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Taaooma establishes a foundation aimed at supporting the less privileged

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Renowned skit creator and comedian, Mariam Apaokagi, professionally known as Taaooma, has announced the upcoming launch of a charitable foundation, the Mariam Apaokagi Initiative.

The foundation aims to support the underprivileged in society.

Taaooma shared this initiative during a visit to Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Detailing the foundation’s diverse programs, Taaooma expressed her commitment to giving back to society, particularly starting in Ilorin, her hometown.

She sought the senator’s support and collaboration for the success of the Mariam Apaokagi Initiative.

In response, Senator Mustapha praised Taaooma for her initiative, assuring her of his continuous support and collaboration.

As the Turaki of Ilorin and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, he urged Taaooma to focus on content that promotes values and addresses issues like drug abuse and criminal activities.

Additionally, Senator Mustapha emphasized the significance of vocational education for youth, emphasizing its pivotal role in generating employment opportunities.

FULL LIST: Burna, Davido, Asake, and two additional Nigerians secure Grammy nominations

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Nigerian artistes, Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Olamide have all been nominated for the 66th Grammy Awards.

While Grammy-winning star, Burna Boy bagged a total of four,  Davido, in his first bite, bagged three nominations.

Asake, Arya Starr, and Olamide got one nomination apiece.

The Nigerian quintet were all nominated in the maiden Best African Music Performance category alongside South Africa’s Tyla.

Asake and Olamide’s ‘Amapiano’, Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys’, Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush’, Davido and Musa Keys’ ‘Unavailable’, and Tyla’s ‘Water’ were the nominees in the newly created category.

Burna Boy’s other nominations include; ‘Sitting On Top of the World’ featuring 21 Savage – Best Melodic Rap, ‘I Told Them’ – Best Global Music Album, and ‘Alone’ – Best Global Music Performance.

Davido’s other nominations are; ‘Timeless’ – Best Global Music Album, and ‘Feel’ – Best Global Music Performance.

An elated Davido took to X to celebrate his feat. He tweeted, “3 nominations at the Grammys!! Delay is not Denial!! ”

The 66th Grammy will be held on February 4, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

See the FULL LIST below

Best Global Music Performance

Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily – Shadow Forces
Burna Boy – Alone
Davido – Feel
Silvana Estrada – Milagro Y Disastre
Falu & Gaurav Shah (ft. PM Narendra Modi) – Abundance In Millets
Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain ft. Rakesh Chaurasia – Pashto
Ibrahim Maalouf ft. Cimafunk & Tank and the Bangas – Todo Colores

Best Global Music Album

Susana Baca- Epifanías
Bokanté – History
Burna Boy – I Told Them…
Davido – Timeless
Shakti – This Moment

Record of the Year

“Worship,” Jon Batiste
“Not Strong Enough,” boy genius
“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
“On My Mama,” Victoria Monét
“Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
“Kill Bill,” SZA

Album Of The Year
World Music Radio, Jon Batiste
the record, boy genius
Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus
Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Lana Del Rey
The Age Of Pleasure, Janelle Monáe
GUTS, Olivia Rodrigo
Midnights, Taylor Swift
SOS, SZA

Song Of The Year
“A&W,” Lana Del Rey
“Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
“Butterfly,” Jon Batiste
“Dance The Night,” Dua Lipa
“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
“Kill Bill,” SZA
“Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish

Best New Artist
Gracie Abrams
Fred again.
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Coco Jones
Noah Kahan
Victoria Monét
The War And Treaty

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Jack Antonoff
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Hit-Boy
Metro Boomin
Daniel Nigro

Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Shane McAnally
Theron Thomas
Justin Tranter

Best Pop Solo Performance
“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
“Paint The Town Red,” Doja Cat
“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
“Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Thousand Miles,” Miley Cyrus feat. Brandi Carlile
“Candy Necklace,” Lana Del Rey feat. Jon Batiste
“Never Felt So Alone,” Labrinth feat. Billie Eilish
“Karma,” Taylor Swift feat. Ice Spice
“Ghost In The Machine,” SZA feat. Phoebe Bridgers

