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FIFA is planning to host the 2030 World Cup on a global scale, spanning three continents and involving six different countries

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FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, has officially announced its plan to host the 2030 World Cup, spanning six countries across three different continents.

In a statement released on Wednesday via its website, FIFA revealed that Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host this historic tournament, with the initial three matches scheduled to take place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.

This upcoming World Cup will mark a significant milestone as it will feature 48 teams and will be the first ever to be held on multiple continents.

Furthermore, all host nations will receive automatic qualification for the event.

In commemoration of a century of global soccer, FIFA aims to kick off the tournament at Uruguay’s Estádio Centenário, the same venue where the inaugural 1930 World Cup was held, and which saw Uruguay emerge victorious with a 4-2 victory over Argentina.

In their official statement, FIFA expressed, “In 2030, the FIFA World Cup will bring together six countries across three continents, inviting the entire world to partake in celebrating the beautiful game, the centenary of the World Cup, and the sport itself.”

“The FIFA Council has unanimously endorsed the exclusive candidacy of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain to host the 2030 event, with their automatic qualification contingent upon the successful completion of FIFA’s bidding process and the decision of the FIFA Congress in 2024.”

Additionally, recognizing the historical significance of the first-ever FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Council has also unanimously decided to organize a special centenary celebration ceremony in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, where the inaugural World Cup unfolded in 1930.

Additionally, three World Cup matches are planned for Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.

It’s noteworthy that the 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America.

AFREXIM Procures $3 Billion to Honour Commitment with NNPC

Laolu Akande, situated in New York, Empowered Newswire has exclusively disclosed that AFREXIM, not being a depositors’ bank, is unable to independently secure the $3 billion loan it had agreed to provide to NNPC Ltd in August.

This $3 billion is not only earmarked to support NNPCL but also to bolster foreign exchange liquidity, as a strategic move to stabilize the Naira in the FX market.

This idea was conceived just as the Tinubu administration terminated the Dual Foreign Exchange policy two months ago to clean up the FX market.

Sources reveal that AFREXIM can only raise $500 million on its own, leading the financial institution to seek a loan from various global banks in the US, Singapore, India, and other parts of the world.

Reliable sources within New York’s financial circles have confirmed that AFREXIM’s staff and agents have been actively exploring options to secure funds and financial instruments in the US. They have been in discussions with top-tier American banks such as JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup, among others.

One member of the Board of a bank, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns about Nigeria using a third-party non-deposit financial institution and broker, raising questions about credibility.

He suggested that Nigeria has highly capable executives, including Mr. Bayo Ogunlesi and Mr. Jide Zeitlin in New York, who could provide a more credible and cost-effective means of raising the funds.

Bayo Ogunlesi, an investment banker, currently serves as the chairman and managing partner at the private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), while Jide Zeitlin was the immediate past CEO of Tapestry, the parent company of luxury brands like Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman.

Beyond New York, there is Kase Lawal, a prominent oil business figure based in Texas, who also chairs the Unity National Bank of Texas.

In addition to exploring funds from US banks, AFREXIM is reportedly seeking financial support from international oil traders. However, industry observers in the US are concerned that engaging a broker instead of a deposit bank may increase the level of risk associated with the loan, as AFREXIM would have its own charges in addition to those of potential financiers.

Back in August, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL) had announced securing an emergency $3 billion loan from Afreximbank to enhance its services across the entire petroleum value chain.

The loan would be repaid using a portion of future crude oil production, facilitating the settlement of taxes and royalties in advance, while also supporting the Nigerian government in stabilizing the local currency against major global currencies.

A stronger Naira resulting from this initiative would lead to a reduction in fuel costs, as an appreciating Naira would lower fuel prices, thus curbing further increases.

Afreximbank, as a development bank, boasts a diverse shareholder base comprising African governments, central banks, regional and sub-regional institutions, private investors, financial institutions, and non-African financial institutions, including export credit agencies and private investors.

The bank provides loans, guarantees, letters of credit, and advisory services to sovereigns and private-sector entities and extends countercyclical loans to member states to address the economic impact of external shocks.

Operating in 52 African countries, it has a profit-driven business model primarily focused on trade finance, with most of its loans having short maturities and a self-liquidating nature.

The court orders Naira Marley and Sam Larry to be held in prison for a duration of 21 days

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A Magistrate Court in the Yaba area of Lagos State has ordered the detention of Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, in police custody. This decision was made on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

The Lagos State Police Command had requested a 30-day remand for Fashola and the others while they complete their investigation.

However, Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled for a shorter period, remanding Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and the others for 21 days.

The investigation is related to the controversy surrounding the death of the late singer Aloba Ilerioluwa, also known as Mohbad.

First Bank and Lafarge offer reassurance of their commitment to supporting customers

First Bank Plc and Lafarge Africa have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to continue providing support to their customers engaged in the distribution of Lafarge cement in the SouthWest region.

This support aims to help these customers not only sustain but also prosper in the face of various challenges impacting businesses.

This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting known as the “Key Distributors’ Forum” held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event was attended by prominent cement distributors representing the six states of the SouthWest region.

