Category: 📈Trends

  • Court postpones ruling on Kano Emirate tussle

    Court postpones ruling on Kano Emirate tussle

    A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its ruling on the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024, to 2 pm today.

    PUNCH Online reports that the judgment was initially set for 12 pm but was shifted before midday, which was communicated by the court clerk to all parties in the suit.

    The court will also address a motion for a stay of proceedings filed by A.G. Wakil, representing the State’s Attorney General and Kano State Government, who are respondents in Danagundi’s suit.

    The law, recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on May 23, was immediately signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf and was used to dethrone Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and reappoint Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

    Also, it was used to reverse the creation of four emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, established by the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in 2020.

    However, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Danagundi, who was represented by Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), Danagundi, challenged the legality of the new law and asked the court to declare the law null and void.

    After hearing the motion last Friday, Justice Abdullahi  Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano adjourned the ruling till this Thursday.

    Counsel to the State House of Assembly and its speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay proceedings.

    However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been entered nor any formal application for a stay filed.

     

     

  • NBS — 5kg cooking gas sold at N7,418 in May

    NBS — 5kg cooking gas sold at N7,418 in May

    The National Bureau of Statistics NBS has said the average price of 5kg cooking gas increased from N6,521.58 recorded in April 2024 to N7,418.45 in May 2024.

    This is contained in the Bureau’s “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for May 2024, released on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The report said the May price represented a 13.75 per cent increase, compared to what was obtained in April 2024.

    The NBS said the average price of 5kg cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 70.12 per cent from N4,360.69 recorded in May 2023 to N7,418.45 in May 2024.

    On state profile analysis, the report showed that Benue recorded the highest average price at N8,012.03, followed by Enugu at NN7,926.21, and Ondo at N7,857.53.

    It said, on the other hand, Yobe recorded the lowest price at N5,842.31, followed by Jigawa and Katsina at N6,521.81, respectively.

    Analysis by zone showed that the South East recorded the highest average retail price of 5kg cooking gas at N7,680.87, followed by the South-West at N6,593.93.

    “The North-East recorded the lowest average retail price at N7,071.84,” the NBS said.

    Also, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas declined by 0.07 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N15,637.74 in April 2024 to N15,627.40 in May 2024.

    The report said the average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 63.85 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N9,537.89 in May 2023 to N15,627.40 in May 2024.

    State profile analysis showed that Zamfara recorded the highest average retail price of N18,369.33, followed by Bayelsa at N17,772.21 and Abia at N17,538.02.

    On the other hand, the report showed that the lowest average price was recorded in Bauchi at N13,076.43, followed by Ebonyi and Taraba at N13,788.09 and N13,860.3, respectively.

    Analysis by zone showed that the South South recorded the highest average retail price of 12.5kg cooking gas at N16,310.02, followed by the North-West at N15,991.13.

    The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N15,010.62.

    NAN

     

     

  • Footballers of Nigerian roots at EURO 2024

    Footballers of Nigerian roots at EURO 2024

    The Euro 2024 tournament has lit up the sporting world with giant slaying clash, mouthwatering goals and record-breaking performances all in the first round of games that have recorded 34 goals so far with FIFA top-ranked Belgium suffering an early defeat to low-ranked Slovakia.

    Real Madrid youngster, Arda Guler broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record to become the youngest player to score on their Euros debut against Georgia. The ‘Turkish Messi’ did it in style by netting a worldie that has been nominated for goal of the round.

    Amidst the series of entertaining games on display at the EURO 2024, Nigeria has found a way to squeeze itself into the tournament and for some Nigerians, it is a distraction from the recent poor performance of the Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifiers.

    Among the standout players are several players with Nigerian roots, who, while representing European nations, carry the heritage and legacy of Nigeria.

