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Kanu confidently predicts that the Super Eagles are destined to clinch the AFCON trophy

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Nigerian football icon, Nwankwo Kanu, confidently predicts the Super Eagles’ victory in the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations.

In a recent video on his X account, the two-time African Footballer of the Year expresses his belief that the Nigerian team, currently poised for a semi-final showdown with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, will not only progress to the final but also clinch the championship.

Known as ‘Papilo,’ the Arsenal legend encourages unwavering support for the team, emphasizing the historic significance of potentially bringing the trophy back home after its last win in 2019.

The semi-final clash is set to take place at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, marking the fourth tournament encounter between Nigeria and South Africa, with the Eagles winning the previous three games. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nigerian time.

After overcoming Cameroon and Angola in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively, the Super Eagles aim to secure their path to the finals, echoing Kanu’s optimism and rallying the nation behind their quest for glory.

 

Directors of banks support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to sell surplus dollars

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The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria expresses its support for the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive, urging commercial banks to cease “hoarding” foreign currencies.

In response to the CBN’s concerns about escalating foreign currency exposure, BDAN acknowledges the comprehensive measures outlined in the circular and affirms its commitment to fortifying the nation’s financial system.

 

The association applauds the CBN’s proactive stance, viewing the regulatory measures as crucial for effective foreign currency exposure management and risk mitigation.

 

BDAN commends the CBN’s commitment to proactive regulation, encourages banks to comply with the directives, and pledges continuous collaboration to foster a dynamic and resilient financial ecosystem for the benefit of all Nigerians.

APC secures victory in state assembly seat, defeating PDP in Delta rerun election

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Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Burutu State Constituency 1 in the Delta State House of Assembly, emerged victorious in the rerun election held on Saturday, defeating Asupa Forteta of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Alapala the winner in the rerun election held across various units, where he secured more than 50% of the votes cast, totaling 7,728 votes against Forteta’s 6,616 votes out of 14,809 valid votes.

Presented with his certificate of return by the returning officer, Prof. Arnold, Alapala’s success was congratulated by Senator Joel-Thomas Onowakpo, representing Delta South Senatorial District, who commended the electorate for their active participation, highlighting the significance of democratic institutions.

 

Onowakpo expressed gratitude to INEC and security agencies for ensuring a fair and secure electoral process, emphasizing that the constituents’ choice reflects their endorsement of competence, transparency, and good governance.

In a press release, Senator Onowakpo extended sincere congratulations to Alapala, acknowledging the constituents’ trust in the APC and Alapala’s commitment to serving them.

 

He commended the people of Burutu Constituency 1 for their unwavering commitment to democracy, sending a strong message that the will of the people prevails.

The statement concluded with optimism for collaboration between Hon. Anthony Ebitonmo Alapala and the entire APC family in Delta State for the development of their constituency.

Edo: Makinde’s legacy group abstains from participating in the PDP delegate election

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The turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State persists as Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman of the three-man committee overseeing the state delegate election, has resigned.

Additionally, nine out of the 11 aspirants slated for the February 22 primary election reportedly boycotted the election, citing concerns about the process and the composition of those conducting the delegate election.

In a letter addressed to the acting National Chairman, Umar Illiya, and copied to the National Vice Chairman South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, the nine aspirants, including Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and others, expressed their dissatisfaction with the election procedures.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, serving as the deputy chairman, commended the large turnout of party members during the primary election in Edo State.

Despite the crisis, Mbah emphasized the party’s commitment to principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

In various wards, such as Ward 7 at Ugbekun Primary School and Oluku Ward, the election was conducted by different individuals, including Dr. Major Itemowe and Hon Kunle Koya from Lagos State.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, addressing the media in his Ward 4 collation centre, downplayed the impact of the party crisis on the upcoming governorship election.

 

He acknowledged the unfortunate withdrawal of Governor Makinde but stressed that the credibility of the process lies in the quality of participation.

Obaseki remains optimistic about unifying the party and ensuring its significant role in the country’s politics. He dismissed the perceived crisis as exaggerated and expressed confidence in the party’s strength during the main election.

Fuel queues: NNPCL dispels concerns about scarcity, attributes the issue to distribution challenges

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has clarified the cause behind extended queues at certain filling stations in Lagos State, attributing the situation to a transient distribution issue.

Reports initially highlighted lengthy lines at petrol stations in Lagos on Monday, sparking concerns about a potential fuel scarcity.

Notably, the queues were evident along the Ikorodu Road, including the Total Filling Station at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, causing traffic congestion around Ikeja.

Observations revealed several filling stations along the Ikeja axis, through Obafemi Awolowo Road in Ikeja, were closed.

Additionally, those along Ogunnusi Road, inbound Berger, reportedly did not sell petrol.

NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, reassured on Tuesday that there was no fresh fuel scarcity, emphasizing that the recent tightness in certain areas resulted from a brief distribution hiccup in Lagos, which has since been resolved. Soneye stated, “We are pleased to confirm that there are no supply issues, and our products remain readily available.”

