Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar Raises Alarm Over Escalating Economic Hardship in Nigeria

Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has expressed deep concerns over the worsening economic conditions in the country, stating that the situation is spiraling out of control. Speaking during a visit by the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights leadership in Minna, Niger State, he noted that many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and transportation.

Abubakar criticized the reliance on palliatives, recommending that the government instead provide essential goods at lower prices to ease the burden on citizens. He also called for peaceful conduct ahead of the #EndBadGovernance protest on October 1, recalling the violence and looting that marred previous demonstrations.

‘No More Excuses’ – TY Danjuma Urges CDS Musa to End Banditry

Retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma has urged the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa to decisively end banditry and violence in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of the book Big Boots: Lessons From My Military Service by retired Major General Solomon Udounwa, Danjuma emphasized that the current military leadership must tackle these issues with urgency and no excuses.

Danjuma, addressing both serving and retired military officials, stated, “We must end the banditry and the killings that are going on in our country as soon as possible. The responsibilities are on your shoulders; those of you who are still servicing. No excuses, absolutely no excuses.”

In response, General Musa affirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to combating banditry and terrorism. He assured that the military is dedicated to restoring peace and security in the country and will not be discouraged or defeated in their mission.

The North-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria have been plagued by violent bandits involved in kidnappings and other terror activities. According to SBM Intelligence, approximately ₦1.04 billion was paid in ransoms over the past year, with over 7,500 people abducted in numerous incidents nationwide.

Ex-Midfielder Owen Hargreaves Reveals Two Reasons Why Arsenal Can’t Win UCL

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has shared his views on why he believes Arsenal may struggle to win the UEFA Champions League this season. Hargreaves identified two main factors contributing to his skepticism:

  1. Lack of Experience: Hargreaves pointed out that Arsenal’s squad lacks significant experience at the Champions League level. Aside from a few experienced players like Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus, the team does not have many players with extensive exposure to the high-pressure environment of the Champions League. Hargreaves believes this inexperience could be a major hurdle for Arsenal’s success in the tournament.
  2. Squad Depth Concerns: Hargreaves expressed doubts about Arsenal’s squad depth, suggesting that the team might not have enough quality and depth to maintain a strong Champions League campaign. He drew parallels with Paris Saint-Germain, who, despite their significant investments, have struggled to secure the title. Hargreaves cautioned that the fierce competition in the Champions League, combined with Arsenal’s current squad depth, could pose challenges.

Hargreaves acknowledged that Arsenal has potential and could achieve success in other competitions, but he emphasized that the intensity of the Champions League and the team’s current limitations might hinder their chances. He reflected on Arsenal’s recent quarter-final exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich, noting that it takes time for teams to build the experience and depth needed for Champions League success.

Why You’re Unemployed: 6 Key Insights from Job Recruiters

If you’ve ever faced the frustration of applying for a job and receiving no response, you’re not alone. Understanding why you might be overlooked can help you improve your chances in the job market. Here’s what top recruiters want job seekers to know:

1. Specialize with a Broad Knowledge Base

Being a specialist with a wide range of knowledge is crucial. Recruiters value candidates who excel in specific areas but also have foundational knowledge in related fields. For example, an administrative officer should also have strong project management skills.

Bukola Oguntuyi, People and Culture Manager at ETAP: “Job seekers need to demonstrate expertise in their field while complementing it with relevant additional knowledge.”

2. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews

Understanding the job description, researching the company, and being able to discuss your CV confidently are essential. Demonstrate how your skills align with the role and show genuine interest in the company’s goals.

Oguntuyi: “Candidates should be ready to defend their skills, communicate effectively, and present themselves as proactive contributors to the organization.”

3. Apply for Roles That Match Your Skills

Applying for jobs you’re not qualified for wastes time and resources. Focus on roles that align with your skills to increase your chances of a successful job match.

Grace Alfred, Senior Talent Partner at Career Buddy: “Recruiters aim to match candidates with roles that fit their skills, enhancing the likelihood of a successful placement.”

4. Have a Plan for Contributing to the Company

Employers want to know how you’ll add value to their organization. Highlight specific ways you can contribute, suggest improvements, and demonstrate a proactive approach.

