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CAF announces new dates for 2025 AFCON in Morocco

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CAF announces new dates for 2025 AFCON in Morocco

The next Africa Cup of Nations will be played in Morocco from December 21 2025 to January 18 2026, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe said on Friday.

“I am confident that the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and the best AFCON in the history of this competition,” he said.

CAF held a virtual executive committee at their headquarters in Cairo on Friday evening after which Motsepe made the announcement.

Originally scheduled for June and July 2025, the AFCON was moved to avoid a clash with the inaugural Club World Cup in the United States from June 15 to July 13 next year.

An added challenge for CAF officials was the desire to avoid a clash of dates with the UEFA Champions League in Europe.

Matchday six of the elite European club competition ends on December 11 2025 and matchday seven begins on January 21 2026.

However, the new dates are sure to upset many Premier League clubs as the Christmas-New Year period is frenetic with teams playing many matches in a short period.

English media reports have suggested clubs might not release African stars as they are compelled to do so for only one international championship per year and the next World Cup is in 2026.

CAF could argue that it is the 2025 AFCON, although most of the tournament will be staged the following year.

Finding suitable dates for the AFCON, a 24-nation tournament won by hosts the Ivory Coast last February, has become increasingly difficult.

A switch to mid-year worked for the 2019 edition in the searing heat of Egypt in so far as it avoided a clash with the European club seasons.

– Dramatic profit increase –
However, the two subsequent editions, in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, had to be staged in January and February to avoid the rainy seasons in central and west Africa.

The qualifying draw for the 2025 AFCON is scheduled for Johannesburg on July 4 with 48 hopefuls to be divided into 12 groups.

Morocco will take part to gain competitive match practice but are guaranteed a place at the 24-team finals as hosts.

Unlike the four-yearly European Championship, Copa America and Asian Cup, the AFCON is held every two years because it delivers most of the CAF revenue.

In a recent TV interview, Motsepe said CAF made an $80 million (€75 million) profit from the last AFCON, hosted by the Ivory Coast in January and February this year.

This was a dramatic increase from previous editions, which produced an average profit of about four million dollars, according to the South African billionaire.

The 2024 Women’s AFCON (WAFCON) has also been postponed and will now be played in Morocco from July 5-26 next year.

New dates will also have to be found for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), originally scheduled for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda this year.

Not even the qualifying draw has been made for a competition restricted to home-based footballers and won by Senegal in Algeria last year, and CAF has not explained the delay.

There has also been no news from CAF on a second edition of the African Football League (AFL), initially called the African Super League.

Planned to be a 24-club mini-league and knockout competition featuring the highest-ranked clubs in the continent, it debuted last year with just eight sides involved in a three-round affair.

Were the original format to be introduced, clubs would play between 14 and 21 matches in a continent where air travel presents challenges due to limited direct flights between countries.

“You can turn the lights off on domestic football if this (AFL) goes ahead,” warned John Comitis, the chairman of top-flight South African club Cape Town City.

AFP

World Bank grants Oyo N3.5bn to renovate 105 schools

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World Bank grants Oyo N3.5bn to renovate 105 schools

The World Bank has supported the Oyo State Government with an N3.5 billion grant for the renovation of 105 selected public primary schools across the state.

The state governor, Seyi Makinde, made the disclosure on Friday in Ibadan during a symbolic presentation of cheques to representatives of some of the beneficiary schools.

Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal said the grant was meant for the renovation of primary schools with critical attention.

The governor explained that the works would commence simultaneously in all the 105 schools selected across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He admonished those in charge of the exercise to avoid doing shoddy jobs but to ensure that all the projects were in accordance with the prescriptions.

He said that doing quality jobs would make the essence of the projects realisable and equally make the general public to appreciate government efforts in the education sector.

“A huge amount of money is being put into this project, and the beneficiaries must pay attention to what is being done in their respective schools.

“The standard must be in accordance with prescriptions, so that our children will take maximum advantage of the facilities government is putting in place,” Makinde said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Intervention, Mr Suraj Tiamiyu, said that the renovation of the 105 approved public primary schools, mostly in the rural areas, was expected to be completed within six weeks.

Tiamiyu said the renovation would include construction of toilets, boreholes drilling among other facilities that would make learning environment more condusive for pupils.

He added that the exercise would be properly monitored for effective delivery to standard and time framework.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the grant support is a World Bank Project under Better Education Service Delivery for All – Additional Funding.

