The naira slumped against the United States dollar at the official window on Friday.
Data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) showed that the domestic currency lost N9 to trade N1, 563/$1, up from N1, 554/$1 recorded on Thursday.
The intra-day high and low recorded during the day were N1, 586/$1 and N1, 496/$1 respectively, representing a very lean spread of N90$1.
The naira gained N5 against the dollar at the parallel section of the market to trade N1, 560$1, as against N1, 565/$1 recorded the previous day.
The naira gained N10 against the British Pound to trade N2, 040£1 as against the previous day’s N2, 050£1.
The Canadian dollar continues to close flat against the naira to trade at N1,200 | CA$1.
The naira gained N5 against the Euro to trade at ₦1,675/€1 as against the previous ₦1,680/€1.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Naira sheds N9 to trade N1, 563/$1 at official window
Plateau gov mourns students killed in school building collapse
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has sympathised wiyh the families of students and staff of St. Academy School, Jos, who lost their loved ones in the collapse of a two-storey school building behind St. Murumba, Busa Buji, in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor said he received the heartbreaking news with grief and sorrow, describing the tragedy as unfortunate.
He stated that nothing can be more painful and heart-wrenching than the incident.
The statement read, “The governor appreciated the timely intervention of the search and rescue team, as well as members of the public who rushed to the school premises to assist in evacuating some of the surviving students and staff.
“He directed the relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, to provide necessary support to the surviving victims of the building collapse.
“Governor Mutfwang expressed deep regret that the students were trapped while writing their promotion examination and extended his condolences to the grieving mothers who lost their children in the unfortunate incident.
“Highlighting the significance and broader purpose of Executive Order 003, recently signed into law, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intent is to safeguard citizens from such disasters, prevent Jos from deteriorating into a slum, and ensure compliance with building regulations in line with the Greater Jos Master Plan.”
Mutfwang further stated that, “Words cannot fully comfort the grieving families over their immense loss. He prayed that the God of all comfort will continue to console and uphold them during this difficult period.”
“He prayed that the Almighty God will grant the families, the school, and the extended community the fortitude to endure this irreplaceable loss, and that His consoling presence will bring solace in these trying times.”
Obaseki mourns victims of Plateau school building collapse
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his condolences to the people and government of Plateau State following the tragic incident where a school building collapsed, resulting in deaths and injuries.
The unfortunate event occurred at Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, claiming the lives of several school children and leaving others trapped under the rubble.
In a statement on Friday, Obaseki conveyed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as disheartening that children died where they had gone to seek knowledge for a better future.
The governor emphasised the devastating nature of the news, stating, “It is indeed a devastating news, and I commiserate with families of those who lost their lives. Our prayers are also with those trapped under the rubble as emergency responders battle to rescue them.”
Obaseki extended his wishes for a quick recovery to those injured in the collapse. He referred to the incident as a really dark day and offered prayers for the deceased.
Speaking on behalf of the Edo State government and its people, the governor said, “I extend heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Plateau State as well as the families of the victims and the injured.”
According Online reports that the school building collapsed around 8.30 am on Friday when the students and teachers were in their classes.
The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed in a statement on Friday that 120 persons were trapped under the rubbles while giving an update on the incident.
The statement read, “The Plateau State Government has expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident at Saint Academy Jos, where a building collapsed resulting in casualties and injured students and teachers still being evacuated to different hospitals within Jos.”
Giving an update on the number of casualties late Friday, Ashoms said that the death toll has increased from 17 to 22 while 154 persons suffered different degrees of injuries.
0158/JULY/12/7/2024/Sunday Adah/MO/NAN
NGX: Equities market recovers as investors gain N172bn
The equities market reversed four days of consecutive losses this week with investors posting a N172 billion gain at the close of trading on Friday.
This followed the growth in share prices of CUTIX, LEARN AFRICA, and CAVERTON, amongst others on the trading floor today.
After five hours of trading at the capital market, the equity capitalization increased to N56.4 trillion from N56.2 trillion posted by the bourse on Thursday.
The All-Share Index (ASI) increased to 99,671.28 from 99,468.90 recorded the previous day.
