🗣 Binance: Gambaryan’s Wife Describes 8-Month Detention as ‘Living Nightmare’
Yuki Gambaryan, wife of Tigran Gambaryan, called her husband’s eight-month detention in Nigeria a “living nightmare” in a statement following his release. Tigran, an American citizen and Binance executive, was freed after an Abuja court dropped charges against him, which were brought by the EFCC. The charges were dismissed for diplomatic reasons and his role at Binance. Tigran, who suffered a health decline during his detention, is now receiving medical care. Yuki expressed relief and gratitude for the support they received throughout the ordeal.
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🗣Nigerian Prostitution Ring Busted in Cyprus
Cypriot authorities, in collaboration with the anti-trafficking unit, have arrested three women in Limassol, dismantling a Nigerian prostitution ring. The case began last year when a woman, initially reporting theft, was revealed to be a victim of sex trafficking. Police arrested a 44-year-old woman on October 9, followed by two more arrests on October 18 and 22. Authorities are still searching for two men linked to the case, with court proceedings expected soon.
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🗣Kebbi Governor Approves N75,000 Minimum Wage
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has approved a N75,000 minimum wage for the state’s lowest-paid civil servants. The law was signed in the presence of Nigeria Labour Congress officials, led by President Joe Ajaero. Governor Idris played a key role in pushing for the new wage, standing firm when other governors claimed they couldn’t afford it.
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🗣Obasanjo: Nigeria Has Failed Africa and the Black Race Due to Poor Leadership
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s role within Africa and the black race, citing poor leadership, regionalism, and internal disunity as key reasons for the country’s failure. Speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) 2024 Conference in Abuja, Obasanjo highlighted that Nigeria had numerous opportunities to lead and inspire the continent but consistently missed them. He called for a leadership model based on biblical values such as justice, wisdom, and integrity, which could help steer both Nigeria and Africa towards a more unified and prosperous future.
The conference, themed “Value-based Leadership: Model for Africa,” brought together key figures from across the continent to discuss how leadership rooted in strong moral values could address Africa’s persistent challenges.
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🗣PDP Governors and Reconciliation Committee to Hold Crucial Meetings in Abuja
PDP Governors will meet on Tuesday, while the Reconciliation Committee will brief the National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of Thursday’s NEC meeting. The committee is expected to present findings and recommendations to address internal party issues and improve unity.
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🗣Police Suspect Cult Clash in Deadly Anambra Festival Attack
Anambra State Police have linked the recent deadly attack during the Onwa Asaa festival in Nibo to a suspected cult-related clash. Gunmen opened fire on attendees, leaving several dead. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed ongoing investigations and urged witnesses to provide information. Additional police forces have been deployed to restore order, with authorities focused on ensuring justice and community safety.
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🗣Niger State Labour Union Demands Immediate Minimum Wage Implementation
The Niger State Labour Union has insisted that workers must receive the new minimum wage in October. They are willing to delay October salary payments if it guarantees the wage will be implemented in following months. The union’s chairman, Comrade Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene, emphasized workers’ patience and urged the state government to adopt the Federal Government’s approved wage.
While the state has agreed in principle to pay N70,000, challenges remain with local government salaries, and a specific implementation date has not been set.
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🗣UK Deports 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians in Major Immigration Crackdown
The UK deported 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians on a single flight, marking a significant increase in immigration enforcement. Since July, over 3,600 people have been deported under the Labour government’s policies.
This action comes amid rising asylum seeker numbers, with 647 people crossing the English Channel just on Friday.
Deportation flights to Nigeria and Ghana have been rare, with only four recorded since 2020. Advocacy groups criticized the deportations, citing a lack of legal support, while the UK government defended the move as enforcing immigration laws.
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🗣 Nigerian Railway Corporation Appoints Ben Iloanusi as Acting MD
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has appointed Ben Iloanusi as the acting Managing Director, succeeding Fidet Okhiria, who completed his term on October 18. Iloanusi, the most senior executive director, has been with the NRC since 2011 and previously served as Deputy Director of Procurement. He holds a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an MBA from South Bank University, London. In his farewell, Okhiria urged staff to support Iloanusi, who also called for cooperation during this transition period.
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🗣Flood Alert: Relocate from River Banks, FG Warns Nigerians
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has urged Nigerians living near the River Benue and River Niger to relocate as water levels rise due to heavy rainfall. The agency also warned that flood control efforts at Kainji and Jebba Dams are ongoing.
This warning follows recent floods that displaced thousands and caused fatalities in Borno State. NIHSA called for cooperation with emergency agencies to reduce the impact of flooding, which has already affected over a million people in 2024 alone.
