Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Ademola Lookman Crowned African Football Player Of The Year 2024. Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the African Football Player of the Year 2024 at a grand ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday, 12th December 2024. The 27-year-old, who plays for Atalanta FC and the Nigerian national team, received the prestigious trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino after being warmly embraced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Lookman succeeds his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, who won the award last year, continuing Nigeria’s dominance in African football. Dressed in a striking bottle-green Yoruba aso oke with agbada, Lookman captivated the audience as he…

Senator Shekarau Calls For Credibility In Leadership Ahead Of 2027 Elections. Former Kano State governor and senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, has urged Nigerians to prioritise the credibility of presidential candidates over regional considerations in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics Shekarau emphasised that debates over a president’s origin hold little relevance to effective governance. “All parties should focus on producing credible candidates, allowing Nigerians to choose the best leaders. The concern is not where the president comes from but whether they are capable and credible,” Shekarau stated. Reflecting on past election…

CBN Imposes N150 Million Fine On Banks For Aiding Currency Mismanagement. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a fine of N150 million on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) found to be facilitating the illicit flow of mint naira banknotes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous economic agents. The penalty was announced in a circular issued on 13 December 2024 by Solaja Mohammed J. Olayemi, the Acting Director of Currency Operations. The circular, with reference number COD/DIR/INT/CIR/001/025, followed an earlier notice issued on 13 November 2024, highlighting the apex bank’s dismay at the continued commodification of the naira. According…

Nigerian-Born Doctor Bolu Ogunyemi Elected President Of Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a distinguished Nigerian-born dermatologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada, has been elected as the president-elect nominee of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). This historic achievement marks the first time in the association’s 158-year history that a Black physician will hold this esteemed position. Dr. Ogunyemi’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born to a neurology professor and an enterprising mother who was among the first women from her region to attain post-secondary education. His family relocated to Canada,…

Access Bank Expands African Footprint With Bidvest Bank Acquisition. Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest financial institution by customer base, has announced plans to acquire South African lender, Bidvest Bank, for a sum of $158 million. This strategic move marks another significant step in the bank’s mission to strengthen its presence across Africa and beyond. The acquisition adds to Access Bank’s impressive track record of expansion. In 2022, it acquired the National Bank of Kenya for $99.6 million and an 83.4% stake in Sidian Bank for $36.8 million. Other acquisitions include Standard Chartered Bank’s operations in Angola and Sierra Leone, Cavmont Bank…

Cyclone Chido Leaves French Island ‘Mayotte’ Devastated, With Hundreds Feared Dead. The French island of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, has been ravaged by Cyclone Chido, with wind speeds reaching a catastrophic 140mph (225km/h). Early reports suggest that the death toll could reach “close to a thousand or even several thousand,” according to the island’s prefect. The cyclone has left widespread destruction, with residents describing scenes of entire neighbourhoods wiped out. Mohamed Ishmael, a resident of the capital city, Mamoudzou, said: “You feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war… I saw an entire neighbourhood…

Chelsea’s Winning Streak Sparks Title Contender Debate. Enzo Maresca has once again downplayed talk of a Premier League title challenge despite Chelsea securing their seventh consecutive win in all competitions with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Sunday. At the start of the season, the idea of Chelsea being genuine contenders for the title seemed implausible. However, their recent stunning form has silenced many doubters, with the Blues now sitting second in the league, just two points behind leaders Liverpool. The possibility of Chelsea topping the table is very real. Should they defeat Everton next weekend, they would…

Southampton Sack Russell Martin Following Spurs Humiliation. Southampton have parted ways with manager Russell Martin after a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday left the club nine points adrift of Premier League safety. The decision marks the end of Martin’s 18-month tenure, which included leading the Saints to promotion last season. Martin, 38, was appointed in 2023 and enjoyed early success, guiding Southampton back to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley. However, this season has been a stark contrast, with the club managing just one league win—a victory over Everton in November—and…

Barcelona Slip Up As Leganes Secure Shock Victory. Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga was cut following a surprise 1-0 defeat to Leganes at their temporary home turf. The loss sees Hansi Flick’s side level on points with Atletico Madrid, who trail only on goal difference, while Real Madrid sit just one point behind in third place. Leganes, now up to 15th in the standings, made an immediate impact with an early goal in the fourth minute. Sergio Gonzalez rose highest to head in Oscar Rodriguez’s corner, a strike that would ultimately prove decisive. Despite dominating…

Guardiola’s Sleepless Nights Worsened By Dramatic Derby Defeat. Pep Guardiola has revealed that his sleep has been affected by Manchester City’s ongoing struggles, a situation exacerbated by a dramatic and painful defeat in the Manchester derby. The loss, which unfolded in stunning fashion, marked one of the most unforgettable setbacks in Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career. Despite taking the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s 36th-minute header, Guardiola’s demeanour on the touchline reflected unease. His reaction to the goal was one of muted disdain, as it stemmed from a deflected cross rather than the aesthetically pleasing build-up play that epitomises his football philosophy.…

Nigeria Fulfils 100% ECOWAS Financial Obligation For First Time In 19 Years. Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone by fulfilling 100 per cent of its financial obligations to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the first time in nearly two decades. The payment, totalling ₦84 billion and $54 million, covers Nigeria’s community levy for the entirety of 2023 and extends to July 2024. The announcement was made by Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The summit was held at…

Giannis Leads Bucks To NBA Cup Final As Thunder Await. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a commanding performance, scoring 32 points and collecting 14 rebounds, as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 to secure a place in the NBA Cup final. The Bucks will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final on Tuesday (01:30 GMT, Wednesday) in Las Vegas, after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also scored 32 points in Oklahoma’s 111-96 victory over the Houston Rockets. Antetokounmpo, who leads the NBA in scoring this season, contributed nine assists, four blocks, and a steal, showcasing his all-around dominance. Damian Lillard…