₦airaland Forum

Following the tragic death of the multiple award-winning rapper AKA no in South Africa, his family and music partners have confirmed that the rapper's last project before his death 'Mass Country' would be released on the 24th of February 2023.

However, this was not the only announcement made in the shared press release; it was also confirmed that a new single titled 'Company' by AKA with famous Nigerian producer Kiddominant would be released on Friday, the 17th of February, 2023.

Talking about the project and song a long-time friend, advisor and business Partner @Vth Season’s, Raphael Benza revealed:

“Kiernan worked very hard on this project. The energy and the expectations from the Megacy fuelled him to make a masterpiece. We are delighted, even at our saddest moment, to share the music he left behind for us for eternity…Long Live, Supa Mega, Live Long!! The world will never forget AKA and that’s a promise…

https://supers.ng/new-song-from-late-rapper-aka-with-a-nigerian-producer-announced-see-release-date/

Omah Lay the Nigerian singer has sparked speculations online after he openly professed love for his senior colleague in the music industry, Tiwa Savage.

The ‘Soso’ crooner had on Saturday, February 4, taken to microblogging platform, Twitter, to declare his love for the Queen of Afrobeats.

“I love Tiwa Savage too”, the 25-year-old singer tweeted.

To further emphasize his unwavering love for Tiwa Savage, he changed his profile photo to a photo of the singer.

See below,

This caused a major buzz on social media as netizens wondered what was happening between the two celebrities behind the scene.

Well, Omah Lay took things up a notch this Valentine as he sent over seven bouquet of flowers to the 43-year-old singer’s residence.

Tiwa Savage, who was taken aback by the romantic gesture, took to her Instastory to show off the beautiful flowers.

Watch a video of the roses below,

In October 2022, Omah Lay became a landlord as he acquires a new house that is said to be worth half a billion Naira.

The singer’s friends took to their respective Twitter page to share the good news and congratulate him on his latest acquisition.

One of his friend claims that the singer acquired the house for half a billion Naira.

Read Full Story, Use link below!!

https://supers.ng/omah-lay-sends-over-7-bouquet-of-roses-to-tiwa-savage-days-after-declaring-love-for-her/

Dollar to Naira exchange rate for today, 18th February on SUPERS.ng.

This online business news platform has obtained the official dollar to naira exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC) rate, and CBN rates.

Note that the exchange rate changes hourly.… it depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demands. It means that…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at ₦765 and ₦770, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

How Much Is Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

SUPERS.ng  understands that the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N765 and sell at N770 as of the time of filing this report.

Exchange Rate of Dollar To Naira in Black Market Today?
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate 765
Selling Rate 770

The local currency opened at N770.00 per $1 at the parallel market otherwise known as the black market today Saturday, 18th February 2023, in Lagos Nigeria, after it closed at N768 per $1 on Friday, 17th February 2023.

Even though the dollar to naira opened in the parallel market at N770 per $1 today, SUPERS.ng reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market, otherwise known as the black market. The apex bank has therefore directed anyone who requires forex to approach their bank, insisting that the I&E window is the only known exchange.

SUPERS.ng reports that in the black market, the players buy a dollar for N765 and sell for N770 on Saturday morning, February 18, 2023, after they purchased N760 and sold for N768 on Friday, 17th February 2023.

Factors Influencing Foreign Exchange Rates

Here are some of the causes of the dwindling dollar to naira exchange rate.

Here are some of the causes of the dwindling dollar to naira exchange rate.

Inflation Rates: It is well known that inflation directly impacts black market exchange rates. If the Nigerian economy can be stabilized and inflation is controlled, the naira will benefit; however, if the naira continues to fall, it may indicate that food and other necessities are becoming more expensive daily.

Interest Rates: Another tool to keep an eye on is interest rates. If the interest rate at which banks lend money rises, it would harm the economy, causing it to contract and, as a result, the value of the naira to fall.

Government Debt: National debt can impact investor confidence and, as a result, the influx of funds into the economy. If inflows are high, the naira exchange rate will rise in favour of the naira.

Speculators: Speculators frequently impact the naira-to-dollar exchange rate. They stockpile money in anticipation of a gain, causing the naira to plummet even lower.

Conditions of Trade: Favorable trade terms will increase the value of the naira to the dollar, although Nigeria is currently experiencing a trade deficit. Everything comes from China, India, and the majority of Asian countries, SUPERS.ng reported.

https://supers.ng/18th-february-2023-black-market-dollar-to-naira-exchange-rate/

(CBN) The Central Bank of of Nigeria on Friday threw depositors into confusion as learnt by SUPERS.ng as it gave conflicting orders on the deposit of old N1,000 and N500 notes.

The conflicting orders emanated from media reports based on anonymous briefings by senior officials of the bank, according to SUPERS.ng findings a memo that the bank reportedly gave to commercial banks, and an official statement issued by the bank, all within six hours.

The resulting confusion lasted till Friday evening even as depositors thronged and overwhelmed CBN offices across the country trying to deposit N500 and N1,000 notes to no avail.

Early Friday morning, a senior official of the apex bank had given an anonymous briefing to one of our correspondents that Deposit Money Banks had been directed to receive the old N500 and N1,000 notes from depositors. SUPERS.ng later relied on this official’s remarks to publish a story to that effect.

The official had told one of our SUPERS.ng, “Go to your bank but fill the form before you go. Go with the reference code you generate. With your code, banks will collect the old from you. But if the amount is more than N500,000, you will have to go to the CBN and deposit it.”

Earlier, the CBN opened a portal on its website and made it mandatory for those willing to return old notes to fill a form and generate a code.

A few hours after its official spoke to The PUNCH, the CBN issued a statement refuting the official’s remarks, while also seeking to blame the media for the fiasco.

However, the CBN’s rebuttal contradicted the facts on the ground. Besides the irrefutable proof in The PUNCH’s possession that the CBN official spoke to our reporter, the apex bank also gave written directives to banks to start receiving the old notes from customers and to open on Saturday and Sunday for that purpose.

The written directives were made available to our correspondents by commercial bank officials on Friday.

Subsequently, some banks, including UBA, First Bank, GTB and Ecobank sent emails to their customers to inform them that they would now accept the old N500 and N1,000 notes and that they would open on Saturday and Sunday to receive the deposits.

In a memo to its customers, First Bank wrote, “Dear valued customer, this is to inform you that our branches shall receive old notes up to a maximum of N500,000 after registration on the CBN portal.

“Please note that deposits of more than N500,000 should be taken to the nearest CBN location.

“In addition, our branches will be open tomorrow, Saturday 18 February, 2023 to receive old notes. Thank you.”

Ecobank, which also communicated with its customers on Friday afternoon, added that its branches would be open on Saturday and Sunday.

The bank wrote, “We are still collecting your old N500 and N1,000 notes.

“Simply follow the steps below: Visit the CBN website and register through the dedicated portal.

“Take your cash after registering to any Ecobank branch close to you.

“Maximum deposit allowed is N500k per customer (based on your BVN).

“We are open on Saturdays and Sundays to serve you for your cash deposit needs only.”

UBA, on its part, advised its customers that it had not stopped collecting old N500 and N,1000 notes.

“Here’s how to deposit old notes: Log on to crs.cbn.gov.ng to register on the CBN portal.

“Visit any UBA branch with the following: The cash you wish to deposit.

“The reference number generated from the CBN portal. Your BVN.

“Please, note that the maximum deposit value is N500,000 per customer.

“Our branches continue to remain open for cash deposits on Saturdays alongside our 24/7 digital banking channels.”

Nevertheless, a statement signed by the apex bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, Osita Nwanisobi, on Friday, denied the directive.

The statement read, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorised messages quoting the CBN as having authorised the Deposit Money Banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes. For the avoidance of doubt and in line with Mr President’s broadcast of February 16, 2023, the CBN has been directed to only reissue and re-circulate the old N200 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023. Members of the public should therefore disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on this subject.

“Media practitioners are advised to please verify any information from the correct sources before publication.”

When called to speak on the contradicting statements, Nwanisobi did not pick his call.

He also did not respond to messages sent to his telephone.

However, viral videos emerged on Friday as large crowds besieged the CBN office in Marina, Lagos State. The CBN workers could neither enter nor exit the building, while the security personnel were overwhelmed by the crowd.

