Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

NSWA Appeals For Protection Of Sex Workers From Harassment. The Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA) has called on law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety and protection of its members from harassment, abuse, and extortion across the country. In a statement released on Tuesday and cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Coordinator of NSWA, Amaka Enemo, expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence against sex workers. She highlighted a troubling rise in physical assaults and harassment, often perpetrated by clients and law enforcement officers. Enemo urged law enforcement agencies to uphold the dignity…

Naira Gains Strength Against The Dollar At Black Market. The Nigerian Naira began the week with an encouraging appreciation against the dollar at the foreign exchange market, trading at ₦1,730 per dollar on Monday. This marks a ₦5 improvement compared to the previous week’s close of ₦1,735 per dollar. A Bureau De Change operator, Abubakar Alhassan, confirmed the development, noting a steady upward trend in the Naira’s value in recent days. This positive trajectory comes on the heels of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent announcement of an FX electronic matching system aimed at stabilising the foreign…

CIPMN To Enforce Mandatory Certification For Project Managers. The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has announced its commitment to enforcing mandatory certification for project managers across the country, starting in 2025. Speaking at the 2024 Annual Project Management Conference in Abuja on Monday, the institute’s Registrar, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, highlighted the importance of certified professionals in reducing the prevalence of failed and abandoned projects in Nigeria. “Every project manager, including foreign nationals, must regularise their certifications within 12 months of commencing work in Nigeria,” Mbadiwe stated. “Non-compliance is unacceptable. Starting 2025, we will intensify enforcement…

NLC Declares Battle With Six States Over Minimum Wage Implementation. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide strike against six state governments over their failure to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage of ₦70,000. The affected states include Enugu, Abia, Oyo, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Ebonyi. The decision follows growing tensions, particularly in Ebonyi, where Governor Francis Nwifuru’s controversial threat to sack striking workers has drawn criticism. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the governor’s remarks as “irresponsible and unhelpful,” accusing him of exacerbating an already volatile situation. “Workers’ strike is a lawful response to the failure…

FA Cup Third-Round Draw Delivers Blockbuster Arsenal vs Manchester United Clash. Holders Manchester United face a daunting task in the FA Cup third round after being drawn away to 14-time winners Arsenal, a fixture steeped in football history. United, who defeated Manchester City in last season’s final to claim their 13th title, will travel to the Emirates Stadium for a mouth-watering encounter. Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Liverpool will host League Two side Accrington Stanley, while Manchester City welcome Salford City, owned by members of the famous ‘Class of 92’, including Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and David Beckham. Dream…

Van Nistelrooy Appointed Leicester Manager, Reflects On Painful United Exit. Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as Leicester City’s new manager, signing a contract until 2027. The former Manchester United striker succeeds Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium and has vowed to establish his authority with the Foxes. Van Nistelrooy’s appointment comes after a brief but eventful stint as interim manager at Old Trafford, where he stepped in following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. During his four-game tenure, the Dutchman led United to three wins and a draw. However, his time at the helm ended when Ruben Amorim was…

Biden’s Pardon Of Son Sparks National Debate. President Joe Biden has issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, covering potential federal crimes committed over the past decade. This unprecedented move has ignited intense debate across the United States, drawing both criticism and support from various political figures. Hunter Biden, 54, was set to face sentencing later this month in two federal cases involving tax and gun-related charges. The pardon also extends to any federal offences Hunter may have committed between January 2014 and December 2024, a period that includes his tenure as a board member at Ukrainian…

Vietnamese Tycoon Faces Execution Over Record Bank Fraud. Vietnamese property magnate Truong My Lan is in a desperate race to raise $9 billion to avoid execution, following her death sentence earlier this year for orchestrating the largest bank fraud in history. On Tuesday, the 68-year-old will hear the verdict on her appeal against the April ruling, which found her guilty of misappropriating $27 billion and embezzling $12 billion through Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), one of Vietnam’s largest lenders. The court determined that her crimes, described as “unprecedented,” warranted the ultimate punishment.  A Lifeline in Financial Redemption   Under Vietnamese law,…

EFCC Secures Largest Asset Recovery In Its History. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date, following the final forfeiture of a sprawling estate in Abuja. The estate, covering 150,500 square metres and comprising 753 units of duplexes and apartments, is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District. The ruling was delivered on Monday, 2nd December 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, marking a significant milestone in the Commission’s fight against corruption. The forfeiture, involving a former senior government official, underscores the EFCC’s commitment to ensuring that the proceeds of unlawful activities…

Tinubu Defends Economic Reforms, Calls For Innovation At FUTA Convocation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the challenging effects of his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate. Speaking at the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Tinubu emphasised that these measures were essential to prevent Nigeria’s economy from collapsing. Represented by Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Tinubu described the previous economic state as a “fake good life” that required urgent correction. “The strategic decision to remove fuel…

Trump Threatens 100% Tariff On BRICS Nations Over Dollar Rivalry. US President-elect Donald Trump has warned of imposing a 100% tariff on imports from nine nations within the BRICS alliance if they pursue the creation of a currency to rival the US dollar. The remarks, made via Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, reflect his tough stance on international trade and his determination to maintain the dollar’s dominance in global markets. “The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER,” Trump declared. He added that countries attempting…

Dozens Killed In Tragic Crush At Guinea Football Match. Dozens of people have tragically lost their lives following a stampede at a football match in Guinea’s second-largest city, N’zérékoré, on Sunday. Local media reports indicate that the disaster occurred after clashes erupted between supporters of the two teams, leading to the deadly crush. https://twitter.com/theinformant_x/status/1863385118154297677?t=XBXuahp-Ve4L5DLh9UWEWA&s=19 Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah confirmed the incident, which he described as a “stampede”, and called for calm in the wake of the tragedy. A doctor at the local hospital, speaking anonymously, described the devastating scene: “There are bodies lined up as far as the eye…