₦airaland Forum

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Fuel Subsidy: Fresh Controversies Emerge

* Another Insider Says FG To Spend Over N7.2tr On Fuel Subsidy By May
* Says NNPC Remains Sole Importer Of Petrol Because There Is Subsidy On Petrol, So Price Has To Be Pegged
* FG Reserves Right To Pay Fuel Subsidy Intermittently To Cushion Hardship On Nigeria-Tinubu’s Adviser

Fresh controversies have emerged over the return of fuel subsidy into the Nigerian oil industry as key insiders have claimed that the country has returned to the subsidy regime amid strong denials by the federal government. READ MORE

2. Nigeria’s Economy In Right Direction-Finance Minister, Edun Boasts

* Says Exchange Rate Stabilizing, Revenue Up, Food Inflation Slowing

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has expressed optimism that with the exchange rates stabilizing, food inflation slowing, Nigeria’s economy is heading in the right direction as the various policies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to yield res says the Nigerian economy is moving in the right direction as policies of the new administration has started slowing down food inflation. READ MORE

3. Tinubu Launches National Single Window Initiative To Enhance Revenue Generation

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday launched the National Single Window initiative, a transformative project that will propel the nation’s economy to new heights. READ MORE

4. Dangote Crashes Diesel to N1,000 Per Litre

In an unexpected move,Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a further reduction of the price of diesel from 1200 to 1,000 naira per litre. READ MORE

5. $350m World Bank Loan: El-Rufai To Face Kaduna Assembly’s Probe Panel To Explain How Fund Was Spent

The former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai appears to have landed in big trouble as Kaduna State House of Assembly has constituted a committee to investigate how the $350 million World Bank loan obtained by the administration was spent. READ MORE

6. FCCPC to Intensify Price Monitoring in Markets as Naira Appreciates Against Dollar

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) will intensify monitoring and enforcement in formal and informal markets to ensure business owners do not unfairly inflate prices.  READ MORE

7. Lagos, Anambra, 29 Other States at Risk of Heavy Flooding From April-FG

Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has cautioned that 148 local government areas (LGAs) across 31 states are among the highly probable flood-risk areas for 2024. READ MORE

8.   FG Begins Disbursement Of N200 Billion Grants

Verified applicants are now receiving payments under the N200 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme from the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government. READ MORE
9. Champions League: Two teams qualify for semi-final
[/b]Two teams have qualified for the Champions League semi-final following the completion of Tuesday’s quarter-final second legs. READ MORE

[b]10. Cubana Chief Priest Detained Ahead of Arraignment Today

Mr Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest is in custody of the Economic and Financial Commission in  preparatory to his arraignment today (Wednesday) before the Federal High Court in Lagos. READ MORE




READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Sylvester Oromoni Jnr: Falana, Father, Disagree With Coroner

* Coroner Blames Death Of 12-Year-Old On Parents, Doctors’ Negligence
* Slams Family Doctor, Henry Aghogho For Trivialising Boy’s Treatment, Not Providing Required Duty Of Care
* Falana Kicks, Says Coroner Ignored Evidence Of Government Pathologist About “Black Substance” Found In Stomach Of Deceased
* Father Rejects Verdict, Says It’s Not The End Of The Case

The outcome of the coroner’s inquest into the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lagos has pitted Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana and the Coroner Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri against each other.

2. Confusion Over Fate Of Ganduje As APC Officials Denounce His Purported Suspension

* Those Behind Suspension Were Sponsored By NNPP State Government-APC

There is an air of confusion surrounding the fate of the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje as the Ganduje Ward Executive Committee and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee have vehemently denounced his purported suspension.

3. FG Urged to Invest More in Crude Oil Production to Meet 2.5 Million Barrels Daily Target

Some financial experts have urged the federal government to invest more in increased crude oil production and end oil theft as a panacea to achieve the 2.5 million barrels target.

4. Tinubu Reiterates Commitment To Transform Police Force Into “Modern, Professional, And Accountable Institution

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his resolve to transform the Nigerian Police Force into “a modern, professional, and accountable institution.

5. El-Rufai Drops Bombshell, Says FG Now Paying More For Fuel Subsidy Than Before

Despite repeated claims by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government that fuel subsidy is gone, an insider, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that the Federal Government was now paying more for fuel subsidy, even than before.

6. Lady Accused By Pastor Enenche For Lying Breaks Silence, Says I Remain Dunamis Member

Veronica Anyim, the lady accused by the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Center, Dr Paul Enenche of lying after testifying about being a “BSc graduate of law” from the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN has finally broken her silence, saying she remains a member of the church.

7. Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Increases To 33.20% In March 2024-NBS

Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 33.20% for the month of March 2024, the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown.

8. TCN Restores Grid After Third Collapse In 2024

The national grid, which had collapsed earlier today due to a fire at the Afam Power Generating Station in River State, has now been fully restored, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

9. EPL: Palmer Scores Four As Chelsea Hammer Poor Everton

Cole Palmer hit a perfect first-half hat-trick and then struck a penalty as Chelsea hammered sorry Everton 6-0 on Monday Night Football to move to within three points of the European qualifying spots.

10. Singer Paul Okoye Hints On Second Marriage 

Nigerian popular singer and half of P-Square, Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, has hinted at remarrying.

READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Chibok Girls: A Decade After, Pains, Anguish Still Reverberate

* FG Charged To Investigate Allegation Of Forced Marriage Of 20 Rescued Chibok Girls To Ex-Boko Haram Fighters
* Amnesty International Flays FG For Lacking Political Will To Secure Release Of Remaining Students
* Says Safe Schools Initiative Hampered By Bureaucratic Roadblocks, Allegations Of Corruption
* Charges FG To Ramp Up Efforts To Ensure Safe Release, Return Of Remaining Students

On the night of 14–15 April 2014, 276 mostly Christian female students aged from 16 to 18 were kidnapped by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram from the Government Girls Secondary School at the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria.

2. Minimum Wage: Organized Labour Lowers Request, Tables New Demand Of N615,000 To FG

* State Govt’s Can Now Afford To Pay As They Now Get Monthly Revenue-NLC

Organised Labour, consisting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have lowered their demand of the new monthly minimum wage from N794,000 per worker to N615,000 to enable workers cope with the harsh economic realities and high cost of living in the country.

3. Nigeria Customs Service Deepens Ties With Benin Republic to Facilitate Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service has expressed commitment to strengthening the existing bilateral ties with its counterpart in the Republic of Benin, for ease of trade.

4. Fraud In Humanitarian Affairs Ministry: EFCC Recovers N32.7bn, $445,000, Investigating Intricate Web Of Fraudulent Practices

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it has so far recovered N32.7 billion and $445,000 in its ongoing probe of the mess in the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

5. SERAP Charges Tinubu To Disclose Nigeria’s Loan Agreements, Spending Since 1999

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has charged President Bola Tinubu to disclose the agreements and spending details of loans obtained by the administrations of Nigeria’s past presidents since May 1999.

6. NCC Seizes Pirated Books Worth N300 Million At Onne Port

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Sunday, April 14, 2024 announced the seizure of pirated books worth N300 million in three containers at the Onne Port, Rivers State.

7. Yoruba Nation Agitation: Heightened Security At S’ West Govt Houses, Secretariats

In the light of the recent invasion of Oyo State government secretariat by Yoruba Nation agitators on Saturday, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has directed pre-emptive security measures around government structures in the state to forestall any copycat occurrence.

8. Energy: FG To Channel N1tr Electricity Subsidy Savings To Social Services

The Federal Government plans to use the approximately N1 trillion in savings from the elimination of electricity subsidies for national power supply upgrades and social programs.

9. Nigeria's Boniface On Target, Wins Bundesliga With Bayer Leverkusen

Nigeria’s Victor Boniface scored a 25th-minute penalty to set Bayer Leverkusen on the way to winning their first Bundesliga title with five games to spare thanks to a 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen.

10. Mama G Campares Herself With Governors 

Patience Ozokwor had no idea that her career in radio would take her to the heights of fame and money when she entered the film business in the 1980s. She now has a large following both outside and in Nigeria.

READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Panic As Yoruba Nation Agitators Invade Oyo Secretariat

* The Agitators Insist  On Hoisting Their Flag Within The Secretariat.
* We’re Not In Support Of Agitators -Sunday Igboho,Prof Akintoye
There was Chaos at Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan as it was attacked by suspected O’odua Nation agitators on Saturday.

2. Escaped Binance Executive Found In Kenya
After Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive, escaped from detention in Nigeria, the Federal Government was able to track him down in Kenya.

3. NIMC: Banks to issue new GMPC National Identity Card to applicants 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has made it public that the new single and General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) will be distributed to Nigerians via their respective banks, similar to the process for issuing Debit and Credit cards.

4.  Anambra Police Arrest Two Boat Operators Over Jr Pope's Death

The boat's operators, who also included four other crew members, were detained, were transporting the late Nollywood actor Junior Pope when they tragically perished.

5. Aiyedatiwa, 15 Other Aspirants Cleared By APC To Contest 2024 Ondo State Governorship Primaries

16 candidates that purchased the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the party's Ondo State 2024 governorship primary have been approved by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

6.  Rivers: Game Over for Fubara As Rivers LG Chairmen Declares Support for PDP, APC, Video Emerges 

A video that has gone viral online of some local government chairmen and their deputies in Rivers state chanting support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have surfaced on social media.