Sources within the financial industry and government told our correspondents that the CBN gave its initial order for customers to proceed to commercial banks after its offices were besieged by Nigerians who wanted to deposit the old N1,000 and N500 notes. The bank had not envisaged that the crowd would be overwhelming.

The management later rescinded its initial order after it was accused by senior government officials of contradicting the President, Major-Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd.).The officials told the bank’s senior management that its order contradicted the one given by the President during his address on Saturday when he reiterated that all existing notes could only be exchanged at the “CBN and designated points.” However, the ‘designated points’ were not defined by the President.

Buhari had said, “In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act, 2007, all existing old N1,000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.”

Findings, however, showed that the CBN did not attempt to countermand the President. The bank’s management had read ‘designated points’ to be commercial banks, hence the directive. Section 20 (3) of the CBN Act referred to by the President states, “Notwithstanding sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section, the Bank shall have power, if directed to do so by the President and after giving reasonable notice in that behalf, to call in any of its notes or coins on payment of the face value thereof and any note or coin with respect to which a notice has been given under this sub-section, shall, on the expiration of the notice, cease to be legal tender, but, subject to Section 22 of this Act, shall be redeemed by the Bank upon demand.”

A reliable source, who is privy to the tumultuous events of Friday, also told Saturday PUNCH that the CBN’s senior management had been careful not to misspeak on the matter because of the pending case at the Supreme Court. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the governor and his team were wary of making any pronouncement that could be deemed contemptuous by the apex court.

Depositors overwhelm CBN

In Lagos, hundreds of residents thronged the CBN office on Lagos Island, to deposit their old N500 and N1,000 notes.

One of our correspondents, who got to the area at 8.40am, met a huge crowd of people, who were shouting and asking officials of the apex bank to open the gate for them to go in and deposit their old notes.

A CBN official, who gave her name only as Ada, spoke to the crowd from the gated office and asked them to be calm and form queues.

She asked people with N500,000 and above who had filled the online form to be in one queue and those with lower amounts to go to their respective banks.

Ada said amid the noise, “We beg you to calm down. We cannot attend to everybody here. If you have filled the online form on our website and have above N500,000, please, form two queues.

“If you haven’t filled the form and if you have lower amounts, please go back to your banks. They will attend to you.”

The noisy crowd, however, protested, shouted her down and prevented her from finishing her speech.

Other officials came out after a moment and asked the crowd to go back to their respective banks, citing a new directive from the apex bank governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, but the crowd was insistent.

However, some depositors who did not have up to N500,000 combined their funds to be able to join the queue and have their cash redeemed.

Some others asked some Bureau De Change operators to help them redeem their old notes.

Right behind the CBN office is a branch of the First Bank, which was closed. Security guards in mufti were seen sitting inside the bank.

Hours after the directive for those with less than N500,000 to go to their respective banks, the crowd had grown and had become uncontrollable.

Many of the angry depositors banged on the CBN office gate and shouted that the security guards should come out and open the gate.

One of the depositors, Mr Suleiman Suleiman, who said he was a BDC operator, said he had over N2.5m with him in old notes and needed to deposit it before leaving the scene.

He said he had been at the CBN office since 5am and was initially given a number by one of those he met in the queue.

Suleiman stated, “When I came this early morning, I met over 100 people already at the bank. I was given the number 107. After a few hours, when the officials drove in and the crowd had grown, it became difficult to continue the numbering system. Everything descended into chaos.

“As you can see, everything here is in shambles. The country is shaking. No commercial bank opened, so how do we even deposit the money? Yesterday (Thursday), when I went to my bank to deposit some funds, they turned me back and asked me to come here (the CBN office). Now, see what I have met.”

Asked why he had to wait till the deadline before he went to deposit the notes, he said, “They said the matter is in court. It was until Buhari came out to speak yesterday (Thursday) that I knew I was in serious trouble.”

A trader, Mrs Salawa Shobummi, was crying when one of our correspondents approached her. She said she was a trader dealing in pepper at the Mile 12 Market, Ketu, and had “a lot of old notes” to deposit.

She lamented, “I have with me here over N270,000. Before this naira palaver, I used to go to my bank every week to deposit my profit and take the capital back to the market to buy some more goods.

“But since the morning I came here, everything is just scattered. Nobody is even answering us. I am not feeling too well; I cannot struggle the way others are struggling.”

Some policemen were seen begging the angry crowd to leave the CBN office and go back to their banks, while others guarded the bank premises, brandishing their AK-47 rifles.

The protesting crowd kept shouting, “No bank! Old notes! We are tired! CBN, collect our old notes!”

Some hoodlums joined the crowd and began to foment trouble. A lady said her bag containing money had been snatched. Another lady alleged that her phone had been stolen.

As of 1.30pm when one of our correspondents left the scene, the situation had not changed.

In Katsina State, scores of depositors stormed the Katsina branch of the CBN, but officials of the bank referred them to their individual banks and gave the depositors clearance letters to swap the old notes for new ones.

In Kogi and Ogun states, CBN officials turned back depositors with less than N500,000 and asked them to approach their banks instead.

Officials of the CBN in Katsina, who spoke to one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity, said the apex bank was not collecting money from depositors.

According to the officials, the bank will only give a clearance note to the depositors, which they will in turn take to their individual banks where the money will either be deposited or changed.

The Kogi State branch of the CBN directed customers with less than N500,000 to their banks to swap them with new notes.

A visit to the banks office along Hassan Katsina Road, Zone 8 in Lokoja on Friday showed that those with less than N500,000 were being turned back and advised to visit their banks.

The branch Controller, Ahmed Sule, told Saturday PUNCH that the bank was only attending to those with N500,000 and above while those with less amount have been directed to visit their banks to swap their money.

He, however, said the amounts would be credited to the depositors’ accounts and no cash would be given either at the CBN or the commercial banks.

He urged customers to visit the apex bank’s website, download the form, fill it and submit it in the case of those with N500,000 and above, while others with less amount were advised to submit the completed forms and old notes to their respective banks and their accounts would be credited.

Majority of depositors, who besieged the Ilorin branch of the CBN on Friday expressed disappointment with the attitude of the central bank officials on the swap of the old notes.

They said they were disappointed that the CBN officials did not respond responsively to their requests.

Apart from the alleged lukewarm attitude of the CBN officials to attend to them, the depositors also complained of poor Internet network to generate the code for the apex bank to attend to their requests.

Alhaji Abdulmajeed Lasisi, who said he brought the proceeds from the sale of yam flour from Kaiama in the Kaiama Local Government Area in the northern part of the state, said he was at the CBN office in Ilorin since Thursday and he had not been able to get new naira notes in exchange for his old notes.

He said, “I came to the CBN in Ilorin from Kaiama on Thursday to exchange the old naira notes and up till this afternoon (Friday), the CBN officials have not answered us. Although someone helped me yesterday (Thursday) to generate the code, I have not been called in.

“I want to appeal to the officials of the bank not to make the process cumbersome so that we will not spend time waiting here for our hard earned money.”

Another depositor, Najeem Salam, who spoke on behalf of some members of the crowd, said what many people were experiencing at the gate of the CBN branch was the issue of poor network to generate the code.

He said that though a lot of people turned out at the CBN office to change their old notes, the process was taking too long because of the poor network and attitude of the bank’s workers.

When one of our correspondents visited the branch of the apex bank in Asaba, Delta State, it was observed that security had been beefed up in the area as depositors were orderly and given tally numbers before being allowed onto the premises.

Some CBN officials were seen controlling the crowd to avoid chaos.

In Bayelsa State, hundreds of bank customers on Friday crowded the Yenagoa branch office of the CBN.

One of our correspondents, who visited the apex bank along the Ox-Bow Lake Road, observed some customers with sacks of old notes, while a few others drove inside the office amid tight security provided by policemen and plainclothes men.

Others were also seen counting cash outside the gate and the reception area of the CBN even as some of the customers travelled from neighbouring Rivers and Delta states to swap the cash.

The CBN branch was attending to customers in batches, particularly those with printout slips containing their account details, which they had successfully generated from the apex bank’s website.