    The footballers who ply their trades at clubs like Bayern Munich, and Arsenal, amongst others have openly embraced their parents’ Nigerian roots and have pivotal roles to play for teams like Germany, Netherlands, England, and Italy. SEE THE NIGERIA-BORN STARS HERE

     

     

  • Again, court rejects Abba Kyari’s fresh bail request

    Again, court rejects Abba Kyari’s fresh bail request

    Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a fresh bail application the detained Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, filed to be released on bail, pending the conclusion of his trial.

    Kyari is facing an eight-count charge bordering on drug trafficking brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

    The NDLEA alleged that Kyari and his men, sometime between January 19 and 25, 2022, at the office of Inspector-General of Police, IRT, Abuja, in connivance with one ASP John Umoru (now at large), ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu, unlawfully tampered with 21.25kilograms worth of cocaine that they seized from the two convicted drug traffickers- Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwane- even as it also accused them of dealing in cocaine worth 17.55kg.

    The charge stated that this is contrary to section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, CAP N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the defendants

    The court had, in two previous rulings, denied the defendant’s bail and ordered their remand at Kuje prison.

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja also refused Kyari’s request for bail.

    At today’s sitting, Justice Nwite, in a ruling, held that Kyari’s application lacked merit.

    He stated that Kyari failed to establish any exceptional circumstance that would warrant the exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.

    The trial judge said that the court had earlier dismissed a similar bail application that was brought before it and ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.

    He said no evidence was shown to convince the court why it should depart from its earlier ruling.

    Justice Nwite rejected Kyari’s application and approved that the NLDEA, proceed with the prosecution of both Kyari and his co-defendants in the matter.

    Recall that the court last month granted Kyari temporary bail from prison custody to enable him to participate in his mother’s final burial rites.

    The court granted him N50m bail for two weeks and two sureties in like sum.

    Previously, Kyari had filed an application to challenge the charge brought against him which the court on March 22, 2023, dismissed.

    Kyari, through his team of lawyers led by Mr Nureni Jimoh (SAN), argued that the charge was legally defective and premature.

    He added that the NDLEA ought to have allowed police to exhaust its internal machinery before filing the applications in court.

    He claimed that the Police had already commenced an investigation into allegations against him and issued an interim report.

    The defendant argued that he could only be charged to court upon the conclusion of the internal investigation by the police.

     

     

  • Osimhen prefers Arsenal, Chelsea to PSG move

    Osimhen prefers Arsenal, Chelsea to PSG move

    Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen would rather join one of his Premier League suitors that moved to PSG League, as the 25-year-old is set to leave Napoli this summer.

    Arsenal and Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners for his signature, and the former Lille striker is eagerly awaiting calls from the duo, according to reports in Itlay.

    PSG initially earmarked him as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is on his way to Real Madrid, but according to Monday’s Corriere dello Sport, Osimhen is not interested in joining the French giants, being unconvinced about playing in Ligue 1. Instead, he considers the Premier League his dream destination, making Arsenal and Chelsea the favourites to land him ahead of the 2024–25 season.

    Osimhen, who won the Serie A Golden Boot award in the 2022–23 season, signed a new contract with Napoli in December, which has a release clause reportedly set at €120–€130 million (£101 million).

    The player recently missed his national team’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic due to injury and now looks to a new challenge after leading Napoli’s Scudetto charge in the 2022–23 season.

    Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is notoriously difficult to negotiate with, holding firm on Osimhen’s release clause, but the striker appears set on a move to England.

    Arsenal and Chelsea have regularly been linked with the Nigerian international, but it could take an offer of over ÂŁ100 million to strike a deal with Napoli, who are unlikely to stray from his release clause.

    The Gunners are reported to have cooled their interest recently due to the fee involved.

    As Osimhen pushes for the Premier League instead of a PSG or Saudi switch, this transfer saga could drag on for months due to De Laurentiis’ demands.