7. Senator Matthew Uroghide Returns to APC

A two-time senator representing Edo South Matthew Uroghide has switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with other political godfathers in the state.

8. Insecurity: Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Suppliers Arrested In Borno

Six persons have been captured by Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) forces in Mafa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno state. They are suspected of providing Boko Haram with logistics.

9. NDIC Lauds CBN on Directive for Bank Recapitalisation

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria for its move to recapitalise banks to achieve economic resilience in the country.

10. EPL: Why Man Utd drew 2-2 with Bournemouth – Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reflected on their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in Saturday’s late kick-off.

READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Emefielegate: Messy Details Surface

* Witness Reveals How He Collected $3m For Embattled Ex-CBN Boss
* Emefiele Gets N50m Bail, Freed After Meeting Bail Conditions
* Judge Adjourns Case Until April 29 As Emefiele Moves For Closed-Session Of Trial

There was a pin-drop silence at the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos when a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Monday Osasuwa spewed messy details of how he collect the sum of $3m in tranches from the apex bank on behalf of the embattled governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele.

2. Bobrisky’s Travails Continue: To Spend Six Months In Jail

* Correctional Services To Hold Bobrisky In Male Cell Ward At Ikoyi Correctional Centre
* ‘I am A Man, Cross-Dresser Confesses In Court

The travails of socialite and popular Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known and addressed as Bobrisky continues after he was sentenced to six months imprisonment for naira mutilation without the option of a fine.

3. Naira Gets Goldman Sachs Endorsement To Continue To Outperform Other Currencies Globally If….

Nigeria’s domestic currency, the naira, could extend gains that have already made it the best-performing currency in the world this month if policymakers stay on track, Goldman Sachs, one of the world’s leading global financial institutions has predicted.

4. Nigeria Makes History, Becomes First Country To Roll Out New Meningitis Vaccine, Says WHO

Nigeria has made history by becoming the first country in the world to roll out a new meningitis vaccine (called Men5CV) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in a historic move.

5. ‘Highway Of Fraud’ Atiku Bombs Umahi Again Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a highway of fraud while insisting that the award of the project did not meet the minimum threshold of due process.

6. Super Eagles Coach: NFF Technical Committee To Choose Between Amuneke, Finidi On Tuesday

The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, will meet next Tuesday in Abuja to decide on a new head coach for the Super Eagles.

7. Police Recover Three More Bodies From Boat Mishap That Killed Junior Pope

Police authorities in Anambra State have disclosed the recovery of three more bodies from a boat accident involving a movie cast that claimed the life of Nollywood star Junior Pope.

8. Three Abducted UNICAL Students Finally Regain Freedom

The three abducted students of University of Calabar who were kidnapped about three weeks ago have been released, the institution has announced.

9. Free At Last, Emefiele Meets Bail Conditions, Released!

The Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele is a free man at last as he has been released after meeting the bail conditions stated by the Court.

10. Nigeria’s Oil Production Maintains Steady Decline, Drops To 1.23mbpd In March - OPEC

Nigeria’s daily crude oil production maintained a steady decline in 2024 as it dropped to 1.23 million barrels per day in March 2024, the latest data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has shown.


READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Electricity Subsidy: FG Counters Falana

* Minister Says FG Still Has N1.8tr To Pay As Electricity Subsidy Despite Band A Tariff Hike
* Says Electricity Act, 2023 Made Provisions For The Review Of Tariff Twice A Year
* Adelabu Backtracks, Apologises For Saying Nigerians Keep Freezers On Due To Low Tariff

The uproar that greeted the hike in tariff by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Band A customers (those who enjoy up to 20 hours of electricity per day has refused to go away.

2. FG Optimistic Of Completing Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway In Eight Years, To Cost N2.8tr

* Motorists To Pay Average Of N3k Per Toll Gate

The Federal Government Minister of Works Dave Umahi says the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction will take eight years and cost a tentative total of N2.8tr for the 700km highway at N4bn per kilometre.

3. Zenith Bank Achieves Historic Milestones In 2023 With Stellar Triple-Digit Topline And Bottom-Line Growth 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, achieving a remarkable triple-digit growth of 125% in gross earnings from NGN945.6 billion reported in 2022 to NGN2.132 trillion in 2023.

4. Odili Courts Wike’s Anger, Pronounces Fubara Political Leader Of Rivers State

In a development that is certain to irk the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, a former Governor of the state, Peter Odili has endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the political leader of the state, praising him for defending the interests of the people.

5. Tinubu Mourns Ogbonnaya Onu Says He’s An Accomplished Scholar, Govs Too

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the first civilian governor of Abia State, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.

6. Idumota Market Fire: Sanwo-Olu Vows To Demolish Unapproved Buildings,

Following an outbreak of fire at the popular Idumota market in Lagos state, the state’s governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed that unapproved buildings will be demolished.

7. Again, DMO To Raise N450 Billion In April Bond Auction

The Debt Management Office (DMO) plans to hold its April bond auction on April 15 in an effort to raise N450 billion.

8. Family Of Ex NGX Chairman, Ogunbanjo Sues Charter Company Over Helicopter Crash Which Killed Him, Wigwes

The family of late Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), who was killed in a Southern California helicopter crash in February, has filed a lawsuit against the US chopper company.

9.  Reactions Trail Death Of Nollywood Actor, Junior Pope

April 10 will forever be remembered by the Nigerian movie industry (including the writer) because it is a day one of Nollywood finest died in the most tragic way. , John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope died in the line of duty for many reasons which include the lackadaisical nature of the producer of the movie
For that It has been unanimously declared no shooting day. Pope died with two others which was confirmed.

10. Three Man City players, Barcelona duo in UEFA Champions League team [Full list]

UEFA on Thursday included three Manchester City players, and a Barcelona duo, among others, in the Champions League team for this week.

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Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Black Wednesday: Tragedies Overshadow Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

* Lagos Monarch, Ex-Kogi Gov's Son, Junior Pope Die As Nigerians Celebrate Eid-El-Fitr
* NEMA Loses Hope Of Finding Two Passengers Who Fell Off Bus Into Lagos Lagoon Alive
* Pandemonium As NSCDC Officers Allegedly Shoot Woman At Eid Ground In Zamfara

It was a black Eid-El-Fitr ceremony as several Nigerians lost their lives as Nigerians joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s Eid-El-Fitr, a ceremony that signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

2. At Eid-El-Fitr, Tinubu, Govs Urge Nigerians To Continue To Show Resilience, Patriotism

* Tinubu Says New Hope Is Alive, Well And Fine, And Nigerians Should Continue To Be Very Hopeful

As Muslims in Nigeria joined their counterparts worldwide on Wednesday to mark Eid-El-Fitr, signalling the end of the one-month Ramadan fast, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some state governors have urged Nigerians to continue to show resilience and patriotism to the country.

3. How Lower Fuel Price From My Refinery Can Help Fight Inflation- Dangote

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has revealed that the ability of his refinery, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant to sell diesel at significantly lower prices will help in curbing Nigeria’s inflation.

4. Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Yusuf, Others Felicitate Foremost Industrialist, Dangote At 67

President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group and elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on their birthdays.

5. Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Yusuf, Others Felicitate Foremost Industrialist, Dangote At 67

President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group and elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on their birthdays.

6. Salary Arrears: FG Considers Half Pay For SSANU, NASU Members

The Federal Government is proposing a half payment of the withheld salaries for members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU.

7. Ex-Appeal Court Justice, Ahmad Belgore Dies, Few Days Before 71st Birthday

A former justice of the Court Of Appeal, Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore is dead.

8. For Umpteenth Time, Customs FX Rate For Import Duties Changes, Falls To N1,238/$1

Since the beginning of the year on the value of the naira in the forex market.
For the purpose of assessing import tariffs and clearing products, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has changed the exchange rate from N1,246.66/$ to N1,238.17 to the USD. This indicates an N6.14 decrease over the previous two days.

9. Champions League: Barcelona Edges PSG As Atletico Hold Slender Lead Over Dortmund

Andreas Christensen scored a late winner with his first touch after coming off the bench as Barcelona used their super subs to beat PSG 3-2 to take control of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

10. How Aisha Lawal Avoided Social Media Drama 

Aisha Lawal, who has appeared in more than 100 home videos, is a formidable presence in the Nigerian film business.
The actress and producer of movies may not even seem like lawyers, but she attended Lead City University in Ibadan to study law, and she intends to use her degree in the future.

READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Uproar Rages Over Lagos-Calabar Highway Project

* Again, Federal Government, Atiku Trade Hot Words
* Atiku’s Analysis, “Gross Misrepresentation Of Facts, Figures And A Ploy To Mislead Nigerians-FG
* Sanwo-Olu Warned Against Don’t Displacing Job-Creating Businesses For Highway Project

The 47km Lagos-Calabar Highway Project has continued to generate uproar as the Federal Government and former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar continues to trade hot words over the project on one hand.

2. Nigerian Airline Owner Raises Alarm, Unveils ‘Devilish Conspiracy’ To Force It Out Of Nigeria-UK Route

* Onyema Encourages Local Airlines To Commence International Flights To Profitable Routes

Barely two weeks after an indigenous Nigerian airline, Air Peace began operating the Nigeria-United Kingdom Route under the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the Chairman of the indigenous carrier, Allen Onyema, has raised the alarm that foreign carriers operating the Nigeria-UK route are allegedly conspiring to send Air Peace out of international operations by crashing airfares on the route.