Efforts to speak with the Director, Governor’s Department, CBN, Mr Joseph Omayuku, proved abortive as he was said to be very busy when Saturday PUNCH requested to speak with him.

However, an official of the CBN, who addressed the customers at the gate, explained that only customers with N500,000 and above could swap at the apex bank, while those with lesser amounts should take the cash to their respective commercial banks.

The official, who declined to mention his name, said, “Below N500,000, go to your bank with your slip; your bank will attend to you. If you don’t have the printout, just calm down; there is a challenge now (on the website); in about an hour’s time, it will work again. Your banks will open on Saturday and Sunday.”

But some customers complained that the website was no longer accessible and their banks rejected the old naira notes when they approached them to deposit it, following an earlier advice of the CBN branch manager.

The CBN branch office in Minna, Niger State, was not crowded as of the time our correspondent visited.

The CBN office in Edo State was receiving the old naira notes on Friday. Depositors were at the Akpakpava branch office of the bank hoping to deposit their old note. They were assembled at the POST Office opposite the bank and were being ushered in threes with the security men ensuring that the exercise was without rancour.

Some of the depositors told Saturday PUNCH that they were happy that they could now deposit their old notes and expressed hope that their accounts would be credited soon.

When informed that the process of crediting customers’ accounts would take four weeks, Osaze Osifo, who said he deposited N200,000, noted that it was good to be able to save money but urged the apex bank to speed up the process of crediting the accounts of the depositors.

One of our correspondents, who monitored the development in Sokoto State, reported that most of the depositors, who were at the CBN branch office, were businessmen.

A depositor, Abubakar Isa, decried the attitude of the apex bank on the money swap arrangement as the application they depositors were directed to was not working.

In Osogbo, Osun State capital, many business centre operators on Friday engaged in brisk business near the CBN branch office in the city as they assisted many customers who had stormed the bank to deposit their old notes to fill the necessary form online.

Food vendors were also present in large numbers in the area to attend to the crowd.

As early as 8am, customers had stormed the bank to make enquiries on how they could deposit their old notes.

Many of the illiterate depositors were assisted by the business centre operators, who moved their gadgets to the area.

A computer centre operator, Khalid Alaparo, said he got the hint about a business opportunity at the CBN office through an official of the bank.

“I got the hint of the business opportunity waiting for us here through an official of the CBN. Depositors that are not literate are the ones coming to us to help them fill some forms that would enable them to deposit their old notes. We charge them moderately for the services,” he explained.

Security operatives deployed in the area in large numbers prevented our correspondent from taking pictures, while many of the depositors also refused to allow their pictures to be taken so as not to expose them to danger.

Many of the depositors, who besieged the Abeokuta, Ogun State branch of the CBN, expressed frustration that they were not attended to by the officials of the bank.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that only those who had been able to generate codes were allowed into the bank.

A depositor, who identified herself simply as Yetunde, said the generation of code to make the payment was not going through, adding that those without the code were not allowed to enter into the premises.

https://supers.ng/central-bank-of-confusion-cbns-conflicting-orders-on-n1000-n500-notes-cause-maximum-confusion/

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has said that the current scarcity of naira notes has negatively impacted business activities by disrupting the proper flow of goods.

The president of the association, Otunba Francis Meshioye, stated this on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists in Lagos.

According to him, the current naira scarcity and the pressure the cash crunch has put on online transactions have negatively affected the free flow of goods.

He said, “I want to assume that this is a very short-term problem. It is general. Even if you want to do e-banking, there are some things you cannot do at the moment. We have problems, PoS is not working.

“There is no way any scarcity of something that is essential to the consumer will not affect the producer. We feel it because it hinders the proper flow of our goods to the end user. What effect is that going to have? It means we will pile stock and when we pile stock, it means cash is trapped. We pay high interest rates and they won’t yield good returns and investments go to where returns come regularly.

“No investor wants to play with his money. This is a very big issue in the economy now. If you put all these together, you will agree with me that we are really facing a critical time as manufacturers.”

Meshioye further stated that the lingering fuel scarcity has worsened the energy crisis faced by manufacturers and has made it difficult to determine the price of goods.

“Currently, we cannot do our budget effectively. You have to do a flex budget so that every month you have to review your budget. The prices cannot be determined because the day after things can go to the left or right with regard to forex.”

On the association’s interaction with presidential aspirants and their plans for the manufacturing sector, Meshioye stated that MAN was being strategic in its engagement during this electioneering year to place its issues on the front burner.

He said the association has engaged the presidential aspirants on the importance of having a virile and competitive manufacturing sector.

“We have equally pushed at different fora with major political contenders to incorporate the need to accelerate the growth and development of the manufacturing sector in their economic agenda.

“In this regard, we have availed all the political parties with our Blueprint for the Accelerated Development of Manufacturing in Nigeria as well as the agenda for manufacturing in Nigeria for the next 10 years,” Meshioye said.

https://supers.ng/naira-scarcity-disrupting-flow-of-goods-manufacturers-lament/

The United States and the Federal Government have signed an agreement to reinstate $954,000 allegedly stolen by a former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

The agreement was signed on Thursday in Abuja by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, and the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/just-in-us-to-return-954000-alamieyeseigha-loot/%3famp

The Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the validity of the use of old 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes.

The apex court maintained that the February 8 hearing which paused the implementation of the February 10 deadline ban on the use of old naira notes still subsists.

The clarification from the court followed a complaint by Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), lawyer to the Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states respectively.

The PUNCH reports that a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court last Wednesday in a unanimous ruling granted an interim injunction restraining the Federal Government from implementing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s February 10 deadline for the swapping of the old naira notes with the new ones.

The judgement followed a motion ex-parte on behalf of three northern states Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara, who on February 3rd filed a suit seeking to halt the implementation of the CBN’s policy.

On Wednesday (today), the apex court adjourned a hearing in the suit banning the use of the old naira to Wednesday, 22nd February 2023.

This is coming after nine joined the suit initially filed by Kogi, Kaduna and Zamfara states.

The states are Katsina, Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo and Sokoto states bringing the new total of plaintiffs to ten. On the other hand, Edo and Bayelsa have filed to be joined as respondents.
The seven-man panel led by Justice John Okoro ordered them to amend their processes to be heard as one.

But speaking during the proceeding, Mustapha said the apex government and its agencies have allegedly directed the rejection of the old notes thereby failing to comply with the February 8 court order.

According to him, the plaintiff filed a notice of non-compliance with the order of the court order made on February 8.

“The order has been flouted by the government. We are talking of executive lawlessness here. We have filed an affidavit to that effect… We want the court to renew the order for parties to be properly guided,” he said.

In his response, Justice Okoro asked Mustapha to file a proper application and put forward his complaints. This, he said, would enable the respondent to respond appropriately.

According to Okoro, there was no need for a renewal of the court’s order since the order made by the court on February 8 was made pending the determination of the motion for injunctions filed by the plaintiff.

He, however, maintained that the order still subsists since the motion was not yet heard.

https://supers.ng/supreme-court-old-naira-notes-still-legal-tender/

The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023, held in Lagos at the Eko convention center on Saturday, February 11, 2023, was a historical event in Africa’s entertainment history as some of the biggest names in the music industry were recognized for their immense contribution, which is why we compiled the list of winners at the event.

