Chidimma Adetshina Agrees To Compete In Miss Universe Nigeria After SA Rejection

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August 16, 2024

Chidimma Adetshina, the Miss South Africa contestant who recently faced controversy, has confirmed her participation in the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

The 23-year-old model, whose eligibility for the Miss South Africa competition was questioned due to nationality concerns, withdrew from the competition following an investigation by the South African Ministry of Home Affairs.

The controversy began when Chidimma, who qualified for the round of 16 in the Miss South Africa pageant, faced social media backlash over her nationality.

The debate intensified with calls for her disqualification, leading to an official inquiry into her citizenship.

Born in Soweto, South Africa, Chidimma Adetshina is of Nigerian and Mozambican heritage.
The South African Department of Home Affairs recently alleged that preliminary evidence indicated potential fraud and identity theft by Chidimma’s mother.

In response, Chidimma chose to withdraw from the Miss South Africa final, held on August 10, citing concerns for her family’s safety.

Following her withdrawal, Chidimma was extended an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

On Wednesday, she announced her decision to accept the invitation. In a social media post shared by Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of Silverbird Group, Chidimma Adetshina expressed her enthusiasm for participating in what she described as “Africa’s most prestigious” beauty pageant.
“With great excitement, I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant,” Chidimma stated.
“Now, I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title and I’m so excited to be back on this journey. I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria.”

Inkblot film ‘The Betrayed’ earns ₦14.7 million after 1 week in cinemas

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Emenike Agu

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August 16, 2024

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According to a report published by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) detailing the highest-grossing films at the box office between August 2 to August 8, The Betrayed finished in second place, making ₦14.7 million in its first week of release.

The Zulomoke Oyibo film follows a young woman going through a psychological journey under the thumb of a mysterious figure who suspects her husband of stealing millions from a crime syndicate.

The film, starring Uche Montana, Gabriel Afolayan, Adunni Ade, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jemima Osunde, Vine Olugu, and Stephanie Zibili, was the highest-grossing Nollywood film for the week.

The Hollywood film, Deadpool and Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, finished top of the list with ₦127 million this past week. Its total gross in two weeks is ₦354.5 million.

Pastor Emmanuel Iren’s ‘what about us’ grossed ₦9.9 million, placing it in third place. Its total gross since its release on July 12 is about ₦87.5 million.

Despicable Me 4 finished fourth on the list. The American animated comedy film, produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination, and distributed by Universal, has grossed ₦74 million since its release on June 28. This past week, it grossed a total of ₦9.3 million.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die ranked fifth with a weekly gross of ₦7.5 million. The action comedy, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has grossed a total of ₦455.5 million since its release.

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Falls, First Time in 19 Months

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 15, 2024

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Nigeria’s headline inflation rate decreased to 33.40% in July 2024, down from 34.19% in June 2024.

This marks the first decline in the headline inflation rate in 19 months – December 2022, when it last dropped to 21.34%.

The National Bureau of Statistics disclosed this in its latest Consumer Price Index and Inflation for July released on Thursday.

According to the report, the headline inflation rate decreased by 0.79 percentage points in July 2024 compared to June 2024.

On a year-on-year basis, the rate was 9.32 percentage points higher than in July 2023, when it stood at 24.08%. This indicates an increase in the headline inflation rate on a year-on-year basis for July 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

Additionally, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in July 2024 was 2.28%, slightly lower than the 2.31% recorded in June 2024.

The decline was in line with the expectations of financial analysts who projected that the country’s inflation would cool off from July to August.

“The picture is that the rate of increase in price level has begun to slow. Hence, we are projecting that information will begin to decline from July to August”, the Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives said in June.

CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso had earlier assured that the Monetary Policy Committee would do everything to tame inflation.

As part of measures to ensure inflation is tame, CBN through MPC has continued to raise interest rates.

The latest was in July when it raised the rate by 50 basis points to 26.75 percent from 26.25 percent in May.

Additionally, the Nigerian government had recently introduced fiscal measures including zero import duties on selected staple foods to tackle inflation.

Also, recall that Defence Headquarters recently said that it had deployed its troops to farmsz especially in the North East and North Central to ensure a hitch-free farming season in Nigeria.

Oil Prices Steady as Middle East Conflict Concerns Ease

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 15, 2024

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Oil prices were broadly steady on Wednesday, as concerns that conflict may spread in the Middle East and threaten production in one of the world’s major regions for crude production eased slightly.

Brent crude futures slipped 10 cents, or 0.1%, to $80.59 a barrel by 1057 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 19 cents, or 0.2%, to $78.16 per barrel.

After hitting a seven-month low of $76.30 at the beginning of last week, Brent rose more than 3% on Monday to cap a five-day run of gains, closing at $82.30 a barrel.

Iran had vowed a severe response to the killing of the leader of Hamas late last month. Three senior Iranian officials have said that only a ceasefire deal in Gaza would hold Iran back from direct retaliation against Israel for the assassination.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement but it is fighting in Gaza against Hamas after the group attacked Israel in October.

