NUC Approves Mass Communication, 22 Other New Undergraduate Programmes at FUDMA.

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July 6, 2023

The National Universities Commission, (NUC) has approved the establishment of a full-time mode for Mass Communication and other 22 new undergraduate and 21 new Postgraduate Programmes at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, (FUDMA), in Katsina State.

The newly approved programmes are to be offered by the university, with effect from the 2023–2024 academic session.

In a statement by the Coordinator of the Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol, (DPRP), of the University, Habibu Umar, stated that the approval for the commencement of the programmes was contained in a letter signed by NUC’s Director of Academic Planning, Dr Noel Saliu, for the Executive Secretary, and addressed to the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Armayau Bichi.

According to Umar, the approval for the commencement of the programmes was sequel to an earlier resource verification visit to the university by the NUC panel of experts for the proposed programmes, to assess the human and material resources, available for their establishment.

Some of the newly introduced undergraduate programmes included B.Sc. Mass Communication; LL.B. Law; B.Eng. Mechatronics Engineering; B.Sc. International Relations and Diplomacy; B.URP. Urban and Regional Planning; B.Sc. Applied Geophysics; B.Tech. Entrepreneurship; and B.Tech. Textile Design Technology, amongst others.

The statement further added that these new programmes are in addition to over 80 different programmes already being offered at the university, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Mbaoma Fires Katsina to NPFL

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Emenike Agu

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July 6, 2023

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Former champions of the Nigeria professional football league, Kano pillars, and their northwest rivals Katsina united have gained promotion back to the topflight at the ongoing Nigeria national league playoffs in Asaba.

Prolific striker, victor Mbaoma, converted the penalty that helped Katsina beat pillars 1-0 and secured their place in the NPFL, while the defeat didn’t affect Kano pillars fate.

Pillars topped the northern conference with six points and a superior goals difference followed by Katsina, who also had six goals.

Both pillars and Katsina were relegated from the NPFL at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Meanwhile, five-time champions of the NPFL, heartland of Owerri, completed the quartet of the new sides in the topflight after coming back from a goal down to beat sporting Lagos 2-1.

The Naze millionaires also returned to the topflight, just one season after their relegation.

Abeokuta side Stormers FC defeated FC one rocket 4-0 in the other game but it wasn’t enough to earn them a spot with four points as heartland’s win over already promoted sporting took their points to seven.

Having finished top of both groups, pillars and heartland will face off in the final of the NNL super 8 on Friday to determine the ultimate champions of the second tier.

Supreme Court Backs Web Designer Against Same-Sex Marriage

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Koko Lawrence

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July 6, 2023

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The US Supreme Court dealt a blow to LGBTQ rights, ruling in favor of a web designer from Colorado who cited her Christian beliefs as a reason for refusing to make websites for same-sex weddings.

The justices, divided 6-3 on ideological lines, said that Lorie Smith, as a creative professional, has a free speech right under the Constitution’s First Amendment to refuse to endorse messages she disagrees with. As a result, she cannot be punished under Colorado’s antidiscrimination law for refusing to design websites for gay couples, the court said.

The ruling could allow other owners of similar creative businesses to evade punishment under laws in 29 states that protect LGBTQ rights in public accommodations in some form. The remaining 21 states do not have laws explicitly protecting LGBTQ rights in public accommodations, although some local municipalities do.

Smith, who opposes same-sex marriage on religious grounds and runs a business designing websites, sued the state in 2016 because she said she would like to accept customers planning opposite-sex weddings but reject requests made by same-sex couples wanting the same service. She was never penalized for rejecting a same-sex couple — and it’s unclear if she ever did — but sued on hypothetical grounds.

Smith argued that as a creative professional she has a free speech right to refuse to undertake work that conflicts with her views.

Microscopic Louis Vuitton Handbag Sells For Over $63,000

By

Koko Lawrence

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July 6, 2023

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A handbag that is so small it requires a microscope to be seen sold for over $63,000 at an auction on Wednesday.

