Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Daniel Bwala, the former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election has revealed that he informed Atiku about his meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Bwala, who had initially criticized Tinubu, has now declared support for him. He emphasized that supporting Tinubu does not equate to betrayal and dismissed criticisms, stating that changing political ideologies is a personal right. Bwala clarified that his role as Atiku’s spokesman during the campaign was that of a salesman, and he never claimed Tinubu was unfit for the presidency. Despite the meeting with the President, Bwala stated he was not promised any cabinet appointment but expressed willingness to work in any capacity for the Nigerian people.
2. The Defence and Police Officers Wives’ Association (DEPOWA) marked the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day by giving 10 widows of fallen heroes land documents and a N500,000 cheque each. The plots of land in Abuja were donated by Lawrence Oloche, CEO of Promiseland Estate, and DEPOWA provided the funds. DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, emphasized the importance of supporting military widows and urged well-meaning Nigerians to assist. The gesture was part of a December 12, 2023 pledge to provide 10 plots of land to widows, with documents in the names of their children. The National President of the Military Widows Association, Mrs. Veronica Aluko, commended the initiative for supporting the families of fallen heroes. Two beneficiaries were chosen from DEPOWA, NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA.
3. Ali Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, stated that the recent surge in kidnappings is due to security forces’ failure to utilize the NIN-SIM policy, which his administration helped implement. Pantami defended his involvement in securing ransom for kidnap victims and claimed that the policy has been effective, citing three instances where it contributed to successful operations. Despite the NIN-SIM policy’s implementation, insecurity has risen in Nigeria, leading to questions about its efficacy. Pantami expressed frustration over the lack of effective utilization by security institutions and emphasized the importance of questioning those responsible for implementing the policy.
4. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has disbursed the first part of a $3.3 billion crude oil prepayment loan to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The initial amount was $2.25 billion, with the second portion of $1.05 billion to follow. The loan is considered a significant financing for Nigeria’s oil sector. It has a 5-year term with a margin of 6.0% per annum, and the structure includes a mechanism to release excess cash from crude oil sales. Afreximbank acted as the lead arranger, and United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) served as the local and onshore account bank.
5. Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar and her family were kidnapped in Bwari, FCT. Tragically, Nabeeha was killed by the kidnappers who demanded an N60 million ransom. Despite raising N30 million, the kidnappers rejected it, showed Nabeeha’s corpse, and threatened more killings if the increased N100 million ransom wasn’t paid. Abdulfatai, another uncle, and two policemen died during a rescue attempt. The remaining siblings are still captive, prompting calls for government intervention. Former Minister Pantami, while expressing concerns about ransom, announced a friend’s N50 million donation for the release of Nabeeha’s sisters. Pantami urged contributions for the surviving family members’ treatment and prayed for an end to security challenges in Nigeria.
6. In a surprising turn of events, Cape Verde secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars, four-time champions, initially seemed headed for a draw as Alexander Djiku equalized Jamiro Monteiro’s goal. Majeed Ashimeru’s goal for Ghana was denied after a VAR check. However, substitute Garry Rodrigues scored in injury time, giving Cape Verde three points in Group B. Andre Ayew made history with his eighth AFCON appearance, but the defeat raises concerns for Ghana, who last won the tournament in 1982. Missing key player Mohammed Kudus, Cape Verde’s victory puts them atop the group, following a 2-2 draw between Egypt and Mozambique earlier.
7. Nigerian singer Yemi Alade performed at the opening ceremony of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. The event took place at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, with a capacity of 60,000. Alade, along with other African artists such as Magic System from Ivory Coast and Egyptian singer Mohammed Ramadan, performed the 2023 AFCON theme song, ‘Akwaba,’ meaning welcome in the Baoule language of Côte d’Ivoire.
