Good day! Below is a Summary of News Stories Across Nigeria and Abroad:
1. In recognition of the role of MSMEs in growing the nation’s economy, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has announced the Federal Government’s plan to urgently ensure quick access to single digit interest loans for Nigerian small businesses within the shortest time possible. The Vice President made the disclosure on Tuesday in a message to mark the 2023 World Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day. According to him, “on this World MSME Day, the government of President Tinubu recognizes the vital role that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting innovation. Shettima urged all stakeholders to come together to champion the growth and success of MSMEs to achieve sustainable development for all. LEADERSHIP
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2. Sokoto State governor Ahmed Aliyu has warned that his administration would not tolerate the issue of blasphemy. Aliyu also warned that his administration will deal decisively with anyone found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad in line with the provision of Islamic laws. The governor handed out the warnings in the aftermath of the mob action that left one Usman Buda, a butcher, dead for allegedly blaspheming the Prophet on Sunday morning. VANGUARD
3. The World Bank has clarified that the 800 million dollar loan from the bank was approved as of December 2021, a time when the government of Muhammadu Buhari contemplated the removal of fuel subsidy. Its Nigerian articlesCountry Director, Dr Shubham Chaudhuri, made this known on Tuesday. at an event organised by the World Bank to assess the nation’s economy in the last six months. Chaudhuri explained that the fund is a loan and not a grant as speculated. He said that the funds will be channelled into ameliorating the sufferings of the poor and vulnerable owing to the removal of the fuel subsidy. The World Bank Country Director also expressed support for the Federal Government’s subsidy removal and the exchange rate unification. CHANNELS
4. Oil-rich Gabon will hold presidential, legislative and local elections on August 26, the West African country said Tuesday, with President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s strong favourite to win against a divided opposition. Bongo has not yet said whether he will stand again, but he is widely expected to run for re-election. His powerful Gabonese Democratic Party holds strong majorities in both houses of parliament. Bongo, 64, took over from his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba, the country’s ruler for 41 years, in 2009. The president was narrowly re-elected in 2016, with just 5,500 more votes than rival Jean Ping who claimed the election had been fixed. Bongo suffered a stroke in 2018 and spent months on the sidelines recovering, leaving the opposition to question his fitness to run the nation. The Bongo family has ruled the country for 55 years already and is branded a “dynastic power” by the opposition. PUNCH
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5. American female rapper, Belcalis Almanzar, popularly known as Cardi B, has issued warning to her husband, Offset amid allegations of infidelity. Recall that Offset, in a post that has since been deleted from his Instagram page, had claimed that his wife had cheated on him with a member of his own ‘gang.’ But, reacting on Twitter on Monday, Cardi B addressed the accusation via a Twitter space. The American rapper countered the allegation by stating that Offset was making these claims because he himself had engaged in sexual relations with another woman. Cardi B advised her fans not to lend their ears to Offset’s words, saying he was attempting to shift blame onto her for actions he knew he was guilty of. Urging her followers not to pay attention to Offset’s words, she dismissed him as a mere “country man.” VANGAURD
6. Major-General John Ochai has assumed office as the 32nd Commandant of Nigeria’s foremost military university, the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. General Ochai took over from Major General IM Yusuf, who proceeded into retirement after 33 years of service to the country. This followed the recent deployment of some senior officers in the Nigerian Army by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. In his brief remarks during the handover ceremony at the NDA Headquarters in Kaduna, the outgoing Commandant, Maj Gen IM Yusuf, thanked God for his successful career and fruitful tenure as head of the nation’s foremost military university. PUNCH
7. As the 2nd African Beach Games continue in Temament Tunisia, Team Nigeria has today recorded its first medal with Esther Toko clinching Bronze in Rowing. Team Nigeria had earlier in the wake of the event defeated Benin Republic 2-0 (12- 0, 12- 0) in Teqball men’s singles and double, shooting the nation forward to the final stage of the Game today. With this positive development, Nigeria is all out to record about 2 or 3 medals in Teqball. As the days unfold, the events will captivate audiences with their electrifying performances and fierce competition. The excitement promises to be palpable as Nigeria’s athletes strive to showcase their abilities so as to record more podium performances at the event. LEADERSHIP
8. Banky W expresses gratitude to his wife for standing by him during his porn addiction. On Sunday, June 25, 2023, the entertainer and preacher took a moment to thank his wife as he bravely spoke on his past battle with porn during a sermon titled “The prison of pornography.” Banky W emphasised the significance of having a reliable companion, whilst urging the congregation to do so. In his sermon, he talked about his struggle, highlighting moments during which he would repeatedly call his wife, and keep her on the phone for long hours to strengthen his resolve and fight the temptation to watch adult movies. PULSE
9. Former Big Brother Naija Season 7 housemate, Doyinsola Anuoluwapo David, has clarified that her comment that her colleague, Adekunle owes his mum an apology was not an insult to his mother. According to report Doyin, during the ‘Level Up’ reunion show episode 6, aired on Monday night, had stated that Adekunle “owes his mum an apology because he threw her home training to the gutters.” Her statement earned backlash on social media, with many berating her for involving Adekunle’s mother in their beef. However, reacting via her Twitter handle on Tuesday morning, Doyin clarified that her comment on the show was not an insult to Adekunle’s mother as many insinuated. DAILY POST
10. Co-hosts Australia will play their opening game of next month’s Women’s World Cup in front of a full house, a senior FIFA official told AFP Tuesday. Dave Beeche, chief executive of the Women’s World Cup, said the Matildas’ opener against Ireland on July 20 has sold out at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, which can hold around 80,000 fans. Beeche also expects a capacity crowd the same day in Auckland where tournament co-hosts New Zealand — the “Football Ferns” – open their campaign against Norway. With less than 25 days until kick off, the tournament boss says only a “few thousand” tickets are left for New Zealand’s opening game at Eden Park, where capacity will be just under 40,000. CHANNELS
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