The Louis Vuitton-inspired neon-green miniature purse was created by Brooklyn-based art collective MSCHF and is “smaller than a grain of sea salt and narrow enough to pass through the eye of a needle,” according to the group.

Measuring 657 by 222 by 700 micrometers — or less than .03 inches across — the handbag, which sold for $63,750, was made using two-photon polymerization, a 3-D printing technique usually used to make mechanical biotech structures.

The unidentified purchaser also received a microscope and a built-in digital display for viewing.

Photos of the tiny speckle of a bag show it has a large Louis Vuitton LV logo printed in the middle, based on the company’s OnTheGo style handbags, which sell — at full size — for between $3,100 and $4,300, according to their website.

The auction was conducted through Joopiter, an auction house founded by American musician, record producer and designer Pharrell Williams.

Once Upon A Time – July 6 – 2002 – Serena Williams Beats Older Sister Venus For 1st Wimbledon Singles Title

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Angel Gimalo

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July 6, 2023

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1775 Congress issues a “Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms”, written by Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson, it lists American grievances but denies any intent to be independent

1785 US Congress unanimously resolves the name of US currency to the “dollar” and adopts decimal coinage

1885 Louis Pasteur successfully give an anti-rabies vaccine to 9-year-old Joseph Meister, saving his life

1923 The Central Executive Committee accepts the Treaty of Union, signed in Moscow in December 1922, and the Russian Empire becomes the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

1967 Nigerian Civil War erupts as Nigerian forces invade the secessionist state of Biafra

1970 California passes 1st “no fault” divorce law

Historical Events Today Events in 2023
Today in Film & TV
1945 Abbott and Costello’s film “The Naughty Nineties” released; features longest version of their “Who’s on First?” routine

Today in Music
1957 John Lennon (16) & Paul McCartney (15) meet for 1st time as Lennon’s rock group Quarrymen perform at St. Peter’s, Woolton’s Parish Church in Liverpool, introduced by mutual friend Ivan Vaughn

Today in Sport
2002 Wimbledon Women’s Tennis: Serena Williams beats older sister Venus 7-6, 6-3 for her first Wimbledon singles title

2020 Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes agrees to the largest contract for an athlete in sports history, inking a 12-year deal that could end up being worth US$503 million

2016 Pokémon Go, the real-world mobile game by Niantic, is first released

1916 – 2nd of 4 fatal Jersey Shore shark attacks occur at Spring Lake when Charles Bruder (27) bled to death, 5 days after the 1st

Famous Weddings
1893 British Prince George Duke of York (later George V) marries Princess Victoria of Teck (Queen Mary) at St James’s Palace

1953 English “James Bond” actor Roger Moore (25) weds second wife Welsh singer Dorothy Squires (38) in Jersey City, New Jersey; divorce in 1968

1956 Journalist Ben Bradlee (34) weds Antoinette Pinchot

A chubby middle-aged performer caused riots across the world when his music was used as the soundtrack to a movie featuring rebellious teenagers – July 6, 1925

Flood Alert: 14 States May Record Heavy Rainfall

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 6, 2023

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The states and communities were identified as Plateau (Langtang and Shendam); Kano (Sumaila, Tudun wada); Sokoto (Shagari, Goronyo and Silame); and Delta (Okwe).

The Federal Government has issued a flood alert, saying 14 states and 31 communities may witness heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding from July 4 to 8.

This was contained in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Environment, a copy of which was obtained by LN247 News.

According to the statement, the states and communities were identified as Plateau (Langtang and Shendam); Kano (Sumaila, Tudun Wada); Sokoto (Shagari, Goronyo and Silame); and Delta (Okwe).

Others include Kaduna (Kachia); Akwa Ibom (Upenekang); Adamawa (Mubi, Demsa, Song, Mayo-Belwa, Jimeta, and Yola); and Katsina (Katsina, Jibia, Kaita and Bindawa).