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🗣Nigeria removed from aviation watchlist as compliance improves
Nigeria’s aviation compliance score under the Cape Town Convention has increased from 70.5% to 75.5%, officially removing the country from the Aviation Working Group's watchlist.
This progress follows the signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA), finalizing Nigeria's compliance. The improvement opens opportunities for aircraft financing and leasing, benefiting Nigerian airlines with more routes, flight frequencies, and lower ticket prices.
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🗣Nigeria to Receive Malaria Vaccines
Nigeria is set to receive its first shipment of malaria vaccines on Thursday, marking a major milestone in combating the disease. The vaccines, provided by the WHO, will be unveiled in Abuja and are aimed at reducing malaria cases and deaths, particularly in children. Nigeria is the third African country to roll out the RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine, following Ghana and Kenya.
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🗣Keyamo warns foreign airlines against serving ‘warmed’ meals to Nigerians
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has directed foreign airlines to use local caterers for in-flight meals starting January 1, 2025.
Keyamo criticized the practice of serving warmed, pre-prepared meals from abroad, stating it’s unacceptable for Nigerian passengers.
He emphasized the need to support the local economy, clarifying that local caterers can provide both local and continental dishes under strict quality control.
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🗣Super Eagles: Libyan Authorities Forced Mid-Flight Diversion
A Tunisian pilot revealed that Libyan authorities forced the Nigerian football team’s flight to divert to Al-Abraq airport, instead of Benghazi, ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The team was stranded for over 16 hours after the sudden diversion, which raised safety concerns due to fuel limitations and inadequate landing equipment at the remote airport. The Nigeria Football Federation has since withdrawn the Super Eagles from the match, citing the players’ decision not to proceed under the circumstances.
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🗣Customs Extends Verification Exercise on Private Jets
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has extended the verification exercise for private jet owners to pay import duties on illegally imported aircraft. The deadline, originally set for October 14, 2024, has been moved to November 14, 2024.
This extension aims to provide operators more time to regularize their duties and comply with regulations. The NCS urges all affected owners to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid penalties.
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🗣Mbah Approves N80,000 Minimum Wage for Enugu Workers Starting October 2024
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved an N80,000 minimum wage for state and local government workers, effective October 2024. This move reflects his commitment to improving worker welfare, as promised during his campaign.
Labor leaders, including the NLC and TUC, praised the decision, highlighting its impact on salary disparities and motivation. This new wage surpasses the national minimum and is set to be implemented immediately by local government authorities.
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🗣Food Prices Soar Amid Fuel Price Hike
Rising fuel costs have driven up food prices across Nigeria, causing significant hardship. In Abuja, sellers and consumers report major price increases for staples like rice, beans, vegetables, and meat.
A market survey shows items like cucumber now cost ₦55,000 per bag, up from ₦25,000, while a carton of apples has doubled in price. Sellers attribute the hikes to higher transport costs due to the fuel price surge.
Many Nigerians are calling on the government to address the fuel issue, as it’s worsening the food inflation crisis.
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🗣Unstable Banks’ Networks Cause Losses, Customers Demand Compensation
Many bank customers are demanding compensation due to losses caused by unstable online services. In Abuja, customers complained of millions lost because they couldn’t complete transactions on time.
GTBank users reported service failures, with one customer, Mr. Gbenga Akintoye, sharing how his family was embarrassed when a transfer failed during a shopping trip. Another customer, Mrs. Happiness Itua, was fined ₦5,000 after delayed payment due to network issues, asking for compensation.
Other banks, including Zenith and Sterling, also faced similar complaints. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) advised customers to report unresolved complaints after two weeks.
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🗣Obasanjo: Africa Needs Effective Leadership to Overcome Challenges
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has highlighted a leadership deficit as one of the major issues facing Africa. Speaking at the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative Conference in Abuja, he emphasized the need for leaders with wisdom, compassion, and a mission, akin to biblical figures.
He called on African and Nigerian leaders to govern with the fear of God to address current challenges. Other speakers, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, echoed the importance of justice, integrity, and value-based leadership for the continent’s transformation.
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🗣 Tinubu’s Return Sparks Anxiety Over Cabinet Reshuffle
Ministers are reportedly anxious about an impending cabinet reshuffle, following hints from Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga.
Those underperforming in the Renewed Hope Agenda may face removal. Criticism has grown, with some suggesting that many ministers were appointed through political patronage rather than merit.
Hadiza Bala Usman, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, has compiled a report on ministerial performance, and her findings could shape upcoming changes.
A cabinet reshuffle is expected to be announced soon, possibly after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting.