Best Pop Vocal Album
Chemistry, Kelly Clarkson
Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus
GUTS, Olivia Rodrigo
– (Subtract), Ed Sheeran
Midnights, Taylor Swift

Best Dance/Electronic Recording
“Blackbox Life Recorder 21F,” Aphex Twin
“Loading,” James Blake
“Higher Than Ever Before,” Disclosure
“Strong,” Romy & Fred again..
“Rumble,” Skrillex, Fred again. & Flowdan

Best Pop Dance Recording
“Baby Don’t Hurt Me,” David Guetta, Anne-Marie & Coi Leray
“Miracle,” Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding
“Padam Padam,” Kylie Minogue
“One In A Million,” Bebe Rexha & David Guetta
“Rush,” Troye Sivan

Best Dance/Electronic Music Album
Playing Robots Into Heaven, James Blake
For That Beautiful Feeling, The Chemical Brothers
Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9, 2022), Fred again..
Kx5, Kx5
Quest For Fire, Skrillex

Best Rock Performance
“Sculptures Of Anything Goes,” Arctic Monkeys
“More Than A Love Song,” Black Pumas
“Not Strong Enough,” boygenius
“Rescued,” Foo Fighters
“Lux Æterna,” Metallica

Best Metal Performance
“Bad Man,” Disturbed
“Phantom Of The Opera,” Ghost
“72 Seasons,” Metallica
“Hive Mind,” Slipknot
“Jaded,” Spiritbox

Best Rock Song
“Angry,” The Rolling Stones
“Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl,” Olivia Rodrigo
“Emotion Sickness,” Queens Of The Stone Age
“Not Strong Enough,” boygenius
“Rescued,” Foo Fighters

Best Rock Album
But Here We Are, Foo Fighters
Starcatcher, Greta Van Fleet
72 Seasons, Metallica
This Is Why, Paramore
In Times New Roman…, Queens Of The Stone Age

Best Alternative Music Performance
“Belinda Says,” Alvvays
“Body Paint,” Arctic Monkeys
“Cool About It,” boygenius
“A&W,” Lana Del Rey
“This Is Why,” Paramore

Best Alternative Music Album
The Car, Arctic Monkeys
The Record, boygenius
Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Lana Del Rey
Cracker Island, Gorillaz
I Inside The Old Year Dying, PJ Harvey

Best R&B Performance
“Summer Too Hot,” Chris Brown
“Back To Love,” Robert Glasper Featuring SiR & Alex Isley
“ICU,” Coco Jones
“How Does It Make You Feel,” Victoria Monét
“Kill Bill,” SZA

Best Traditional R&B Performance
“Simple,” Babyface feat. Coco Jones
“Lucky,” Kenyon Dixon
“Hollywood,” Victoria Monét feat. Earth, Wind & Fire & Hazel Monét
“Good Morning,” PJ Morton feat. Susan Carol
“Love Language,” SZA

Best Progressive R&B Album
Since I Have A Lover, 6LACK
The Love Album: Off The Grid, Diddy
Nova, Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy
The Age Of Pleasure, Janelle Monáe
SOS, SZA

Best R&B Song
“Angel,” Halle Bailey
“Back To Love,” Robert Glasper feat. SiR & Alex Isley
“ICU,” Coco Jones
“On My Mama,” Victoria Monét
“Snooze,” SZA

Best R&B Album
Girls Night Out, Babyface
What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe), Coco Jones
Special Occasion, Emily King
JAGUAR II, Victoria Monét
CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP, Summer Walker

Best Rap Performance
“The Hillbillies,” Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Love Letter,” Black Thought
“Rich Flex,” Drake & 21 Savage
“SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS,” Killer Mike feat. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane
“Players,” Coi Leray

Best Melodic Rap Performance
“Sittin’ On Top Of The World,” Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage
“Attention,” Doja Cat
“Spin Bout U,” Drake & 21 Savage
“All My Life,” Lil Durk feat. J. Cole
“Low,” SZA

Best Rap Album
Her Loss, Drake & 21 Savage
MICHAEL, Killer Mike
HEROES & VILLAINS, Metro Boomin
King’s Disease III, Nas
UTOPIA, Travis Scott

Best Rap Song
“Attention,” Doja Cat
“Barbie World,” Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice feat. Aqua
“Just Wanna Rock,” Lil Uzi Vert
“Rich Flex,” Drake & 21 Savage
“SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS,” Killer Mike feat. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane.

