Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Vice President Kashim Shettima has responded to the criticism by Labour Party’s Peter Obi over the proposed N15.5 billion budget for his new residence. He accused Obi of baseless criticism for political gain after his election defeat. Shettima clarified that the project started in 2010 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, and the current government is resuming it to avoid wasting public funds on an abandoned project. He emphasized the government’s focus on completing abandoned projects and explained budgetary considerations in the context of inflation. Shettima advised Obi to accept defeat gracefully and collaborate for the nation’s development.
2. The Federal High Court in Dawaki, Abuja has convicted four Boko Haram financiers: Modu Aisami, Zana Zarama, Umar Mohammed, and Bunu Kame. They pleaded guilty to charges related to funding and concealing the identity of a Boko Haram member. Aisami received a 20-year prison sentence for funding the terrorist group, while Zarama got 10 years for concealing identity. In a separate trial, Umar Mohammed was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
3. Governor Seyi Makinde has presented a budget of N434.2 billion for the 2024 appropriation bill to the Oyo State House of Assembly. The budget, tagged “Budget of Economic Recovery,” allocates N222.3 billion for capital expenditure and N211.8 billion for recurrent expenditure, with education receiving the highest share at N90.6 billion. The governor emphasized its commitment to surpass the 7% internal revenue target from the 2023 budget, addressing the challenges from fuel subsidy removal, and the administration plans to use technology to enhance revenue without increasing taxes.
4. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has been awarded the Forbes Africa Magazine 2023 Person of The Year for his significant contributions to the development of the continent. The award recognized Oramah’s three-decade career at Afreximbank and his role in initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System. This award adds to Oramah’s numerous recognitions for his efforts in promoting trade and driving intra-African initiatives.
5. Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford to take on a leadership role similar to local players like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal and Steven Gerrard at Liverpool. Wright made the comments after Rashford’s underwhelming performance in a recent match against Newcastle United. Rashford has struggled this season, scoring only two goals and providing two assists in 13 Premier League matches. Wright emphasized the responsibility of local players to show fight and leadership for their teams, citing examples from other clubs.
6. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has been awarded the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year for his outstanding performances with Napoli last season. The 24-year-old striker scored 26 Serie A goals, breaking George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring African in the Italian top flight. Osimhen is the first African to win the AIC award, joining football luminaries like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Grateful for the recognition, Osimhen thanked his family, friends, and supporters for their votes and support. Despite injuries this season, he has scored six goals in 10 league games. Osimhen aims to become the first Nigerian to win the CAF Men’s Player of the Year since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
7. Nigerian transgender woman Jay Boogie has showcased her enhanced buttocks on social media while addressing accusations and criticisms for scamming people to get donations after a butt lift surgery. Jay Boogie had earlier sought financial help due to complications from the surgery and kidney issues. Subsequently, concerns were raised about the authenticity of her medical condition. She however clarified that she had other health problems and apologized for any misunderstanding. She now claims to be fine after spending N5 million on the surgery.
