Refinery: We’ll ask Dangote to sell forex at good rate — Emefiele (Vanguard)
With the Dangote Refinery set to deliver its first products in July, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said yesterday that the refinery would be persuaded to sell foreign exchange earnings to banks at a good rate.
Speaking at the end of the 291st Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting in Abuja, Emefiele said his team would engage the promoter of the refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to ensure that Nigerians benefitted from the venture, adding that the CBN, the Federal Government and, indeed, the country helped him set up the refinery.
The CBN boss expressed optimism that the refinery would ease the foreign exchange scarcity in the country, noting that with local refining, about 20 per cent cost of the total cost of importing petroleum products could be saved, thereby reducing prices in the long run. He, however, said it was time to exit the fuel subsidy regime. Read more
Nigeria Air plane to arrive on Friday – Sirika (DailyTrust)
Determined to unveil the National carrier, Nigeria Air, before the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari ends on May 29, 2023, the Minister of Aviation has disclosed that a Nigeria Air plane would arrive Nigeria on Friday.
This is just as the Minister insisted that the implementation of the aviation roadmap has been achieved 100 per cent.
Amidst the increasing doubt over the feasibility of the National carrier in the life of the Buhari administration, Sirika assured that the project would take off before Monday.
He spoke in an interview with Channels Television monitored by our correspondent. Read more
Labour Party moves for peace (Guardian)
The leadership of Labour Party (LP) has resolved to reconcile warring factions.
At a press conference, yesterday, in Abuja, the Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee (LP-SPCRC), under leadership of retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Charles Ugomuoh, decried the raging rancour among groups within the party.
The committee vowed that it cannot “standby and allow the party to disintegrate.” Read more
Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund seeks support to deliver on project (Vanguard)
Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund, RLTF Limited in collaboration with GTE, a non-profit, public-private partnership, PPP, has called for support from individuals and organisations in the form of donations, grants, materials, and others to facilitate a resilient and sustainable Lagos while delivering within the stipulated timeline.
Chief Executive and Project Director, RLTF, Engr. Olujimi Hotonu, made the call in a statement, where he explained that the fund recorded significant progress in its line-up of project implementation exercises into the second quarter of 2023, even as he added that a greater attention is given to the High Court of Lagos, Igbosere.
Hotonu explained that the first phase of the re-construction of the court building is progressing as planned and the completion of the basement level and the foundation works of the restoration of the old colonial building (Phase 1) is at 75 percent completion. Read more
Lagos launches ‘‘My Passport of Rights’’ book to tackle child abuse (Punch)
In its bid to tackle child abuse, the Lagos State Government has unveiled a child-friendly booklet – “My Passport of Rights.”
The unveiling was done through the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, on Wednesday.
The Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said that the unveiling of the booklet was part of the celebration of Children’s Day.
The launch, which was held at the Lagos City Model College, Sabo, Yaba, had a convergence of over 300 students from various schools in Education District IV. Read more
Tinubu’s govt to inaugurate Lagos-Ibadan road, says Fashola (Nation)
The incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will inaugurate the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola has said.
Fashola, who dropped the hint during an extraordinary Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, said the opening of the reconstructed dual-carriage highway will now be done on June 30.
Yesterday’s special FEC at the chamber in the State House, Abuja, was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. Read more
Life After Aso Rock: I’ll now have time for my cattle, says Buhari (Leadership)
With just four days to the end of his eight-year tenure in office, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday dropped a hint about what he would be doing as one of his favourite pastimes in his country home, Daura, Katsina.
He said with enough time in hands he would return to animal husbandry, which involves day-to-day care, selective breeding, and the raising of his cattle.
“I will also be happy to do the many things that I have not been able to since May 29th, 2015, one of such is my favorite pastime of taking care of my cattle,” Buhari stated. Read more
Police parade 10 kidnap suspects, display recovered Arms in Nasarawa (ThisDay)
The Nasarawa State Police Command, yesterday, paraded 10 kidnap suspects it has arrested in different locations across the state recently.
The command equally displayed arms and live ammunitions recovered from 10 kidnap suspects arrested around Tunga and Farin Ruwa axis in Awe and Wamba Local Government Areas of the state respectively.
Briefing journalists shortly after parading the suspected kidnappers in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba, said that the operatives attached to Awe Division arrested the trio of Jibrin Idris (20yrs) of Doka village in Kaduna State, Manu Kauji (20yrs) and Tukur Sule (20yrs) in Tunga village in Awe where live ammunition were recovered from the suspect . Read more
Tributes pour in for ‘total legend’ Tina Turner (BBC)
Celebrities and fans have paid tribute to Tina Turner, after the death aged 83 of the soul star behind hits like The Best and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
Beyoncé called her the “epitome of passion and power”, and was joined by Sir Mick Jagger and other stars in saluting Turner’s musical legacy.
The late performer was also lauded by Mariah Carey and Oprah Winfrey for overcoming years of domestic abuse.
The Obamas praised her for “singing her truth through joy and pain”. Read more
Oprah Winfrey remembers Tina Turner as ‘‘our forever goddess of rock ‘n’ roll’’ (BelfastTelegraph)
Oprah Winfrey said Tina Turner was “our forever goddess of rock ‘n’ roll” and hailed her courage as a domestic abuse survivor following her death.
The US TV talk show host said Turner was “a role model not only for me but for the world”, as she paid tribute to the singer.
Turner, one of rock’s most famous voices – with hits including Proud Mary and The Best – died at the age of 83 at her home in Switzerland on Wednesday after a long illness. Read more
Tina Turner’s second husband and the man who helped her find happiness (DailyMail)
Tina Turner found true love with Erwin Bach after fleeing from her abusive first husband.
