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Nigerian military gets first female professional golfer

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Nigerian military gets first female professional golfer

Sergeant Cynthia Maurice of the Nigerian Airforce has made history by becoming the country’s first female professional golfer in the military.

The week-long Professional Examinations which were held from July 14 to July 20 took place at HSD Golf Club Bayelsa.

The examinations sanctioned by the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria consisted of playing ability tests, written and oral.

The Assistant Resident Head Professional, TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Emmanuel Odoh, said that Maurice’s journey was a testament to her resilience, perseverance, and determination.

Odoh said that her achievement had indeed paved the way for other female golfers in the military and inspired young girls to pursue careers in sports.

He noted that it also highlights the progress made in promoting gender equality and diversity in the Nigerian military.

“Just four years ago, Cynthia took up golf, inspired by the professionals she saw on the course. She set her sights on becoming a pro herself, refusing to settle for amateur status.

“With unwavering dedication, she channelled her mind and body towards her goal, sacrificing tirelessly to hone her skills.

“From a 36-handicap beginner to a professional golfer, Cynthia’s transformation is a remarkable achievement. Her hard work, discipline, and courage have earned her the crown of bravery, resilience, and honour.

“Today, we celebrate Cynthia’s remarkable journey, her perseverance, and her refusal to accept anything less than excellence. Congratulations, Pro Cynthia Maurice,” he said.

(NAN)

Uganda mobilises police ahead of rally

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Uganda mobilises police ahead of rally

Police were out in force on the empty streets of the Ugandan capital Kampala on Tuesday ahead of a planned anti-corruption rally that has been banned by the authorities.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African country with an iron fist for almost four decades, had warned the demonstrators at the weekend they were “playing with fire”.

Three opposition lawmakers were remanded in custody late Monday, police said, after opposition leader Bobi Wine said his National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters was “under siege” by police and army officers.

The call to action over corruption has been organised online, drawing inspiration from the mostly Gen-Z led anti-government protests in neighbouring Kenya that have roiled the country for a month.

“We are the youths and heart of our country and we are not letting down our country,” leading Ugandan protester Shamim Nambasa told AFP on Monday.

Posters shared online ahead of the rallies urged demonstrators to “march on parliament”.

But police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke said the authorities will “not allow a demonstration that will risk peace and security of the country”.

In the capital, AFP journalists said there were roadblocks on mostly quiet streets — especially near Kampala’s business district — heavily manned by officers in anti-riot gear with some wearing camouflage uniforms.

A heavy police presence also remained in place around the NUP headquarters, an AFP journalist said.

On Monday three lawmakers with the opposition group were detained by police on “various offences and remanded to prison,” according to the police spokesperson who did not give further details on the charges.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had made calls on Monday to support the rallies.

“We want a country where we all belong not for the few in power,” he said.

A NUP spokesperson confirmed three legislators — named as Francis Zaake, Charles Tebandeke and Hassan Kirumira — along with seven others connected to the party, had been detained.

Tuesday’s march has been organised on social media by young Ugandans with the hashtag #StopCorruption.

Graft is a major issue in Uganda, with several major scandals involving public officials, and the country is ranked a lowly 141 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index.

AFP.

Nigerian govt stands firm on sanctions for banks defaulting on windfall tax

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Nigerian govt stands firm on sanctions for banks defaulting on windfall tax

The Federal Government has reiterated its tough stance on financial institutions failing to comply with the windfall tax on foreign exchange profits made in 2023.
This comes as the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zack Adediji, met with the National Assembly’s finance committees to discuss amendments to the Finance Bill, 2024, on Monday.
The windfall tax, introduced in 2023, is a one-time levy imposed on banks’ excess foreign exchange earnings generated due to a significant devaluation of the Naira. The government aims to utilize the collected revenue for public services.
The Senate had given an expeditious passage to President Bola Tinubu’s request to amend the Finance Act to impose a one-time windfall tax on banks’ foreign exchange profits in 2023.
Read Also: Ndume insists Tinubu is inaccessible, cites personal experience
Speaking at the meeting, Edun said, the “bank windfall” profit levy, though small still constituted an important contribution to government finances at a time when revenues had substantially increased despite minimising taxes.
In his explanation, the FIRS chairman explained that the windfall tax was not a new tax imposed on banks.
Adedeji said, “These are the gains that you have without any contribution from you, without any value addition. They result from the effect of an adverse activity on others. And who are these others? If you look at the report of all manufacturing entities in the last one and a half years, you will discover that a lot of registered companies recorded huge losses from exchange transactions.
“Anywhere in the world, your duty as the government is to redistribute the wealth to sustain the progress and prosperity of the nation.
“So the loss suffered by manufacturing, as a result of these foreign gains, which is being recorded in the bank is what the government seeks to redistribute. And that is why we have this levy.
“So we seek your permission and your understanding in balancing this economic inequality that was occasioned due to the circumstances that we find ourselves.”
The post Nigerian govt stands firm on sanctions for banks defaulting on windfall tax appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