Also listed in the flood alert were Kebbi (Wara, Yelwa and Gwandu); Zamfara (Shinkafi and Gummi); Borno (Briyel); Jigawa (Gwaram); Kwara (Jebba); Niger (Mashegu and Kontagora).

The government also urged relevant stakeholders within the states concerned to take precautionary measures to forestall the loss of lives and property.

See the full statement below:

FLOOD PREDICTION

The following locations and environs may witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding from 4th July – 8th July, 2023

Plateau State: Langtang, Shendam

Kano State: Sumaila, Tudun wada

Sokoto State: Shagari, Goronyo, Silame

Delta State: Okwe

Kaduna State: Kachia

Akwa Ibom State: Upenekang

Adamawa State: Mubi, Demsa, Song, Mayo-belwa, Jimeta, Yola

Katsina State: Katsina, Jibia, Kaita, Bindawa

Kebbi State: Wara, Yelwa, Gwandu

Zamfara State: Shinkafi, Gummi

Borno State: Briyel

Jigawa State: Gwaram

Kwara State: Jebba

Niger State: Mashegu, Kontagora

Relevant stakeholders are advised to take precautionary measures to forestall loss of lives and property.

Note: Feedback from relevant stakeholders, State Government representatives on this platform for encouragement and record purposes will be highly appreciated.

Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) Central Hub, Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja

Fuel hike, other anti-poor policies: A declaration of war on workers, masses — NLC

By

Mana Balagbogbo

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July 6, 2023

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The recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, or PMS, also known as gasoline, and other allegedly anti-poor policies, according to the Nigeria Labour Congress, or NLC, are instruments of war against Nigerian workers and the general populace.

According to NLC, poor economic management does not at all include depriving employees of their means of subsistence and forcing millions of people into a life of misery.

In a speech during the opening ceremony of a four-day program for leaders of NLC state councils in the south that was held in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that the Nigerian state has essentially declared war on the nation’s working class and masses.

In the program sponsored by the American Solidarity Center, Ajaero, who was represented by Prince Adewale Adeyanju, President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, and Deputy President of Congress, stressed that trade union leaders must not leave the Nigerian people and workers to their fate.

The president of the NLC stated that labor leaders from all over the nation “must all join hands in the struggle for the articulation and protection of Nigerian workers’ and people’s rights with all hope that workers of Nigeria will one day reclaim their natural rights that have been forcibly curtailed and trampled upon by uninformed employers and those in government who ought to have been in the vanguard of guaranteeing such rights.

NASS principal officers: Adamu’s Chairmanship in jeopardy

By

Mana Balagbogbo

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July 6, 2023

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There are strong indications that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, is facing a fight to remain the party’s chairman following his disapproval of the principal officers of the National Assembly announced by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday. According to LN247, one of the things that can cause Adamu to lose his position as chairman is the fact that he disowned the key officials mentioned by Akpabio and Abbas.

Adamu’s stance on the major officers was seen as a rejection of President Bola Tinubu’s intentions because, according to reports, the National Assembly leadership secured the president’s support before announcing the officers. Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Dave Umahi, Ali Ndume, and Lola Ashiru as Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate respectively.

Similar to this, Abbas designated Julius Ihonvbere and Kingsley Chinda as majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives, respectively. Both of them stand in for the APC and the PDP. Outraged by the occurrence, the APC’s National Working Committee, chaired by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, promptly disavowed the declaration, claiming the party had not formally contacted either of the two presiding officers of the national assembly.

On Tuesday, Adamu spoke to APC governors, stating that it is the party’s duty to inform the assembly leadership of such choices and that the NWC, led by him, was not about to stray from custom. The purpose of today’s invitation, he said, is simply to exchange pleasantries with you out of courtesy. You will receive a report on the National Assembly, sharing of powers, particularly the leadership of the chambers.

