Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

CBN Introduces New ATM Transaction Fees, Effective March 2025. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a revision of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, set to take effect from 1st March 2025. This adjustment aims to enhance efficiency and encourage the deployment of more ATMs across the country. In a statement signed by John S. Onojah, Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the CBN confirmed that the changes align with Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020. Breakdown of the New ATM Charges…

MTN Nigeria Increases Data Prices As NCC Approves 50% Tariff Hike. MTN Nigeria has increased the cost of its data subscription plans as telecommunications operators across the country begin implementing the 50% tariff adjustment recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).   According to the revised prices as observed by our correspondents,  MTN’s 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan, which was priced at ₦1,000. Similarly, the 20GB plan has been adjusted to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500. While other telecom providers—including Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—have…

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Warns Of AI Risks, Calls For Regulation. Eric Schmidt, the former chief executive of Google, has expressed concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could be exploited by terrorists or rogue states to cause harm. Speaking to the BBC’s Today programme, Schmidt described the dangers of AI as an “extreme risk,” highlighting the potential for countries such as North Korea, Iran, or Russia to misuse the technology in the development of biological weapons. “The real fears that I have are not the ones that most people talk about AI – I talk about extreme risk,” Schmidt…

Trump And Putin Agree To Begin Ukraine Peace Negotiations. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to initiate peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine following a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call on Wednesday. In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced that both leaders had instructed their respective teams to begin talks immediately and had extended invitations to visit each other’s capitals. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he had spoken separately with Trump about achieving a “lasting, reliable peace.” The calls come amid growing indications that the US is…

Tems Joins San Diego FC Ownership Group As Club Partner. Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has become a part-owner of Major League Soccer’s San Diego Football Club (SDFC) through her company, The Leading Vibe. This move marks her as the first African female to hold ownership stakes in an MLS club. Tems, a two-time GRAMMY® Award winner and Oscar nominee, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community. Football…

Historic Final Merseyside Derby At Goodison Park Ends In Dramatic 2:2 Draw. In an emotionally charged evening, Everton and Liverpool contested the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, culminating in a thrilling 2-2 draw. This match not only marked the end of an era for the historic stadium but also delivered a spectacle befitting the occasion. Match Highlights: – Early Advantage: Everton’s Beto opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past Alisson Becker. – Rapid Response: Liverpool equalised just five minutes later through Alexis Mac Allister, who headed home a…

Boavista Revamp Squad With Eight New Signings. Boavista FC have strengthened their squad with eight new signings, including experienced internationals Layvin Kurzawa and Marco van Ginkel, as they look to turn their season around. Kurzawa, a French left-back formerly with Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to add defensive stability and attacking prowess. Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Van Ginkel brings valuable experience and versatility to the midfield, despite past injury struggles. These acquisitions mark a significant moment for the Porto-based club, which recently emerged from a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. With the embargo lifted, Boavista wasted no time in bolstering their squad…

Arsenal Sweat Over Kai Havertz Injury As Season Run-In Approaches. Arsenal are facing a fresh injury concern as striker Kai Havertz undergoes assessment following a muscle injury sustained during the team’s training camp in Dubai. There are fears that the 25-year-old may have suffered a hamstring tear, which could rule him out for the remainder of the season. Reports suggest that it remains unclear whether he will require surgery, though early indications point towards a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The club has yet to issue an official statement, and manager Mikel Arteta is expected to address the matter…

Saudi Arabia Confirms Alcohol Ban For 2034 World Cup. Football fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not have access to alcohol during the tournament, the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom has confirmed. Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, speaking in an interview on LBC, stated that alcohol would not be sold anywhere, including hotels, maintaining the country’s longstanding policy. “At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” he said. “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol – it’s not 100% necessary, and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to,…

Trump Threatens To Cut US Funding To South Africa Over Land Seizure Claims. US President Donald Trump has announced that he will cease all future funding to South Africa, alleging that the country is confiscating land and “treating certain classes of people very badly.” The comments, made on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, come in response to a controversial new bill signed into law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month. The legislation allows for land expropriation without compensation in certain circumstances. Land ownership has long been a contentious issue in South Africa. Despite the…

ABS Ilorin FC Involved In Road Accident. In breaking news from Nigeria, the players and officials of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC were involved in a road accident on Monday 3rd of February 2025. The incident occurred along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway as the team was returning from their NNL matches in Lagos. According to the club’s Media Director, Tosh Michaels, no lives were lost in the accident; however, a few individuals sustained injuries. Details regarding the severity of the injuries and the exact circumstances of the crash remain forthcoming. The club has assured supporters that they are monitoring…

Bandit Neutralised And Arms Recovered In Taraba State Raid. Troops from the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, alongside Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully conducted a raid on a criminal hideout in Angwan Bala, within the Kambari area of Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State. During the operation, one bandit was neutralised, and a significant cache of arms was recovered. The exact details of the arms seized have not been disclosed, but the action is part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the region. This operation demonstrates the continued commitment of the Nigerian military…