As part of the comprehensive financial solutions offered by First Bank, they introduced a loan facility called the “Temporary Over Draft,” a short-term credit option designed to bolster the working capital of distributors.

During the event, Olaitan Martins, the Group Executive of Transaction Banking Division at First Bank Nigeria Plc, emphasized that the forum’s purpose extended beyond supporting distributors; it also aimed to ensure the consistent availability of cement in the Nigerian construction industry.

Martins, represented by Mobolade Ojeahere, Group Head of First Bank, highlighted that the forum provided a platform for distributors to address industry challenges and make informed decisions to enhance their businesses.

Martins expressed, “The objective of this gathering is to foster closer ties among distributors, engage in discussions about the prevailing environmental challenges, and explore collaborative solutions to help them navigate through these obstacles.”

Furthermore, Augustine Sobola, the Customer Relations Manager at Lafarge, affirmed the company’s enduring commitment to support cement distributors, assuring them of continued assistance in sustaining their businesses.

Sony introduces a pyramid-themed game show in Nigeria

Sony Pictures Television Entertainment has proudly introduced “The Pyramid Game Show Nigeria,” a globally acclaimed game show making its African debut.

This Nigerian edition, part of the Sony Pictures Television Entertainment franchise, has been brought to life by Mekdoss International.

The event, which took place in Lagos, saw the presence of diplomats, Sony Pictures Television Entertainment executives, brand representatives, and key stakeholders.

This wordplay competition will feature two teams, each consisting of a celebrity and a contestant.

These celebrities will assist contestants in their quest to win 10 million naira on every weekly episode.

Martin Gbados, CEO of Mekdoss International, emphasized the show’s commitment to giving back to the community and offering value to supporting companies.

He revealed plans to broadcast the show on over 5 television stations nationwide during prime time, highlighting its timeliness in the current economic climate.

Nollywood star Enyinna Nwigwe was unveiled as the host, marking a significant milestone as the iconic game show makes its African debut.

Nwigwe expressed his excitement about being part of a show with a rich global history, emphasizing its potential to entertain, educate, and reward viewers.

He acknowledged the show’s 40-year legacy in the United States and its groundbreaking entry into Africa, stating that this opportunity aligns perfectly with his creative aspirations.

Having been chosen by Sony Pictures after a rigorous audition process, Nwigwe considers this endorsement a great honor and eagerly anticipates stepping onto the set to kickstart the show.

 

Mohbad: Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others detained by the court

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A Magistrate Court convened in the Yaba region of Lagos State on Wednesday, where Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, were placed in police custody.

The Lagos State Police Command had sought a 30-day remand for Fashola and his associates during their ongoing investigation. Nevertheless, Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled in favor of a 21-day remand.

Further details will be provided later…

Lagos police have issued a N1 million reward for information leading to the capture of Primeboy, declaring him wanted

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The Lagos State Police Command has issued a wanted notice for Owodunni Ibrahim, also known as Primeboy, due to his failure to respond to a police invitation in connection with the investigation into the death of the singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad.

Lagos police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on his social media account, described Ibrahim as a male of approximately 1.64 meters in height, with a dark complexion, tribal marks, and belonging to the Yoruba tribe.

Ibrahim’s last known address is mentioned as 3rd Power, Oke Eletu, Ikorodu. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the nearest police station or call 0803 688 5727.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, is offering a reward of N1 million to anyone providing valuable information that leads to Ibrahim’s arrest. Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley’s record label, tragically passed away at the age of 27 in Lagos.

Balarabe, the ministerial nominee, collapses during the screening process

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During his Senate screening, Abbas Balarabe, the ministerial nominee from Kaduna State, collapsed after completing his presentation.

The incident occurred while a Kaduna senator was commending him. In response to his collapse, Senate President GodsWill Akpabio urgently called for water and sugar, and requested the presence of Dr. Musa.

Akpabio subsequently called for a closed-door session to address the situation. Abbas Balarabe had been nominated as a replacement for former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, with his nomination being announced in a letter read by Akpabio during the plenary session on Tuesday.

In addition to Balarabe, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande were also nominated as Minister of Youths and Minister of State for Youths by the President.

Balarabe, who previously served as the Secretary to the Kaduna State government, had been appointed in April to lead a 65-member transition committee in preparation for the swearing-in of Uba Sani.

It’s worth noting that the Senate had previously rejected the nominations of El-Rufai, Stella Okotete (Delta State), and Abubakar Danlandi (Taraba State) in August. Out of the 48 nominees initially sent to the Senate, 45 had been successfully confirmed as ministers.

Chicago State University Registrar Deposition Of The CSU Registrar, Caleb Westberg On Tinubu Certificate

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Chicago State University Registrar deposition of the CSU Registrar, Caleb Westberg yesterday

 

Caleb Westberg, the registrar of Chicago State University said the school was bombarded daily with many enquiries about its former student, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Giving the oral deposition ordered by Judge Maldonado to support the documents on President Bola Tinubu given to Atiku Abubakar, Westberg said the school receives between five and 30 enquiries daily about Tinubu.

