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Ondo 2024: INEC Schedules Mock Voter Accreditation for November 6

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced November 6, 2024, as the date for a mock voter accreditation exercise in Ondo State. This move is part of the commission’s preparation for the upcoming state governorship election.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, revealed that the exercise will focus on testing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the result upload process to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, using live voters at select locations within the state.

The mock accreditation will be conducted at 12 designated polling units spread across six local government areas (LGAs) within the state’s three senatorial districts.

In Ondo Central Senatorial District, the exercise will take place in Akure South and Idanre LGAs. The selected venues in Akure South include Alagbaka Primary School and Ijapo High School, both in Akure.

In Idanre LGA, voters will be accredited at Our Saviour Primary School, Aiyetoro/Owena I, and an open space near Plot 6, Owena.

For Ondo North Senatorial District, the selected LGAs are Owo and Akoko South-West. Methodist Primary School on Fajuyi Road and Imade College Gate on Ajaka Street I will serve as accreditation centers in Owo, while the open space at Ago Ajayi, Oba, and L.A. Primary School, Oba, will be used in Akoko South-West.

In Ondo South Senatorial District, the accreditation exercise will be held in Odigbo and Okitipupa LGAs. In Odigbo, St. John’s Primary School in Ajue and Isero Grammar School in Odigbo are the chosen venues. Meanwhile, Baptist Primary School, Ode Aye, and the open space at Oladipupo Lebi Street in Okitipupa will serve as accreditation locations.

The mock accreditation will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on November 6, and a detailed graphic of the polling units has been made available on the INEC website and social media platforms. INEC urges all registered voters from the selected polling units to participate in the exercise by bringing their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Only voters registered in the designated units will be accredited by BVAS for this exercise.

2024 CAF Awards: Lookman and Ekong Nominated Men’s Footballer Of The Year Award 

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have been shortlisted for the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year Award.

They are set to compete for Africa’s top individual football honor against Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra from Cote d’Ivoire, and Serhou Guirassy of Guinea.

Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League victory last season, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. The 27-year-old winger also made a significant contribution to Nigeria’s national team, netting three goals in seven appearances during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong was named the best player of the 2023 AFCON, where he scored three goals and led Nigeria to a second-place finish.

The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16.

Full List of Nominations for the 2024 CAF Awards:

  • Men’s National Team of the Year:
  • Angola
  • Burkina Faso
  • Ivory Coast
  • DR Congo
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Sudan
  • Uganda
  • Men’s Young Player of the Year:
  • Carlos Baleba
  • Karim Konaté
  • Oumar Diakite
  • Yankuba Minteh
  • Abdul Aziz Issah
  • Bilal El Khannouss
  • Eliesse Ben Seghir
  • El Hadji Malick Diouf
  • Lamine Camara
  • Amanallah Memmiche.
  • Men’s Interclub Player of the Year:
  • Oussama Benbot
  • Issoufou Dayo
  • Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’
  • Hussein El Shahat
  • Mostafa Shobeir
  • Abdul Aziz Issah
  • John Antwi
  • Amanallah Memmiche
  • Yassine Meriah
  • Ronwen Williams
  • Men’s Player of the Year:
  • Ademola Lookman
  • Amine Gouiri
  • Achraf Hakimi
  • Chancel Mbemba
  • Ronwen Williams
  • Serhou Guirassy
  • Simon Adingra
  • Soufiane Rahimi
  • William Troost-Ekong
  • Men’s Club of the Year:
  • Petro Luanda
  • TP Mazembe
  • Al Ahly, Zamalek
  • Dreams FC
  • RS Berkane
  • Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Simba SC
  • Yanga
  • Esperance de Tunis
  • Coach of the Year:
  • Pedro Gonçalves (Angola)
  • Brahima Traore (Burkina Faso)
  • Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • José Gomes (Zamalek)
  • Marcel Koller (Al Ahly)
  • Chiquinho (Mozambique)
  • Hugo Broos (South Africa)
  • Florent Ibenge (Al Hilal)
  • Kwesi Appiah (Sudan)

How Bretton Woods Institutions Shaped Nigeria’s Naira Free Float Decision

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Nigeria’s recent decision to float the Naira freely has sparked intense discussions, particularly around its link to external pressures from the Bretton Woods institutions. The move marks a shift in the nation’s monetary policy, potentially signaling a future of heightened economic uncertainty but also possible long-term stabilization.

