Candidates for the upcoming senatorial elections have successfully passed the screening process conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Following this development, the party has announced plans to officially launch its senatorial campaigns and rallies starting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24.
Dangote Reflects on Missed Chance to Buy Arsenal Due to Refinery Commitment
Aliko Dangote, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, has expressed his regret over not purchasing Arsenal Football Club when it was valued at around $2 billion. In an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, Dangote explained that his financial focus on completing the Dangote refinery project prevented him from acquiring the North London football team.
Dangote revealed that he had intended to purchase Arsenal once his refinery was completed, but the club’s value has since risen to $4 billion, making it less feasible. While the billionaire businessman admitted he regrets not buying the club earlier, he remains a devoted fan, watching their games regularly.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, founded Dangote Group, the largest conglomerate in West Africa, in 1981 and continues to focus on his business ventures, setting aside his ambitions to own a major football club.
Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate for 24th September 2024 and Insights on Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves Boost
Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today
As of 24th September 2024, here are the black market (parallel market) rates for Dollar to Naira transactions. At Lagos’ Parallel Market, a dollar is bought at N1660 and sold at N1665, according to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources.
Note: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the black market and advises individuals seeking foreign exchange to consult their banks.
Black Market Dollar to Naira Rates (Aboki FX):
- Buying Rate: N1660
- Selling Rate: N1665
CBN Official Rates:
- Buying Rate: N1587
- Selling Rate: N1588
Prices may differ depending on market conditions and other factors.
Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves Increase
Nigeria’s foreign reserves have seen a net inflow of $2.35 billion, helping to stabilize the naira. This was confirmed by the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, during a forum in Lagos. The increase in reserves is attributed to proactive government economic policies and steady inflows over the past seven months.
However, Edun noted that the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains low at 10%, with revenue-to-GDP at 15%, highlighting the need for more infrastructure spending and improved revenue generation.
Ganduje Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging His APC Chairmanship as Baseless After Court Ruling
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has responded to a lawsuit aimed at removing him from office, calling it baseless. On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, dismissed the case filed by the North Central APC Forum led by Saleh Zazzaga.
The lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024) challenged Ganduje’s appointment as APC chairman, claiming he is not from the North Central region. The defendants listed included Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking at the APC secretariat in Abuja, Ganduje expressed gratitude for the legal victory, stating the allegations lacked merit. He also commended North Central APC elders for their continued support amid the controversy.
Justice Ekwo ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to file the suit and agreed with INEC that the North Central APC Forum was not a registered entity.
Turkey Warns of Regional Chaos Amid Israel’s Attacks on Lebanon
Turkey has expressed grave concerns over Israel’s recent airstrikes in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of 356 people, including 24 children. The attacks mark a significant escalation in violence following the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, stating that they threaten to drag the entire Middle East into chaos. Turkey has called for immediate action from the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to prevent further bloodshed.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, set to address the UN General Assembly soon, has emphasized the need to hold Israel accountable for its actions in both Gaza and Lebanon, labeling them as acts of genocide.
Tinubu Launches Disaster Relief Fund in Response to Maiduguri Floods
Following severe flooding in Maiduguri, President Bola Tinubu has initiated a Disaster Relief Fund to address climate change-related disasters across Nigeria. The announcement came after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, where Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, highlighted the importance of mobilizing resources to handle emergencies.
The recent flooding in Maiduguri claimed lives and destroyed infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need for a proactive disaster response system. Tinubu’s administration aims to ensure preparedness for future disasters through continuous support for the fund.
Yahaya Bello’s Wednesday Court Appearance Seen as Last Opportunity Amid ₦80.2 Billion Allegations
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is set to appear in Federal High Court on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to respond to charges of money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion. This court appearance, after numerous missed sessions, is viewed as his “last opportunity” to enter a plea on the 19-count charges levied by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello’s continued avoidance of court dates and a prior arrest warrant issued in April escalated tensions, culminating in a standoff with security forces. His media aide insists that Bello has “nothing to hide,” but sources suggest Wednesday’s session is critical for his legal defense.
Notorious Bandit Leader Killed in Gang Conflict in Kaduna
Kachalla Tukur Sharme, a notorious bandit leader responsible for the 2021 abduction of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna, has reportedly been killed. Sharme and other criminals died in a violent clash with a rival gang in the Rijana and Kaso Forests, which span parts of Kachia, Chikun, and Kajuru local government areas.
The Kaduna State government confirmed that the conflict occurred over the weekend, resulting in Sharme’s death. Two other criminals were also killed, and several others were wounded. Sharme had long been a target of security forces due to his involvement in numerous kidnappings, killings, and cattle thefts across Kaduna and neighboring states.
The government urged local residents to report any suspicious individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.
Manchester City’s Rodri Faces Eight-Month Absence Due to ACL Injury
Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-2025 season after suffering a serious knee injury during their match against Arsenal on Sunday, September 22. The 28-year-old was substituted early in the game after an awkward movement, with initial tests suggesting a torn ACL in his right knee.
Further examinations are pending, but according to ESPN, Rodri will likely require surgery in Barcelona, potentially sidelining him for over eight months. His absence is a significant blow to City, as his outstanding performances have earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination this year.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s coach, expressed uncertainty about the severity of the injury after the match but emphasized Rodri’s strength and importance to the team. Despite the setback, Guardiola remains hopeful about the team’s ability to adapt in upcoming fixtures.
PDP Challenges Edo Governorship Election Results in Court
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially rejected the results of the recent Edo State Governorship election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, claiming that the people of Edo State had voted for their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
Damagum called on INEC to rectify what he described as a flawed process, urging the commission to honor the will of the people. He also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC), INEC, and the police of conspiring to manipulate the election.
The PDP intends to challenge the results, which saw APC’s Monday Okpebholo win with 291,667 votes, while PDP’s Ighodalo secured 247,655 votes. Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished third with 22,763 votes.