The project is a form of educational grant from the World Bank with Global Partnership for Education aiming to increase equitable access for out-of-school children and improvement of literacy in beneficiary states.

Oyo State and two other states, namely; Adamawa and Katsina were beneficiaries of the grant, which is also seeking to strengthen accountability for results in basic education in Nigeria.

NAN

Nigerian govt approves N21bn to DisCoS for purchase of meters

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Nigerian govt approves N21bn to DisCoS for purchase of meters

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N21 billion for the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to provide meters for customers.
NERC gave the approval in ORDER NO: NERC/2024/072 on The Operationalisation of “Tranche A” of the Presidential Metering Initiative under the Framework of Meter Acquisition Fund signed by its chairman, Sanusi Garba.
It read: “The order signed by NERC Chairman, Mr Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Legal, Dafe Akpeneye, shall become effective From June 2024 and may be amended or revoked by subsequent orders issued by the commission.
“The commission hereby approves the sum of N21 billion apportioned pro rata to contribution by the DisCos as Tranche A of the MAF scheme.
“Attached to this order as Schedule 1 is a breakdown of the funds available for each DisCo for the purchase of end-use customer meters.
“All the meters to be procured and installed under the MAF framework shall be at no cost to the customers of the DisCos.”
The commission introduced the Meter Asset Provider (“MAP”) Regulations 2018 and subsequently, the Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering (“MAP&NMMR”) Regulations in 2021 to address metering challenges in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (“NESI“).
The regulations provided several options for metering end-use customers but the interventions, though significant, had not resulted in the closure of the national metering gap which currently stood in excess of seven million customers.
“The inability of distribution companies (DisCos) to raise financing in the form of debt or additional equity was identified as the major constraint in the acquisition and deployment of end-use meters and other capital investments.
“The Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme was therefore, developed and approved by the commission, primarily to address the challenges of DisCos creditworthiness inhibiting the deployment of end-use meter in NESI.
”By creating a credible revenue stream from the market funds on the back of which long term financing may be secured by the utilities,” it stated.
The post Nigerian govt approves N21bn to DisCoS for purchase of meters appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Onazi calls for action after sister-in-law died in auto crash

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Onazi calls for action after sister-in-law died in auto crash

Former Nigerian international footballer Ogenyi Onazi has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Road Safety Corps to intervene following a tragic accident that claimed the life of his sister-in-law and left his brother severely injured.

A post by Onazi on Friday via his Instagram noted that the incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 4 PM when Onazi’s elder brother, was driving with his wife to visit an acquaintance.

Their journey was cut short when a truck loaded with fertilizer careened out of control, crashing into more than 10 vehicles.

“On the traffic then came this truck loaded with fertilizer without control to crash more than 10 cars killed my brothers wife instantly and my brother managed to survival with several dislocated joint arranged for surgery, with other people dead,” Onazi wrote.

He added that there were other fatalities in the accident as well.

The midfielder, who currently plays for Italian Serie D club Avezzano, expressed his frustration with the circumstances surrounding the crash. “After interrogation, I got to know that the driver does not have a proper driving license and he was handed this kind of truck to destroy lives,” he revealed.

Onazi used this personal tragedy to highlight the situation plaguing the Nigerian roads.

“Driving in Nigeria, you will know that a lot of people driving on the road don’t have proper driving knowledge,” he observed.

The footballer further emphasised the danger posed by truck and tanker drivers, stating, “Lately, trucks and tank drivers have been killing a lot of people because of reckless driving.”

The 31-year-old, who was part of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2013, called for stricter enforcement of driving regulations and better training for commercial vehicle operators.

200 Chinese firms interested in economic collaboration with Nigeria -FG

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200 Chinese firms interested in economic collaboration with Nigeria -FG

The Federal Government said over 200 Chinese companies are interested in investing in the Nigerian economy.

This was made known by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during a China-Nigeria Business event in Beijing on Friday.

According to a statement by the minister’s media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, on Friday,  the business event was part of the activities marking Tuggar’s official visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart,  Wang Yi.

Jointly organised by the Nigerian Embassy and Yingke Law Firm, the event aimed to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and economic ties between the two nations.

“Amb. Tuggar emphasised the importance of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China, highlighting mutual respect and shared developmental goals.

“This event is a testament to our commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations,” the statement read partly.