Also hindering oil price gains, the International Energy Agency on Tuesday, trimmed its 2025 estimate for oil demand growth, citing the impact of a weakened Chinese economy on consumption. That came after OPEC cut expected demand for 2024 for similar reasons.

Signs of healthier U.S. demand had supported prices in earlier trading.

South Africa Unemployment Rate Climbs over 8 million

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 14, 2024

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South Africa’s unemployment rate increased by 0.6 percentage points from 32.9% in Q1 2024 to 33.5% in Q2 2024, the government’s statistics office reported Tuesday.

Africa’s most industrialized economy has struggled to create jobs in recent years due to a long recession and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic.

About 8.4 million people were out of work, up from 5.2 million in 2014.

The number of employed persons fell by 92,000 to 16.7 million in Q2 2024. The sectors which saw the most job decreases include trade, agriculture and construction.

Only manufacturing, social services and utilities added jobs.

The figures are the first to be released since the May elections which brought in a coalition government which put reviving the ailing economy top of its agenda.

Unemployment was a key political issue in the vote, likely contributing to the loss of an absolute majority by the African National Congress (ANC).

The statistics affice said that the most significant decrease in employment was observed in the Western Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

Sudanese Peace Talks Get Underway Despite Boycott By The Army

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Zoe Maven

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August 14, 2024

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United States-initiated peace talks to try stop Sudan’s 16-month war got underway in Switzerland on Wednesday with hopes of an agreement to end to the violence, broader humanitarian access, and be able to ensure implementation.

The negotiations are taking place at a time of growing alarm at the plight of the Sudanese people who are caught in the middle of fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

But Sudan’s military said it will not be attending the talks, leaving little hope for a quick ceasefire.

Previous international efforts to bring an end to the war have failed.

The conflict has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of people dying and more than 10 million people being forced from their homes.

In addition, more than half Sudan’s population is facing acute hunger with famine officially declared earlier this month in the Darfur region

FG Inaugurates Sub-Committee on Naira-Based Crude Sales

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 14, 2024

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has inaugurated the Technical Sub-Committee tasked with developing the framework for the sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira.

This initiative aligns with the recent presidential directive aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s refining capacity and promoting economic growth.

The inauguration took place following a stakeholders meeting where government officials and representatives of local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, gathered to discuss the implementation of the directive, the Ministry said on its X handle.

The committee includes the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Lydia Jafiya, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji as well as representatives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Afrexim Bank, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the critical role of the committee in crafting a robust template that will ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.

He emphasised that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Nigeria as a refining hub, which will significantly boost the economy by reducing reliance on crude oil exports and fostering local expertise in the energy sector.

In closing, Edun commended the members of the committee for their dedication and anticipated contributions, urging them to work diligently to meet the expectations set by the presidential directive. He further reiterated that the ultimate goal is to transform Nigeria’s energy sector into one that is self-reliant and globally competitive.

Pres. Tinubu Arrives Equatorial Guinea For Official Visit

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 14, 2024

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea for a three-day official visit.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Malabo International Airport at about 2:07 pm and was received by the Prime Minister of the country, Manuela Roka Botey.

On arrival, President Tinubu was received into a brief welcome ceremony, after which he proceeded to the People’s Palace Court, the Presidential Palace.

At the People’s Court, the Nigerian Leader will be hosted in a brief ceremony, followed by a family photo, and a military parade after which he will hold a private meeting with President Mbasogo.

The private meeting between the two presidents will be followed by the signing of bilateral agreements on various areas, including oil and gas and security.

President Tinubu is also scheduled to sign a historic visitors’ book after which he would be hosted at a dinner.

On the President’s entourage are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, as well as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo;

Others are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim-Bio; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; amongst others.

Recall that the Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated in a statement that President Tinubu’s visit is at the invitation of his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Council of State Passes Vote of Confidence on Tinubu

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 14, 2024

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The National Council of State has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending Nigerians for resisting unconstitutional change of government.

Briefing State House Correspondents on Tuesday after four hours of the council meeting at the Council Chamber of the State House, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake said that the council also passed vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Alake disclosed that the Council meeting, which was attended physically by Former Presidents, Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan had in attendance virtually, the former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalam Abubakar.

The minister further revealed that seven cabinet members of President Tinubu made individual presentations on roadmaps, prospects and challenges adding that areas of diversification of the Nigerian economy were more prioritized.

” As you all are aware, the Council of State just concluded its meeting with all the former heads of state in attendance, physically or virtually.

The last count, I think most of them were the physically attending was the former head of state, General Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan, were there physically, and the rest were there virtually, via zoom.

So in essence, in principle, all of them were in attendance. And that’s a very eloquent testimony to the kind of support that they are giving to our current president, President bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A lot of issues were exhaustively discussed at the meeting. And of course, you know that, apart from the former heads of state, the Constitutional composition of the Council of State includes all governors,, security adviser, Attorney General and the rest. So the governors were all in attendance as well.”

The Minister also disclosed that the National Security Adviser to the President , Nuhu Ribadu also briefed the meeting on the Pre- ,during and post protest security measures as well as update on the entire security situation of the country.