Best New artiste

Victony (NG)

Ayra Starr (NG)

Young Jonn (NG)

Seyi Vybez (NG)

Fave (NG)

Ruger (NG) – WINNER

Black Sherif (GH)

Costa Titch (SA)

Phina (TZ)

Wakadinali (KE)

African Artiste of the Year

Burna Boy (NG)

Wizkid (NG)

Diamond Platnumz (TZ)

KiDi (GH)

Msaki (SA)

Asake (NG)

Rema (NG)

Kizz Daniel (NG)

Temz (NG)

Zuchu (TZ)

Best Collaboration

Pheelz & Bnxn Fka Buju – Finesse (NG)- WINNER

Fireboy & Ed Sheeran – Peru (Remix) (NG)

Black Sherif & Burnaboy – Second Sermon (GH)

Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. Mayorkun, King Promise & Darkoo (GH)

Costa Titch – Big Flexa ft. C’buda M, Alfa Kat, Banaba Des, Sdida & Man T (SA)

Asake – Sungba (Remix) ft. Burna Boy (NG)

Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG)

Daliwonga – Abo Mvelo ft. Mellow & Sleazy (SA)

Mayorkun & Victony – Holy Father (NG)

Mavin All Stars – Overdose (NG)

Best Hip Hop

Black Sherif – Kwaku The Traveller (GH)- WINNER

Blaqbonez – Back In Uni (NG)

Mi – The Guy (NG)

Kaligraph Jones X Dax – Hiroshima

Nasty C & Aka – Lemons To Lemonades (SA)

Psycho YP – Bando Diaries ft. Odumodu Blvck (NG)

Ladipoe – Running ft. Fireboy (NG)

Wakadinali – Geri Inengi ft. Sir Bwoy (KE)

Chyn – Hosanna ft. Fxtune (NG)

Vector – Clowns ft. Ladi Poe (NG)

Listener’s Choice

Oxlade – Ku Lo Sa (NG) – WINNER

Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG)

Burna Boy – Last Last (NG)

Ch’cco & Mellow & Sleazy – Nkao Tempela (SA)

Daliwonga – Abo Mvelo ft. Mellow & Sleazy (SA)

Rema – Calm Down (NG)

Mavin All Stars – Overdose (NG)

Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. Mayorkun, Darkoo & King Promise (GH)

Black Sherif – Kwaku The Traveler (GH)

Patoranking – Kolo Kolo ft. Diamond Platnumz (NG)

Viewers’ Choice

Asake – Pbuy (NG)

Timaya – Cold Outside ft. Bnxn Fka Buju (NG)

Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG)

Costa Titch – Big Flexa ft. C’buda M, Alfa Kat, Banaba Des, Sdida & Man T (SA) -WINNER

KiDi – Touch It (GH)

Burna Boy – Last Last (NG)

Rema – Calm Down (NG)

Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. Mayorkun, Darkoo & King Promise (GH)

Black Sherif – Kwaku The Traveler (GH)

Ayra Starr – Rush (NG)

Digital Artist of the Year

CKay (NG)

Wizkid (NG)

Rema (NG)- WINNER

Burna Boy (NG)

Davido (NG)

Diamond Platnumz (TZ)

Omah Lay (NG)

Da Banton (NG)

Zuchu (TZ)

Tems (NG)

Follow link below to see full List!!!

https://supers.ng/soundcity-mvp-awards-2023-full-list-of-winners/

Lekan Akanbi, the prime suspect in the murder of a former employee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Kehinde, his wife, Bukola, and their son on New Year’s Day in Ogun State, has confessed to the heinous crime.

Lekan, who was the driver of the deceased family, while being paraded before newsmen on Friday, February 10, said he arranged the killing because the couple refused to increase his salary and grant him a loan.

He said that he and his gang members killed the family after forcing them to transfer N1,102,000.

According to him, he started working with the couple in 2010 without a salary increase, and several attempts to convince them to increase his salary failed.

The suspect explained that he then invited two others, Ahmed Odetola, a.k.a. Akamo, and Waheed Adeniyi, aka Koffi, to join him in the robbery.

He claimed that, contrary to reports that he picked up the couple from the church after the crossover night, he left their house hours before the service and returned with his gang to ambush them.

Lekan said his gang attacked the couple immediately they entered the house, and he was able to restrain an Alsatian dog at the gate because he was familiar with the animal and usually fed it.

“We forced the husband to transfer money from his account to the Kuda Bank account of Ahmed Adetola, but the transfer failed. Since that failed, I gave the deceased my Access Bank account, to which the sum of N1,102,000 was transferred at gunpoint.

“When I realised that my identity had been known through my bank account, I decided with others to terminate their lives. That was when Waheed Adeniyi, aka Koffi, took a knife from their kitchen and slaughtered the husband, Kehinde Fatinoye, while I used a sledgehammer to hit the wife, Bukola Fatinoye, in the head and she died on the spot,” he said.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the July 16, 2022, Osun State governorship election, Adegboyega Oyetola, and his party have filed a cross-appeal on the judgement of the election petition tribunal that resolved the allegation of forgery in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Adeleke the winner of the poll.

However, the tribunal panel that heard the complaint relating to the poll, annulled Adeleke’s victory and declared Oyetola the winner of the poll, but resolved the issue of certificate forgery in favour of the Osun State governor.

INEC, Adeleke, and the PDP have since appealed the judgement at the Court of Appeal, Akure Division.

But in their cross-appeal, the APC and Oyetola, through their counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Akin Olujimi (SAN), said the tribunal misdirected itself when it held that the certificate from Atlanta Metropolitan College and a diploma certificate from Penn Foster High School were genuine.

The cross-appeal partly read, “Exhibits 2R.RW6 and 2R.RW9 are documents that lied against each other, as Exhibit 2R.RW9 purports that the second cross-respondent (Ademola Adeleke) obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice within 24 days of obtaining Exhibit 2R.RW6, a diploma certificate that purports on its surface to be an equivalent of a secondary school certificate.

“Having found that forgery was proved by the petitioners against the second cross-respondent in regard to his Exhibits EC9 and FILE D, the tribunal ought to have held pursuant to Section 182(1)(1) that the second respondent was disqualified from contesting the Osun State governorship election of July 16, 2022.”

It added, “Once forgery of a document is established against a candidate in an election, it voids his candidature and the forgery cannot be redeemed or cancelled out by any other document the candidate may have presented alongside the forged document.

“The holding of the tribunal that the 2nd Cross-Respondent (Ademola Adeleke) was nonetheless qualified to contest the election is inconsistent and in conflict with the clear provision of Section 182(1)(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

https://supers.ng/oyetola-adeleke-not-qualified-to-stand-for-election/

The Central Bank of Nigeria has said it has the capacity to print the new naira notes.

A top banker had earlier told one of our correspondents on Friday that information available to him indicated that the Mint had succeeded in printing N500bn worth of the new N1,000, N500 and N200 notes and might not have the capacity to do more than that at the moment.

“Is it not obvious that the NSPMC does not have the capacity to print more than N500bn? With the Mint’s current capacity, to print N2tn will take about a year. Even the N500bn printed has been hijacked by politicians, especially governors. You heard one governor saying one of his colleagues was able to withdraw N500m.

“What the CBN is doing is to give us only 10 per cent of the worth of the old notes we deposit with it. For instance, if a bank takes N1bn to the CBN branch office in its area of operation, it will be given N100m new notes to distribute to its branches nationwide and load onto its ATMs,” the official who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
However, the Director of Corporate Communications, CBN, in a statement dated Friday, obtained Saturday, said such reports that may have been credited to Emefiele as well was misquoted.

He said Emefiele informed the council of state that the the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc was working to print all naira denominations to accommodate Nigerians’ transaction needs.

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“The attention of the CBN has been drawn to a misleading report misquoting the Governor, Godwin Emefiele, as attributing the current challenge in the distribution of the newly redesigned naira banknotes to a shortage of printing materials at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc,” the statement partly read.

“We wish to state categorically that at no time did the CBN Governor disclose this during his presentation to the National Council of State at its meeting on Friday, February 10, 2023,” the statement said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN remains committed to performing its monetary policy functions, as stipulated in the CBN Act, 2007, as amended. We also wish to restate that the NSPMC has the capacity and enough materials to produce the required indent of the naira,” he added.

https://supers.ng/cbn-has-capacity-to-print-new-notes-director/

WhatsApp has launched five new status update features — one of which allows users to record and share 30-second voice messages.

The web-based messaging service said in a statement on Tuesday that the feature will now allow users to express themselves and connect with others.

It will also enable users to send “more personal updates and feel more comfortable with talking.”

“We’re excited to add a set of new features to status on WhatsApp that make it easier to express yourself and connect with others,” the statement reads.

“We’re introducing the ability to record and share voice messages up to 30 seconds on WhatsApp status. Voice status can be used for sending more personal updates, especially if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself by talking rather than typing.

“WhatsApp status is protected by end-to-end encryption so you can share privately and securely.”

The micro-blogging features also include the ‘private audience selector’ which allows flexibility to update your privacy settings.

Another one is the ‘link previews on status’ which lets users see a visual preview of their web link.

Other features are the ‘status profile rings’ for new updates and ‘status reactions.’

Voice status comes months after WhatsApp saw significant traction in voice messages on its platform.

