Tag: naija entertainment

CBN’s $10.50m funding not loan but grant – World Bank

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The World Bank has clarified that the planned $10.50m financing to the Central Bank of Nigeria is a grant, not a loan. According to a source at the World Bank who spoke to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity on Friday, the amount is being provided under the Finance for Development Multi-Donor Trust Fund as part of a partnership between the World Bank and the CBN. It was earlier reported that Nigeria had approached the World Bank for a $10.50m loan to enhance the CBN’s technical capacity and modernise the…

Nigeria’s public debt hits N144.67tn

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Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N144.67tn ($94.23bn) as of December 31, 2024, representing a 48.58 per cent increase compared to N97.34tn ($108.23bn) recorded at the end of December 2023. The Debt Management Office disclosed this in its latest report on the country’s public debt profile. The report also revealed a quarter-on-quarter rise of 1.65 per cent from the N142.32tn ($88.89bn) recorded at the end of September 2024, highlighting the continuous increase in the nation’s debt burden during the final quarter of the year. An analysis of Nigeria’s public debt on…

Stolen jewellery: NBA engages Patience Jonathan over ex-workers six years’ detention

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The Nigerian Bar Association has waded into the lingering case involving 15 former domestic workers of ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who have remained in detention for six years over alleged theft of jewellery and other valuables. A top official of the association said the NBA was also engaging with Mrs Jonathan to resolve the matter. Our correspondents had reported that 15 aides of the former first lady were held in the Okaka Custodial Centre, Bayelsa State, for allegedly stealing jewellery from Mrs Jonathan. Those affected are Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka…

Huawei unveils energy storage system, targets Nigeria’s power challenges

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Huawei Nigeria Digital Power has introduced an innovative product, the LUNA2000-215 Series, the world’s first hybrid air and liquid cooling commercial and industrial energy storage solution. The launch, which took place at an event attended by industry partners and key stakeholders from the C&I energy sector, marked a significant milestone in the region’s energy landscape. In a statement shared  on Saturday, the company highlighted the importance of this new technology in addressing critical energy challenges faced by businesses. According to the statement, the FusionSolar C&I LUNA2000-215-2S10, a key component of…

Police alert officers to April 7 nationwide protest

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The Lagos State Police Command has issued a directive to all commanders and officers within its jurisdiction, alerting them to a planned nationwide protest. It was reported that Civil Society Organisation, the Take-It-Back movement, and other groups had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025. In a statement on Friday, the National Coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest seeks to address issues surrounding the misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the ongoing “state of emergency” in Rivers State. Sanyaolu explained that the core demands of the…

BREAKING: Oba Owoade crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo

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Oba Abimbola Owoade has been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83. The coronation event took place today (Saturday) at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians. Dignitaries present at the coronation included the Olubadan of Ibadan,  Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed…

EPL: Gabriel out for season, Aina sidelined as Isak, Trippier doubtful

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As the Premier League heads into another crucial weekend, managers across several clubs have provided injury updates, with some key players set to miss out due to ongoing fitness issues. Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that defender Ola Aina is set for a spell on the sidelines after a calf injury. “So we did the scan and he’s going to be out for a while and not available. It is a big blow,” Nuno said in an interview with the Premier League posted on Friday. “We will miss…

Oyo tightens security ahead of Alaafin’s Saturday coronation

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As the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Oyo State government has put in place heightened security measures, including the deployment of security operatives at strategic locations within the ancient city and surrounding communities. Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, ascends the throne after the late Oba Adeyemi passed away. The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites…

BREAKING: De Bruyne confirms Manchester City exit

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Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a decade-long spell at the club that has seen him win every major trophy available. In an open letter to fans via his social media on Friday, the Belgian midfielder confirmed that these would be his final months at the Etihad Stadium, stating, “Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here—and you deserve to…

South Africa calls for WTO reforms after US tariffs

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South Africa called Friday for the reform and reinforcement of the World Trade Organization after US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs, saying all nations need to abide by the rules of global trade. The tariffs, including 31 percent on US imports from South Africa, “will significantly disrupt trade across the board”, Trade Minister Parks Tau told journalists. They also effectively nullify the African Growth and Opportunity Act deal that provides beneficial duty-free access for products from about 30 sub-Saharan African countries, he said. AGOA is up for renewal in…