180 members of minority caucus adopt Obi Aguocha’s call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

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180 members of minority caucus adopt Obi Aguocha’s call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

One hundred and eighty members of the minority caucus of the 10th House of Representatives have adopted a motion by lawmaker, Obi Aguocha for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Aguocha, who represents the Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, revealed this on Monday during a meeting of the caucus.
He urged his colleagues to take a definitive position on the ongoing discourse surrounding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to explore a political solution to the pressing issue.
The adoption of the position by the influential caucus comes on the heels of Aguocha’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, the successful mobilisation of 50 of his colleagues across all parties and the southeast caucus of the National Assembly.
In his address, Aguocha emphasized the importance of a united stance within the minority caucus, highlighting that the resolution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case was crucial for national peace, stability, and unity.
He called for immediate and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders to advocate for a peaceful and political resolution to the matter, which has significant implications for the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.
In a statement from the address, ‘‘Aguocha underscored the potential benefits of addressing the situation through dialogue and reconciliation rather than a prolonged abuse of legal processes and confrontation.
He expressed the belief that a political solution could pave the way for enhanced national integration and the restoration of trust among various communities.
He said, “today, the opposition parties have taken a decisive stand on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the planned protest, insecurity, the dilapidated infrastructure, and the economy.
‘‘This call to action serves as a reminder of the critical role that legislative bodies play in fostering peace and stability in the nation. We remain committed to championing initiatives that promote justice, equity, and harmonious coexistence across Nigeria’’.
The caucus which endorsed Aguocha’s call consists of all members from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, 115 seats, Labour Party, LP, 35 seats, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, 19 seats, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, 5 seats, Social Democratic Party, SDP, – 2 seats, Young Progressives Party, YPP – 2 seats, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, – 2 seats.
180 members of minority caucus adopt Obi Aguocha’s call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

Stock markets mixed after US rally ahead of inflation report

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Stock markets mixed after US rally ahead of inflation report

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as investors struggled to extend a surge on Wall Street, where the tech sector bounced back after last week’s losses, while attention turned to the upcoming release of key US inflation data.

In New York, all three main indexes rose, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq up more than one per cent each.

Asia followed suit Tuesday morning but some markets were unable to maintain their advances.

Tokyo finished flat and there were losses in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta, while Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington, Manila and Taipei rose.

London and Paris fell at the open while Frankfurt rose.

Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential election race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris had little major impact on sentiment, analysts said, though there is much debate about who she chooses as her running mate.

However, analysts warned the road will likely be bumpy over the next few months.

Saira Malik at Nuveen said Biden’s decision to pull out of the presidential race “adds even more uncertainty around what has already been a tumultuous 2024 geopolitical landscape.

“Mr Biden announced he will endorse… Kamala Harris, but the exact path forward is uncertain.

“If this news gives former President Trump a bump in the polls, that could provide a further boost to areas of the market that have been pricing in increased prospects for a Republican sweep in November.

“One thing does seem certain: More twists and turns in the political roller coaster in the months ahead.”

Traders are also hoping for more policy announcements to kickstart the stuttering Chinese economy after last week’s closely watched Third Plenum of leaders unveiled few measures save a pledge to help local governments financially.

This week has seen a more upbeat start after a sell-off last week that came on the back of a tech retreat fuelled by profit-taking and reports the White House was planning a fresh crackdown on firms supplying chip tech to China.

But, optimism for another healthy earnings season, particularly among semiconductor makers, saw a bounce on Monday, with market darling Nvidia among the big winners along with Broadcom and Texas Instruments.

This week sees releases by Google parent Alphabet, Tesla and Spotify.

Tech firms have led the rally in markets this year, helping push all three main indexes in New York to multiple record highs, thanks to expectations the Federal Reserve will cut borrowing costs.

After last week was devoted to the US election and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the central bank’s monetary policy is back in focus ahead of Friday’s report on personal consumption expenditure, the Fed’s favoured gauge of inflation.

The figure has come down steadily in recent months, giving central bank officials room to begin cutting rates, with bets on a September move increasing.

In currency markets, the dollar weakened against the yen ahead of a policy meeting at the Bank of Japan next week that some say could see it hike interest rates again.

The greenback has softened of late against the Japanese unit, with OANDA’s Kelvin Wong citing two catalysts.

“Firstly, it has been the increased odds of a more dovish US Federal Reserve… to kickstart in the September (policy) meeting after a slew of soft key US economic data in terms of spending and inflationary trends.

“Secondly, in an earlier Bloomberg interview with… Donald Trump published on Tuesday, 16 July, Trump implied that he favoured a weaker US dollar against the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan yuan (due to US exports losing competitiveness).”