3. Economic Stability: NACCIMA Demands Release Of FG’s 2024 Fiscal Policy

The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has demanded the urgent disclosure of the Federal Government’s 2024 fiscal policy to stabilize the country’s economy.

4. 2024 Olympic Games: Sports Minister Salutes Super Falcons’ Doggedness, As 16 Years Jinx Is Broken

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has saluted the Super Falcons of Nigeria for qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris after edging South Africa over two legs.

5. Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Charges Nigerians To Rededicate Themselves To Nation Building

As Nigerians prepare for the 2024 Eid-El-Fitri celebration, President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to unite and rededicate themselves to the duty of building the country.

6. Misappropriation Of State Funds: Kano Govt To Arraign APC Chairman Ganduje, Wife April 17

Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor of the state is set to be arraigned in court by the Kano State Government over alleged misappropriation of state funds and alleged diversion of landed properties belonging to the state.

7. Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Charges Nigerians To Rededicate Themselves To Nation Building

As Nigerians prepare for the 2024 Eid-El-Fitri celebration, President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to unite and rededicate themselves to the duty of building the country.

8. FG Spends N4.83 Trillion From Bonds, Treasury Bills To Settle CBN Loans

To pay the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) Ways and Means Advances, the Federal Government has set aside around N4.83 trillion from the profits of Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) and Bonds issued in 2024.

9. Facebook User Apologises For Defaming Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo

At last, one of the four Facebook users responsible for defamation and cyberstalking against gospel artiste, Nathaniel Bassey, Kingsley Ibe, has apologised to the singer and fellow counterpart, Mercy Chinwo.

10. UCL: Stalemate As Arsenal, Man City Fail To Beat Bayern, Real Madrid

Harry Kane returned to north London with a goal as Arsenal's Champions League hopes were left hanging in the balance after they fought out a draw with Bayern Munich in the quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium.

READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Edo Crisis/Shaibu's Impeachment: Obaseki Opens Up

* I Had No Plans Of Working With Two Deputy Governors Before End Of My Tenure
* Shaibu Kicks, Says Impeachment Dangerous Descent Into Dictatorship, Threat To Foundation Of Democracy
* New Dep Gov Reveals Why He Dumped LP, Vows Not To Drag Power With Obaseki

The political crisis rocking Edo State took a turn on Monday April 8, 2024 as Philip Shaibu, the embattled former deputy governor of the state was finally impeached bringing to an end an impasse that has lingered between the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his former deputy. 

2. Ahead Of NEC Meeting, PDP Crisis Festers As Calls For Damagum’s Resignation Heightens

* Why Damagum Must Go- PDP Reps’ Members

Ahead of the forthcoming National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on April 18, 2024, the calls for the resignation of Umar Damagum as the Acting Chairman of the party has reached a crescendo.  

3. CBN Gives New Guidelines, Bans Use Of Foreign Currency-Denominated Collaterals For Naira Loans

Except in certain circumstances, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlawed the use of collateral denominated in foreign currencies as a means of securing naira loans.

4. LP Crisis: NLC Sacks Abure, to Conduct  Audit on Party's Accounts

Nigeria Labour Congress, on Monday, nullified the National Convention that re-elected the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, and returned his National Working Committee to office  

5. Ramadan: Fasting Continues Today As Sultan Declares Wednesday Eid-El-Fitr Celebrations

Following the failure of the National Moon Sighting Committees to announce the sighting of the moon to herald the end of the Ramadan fasting, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has disclosed that fasting will continue today, April 9, 2024 and declared Wednesday, April 10th, as the day for Eid-Fitri  

6. Tinubu Approves Establishment Of National Health Fellows Programme Across 774 LGs

In a bid to comprehensively upgrade existing primary healthcare centres in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme, with young Nigerian fellows to be engaged in all the 774 local government areas in the country.  \

7. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Presidency Blasts Atiku, Says VP Has Made Hollow Points Again

In a scorching rebuke, the presidency has bombed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent criticism of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project which the State House described as one of President Bola Tinubu’s signature infrastructure initiatives.  

8. Lagos Court Orders EFCC To Remand Emefiele 

Godwin Emefiele, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been placed under detention in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) custody by the Ikeja High Court in Lagos State.  

9. EPL: Chelsea would’ve been in relegation battle but for one player – Redknapp

Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Chelsea would be fighting to stay out of the relegation zone this season if not for forward Cole Palmer.  

10. ‘Sometimes Broken Marriages Produce Strongest Individuals’ – Charly Boy Defends AY Over Marital Crisis

The unconventional performer Charles Oputa, well known by his stage as Charly Boy, has responded to comic AY's marital difficulties. 

READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Electricity Tariff Increase: Falana Fires FG

* Says FG Making Nigerians Pay For Inefficiency, Profligacy Of Those Managing Electricity Sector
* FG Raising Funds For Cash-Strapped DisCos Majority Of Which Have  Been Taken Over By  Banks, AMCON
* Unveils FG's Plans To Increase Tariff Of Other Bands Soon
* Obi Calls For Electricity Subsidy For Poor Nigerians

The controversies generated by the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase the electricity tariff of Band A customers (those who enjoy up to 20 hours) a day power supply from N66 kilowatt per hour to N225 kilowatt per house has refused to subside.

2. Nigeria's FX Reserves In Trouble, Dips By $1.02 billion In 18 Days As CBN Continues To Defend Naira

* Plummets To Lowest Level Since February 20, 2024

Nigeria's Foreign Exchange reserves appears to be in trouble as the latest Movement In Reserves data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has indicated that the reserves suffered a dip by $1.02 billion in 18 days

3. Bank Recapitalization: Shareholders Eye Bank Stocks— Praise Inhansekhien

Praise Ihensekhien, head of investment and research at Meristem Securities Limited and a financial expert, has made suggestions that the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) recent recapitalization policy may cause investors and shareholders to favor bank stocks more because of the increased liquidity flowing into the banking industry.

4. I Am Not Leaving Labour Party Soon, Peter Obi Fires Back At NLC
Amid the internal crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP), the party's presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the party, dismissing rumors of an imminent departure.

5. SERAP Slams Lawsuit Against Akpabio Over Alleged Budget Padding, Failure To Recall Ningi

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has slammed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over “the failure to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningi, who blew the whistle on the allegations.”

6. Sultan Asks Muslims To Look Out For New Moon Today

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has asked Muslim faithfuls in the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1445 AH on Monday.

7. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: Landmark, Govt Deliberate On A Win-Win Solution To Save Structures

The Federal, and Lagos State governments are collaborating with Landmark Group with a view to achieving a win-win solution that will prevent the demolition of structures which notice has already been given.

8. FG Declares Tuesday, Wednesday Public Holidays For Eid El-Fitr

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, 9th April and Wednesday, 10th April, 2024, as public holidays to mark the 2024 Eid El-Fitr celebration.

9. Dabota Lawson: How Ex-Beauty Queen Turn Ex-husband to Best Friend

She is a well-known Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist who was formerly a beauty queen. She reminisced and shared her tale with us in this interview.

10. EPL: Pochettino makes demand from Chelsea players after 2-2 draw with Sheffield Utd

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has urged his players to be “more clinical” following a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United on Sunday.

READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. More Knocks For FG Over Electricity Tariff Hike

* Ndume, Afenifere Blow Hot
* Ibadan Disco Announces Date To Begin Implementation
* Discos Receive NERC Order To Set Up Portal For Customers To Check Their Band Status

The ruse about the recently hike electric tariff seem not to be ending soon as bigwigs as come out to speak their mind on the matter.

2. New National Identification Card Has Payment Feature – NIMC

Nigerians who have registered for a National Identification Number (NIN) will soon be able to request a National ID card with payment functionality for all kinds of social and financial services, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

3. Lagos Govt Threatens to Shut Supermarkets Over Non-Disclosure of Product Price 

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has threatened to seal supermarkets and grocery stores that do not have price tags on their items.

4. Ibadan Disco Downgrades Obasanjo Farm, 27 Feeders From Band A to E (FULL LIST)

The Farm Feeder serving the Obasanjo Farm was downgraded from Band A to Band E in the list released by the IBEDC on Saturday.

5. Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu lands in Lagos Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja, the Nation’s Capital, for Lagos on Sunday ahead of Eid-el-Fitr.

6. IGP appoints new deputy FPRO, state PPROs

The deployment of devoted Police Public Relations Officers, or PPROs, and a Deputy Public Relations Officer to the Force Headquarters in Abuja was authorized on Saturday by Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun.

7. Landmark Beach Seeks Negotiation With FG, LASG to Modify Lagos-Calabar Highway Route

To avoid interfering with the resort's operations, the management of Landmark Beach Resort has started talks with interest groups and the federal, state, and local governments about rerouting the first 1.5 km of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway along the undeveloped median of Water Corporation Road.

8. FG to Remove Obstacles Hindering SMEs Growth-SMEDAN

Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Charles Odii, has expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to remove obstacles hindering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises.

9. Omehia Blasts Wike Over Quest For Power

Quiet former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia has blasted the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, advising him to reduce his propensity for power and greed and allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to do his work.

10. Guardiola Names Kevin De Bruyne Special

Kevin de Bruyne, the legendary midfielder for Manchester City, is regarded by manager Pep Guardiola as one of the team's all-time greats.