In March last year, the Meta-owned messaging app said that its users were sending an average of 7 billion voice messages daily.

In November, WhatsApp launched a new feature that supports up to 1,024 users.

https://supers.ng/whatsapp-now-allows-users-put-voice-notes-as-status-updates/

After building overwhelming anticipation and delivering a number of songs, Fast Rising Female Singer, Maxine release her first highly anticipated single, “Be with you”

This is an amazing tune that spreads the message of love. The song depics a lady appreciating his sugar boy for his support and companionship. This is not the average, apart from the fact that Maxine is a pro, she pours all of her heart out on this and the vocals blends smoothly.

Listen, Download, Use link below!!
After building overwhelming anticipation and delivering a number of songs, Fast Rising Female Singer, Maxine release her first highly anticipated single, “Be with you”

This is an amazing tune that spreads the message of love. The song depics a lady appreciating his sugar boy for his support and companionship. This is not the average, apart from the fact that Maxine is a pro, she pours all of her heart out on this and the vocals blends smoothly.

Follow Link to DOWNLOAD!!
https://supers.ng/emerging-female-singer-maxine-rolls-out-new-song-be-with-you-listen/

The mother of Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, is dead.

She died on Tuesday.

Funke’s older sister, Olubunmi Akindele, announced their mother’s death in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement read, “It is with heavy hearts, but in total submission to God Almighty, that the ADEBANJO and AKINDELE families announce the passing of their daughter, mother, grandmother and sister, DR. R B ADEBANJO-Akindele, which occurred on Tuesday 07 February 2023.

“May her gentle soul begin its rest eternal in peace. Amen. Obsequies in honour of her passing shall be announced in due course.”

SUPERS.ng reports that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sympathised with the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Akindele, over the death of her mother.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, said it is difficult to find the right words to condole someone who lost a beloved person, noting that losing mothers is one of the deepest sorrows for man.

The governor prayed for peace, comfort, courage and love for Funke, his immediate siblings, and the Adebanjo and Akindele families as they mourn the deceased.

He said, “My heart goes out to Funke, friends of the Adebanjo and Akindele families on the demise of their daughter, mother and grandmother, Dr RB Adebanjo-Akindele who answered the ultimate call today, Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

“Death of loved ones, whenever it happens, is usually a very painful episode but we must be consoled by the good life lived by the deceased person. We should relish in the beautiful memories the dead left behind for us.

The governor urged the PDP deputy governorship candidate to be comforted by the good life that her late mother lived and continue to pray for the repose of the deceased.

https://supers.ng/funke-akindeles-mum-dies-details-within/

The queues for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, due to SUPERS.ng observation grew worse on Tuesday following an earlier directive to shut down filling stations by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.

Although the directive was later withdrawn, it was observed by SUPERS.ng that the order triggered fuel queues in many parts of Abuja and neighbouring states, as hundreds of motorists besieged the few outlets that dispensed petrol, which were operated by major marketers.

Our correspondent observed that heavy queues resurfaced at the two Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited filling stations on the Gwarimpa end of the Kubwa-Zuba Expressway on Tuesday evening in Abuja.

Similarly, there was massive queues by motorists at the Shema filling station on the same road, while the outlets of many independent marketers in Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa and Niger states were shut.

Oil marketers confirmed that the queues were due to the confusion caused by the earlier directive to filling station operators by a branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.

according to SUPERS.ng observations, there was confusion on Tuesday as regards the directive by the Maiduguri Depot branch of IPMAN directing its members to shut down operations.

IPMAN Chairman, Maiduguri Depot, Mohammed Kuluwu, had directed members to suspend all operations, in a statement he personally signed, observed by SUPERS.ng but this was countered by the National Public Relations Officer, IPMAN, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, after marketers in other states started closing down their outlets.

Ukadike said Kuluwu had been asked by the National Chairman, Debo Ahmed, to retract the statement, because IPMAN was interfacing with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority over the concerns raised in the statement.

In the statement Kuluwu had directed marketers to also suspend the payment of ordering products from source until further notice, stressing that the decision was because IPMAN members were sourcing and selling products at a loss, as well as the action of the NMDPRA to impose a non-profitable cost price on marketers.

SUPERS.ng had exclusively reported that IPMAN could shut down operations by Monday once the government enforced the N195/litre pump price for petrol on marketers.

The report stated that Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, security agencies and the downstream regulator, had all agreed that petrol be sold at N195/litre.

Oil marketers said the agreement was reached at a meeting in Abuja last week Tuesday, as participants resolved that beginning from Monday, February 6, 2023, the pump price of petrol should not exceed N195/litre, a development which dealers, particularly independent marketers, described as tough due to the high ex-depot price of the commodity.

They had told our correspondent that to avoid having their outlets sanctioned, many filling stations operated by independent marketers could be shut from Monday as it made no business sense to sell a product lower than the cost price.

But Ukadike stated on Tuesday that the move to shut down fillings would not hold due to discussions between IPMAN, NNPC, NMDPRA and other stakeholders.

“We are aware of the notice by the Maiduguri Depot branch and the concerns by other members as regards pricing, but our National President, Debo Ahmed, has called the branches to order and asked them to step down the decision.

“This is because IPMAN is interfacing with NNPC and NMDPRA on these issues and we hope that there’ll be good resolutions among all parties,” he stated.

This came as the Federal Government warned of dire consequences for any individual or group of individuals who attempt to exploit or further cause untold hardship to Nigerians by disrupting  the fuel supply and distribution chain across the country.

https://supers.ng/fuel-price-to-skyrocket-as-marketers-threaten-shutdown/

As the naira scarcity persists, some banks are shutting their branches over rising customer attacks.

This came a day after the Lagos State Police Command issued a warning that some groups were planning to unleash violence in the state due to the naira scarcity.

According to SUPERS.ng observation, some of the banks had started to allow non-essential employees to work from home.

Findings show Zenith Bank has shut down some branches in Lagos State over the fear of attacks by angry Nigerians due to the ongoing naira scarcity.

Our correspondents observed that some Zenith Bank branches in Ikeja, Ikorodu and Agege were shut on Tuesday while some closed earlier.

Since the naira redesign policy started, banks have been at the receiving end of the frustration of Nigerians.

Videos of individuals climbing counters, stripping, and expressing their anger in banking halls have circulated on social media.

Nigerians have been going through hardships in getting their hands on the new naira notes as the February 10 deadline approaches.

This has led to attacks on some banks in the state, as states like Edo and Oyo have witnessed protests that degenerated into riots.

Recently, banks have been subjected to violent attacks. In Ibadan, a Wema Bank branch was vandalised when riots broke out over the weekend. This has led to increased security and caution around many banks.

With the heightened tension accompanying the protracted naira scarcity in the country, according to SUPERS.ng findings, some commercial banks on Tuesday directed some of their branches to shut down operations until further notice.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that some bank branches in certain parts of Lagos with no cash to pay customers were asked to shut down operations.

The directive, it was gathered, was to forestall possible violent reactions by frustrated customers who had already begun to take laws into their hands in some parts of the country.

A senior official at Sterling Bank, who declined to be named, confirmed to our correspondent that some of the bank’s branches in the Lekki area of Lagos had been closed on Tuesday.

The source said, “They opened but were asked to shut down. All branches without cash were asked to shut down. Non-essential staff have been ordered to resume remote work mode.”

The source further stated that the closure of some of the banks had become necessary due to the untenable attitude of frustrated customers who believe that commercial banks are to blame for the hardship associated with the current naira scarcity.

“Imagine a situation where some customers come to the bank with cane. They say they want to flog the bank staff. Because of certain reports in the media that EFCC have arrested some bank managers for hoarding cash, customers now think banks are the cause of the naira scarcity. This is not true,” the source further stated.

However, an emailed response from Sterling Bank read in part, “Kindly be informed that there is no memo ordering Sterling staff to work from home. All of our branches and offices are open and functioning optimally. While non-essential staff have been given the option to tap into the existing hybrid work policy (for staff members not required on-premises) due to concerns about an imminent strike by petroleum operators, essential staff are present and working on-premises during working hours to ensure the bank’s operations run smoothly.