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album
A-You’re Not Wrong B-They’re Not Either: The Fukc-It Pill Revisited, Queen Sheba
For Your Consideration’24 -The Album, Prentice Powell and Shawn William
Grocery Shopping With My Mother, Kevin Powell
The Light Inside, J. Ivy
When The Poems Do What They Do, Aja Monet

Best Jazz Performance
“Movement 18’ (Heroes),” Jon Batiste
“Basquiat,” Lakecia Benjamin
“Vulnerable (Live),” Adam Blackstone feat. The Baylor Project & Russell Ferranté
“But Not For Me,” Fred Hersch & Esperanza Spalding
“Tight,” Samara Joy

Best Jazz Vocal Album
For Ella 2, Patti Austin feat. Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band
Alive At The Village Vanguard, Fred Hersch & Esperanza Spalding
Lean In, Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke
Mélusine, Cécile McLorin Salvant
How Love Begins, Nicole Zuraitis

Best Jazz Instrumental Album
The Source, Kenny Barron
Phoenix, Lakecia Benjamin
Legacy: The Instrumental Jawn, Adam Blackstone
The Winds Of Change, Billy Childs
Dream Box, Pat Metheny

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
The Chick Corea Symphony Tribute – Ritmo, ADDA Simfònica, Josep Vicent, Emilio Solla
Dynamic Maximum Tension, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society
Basie Swings The Blues, The Count Basie Orchestra Directed By Scotty Barnhart
Olympians, Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orkest
The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, Mingus Big Band

Best Latin Jazz Album
Quietude, Eliane Elias
My Heart Speaks, Ivan Lins With The Tblisi Symphony Orchestra
Vox Humana, Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band
Cometa, Luciana Souza & Trio Corrente
El Arte Del Bolero Vol. 2, Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo

Best Alternative Jazz Album
Love In Exile, Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily
Quality Over Opinion, Louis Cole
SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, SuperBlue
Live At The Piano, Cory Henry
The Omnichord Real Book, Meshell Ndegeocello

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim, Liz Callaway
Pieces Of Treasure, Rickie Lee Jones
Bewitched, Laufey
Holidays Around The World, Pentatonix
Only The Strong Survive, Bruce Springsteen
Sondheim Unplugged (The NYC Sessions), Vol. 3, (Various Artists)

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
As We Speak, Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, feat. Rakesh Chaurasia
On Becoming, House Of Waters
Jazz Hands, Bob James
The Layers, Julian Lage
All One, Ben Wendel

Best Musical Theater Album
Kimberly Akimbo
Parade
Shucked
Some Like It Hot
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street

Best Country Solo Performance
“In Your Love,” Tyler Childers
“Buried,” Brandy Clark
“Fast Car,” Luke Combs
“The Last Thing On My Mind,” Dolly Parton
“White Horse,” Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“High Note,” Dierks Bentley feat. Billy Strings
“Nobody’s Nobody,” Brothers Osborne
“I Remember Everything,” Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves
“Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)” Vince Gill & Paul Franklin
“Save Me,” Jelly Roll With Lainey Wilson
“We Don’t Fight Anymore,” Carly Pearce feat. Chris Stapleton

Best Country Album
Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, Kelsea Ballerini
Brothers Osborne, Brothers Osborne
Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan
Rustin’ In The Rain, Tyler Childers
Bell Bottom Country, Lainey Wilson

Best Country Song
“Buried,” Brandy Clark
“I Remember Everything,” Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves
“In Your Love,” Tyler Childers
“Last Night,” Morgan Wallen
“White Horse,” Chris Stapleton

Best American Roots Performance
“Butterfly,” Jon Batiste
“Heaven Help Us All,” Blind Boys Of Alabama,
“Inventing The Wheel,” Madison Cunningham
“You Louisiana Man,” Rhiannon Giddens
“Eve Was Black,” Allison Russell