READ FULL STORIES ON: www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Economy: Tinubu Seeks Support Of Organised Private Sector

* Says If Private Sector Is Not Flourishing, There Is No Growth, No Prosperity, No Employment Or Development
* I Have No Reason To Underperform For A Job That I Campaigned For
* Elumelu Praises Tinubu, Says We Admire Your Decisiveness, And We Appreciate What You Are Doing

As the country continues to grapple with a myriad of challenges ranging from a dwindling economy, rising inflation, hardship and soaring food prices, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sought the support of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to turn around the fortune of the country.

2. Opposition Against Electricity Tariff Hike Swells As Ex-Lawmakers Kick

* Any Right Decision Taken At The Wrong Time Will Ultimately Be Wrong-Ex-Senator

The decision of the federal government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to approve a hike in the electricity rates for consumers categorized under Band A (those who enjoy up to 20 hours of electricity supply daily) has continued to generate outcry as opposition against the policy continues to swell.

3. Money Market: FG Plans Domestic Foreign Currency Denominated Bonds Issuance In Q2 2024

Minister of Finance Wale Edun told Reuters that the federal government intends to start issuing domestic bonds valued at foreign currencies in the second quarter of this year.

4.  Nigeria Records 141 Terror Cases, 214 Kidnappings  in Eight Weeks-IG

 * Says 3,685 suspects arrested,401 kidnap victims rescued

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, revealed that 141 terror cases, 214 kidnappings and 537 homicide cases were reported to the police in the last eight weeks.

5. Tinubu Charges ECOWAS Parliament On Unity Against Forces Of Division

President Bola Tinubu has charged the member states of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) to come together, strengthen ties, and reject forces bent on causing division within the bloc.

6. Signs Are Clear Nigeria‘ll Come Out of Current Turmoil- Wike

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out of its current turmoil even stronger.

7. Tinubu Seeks Gavi’s Collaboration With Nigerian Manufacturers To Produce Life-Saving Vaccines

President Bola Tinubu has called on Gavi, the vaccine alliance, to collaborate with potential Nigerian vaccine manufacturers to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children and adults.

8. Arraignment of Binance Chiefs In Alleged Tax Evasion Case Stalled As Court Adjourns To April 19

The arraignment of Binance Holdings Limited and one of its Senior Executives Tigray Gambaryan has been stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja due to the failure of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to serve the charge on the defendant.

9. Court Summons 5 Social Media Influencers For Defaming Nathaniel Bassey Over  Mercy Chinwo’s Son

The Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, has summoned five social media users for "criminal defamation" of the reputations of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.

10. EPL: Chelsea Beat Man United In Dramatic Seven-Goal Thriller

Hat-trick hero Cole Palmer scored twice deep into stoppage time on Thursday as Chelsea stunned Manchester United 4-3, all but ending United’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Read Full Stories on: www.matrixngr.com

In the presence of ministries, prominent figures in education, and members of the National Assembly, the president officially signed the bill into law on today, Wednesday, at the Presidential Villa's Council Chambers in Abuja.

Restoring the 2004 Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, the new law repeals the existing Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act of 2023.

The executive law creates a corporate entity called the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, whose job it is to receive, manage, and invest monies in order to lend money to Nigerians who want to pursue higher education, career training, or skill development programs.

Details later…

SOURCE: https://matrixngr.com/

If well-known transvestite Bobrisky is not jailed, controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan has threatened to transition into a transgender person.

THE MATRIX remembers that VeryDarkMan had earlier demanded that Bobrisky be arrested for his transvestite lifestyle, arguing that he was being shielded by a number of influential politicians who also happen to be his homosexual companions.

The Force Police Public Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, recently clarified in an interview that the force is unable to arrest transvestites as crossdressing is not illegal in Nigeria in response to requests for the arrest of crossdressers in the nation.

He said the force cannot act on the allegations that some crossdressers are gay which is a natural crime because there has not been enough evidence to prosecute them.

Read Also:  https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/03/cross-dressing-is-not-a-crime-in-nigeria-police-spokesman/

Reacting in a video message shared via his Instagram page, VeryDarkMan vowed to become a crossdresser and use the female restroom if popular crossdressers like Bobrisky are not arrested.

He claimed his recent arrest was connected to his call for Bobrisky’s arrest and claims that he was being protected by gay politicians.

He said, “When I came out of detention, I read somewhere that it was Tonto Dikeh who detained me. She can never detain me, I don’t care about her connection. The truth is that I was detained for the video I made calling for Bobrisky’s arrest and my claims that he was being protected by gay lawmakers. My detention is just a little sacrifice. They will still arrest me for my subsequent videos.

“Since the police say crossdressing is legal, I wll soon start crossdressing. I will give them one week after I drop my petition against Bobrisky. If Bobrisky is not arrested, I will become a crossdresser and use the female restroom.”

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Rising Debt Profile: Obi Warns Tinubu Against Taking New Loans

Says It’s Worrisome There Has Been No Corresponding Visible Usage Or Investments
N10tr Used On Debt Servicing Greater Than Combined Budget For Defence, Education, Health, Infrastructure
Promises To Ensure That In New Nigeria, Scarce Resources Will Be Productively, Prudently Managed

Nigeria’s ballooning debt profile has emerged as a growing source of concern to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi who has come out to caution President Bola Tinubu against taking more foreign loans without first accounting for past borrowings.

2. Insecurity: Whereabout Of Officers Missing In Delta State Still Unknown- Force Spokesman

Says 9 Suspects In Custody Over Dastardly Incident

The whereabouts of six police officers who went missing in Delta State are still unknown, Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi has disclosed.

3. Diesel, Aviation Fuel From Dangote's  Refinery Hit Nigerian Market

Dealers Get one Million Litres Each at N1,225/litre, 

Dangote Refinery has commenced the sale of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel)  and  aviation fuel to oil marketers across Nigeria.

4. FIRS Apologises To CAN, Christians Over “Offensive” Easter Message

Following the outcry that trailed the Easter message which was termed as offensive by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has apologised to Christians in the country.

5. Wike To Deploy FCT’s 2024 Statutory Budget To Infrastructure, Healthcare, Others

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the FCT’s N1.28 trillion 2024 statutory budget will be deployed towards revolutionising infrastructure provision in the nation’s capital.

6. Transfer: Osimhen Chooses New Club Amidst Arsenal, PSG, Chelsea Interest

Victor Osimhen has reportedly told his closest friends where he will be playing his fo....

7.  Nigerian Music Legend 2face Declared Burna Boy One Of Greatest Music Icons

Legendary Nigerian musician Innocent Ujah Idibia, sometimes referred to as 2baba or 2face, has entered the discussion on his younger colleague Dami Ogulu's standing in the music business.

8. Bank Recapitalisation: Agusto & Co Assured N4 Trillion Of Inflow Expected To Meet New Requirement 

If the apex bank could withstand pressure to include retained earnings or shareholders' money when computing banks' new capital, up to N4 trillion of inflow is expected by banks to fulfill the Central Bank's new capital criteria, according to credit ratings firm Agusto and Co.

9. Tinubu, Other African Leaders Present As Senegal Swears In Youngest President

The 44-year-old opposition contender, Senegalese presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, took the oath of office.

10. Easter Tragedy: Former Oyo Governor’s ADC Commits Suicide

DCP Gbolahan Oyedemi, a deputy commissioner of police now on duty with the Lagos State Police Command, was discovered dead at his own residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Labour Party Crisis Saga: Fresh Twist Emerges

* Insider Reveals How Abure Went Against Obi’s Advice For All-Inclusive Convention
* Says Obi’s Suggestion To Consult NLC, TUC, Obidient Group, Others Were Disregarded By Abure
* Alludes That Obi Is A Brand, Other People Will Always Move With Him Wherever He Goes

The crisis rocking the Labour Party is far from over as a critical insider has revealed how the national chairman of the party, Julius Abure organized a convention that was not all-inclusive. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/02/labour-party-crisis-saga-fresh-twist-emerges/

2. Ahead OPEC+ Ministers Meeting, Crude Oil Price Rises To $87 Per Barrel, Highest In Five Months

* US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Rose To $83.83

As Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC+ ministers meet on Wednesday April 4, 2024 to review impact of production cuts, Crude oil prices hit $87 on Monday April 1, 2024 signifying the highest rate in five months. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/02/ahead-opec-ministers-meeting-crude-oil-price-rises-to-87-per-barrel-highest-in-five-months/

3. Zenith Bank Named Nigeria's Best Bank For The Fourth Year In The Last Five At Global Finance Awards 2024

Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2024, winning the award for the fourth time since 2019. The Bank was among other banks from 36 countries in Africa recognised as the prestigious Global Finance announced its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards Winners. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/02/zenith-bank-named-nigerias-best-bank-for-the-fourth-year-in-the-last-five-at-global-finance-awards-2024/

4. Horror As UNIMAID Lecturer Is Stabbed To Death In Office

There is tension on the campus of University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) as a lecturer at the university has been stabbed to death in his office. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/02/horror-as-unimaid-lecturer-is-stabbed-to-death-in-office/

5. Several Students Abducted By Gunmen In Delta State

Several students travelling along the East-West Road in Ughelli, Delta State have been abducted by gunmen, The Matrix has gathered. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/02/several-students-abducted-by-gunmen-in-delta-state/

6. Tinubu To Depart Abuja Today To Attend Faye’s Inauguration As Senegalese President

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for Dakar, Senegal, to attend the inauguration of Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/02/tinubu-to-depart-abuja-today-to-attend-fayes-inauguration-as-senegalese-president/