     

     

  • Euro 2024: Mbappe suffers broken nose

    Euro 2024: Mbappe suffers broken nose

    France captain, Kylian Mbappe, has been diagnosed with a broken nose after an injury during Monday’s 1-o Euro 2024 win over Austria, the French Football Federation has confirmed.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the FFF said, “Kylian Mbappé suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France held this Monday in Düsseldorf.”

    It added, “The captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture.”

    However, in a boost for the 2018 World Cup winners, the federation revealed that the striker will not require surgery.

    “Mbappé will receive treatment in the next few days, but he will not undergo surgery in the immediate future.

    “A mask will be made for him so that the number 10 of the French national team can prepare for his return to the competition after a period dedicated to treatment,” the statement added.

     

     

     

  • English Premier League 2024/2025 Fixtures Announced | FULL LIST

    English Premier League 2024/2025 Fixtures Announced | FULL LIST

    The English Premier League has released the fixtures for the 2024/2025 season, with Matchday 1 set to kick off on the weekend of August 17 and 18, 2024.

    Fans are counting down the days until the action begins.

    Premier League lovers and supporters across the globe are buzzing with excitement as the schedule promises thrilling matches and fierce competition from day one.

    PUNCH Online reports that EPL released the 380 matches fixture on Tuesday.

    The final round of games will be played on Sunday May 25, 2025. All matches will kick-off at the same time.

    Meanwhile, the 2024 summer transfer window for the Premier League opened on Friday, June 14, coinciding with the start of Euro 2024.

    The window will close at 11pm UK time on Friday, August 30.

    The Premier League has moved Deadline Day forward to align with other major European leagues following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.

    Newly Promoted Clubs

    This season, the Premier League welcomes three newly-promoted clubs from the Championship: Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton.

    These teams have shown remarkable performance in the championship and are ready to make their mark in the top tier of English football.

    Leicester City: The Foxes return to the Premier League after a brief stint in the Championship. They will look to reclaim their status as a formidable side, reminiscent of their fairy-tale title-winning season in 2015/2016.

    Ipswich Town: Ipswich makes a much-anticipated return to the Premier League, ending a 22-year absence from the top flight. Their fans are eager to see how they fare against the elite teams of English football.

    Southampton: The Saints are back in the Premier League after just one season in the Championship. Known for their strong youth academy, they will aim to secure a stable position in the league.

    Season Expectations

    As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on these fixtures to see how the teams perform.

    The Premier League continues to be the pinnacle of football excitement, with every match bringing the possibility of surprise and drama.

    Fans can expect a season full of intense battles, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments.

    Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as we count down to the kickoff of the 2024/2025 Premier League season!

    Here are the full fixtures the 38 weeks:

    2024/25 Matchweek 1 fixtures

    Friday 16 August 2024

    20:00 Man Utd v Fulham

    Saturday 17 August 2024

    12:30 Ipswich Town v Liverpool

    Arsenal v Wolves

    Everton v Brighton

    Newcastle United v Southampton

    Nottingham Forest v AFC Bournemouth

    17:30 West Ham v Aston Villa

    Sunday 18 August 2024

    14:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace

    16:30 Chelsea v Man City

    Monday 19 August 2024

    20:00 Leicester City v Spurs

    Saturday 24 August 2024 (Week 2)

    AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United
    Aston Villa v Arsenal
    Brighton v Man Utd
    Crystal Palace v West Ham
    Fulham v Leicester City
    Liverpool v Brentford
    Man City v Ipswich Town
    Southampton v Nottingham Forest
    Spurs v Everton
    Wolves v Chelsea

    Saturday 31 August 2024 (Week 3)
    Arsenal v Brighton
    Brentford v Southampton
    Chelsea v Crystal Palace
    Everton v AFC Bournemouth
    Ipswich Town v Fulham
    Leicester City v Aston Villa
    Man Utd v Liverpool
    Newcastle United v Spurs
    Nottingham Forest v Wolves
    West Ham v Man City