Best Americana Performance
“Friendship,” Blind Boys Of Alabama
“Help Me Make It Through The Night,” Tyler Childers
“Dear Insecurity,” Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile
“King Of Oklahoma,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“The Returner,” Allison Russell

Best Americana Album
Brandy Clark, Brandy Clark
The Chicago Sessions, Rodney Crowell
You’re The One, Rhiannon Giddens
Weathervanes, Jason Isbell, and the 400 Unit
The Returner, Allison Russell

Best American Roots Song

“Blank Page,” The War and Treaty
“California Sober,” Billy Strings feat. Willie Nelson
“Cast Iron Skillet,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“Dear Insecurity,” Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile
“The Returner,” Allison Russell

Best Bluegrass Album
Radio John: Songs of John Hartford, Sam Bush
Lovin’ Of The Game, Michael Cleveland
Mighty Poplar, Mighty Poplar
Bluegrass, Willie Nelson
Me/And/Dad, Billy Strings
City Of Gold, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Best Traditional Blues Album
Ridin’, Eric Bibb
The Soul Side Of Sipp, Mr. Sipp
Life Don’t Miss Nobody, Tracy Nelson
Teardrops For Magic Slim Live At Rosa’s Lounge, John Primer
All My Love For You, Bobby Rush

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Death Wish Blues, Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton
Healing Time, Ruthie Foster
Live In London, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Blood Harmony, Larkin Poe
LaVette!, Bettye LaVette

Best Folk Album
I Only See The Moon, The Milk Carton Kids
Joni Mitchell At Newport [Live], Joni Mitchell
Celebrants, Nickel Creek
Jubilee, Old Crow Medicine Show
Seven Psalms, Paul Simon
Folkocracy, Rufus Wainwright

Best Latin Pop Album
La Cuarta Hoja, Pablo Alborán
Beautiful Humans, Vol. 1, AleMor
A Ciegas, Paula Arenas
La Neta, Pedro Capó
Don Juan, Maluma
X Mí (Vol. 1), Gaby Moreno

Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)
Bordado A Mano, Ana Bárbara
La Sánchez, Lila Downs
Motherflower, Flor De Toloache
Amor Como En Las Películas De Antes, Lupita Infante
GÉNESIS, Peso Pluma

Best African Music Performance

“Amapiano,” ASAKE & Olamide
“City Boys,” Burna Boy
“UNAVAILABLE,” Davido feat. Musa Keys
“Rush,” Ayra Starr
“Water,” Tyla

Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)
Barbie, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ludwig Göransson
The Fabelmans, John Williams
Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny, John Williams
Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson

Best Song Written For Visual Media
“Barbie World,” Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice feat. Aqua
“Dance The Night,” Dua Lipa
“I’m Just Ken,” Ryan Gosling
“Lift Me Up,” Rihanna
“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish

 

Bitcoin reaches its highest point in 18 months as a short squeeze fuels a surge in bullish momentum

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Bitcoin is currently surging to an 18-month high, propelled by reports of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) facing a six-day deadline to greenlight or reject ETFs.

In Thursday’s London trading session, Bitcoin briefly peaked at $36,700, showcasing a remarkable 31% monthly increase and an impressive 93% surge over the past year.

Notably, other major digital assets, including Ether, are also on an upward trajectory, witnessing a substantial 20% gain in the last month.

Market data reveals a short squeeze during the early Asian trading hours, resulting in around $50 million in liquidations over four hours and driving prices even higher.

Initially grappling with a short squeeze, Bitcoin rebounded to nearly $37,000 after a brief setback.

Bulls persisted, propelling the overall crypto market valuation to new heights.

The buying frenzy intensified as the US SEC entered discussions with Grayscale Investments regarding its application to transform GBTC into a crypto sports ETF.

The anticipation of SEC approval for ETF applications holds significant weight in the crypto industry, seen as a milestone that could democratize access to technical asset investments for everyday investors.

Grayscale’s ongoing interaction with the SEC marks a transition from the existing Grayscale Bitcoin Trust to the pursuit of a direct crypto asset ETF.