“The election of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President; the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have been determined and they have now assumed their responsibilities. “The two chambers’ remaining offices need to be finished. The Senate President and his deputy paid me a courtesy call on Saturday. The Speaker and his deputy paid me a visit the following day, a Sunday, to pay me tribute to Sallah. However, I have just recently heard rumors in the web media about announcements made in the Senate and House of Representatives.

It is not our intention to depart from tradition until we formally resolve and communicate to them in writing, which is the customary practice as had been done before we came here, and until the national headquarters of the party or the NWC has given any such information or communicated about the choice of the remaining offices. “So, whatever announcement is done either by the President of the Senate, Deputy Senate President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker, is not from this secretariat.”

Nigeria Stock Market Rebounds by 1.33%

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 5, 2023

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Nigeria’s equities market rebounded on Wednesday by 1.33percent or N441billion as improved buy side activities on the nation’s Bourse helped halt profit taking activities recorded the preceding day.

At the close of trading session on Wednesday, July 5 the market’s year-to-date (YtD) positive return increased to 20.04percent.

Investors bought mostly the shares of Learn Africa, which rose from N2.91 to N3.20, adding 29kobo or 9.97percent. Golden Guinea Breweries also advanced from N2.01 to N2.21, adding 20kobo or 9.95percent.

Chellaram also moved from preceding day’s N1.33 to N1.46, up by 13kobo or 9.77percent. John Holt rose from N1.04 to N1.14, up by 10kobo or 9.62percent, while Japaul Gold moved from 84kobo to 92kobo, adding 8kobo or 9.52percent.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All Share Index (ASI) and Market Capitalisation increased from preceding day’s low of 60,715.04 points and N33.059trillion and 61,523.57 points and N33.500trillion.

FBN Holdings, Transcorp, Access Corporation, FCMB Group and UBA were most traded stocks as investors in 9,815 deals exchanged 846,323,158 shares valued at N10.305billion.

Naira Loses 0.89% Wednesday

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 5, 2023

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The foreign exchange (FX) market closed on Wednesday with naira losing 0.89 percent in less than 12 hours as demand for dollars increased at the parallel market, also known as black market.

At the end of trading on Wednesday, the dollar was quoted at N785, which was lower than N778 traded in the morning trading session of the same day.

According to one of the traders, there was demand from people who were buying the greenback for travel, school fees and other purposes.

At the Investors and Exporters (I&E) forex window, naira appreciated by 3.52 percent following the activities of the willing buyers and willing sellers in the market.

After trading on Wednesday, the dollar was quoted at the rate of N742.31 as against N768.44 quoted on Tuesday, data from the FMDQ indicated.

On June 14, 2023, the CBN abolished segments of the official FX market to the I&E Window, where the “willing buyer and willing seller” was re-introduced. Based on this adjustment, the official rate rose from N463.38/$ to N742.31, the current rate.

For the past six years, the exchange rate regime consisted of a highly managed official rate and an FX market lacking in clear and predictable price discovery, including due to the use of multiple FX windows to serve multiple purposes, the World Bank said in a report.

This led to limited FX supply at the official rate, pushing economic agents into a parallel market to meet their FX requirements, and generated arbitrage and rent-seeking opportunities.

According to the report, aiming to reduce FX demand and preserve reserves while maintaining the stabilized official rate, the CBN also imposed administrative controls, including banning the use of FX for importing 43 products (comprising 936 product lines) since 2015, and reducing the size of its FX supply interventions since 2020.

Overall, FX market distortions increased in recent years, and the official rate became significantly overvalued: the benchmark exchange rate, the Nigerian Autonomous FX Rate Fixing (NAFEX) rate stood at N465 per US dollar in May 2023, while the parallel market rate was N763 per US dollar. This was a 63 percent premium over the NAFEX rate and among the highest premiums in the world, the report stated.