Precious Samuels, COO at Career Buddy: “Interviews should focus on results and strategies you’ve used, rather than just personal stories.”

5. Be Well-Prepared

From a polished CV to an impressive LinkedIn profile, presentation matters. Thorough preparation is key in a competitive job market, including being ready for interviews and maintaining an updated resume.

Samuels: “Ensure you have a strong online presence and are intellectually prepared for interviews to stand out in a dynamic job market.”

6. Focus on Acquiring Skills, Not Just Experience

While experience is important, technical skills, certifications, and degrees can set you apart. The job market increasingly emphasizes skills-based hiring.

Oguntuyi: “Employers are looking for specific skills and how they’re applied to achieve results, not just years of experience.”

Understanding these insights can help refine your job search strategy and improve your chances of landing the role you want.

APC Chieftain Blames Naira Depreciation, Not Fuel Prices, for Rising Inflation

Ayobami Oyalowo, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has attributed Nigeria’s escalating inflation rate to the depreciation of the naira rather than fuel prices. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Oyalowo argued that the core issue is the weakening value of the naira against the dollar, rather than the cost of fuel.

Oyalowo noted that while there has been a slight improvement in food prices, the depreciation of the naira is expected to drive inflation higher in the coming months. He highlighted that despite the current fuel prices being relatively stable, the real problem lies in the naira’s exchange rate.

“I don’t think the price of fuel is a major problem; the real issue is the rate at which our naira is priced against the dollar,” Oyalowo said. “We are still buying fuel at less than 60 cents, so the issue is not the increase in fuel prices but the undervaluation of our naira.”

He warned that without measures to strengthen the naira, fuel prices will continue to rise, leading to increased costs for goods and services. Oyalowo anticipated that the September inflation data would reflect the impact of current petroleum prices, potentially exacerbating the inflation situation.

“Next month, we may see things get worse because the inflation figure for September will include the current petroleum prices, and we might find that other costs have increased while the food prices we hoped would improve may not be as favorable,” he added.

5 Health Issues Linked to Unforgiveness and Bitterness

Unforgiveness and bitterness are not just emotional struggles; they can also have significant physical health impacts. Persistent negative emotions can manifest in various diseases, underscoring the connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Here are five health conditions potentially linked to unresolved bitterness and unforgiveness:

1. Heart Disease

Chronic bitterness and unforgiveness can elevate stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this added stress can strain the heart and vascular system, raising the risk of heart disease.

2. Mental Health Disorders

Ongoing negative emotions, such as bitterness and unforgiveness, can contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The stress from holding onto these feelings can disrupt brain chemistry, leading to mood disorders and behavioral changes.

3. Digestive Problems

The gastrointestinal system can be adversely affected by chronic stress and negative emotions. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, and acid reflux may be worsened by the physiological effects of prolonged bitterness.

4. Immune Dysfunction

Long-term stress and emotional distress can compromise the immune system, reducing its ability to fend off infections and illnesses. This weakened immune response can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and longer recovery periods.

5. Sleep Disorders

Unresolved bitterness can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and deteriorated mental health.

Addressing feelings of unforgiveness through methods such as counseling, meditation, or other therapeutic techniques can help alleviate these negative emotions and may reduce the associated health risks.

Is It Possible to Be Pregnant Without Any Symptoms? What You Need to Know

It’s entirely possible to be pregnant and not experience any symptoms. While many associate pregnancy with common signs like morning sickness, fatigue, and cravings, some women may not feel any of these indicators.

Why Some Women Experience No Symptoms

  1. Hormone Levels: The way your body responds to hormonal changes can vary. If your body adapts quickly, you might not experience the usual symptoms.
  2. Body Sensitivity: Some women are less sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, which can result in fewer or no symptoms.
  3. Timing: Early pregnancy symptoms may be mild or absent, with some women only noticing changes later in the first trimester or beyond.

How Common Is It?

It may surprise you that many women experience little to no symptoms during the early stages of pregnancy. Studies show that approximately 1 in 475 women only discover their pregnancy after 20 weeks or later. This highlights that symptom-free pregnancies do occur, though they are rare.