“And some of us ministers who are invited to make presentations on our road map on what we’ve been able to achieve, the prospects and the challenges in our various ministries. And so, Myself, the Solid Minerals, coordinating Minister of the Economy and the finance minister, Wale Edun was also there to make presentation. The Minister of Budget was also there he made his presentation. The Minister of works also made presentation, the Minister of Trade and Investment. Dr Doris was also there. The Minister of Agriculture also was invited.

So these seven of us ministers made individual presentations to the council of state meeting, and our presentations were well received from the feedback that we got immediately after individual presentations.

And of course, at the end of it, matters of state were discussed, in a robust manner and frank manner. And the National Security Adviser also was on hand to present the security situation of the country.

Dr Alake added that the council discussed exhaustively matters related to National issues while they were also briefed on progress made on each sectors of the economy.

“Matters of state were discussed in a robust manner ,National security Adviser was also on hand to brief on the security situation of the country,he also briefed the council of state on Pre, during and post efforts made to contain the protest”

Dr Alake described the protest as insurrection and a movement that attempted forceful change of government.

“And he did inform the Council of State about the pre, during and post event of the last protests, which I do not call a protest. I call a movement to effect a change of regime by force, which was also resisted.

And so, you know, the council thanked Nigerians at large for resisting any unconstitutional move to change government, if anybody is not satisfied with the government, any current administration, there is always an election coming, so you wait for election and cast your vote.

So the NSA briefed the Council on the security situations, and allayed fears all round.

So after the NSA’s briefing, generally, he allayed everybody’s fears and spoke on the tightness of the security around the country, and also reassured all and sundry that nobody will be allowed to truncate our hard earned democracy.

Any change of government has to be through the ballots and not through the barrel of the gun or through insurrection or through any other unconstitutional means, only through the ballot box can any government be changed. And he reassured on the security readiness of all security agencies in the country, to secure our territorial integrity and to protect Nigeria’s Democracy.

Now the details of the presentation that the ministers did will be too long for you, but succinctly put is just to let the Council of State know the progress being made in each sector of the economy. And the emphasis, of course, by the Renewed Hope Agenda, is on economic diversification. And that’s why I was there. That’s why Agric was there. That’s why all the other ministers you know that constitute, or the ministries that constitutes the plank of the Renewed Hope Agendas, economic diversification and transformation.”

Speaking on the participation of the members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Chairman, the Governor of Kwara State Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman ,said the 36 state governors of the Federation unanimously passed vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with satisfaction on the activities of his administration in the last 14months.

He added that frank and fruitful discussions were held and the Council reached satisfactory conclusion that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the right track.

“We The high note of the meeting was a unanimous passage of a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander in Chief of the Nigerian armed forces.

“members, especially those of the Nigerian governor’s forum, were satisfied with the presentation by the members of the Federal Executive Council, and after that meeting, there was an executive session between members of the Nigerian governor’s forum and Mr President, and Frank and fruitful discussions were held between both parties, and I’m glad to say we’re on the right track. And to say in the same vein, members of the NGF also, like the members of the Council of State, passed a vote of confidence on Mr President.

The last council of state meeting held on February 10, 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, Former President Buhari had convened the meeting over the 2023 elections.

The council comprises of president as chairman and vice president as deputy chairman, all living former Heads of State and Presidents, all former Chief Justices of Nigeria, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, all state governors and Attorney-General of the Federation as members.

Olympic Flag Arrives Los Angeles, Host City For 2028 Games

By

Emenike Agu

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August 13, 2024

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The Olympic flag arrived on Monday in Los Angeles, where it will be flown in 2028 when the city hosts the next Summer Games.

The flag arrived aboard a Delta Airlines jet carrying American athletes and officials, and painted with “LA28” and palm trees on its side. Hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” blasted on loudspeakers on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport as the plane came to a stop.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stepped off the plane dressed in a red Team USA tracksuit, smiled broadly and waved the Olympic flag before descending airstairs to be greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Olympic diver Delaney Schnell, skateboarder Tate Carew and others accompanied the mayor.

Bass said at the airport that she felt a “tremendous pride and responsibility” in being given the Olympic Flag in Paris on Sunday. While Los Angeles has been putting in the work to host a great Games, the mayor said American organizers now really felt the “need to put our foot on the gas.”

The International Olympic Committee awarded Los Angeles the right in 2017 to host the 2028 Games. It will be the third time LA has hosted the Games in the modern era, after being the host city in 1932 and 1984.

Bass acknowledged Paris had set a high bar as an Olympic host, and that LA’s homelessness problem would be a challenge to overcome. But the City of Angels has one world-class asset that nobody else can claim: “We do have Hollywood, so I expect a lot of magical opportunities,” she said in Paris.

Olympic officials in Paris handed out the flag to their American counterparts on Sunday during the closing ceremony. Actor Tom Cruise provided a dose of Hollywood flare in Paris, as he rappelled from the roof of France’s national stadium to receive the flag.

Cruise’s exit from Paris’ closing ceremony on a motorbike saw it transition to a pre-recorded video of the 62-year-old skydiving down to the Hollywood sign, where a wide shot showed the Olympic rings incorporated into the LA landmark.