Similarly, the National Vice Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, acknowledged the queues in Lagos but suggested they could be attributed to customer panic-buying.

He expressed uncertainty about fuel scarcity, intending to investigate the situation.

Clement Isong, the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, claimed he was not aware of the situation as he was not in Lagos at the time of the report filing.

 

AFCON: Osimhen’s participation in the South Africa match uncertain

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Concerns loom over the availability of striker Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against South Africa.

The Napoli striker is grappling with abdominal discomfort, preventing him from joining the team in Bouaké for Wednesday’s crucial match, as stated by the team on Monday.

The 25-year-old may, however, rejoin the squad on Tuesday pending clearance from the team’s medical staff.

Despite having scored just one goal in the tournament so far, Osimhen has been a key player alongside Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, contributing to the team’s success in reaching their 16th AFCON semi-final. Nigeria is set to face South Africa at the Stade De La Paix, Bouaké, at 6 pm.

World leaders, including Biden and Sunak, express sympathy for King Charles in his battle with cancer

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Well-wishers expressed their hopes for a swift recovery for King Charles III on Monday after Buckingham Palace revealed his cancer diagnosis.

The palace stated that the 75-year-old monarch had commenced treatment just a week after being discharged from the hospital following prostate surgery.

The official statement mentioned that doctors advised the king to postpone public-facing duties during his regular treatments, but he would continue with State business and official paperwork.

Despite the challenging situation, the king remained optimistic about his treatment and eagerly anticipated returning to full public duty.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his wishes for His Majesty’s speedy recovery, expressing confidence that the monarch would regain full strength soon.

Additionally, former President Donald Trump, along with other political figures, shared their prayers and well-wishes for the king’s fast and complete recovery on various social media platforms.

The palace disclosed the king’s cancer diagnosis to prevent speculation and foster public understanding, emphasizing that he chose to share this information.

King Charles had recently left the hospital after an enlarged prostate procedure, and while he adjusted his upcoming engagements for recovery, he continued to fulfill his official responsibilities.

As the 75-year-old monarch faces this health challenge, leaders, politicians, and citizens worldwide unite in sending positive thoughts and prayers for his well-being.

The Naira depreciates on the parallel market while gaining value at the official window

The official forex market saw a strengthening of the naira on Monday, as Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso assured ongoing efforts to address currency volatility.

The local currency appreciated by 1.09%, closing at 1,419.86/$, rebounding from the previous week’s low of 1482.57/$.

Despite positive movements at the official window, the parallel market showed the naira trading between 1,440/$ and 1,460, influenced by hoarding activities, according to Bureau de Change operators.

Cardoso highlighted the central bank’s initiatives to improve FX supply, address bottlenecks, and make naira assets appealing to foreign investors, emphasizing the need for economic stability and growth.

Cardoso also revealed progress in settling verified FX requests, with $2.3bn already addressed and the remaining N2.2bn to be paid shortly.

He addressed concerns over the $7bn backlog, stating that $2.4bn had issues, including invalid import documents and discrepancies in allocation.

In September 2023, Nigeria faced a downgrade by FTSE Russell due to challenges in foreign investors repatriating funds, prompting the central bank to initiate clearing of FX backlog in banks starting November 2023.

 

Nigerians are hopeful for respite as states receive allocations totaling N3.3tn

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Statutory allocations disbursed by the Federal Account Allocation Committee to the 36 states and 774 local government areas saw a notable increase, reaching N3.34tn from July to December 2023, following the termination of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.

This marks a 19.5% surge, equivalent to N545bn, compared to the N2.79tn distributed in the first half of the year.

 

Despite this boost, concerns arise as Nigerians, including Labour leaders, call on state governors to address the prevailing hardship faced by citizens, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective utilization of the increased allocations.

AFCON: Cote d’Ivoire narrowly advances against a profligate Mali, securing victory in extra time

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In a thrilling quarter-final clash at the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire secured a 2-1 victory over Mali, with Oumar Diakite’s dramatic back-heel goal in added time during extra time.

Despite facing adversity, being reduced to 10 men and falling behind to Nene Dorgeles’ goal, the Ivorians equalized with Simon Adingra’s strike in the 90th minute.

The turnaround marked a pivotal moment in Ivory Coast’s AFCON campaign, overcoming initial struggles to reach the knockout stage.

Cote d’Ivoire now advances to the semi-finals, where they will face DR Congo, who defeated Guinea 3-1 on Friday.

However, Ivory Coast will be without key players Diakite, Odilon Kossounou, Serge Aurier, and Christian Kouame due to suspensions.

This victory marked the sixth encounter between the two nations, with Ivory Coast, a two-time champion, boasting four victories and one draw in previous clashes against Mali.

 

The opposing team’s best performance in the tournament was as runners-up in 1972.

Looking ahead, the AFCON semi-finals are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, setting the stage for intense battles as teams vie for a coveted spot in the final.