“There have also been challenges experienced by staff in commuting to and from work due to petrol scarcity and the resultant difficulties in getting fuel. This is coupled with the growing general level of unrest in some parts of the country.

“We are pleased to inform you that all Sterling locations across the nation have the compliments of her essential staff on premises during working hours and are fully operational at this time. The bank is closely monitoring the situation and will take any necessary measures in the interest of the safety of staff, customers and the general public.”

In a similar development, our correspondent gathered that First Bank Nigeria had directed some of its branches not to open until further direction is communicated.

A source, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said some of the bank’s branches deemed vulnerable to violent demonstrations by customers had been directed to shut down operations, while other branches that did not have the cash to pay customers were also asked to shut down.

A memo titled ‘Temporary Closure of our LASPOTECH branch, Lagos State,’ sent to the bank’s LASPOTECH branch in Lagos read, “Dear Colleagues, Following security advisory, please be informed that LASPOTECH branch in Lagos State is temporarily closed for business today Tuesday, 7 February 2023.”

Banks in Ojodu Berger and Isheri road shut down operations on Tuesday following a cash crunch that continues in the country’s financial sector.

According to the findings by The PUNCH, the Zenith Bank, opposite Ojodu Mall, had the premises closed for operation as bank customers were prevented from entering by the securities of the lending bank.

Similarly at the Guaranty Trust Bank, located at Bashiru Street, Ojodu Berger, our correspondent reported that the bank was shut down and the ATMs did not work.

However, at the Access Bank just opposite Oremeta street, Ojodu Berger, customers were allowed entrance but one of the stranded customers who spoke with The PUNCH said there was no over-the-counter-payment at the banking hall. Also, the branch of the bank at Isheri road had no cash and ATMs did not dispense as of the time of filing this report.

When our correspondent visited Union Bank on the same street, customers were allowed entrance but only a maximum of N3000 was allowed to be withdrawn through the over-the-counter-payment system.

In a similar development, our correspondent gathered that First Bank Nigeria had directed some of its branches not to open until further direction is communicated.

A source, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said some of the bank’s branches deemed vulnerable to violent demonstrations by customers had been directed to shut down operations, while other branches that did not have the cash to pay customers were also asked to shut down.

A memo titled ‘Temporary Closure of our LASPOTECH branch, Lagos State,’ sent to the bank’s LASPOTECH branch in Lagos read, “Dear Colleagues, Following security advisory, please be informed that LASPOTECH branch in Lagos State is temporarily closed for business today Tuesday, 7 February 2023.”

Banks in Ojodu Berger and Isheri road shut down operations on Tuesday following a cash crunch that continues in the country’s financial sector.

According to the findings by The PUNCH, the Zenith Bank, opposite Ojodu Mall, had the premises closed for operation as bank customers were prevented from entering by the securities of the lending bank.

Similarly at the Guaranty Trust Bank, located at Bashiru Street, Ojodu Berger, our correspondent reported that the bank was shut down and the ATMs did not work.

However, at the Access Bank just opposite Oremeta street, Ojodu Berger, customers were allowed entrance but one of the stranded customers who spoke with The PUNCH said there was no over-the-counter-payment at the banking hall. Also, the branch of the bank at Isheri road had no cash and ATMs did not dispense as of the time of filing this report.

When our correspondent visited Union Bank on the same street, customers were allowed entrance but only a maximum of N3000 was allowed to be withdrawn through the over-the-counter-payment system.

https://supers.ng/banks-shut-branches-over-customer-attacks/

Yhemolee has shared the strange way fast-rising Nigerian musician, Asake got into the university.

Yhemolee shared during a chat with Taymesan on his Tea With Tay’ Podcast that Asake didn’t join their group of friends by being a student of Obafemi Awolowo University.

According to him, Asake did not write any exams to gain admission into OAU but was brought into the school by a guy named Lala, who is currently a Nollywood actor.

Yhemolee claimed that Lala was in the Performing Arts department and that Asake somehow became a student of the department because he could beat drums.

MORE
https://supers.ng/yhemolee-reveals-asake-was-not-a-real-oau-student/

As the 65th edition of the Grammy Awards 2023 draws closer, the Recording Academy has confirmed an updated list of the artists that will be performing and presenting on Sunday, February 5, 2023, in the US. The Grammys confirmed that popular South African comedian Trevor Noah would be hosting the award ceremony for the 3rd consecutive time, and the audience would also enjoy the best of performances from the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Here are the artists that will be presenting on the Grammy Awards Main Show:

Cardi B
Olivia Rodrigo
Shania Twain
Billy Crystal
James Corden
Viola Davis
Dwayne Johnson
US First Lady Jill Biden

Here are the artists that will be performing at the 65th Grammy awards:

Bad Bunny
Mary J. Blige
Brandi Carlile
Luke Combs
Steve Lacy
Lizzo
Kim Petras,
Bonnie Raitt
Kacey Musgraves
Mick Fleetwood
Sheryl Crow
Quavo
Sam Smith

SOURCE
https://supers.ng/main-show-performers-and-presenters-for-2023-grammy-awards-see-official-list/

Google and Apple on Thursday reported downbeat results for the last quarter of 2022 as Amazon beat expectations, but warned that the coming months would be uncertain in a difficult moment for Big Tech.

According to SUPERS.ng findings, the tech titans posted earnings as shares in Meta skyrocketed a day after it reported better results than expected and signalled spending and job cuts.The results follow weeks of unprecedented layoff rounds in the usually unassailable tech sector amid pessimism about the economic outlook.

The souring mood followed a long spell of outsized growth during the peak Covid-19 period when consumers went online for work, shopping and entertainment.

“Big Tech calls from Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet painting a much different picture of demand environment than the tech bears were hoping for,” tweeted Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, referring to investors who believe shares are on a downward path.

While earnings reports show there is “caution in the air” there are signs that the companies could be heading for soft landings, the analyst added.

Google parent Alphabet’s revenue of $76 billion in its fourth quarter and profit of $13.6 billion were below what it made in the same period a year earlier, SUPERS.ng observed that the share prices falling more than 3 percent in after-market trade.

Google saw a slump in its crucial advertising sales, which were slightly better than analysts had projected, according to data compiled by Factset.

“It’s clear that after a period of significant acceleration in digital spending during the pandemic, the macro economic climate has become more challenging,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in an earnings call.

Pichai last month announced a plan to lay off 12,000 employees in order to reverse pandemic over-hiring and focus on new areas, especially artificial intelligence.

Google was caught off guard by the sudden rise of user-friendly AI such as ChatGPT, which is seen as a potential rival to Google’s popular search engine.

Apple is the only US tech giant that has not announced major layoffs in recent weeks.

The world’s biggest company in terms of market value reported a fall in quarterly revenue and profits for the final three months last year, hit by a drop in sales of its flagship iPhones.

Apple sales were hit by curtailed production at factories due to China’s zero-Covid policy that was only recently lifted.

“COVID-19 related challenges” that “significantly” reduced Apple’s supply of iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max lasted through most of December, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said on an earnings call.

– ‘Unprecedented circumstances’ –

Apple’s revenue was $117.1 billion, down 5.4 percent from a year ago for the same quarter a year earlier, missing what analysts had forecast.

“The world continues to face unprecedented circumstances, from inflation to war in Eastern Europe, to the enduring impacts of the pandemic and we know that Apple is not immune to it,” Cook said.

Amazon meanwhile reported an inflation-fueled increase in sales despite the company announcing a massive round of layoffs to correct for a hiring binge during the pandemic when business growth ramped up SUPERS.ng Learnt

“During periods of economic uncertainty, consumers are very careful about how they allocate their resources and where they choose to spend their money,” Amazon chief financial officer Brian Olsavsky said on an earnings call.

“We saw them spend less on discretionary categories and shift to lower priced items in value brands in categories like electronics.”

Last month, the company said it would let go more than 18,000 employees after the workforce swelled by 800,000 employees during the peak years of the pandemic period.

Amazon’s sales figures of $149.2 billion in the quarter were better than initial forecasts by analysts polled by Factset, but its profit took a massive hit, falling to near zero.

“In the short term, we face an uncertain economy, but we remain quite optimistic about the long-term opportunities for Amazon,” said CEO Andy Jassy.

The Big Tech earnings dump came a day after Meta said quarterly sales dropped one percent, which  beat expectations, and announced that the number of daily users on Facebook hit two billion for the first time.