What to Do If You Have No Symptoms

If you’re pregnant but not experiencing symptoms, there’s generally no cause for concern. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Consult Your Doctor: If you’re worried, speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide reassurance and monitor your pregnancy to ensure everything is progressing normally.
  2. Attend Prenatal Checkups: Regular visits to your doctor are important for tracking your baby’s development, even if you don’t have symptoms.
  3. Be Patient: Symptoms may appear later in pregnancy. Some women don’t experience them until the second trimester, or not at all, which could simply mean you’re having a smoother experience.

Every pregnancy is unique, and having no symptoms could just mean you’re one of the fortunate ones having a symptom-free pregnancy.

CBN Maintains 5% Limit on Ways and Means Advances Despite National Assembly Proposal

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decided to uphold a 5% limit on Ways and Means Advances to the federal government for the 2024-2025 fiscal years, contrary to a recent proposal from the National Assembly to increase this limit to 10%. This decision was detailed in the CBN’s Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines released on Tuesday.

The guidelines stress the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability and align with the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF). The CBN aims to manage economic expectations, respond to shocks, and support ongoing economic recovery.

The policy states: “Ways and Means Advances shall continue to be available to the Federal Government to finance deficits in its budgetary operations to a maximum of 5.0 per cent of the previous year’s actual collected revenue. Such advances shall be liquidated as soon as possible and shall in any event be repayable at the end of the year in which it was granted.”

Furthermore, advances will now be calculated after considering sub-accounts of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) linked to the Consolidated Revenue Fund to assess the Federal Government’s total cash position.

Ways and Means Advances are short-term loans provided by the CBN to help cover temporary budget shortfalls. The CBN Act of 2007 limits these advances to a percentage of the previous year’s revenue and mandates repayment within the fiscal year.

The handling of Ways and Means Advances has been contentious in recent years. In 2023, former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele faced criticism for allegedly printing ₦22.7 trillion for the federal government without National Assembly approval, contributing to concerns about inflation and increased money supply.

In February 2024, current CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced that the bank would suspend further advances until existing loans were repaid, as part of broader efforts to address the country’s economic challenges.

Alonso Pushes Boniface to Elevate Game Despite Impressive Performance

Bayer Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, has voiced high expectations for Victor Boniface following his standout display in the team’s 4-1 win over Hoffenheim last Saturday. While Alonso praised Boniface for his two goals and an assist, he stressed the need for the young striker to enhance his defensive contributions when the team is not in possession.

Boniface, who played a crucial role in the victory and contributed significantly to Leverkusen’s strong start to the Bundesliga season, has been advised by Alonso to further develop his game. Alonso emphasized that Boniface’s defensive efforts are as important as his attacking prowess.

“He can and must do more. He knows it, and the team needs it,” Alonso stated.

The coach highlighted Boniface’s second goal against Hoffenheim as a vital confidence booster for the striker, who made a notable return after a suspension for unprofessional conduct in a previous match.

Boniface’s performance was instrumental in Leverkusen’s recovery from their recent defeat to RB Leipzig, which ended their 35-match unbeaten league run. The win extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak to 19 Bundesliga games, the second-longest in the division’s history, and moved them up to fourth place in the league standings.

With the Champions League campaign approaching, Alonso has set high expectations for Boniface, particularly after an injury-plagued previous season. The upcoming midweek clash with Feyenoord will be a crucial test for Boniface to meet his coach’s demands and showcase his abilities on a continental stage.

Falana Slams NNPC’s Move to Set Petrol Prices from Dangote Refinery as Unlawful

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent decision to set the price of petrol from Dangote Refinery. Falana argues that this move breaches the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates that fuel prices should be governed by market forces following deregulation.

Falana criticized the NNPCL for fixing the price at ₦950 per litre, claiming it contradicts the PIA’s stipulation that petroleum prices should be determined by market dynamics. He also questioned the justification for pricing petrol in dollars when transactions should be in naira, as directed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The lawyer has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to address what he sees as monopolistic practices by the NNPCL and ensure other marketers have the opportunity to purchase and distribute petrol from the Dangote Refinery.

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