Dangote names Lagos refinery road after Herbert Wigwe (Tribune)
The Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has named the road leading to his Lagos refinery after the late Herbert Wigwe.
Tribune Online reports in February that the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings died alongside his wife and son in an helicopter crash in California, the United States of America.
Dangote, while paying his tribute to the late billionaire banker in a programme organised in his honour, said though the former Access Holdings CEO didn’t join the military but he could be referred to as a soldier. Read more
Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Qatar visit (DailyTrust)
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar on the invitation of the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The presidential jet conveying the President arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja around 6:50pm and was received by government officials.
Among the dignitaries led by Vice President Kashim Shettima were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. Read more
FRSC declares nationwide war against overloading, night trips (Vanguard)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has directed its Commanding Officers to step up nationwide enforcement against overloading of vehicles and night trips.
The corps also said it would engage stakeholders to educate them on the dangers inherent in the acts.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali-Biu gave the directive in a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal, Jonas Agwu, on Monday in Abuja. Read more
Group hails Navy for arresting oil thieves, economic saboteurs (Leadership)
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria (RHAN) has applauded the Nigerian Navy’s aggressive onslaught on crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region.
The group said the Navy’s operations have drastically reduced the negative trend, notably in the destruction of illegal refining sites and the arrest of sea pirates/robbers.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Friday Apochi, the RHAN said the recent arrests made by the Nigerian Navy have not only curbed oil theft but enhanced economic activities. Read more
Customs duty FX rates reduce after Naira strengthens (Nation)
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a further decrease in the exchange rate used to calculate import duties at seaports.
This reduction comes after a period of relative stability in the exchange rate between the Naira and US Dollar.
As of Monday, March 4, the new rate for calculating customs duties is N1,544.081 per US Dollar. This represents a 5.3% decrease compared to the previous rate of N1,630.159 per US Dollar used on Friday, March 2. In simpler terms, importers will now pay N86.078 less per dollar when clearing their goods through the ports. Read more
After tackling hunger, insecurity Sen Kalu rolls out brand-new schools, roads in Abia-North (Sun)
Undaunted to end hunger, insecurity and infrastructure deficits in Abia-North, the Senator representing the zone at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu earned unwavering accolades of his constituents after he distributed over 250, 000 bags of grains, flour and Toyota Hilux vans to communities within the district.
In addition to his food and security interventions, the former Senate Chief Whip has continued to commission more newly completed roads and School infrastructures within Abia-North.
Recall that early this year handed over security patrol vehicles which he personally procured to the Ohafia, Isiukwuato and Igbere, Bende LG Area Commands of the Police force in Abia-North and the Igbere Vigilante group. Admonishing his constituents to shun crimes and other forms of violence the Chairman Senate Committee on Privatisation said the gesture will stem the tide against insecurity. Read more
Colleagues pay tributes to OAU zookeeper killed by lion (Punch)
Colleagues of the late Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist in charge of the zoological garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, killed by a lion in the garden, on Monday held a memorial service in his honour.
Olawuyi was killed by a lion at the zoological garden on Monday, February 19, while trying to rescue a subordinate that was attacked by the animal.
At the memorial service organised by the National Association of Academic Technologists, attended by members of the family of the deceased, his colleagues, classmates, the leadership of unions on the OAU campus, and representatives of the management of the university, participants recalled Olawuyi’s heroic act. Read more
Hardship: FG to begin distribution of grains nationwide (Channels)
The Federal Government will begin the distribution of grains nationwide to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this on Monday.
“Dear Fellow Nigerians,” he wrote on his official X handle. “In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting. Read more
Ondo varsity workers protest unpaid allowance at convocation (Dailytrust)
Aggrieved workers of the Ondo State-owned Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTHEC) in Okitipupa on Monday protested over the non-payment of the N35,000 wage award by the state government.
The workers under the auspices of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) almost disrupted the 2nd convocation event of the institution during Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s visit to the university for the ceremony.
Daily Trust reports that the protesters carried placards of various inscriptions such as, “All we are saying, pay us wage award; “We deserve N35,000 wage award, pay us”; “Wage award is our right don’t deny us,”; “We patronise the same market, pay us N35,000 wage award,” among several others. Read more
Alicia Keys’ son, 9, sends adorable video to Billie Eilish asking to be friends — and she sends one back! (People)
Alicia Keys’ son Genesis has made a new famous friend.
In an adorable video posted to her Instagram, the “If I Ain’t Got You” singer, 43, explained that her son Genesis, 9, recently asked her if he could send a message to Billie Eilish, 22, since he wanted to become friends with her.
“Genesis…you know that he is really pushy,” Keys says in the video. “Like when he wants something, he really wants it. So then he somehow asks me if I have Billie Eilish’s number. So I’m like, ‘Oh yeah. She’s a friend to me.'” Read more
Kate Middleton spotted for first time since abdominal surgery in pictures on US site (Metro)
Kate Middleton was spotted for the first time since her surgery earlier this year, riding as a passenger in a car driven by her mother.
The Princess of Wales donned a pair of sunglasses as she rode in the car with Carole Middleton nearby Windsor Castle today.
The photos, taken by TMZ, were released just days after Kensington Palace released an update on her health after she has not been seen in public for two months. Read more
Pusha T follows in Pharrell’s footsteps as he gets skateboard lessons from Tyshawn Jones (HipHopDx)
Pusha T has followed in Pharrell‘s footsteps, dabbling in skateboarding with assistance from Tyshawn Jones.