The event witnessed the participation of over 200 Chinese companies, all showing keen interest in fostering economic collaboration with Nigeria.

“Over 200 Chinese companies took part in the event, showing a strong interest in fostering economic collaboration between the two nations,” the statement added.

The minister’s visit includes high-level meetings and events, such as the inaugural Plenary Session of the Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee in Beijing and the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian.

“These engagements are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China,” the statement further added.

Additionally, Tuggar will meet with ECOWAS Ambassadors and launch the 4D Cultural Diplomacy Programme of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the Nigerian Embassy.

Torrential rains kill 27 across Central America

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Torrential rains kill 27 across Central America

Torrential rains across Central America have left at least 27 dead in landslides and flooding over the past week, mainly in El Salvador, but also in Guatemala and Honduras, officials said Friday.

El Salvador’s Environment Minister Fernando Lopez said the deluge was a result of low pressure over the Pacific Ocean, with indirect influence from tropical storm Alberto which left four people dead in Mexico.

“Unfortunately, the death toll has now reached 19, a very regrettable event,” said El Salvador civil protection boss Luis Amaya, in a television interview.

Among those killed were two girls whose home was buried by a landslide.

Amaya said several preventative evacuations have been carried out in high-risk areas on hillsides and near rivers which have overflowed.

In neighbouring Guatemala, authorities reported seven deaths have been recorded and said flooding had damaged roads and bridges.

The Honduras Permanent Commission for Contingencies (Copeco) reported one death, with 3,500 people affected and more than 200 homes damaged.

Several communities are cut off due to rising rivers in southern Honduras near the border with El Salvador, according to an AFP journalist.

No deaths have been reported in Nicaragua, but authorities warn of rising rivers, flooded homes and damage to roads.

AFP

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Reps spokesperson condemns viral video targeting lawmakers 

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Reps spokesperson condemns viral video targeting lawmakers 

The spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, on Friday, raised an alarm over what he described as the spread of disinformation by mischief makers with the intent to portray lawmakers in a bad light.

Rotimi raised the alarm against the backdrop of a viral video on social media quoting the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi state, Leke Abejide as giving a breakdown of his monthly take-home pay as a federal lawmaker. 

Rotimi stated that salaries and allowances of legislators, like all public officers are fixed by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission and asked those interested to contact the commission. 

Recall that while at plenary on Tuesday, June 11, Abejide raised a point of order, saying his privilege had been breached by one Adeola Fayehun who allegedly spread false information on social media about his monthly take-home as a lawmaker. 

Abejide, who read out the figures being paraded on social media by the said Adeola Fayehun said it was the second time his constituents were pitched against him and called on the leadership of the House to step in or he would be forced to seek legal redress.

In the original video of the plenary, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had promised that the leadership of the House would address the issue.

However, in an edited viral video trending on social media, Abejide allegedly claimed that he earns N2.5m as a basic salary, N5m for accommodation, N7.5m for furniture, N1.2m for newspapers, N621,000 for wardrobe, and N248,000 for recess among others. 

The House spokesman, however, said in a statement that the viral video was distorted.

“A fact check shows that the video was distorted to suit the purpose of fake news purveyors. So what really happened?

“Rep Abejide Leke was only raising a point of order on privilege concerning claims by one Adeola Fayehun. In the original video, Rep Abejide lamented that his privilege had been breached.

“The lawmaker brought the attention of the House to the social media commentator who made bogus claims about lawmakers’ earnings.

“Rep Abejide further lamented that Fayehun, who is based in the United States, has made it a duty to misinform Nigerians, particularly his constituents, about happenings in the National Assembly.

“The lawmaker said Fayehun has continually instigated the people and urged the House leadership to take decisive action”.

According to him, “This incident highlights the dangers of disinformation, especially when targeted at parliamentarians. Fake news purveyors can distort facts to mislead the public and create confusion.

“It is essential for the public to verify information from credible sources before believing or sharing it. Misinformation can undermine trust in democratic institutions and disrupt the legislative process. By being vigilant and discerning, we can combat the spread of fake news and protect the integrity of our democracy.

“Lawmakers’ earnings, like all public servants, are publicly available as set by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission,” he added.

British Airways flight delayed in Lagos as technical fault grounds plane

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British Airways flight delayed in Lagos as technical fault grounds plane

All seems not well with British Airways at the moment as a technical fault grounded one of its aircraft leaving many passengers in a confused state at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

Sources hinted to The According that while frantic efforts are being made to repair the faulty plane, most of the passengers have been re-accommodated on other flights.