7. Nigerian Army Blames ‘Minor Explosion’ At Ikeja Cantonment On Refuse Burning

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a minor explosion occurred at the army cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos while clarifying that the explosion was triggered by refuse burning. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/02/nigerian-army-blames-minor-explosion-at-ikeja-cantonment-on-refuse-burning/

8. Railway Corporation Generated N1.07bn In Q4 2023- NBS

The Nigerian Railway Corporation generated N1.07 billion as revenue from ticketing passengers in Q4 of 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics says. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/01/nrc-achieved-above-n5-billion-in-2023/

9. Paris 2024: Banyana Settles Down In Abuja Ahead Super Falcons Clash

Banyana Banyana of South Africa had their first official training session in Abuja on Sunday afternoon, ahead of the first leg of the Olympic qualifier against the Super Falcons of Nigeria. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/01/paris-2024-banyana-settle-sown-in-abuja-ahead-super-falcons-clash/

10. Nigerian Actress, Opeyemi Aiyeola Undergoes Emergency Surgery

Opeyemi Aiyeola, a Nollywood actress, has disclosed that she just had emergency surgery. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/01/nigerian-actress-opeyemi-aiyeola-undergoes-emergency-surgery/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. At Easter, Kukah, Atiku Call For National Healing

* For Over Sixty Years, Our Leaders Have Looked Like Men In A Drunken Stupor, Staggering, Stumbling And Fumbling-Kukah
* Says Our Leaders Must Come Up With Robust Template To Reverse, Put Us On Path Of National Healing
* No Matter What Forces Of Evil Can Do, When We Are United In Good Conduct, We Shall Prevail-Atiku

As Christians in Nigeria joined their counterparts all over the world to celebrate Easter which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a call has gone out for national healing as Nigerians continue to face biting hardship. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/01/at-easter-kukah-atiku-call-for-national-healing/

2. SERAP Issues Ultimatum To 36 Govs, Wike, To Account For N5.9trn, $4.6bn Loans

* Says Nigerians Deserve To Know How Domestic, External Loans Are Being Spent

Following the disclosure by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State that the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai left $587m, N85bn debt and 115 contractual liabilities in the state, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a one week ultimatum to Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike to account for loan agreements and spending details of some N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion loans obtained by their states and the FCT. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/31/serap-issues-ultimatum-to-36-govs-wike-to-account-for-n5-9trn-4-6bn-loans/

3. TCN Committed to Grid Management Amid Challenges- Official

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has said it remains committed to managing the grid and ensuring its stability amidst ongoing challenges. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/31/tcn-committed-to-grid-management-amid-challenges-official/

4. Chief Of Army Staff, Lagbaja Talks Tough, Says Army Determined To Defeat Terrorists, Bandits

As Nigeria continues to tackle menacing security challenges, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has vowed that the service personnel are determined to eradicate terrorists, bandits, and other threats facing the country. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/01/chief-of-army-staff-lagbaja-talks-tough-says-army-determined-to-defeat-terrorists-bandits/

5. Ahead Of Reopening, FG Installing CCTV, Solar Lights On Third Mainland Bridge-Umahi

Ahead of the reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge on April 4, 2024, the Minister of Works David Umahi has disclosed that the Federal Government is ramping up security with the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) and solar lights as parts of the repair works carried out on the bridge regarded as one of Africa’s longest bridges READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/31/ahead-of-reopening-fg-installing-cctv-solar-lights-on-third-mainland-bridge-umahi/

6. EPL: Liverpool Maintain 2 Points Lead As Man City, Arsenal Settle For Draw

Title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw at the Etihad in a match high on tension but short of clear-cut chances which left Liverpool two points clear at the top of the Premier League. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/31/epl-liverpool-maintain-2-points-lead-as-man-city-arsenal-settle-for-draw/

7.  Laju Iren, filmmaker, Want Her Movies To inspire billions of people across the world 

It is said that popular filmmaker and founder of Laju Iren Films, Laju Iren opens up on her journey into filmmaking, inspiration amongst other issues. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/31/laju-iren-filmmaker-want-her-movies-to-inspire-billions-of-people-across-the-world/

8. INEC Releases List of Guber Candidates for Edo 2024, Shaibu’s Name Missing

INEC has made public the list of Governorship candidates for the September 21 gubernatorial election coming up in Edo State with the name of the embattled Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu conspicuously missing. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/31/inec-releases-list-of-guber-candidates-for-edo-2024-shaibus-name-missing/

9. Recall Of BDCs Into Mainstream FX Market, Tightening Monetary Policies Responsible For Naira Stability-ABCON

The Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has hinged the ongoing recovery and stability of the naira on the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to recall Bureau De Change (BDCs) into the mainstream FX market. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/01/recall-of-bdcs-into-mainstream-fx-market-tightening-monetary-policies-responsible-for-naira-stability-abcon/

10. Peter Obi Flaming “Religious, Ethnic Passion’ For Political Ambition- Presidency

Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election has been accused by the Presidency of inflaming “religious and ethnic” issues to push his political ambition. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/04/01/peter-obi-flaming-religious-ethnic-passion-for-political-ambition-presidency/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Oil Theft In Niger Delta: The Seriake Dickson Bombshell

It’s A Criminal, Powerful System, All Of It In Its Entirety
Abuja, Lagos Bigwigs Are Masterminds Of Menace, Providing Youths With Illicit Money, Drugs, Arms
Official System Is Not Ignorant, And Not Innocent Of The Crime

As Nigeria continues to battle the economic loss, political upheaval and menacing security risks associated with the menace of oil-theft in the Niger-Delta region of the country, former Bayels State Governor, Seriake Dickson, a critical insider with a bird eye’s view on the issue has disclosed the inner workings of the menace.

2. Anger, Outrage Over N90bn Spent By FG To Subsidise 2024 Hajj Fare

Kebbi, Kano, Kogi, Bauchi, Others Splash Billions On Hajj Subsidy

Anger, outrage and outright condemnation have continued to trail the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to splash over N90bn to subside the 2024 Hajj Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia as the country continues to battle economic hardship.

3.  Over $1.5bn Forex Inflow Recorded in 2 Day-CBN

Following the recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed a substantial $1.5 billion foreign exchange influx into the nation's economy.

4. Ijaws  Not Part  of Biafra Movement,IYC warns Simon Ekpa

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, the overarching organization representing Ijaw youths, has issued a stern warning to Simon Ekpa and his faction of Biafra advocates, cautioning them against any encroachment into the Niger Delta region. They unequivocally state that the Ijaw community is not aligned with Biafra and will vehemently oppose any attempts to suggest otherwise.

5. Grid Restored After System Disturbance–TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), says the national grid has been restored after a system disturbance, which occurred on Thursday.

6. LP crisis:  Leave if You Cannot Unite the  Party— Ex-presidential aspirant Dares Peter Obi

Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, a former presidential aspirant of the Labour Party (LP), has challenged the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

7. Late Mohbad’s Wife Dares Father-In-Law To Get Court Order For DNA Test

Wunmi, the widow of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has dared the father of the deceased, Joseph Aloba to get a court order for the DNA test of her son Liam.

8.  CBN To Deploy Law Enforcement Agencies To Guide Against Illicit Inflow During Recapitalization

As banks in the Nigerian banking sector go through the process of recapitalization within the next 24 months, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)has disclosed that law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout to closely monitor the process to prevent the influx of illicit financing into the sector.

9. Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, Opeyemi Bamidele, Others Celebrate Tinubu At 72

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele have extended birthday greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.

10. English Premier League Action Returns After International Break

After a two-week hiatus due to the International Break, the Premier League returns for Matchday 30.

https://matrixngr.com/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Okuama 17:  Fresh Twist Emerges

* Community Leader Says Killing Of Soldiers Oil Related, Wants DSS Not Army To Lead Probe
* On The Run Delta Monarch Finally Turns Himself In To Police, Declares Innocence
* Military Declares Eight Wanted Over Murder Of Soldiers 

Fresh twist has emerged in the gruesome murder of 17 soldiers in the Okuama community in the oil rich Delta State as a community leader in the state and former Editor of Guardian Newspaper, Abraham Ogbodo disclosed that the killing was oil-related. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/29/okuama-17-fresh-twist-emerges/

 2. Rivers Crisis Escalates As Secondus, Sekibo, Omehia, Others Urge Tinubu To Caution Wike

* “We Have Nothing Against Mr President Compensating Wike With Ministerial Appointment, But…

The crisis rocking oil-rich Rivers State has refused to abate as political leaders in the state have expressed their displeasure at the direction of events unfolding politically in the state and asked the President to caution ex-governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/29/rivers-crisis-escalates-as-secondus-sekibo-omehia-others-urges-tinubu-to-caution-wike/

3. Wike Thanks Tinubu For Ministerial Appointment, Says President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Practical, Not Theory

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing him as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/29/wike-thanks-tinubu-for-ministerial-appointment-says-presidents-renewed-hope-agenda-practical-not-theory/

4. Drama Continues As Labour Party Denies Existence Of Ejiofor-led BoT

The drama surrounding the leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party has assumed a new dimension as the party has denied knowledge of the existence of any Board of Trustees, BoT, headed by Comrade SOZ Ejiofor. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/29/drama-continues-as-labour-party-denies-existence-of-ejiofor-led-bot/

5. CBN Increases Minimum Capital Requirements for Banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released new minimum capital requirements for commercial, merchant and non-interest banks. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/29/cbn-increases-minimum-capital-requirements-for-banks/

