Peaceful demonstrations to convey felt needs are rights enshrined in our nation’s constitution, which also highlights ways and means by which such rights and dissents are disposed. But are protests and demonstrations necessary at the time our national ecosystem is recovering from a grievous pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the great depression? I profoundly, with all sense of responsibility, do not think so. In the apparently challenging circumstances this nation finds itself as it tackles headlong the triggers left unattended to in its 25 years of democratic practices, you would agree with me, that it is only germane…
Author: UZDO Media
International rating agency, Fitch Ratings has revised its Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings of both FBN Holdings and its banking subsidiary, FirstBank, to positive from stable. In a rating action commentary on its website on Thursday, Fitch said that the upgrade mirrored the recent revision done on Nigeria’s outlook, which moved from stable to positive and affirmed the IDR at ‘B-’. Fitch said, “FBN and FBNH’s IDRs are driven by their standalone creditworthiness, as expressed by their viability ratings. The VRs reflect the banks’ high sovereign exposure relative to capital and the concentration of their operations in Nigeria. The Positive Outlooks…
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho is on the cusp of completing a move to Sevilla after agreeing personal terms with the La Liga club. The 27-year-old striker is set to join the Rojiblancos on a free transfer after his contract with Leicester City expired last month. According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, the former UEFA Europa League champions have reached a verbal agreement with the former Manchester City striker. The Super Eagles star is expected to undergo medicals at the club this week, with the move likely to be finalised in the coming days as final paperwork is completed. Iheanacho’s…
The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to world champions Spain in their second Group C match of the 2024 Olympics Women’s Football Tournament at Stade de la Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau, Nantes, on Sunday, leaving the African giants on the brink of elimination, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Coach Randy Waldrum made two changes to the Super Falcons team that started the 1-0 defeat against Brazil, bringing in Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala for Veronica Ihezuo, while Esther Okoronkwo was preferred to new PSG singing Jennifer Echegini. The Super Falcons’ strategy was clear, and Spain started the game on the front foot,…
IN a thriving democracy, the right to protest is fundamental. For Nigeria, this right holds profound significance. Therefore, the official opposition to the planned August 1 #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest is baseless and counterproductive. Protests are a vital expression of democratic rights. They allow citizens to voice their opinions, grievances and demands collectively and effectively. In Nigeria, where political and social issues often go unaddressed, protests provide a platform for the discontented to make their voices heard. This active participation is essential for a healthy democracy, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of its people. Between March…
Landlord biases in Lagos are decreasing the housing occupancy rate among women, according to a report by BuyLetLive. It stated that the restrictions and bias of state Lagos landlords against single women significantly contributed to the lower percentage of female residential respondents compared to men. “The young population, typically between the ages of 25-30, dominates the rental market in Lagos State. They make up the largest demographic segment within the rental market,” it noted. The report indicated that a notable percentage of residential respondents in Lagos were young single men. It added, “Analysis indicates that a significant portion of our…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has clarified that only accounts that have been inactive for over 10 years are eligible to be classified as dormant and will be used for investment purposes. It also stated that a dedicated office would be created to manage dormant accounts and unclaimed balances. The apex bank disclosed this in its recently issued document titled, “FAQs – Guidelines on Dormant Account and Unclaimed Balances – July 25, 2024,” posted on its website. The Guidelines on the Management of Dormant Accounts, Unclaimed Balances and Other Financial Assets in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria is…
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old woman, identified as Yetunde Gbadebo, for attempting to sell her three-year-old daughter on Aladiye Street in Sagamu. Our correspondent gathered on Sunday that the incident occurred at about 10:00 on July 25, 2024. PUNCH Metro learnt from a police source at the command that the suspect was caught while negotiating a N700,000 price for the toddler with a 38-year-old man identified as Sunday None. A team of police detectives from the Sagamu Division stormed the area after a resident reported witnessing the duo during the negotiation. During interrogation, the spokesperson for…
A planned nationwide protest, scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, has sparked concerns among economic experts, who warn of devastating consequences if not properly managed. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has cautioned that the protests could inflict an estimated daily loss of N400bn, with severe consequences for the country and its citizens. The Director/CEO of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. “The protests could inflict an estimated daily loss of N400 billion, if not properly managed. The consequences of such a huge loss for the country and the citizens would be…
Nigerian boxing fans have expressed shock and disappointment over lightweight boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore testing positive for a banned substance ahead of her opening fight at the Paris Olympics, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and African Games champion was provisionally suspended by the International Testing Agency on Saturday after testing positive for furosemide, a diuretic on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. Reactions from fans on Instagram have been pouring in, with many expressing their devastation and concern over the state of Nigerian boxing. WBO Africa champion Seun Wahab sympathised with Ogunsemilore, writing, “Oh my God,…