclusion. The airline explained that the diversion was due to poor weather, and a wrong announcement by the cabin crew upon landing caused confusion among passengers.
4. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the final shortlists for the women’s categories of the 2023 CAF Awards. Notable contenders include Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie for Player of the Year, with Nnadozie also in contention for Goalkeeper of the Year. In addition, Nigeria has representatives in the Young Player of the Year category (Esther Ajakaiye and Deborah Abiodun) and Coach of the Year (Randy Waldrum). The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 11, 2023, in Morocco, with winners determined by a panel vote.
5. Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers match on Monday was a steam as it featured controversial VAR decisions, with Fulham benefiting from a second penalty awarded after a review. The game ended with Fulham winning 3-2. Willian scored two penalties, including one in added time, securing the victory for Fulham. It is noteworthy that Wolves have struggled with VAR decisions throughout the season. Willian was praised as the Player of the Match for his penalty-taking skills
6. A student from Obafemi Awolowo University, Subair Enitan, has attempted to set a new Guinness World Record for a handwashing marathon. She completed the marathon after 58 hours, exceeding her initial goal of 50 hours. However, Enitan was admitted to the hospital, following her completion of the challenge. The Guinness World Record status is pending confirmation, as the organization has not yet announced Enitan as a new record breaker.
7. Veteran actor Amaechi Muonagor is currently facing serious health challenges, including kidney disease, diabetes, and strokes. His cousin, Tony ‘Oneweek’ Muonagor, shared this information on Monday via Facebook, stating that Amaechi is undergoing weekly dialysis and physiotherapy to address the effects of the stroke. The post also mentions that Amaechi’s condition is improving with ongoing treatments, but sustained funding is needed for his full recovery. Tony appeals for support, including prayers and donations