6. Tinubu Appoints Abdullahi Bello As CCB Chairman, Tasked With Maintaining High Standards Of Public Service Morality

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abdullahi Bello as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), pending confirmation by the Senate. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/29/tinubu-appoints-abdullahi-bello-as-ccb-chairman-tasked-with-maintaining-high-standards-of-public-service-morality/

7. FCCPC Condemns KFC’s Discrimination of Physically Challenged Customer

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has condemned the discrimination against Mr Debola Daniel, a rights advocate, by a fast-food outlet, KFC, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, due to his physical state. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/29/fccpc-condemns-kfcs-discrimination-of-physically-challenged-customer/

8. Detained Binance Executive Sues Ribadu, EFCC Over Rights Violation

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance Holding Limited’s Head Of Financial Crime Compliance, has sued Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for violation of his fundamental rights, The Matrix has gathered. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/28/detained-binance-executive-sues-ribadu-efcc-over-rights-violation/

9. EPL: Todd Boehly to be Removed As Chelsea chairman

Todd Boehly will be removed as Chelsea chairman in 2027, according to Mail Sport. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/28/epl-todd-boehly-to-be-removed-as-chelsea-chairman/

10. ‘Mohbad’s Father Told Primeboy To Run Away To Escape Arrest’ – Mohbad’s Mother Leaks

The mother of late Nigerian musician Mohbad, also known as Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, Abosede, has claimed that her estranged husband Joseph Aloba assisted in shielding Primeboy, the main suspect in her son's death. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/28/mohbads-father-told-primeboy-to-run-away-to-escape-arrest-mohbads-mother-leaks/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 

1. Okuama 17: Tinubu, Govs, Other Pay Last Respect

* Tinubu Confers Posthumous National Award On Slain Officers, Gifts Houses, Scholarships For Children
* Orders Military To Pay all benefits to the families of the slain officers and soldiers within 90 Days
* Slain Soldiers’ Sacrifice Won’t Be In Vain, Justice Will Be Served, CDS Vows

It was a stirring moment as President Bola Tinubu led several governors, federal lawmakers, military top brass, and dignitaries to lay wreaths in honour of the slain officers and soldiers and pay last respect to the departed gallant soldier.

2. Tinubu Unveils Presidential Economic Coordination Council

* Says It Will Bolster Nigeria’s Economic Governance Frameworks Ensure Robust, Coordinated Planning, Implementation

In a strategic move to bolster the nation’s economic governance frameworks and ensure robust and coordinated economic planning and implementation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wednesday approved the establishment of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council, PECC, and the creation of the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce, EET.

3. Nigerian Data Consumption Reaches Record High in January 2024-NCC

In January 2024, Nigeria saw an impressive surge in data usage, hitting an all-time high of 721,522 terabytes, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This achievement exceeded the previous record set in December 2023, which was 713,200 terabytes.

4. NNPCL Denies Adjusting Petrol Price, Assures Of Sufficiency

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has described rumours of petrol price adjustment as false.

5. Minimum Wage: TUC Tells FG To Pay FAAC Allocations Of Defaulting States Directly To Workers

As the nation awaits the announcement of a new minimum wage, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to sanction state governments who fail to pay the revised minimum wage when approved.

6. FG Declares Friday, March 29, Monday, April 1 As Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays to mark this year’s Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations respectively.

7. Amid NLC’s Objection, Labour Party Re-Elects Abure As National Chairman

Amid strict opposition from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), one of Nigeria’s opposition parties, Labour Party has re-elected Mr Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the party for a second term by a unanimous affirmation of delegates.

8. Nigerian Top Firms Partner Google, Seek Competitive Edge In Privacy-First Era

Leading Nigerian businesses participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by Google West Africa on the transition from third-party cookies to privacy-first marketing.

9. Bobrisky Pleads As Police Summon Femi Adebayo

Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, is a well-known cross-dresser from Nigeria who has requested that people in his country quit criticizing Femi Adebayo, a well-known movie actor, after winning the best dressed female award at the Ajakaju movie premiere.

10. Super Eagles have shifted attention to 2026 World Cup – Omeruo

Kenneth Omeruo says the Super Eagles have shifted attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers following their friendlies against Ghana and Mali.

The Federal and State Governments must establish schools devoted to imparting traditional religious knowledge, according to the Traditional Religion Worshippers' Association.

By taking this action, we hope to protect and share Yoruba culture and customs with the next generation.

The Oyo State Association secretary, Fayemi Fakayode, advocated in an address in Ibadan for the inclusion of traditional religious knowledge in elementary and secondary school curriculum, similar to how topics on Islamic and Christian religious knowledge are taught.

Read Also: https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/27/bobrisky-pleads-as-police-summon-femi-adebayo/

In order to educate the next generation about Yoruba history and legacy, the secretary—who also happens to be the founder of Olodumare's Temple of Light International—signed a statement personally. He attributed misunderstandings about traditional religion to misinterpretations of African roots and culture.

He stated that children and grandchildren would no longer have to depend on outsiders or people of different religious backgrounds to learn about their religion, culture, tradition, and history if Traditional Religious Knowledge (TRK) was incorporated into the educational system. This is because outsiders have a tendency to portray religion in a negative light in order to draw people away.

Fakayode said, “We made this call during the installation of two Brazilians, Awoyomi Fakayode and Iyanifa Ifatayo Obemo as Mayegun and Yeye Mayegun of Ìjọ Ìmọ́lẹ̀ Olódùmarè Àgbáyé, respectively, on Sunday at Alade Town in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

Read Also: https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/27/enioluwa-reacts-to-alleged-viral-clip-of-him-with-another-man-in-bed/

“The time has come for both the Federal and State Governments to include TRK as a subject in the primary and secondary school curriculum, like they have the IRK and CRK, respectively. There is a need for proper education to impart to the younger generations the needed knowledge of our traditions and religion.

“Also, there is a need to equip the younger generations with culturally based knowledge which will make them useful for themselves and their land as well as implanting in them the spirit of patriotism.

“We call on the traditionalists to start making efforts to establish this subject in our primary and secondary schools, while the Federal and State Governments will give it the needed support by approving its inclusion in the school’s syllabus and curriculum.”

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 

1. Insecurity: Tinubu Talks Tough

* Says Kidnappers Are Cowards, Must Be Treated As Terrorists
* Ex-Minister Calls For Non-Kinetic Approach, Cautions FG Against Wasting Too Much Money On Acquiring Arms, Ammunition,
* Says Millions Of Out-Of-School Children In Northern Nigeria A Production Factory For Banditry
* Gumi Reveals Outcome Of Interaction With Security Agents, Says It Was Productive
Worried by the spate of insecurity and rampant instances of kidnapping, abductions in several parts of the country, President Bola Tinubu has declared that individuals involved in despicable crimes such as kidnapping are cowards and must be treated as terrorists.

2. NCC Directs Telcos To Disconnect All Registered SIMS Without Proper NIN Linkage

* Subscribers Have Until Friday To Rectify Issues Or Be Disconnected
Millions of telephone users without proper linkage of their National Identification Numbers, NIN, with their SIM cards will be disconnected from the telecommunication networks by Friday, March 29, 2024, The Matrix has gathered.

3. CBN Governor Unveils Investigation into Questionable Foreign Exchange Transactions
* Says several FX Requests Fraudulent, Made With Invalid, Illegal Documents
* EFCC May Summon CEOs over $2.4bn Invalid Requests

Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has disclosed ongoing investigations by security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), into questionable foreign exchange (FX) allocations and forward contracts amounting to $2.4 billion.

4. Okuama’s Killing: I have Forgiven Military For Invading My Country Home- Pa Edwin Clark

Elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark has disclosed that he has forgiven the military for the invasion of his country home in Kiagbodo and that of his father in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State by the military after receiving an apology from one of their commanders.

5. Dauda Lawal Seeks President Tinubu’s Assistance To Ending Insecurity, Banditry In Zamfara

Worried by the spate of banditry and related criminal activities in Zamfara State, President Bola Tinubu, Tuesday met with the state’s governor Dauda Lawal to proffer solution to the issue.

6. Obasanjo Asks FG to Engage Youths in Agribusiness to Curb Food Insecurity

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has charged the federal government to engage youths in agricultural business to provide jobs for unemployed youths and curb good insecurity.

7. 'You Must Die By Hanging' Court Sentences Chinese National To Death For Killing Nigerian Girlfriend

A Kano State High Court, Tuesday, sentenced a Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, to death by hanging for the murder of his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani.

8. Again, CBN Raises Interest Rate To 24.75 Percent

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has hiked the benchmark interest rate by 200 basis points to 24.75 percent up from the 22.75 percent announced by the MPC about a month ago.

9. Friendly: Mali Clips Super Eagles’ Wings, Consigns Nigeria To 2-0 Defeat In Morocco

Nigeria ended the March 2024 international break in ignominious fashion as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mali in a friendly match in Morocco.

10. Enioluwa Reacts To Alleged Viral Clip Of Him With Another Man In Bed

Nigerian lifestyle influencer and United Nations Children ambassador Enioluwa Adeoluwa, aka The Lip Gloss Boy, was recently under the microscope after a false video of him being in bed with a man went viral.

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 

1. Accusation, Counter Accusations Trail Escape Of Binance Official
* Ex-DSS Top Shot Faults NSA For Keeping Binance Officials, Says They Are Not Security Agency
* NSA Should Have Transferred Them To EFCC’s Custody, Place Them On Watchlist
* Alleges Compromise, Connivance With Security Agents
* NSA Arrests Suspects In Connection With Anjarwalla’s Escape

The escape of Binance Holding Limited Africa Regional Manager, Nadeem Anjarwalla from the custody of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has been met with accusation and counter accusation from different quarters.

