Season’s greetings! In today’s trending news stories;
3. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted restrictions on virtual asset service providers (VASPs), allowing them to operate accounts with banks and financial organizations. However, the CBN maintains that banks are still not permitted to hold, trade, or transact in virtual currencies on their accounts. This development is seen as a positive signal for the cryptocurrency industry in Nigeria, following previous restrictions imposed in February 2021. While some experts view this as a shift in the CBN’s stance, others note that certain uncertainties remain in the newly issued guidelines.
4. Simone Biles has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year for 2023, marking her third time receiving the honor. This recognition comes after her remarkable comeback season, where she won her sixth world all-around title and multiple golds at the World Championships. Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, took a hiatus due to mental health struggles after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but made a triumphant return to the sport in 2023. The 26-year-old gymnast, with 30 world medals, is gearing up for the Olympic Summer Games in Paris 2024.
5. The 2023 NXT Honors presented by Top Charts Africa has announced its winners for the year. Notable recipients include Don Jazzy, Ayra Starr, and Khosi Twala, who were recognized for their achievements in the African entertainment and business industries. The awards span various categories such as film, music, fashion, broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, highlighting individuals and entities that have demonstrated talent, creativity, and innovation on the continent.
6. Fola Francis, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s transgender community and a well-known activist and fashion designer has met an untimely death. Fola tragically drowned at Ilashe beach. As the first transgender individual to walk the catwalk at Lagos Fashion Week in 2022, Fola was celebrated for breaking barriers. Freelance journalist Vincent Desmond confirmed the incident on December 22, expressing deep sadness and announcing plans for a memorial service while requesting privacy for Fola’s grieving family and friends.
7. Veteran media personality Frank Edoho expressed the belief that men can cheat while still being in love with their partners, attributing it to the nature of men. He suggested that women, on the other hand, cannot cheat while being in love. The discussion took place on the Bahd And Boujee Podcast, co-hosted by Moet Abebe and Tolanibaj. Edoho’s perspective led to a disagreement with Abebe, who argued that women can cheat without emotional attachment. Edoho also addressed rumors about being fired from ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ stating he left because the organizers decided to rest the competition. His views has sparked controversial responses on social media.
