Good morning! In today’s trending news stories:
1. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Karibo Wilson, has expressed confidence that Governor Siminalayi Fubara enjoys significant support from various segments of the population, including traditional leaders, youths, and others. The recent defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has added complexity to the political situation. Wilson, who himself defected to the PDP, emphasized that his move was driven by the people’s interests. The political discord in the state centers around a conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
2. Asue Ighodalo, former Chairman of Nigeria Breweries Plc and native of Edo Central, has declared his aspiration to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State. With a background of working with past governors, he emphasized his commitment to leveraging corporate experience for the state’s benefit. Ighodalo pledged to strengthen the economy and improve infrastructure, prioritizing roads, water supply, healthcare, and education.
3. The Nigerian Naira has bounced back in the Investors and Exporter window, strengthening by 27.16% to N864.29/$ from its previous low of N1099.05/$. Despite a surge in dollar turnover to $132.46 million, Nigeria’s forex reserves declined by $1.6 billion to $32.97 billion, affecting the stability of the Naira. The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts ongoing volatility due to limited foreign exchange reserves.
4. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has suspended the processing fees (2% and 3%) on cash deposits above certain thresholds until April 30, 2024. Customers will no longer have to pay charges for depositing money in banks, potentially leading to increased trust in the banking system and encouraging more cash deposits. However, banks may face revenue losses as a result, impacting their income streams, with potential effects on interest rates, administrative costs, and the promotion of digital transactions.
5. Victor Osimhen, Napoli and Super Eagles striker has won the 2023 CAF Player of the Year award, becoming the first Nigerian since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to achieve this. Osimhen surpassed two-time winners Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi for the award. Italian Serie A and Napoli, his club, have both congratulated him on this achievement.
6. Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria also won the African Women’s Player of the Year award for the sixth time! Oshoala, who plays for Barcelona, beat competitors from South Africa and Zambia to secure the prestigious accolade and further solidify her dominant position in women’s football in Africa. She previously won the award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022. In addition, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023 at the awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco. Her standout performance in a Women’s World Cup match against Canada, including saving a penalty, earned her the honor and international recognition. Nnadozie, who is a key player for Paris FC, expressed gratitude in her acceptance speech, acknowledging the organizers, the Nigerian football president, her club, and supporters. She encouraged aspiring female footballers, emphasizing that dreams can come true.
7. Popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, expressed gratitude on social media for the support at the premiere of her recent movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah.’ The event was attended by various celebrities, and she thanked God for its success. Akindele extended appreciation to her family, friends, and colleagues for celebrating and supporting her, encouraging everyone to watch the movie.