The market breadth was negative as 21 stocks advanced and 22 declined, while 69 others remained unchanged in 7,617 deals.
CUTIX, LEARN AFRICA and CAVERTON led other gainers with 10%, 10%, and 8.97% growth in share price each to close at N4.62, N3.52, and N1.58 from the previous N4.20, N3.20, and N1.45 per share.
READ ALSO: NGX: Investors begin week with N51b loss as stocks tumble
On the flip side, REDSTAREX, DAAR COMMUNICATION, and GUINNESS led other price decliners as they shed 9.80%, 8.77%, and 7.14% each to close at N4.05, N0.52, and N65.00 from the initial N4.49, N0.57, and N70.00 per share.
On the volume index, FIDELITY BANK led trading with 96 million shares valued at N1.01 billion in 524 deals followed by ELLAH LAKES which traded 46 million shares valued at N140 million in 60 deals.
GTCO traded 42 million shares valued at N1.94 billion in 223 deals.
On the value index, GTCO recorded the highest value for the day trading stocks worth N1.94 billion in 223 deals followed by FIDELITY BANK which traded equities worth N1.01 billion in 524 deals.
ACCESS CORP traded stocks worth N501 million in 755 deals.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post NGX: Equities market recovers as investors gain N172bn appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
I promise you I am OK, Biden tells supporters
US President Joe Biden tried to reassure voters he was in good shape Friday as he returned to the campaign trail amid mounting pressure from Democrats to step aside.
“We’ve got to finish the job. And I promise you I am OK,” the 81-year-old told supporters at a diner in Northville in the battleground state of Michigan, which he must win in November to beat Donald Trump.
Details later…
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Multinational troops kill two suspected Boko Haram terrorists, 5 surrender in Borno
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) on Monday killed two suspected Boko Haram fighters in Borno State.
The spokesman for the MNJTF, Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He said: “As part of Operation Lake Sanity 2, troops of Sector 3 of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) successfully carried out a covert operation on 8 July 2024, targeting a terrorist hideout in Kwatan Dowoshi, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“During the operation, the troops engaged in a firefight with the terrorists, resulting in the neutralization of two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.
“The operation led to the destruction of the terrorist hideout and the recovery of several items, which include AK-47 rifle magazines, 148 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 4 magazine carriers, 172 tax/levy receipts for farmers and fishermen, 2 Baofeng radios, and a large number of assorted drugs.”
READ ALSO: Nigerian govt to resume prosecution of Boko Haram suspects in detention
The spokesman revealed that five terrorists surrendered to troops on Thursday.
“Additionally, on 11 July 2024, in the Task Force Wulgo, comprising combined Cameroonian and Nigerian troops, 5 Boko Haram/ISWAP members surrendered.
“The surrendering individuals are identified as Babagana Ali, 25, Modukau Abatcha, 20, Alhaji Bako, 27, Muhammad Bataye, 18, and Babagana Mohammed, 15,
“These individuals emerged from Tunbouma Village and Kutungulla Village in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State and are currently undergoing further investigation.
“The Force Commander, Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, commended the troops of Sector 3, Task Force Wulgo, and the hybrid forces for their bravery.
“He called on other remaining terrorists to lay down their arms and surrender.”
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Gunmen abduct Benue poly rector, three others
Gunmen on Thursday abducted the acting rector of Benue Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, and three others.
The other victims are two management staff of the institution and their driver.
They were kidnapped along the Otukpo-Otukpa Road after an official assignment in Makurdi, the state capital.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the abduction.
She said the command has commenced an investigation into the incident.
The post Gunmen abduct Benue poly rector, three others appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Plateau school building collapse death toll hits 22
The death toll in a school building which collapsed in Jos, Plateau State on Friday has increased from 17 to 22.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Àbdu, had earlier confirmed 17 persons dead after a rescue operation at the Saint Academy located at the Busa Buji community in Jos North LGA of the state
But the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, who gave an update on the incident in a statement he issued on Friday night, confirmed that the death toll had risen to 22 while 154 persons suffered different degrees of injuries.
Ashoms added that those injured are receiving treatments at hospitals across the state.