    Saturday 14 September 2024 (Week 4)
    AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea
    Aston Villa v Everton
    Brighton v Ipswich Town
    Crystal Palace v Leicester City
    Fulham v West Ham
    Liverpool v Nottingham Forest
    Man City v Brentford
    Southampton v Man Utd
    Spurs v Arsenal
    Wolves v Newcastle United

    Saturday 21 September 2024 (Week 5)
    Aston Villa v Wolves
    Brighton v Nottingham Forest
    Crystal Palace v Man Utd
    Fulham v Newcastle United
    Leicester City v Everton
    Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth
    Man City v Arsenal
    Southampton v Ipswich Town
    Spurs v Brentford
    West Ham v Chelsea

    Saturday 28 September 2024 (Week 6)
    AFC Bournemouth v Southampton
    Arsenal v Leicester City
    Brentford v West Ham
    Chelsea v Brighton
    Everton v Crystal Palace
    Ipswich Town v Aston Villa
    Man Utd v Spurs
    Newcastle United v Man City
    Nottingham Forest v Fulham
    Wolves v Liverpool

    Saturday 5 October 2024 (Week 7)
    Arsenal v Southampton
    Aston Villa v Man Utd
    Brentford v Wolves
    Brighton v Spurs
    Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
    Crystal Palace v Liverpool
    Everton v Newcastle United
    Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth
    Man City v Fulham
    West Ham v Ipswich Town

    Saturday 19 October 2024 (Week 8)
    AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal
    Fulham v Aston Villa
    Ipswich Town v Everton
    Liverpool v Chelsea
    Man Utd v Brentford
    Newcastle United v Brighton
    Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
    Southampton v Leicester City
    Spurs v West Ham
    Wolves v Man City

    Saturday 26 October 2024 (Week 9)
    Arsenal v Liverpool
    Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth
    Brentford v Ipswich Town
    Brighton v Wolves
    Chelsea v Newcastle United
    Crystal Palace v Spurs
    Everton v Fulham
    Leicester City v Nottingham Forest
    Man City v Southampton
    West Ham v Man Utd

    Saturday 2 November 2024 (Week 10)
    AFC Bournemouth v Man City
    Fulham v Brentford
    Ipswich Town v Leicester City
    Liverpool v Brighton
    Man Utd v Chelsea
    Newcastle United v Arsenal
    Nottingham Forest v West Ham
    Southampton v Everton
    Spurs v Aston Villa
    Wolves v Crystal Palace

    Saturday 9 November 2024 (Week 11)
    Brentford v AFC Bournemouth
    Brighton v Man City
    Chelsea v Arsenal
    Crystal Palace v Fulham
    Liverpool v Aston Villa
    Man Utd v Leicester City
    Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United
    Spurs v Ipswich Town
    West Ham v Everton
    Wolves v Southampton

    Saturday 23 November 2024 (Week 12)
    AFC Bournemouth v Brighton
    Arsenal v Nottingham Forest
    Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
    Everton v Brentford
    Fulham v Wolves
    Ipswich Town v Man Utd
    Leicester City v Chelsea
    Man City v Spurs
    Newcastle United v West Ham
    Southampton v Liverpool

    Saturday 30 November 2024 (Week 13)
    Brentford v Leicester City
    Brighton v Southampton
    Chelsea v Aston Villa
    Crystal Palace v Newcastle United
    Liverpool v Man City
    Man Utd v Everton
    Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town
    Spurs v Fulham
    West Ham v Arsenal
    Wolves v AFC Bournemouth

    Tuesday 3 December 2024 (Week 14)
    AFC Bournemouth v Spurs
    Arsenal v Man Utd
    Aston Villa v Brentford
    Everton v Wolves
    Fulham v Brighton
    Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace
    Leicester City v West Ham

    Wednesday 4 December 2024
    Man City v Nottingham Forest
    Newcastle United v Liverpool
    Southampton v Chelsea

