Good morning! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Three commissioners in Rivers State, including the Commissioner for Works George-Kelly Alabo, the Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner Inime Aguma, and Finance Commissioner Isaac Kamalu, have resigned from Governor Sim Fubara’s cabinet. These resignations followed the earlier departure of the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor. The commissioners cited reasons such as personal philosophy, personal commitments, and, in the case of the Finance Commissioner, no specific reason for their decisions.
2. The President of the Abuja Newspaper Distributors’ Association (ANDA), Mr. Emmanuel John, was allegedly kidnapped in the Giri area of Abuja. The kidnappers reportedly contacted his family, demanding a ransom of N12 million for his release. The ANDA, through its Vice President and General Secretary, issued a statement appealing for financial support from the public to raise the ransom. They emphasized the urgency of contributions and urged everyone to refrain from independent actions or publications to avoid jeopardizing John’s safety. Meanwhile, the police in Abuja claim to be unaware of the kidnapping incident.
3. There have been widespread reports that the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, allegedly collapsed after his 61st birthday Colloquium in Abuja. The event took place at the Transcorp Hilton hotel, where he had earlier appeared agile and coherent. Contrary to these claims, the Senate spokesperson and one of Akpabio’s media aides denied the incident, stating that he was hale and hearty and that no such collapse occurred. The spokesperson challenged the absence of video evidence to support the claim. However, sources at the event asserted that Akpabio slumped while seated and was subsequently rushed to a nearby private hospital for medical attention, where he is said to be still receiving treatment.
4. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) denied reports that the Akwa Ibom State government or others paid for the release of kidnapped prospective corps members in Zamfara. The NYSC clarified that their release resulted from the collaborative efforts of security agents and the NYSC, with no ransom paid. The NYSC covered the medical bills of the released individuals and disassociated itself from circulating calls for financial donations. The organization cautioned the public against fraudulent schemes seeking donations, emphasizing their success in securing releases without payment and ongoing efforts for the remaining captives.
5. Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), the operator of Shoprite in Nigeria, is closing its Ado Bayero Mall Store in Kano on January 14, 2024, citing financial considerations and the current business climate. The announcement however assured employee support during the transition and encouraged them to apply for positions in other stores.
6. Jumia Technologies, an e-commerce platform, has announced the discontinuation of its food delivery service, Jumia Food, by the end of December. The decision extends to other operating countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Uganda, and Algeria. Jumia’s CEO, Francis Dufay, stated that the company will refocus on its core physical goods business and payment platform, emphasizing the significant growth potential in that area. The move follows the withdrawal of another major player, Bolt Food, from Nigeria and South Africa, reflecting challenges in the African food delivery landscape.
7. 13-year-old comedienne Emmanuella Samuel, known for her performances on Mark Angel’s YouTube channel, sparked controversy among internet users, by posting a video of herself dancing in a black slit gown. The video has raised questions about the appropriateness of her content considering her age.