Bitcoin miners are reaping the benefits of transaction fees, hitting 5% per month, with the average BTC transaction fee hovering around $6 since November 7.

Despite a constrained supply, long-term holders are rapidly accumulating Bitcoin.

Glassnode data suggests a shift in market dynamics beyond the $30,000 threshold, aligning with a pivotal level in the quarterly outlook.

Peak introduces the latest addition to its lineup with the launch of the Peak “Mini” Evap Packs

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Since its inaugural shipment to Nigeria in 1954, Peak Milk has steadfastly dedicated itself to nurturing the people of Nigeria with consistently superior dairy products, empowering them to realize their full potential.

The brand has adaptively evolved, broadening its product range to meet the dynamic demands of its consumers.

Thrilled to introduce the all-new budget-friendly Evap Packs – Peak “Mini,” Peak Milk from FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC aims to make the goodness of Peak Evaporated milk accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their social class.

Launched officially in October 2023, the Peak “Mini” packs made a splash, marked by nationwide product sampling activations and the clear message: “Breakfast for You,” emphasizing the accessibility and affordability of Peak “Mini” Packs.

With these more affordable packs, Peak’s innovative and cost-effective solution ensures that anyone can enjoy a nutritious breakfast.

The “Breakfast for You” campaign underscores Peak’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can experience the nourishing benefits of Evaporated milk.

The campaign promises an engaging and rewarding experience, featuring influencers sharing stories of how Peak “Mini” Packs have impacted their daily routines and user-generated content promoting creativity.

Moninnuola Kassim, Senior Brand Manager at Peak Milk, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Quality nutrition should be accessible to everyone.

The new Peak “Mini” Packs symbolize our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, offering an affordable option for a nourishing breakfast.”

Now available at nearby retail stores, the new Peak “Mini” Packs make it easier than ever to kickstart your day with a nourishing boost.

For more information, visit www.peakmilk.com or follow on social media at @peak_milk.

About Peak Milk: As Nigeria’s premier dairy brand, Peak Milk is dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious dairy products to millions of households across the country.

Upholding its promise of nourishing families and promoting healthy lifestyles, Peak Milk strives to create a positive impact on the well-being of Nigerian communities through diverse initiatives and campaigns.

Caption from left to right: Maureen Ifada, Head, Channel and Category Development Sub-Sahara Africa; Moninnuola Kassim, Senior Brand Manager Peak Milk; Ben Langat, Cluster Managing Director Sub-Sahara Africa; and Omolara Banjoko, Marketing Manager Peak Sub-Sahara Africa at the official launch of Peak Mini held in Lagos recently.

 

The Chairman of FCT NUJ lays his wife to rest in Edo

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The late Mrs. Anthonia Attach Osadebamwen, wife of Abuja-based journalist and Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Osaretin Patrick Osadebamwen, was laid to rest in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, evoking tears and solemnity.

Among those extending condolences to the NUJ FCT Council Chairman was Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory. In a personally signed statement, Mahmoud expressed her deep sorrow and condolences on the passing of Comrade Osadebamwen’s beloved spouse, Mrs. Anthonia Attah Osadebamwen.

 

FirstBank celebrates its customers with prizes totaling N170 million

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FirstBank has initiated a four-month ‘Win Big promo’ to appreciate its customers, offering a total of N170 million in cash prizes.

Running from October 23 to February 23, 2024, the promo will reward 1,240 customers with N100,000 each, with 310 winners every month.

Reactivating dormant accounts also brings opportunities, as up to 40,000 customers may win free airtime, and six customers stand a chance to win N1 million each in the grand finale draw.

The promo is open to both new and existing savings and current account holders.

To qualify for the N100,000 monthly draw, customers need to maintain a minimum monthly balance of N5,000 and conduct at least five transactions on the bank’s digital channels.

The Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney, expressed excitement about providing customers with memorable experiences and encouraged active participation.

 

Why Eniola adopts a feminine guise – Insights from the street hawker’s mother

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Kafayat Adeleke, mother of Sultan Adeleke, a street hawker known as Eniola, shared the reasons her child presented as a lady due to a deformity since birth.