Nigeria’s Decision to Allow the Naira Float Freely

After years of maintaining a fixed exchange rate, Nigeria’s government and the Central Bank opted to allow the Naira to float freely, effectively removing restrictions on its trading value. This move was seen as a response to years of economic strain, foreign reserve depletion, and external pressure, primarily from the Bretton Woods institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

The decision aims to address the currency’s overvaluation, bring in foreign investment, and curb the multiple exchange rates that created inefficiencies. However, critics argue that a free float could worsen inflation and heighten the vulnerability of an already fragile economy. This section will dive deeper into how the decision unfolded and what the potential impacts might be for everyday Nigerians and businesses.

Countries That Implemented IMF-Recommended Currency Devaluation

Nigeria is not the first to bow to IMF-backed recommendations of devaluing currency through free floating. Countries such as Argentina, Egypt, and Ghana have experienced similar transitions, with varying results. For instance, Egypt’s free float of the Egyptian pound in 2016 resulted in an immediate 48% devaluation, leading to short-term pain but long-term recovery, attracting investment and boosting its foreign reserves.

On the other hand, Argentina’s economy continued to struggle after multiple devaluations, facing inflationary pressures that eroded public trust in the government’s ability to manage the economy. Nigeria can learn valuable lessons from these case studies, particularly in managing post-float inflation and maintaining public confidence in the system.

Policy Considerations

Free-floating the Naira is a monumental change, but it’s only one part of the puzzle. Complementary policies will be essential for Nigeria to avoid pitfalls experienced by other countries. Effective monetary and fiscal policies, such as controlling inflation, stabilizing foreign reserves, and increasing government transparency, will play crucial roles in determining the success of the float.

Furthermore, the decision is likely to intensify discussions around the socio-economic impact, particularly in sectors like agriculture and energy, where Nigeria’s economy remains highly dependent on imports. This part of the article will explore the necessary policy frameworks that can help mitigate the negative effects of free-floating, as well as strategies for fostering inclusive economic growth.

The decision to free-float the Naira could reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape, for better or worse. While there are potential benefits such as attracting foreign investments and simplifying currency markets, the risk of inflation and increased pressure on vulnerable sectors remains high. As the world watches, Nigeria’s ability to navigate these economic waters will depend not just on the float itself, but on the comprehensive policy frameworks that follow.

Court Stops Lagos State Government From Vaccinating School Children

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a restraining order, preventing the Lagos State Government and its representatives from administering vaccines to school children without the written consent of their parents or guardians. The ruling, delivered by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, was in response to an application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Equity International and Initiative.

The lawsuit lists several respondents, including the Lagos State Government, the Commissioner for Education, the Permanent Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, the Conference of Private Schools Association in Lagos (Copsail), the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, the Attorney General of Lagos State, and the Commissioner of Police in Lagos.

The court’s decision temporarily blocks any vaccination efforts in Lagos State schools without proper parental authorization. The restraining order remains in effect until a Motion on Notice is determined, following the applicant’s request filed on October 11, 2024. Specifically, the court prohibited the respondents from executing any mass vaccination initiative in Lagos State schools or other areas, as outlined in official circulars issued in September 2024.

Speaking on the ruling, Barrister Mobisola Odimegwu, representing the applicant, emphasized that the court’s order pauses the planned vaccination drive, which was set to begin on Saturday, until the case is resolved. The court mandated all parties to maintain the status quo until December 9, 2024.

Odimegwu also encouraged Nigerians to explore alternative preventive health measures and stay informed about the contents of any medical interventions, including vaccines. She highlighted the need for transparency, urging the public to thoroughly research vaccine safety and any potential risks, noting that public health initiatives should not compromise the health they aim to protect.

She stated, “It’s crucial to be aware of what’s entering your body. Extensive scientific research points to potential vaccine-related harm, and Nigeria must improve its record-keeping in this area. While public health is paramount, measures taken must not endanger the very lives they seek to safeguard.”

President Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Reassigns 10 Ministers to New Roles [Full List]

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, reassigning several ministers to new portfolios. This development was revealed in a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday.

The statement read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved the immediate implementation of eight strategic actions aimed at enhancing the Administration’s efficiency and delivering on his promises to the Nigerian people.”

See List:

President Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Reassigns 10 Ministers to New Roles [Full List]

Nigeria Loses Over $500 Million Annually to Cybercrime – EFCC

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has raised concerns about the growing global threat of cybercrime. Speaking at the National Cybercrime Summit, organized in collaboration with the European Union’s Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, Olukoyede revealed that worldwide losses from cybercrime have reached a staggering $10.5 trillion, with approximately 2,328 cases reported daily.

