Author: David Great

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr Karim A. A. Khan, KC, Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC) “to urgently issue a formal ‘preventative statement’ in relation to the ongoing violence, unlawful killings, crimes against children and other violations of international law in Plateau State of Nigeria”. SERAP also urged Mr Khan “to undertake preliminary examination into the situation in Plateau State and to open an investigation or extend any current investigations to cover the ongoing situation in the state.” SERAP urged Mr Khan “to visit Plateau State to show the commitment by your Office to deliver meaningful accountability…

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to take a loan $7.8 billion and €100 million as part of the Federal Government’s borrowing strategy for 2022–2024. During Saturday’s plenary session, the Senate discussed and endorsed the report of the committee on local and foreign debt. According to Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council of former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the credit facility on May 15, 2023, to support various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, security, infrastructure, health, and education. The president went on to say that the foreign loan was necessary to bridge the financial gap and restore normalcy…

Former US President, Barack Obama, has named his favourite music of 2023 with songs by Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide and Tems making the list of 18 songs. In what has become a tradition, the 44th President of the USA described the songs listed as some of his favourites. “Here are some of my favourite songs from this year. Let me know if there are any artists or songs I should check out,” he posted on his social media. Other artists on the list include Shakira, Allison Russell, Victoria Monet, Mitski, Megan Thee Stallion and Big Thief. Burna Boy’s Sittin’…

Carlo Ancelotti has a new contract at Real Madrid that will keep him at the helm until 2026, the LaLiga club said on Friday. The Italian joined Real Madrid in 2021 from Everton, having previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015. He has since won one league title with Real, along with two Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups. “Real Madrid CF and Carlo Ancelotti have agreed to extend our coach’s contract until June 30, 2026,” Real said in a statement. His contract was due to expire in 2024, and this extension ends speculation that he would…

Church divided over Vatican ruling on same-sex blessings African priests say they will not bless gay unions No sign of schism such as that threatening Anglican church Nigerian Catholic couple Jane and Lucy have little hope their local parish church will bless their same-sex union anytime soon, as conservative priests across Africa choose to ignore a landmark Vatican ruling allowing such blessings. Conservative Catholics have condemned the Vatican’s declaration two weeks ago, which was approved by Pope Francis, that will allow blessings for same-sex couples, as long as they are not part of the regular Church rituals or liturgies. The…

As January begins, you might find yourself reflecting on your expenses, having potentially spent more than intended but it’s natural to contemplate how to manage your finances better and there are budgeting tips to help you. According to Google Trends data over the last five years, ‘budget template’ searches have consistently reached their peak in the first week of January. In a well thought-out breakdown by Moneyzine, these tips can assist in planning ahead for 2024, empowering you to commence the new year on a solid financial foundation. Mastering Your Finances: Top 10 Budgeting Tips for 2024 Budgeting remains an…

Nigerians on social media have queried the modalities considered to award Zenith Bank Plc winnner of the ‘Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria’ at the 2023 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. The bank in a statement on Wednesday, said that the award underscored it’s pioneering and outstanding achievements in delivering cutting-edge digital financial solutions. Reacting to the latest achievement the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said, “We are delighted to receive the distinction as the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria. This accolade serves as a validation of Zenith Bank’s trailblasing initiatives…

The Federal Capital Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 82 suspected vandals and 22 illegal miners from August till date. The Commandant of NSCDC in the FCT, Olusola Odumosu, gave the figures during an interview on Thursday in Abuja. Odumosu said that 20 suspects were arrested in connection with manhole cover theft and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure. He said that five suspects were arrested in September for alleged vandalism of electrical cables, 14 for alleged vandalism of other public property and two for alleged television theft. According to the commandant, the…

More than 40 people were feared dead when a tanker truck exploded after crashing in central Liberia, the country’s chief medical officer told local media on Wednesday. The tanker carrying gasoline crashed and tipped into a ditch along a road in Totota, about 130 kilometres (80 miles) from the capital Monrovia. Dr Francis Kateh told local broadcaster Super Bongese TV it was difficult to determine the number of victims because some had been reduced to ashes but he estimated that more than 40 people were killed in the incident. “We have our team going from home to home to check…

Arsenal are eyeing Bayern Munich central defender Matthijs de Ligt but a move for the Dutch 24-year-old is unlikely in January. (Athletic – subscription required) De Ligt has been sidelined by injury and would be missing for some time, according to the German club. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club are open to bolstering his squad in January “because we want to be stronger”. (Guardian) Newcastle United are confident they can agree a deal to sign England midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City but face competition from Juventus, Everton and Crystal Palace for the 28-year-old. (Telegraph – subscription required) The Glazer family will have to pay Sir…