    Saturday 7 December 2024 (Week 15)
    Aston Villa v Southampton
    Brentford v Newcastle United
    Crystal Palace v Man City
    Everton v Liverpool
    Fulham v Arsenal
    Ipswich Town v AFC Bournemouth
    Leicester City v Brighton
    Man Utd v Nottingham Forest
    Spurs v Chelsea
    West Ham v Wolves

    Saturday 14 December 2024 (Week 16)
    AFC Bournemouth v West Ham
    Arsenal v Everton
    Brighton v Crystal Palace
    Chelsea v Brentford
    Liverpool v Fulham
    Man City v Man Utd
    Newcastle United v Leicester City
    Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa
    Southampton v Spurs
    Wolves v Ipswich Town

    Saturday 21 December 2024 (Week 17)
    Aston Villa v Man City
    Brentford v Nottingham Forest
    Crystal Palace v Arsenal
    Everton v Chelsea
    Fulham v Southampton
    Ipswich Town v Newcastle United
    Leicester City v Wolves
    Man Utd v AFC Bournemouth
    Spurs v Liverpool
    West Ham v Brighton

    Thursday 26 December 2024 (Week 18)
    AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
    Arsenal v Ipswich Town
    Brighton v Brentford
    Chelsea v Fulham
    Liverpool v Leicester City
    Man City v Everton
    Newcastle United v Aston Villa
    Nottingham Forest v Spurs
    Southampton v West Ham
    Wolves v Man Utd

    Sunday 29 December 2024 (Week 19)
    Aston Villa v Brighton
    Brentford v Arsenal
    Crystal Palace v Southampton
    Everton v Nottingham Forest
    Fulham v AFC Bournemouth
    Ipswich Town v Chelsea
    Leicester City v Man City
    Man Utd v Newcastle United
    Spurs v Wolves
    West Ham v Liverpool

    Saturday 4 January 2025 (Week 20)
    AFC Bournemouth v Everton
    Aston Villa v Leicester City
    Brighton v Arsenal
    Crystal Palace v Chelsea
    Fulham v Ipswich Town
    Liverpool v Man Utd
    Man City v West Ham
    Southampton v Brentford
    Spurs v Newcastle United
    Wolves v Nottingham Forest

    Tuesday 14 January 2025 (Week 21)
    Arsenal v Spurs
    Brentford v Man City
    Everton v Aston Villa
    Ipswich Town v Brighton
    Leicester City v Crystal Palace
    Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
    West Ham v Fulham

    Wednesday 15 January 2025
    Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth
    Newcastle United v Wolves
    20:00 Man Utd v Southampton

    Saturday 18 January 2025 (Week 22)
    Arsenal v Aston Villa
    Brentford v Liverpool
    Chelsea v Wolves
    Everton v Spurs
    Ipswich Town v Man City
    Leicester City v Fulham
    Man Utd v Brighton
    Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth
    Nottingham Forest v Southampton
    West Ham v Crystal Palace

    Saturday 25 January 2025 (Week 23)
    AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest
    Aston Villa v West Ham
    Brighton v Everton
    Crystal Palace v Brentford
    Fulham v Man Utd
    Liverpool v Ipswich Town
    Man City v Chelsea
    Southampton v Newcastle United
    Spurs v Leicester City
    Wolves v Arsenal

    Saturday 1 February 2025 (Week 24)
    AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool
    Arsenal v Man City
    Brentford v Spurs
    Chelsea v West Ham
    Everton v Leicester City
    Ipswich Town v Southampton
    Man Utd v Crystal Palace
    Newcastle United v Fulham
    Nottingham Forest v Brighton
    Wolves v Aston Villa

    Saturday 15 February 2025 (Week 25)
    Aston Villa v Ipswich Town
    Brighton v Chelsea
    Crystal Palace v Everton
    Fulham v Nottingham Forest
    Leicester City v Arsenal
    Liverpool v Wolves
    Man City v Newcastle United
    Southampton v AFC Bournemouth
    Spurs v Man Utd
    West Ham v Brentford