Bringing the focus to Nigeria, Olukoyede highlighted that the country lost over $500 million to cybercrime in 2022 alone. He further noted that cybercrime suspects constituted the majority of the 3,455 convictions recorded by the EFCC during his first year in office.

Additionally, the commission has successfully recovered and returned valuable assets to victims, both within and outside Nigeria.

Olukoyede also outlined the EFCC’s proactive measures to combat cybercrime, including the establishment of a Cybercrime Research Centre in collaboration with a Nigerian fintech. This center will train 500 young Nigerians at a time in cybersecurity and cybercrime research, providing them with skills that can be applied positively.

At the summit, several governors and experts called for solutions beyond arrests, advocating for initiatives that could prevent cybercrime at its root. Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, expressed his support for the EFCC’s efforts, emphasizing the need for reshaping the mindset of young Nigerians regarding crime and patriotism.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, echoed similar sentiments, stating that leaders should be accountable and transparent to build trust. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, urged young Nigerians to avoid cybercrime, stressing that poverty is not an excuse for criminal behavior. He also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for youth through innovative programs.

Danladi Plang, Head of International IDEA, warned that Nigeria’s large, tech-savvy youth population could misuse their digital skills, leading to negative consequences for the country’s global reputation and financial system.

He suggested that instead of relying solely on traditional law enforcement methods, more efforts should be made to harness these skills positively, providing legitimate opportunities for the nation’s youth.

FG Withdraws Money Laundering Charges Against Binance Executive, Gambaryan

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

On Wednesday, The Federal Government withdrew the money laundering charges preferred against Tigran Gambaryan, Binance Holdings Limited executive.

Binance, its U.S. head of financial crime compliance, Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the exchange British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, were facing money laundering charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the tune of $35 million.

FG Withdraws Money Laundering Charges Against Binance Executive, Gambaryan

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were initially both detained in the custody of the office of the National Security Adviser.
On March 22, 2024, Anjarwalla, however, fled lawful custody while in April, his counterpart, Gambaryan, was arraigned.

His remand was ordered by the court to Kuje Correctional Facility, following his arraignment.
Details shortly…

Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu and Six Others as New Ministers

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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President Bola Tinubu has officially appointed seven new ministers to his cabinet. This announcement came in a statement released by the presidency after Wednesday’s federal executive council meeting.

Among the new appointees, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has been designated as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while Jumoke Oduwole will serve as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

Additionally, five other individuals have also joined the cabinet. Further details will be provided soon.

President Tinubu Dismisses Five Ministers in Cabinet Reshuffle

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

In a significant cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed five ministers. This announcement was made on Wednesday by Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media. The ministers affected by this decision include:

  • Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs
  • Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism
  • Prof. Tahir Mamman (SAN, OON), Minister of Education
  • Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development
  • Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development

President Tinubu Scraps Niger Delta and Sports Ministries

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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In a landmark decision, President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have abolished both the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Ministry of Sports Development. This significant move was revealed on Wednesday during a meeting of the FEC in Abuja, as disclosed by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga via his X (formerly Twitter) handle.

In place of the now-scrapped Niger Delta Ministry, the government has established a new Ministry of Regional Development, which will oversee all regional development commissions across Nigeria. These include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the North West Development Commission, the South West Development Commission, and the North East Development Commission. This restructuring aims to streamline regional development efforts under one central body, ensuring more coordinated and effective management of these key areas.

Additionally, the responsibilities of the Ministry of Sports Development will now be managed by the National Sports Commission, a body previously created to promote and regulate sports in Nigeria. This shift indicates a move towards greater specialization and focus on sports administration within the country.

Tinubu

The FEC also approved another major change: the Ministry of Tourism has been merged with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy. This merger is expected to consolidate efforts in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and boosting the nation’s creative industry, which has been a significant contributor to the economy through film, music, fashion, and tourism.

These decisions mark a new chapter in Tinubu’s administration as he seeks to restructure Nigeria’s federal ministries to improve efficiency and governance. While some sectors welcome the move, there are already growing discussions about how these changes will impact development projects, especially in the Niger Delta, and the sports industry as Nigeria continues to strive for global recognition in both sectors.

The FEC meeting was part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to reshape the structure of Nigeria’s ministries, reduce redundancy, and enhance focus on key areas of development across the country.

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