Shares in Meta ended the formal trading day up 23 percent.

https://supers.ng/apple-google-disappoint-in-gloomy-tech-earnings/

External reserves fell by $63.62m in January, figures obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria have revealed.

The CBN revealed in its data on movement of foreign reserves that the external reserves which ended December 30, 2022 at $37.08bn fell to $37.01bn at the end of January 30, 2023.

Nigeria’s external reserves fell by $3.43bn in 2022 after dropping from $40.52bn as of the end of December 31, 2021.

Cordros Securities according to SUPERS.ng findings, stated in its January report on ‘MPC to favour smaller rate hikes in the short term’ noted that local currency weakness remained intact.

It stated that, “Foreign investors remain on the sidelines given the lack of FX reforms, higher global interest rates and weak macroeconomic narrative.

“In addition, CBN’s FX supply to the different FX market segments remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, the demand for the greenback remains high as market players continue to source for FX to fulfil and clear their outstanding obligations. Consequently, since the last policy meeting, the local currency depreciated by 3.4 per cent to N461.25/$ at the official market as of 18 January 2023.

“However, given that the FX reserves remain within the CBN’s comfort level, we expect the Committee to highlight the need for the apex bank to maintain its periodic FX interventions and intensify its call to the fiscal authorities to amplify their efforts in ensuring higher crude oil production over the short-to-medium term.

“Accordingly, the Committee will likely reiterate that the CBN should address the pressures on the local currency by boosting the FX supply for productive activities.”

https://supers.ng/nigeria-external-reserves-fell-by-64m-in-january/

The January transfer window is an opportunity for football clubs around the world most especially in Europe to help buy players that they need mid-way into the football season.

Here are the top ten clubs;

(1) Chelsea:

The Premier League club were the real dealers in this January transfer window as they got every player they were interested in. Chelsea spent €363.3 million breaking the January 2022 transfer fee in the Premier League. The latest addition to the Chelsea squad is World Cup winner, Enzo Fernandez.

(2) Southampton: €63.25 million
(3) Arsenal: €60.3 million
(4) Bournemouth: €56.2 million
(5) Newcastle: €49.35 million
(6) Liverpool: €42 million
(7) Leeds United: €41.2 million
( Marseille: €40 million
(9) Wolves: €38.51 million
(10) Leicester City: €31 million

https://supers.ng/check-out-the-top-10-clubs-with-the-highest-spending-in-the-january-2023-transfer-window/

Mikano International’s Motors Division is expanding its brand portfolio with the introduction of its Maxus brand.

The General Manager of MikanoMotors, Mr Ralph Haidar in a statement made available to The SUPERS.ng said, “This latest addition will complete and complement our product lineup, joining our Geely, ZNA and Maxus brands.

“Though auto enthusiasts have made several guesses on the mystery brand which will be proven or disproven when an official announcement is made, preparations are fully underway for the launch of this yet- to- be named brand.”

The firm stated that a social media challenge that gives participants an opportunity to win a brand-new 2023 luxury SUV is ongoing.

The new auto brand is expected to arrive with a wide array of models going by the subtle hints in promotional material released by Mikano Motors.

https://supers.ng/mikano-motors-unleashes-new-brand/

Ghanaian Dancehall singer, songwriter and performer, Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, has spoken on why the Nigerian music industry is ahead of the Ghanaian music industry on the international scene.

During an interview on The Breakfast Club, an American radio show based in America hosted by DJ Envy and Charlamagne tha God, the award-winning singer, who has a great relationship with Nigerian acts, aired his thoughts on the Nigeria-Ghana conversation.

According to Stonebwoy, the high population of Nigeria helps the industry, but the singer also stated that Nigerian acts are tenacious, aggressive, hardworking, and have a winning mindset. Stonebwoy, however, pointed out that both countries inspire each other, which further enhances their individual growth.

The singer also went on to speak about his career, his life-threatening accident, his scuffle with Shatta Wale, and other interesting topics.

Watch full interview below

https://supers.ng/reason-nigerian-artistes-are-ahead-of-ghanaian-artistes-stonebwoy/

Nigerian ace video director TG Omori has given in to the demands of street-hop act Portable after his endless rants on the internet over the director’s rate.

The drama that initially ensued after Portable took to the internet to rant about the $50,000 he was charged by the director to shoot a new video continues to surface through the constant rant videos shared by the controversial singer.

Portable, who is known for his ability to nag about issues, continued to share videos ranting about the $50,000 charge several days after it occurred.

In an update of events, with what seems to be a bid from TG Omori to lay the matter to rest once and for all, the ace cinematographer has reached out to Portable for them to shoot the video he requested.

Although, it’s yet to be known if TG will be shooting the video for free like he claimed he did for “Zazoo” or will be charging at a reduced cost. What is known is that both parties might eventually be working on the official video for Portable’s song “Apostle.”

https://supers.ng/tg-omori-gives-in-to-portables-demand-details-within/

Nigerian buzzing singer and songwriter Ahmed Ololade Asake, popularly known as Asake, has reacted to his recent feat after dropping a new single titled ‘Yoga’.

Following the immense run he had in 2022 with hit records like ‘Trabaye’, ‘Sungba’, ‘Omo Ope’, ‘Palazzo’, ‘Terminator’, ‘Joha’, and many more, the singer has released a new song titled ‘Yoga’.

The highly traditional introspective song produced by his partner in crime, Magic Sticks, is Asake’s first single for 2023 and his first official output since he dropped his debut album. The song is complemented by a big-budget music video directed by the usual suspect, TG Omori.

In less than 24 hours after its release, the song has become the number one song in the country on the Apple Music Chart, making it the seventh time the singer has achieved such a feat.

https://supers.ng/asake-reacts-to-new-song-topping-apple-music-chart-in-less-than-24hrs/

Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum Resources, has prayed a Federal High Court in Abuja to vacate an order granted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for final forfeiture of her seized assets.

Alison-Madueke, in an originating motion, sought an order extending the time within which to seek leave to apply to the court for an order to set aside the EFCC’s public notice issued to conduct public sale on her property.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the anti-corruption agency had planned to conduct public sale of all assets seized from Alison-Madueke beginning from Jan. 9 as contained in its public notice following various court judgments/orders issued in favour of the commission as final forfeiture orders against property and personal effects of the former minister.

But in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023 dated and filed Jan. 6 by her lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, before Justice Inyang Ekwo, the ex-minister sought five orders from the court. While Alison-Madueke is the applicant, the EFCC is the sole respondent in the suit.

The former minister, who argued that the various orders were made without jurisdiction, said these “ought to be set aside ex debito justitiae.”

She said she was not given fair hearing in all the proceedings leading to the orders.

“The various court orders issued in favour of the respondent and upon which the respondent issued the public notice to conduct public sale of items contained in the public notice most of which court the interest of the applicant were issued in breach of the applicant’s right to fair hearing as guaranteed by Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as altered, and other similar constitutional provisions,” she said.

She argued that she was neither served with the charge sheet and proof of evidence in any of the charge nor any other summons howsoever and whatsoever in respect of the criminal charges pending against her before the court.

She further argued that the courts were misled into making several of the final forfeiture orders against her assets through suppression or non-disclosure of material facts.

“The several applications upon which the courts made the final order of forfeiture against the applicant were obtained upon gross misstatements, misrepresentations, non-disclosure, concealment and suppression of material facts and this honourable court has the power to set-aside same ex debito justitiae, as a void order is as good as if it was never made at all.

“The orders were made without recourse to the constitutional right to fair hearing and right to property accorded the applicant by the constitution.

“The applicant was never served with the processes of court in all the proceedings that led to the order of final forfeiture,” she said, among other grounds given.

But the EFCC, in a counter affidavit deposed to by Rufai Zaki, a detective with the commission, urged the court to dismiss Alison-Madueke’s application.

Zaki, who was a member of the team that investigated a case of criminal conspiracy, official corruption and money laundering against the ex-minister and some other persons involved in the case, said investigation had clearly shown that she was involved in some acts of criminality.

He said Alison-Madueke was, therefore, charged before the court in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2018.

“We hereby rely on the charge FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2018 dated 14th November, 2018 filed before this honourable court and also attached as Exhibit C in the applicant’s affidavit,” he said.