    Saturday 22 February 2025 (Week 26)
    AFC Bournemouth v Wolves
    Arsenal v West Ham
    Aston Villa v Chelsea
    Everton v Man Utd
    Fulham v Crystal Palace
    Ipswich Town v Spurs
    Leicester City v Brentford
    Man City v Liverpool
    Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest
    Southampton v Brighton

    Tuesday 25 February 2025 (Week 27)
    Brentford v Everton
    Brighton v AFC Bournemouth
    Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
    Spurs v Man City
    West Ham v Leicester City
    Wolves v Fulham
    20:00 Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

    Wednesday 26 February 2025
    Chelsea v Southampton
    20:00 Liverpool v Newcastle United
    20:00 Man Utd v Ipswich Town

    Saturday 8 March 2025 (Week 28)
    Brentford v Aston Villa
    Brighton v Fulham
    Chelsea v Leicester City
    Crystal Palace v Ipswich Town
    Liverpool v Southampton
    Man Utd v Arsenal
    Nottingham Forest v Man City
    Spurs v AFC Bournemouth
    West Ham v Newcastle United
    Wolves v Everton

    Saturday 15 March 2025 (Week 29)
    AFC Bournemouth v Brentford
    Arsenal v Chelsea
    Aston Villa v Liverpool
    Everton v West Ham
    Fulham v Spurs
    Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest
    Leicester City v Man Utd
    Man City v Brighton
    Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
    Southampton v Wolves

    Tuesday 1 April 2025 (Week 30)
    AFC Bournemouth v Ipswich Town
    Arsenal v Fulham
    Brighton v Aston Villa
    Nottingham Forest v Man Utd
    Wolves v West Ham

    Wednesday 2 April 2025
    Chelsea v Spurs
    Man City v Leicester City
    Newcastle United v Brentford
    Southampton v Crystal Palace
    20:00 Liverpool v Everton

    Saturday 5 April 2025 (Week 31)
    Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest
    Brentford v Chelsea
    Crystal Palace v Brighton
    Everton v Arsenal
    Fulham v Liverpool
    Ipswich Town v Wolves
    Leicester City v Newcastle United
    Man Utd v Man City
    Spurs v Southampton
    West Ham v AFC Bournemouth

    Saturday 12 April 2025 (Week 32)
    AFC Bournemouth v Fulham
    Arsenal v Brentford
    Brighton v Leicester City
    Chelsea v Ipswich Town
    Liverpool v West Ham
    Man City v Crystal Palace
    Newcastle United v Man Utd
    Nottingham Forest v Everton
    Southampton v Aston Villa
    Wolves v Spurs

    Saturday 19 April 2025 (Week 33)
    Aston Villa v Newcastle United
    Brentford v Brighton
    Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth
    Everton v Man City
    Fulham v Chelsea
    Ipswich Town v Arsenal
    Leicester City v Liverpool
    Man Utd v Wolves
    Spurs v Nottingham Forest
    West Ham v Southampton

    Saturday 26 April 2025 (Week 34)
    AFC Bournemouth v Man Utd
    Arsenal v Crystal Palace
    Brighton v West Ham
    Chelsea v Everton
    Liverpool v Spurs
    Man City v Aston Villa
    Newcastle United v Ipswich Town
    Nottingham Forest v Brentford
    Southampton v Fulham
    Wolves v Leicester City

    Saturday 3 May 2025 (Week 35)
    Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth
    Aston Villa v Fulham
    Brentford v Man Utd
    Brighton v Newcastle United
    Chelsea v Liverpool
    Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest
    Everton v Ipswich Town
    Leicester City v Southampton
    Man City v Wolves
    West Ham v Spurs

    Saturday 10 May 2025 (Week 36)
    AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa
    Fulham v Everton
    Ipswich Town v Brentford
    Liverpool v Arsenal
    Man Utd v West Ham
    Newcastle United v Chelsea
    Nottingham Forest v Leicester City
    Southampton v Man City
    Spurs v Crystal Palace
    Wolves v Brighton