On Monday (March 4), the professional skateboarder took to his Instagram Stories to show fans and followers that he linked up with the Clipse MC, who could be seen attempting an ollie.
“@kingpush knows how to ollie, @stevenvictor tighten up,” he captioned the video clip, showcasing the 46-year-old’s wobbly-yet-proud execution of the move. Read more
Jack Teixeira pleads guilty to Pentagon leak, faces over 16 years in prison (AlJazeera)
A Massachusetts air national guard member has pleaded guilty to leaking highly classified military documents online, in one of the most serious national security breaches the United States has experienced in recent years.
Jack Teixeira, 22, entered his plea in federal court in Boston on Monday after striking a deal with prosecutors that would see him serve from 11 to nearly 17 years in prison.
According to the agreement, prosecutors plan to seek the high end of that range, which is capped at 16 years and eight months. Read more
Missouri Christian boarding school founder and wife charged with kidnapping after reports of runaways (NBC)
The founder of a Christian boys’ boarding school in rural Missouri and his wife have been charged with first-degree kidnapping following reports of runaways and allegations of abuse at the facility.
Larry Charles Musgraves Jr., 57, and his wife Carmen Grizel Musgraves, 64, were arrested Friday, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
Both worked at ABM Ministries Lighthouse Christian Academy, a private Christian boarding school in Piedmont, Missouri, that serves boys aged 10 to 13, the sheriff’s department said. Musgraves is the founder and pastor of ABM Ministries, according to his LinkedIn page. Read more
Ghana: Finance ministry warns country stands to lose $3.8b over controversial anti-LGBTQ bill (AfricaNews)
Ghana’s finance ministry has warned the country stands to lose a substantial amount of financing from international banks estimated at USD$3.8 billion over the next five to six years should president Nana Akufo-Addo sign a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill.
The impact could adversely affect Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability according to the Finance ministry’s statement released Monday.
“The Presidency may have a structured engagement with local conservative forces such as religious bodies and faith-based organisations to communicate the economic implications of the passage of the ‘Anti-LGBTQ’ Bill and to build a stronger coalition and a framework for supporting key development initiative that is likely to be affected” the statement added. Read more
US Vice President Harris meets with Israel’s Gantz amid calls for “immediate Cmcease-fire” in Gaza (VOA)
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the brutal October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and the taking of hostages, including American citizens, during a meeting Monday with Israeli war Cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House.
Harris, who met with Gantz in a push for a six-week cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, expressed U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of ongoing Hamas terrorist threats and underscored Washington’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, a White House readout said.
Harris urged Hamas to accept the terms of the agreement, in which the release of hostages would result in an immediate six-week cease-fire and allow a surge of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. Read more
Iwobi returns to social media following AFCON backlash (Channels)
Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi has made a social media comeback after the backlash he received following Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final game against Cote d’Ivoire.
The Nigerian team lost 2-1 to the hosts, triggering a barrage of criticisms against the Fulham star. Iwobi, 27, had then deleted all posts on his Instagram handle but received support from the Federal Government, fellow footballers, and others.
But weeks after, the Super Eagle returned to the platform, posting a video he captioned, “Lately”. Read more
NFF dismisses Eguavoen as Super Eagles’ interim coach (Nation)
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described the purported appointment of former Nigeria international, Austin Eguavoen, as an interim manager of the Super Eagles after Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro stepped down at the weekend as ‘a joke taken too far’.
Though Eguavoen has been the NFF’s Technical Director since 2020, he was appointed the Super Eagles manager on an interim basis for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, following the departure of German coach Gernot Rohr.
He later returned to his Technical Director’s job after the Super Eagles crashed out of the AFCON 2021 following an agonising defeat to Tunisia in the round of sixteen. Read more
Mohammed Ben Sulayem: FIA president under investigation for alleged attempt to interfere over F1 race (BBC)
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport’s governing body the FIA, is under investigation for allegedly interfering over a Formula 1 race result.
A whistleblower has told the FIA that Ben Sulayem allegedly intervened to overturn a penalty given to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The claim is in a report by an FIA compliance officer to its ethics committee, which has been seen by BBC Sport. Read more
’That kind of calibre…’ Ian Wright adamant Manchester United ‘need’ player like Everton star (HitC)
You feel these coming months are huge for Erik ten Hag and his future at Manchester United.
The former Ajax coach suffered yet another damaging defeat on Sunday, this time at the hands of Pep Guardiola in the Manchester derby.
Whilst many debate whether he is good enough to take the club to the next step, it can’t be argued that he has done well bringing forward the young players, such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund. Read more
Peseiro deserves respect not criticisms from Nigerians – Ikpeba (CompleteSports)
Former Nigerian international, Victor Ikpeba has slammed Nigerians who have been criticising the performance of former Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recall that the Portuguese tactician took Nigeria to the final of the tournament, where the team lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast.
Although Peseiro was criticised for his negative football in the final, however, Ikpeba during a Monday Night Football on Super Sports, stated that Peseiro deserves so much respect and not criticisms. Read more
“We will report them to the police”- Genk issue strong statement following racist slurs against Tolu Arokodare (Soccernet)
Tolu was a victim of insults and racist slurs, but Genk have pulled their weights behind him
Belgium Jupiler League club Genk have backed Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare following the online bullying and racist slurs he suffered following their loss to Club Brugge at Cegeka Arena on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Genk welcomed their close rivals, Club Brugge, to Cegeka Arena in their Jupiler League clash on Sunday. The game has historically proven to be a crunch fixture, and tempers were high going into the fixture. Read more