The EFCC official, who said he had seen the ex-minister’s motion, said most of the depositions were untrue.

He said contrary to her deposition in the affidavit in support, most of the cases which led to the final forfeiture of the contested property “were action in rem, same were heard at various times and determined by this honourable court.”

He said the courts differently ordered the commission to do a newspaper publication inviting parties to show cause why the said property should not be forfeited to the Federal Government, before final orders were made.

Zaki argued that one Nnamdi Awa Kalu represented the ex-minister in reaction to one of the forfeiture applications.

“We humbly rely on the judgment of Hon. Justice I.LN. Oweibo dated 10th September, 2019 shown in Exhibit C of the applicant’s affidavit,” he said.

The officer said contrary to Alison-Madueke, the final forfeiture of the assets which were subject of the present application was ordered by the court since 2017 and that this was not set aside or upturned on appeal.

According to him, the properties have been disposed off through due process of law.

Upon mentioning the matter on Monday, Alison-Madueke’s counsel, Oluchi Uche, told Justice Ekwo that they were just served by the EFFC on Friday and they would need time to respond to the counter affidavit.

Farouk Abdullah, who appeared for the anti-graft agency, did not oppose and the judge adjourned the matter until May 8 for hearing.

https://supers.ng/diezani-alison-madueke-moves-to-recover-seized-assets/

From the smooth vocals of Fireboy DML to the unique sound of Asake, these young musicians are breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In this blog post, we will be showcasing the top 10 youngest and most successful artists in Nigeria. These artists have made a big impact in the Nigerian music industry and are definitely ones to watch in the coming years. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the future of Nigerian music.

Here are the top 10 youngest and most successful artists in Nigeria:
Rema:

Born in 2000, has quickly made a name for himself with his unique sound and style. He has already released multiple hit singles and has been featured on several collaborations.

Bella Shmurda:

Born in 1996, is known for his blend of Afrobeats and hip-hop, and has become one of the most sought-after acts in the Nigerian music industry.

Fireboy DML:

Born in 1996, has gained widespread popularity with his smooth vocals and catchy songs. He has released several successful albums and singles and has won several awards.

Joeboy:

Born in 1997, has made a name for himself with his melodic R&B tracks and collaborations with top Nigerian artists.

Omah Lay:

Born in 1997, has quickly risen to fame with his unique sound and style, blending Afrobeats and R&B. He has released several successful singles and has been featured on several collaborations.

Tems:

‘Free Mind’ By Tems Obtains Riaa Gold Certification

Born in 1995, has made a name for herself with her unique sound and style, blending Afrobeats and R&B. She has released several successful singles and has been featured on several collaborations.

Oxlade:

Born in 1996, has made a name for himself with his unique sound and style, blending Afrobeats and R&B. He has released several successful singles and has been featured on several collaborations.

Mayorkun:

Born in 1993, has quickly become one of the most sought-after acts in the Nigerian music industry. He has released several successful albums and singles and has won several awards.

Asake:

Born in 1997, has made a name for himself with his unique sound and style, blending Afrobeats and R&B. He has released several successful singles and has been featured on several collaborations.

Bad Boy Timz:

Born in 1997, is one of the most sought-after acts in the Nigerian music industry. He has released several successful albums and singles and has won several awards.

These young artists have made a big impact in the Nigerian music industry and are definitely ones to watch in the coming years. Their unique sound, style, and undeniable talent have made them some of the most sought-after acts in the industry, and they are sure to continue to make waves in the music world.

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https://supers.ng/supers-list-10-youngest-most-successful-artists-in-nigeria/

Nigerian music has been taking the world by storm in recent years, and there are a few artists who stand out as especially exciting new talents.

Rema, Ruger, Joeboy, Fireboy DML, Tems, and Ayra Starr are some of the most promising young musicians in Nigeria today, and they each bring a unique sound and style to the scene.

Rema

Let’s start with Rema. Rema is a young artist from Benin City, Nigeria who has quickly gained a massive following for his unique blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B. His hit song ‘Iron Man’ was a massive hit and got him alot of recognition. He’s also known for his sense of style and fashion, which sets him apart from many of his peers.

Ruger

Next is Ruger, another young artist from the Nigerian music scene. He is best known for his unique sound which is a combination of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B. He has a unique style and a way of delivering his lyrics that sets him apart from other artists. His debut studio EP Pandemic was a big hit during the pandemic period.

Jeoboy

Joeboy is another young artist who has quickly gained a massive following in Nigeria. He is best known for his hit song “Baby” which was a massive hit and got him alot of recognition. He has a unique sound and style that sets him apart from other artists, and his music has a strong emotional resonance with his fans.

Fireboy DML

Fireboy DML is another young artist who has quickly gained a massive following in Nigeria. He is best known for his hit song “Jealous” which was a massive hit and got him alot of recognition. He has a unique sound and style that sets him apart from other artists, and his music has a strong emotional resonance with his fans.

Tems

Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer. Her music is a blend of R&B, soul and alternative, and she has a unique style and sound that sets her apart from other artists. She is known for her powerful and emotive performances, and has been hailed as one of the most exciting new talents in the Nigerian music scene.

Ayra Starr

Finally, Ayra Starr is a young artist from Nigeria who has quickly gained a massive following for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B and Pop. Her hit song “Away” was a massive hit and got her alot of recognition. She has a unique sound and style that sets her apart from other artists, and her music has a strong emotional resonance with her fans.

It’s clear that Rema, Ruger, Joeboy, Fireboy DML, Tems, and Ayra Starr are the leading artists of the new generation of Nigerian music. They are making waves not just in Nigeria but globally, with their unique sound and style that sets them apart from other artists. They have a way of delivering their lyrics that connects with the audience and have been able to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene.

Their music is a blend of various genres such as Afrobeats, R&B, Pop, hip-hop, and alternative, which gives them a wide appeal among music lovers. They are all young, talented, and have a bright future ahead of them. They have already achieved a lot in their young careers, and it’s exciting to see what they will accomplish in the future.

In conclusion, Rema, Ruger, Joeboy, Fireboy DML, Tems, and Ayra Starr are the kings and queens of the new generation of Nigerian music. They are breaking boundaries, pushing the envelope and changing the game with their unique sound and style. They are definitely worth checking out if you want to discover new and exciting music from Nigeria. Their music is a reflection of the new generation, and they are sure to be around for a long time to come, entertaining and inspiring music lovers around the world.

https://supers.ng/supers-list-6-kings-and-queens-of-new-generation-afrobeats/

Magistrate Court sitting in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has ordered the remand of a Man at Ogwashi-uku correctional centre for allegedly raping his girlfriend’s 17-year-old daughter.

Marvin Mordi, an Activist who is handling the case, revealed that the suspect who has allegedly been sexually molesting the victim since she was 11 years old also infected her with HIV virus.

There’s also a report mother of the victim was aware of the sexual abuse but covered it because she didn’t want to lose her relationship.

According to another popular activist, Comrade Israel Joe, the man infected both mother and child with the virus.

“Today, a magistrate court in Ibusa remanded this man who infested a woman with HIV and also has been defiling the woman’s daughter. I saw this man at State CID Asaba yesterday and thanked God he was not released hence the jungle justice would have taken place. The woman’s daughter has also been infected with HIV by this hungry looking demonic animal, engraved with vicious callousness and decorated wickedness.,” he wrote.

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https://supers.ng/man-allegedly-rpes-his-girlfriends-teenage-daughter-and-infects-her-with-hiv/

The Afrobeats superstar will be headlining his show at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and tickets are already selling out.

Nigerian ace singer, songwriter, and performer, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has reacted to his recent sold-out news for his upcoming Tottenham Stadium concert.

On July 29th, 2023, the Grammy-winning act will kick off his 2023 tour with a headline performance at the 62,850-capacity Tottenham Stadium.

Barely 24 hours after rolling out the pre-sale ticket for the event, the Afrobeats poster boy has already sold out that batch of tickets. Reacting to the good news, the singer took to Instagram on January 25th to share the news with his signature eagle emoji.

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https://supers.ng/wizkid-sold-out-pre-sale-tickets-for-his-tottenham-stadium-show-he-reacted/