2. Tinubu Approves Renewed Hope Fund To Address Infrastructure Deficit

* Fund Will Invest In Critical National Projects To Promote Growth, Create Employment Opportunities.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across the pivotal areas of agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education in Nigeria.

3. Nigeria Seeks Joint Regional Protection of Undersea Cables

Nigeria has called for a coordinated and multilateral approach by the West African region to jointly protect shared telecommunications infrastructure and diversify connectivity to ensure uninterruptible connections.

4. CBN Warns BDCs Against Selling FX Above N1,269/$1, Threatens To Sanction Errant Operators

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monday announced that it has sold $10,000 to each of the eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the country at the rate of N1,251/$1.

5. Wike Renews Hostility Against Fubara, Says ‘He Showed His True Colour After We Won Election For Him’

Former Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike, has renewed his hostility against his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

6. Abductions: You Are Not Above The Law FG Roars, Invites Controversial Islamic Cleric, Gumi For Interrogation

Following the activities of bandits in the country and the comments attributed to controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the Nigerian government has invited him for questioning.

7. NCC Files Criminal Charges Against MTN, Others Over Copyright Infringement

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. and four others over alleged copyright infringement.

8. We Didn’t Pay Ransom to Secure Kuriga Schoolchildren’s Release-FG

The federal government has refuted rumors circulating that 137 pupils kidnapped from Kuriga hamlet, Chikun LGA, Kaduna state, were released after a ransom was paid.

9. FG Charges Blogger to Court Over Accusing Fashola of Writing PEPC’s Judgments

The blogger Ibezim Chike Victor, who accused former Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola of writing the rulings of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) that rejected the petitions filed by the Labour Party (LP) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), is now facing legal action from the Federal Government.

10. Mbappe, Kane, De Bruyne emerge highest -paid players in Europe [See Top 10]

Paris Saint-Germain striker, Kylian Mbappe, earns more than twice as much as any other player in Europe, according to L’Equipe.

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 

1. Released Kuriga Students: Confusion Over Number Of Abductees

287, Figment Of Some People’s Imagination, Only 137 Were Abducted- Katsina Gov, DHQ Clarify
Rescue Of Abducted Student Result Of Collaboration Between FG, States - Tinubu
Atiku, Obi Hail Students’ Release, Call For Strengthening Of The Safe School Initiative
 Kaduna Gov, Sani Uba Absolves Sheikh Gumi Of Any Role In Rescue Of Students

As Nigerians celebrated the rescue of the abducted from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, fresh controversies have trailed the actual number of students that were abducted. READ MORE

2. Imo, Kogi, Kano, Oyo, Osun, Edo Top States That Borrowed From CBN To Pay Salaries

How 31 State Governments Borrowed N457.17bn To Pay Salaries Under Salary Bailout Facility

Imo, Kogi, Kano, Oyo, Osun, Edo are some of the states that topped the lists of states that borrowed money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay salaries, a report by Nairametrics has shown. READ MORE

3. Naira at N400 to Dollar Unrealistic – Moghalu

Says Emefiel's Artificial Value of Naira fosters speculator arbitrage that bled the economy.
A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu, has criticized the notion that the naira will stabilize at N400 to the dollar,saying it is unrealistic. READ MORE

4.  Again, Tragedy Hits Nollywood As Veteran Actor Amaechi Muonagor Dies At 64

While Nigerians are still mourning the tragic death of John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu, another fan’s favourite, veteran Nollywood actor Amaechi Muonagor, who has been battling illness, has reportedly died. READ MORE

5. NAHCON Increases Hajj Fare To N6.8m, Sets March 28 Deadline For Payment

The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has increased the fare for the year 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to N6.8m up by N1,918,032.91 from the initial N4.9m. It attributed the increase in fare to the foreign exchange crisis rocking the country. READ MORE

6. Hardship: Tinubu Cancels 72nd Birthday Celebration

President Bola Tinubu has ordered that no celebration be put together for his upcoming birthday due to the mood in the country. READ MORE

7. Strike Over, SSANU, NASU Direct Members To Resume Work

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), on Sunday, has concluded their seven-day warning strike. READ MORE

8. Four Killed In Bauchi Ramadan Zakat Stampede

A stampede that occurred during a Zakat, an Islamic tenet for almsgiving to the poor in Bauchi State has led to the death of four people, while several others were left injured. READ MORE

9. Falana Demands Compensation For Families Of Nasarawa Students Killed During Palliative Distribution Stampede

Human rights activist, Femi Falana has demanded compensation for the families of two students of the Nasarawa State University who were killed during a stampede that occurred during the distribution of palliatives to the varsity students. READ MORE

10. Chelsea to smash transfer record for Napoli’s Osimhen despite FFP concerns

Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay the release clause of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, despite fears of breaching the Premier League Profit and Sustainable rules. READ MORE

Regarding the N30 trillion "Ways and Means" advances made during President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, the Senate has stated that it intends to call former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

This conclusion is the result of the present CBN leadership's insufficient justifications for the transactions.

Senator Jibrin Isah, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on "Ways and Means" from Kogi East, revealed this following a meeting at the National Assembly in Abuja with representatives of the CBN, including the Deputy Governor.
The Senate’s move is part of a broader inquiry led by Isah’s ad-hoc committee, established to scrutinize the acquisition and utilization of the CBN’s Ways and Means loans under Buhari’s tenure.

The committee is tasked with delving into the intricacies of the financial mechanism known as ‘Ways and Means,’ a facility that allows the CBN to cover government budget deficits.

Read Also: https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/fresh-troubles-for-emefiele-as-senate-uncovers-13-infractions-in-n30trn-ways-and-means-loan/

Additionally, the probe extends to the examination of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, another financial initiative from the same period.

During the engagement with CBN representatives, Senator Isah unveiled that their preliminary findings indicated that Emefiele had autonomously authorized several transactions, an action the committee deems unlawful

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 

1. Labour Party, NLC Crisis Worsens

* Ajaero’s Claim That NLC Owns LP Not Backed By Electoral Act Or The Constitution-Labour Party
* Accuses NLC Of Parading Militant Arm, Threatens Lawsuit Over Libelous Statement Against Abure
* Focus On negotiating better working condition, welfare for average Nigerian worker-Abure Bombs Ajaero
* NLC Calls For Caretaker Transition Committee To Organise Legitimate, All-Inclusive National Convention

The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has continued unabated as the party and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are engaging each other in a war of words. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/labour-party-nlc-crisis-worsens/

2. Okuama Killings: Senate Declares Support For Military After Service Chiefs’ Briefing

* Lawan Appeals For Information From Community To Aid Arrest Of Perpetrators

Rising from a closed-door meeting between the Senate and Service Chiefs in the wake of the gruesome murders of seventeen military personnel in Okuama, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State last week, the Senate Committee on Defence has pledged its support for the military in tackling the security challenges confronting the nation. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/okuama-killings-senate-declares-support-for-military-after-service-chiefs-briefing/

3. Cardoso’s Promise Fulfilled As CBN Clears Valid FX Transactions Backlog

In a fulfillment of a key pledge made by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the apex bank has announced that all valid foreign exchange backlogs have now been settled. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/cardosos-promise-fulfilled-as-cbn-clears-valid-fx-transactions-backlog/

4. Tinubu To Confer National Honours On Slain Soldiers, Promises Befitting Burial

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the slain military personnel in Okuama, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, will be conferred with national honours. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/tinubu-to-confer-national-honours-on-slain-soldiers-promises-befitting-burial/

5. FG Unveils Full List, Names Of BDCs Linked With Terrorism Financing

Following the directive of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Sanctions Committee on Monday, March 18, revealed the full identities of 15 entities including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change (BDC) firms that have been sanctioned over alleged terrorism financing. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/fg-unveils-to-sanction-newspaper-publisher-six-bureau-de-change-operators-others-involved-in-terrorism-financing-in-nigeria/

6. National Assembly Passes Student Loan Bill

The National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, has passed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024 after one week. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/senate-passes-student-loan-act-2024/

7. Idris Elba, Partners Mo Abudu On ‘Dust To Dreams’

Dust To Dreams, a short film situated in Lagos, is slated to be directed by Hollywood actor Idris Elba in association with Nigerian director Mo Abudu. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/idris-elba-partners-mo-abudu-on-dust-to-dreams/

8. Edo: Court Refuses To Stop Impeachment Move Against Shaibu

The Federal High Court of Abuja's Justice James Omotoso has once again declined to halt the State House of Assembly's purported impeachment of Mr. Phillip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/edo-court-refuses-to-stop-impeachment-move-against-shaibu/

9. Tinubu Increases Salary Of CJN, Supreme Court Judges, Others

The proposal made by President Bola Tinubu to enhance the pay, perks, and other advantages received by judicial officers across the nation has been granted by the House of Representatives. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/tinubu-increases-salary-of-cjn-supreme-court-judges-others/

10. ‘He’s an animal’ – Luis Figo On Most Competitive Footballer

Portugal legend Luis Figo has said that Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo is the most competitive footballer he has ever seen. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/hes-an-animal-luis-figo-on-most-competitive-footballer/

An early morning fire which razed some shops in the Nnamdi Azikwe and Docemo section of the Idumota Market in Lagos State has left goods worth millions of naira destroyed, The Matrix has gathered.

