Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The West African heads of government, under the ECOWAS organization, have established a new committee to negotiate with the military junta in Niger, following a coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum in July. The committee, consisting of the presidents of Togo, Sierra Leone, and Benin, aims to secure a commitment to a short democratic transition from the Niger junta and the release of President Bazoum and his associates. The ECOWAS leaders plan to gradually ease sanctions on Niger based on the outcomes of these negotiations. The resolution reflects a shift away from the use of force to restore constitutional order, emphasizing dialogue with the junta.
2. Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto advised Nigerian youths to feel free to migrate abroad. He acknowledged the challenges that might drive young people to leave but suggested that they would later realize the importance of contributing to Nigeria’s development. Kukah emphasized the need for a conducive environment at home so that those who stay behind can compete effectively with their counterparts abroad. This advice coincides with calls from others, such as a media aide to the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to address issues like poor salaries and working conditions that contribute to Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
3. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking at his 61st birthday celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday, urged Nigerians to be patient and steadfast with the administration led by President Bola Tinubu. Akpabio expressed confidence in Tinubu’s political will to execute impactful projects for the people. He dismissed claims that he created an office for the Senate president’s wife and emphasized that there is no such office. Akpabio also extended condolences to the families affected by the Kaduna bomb blast and promised to lead other senators on a condolence visit, offering necessary assistance. The event was attended by notable figures, including Senator Oluremi Tinubu, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Speaker of the House of Reps Tajudeen Abbas, governors, and others.
4. Lagos State has secured €410 million in funding for the Omi Eko project at COP28 in Dubai. The initiative, under the Lagos State Climate Action Plan, aims to decarbonize public transportation through mass inland waterways transport with electric ferries. Funding includes a €130 million AFD loan, a €170 million EIB loan, a €60 million EU grant, and contributions from the Lagos State government. The project involves developing 15 ferry routes, upgrading 25 terminals, acquiring 75 electric vessels, and implementing charging stations with a solar-powered Battery Energy Storage System. Omi Eko is projected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance water transportation in Lagos.
5. Fidelity Bank has been listed as one of the most capitalized banks in Nigeria based on its Q3 2023 financial results, reporting a capital base of N410.75 billion. The bank had proactively secured shareholders’ approval for a capital-raising exercise earlier in the year. The top five most capitalized banks as of September 2023 include Zenith Bank, UBA, Access Holdings, First Bank Holdings, and Ecobank. Fidelity Bank is positioned comfortably ahead of any recapitalization exercise, having increased its capital base from N314.3 billion in 2022.
6. Girona secured a historic victory over Barcelona, claiming a 4-2 win that propelled them to the top of the La Liga table. Goals from Artem Dovbyk, Miguel Gutierrez, Valery Fernandez, and Cristhian Stuani contributed to Girona’s first-ever league win against Barcelona. Despite consolations from Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan for Barcelona, Girona’s dominant performance opened up a two-point lead over Real Madrid and a seven-point lead over both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in the league standings.
7. Renowned veteran broadcaster and former General Manager of NTA Parliament, has passed away. She was well-known for her role as a leading newscaster on NTA Network News at 9 PM during the ’90s and early 20s. Her distinguished career spanned thirty-five years, until her retirement in May 2022. Her family expressed their sadness in a statement, remembering her as a kind-hearted person. The Funeral Prayer is scheduled for Monday, 11th December 2023, at the central mosque in Abuja.