It was also gathered that the remaining affected passengers have been lodged in an undisclosed hotel with their feedings catered for since Wednesday.

The source further told our correspondent that since the challenge occurred, no passenger has been left unattended to or allowed to sleep at the airport, as they have all been taken into a hotel.

A passenger who refused to give his name quoted the Airline as saying that its team was working hard to book the remaining customers on a flight as soon as possible.

The British Airlines flight number BA 74, which was scheduled to depart from Lagos to London at 10:50 pm on Wednesday, June 19, suffered a technical fault.

The flight was finally canceled after 1:00 a.m with passengers being asked to cancel their immigration forms and go back to baggage claims to collect their already checked-in luggage.

As of the time this report was filed, an undisclosed number of passengers were still waiting in their hotel rooms.

When contacted, The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, promised to get back to our reporter after checking with his officers.

“Yes, somebody brought the matter to my attention about an hour ago but I have been so busy. But if such happens the airline must have taken care of the passengers. If that has been done there will be no issues but let me check with my officers and I will get back to you shortly.”

Also speaking, Regional Commercial Manager Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Tutu Otuyalo, confirmed the development but said the airline resolved the matter gradually.

She said, ‘We have been in contact with our customers to apologise for the delay to their flight, this was caused by a technical issue with the aircraft. The majority of customers have been re-accommodated on other flights, and our team is working hard to book the remaining customers on a flight as soon as possible.

“We will cover accommodation and meal costs for customers. We would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so.”

She could not confirm when the rest of the passengers would be airlifted but assured that they would all be sorted within the shortest possible time.

NGX: Investors end week with N56bn loss as stocks tumble

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NGX: Investors end week with N56bn loss as stocks tumble

Investors in the Nigerian equities market ended the week’s trading with a N56 billion loss on Friday.
This followed the dip in the share price of stocks like MULTIVERSE, RTBRISCOE, and SUNUASSUR amongst others on the trading floor today.
After five hours of trading at the capital market, the equity capitalization crashed to N56.42 trillion from N56.47 trillion posted by the bourse on Thursday.
The All-Share Index (ASI) decreased to 99,743.05 from 99,842.94 recorded the previous trading day.
The market breadth was negative as 21 stocks advanced, 26 declined, while 75 others remained unchanged in 9,273 deals.
INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES, THOMASWY, and CHAMS led other gainers with 10%, 9.95% and 9.86% growth in share price to close at N4.40, N2.10, and N2.34 from the previous N4.00, N1.91, and N2.13 per share.
READ ALSO: NGX: Investors close week with N52bn profit
On the flip side, MULTIVERSE, RTBRISCOE, and SUNUASSUR led other price decliners as they shed 9.68%, 7.46%, and 6.25% each to close at N11.20, N0.62, and N1.20 from the initial N12.40, N0.67, and N1.28 per share.
On the volume index, FBNH led trading with 207.913 million shares valued at N4.57 billion in 544 deals followed by GTCO which traded 58.553 million shares valued at N2.60 billion in 427 deals.
VERITASKAP traded 57.594 million shares valued at N55 million in 160 deals.
On the value index, FBNH recorded the highest value for the day trading stocks worth N4.57 billion in 544 deals followed by GTCO which traded equities worth N2.60 billion in 427 deals.
ZENITH BANK traded stocks worth N559 million in 461 deals.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post NGX: Investors end week with N56bn loss as stocks tumble appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Chioma’s engagement ring worth three Rolls Royces, says Davido

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Chioma’s engagement ring worth three Rolls Royces, says Davido

Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly called Davido, has revealed that the value of his fiancée, Chioma Rowland’s engagement ring equals the price of two or three Rolls Royce.

Davido disclosed this in a video video shared on Instagram on Friday by a businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.

In the video, the socialite hailed the couple, who were seated in a car, and requested that Chioma flaunt the ring.

“#ChiVido 2024! Excessive steeze! Let me see that ring,” he said.

Responding, Davido said, “That is two, three Rolls Royces right there.”

According Online reports that Davido recently confirmed his upcoming wedding with Chioma, which is reportedly scheduled to take place in Lagos on June 25, 2024.

Israel DMW, an aide to Davido, also in a viral video, labelled the upcoming wedding as a “gathering of billionaires.”

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