 

However, he said at no time did the school notify Tinubu about the flood of enquiries, ostensibly from Nigeria.

 

“We believe Bola Tinubu who attended CSU is the same person who is the president of Nigeria today”, Westberg said during the deposition done on Tuesday in the office of Atiku’s lawyer, Angela Liu, at West Wacker Drive in Chicago.

 

Five other lawyers from the firm Dechert LLP joined in the deposition. President Tinubu was represented by Victor P.Henderson and Oluwole Afolabi, who joined the session by zoom from New York.

 

Michael Hayes appeared for Chicago State University.

 

Pressed further by the battery of lawyers representing Atiku on why he believes the person who is the president of Nigeria is the same person who attended CSU, Westberg said Bola Tinubu is an unusual name in the US.

 

He matched the Records in the file against the information provided by the student or on behalf of the student.

 

On the controversy over whether the student the school admitted in 1977 ffrom South West College was a man on woman, Westberg said Tinubu applied to the university as a male and a letter of admission was issued to a male.

 

On the certificates tendered in the documents given to Atiku, the registrar restated that the university only has Diplomas that students didn’t pick up in its possession.

 

“The university does not typically keep Diplomas.I have the Diploma that was made available to Mr. Enahoro-Ebah in our possession because Mr. Tinubu did not pick it up.

 

“I do not have the Diploma that was submitted to INEC in our possession because he had picked it up.’

 

“Why would Mr. Tinubu request a Diploma and not pick it up or ask that it be sent to him?”, one of Atiku’s lawyers asked.

 

Westberg replied: “You would have to ask him, that is Bola Tinubu”.

 

Here are other things Westberg deposed to: “I’m not aware of any instance where CSU had been requested to certify a document.Mr. Wole Afolabi who was acting for President Tinubu insisted that the documents must be certified. Mr. Wole Afolabi is President Tinubu’s lawyer. Mr. Afolabi and Mr. Orr communicated by email.

 

“I don’t recall seeing the emails. I don’t know if Jason Carter approved of the certification. Apart from Jason Carter I do not know anyone else who was involved in the process.

 

“I went into Mr. Tinubu’s student’s file and produced the documents to Mr. Orr. I didn’t know that the documents would be certified. I don’t get involved in legal matters.

 

“Mr. Tinubu requested that the documents be released to Mr. Afolabi for ‘legal proceedings’ The signature on the consent form is similar to the signature we have on record for Mr. Tinubu.

 

“All of the certified documents came from CSU’s files. Nothing was handed over to us by Mr. Afolabi except for the FERPA form. CSU had never certified documents for anyone before. It must have been made because there was more of a Nigerian thing.

 

“The documents were released in pursuance of a FERPA request. I believe Mr. Afolabi requested that the documents be certified. I’m not aware if the stamp affixed by Mr. Orr to the documents was an official document. It is not part of CSU practice.

 

“Mr. Orr later departed from CSU after these documents were certified.I don’t know if his departure was connected to the certification of the documents; but I don’t think it was.

EyoBrain’s “The Good Bad Boy” EP: A Musical Journey of Inspiration and Shared Humanity

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EyoBrain’s “The Good Bad Boy” EP: A Musical Journey of Inspiration and Shared Humanity

Introducing Edidiong Arthur, better known by his stage name EyoBrain, a rising star in the Afropop genre. With his latest EP titled “The Good Bad Boy,” EyoBrain takes listeners on a captivating musical journey, inspired by the complexities of life and the world around us.

Life has a funny way of shaping us, doesn’t it? It’s like a rollercoaster ride, full of unexpected twists and turns. And as a musician, EyoBrain has tapped into the power of those experiences to create something truly special.

When it comes to finding inspiration, there’s nothing quite like real-life and the world around us. The government, with all its complexities and dynamics, can be a catalyst for creativity. It’s a reflection of the society we live in, and it’s brimming with stories waiting to be told.

Through his music, EyoBrain has managed to capture the essence of these experiences. He has taken the challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between, and woven them into the fabric of his EP. Each song is a window into a moment, a feeling, or an observation that resonates with listeners on a deep level.

 

But it’s not just the government that has inspired EyoBrain. Real-life experiences have played a significant role as well. The ups and downs, the joys and heartbreaks, they’ve all left their mark on his creative process. EyoBrain has taken the raw emotions and transformed them into melodies and lyrics that touch the hearts of the audience.

“The Good Bad Boy” is a testament to EyoBrain’s ability to find inspiration in the world around him. It’s a reflection of his journey, his growth, and his unique perspective. Through his music, he invites others to join him on this ride, to connect with his stories, and to feel a sense of shared humanity.

With tracks like “YAWA” featuring Smallsty, “POPO,” “JAH JAH” featuring Anji, “CLARO,” “MY PAINS” featuring Tetradan, and “THE ONE,” EyoBrain showcases his versatility and talent as an artist. Each song is a testament to his ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics, creating a sound that is both captivating and relatable.

 

“The Good Bad Boy” EP is not just a collection of songs, it’s a real life inspiration. Drops 5th October. Anticipate!