    Sunday 18 May 2025 (Week 37)
    Arsenal v Newcastle United
    Aston Villa v Spurs
    Brentford v Fulham
    Brighton v Liverpool
    Chelsea v Man Utd
    Crystal Palace v Wolves
    Everton v Southampton
    Leicester City v Ipswich Town
    Man City v AFC Bournemouth
    West Ham v Nottingham Forest

    Sunday 25 May 2025 (Week 38)
    16:00 AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City
    16:00 Fulham v Man City
    16:00 Ipswich Town v West Ham
    16:00 Liverpool v Crystal Palace
    16:00 Man Utd v Aston Villa
    16:00 Newcastle United v Everton
    16:00 Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
    16:00 Southampton v Arsenal
    16:00 Spurs v Brighton
    16:00 Wolves v Brentford

     

  • Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu passes on

    Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu passes on

    The Nollywood entertainment industry is plunged into sorrowful mourning following the loss of veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu.

    Movie producer Stanley Ontop broke the tragic news on his official Instagram page.

    Stella Ikwuegbu
    Stella Ikwuegbu.

    He disclosed that she passed away after a prolonged battle with leg cancer and expressed his sorrow over her death.

    He wrote: “Popular Nollywood actress/veteran Mrs stella ikwuegbu is dead. The veteran Actress left this world today after battling with Leg cancer. Rest well madam Stella. Nollywood not again😭😭😭 💔 💔💔💔
    It’s well💔😭 Shalom!”

    Many fans expressed their sorrow over the actress’s passing in the comments.

    Read a few remarks below

    thaworldbanana said: “Ohhh this woman I love😢 Loved her voice…may she rest in peace ❤️”

    tcokafor wrote: “Death is the greatest enemy 💔💔💔”

    realcharityasuquo stated: “I just asked nche about her last week. 😢😢😢may her soul rest in peace. Oh Lord I’m shattered”

    default.culture said: “It just seems like all our veterans are dying of one ailment or the other”

    dr_shugaboy wrote: “Kai this woman is dead.. I really loved her movies”

  • Nigeria’s headline inflation surges to 33.95% in May

    Nigeria’s headline inflation surges to 33.95% in May

    Again, Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 33.95 per cent in May 2024 according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

    This represents a month-over-month increase of 0.26 per cent points in the headline inflation rate from 33.69 per cent recorded in April, the NBS stated in the Consumer Price Index report released on Saturday.

    The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices of goods and services consumed by people for day-to-day living. Between January and May, headline inflation has risen, surging from 29.90 per cent in January to 33.95 per cent in May, representing an increase of 13.5 per cent.

    The report added that the inflation rate climbed to a more than 28-year high in May on higher food and transport prices.

    The report read, “In May 2024, the headline inflation rate increased to 33.95% relative to the April 2024 headline inflation rate which was 33.69 per cent. Looking at the movement, the May 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.26 per cent compared to the April 2024 headline inflation rate.

    “On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.54 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in May 2023, which was 22.41 per cent. This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in May 2024 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., May 2023).

    “On the contrary, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in May 2024 was 2.14%, which was 0.15% lower than the rate recorded in April 2024 (2.29 per cent). This means that in May 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in April 2024.

    Also, potatoes, fish and meat contributed to higher food prices. Food inflation quickened to 40.66 per cent in May from 40.3 per cent in April.

    “The Food inflation rate in May 2024 was 40.66 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 15.84 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in May 2023 (24.82 per cent), the NBS report read.

    In recent years, food prices have been on the rise across Nigeria. The situation deteriorated due to the impact of government policies such as the removal of subsidies on petrol, among others.

    The upward trend in the prices of these staples and other products has weakened the purchasing power of many citizens, making it difficult for many households in the country to afford daily meals.