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🗣Rising River Benue Displaces Residents in Makurdi
The surging water levels of River Benue have submerged houses and farmlands in Makurdi, displacing hundreds of families. Areas such as Wadata, Gyado Villa, and Agwan Jukun have been flooded, forcing residents to evacuate.
Many homes, businesses, and even the Airforce Quarters are under threat. Affected residents, like Mr. Sunny Ntenba, have relocated to temporary shelters, recalling past floods caused by the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has urged those in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately for safety.
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🗣Scores Killed in Attack During Anambra Festival
A brutal attack by masked gunmen during the Onwa Asaa festival in Nibo, Anambra State, left at least 10 people dead.
The assailants, arriving in a black SUV, opened fire at an eatery, causing chaos as festival-goers fled.
The motive for the attack remains unknown, and locals are calling for immediate government action to restore peace.
Authorities have deployed security forces, and police investigations are underway.
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🗣NIS Reform: Ending Passport Touts and Improving Nigeria’s Image
Under Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has made significant strides in simplifying passport processing and eliminating passport touts. Tunji-Ojo’s efforts, once met with skepticism, have streamlined the process, making it more accessible for Nigerians without relying on intermediaries.
The introduction of online applications and efficient biometric capture has drastically reduced waiting times and bribery, improving the experience for Nigerians both at home and abroad. Despite some internal resistance, the reforms are working, restoring trust and improving Nigeria’s international image.
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🗣Explosion at CNG Station Injures Three
Three individuals were injured and taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital following an explosion at a CNG station in Benin City. The blast occurred during a test run of a vehicle that had been illegally modified for CNG use.
The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) confirmed the incident and expressed sympathy for the injured, emphasizing the importance of safe handling of hydrocarbon materials. An examination revealed that the cylinder involved was improperly modified and not approved for CNG use.
Authorities, including the police and regulatory bodies, are investigating the incident. The PCNGI reiterated the need for compliance with safety standards and called for cooperation among stakeholders to ensure safe conversions and handling of CNG.
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🗣Naira Hits Record Low at N1,710/$, Worst Performing Currency
The Naira has continued its depreciation, dropping to N1,710/$ in the parallel market. Analysts blame the economic downturn, fiscal deficits, and excessive borrowing. The World Bank labeled the Naira one of the worst-performing currencies in 2024.
To stabilize the Naira, experts suggest boosting crude oil production and cutting imports. Despite CBN's policies to tighten liquidity, many believe fiscal reforms and enhanced local production are key to recovery.
Meanwhile, the Naira’s devaluation offers some export opportunities but increases costs for businesses reliant on imports.
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🗣Shettima Arrives in Sweden for Two-Day Visit
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Sweden for a two-day visit focused on boosting trade and bilateral relations. He will hold talks with government officials, meet Crown Princess Victoria and the Swedish Prime Minister, and discuss cooperation in areas such as ICT, education, agriculture, and mining. Shettima is accompanied by key officials, including the Plateau State Governor, and is expected back on Saturday.
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🗣CBN prioritizes financial inclusion for women – Cardoso
CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso emphasized that increasing financial inclusion for women is a top priority. Speaking at the Nigeria Economic Summit, he highlighted the need to close the gender gap in banking and empower women economically.
Recent CBN initiatives, including a framework for women entrepreneurs, aim to boost access to financial services. Cardoso also addressed inflation concerns, noting that the CBN raised interest rates to curb rising inflation, with hopes of reducing rates as inflation moderates.
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🗣Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Claims 94 Lives
In Nigeria, at least 94 people died in a tanker explosion in Majiya, Jigawa State. Many victims had gathered to collect leaking gasoline despite police warnings.
The truck driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the blast shortly after the accident. Around 50 others were injured, including women and children.
Emergency services arrived hours later, and a mass burial is planned for the victims. Such incidents are common in Nigeria, often exacerbated by high fuel prices following the removal of government subsidies.
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🗣FG Plans 90,000km Fibre-Optic Project
The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to invest $2 billion in a 90,000-kilometer fibre optic project to expand the country’s network from 35,000km to 125,000km. The initiative, announced by Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, aims to boost connectivity for schools, hospitals, and businesses, supporting critical sectors like education, health, and agriculture.
The project will also drive growth in Nigeria’s digital economy, with a focus on developing tech talent through the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program.
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🗣Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Rises to 32.7%
Nigeria’s inflation rate surged to 32.7% in September 2024, ending a two-month decline. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 0.55% increase from August's 32.15%. The rise was driven by higher food prices, with food inflation reaching 37.77% year-on-year. Prices of items like maize, rice, and oil significantly contributed to the increase. Month-on-month, food inflation jumped to 2.64%, further fueling the overall inflation spike.
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