The statement read in part, “The Plateau State Government expresses its deepest condolences following the tragic building collapse at Saint Academy Jos on July 12, 2024. The collapse resulted in 154 fatalities and injuries. Emergency responders are currently at the scene conducting search and rescue operations.
“Current situation as of 6pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased. Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.”
Giving the breakdown of the casualties, he said, “Breakdown of hospital admissions and fatalities: Hospital, Patients and Number Deaths- Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) 39 hospitalised and three deaths; Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital 32 hospitalised and five deaths: Bingham University Teaching Hospital 55 hospitalised and 14 deaths; Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) six hospitalised and 0 deaths. Total: 132 hospitalised and 22 deaths, a grand total of 154 victims”
He noted that efforts are ongoing to rescue those who are still trapped in the collapsed building, adding that hospitals in the state have been ordered to prioritise the treatment of the building collapse victims.
The commissioner added, “The Plateau State Government activated emergency response protocols immediately upon notification of the incident. Emergency services, including the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals have been working collaboratively in search, rescue and resuscitation efforts.
“To ensure prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritise treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.
“Governor Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.
“He, however, emphasized the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.
“Citing Executive Order 003, he urged schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately.
“The Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
The commissioner said a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapsed building was underway.
“On behalf of the Plateau State Government, our hearts ache for the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and offer our unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time. We are committed to ensuring the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority. We urge all schools to strictly adhere to safety regulations and obtain necessary clearances from the JMDB before construction,” he stated.
US mobile giant AT&T suffers massive data theft
US mobile operator AT&T reported Friday that hackers had stolen call and message data from virtually all of its customers for six months in 2022 — around 90 million people.
The company said in a statement that “AT&T customer data was illegally downloaded from our workspace on a third-party cloud platform” and that it had opened an investigation.
It added that the access point used by the hackers “has been secured” and that “based on information available to us…at least one person has been apprehended.”
The data mainly comprised records of phone calls and text messages made between May 2022 and October 2022.
These are the phone numbers used by AT&T mobile subscribers, and also, in some cases, location data that could help malicious actors determine where calls were made and text messages sent.
But according to AT&T, the data downloaded by the hackers did not include the content of calls and messages, nor personal information such as names or social security numbers.
“At this time, we do not believe the data is publicly available. We continue to work with law enforcement in their efforts to arrest those involved,” the company added.
Although Snowflake is not mentioned in the statement, eyes have turned to this cloud platform, which sells data analytics services to large corporations and has recently suffered a wave of data thefts.
A source close to the case confirmed to AFP that the hackers had gained access to the AT&T records via Snowflake.
AT&T already suffered a major cyberattack in March, when the personal data of over 70 million current and former customers was leaked on the dark web.
This is a “second blow to the millions of customers who have already lost trust after having their private information exposed by the company earlier this year,” said Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder at Keeper Security.
Although this time the information is “less sensitive than that disclosed in the previous breach,” Guccione recommended that those affected take steps to protect their identity, such as changing their AT&T account password and implementing multifactor authentication.
He further advised customers to monitor their bank accounts, sign up for a dark web monitoring services or freeze their credit “to prevent the approval of new loans or lines of credit” in their name.
The Department of Justice said that it was investigating the incident.
AFP
Tinubu sympathises with Plateau residents
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the Plateau State Government and people over the loss of lives that followed a school building, which collapsed at the Saint Academy located at the Busa Buji community in Jos North LGA of the state.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday night, expressed his deepest sadness and sympathy over the incident.
He described the incident as a huge loss to the nation.
The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu received the news of the tragic collapse of a school building, which resulted in multiple deaths and many surviving victims in Jos, Plateau State, with profound grief.
“President Tinubu describes the unfortunate incident as a huge loss to the nation, as well as a devastating development – too excruciating to imagine.
“The President condoles with the bereaved families, families of all the victims, and the people and Government of Plateau State.”
The president commended the emergency responders, the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency, security agencies, and all citizens involved in the search, rescue, and resuscitation efforts.
He also assured the residents of his “fervent support at this difficult time”.
The Saint Academy building located in the Busa Buji community collapsed while the students and teachers were in their classes.
Twenty-two persons have been confirmed dead and over 154 persons suffered varying degrees of injury.