    Details later…

     

     

  • Report — Post-subsidy PMS import costs rise by 31%

    Report — Post-subsidy PMS import costs rise by 31%

    Nigeria’s cost of petrol importation has continued to rise despite an almost 50 per cent drop in the nation’s consumption rate, reports by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics have shown.

    The PUNCH reports that N2.63tn was spent on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit in the first quarter of 2024, which was 31.4 per cent higher than the cost incurred for the same purpose in the last quarter of 2023.

    In the last three months of 2023, our correspondent estimated that N1.81tn was expended in importing petrol.

    The country imported 6,372,422,896 litres of petrol at the rate of N1.49tn in the first quarter of 2023, according to reports from the NBS, putting a litre of petrol at N234 during the subsidy regime.

    N1.51tn was spent in the first quarter of 2022 to bring in 5,782,767,749 litres of PMS, putting a litre around N260.

    With the payment of fuel subsidies at that time, the pump price of petrol ranged between N165 and N200 per litre.

    On May 29, 2023, when he was sworn in, President Bola Tinubu, announced an end to the fuel subsidy era, saying, “The fuel subsidy is gone.”

    After the pronouncement, the price of petrol skyrocketed to around N550 per litre.

    The price was later impacted by the government’s decision to float the naira.

    The pump price of petrol is currently between N600 and N700, depending on the marketer and the location.

    After the removal of fuel subsidies, the Federal Government said the nation’s oil consumption had reduced by 50 per cent.

    “Petrol importation has been reduced by 50 per cent since the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said during a ministerial press briefing in February.

    On February 18, 2023, about three months before Tinubu ended the PMS subsidy regime, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, revealed that Nigeria was consuming about 66 million litres of PMS daily.

    At that time, Kyari put the landing cost of petrol at around N315/litre.

    “Our customers are here; we are transferring to each of them at N113/litre. That means there is a difference of close to N202 for every litre of PMS we import into this country. In computation, N202 multiplied by 66.5 million litres, multiplied by 30 will give you over N400bn of subsidy every month,” Kyari said.

    Going by the position of the information minister that petrol importation had dropped by 50 per cent, it implies that the volume of imports into Nigeria had reduced by about 33 million litres daily, based on NNPCL’s figures in February, implying that PMS importation had dropped by about 990 million litres in one month.

    Also, a report by the NBS showed that there was a reduction in the amount of fuel imported into the country months after the removal of the subsidy, indicating that the country consumed an average of 1 billion litres per month.

    However, despite this 50 per cent reduction claim, the cost of PMS imports was reported to be on the increase.

    Experts have attributed the increase to the depreciation of the naira against the dollar.

    In the first quarter of 2024, when the country spent N2.63tn on fuel imports, the government was said to have imported a litre of PMS at the rate of N878 if the monthly import volume is pegged at 1 billion litres and three billion litres for the quarter.

    This has been the reason many stakeholders have been accusing the Federal Government and the NNPCL of secretly paying the subsidy; an allegation the government has denied repeatedly.

    Recently, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said, “Let me say categorically that the President had rightly said, on the day he was sworn in; he said subsidy is gone. The last government did not make any provision for subsidy in the 2023 budget.

    “And I can confirm to you that subsidy is gone. But there could be strategic interventions from time to time. But officially, the subsidy is gone. If you look at the Petroleum Industry Act, the NNPC, as a national oil company, also has a legal obligation to intervene from time to time.”

    Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund had earlier warned that with pump prices and tariffs below cost-recovery, “implicit subsidy costs could increase to 3 per cent of GDP in 2024 from 1 per cent in 2023”.

    It noted that those subsidies were costly and poorly targeted, with higher-income groups benefiting more than the vulnerable.

    The IMF reechoed, “The implicit fuel subsidy could gulp as high as N8.4tn in 2024 from N1.85tn in 2023; N4.4tn in 2022; N1.86tn in 2021 and N89bn in 2020.”