The pair had a loving relationship for 38 years until her death on Wednesday aged 83 following a long, unspecified illness.
She praised her second husband for helping her find happiness and said they had an instant connection from the moment they locked eyes inside Dusseldorf airport, Germany in 1985. Read more
Universal Music Group enters deal with AI music company Endel (OfficialCharts)
Universal Music Group has signed a deal with German artificial intelligence music company Endel, in a partnership which aims to unlock the ‘incredible potential of ethical AI’ in support of its artists output.
Though, while there is much talk of AI’s influence upon the music industry and artistic integrity, the partnership has not been struck in a bid to create the pop hits of the future.
Rather, Endel aims to help listeners to ‘focus, relax and sleep’ with its ‘personalised soundscapes backed by neuroscience.’ The likes of James Blake and Grimes, with James creating 2022’s Wind Down Soundscape record with the company and Grimes collaborating on a track called AI Lullaby with the giant. Read more
Jodi Benson Supports Updates To ‘‘The Little Mermaid’’ (Deadline)
Jodi Benson, the actor that gave voice to Disney’s animated film The Little Mermaid, is showing her support for the live-action adaptation starring Halle Bailey.
“When you look at our film, we started in the studio in 1986 and we were released in 1989. Times change, people change, cultures change,” Benson told People. “What matters and what is important changes. And, as a studio, we need to make those adjustments, and we need to take into consideration what’s going on around us. We need to be aware.”
The remake directed by Rob Marshall also tweaked some of its songs to address the sensitivities society has adapted to like including consent in the “Kiss the Girl” lyrics. Read more
Tom Hiddleston to make Soccer Aid debut on 2023 England charity team (Standard)
Award-winning actor and Unicef ambassador Tom Hiddleston will make his Soccer Aid debut as he joins the 2023 England team at the charity event.
The Loki star said he was “delighted” to be a part of the event and “honoured” to be playing in the match.
“I’m so honoured to be playing. I’ve been an ambassador for Unicef UK for just over 10 years now,” he said. Read more
Ron DeSantis joins White House race, tripped up by chaotic Twitter launch (RNZ)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suffered a chaotic start to his 2024 presidential election race today when glitches marred an online forum hosted by Twitter owner Elon Musk that was meant to showcase DeSantis’ fitness for the job.
The Twitter broadcast of the hour-long interview, which had been intended as the formal launch for the DeSantis campaign, lost sound for extended stretches and thousands of users were either unable to join or were dropped.
It was an inauspicious start for a campaign predicated on the governor’s executive competence. Read more
Flying Eagles beat Italy to maintain perfect start to FIFA U20 World Cup (DailyTrust)
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles yesterday defeated Italy’s Gli Azzurrini 2-0 to maintain their 100 percent perfect start at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina.
The Nigerian side had kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win over Dominican Republic on Sunday and have now progressed to the next round of the biennial football world championship tournament.
It was a cagey affair in the first half as both sides were unable to get on the score sheet but it was a different ball game in the second half with Ladan Bosso making some tactical substitutions. Read more
Osimhen spotted in Germany amid Bayern Munich links (Vanguard)
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been spotted in Germany’s capital, Berlin, on Wednesday morning, sparking rumours of a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Osimhen has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich following an impressive campaign in Serie A.
Manchester United and Chelsea are the other clubs reported to be interested in the Nigeria international. Read more
Real players and fans show support for Vinicius Jr (BBC)
Real Madrid’s players and fans showed support for Vinicius Jr as they beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at the Bernabeu.
The win was the club’s first match since their Brazilian forward was racially abused at Valencia on Sunday.
Vinicius missed the match through injury and Real’s players took to the pitch in his number 20 shirt, while the captains of both teams wore armbands carrying anti-racism messages.
Supporters chanted the 22-year-old’s name in the 20th minute in solidarity. Read more
Pep Guardiola proud of Man City display soon after late night title celebrations (BelfastTelegraph)
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claimed his newly-crowned Premier League champions “drank all the alcohol in Manchester” ahead of a pulsating 1-1 draw at Brighton.
Guardiola was concerned his treble-chasing side may suffer a hangover in Sussex following the jubilation of the weekend’s title celebrations.
But the Spaniard was pleasantly surprised by the performance of his players during a gripping south-coast contest. Read more
Roger Federer reacts to Rafael Nadal retiring in 2024 (TennisWorld)
Roger Federer says he feels for all Rafael Nadal fans and also noted that he is rooting for the Spaniard to go out with a bang in 2024. Nadal, who will be turning 37 in a couple of days, announced last Thursday that his intention is to retire in 2024.
Next year, Nadal hopes to be able to compete in some of his favorite and most special tournaments. Also, it is not a secret that at the very top of Nadal’s wish list will be to do well at the 2024 French Open and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“What can you say to Rafa’s fans (like myself) who are quite sad these days? Any consolation?” a fan asked Federer. Federer answered: “I’m with you. but I’m happy for him that he’s giving himself the necessary time so that he can come back healthy and make a few more magical runs.” Read more
Michael Winger leaving Clippers to run Wizards (ABC)
LA Clippers general manager Michael Winger has agreed to become the president of Monumental Basketball, which delivers him full leadership of the Washington Wizards, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Winger will also oversee the WNBA Mystics and the G-League Go-Go, sources said.
Winger had become the increasing focus of Monumental owner Ted Leonsis’ search for a top executive and takes over the Wizards with a reputation as a keen strategist, dealmaker and relationship builder. Read more