Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Presidency and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have clashed over claims that the federal government is implementing four national budgets concurrently. Obi criticized this practice as chaotic and irresponsible, while the Presidency denied the allegations, attributing them to misinformation spread by BudgIT. BudgIT had warned about the concurrent implementation of four budgets, but the government clarified that only the capital components of the 2023 budget and its supplementary were extended to 2024. Obi also expressed concerns about Nigeria’s insecurity, denied plans to join a mega party, and called for the release of detained activists notably IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu, and dialogue with protesters.
2. The United Nations and the United States condemned bomb attacks in Tashan Mararaba, Gwoza town, Borno State, which killed at least 18 people. Suspected female suicide bombers targeted a wedding, a hospital, and a funeral. Three blasts occurred on Saturday, according to Borno State Police Command spokesman Nahum Daso. President Bola Tinubu pledged to intensify efforts to eliminate those responsible. The US Mission and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, expressed strong condemnation and solidarity with Nigeria, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice. Northern States Governors’ Forum Chairman Muhammadu Yahaya called for resilience against terrorism, lauding the efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum in addressing the crisis. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the resurgence of terrorism in the North-East, urging the federal government to prevent a relapse into extreme violence
3. The Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, mourned the passing of former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, who died on Sunday at 76. Ogohi, the first naval officer to become Chief of Defence Staff and reach a four-star rank during a civilian administration, was praised for his leadership and contributions to the Nigerian military. Ajaka’s condolence message highlighted Ogohi’s legacy and impact on the nation. President Bola Tinubu also extended condolences, remembering Ogohi’s dedicated service from 1999 to 2003. Ogohi’s funeral prayer took place at the National Mosque in Abuja
4. The federal government disbursed N27.2 billion between April and June 2024 out of the N50 billion earmarked for nano businesses under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS). Data shows that 545,830 individuals across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas received N50,000 each. The scheme aims to benefit 1 million individuals but has not yet reached over 400,000 eligible applicants. Almost 4 million Nigerians registered for the grant, but only 1 million will be accommodated. Disbursements are determined by a computer-generated random system. The initiative targets small businesses, including traders, food vendors, ICT operators, transport workers, creatives, and artisans. The PCGS prioritizes 70% of grants for women and youths, 10% for individuals with disabilities, and 5% for senior citizens. The scheme launched to support small businesses after subsidy removal, started payments in April 2024
5. Veteran actor Olu Jacobs has debunked rumors of his death in a video on social media. Despite appearing frail, Jacobs assured viewers he is alive. His wife, Joke Silva, also dismissed the rumors, confirming her husband is well. This is the second time such false news about Jacobs’ death has spread online, with similar incidents occurring in August 2022 and June 2020. Silva has previously threatened legal action against those spreading these rumors. Many, including family associate Betty Irabor and actress Kate Henshaw, condemned the spread of false information and reassured the public of Jacobs’ well-being
6. Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, won her fourth BET Award on Monday at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. She received the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for her 2023 song, “Me & U,” beating notable artists like Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans. Tems had previously won Best International Act and Best Collaboration for Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2022 and Best Collaboration for “Wait for U” with Drake and Future in 2023. South African artist Tyla also won awards for Best New Artist and Best International Act. Her debut single, “Water,” propelled her to global fame and earned her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in February 2024, making her the youngest African artist to win a Grammy at 22. She accepted the Best New Artist award, beating fellow nominees including Ayra Starr, 41, 4Batz, Bossman Dlow, Fridayy, October London, and Sexyy Red.