The fire reportedly affected three buildings, including two two-storey structures and one three-storey building in the market popularly known for clothes, bags and shoes.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service have been alerted to a Fire emergency at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikwe and Docemo in Idumota, Lagos. At 07:41 hours, the call was received, and emergency services swiftly mobilized.

“Upon arrival at 07:58 hours, it was discovered that the Fire encompasses three buildings, including two 2-storey structures and one three-storey building.

Read Also: https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/12/two-children-killed-as-fire-guts-borno-idps-camp/

Currently, Firefighting efforts are underway at the scene. The Fire stations at Ebute Elefun, Ilupeju and Alausa have deployed resources to mitigate the situation effectively”.

“The cause of the Fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing. Casualties have not been confirmed at this time” the Fire Service boss, Margaret Adeseye wrote on X platform.

Giving further update on the fire outbreak, Adeseye said “Tragically, house number 49 has collapsed due to the fire's intensity and the close proximity of buildings. Additionally, the fire has spread to house number 53.

Emergency response teams continue to work tirelessly to contain the spread of the fire and protect surrounding” she wrote.

Adeseye urged residents to cooperate with emergency personnel and avoid the area for their safety.

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 

1. Okuama Killings: Fresh Facts Emerge

* Community Leader Says Land Dispute Led To Killing Of Soldiers In The Community
* Says Families Involved In The Dispute Highly Placed, Call For Real Investigation To Unravel The Truth
* After Meeting Tinubu, Oborevwori Talks Tough, Says Killers Of Military Personnel In Delta Will Be Brought To Book
* Akpabio Fingers Mercenaries As Those Who May Be Responsible For Heinous Crime

As outrage, condemnation and anger continued to trail the senseless killings of 17 military personnel in Okuama, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State during a peace-keeping mission fresh facts have emerged on what could have led to the heinous crime.  READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/okuama-killings-fresh-facts-emerge/

2. Fresh Troubles For Emefiele As Senate Uncovers 13 Infractions In N30trn Ways And Means Loan

* Senate To Invite Cardoso For Questioning

The controversial N30 tr Ways and Means loans have landed former president of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele in fresh trouble. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/fresh-troubles-for-emefiele-as-senate-uncovers-13-infractions-in-n30trn-ways-and-means-loan/

3. Zenith Bank Appoints Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji As GMD/CEO

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive with effect from June 1, 2024, subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). She takes over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term expires on May 31, 2024, after a very successful tenure. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/zenith-bank-appoints-dame-dr-adaora-umeoji-as-gmd-ceo/

4. Edo: Go And Face Your Impeachment Process, Court Tells Shaibu

The attempt by the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu to stop the impeachment process initiated against him by the state’s House of Assembly has failed as Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant an ex-parte motion that he filed seeking an interim order to stop the impeachment process by the state’s House of Assembly. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/edo-go-and-face-your-impeachment-process-court-tells-shaibu/

5. Senate Extends Implementation Of N2.1tr 2023 Supplementary Appropriation To June 2024

The Senate has extended the implementation of the 2023 budget and the N2.1tr Supplementary Appropriation till June 30, 2024. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/senate-extends-implementation-of-n2-1tr-2023-supplementary-appropriation-to-june-2024/

6. Bill Seeking Five Months’ Leave For Widows, Widowers Scales Second Reading at House of Reps

A bill seeking to grant five months’ leave for female and male workers who lost their spouses has scaled second reading at the House of Representatives. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/20/bill-seeking-five-months-leave-for-widows-widowers-scales-second-reading-at-house-of-reps/

7. NEITI: FAAC allocation to FG, States and LGAs increased by 23.56% in 2023

NEITI report given by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji,  has shown that the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee's (FAAC) allocation to the federal government, 36 states, and 774 LGAs grew by 23.56% to N10.14 trillion in 2023. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/neiti-faac-allocation-to-fg-states-and-lgas-increased-by-23-56-in-2023/

8. Actress Blessing Patrick: “I Can't Stand Cheating Rich Husbands."

Blessing Patrick, an actress in Nollywood, has effectively established a thriving career. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/actress-blessing-patrick-i-cant-stand-cheating-rich-husbands/

9. Nnamdi Kanu To Remain In Custody As Court Denies Bail, Orders Accelerated Hearing

The incarcerated leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has again been denied bail again by a court in Abuja READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/nnamdi-kanu-alleges-plot-to-kill-him-in-custody-seeks-transfer-to-kuje-prison/

10. Friendlies: Super Eagles confirm Osimhen, Awoniyi out

The Super Eagles have confirmed Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tyronne Ebuehi and Gabriel Osho have all been ruled out of the friendlies against Ghana and Mali. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/friendlies-super-eagles-confirm-osimhen-awoniyi-out/

Through social media, Nigerians express their grief at the death of a countryman, Oladipo Hafeez Gbajabiamila.

Gbajabiamila passed away on Thursday, March 14, following ulcer complications.

Later, his wife Mojisola joined him in the United Kingdom, where he had gone in search of better opportunities.

His heart stopped beating when he passed away, leaving behind his wife and their children Abdulraman and Tunmishe, despite medical attention and efforts by healthcare personnel.

Seven thousand euros has been raised by the community to support the deceased family.

Torty Mercy: “Why these UK deaths? It’s becoming more frequent….I think over labor contributes to this, someone I know slumped and died in the UK too. God may we not be eaten while looking for what we will eat. May his soul RIP”.

Ikokwu Chidozie: “He is related to Gbajabiamila? No health insurance policy? Of course, Nigeria High commission in the UK won’t do or say nothing”.

Afiangbe: “May his soul rest in peace. I will also advise people to take up life insurance policy, especially when you have young dependents. It’s quite affordable. We don’t pray for death, however it’s inevitable. May God console his family, IJN”.

Smith: “Life insurance will save your family members after your passing!! No one knows his due date, go for it now!! Put that £80 you send to people in Naija monthly into securing your family. Ire o”.

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 



1. Worsening Insecurity: Peter Obi Laments

* Says Nigeria Now Ranked Among Riskiest Countries To Live As Over 7,000 Is Kidnapped In One Year
* Anxiety As Gunmen Abduct 87 In Kajuru Village, Again
* CDS Arrives Kaduna As Troops Rescue 16 Abductees In Kajuru, Kaduna

The rising and worsening insecurity in Nigeria has continued to elicit reactions from different quarters with Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, the latest high-profiled Nigerian to express deep concern over the menace. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/worsening-insecurity-peter-obi-laments/

2. DHQ Releases Pictures, Names Of 17 Gallant Soldiers Killed In Okuama

* Human Rights Lawyer Falana Warns Army Against Attack On Innocent People

In a heart-wrenching development, the Defence Headquarters, late on Monday released the list of 17 military personnel killed in an attack in Okuama, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State during a peace-keeping mission. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/dhq-releases-pictures-names-of-17-gallant-soldiers-killed-in-okuama/

3. Getting A People's Constitution Tops Agenda As The Patriots Holds National Constitutional Dialogue

* Anyaoku, Ozekhome, Others Say Constitution Amendment Not Solution To Nigeria’s Problem

Prominent Nigerians like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of The Commonwealth of Nations; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Mike Ozekhome and other eminent Nigerians at the National Constitutional Dialogue are unequivocal in their submission that amending the 1999 constitution is not the solution to the myriad of challenges bedeviling the country. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/getting-a-peoples-constitution-tops-agenda-as-the-patriots-holds-national-constitutional-dialogue/

4. Wike Seeks Reps’ Approval To Borrow N500bn To Finance 2024 Budget

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has asked the House of Representatives to approve a N500 billion loan to finance the N1.147 trillion 2024 budget of the territory. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/wike-seeks-reps-approval-to-borrow-n500bn-to-finance-2024-budget/

5. NIMC, NCC Partner On NIN-SIM Linkage Processes

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have partnered to enhance processes related to the NIN-SIM linkage. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/19/nimc-ncc-partner-on-nin-sim-linkage-processes/

6. Voice, Data Services Affected by Undersea Cable Cuts Restored – NCC

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the voice and data services affected by the cable cuts have been restored. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/18/voice-data-services-affected-by-undersea-cable-cuts-restored-ncc/
7. Court Orders Binance To Release Data Of Nigerian Traders To EFCC

Following the alleged illicit transaction totalling about $26bn by Binance Holdings Limited, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the cryptocurrency exchange platform to provide the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with the comprehensive data or information of all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/18/crypto-court-orders-binance-to-share-data-with-efcc-amid-allegations-of-terrorism-financing/

8. Hardship: SSANU, NASU Begin Strike Today, Ground Varsities

The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have initiated a statewide walkout due to what they deem to be unfair treatment and inequity in the Federal Government's payment of delayed salary. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/18/hardship-ssanu-nasu-begin-strike-today-ground-varsities/
9. “She paid for my first song...." Kizz Daniel Appreciates Wife

Nigeria popular artist, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe better known as Kizz Daniel has revealed what his wife meant to him. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/18/she-paid-for-my-first-song-kizz-daniel-appreciates-wife/

10. African Games 2023: Falconets pip Uganda 2-0 to seal final spot

Substitutes Okay Adaobi and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu scored the winning goal as the Falconets defeated Uganda 2-0 to seal a place in the final of the African Games 2023. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/03/18/african-games-2023-falconets-pip-uganda-2-0-to-seal-final-spot/