Seoul-listed Kakao tanked more than five percent on news that the billionaire founder of the internet conglomerate, Kim Beom-su, had been arrested Tuesday facing accusations of manipulating stock prices during the purchase of K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment.

 

– Key figures around 0715 GMT –

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: FLAT at 39,594.39 (close)

Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.9 per cent at 17,476.49

Shanghai – Composite: DOWN 1.7 per cent at 2,915.37 (close)

London – FTSE 100: DOWN 0.3 per cent at 8,172.10

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0884 from $1.0890 on Monday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2919 from $1.2929

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 156.54 yen from 157.08 yen

Euro/pound: UP at 84.25 pence at 84.20 pence

West Texas Intermediate: FLAT at $78.38 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: UP 0.1 per cent at $82.47 per barrel

New York – Dow: UP 0.3 per cent at 40,415.44 (close)

AFP

DANGOTE: Dele Momodu cautions against anti-investor policies as Nigeria battles economic crisis

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DANGOTE: Dele Momodu cautions against anti-investor policies as Nigeria battles economic crisis

Social commentator and Ovation Magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, on Monday, expressed concern over the recent public spat between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority and Dangote Refinery’s management, warning that it may deter local and foreign investors from doing business in Nigeria.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu urged the government to resolve the issue discreetly, stating that publicizing the dispute could have far-reaching consequences for the economy.
He emphasized the significance of encouraging investors, citing Aliko Dangote’s substantial investments in Nigeria and other countries.
“It’s almost like it is a crime to be an investor in Nigeria. I saw the reports in the Financial Times, Bloomberg and others. It will not help Nigeria.
“I don’t know who has grudges to bear with him. He should call him into a bedroom. Let them go and settle it behind closed doors. We cannot afford to wash this dirty linen in public. It is going to boomerang for all of us. That is my attitude.
Read Also: Substandard petroleum products claim: Reps panel places gag order on Dangote, NMDPRA, others, launches probe
“I believe this man has invested so much in Nigeria, just like other people. We have a lot of good businessmen in Nigeria who are doing great things. We should encourage them and not allow them to run away. Now, he said one of his friends is laughing at him because he warned him not to put all his eggs in one basket.
“I have seen other countries where Dangote invested. I have been to his plants in Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania. I can see the effort those countries are making to accommodate him there. We should not chase our businessmen away.
“I am sure other business people in Nigeria are watching. They might say, ‘hey, if this can happen to Dangote, it can happen to me.’ And everybody will be scared. We should not create this panic. We can’t afford this at this time,” Momodu warned.
Momodu’s concerns come as the Federal Government intervenes in the face-off between Gangote and the regulatory agency highlighting the need for a harmonious business environment to attract and retain investors.
His warnings suggest that Nigeria’s economic crisis may be exacerbated by anti-investor sentiment, potentially scaring off potential business opportunities.
The post DANGOTE: Dele Momodu cautions against anti-investor policies as Nigeria battles economic crisis appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Ukraine drones hit Russian ship, kills one, five injured

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Ukraine drones hit Russian ship, kills one, five injured

Ukrainian drones attacked a ferry at a port in southern Russia, just across the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula, killing at least one and injuring five, local authorities said Tuesday.

The port is in the Kerch Strait, 12 kilometres (seven miles) from the Kerch bridge, which connects Russia to Crimea. Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

“Drones attacked a ferry vessel in the port of Kavkaz,” Krasnador governor Veniamin Kondratyev said in a post on Telegram.

“Unfortunately there are injured and dead among the crew and port staff,” he added.

The state-run TASS news agency said one person died and five were

injured, citing local authorities.

Kyiv has targeted the area since Moscow launched its military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine has destroyed and damaged several Russian military ships in the Black Sea, but successful attacks as far east as Kerch, which is heavily protected by Russian defences, are rarer.

The peninsula is a key military hub and supply route for the Russian army.

AFP.

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Ndume insists Tinubu is inaccessible, cites personal experience

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Ndume insists Tinubu is inaccessible, cites personal experience