Eniola, supported by comedian Brain Jotter, gained attention for claiming to be a makeup artist besides selling water in Lagos.

Amid controversies about Eniola’s gender, Davido urged Osun State Governor to help.

Adeleke clarified that her son, born male, had disguised as female since 2018, seeking help in Lagos. She denied ritual claims and expressed love for him, sharing childhood photos and birth certificate to validate his story.

Eniola later confirmed being a boy on Instagram Live, explaining the motive behind dressing as a girl for public assistance.

The official market sees the Naira depreciating to N1,000 per US dollar

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In spite of recent efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to bolster the foreign exchange market, the naira concluded Thursday’s trading on the Investor & Exporter forex window at N996.75/$, marking a 13.95% drop from its Wednesday closing at N874.71/$.

The naira has now depreciated by 27.75% since the week’s commencement at N780.23/$, as reported by FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange.

Despite initially strengthening against the dollar last week, following news of the central bank clearing backlog, the naira has experienced a consistent decline in both official and parallel markets.

In 2023, it has lost approximately 40% of its value, earning the unenviable distinction of being one of the poorest-performing African currencies, according to the World Bank.

In the parallel market, the currency’s value has fallen from N950/$ on Friday to nearly N1,140/$ on Thursday, reflecting a 20% decrease, according to Bureaux De Change operators interviewed by The PUNCH.

Traders like Kadri and Awolu disclosed rates of N1,100 and N1,140, respectively.

Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, attributed the dollar’s ascent to resistance from those who bought it at higher prices, creating market reactions and reluctance to incur further losses.

Expressing concern over the currency’s decline, the presidency indicated plans to implement policies aimed at fortifying the local currency.

Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, assured that the government, under the leadership of the President, is poised to introduce policies that will surprise those speculating against the currency’s stability.

Messi praises Zinedine Zidane, hailing him as ‘one of the all-time greats in the history of football

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Argentina and Inter Miami sensation Lionel Messi recently expressed his admiration for the legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane in a conversation facilitated by Adidas Football.

Zidane, renowned for his exceptional playmaking, dribbling skills, and grace on the field, amassed an impressive 13 major titles over a distinguished 17-year career, which included triumphs in the FIFA World Cup (1998) and the UEFA Champions League (2001-02).

Messi, acknowledging Zidane as “one of the greatest players in history,” recounted his admiration for the Frenchman’s elegance, artistry, and magical presence on the pitch.

Despite the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Messi confessed to following Zidane closely during his time in Madrid and highlighted specific memories, such as Zidane’s goals in crucial moments and his iconic spinning move.

Both Messi and Zidane share the experience of playing in two FIFA World Cup finals, with Zidane achieving victory in 1998 against Brazil and scoring in the 2006 final, albeit ending in a loss for France.

Reflecting on his career, Zidane mentioned the 2014 World Cup final as a lingering memory, despite having no regrets in his illustrious journey.

Messi, similarly, had faced disappointment in the 2014 final but eventually secured the coveted trophy eight and a half years later when Argentina triumphed over France in a thrilling final decided by penalties.

 

Alaba Market traders oppose Lagos’ proposal to demolish the secretariat

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Traders at Alaba Market in Lagos State strongly oppose the Lagos State Government’s plan to demolish their administrative block and secretariat, making way for a Chinese-affiliated project.

The government initiated the removal of “distressed” buildings in July, citing safety concerns, but members of the Fedzan Furniture LTD trade union in Alaba Market express concern over the inclusion of their crucial administrative space in the demolition.

The Chinese company, associated with an ambitious ultra-modern project, allegedly influenced the decision to include the traders’ secretariat.

The affected traders emphasize the significance of their administrative block for union meetings, governance activities, and interactions with authorities, questioning the need for such drastic measures in Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest markets.

The ongoing legal battle between property owners and the government adds complexity to the situation, with the traders calling for transparency and examination of relevant documents such as C of O, survey plans, and affected buildings.

The heightened police presence has further escalated tensions among market members, creating an atmosphere of fear and unrest.