Former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, despite his removal from the office has continued to speak out against what he feels are abnormalities in the present administration.
The Borno senator on Monday, reaffirmed his claim that President Bola Tinubu is inaccessible to lawmakers and party chieftains.
Ndume was sacked last Wednesday and replaced by Senator Tahir Monguno, following a directive from the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Umar Ganduje, and national secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume revealed that he made concerted efforts to meet with the President, writing several letters to request an audience, but was unsuccessful.
He emphasized that his complaints about the President’s inaccessibility were not baseless, but rather a result of his personal experience.
Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip was reportedly due to his public comments about the President’s accessibility.
Read Also: Oil minister, Lokpobiri, wades into face-off between Dangote, regulatory agencies, IOCs
However, he maintains that he has no grudge and is focused on moving forward, particularly in addressing security challenges in the country.
He acknowledged some improvements in security in certain areas but stressed that collective effort is necessary to effectively tackle the issue.
He said, “I can tell you that one of the major issues I had that led to my removal as the Chief Whip (of the Senate) was my complaint that the President is not very accessible. If he is accessible, we would have told him this in a closed door, not on TV. But I can tell you that I made an effort for myself. I made several efforts. I wrote several times so that we can discuss some of these things. I didn’t have the chance.
“But I have no grudge now that we don’t have any communication. But definitely, we are moving forward in terms of security in one area. In other areas like Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna, I can’t speak much about it. But we know that the security challenges are still there, even recently. What I am saying is that security matters are a collective matter. Everybody should come out and talk about it.
“Everybody should do and say something so that we can bring it to an end. The earlier we keep on deceiving ourselves that it’s all over, we will not get control.
“But so far, I can’t say the government is not doing anything. They are investing in it. Like in my place, as I said, I can talk about Gwoza where I slept. I did not sleep with the soldiers in my house or roaming around. That means there is improvement in Gwoza.”
The post Ndume insists Tinubu is inaccessible, cites personal experience appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Colombia bans bullfighting

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Colombia bans bullfighting

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has enacted a law banning bullfighting, ending a practice constitutionally recognised as part of the country’s culture.

In front of a crowd gathered at the bullring in the capital Bogota, renamed the Santamaria Cultural Square, Petro on Monday celebrated the ending of the “right to kill” animals for entertainment.

“Culture, and even less the justice (system), cannot say that it is culture to kill sentient beings, living creatures, for pleasure,” said Petro, in reference to a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling permitting bullfights in places with such a tradition.

“If we have fun by killing an animal, we will have fun by killing human beings,” Petro said, addressing the crowd which included animal rights activists.

Spectators chanted “No more ‘ole’!”, a slogan used during the legislative process by supporters of the law, which was passed by Congress in late May.

Luana Delgado, an influencer and anti-bullfighting activist, underlined the importance of the ban being enacted at Bogota’s bullring.

“A place where you saw blood, where you saw death, now you will see culture,” she said.

The nationwide legislation paves the way for bullrings to be transformed into cultural spaces or sports venues.

Jesus Merchan, an animal rights campaigner, said to applause: “Today, we put an end to a long history of suffering.”

The new law will be enforced in 2027, allowing time to convert arenas and provide alternative jobs to those who rely directly or indirectly on bullfighting.

Colombia joins other Latin American countries that have outlawed bullfighting, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala and Uruguay.

Bullfights are still held in Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela, as well as in European nations France, Spain and Portugal.

AFP

Imo, Digital SME sign MoU to connect digital talents with EU

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Imo, Digital SME sign MoU to connect digital talents with EU

The Imo State Government in Nigeria and DIGITAL SME have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a digital skills development initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s digital economy.

This partnership according to a statement on Monday aligns with the Africa-European Union Partnership’s digital development goals and aims to strengthen both parties’ digital ecosystems through freelancing, mentorship, and digital skills training programs.

The parties said the freelancing program will connect European companies with digital professionals from Imo State, providing these professionals with valuable development opportunities.

The initiative is expected to improve socio-economic conditions in Imo State, with a particular focus on empowering the local female workforce, the statement highlighted.

The President of DIGITAL SME, Dr. Oliver Grün, said that the partnership with the Imo State Government will open up more opportunities for European digital SMEs, who will be able to benefit from insights into tech market dynamics in West Africa and access to local talent.

He said, “Cooperation between SMEs from like-minded regions is essential for building an inclusive and innovative digital economy that benefits everyone, and this is just the beginning of our worldwide collaboration efforts.”

Further, they noted that the mentorship program will link European businesses with young people in Imo State, offering them guidance on digital careers and the knowledge needed to succeed in both national and international markets.

This interaction will also help European businesses understand the challenges faced in Africa and Nigeria, facilitating internationalisation opportunities, the statement added.

The Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Imo State, Dr Chimezie Amadi, remarked, “This collaborative partnership with the European Digital SME Alliance will foster innovation and entrepreneurship while creating  new market  opportunities for startups and innovators in Imo State.”

Digital skills training is recognised as a means of increasing the quality of life in Imo State by equipping young people with relevant digital skills that can connect them to new job opportunities arising from the global digital economy.

To this end, DIGITAL SME noted it will share best practices on upskilling and reskilling young people interested in working in the digital sector and, through a “train the trainer” approach, support the creation of a digital skills training hub.

According to the release, the government of Imo State will oversee the dissemination of the knowledge acquired from these exchanges through organising local training on digital skills.

This agreement is an additional step by DIGITAL SME in collaborating with international partners as part of its commitment to support efforts to establish a productive dialogue with public and private stakeholders.

The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is the largest network of ICT small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe.

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