Fund BDC to stabilize Naira - Sanusi tells CBN

 

Former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to fund the bureaux de change (BDC) across the country to stabilise the value of the Naira. 

 

The former CBN Governor who gave the advice during a webinar tagged ‘United States of Naira: What Price for Unification’ which was organised by AZA (a cross-border payment platform and forex trading firm), stated that though the BDC is a small percentage of the market, funding it will impact speculation on the country’s currency.

 

Sanusi who disclosed that the existing gap between the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) and BDC can be traced to inadequate foreign exchange caused by funding, also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to several economic shocks making speculation difficult for the apex bank.

 

He said; 

 

“I think what the bank is trying to do is bridge that gap and I think moves have been made in general in July that have brought the CBN rate and the NAFEX rates closer. But, the BDC rates remain an outlier. 

“It is a small percentage of the market, but it does have an impact on speculation, which is why it is important to fund that market.

“And once the Central Bank has enough money and funds that market, it will probably converge. So, I would not be interested in moving the rates towards N470, for example, but I would like to see a convergence of CBN and NAFEX, which will take care of over 90 percent of the transactions in the market and there is some small funding for BDC rate to bring it back to that level.

“It is what the IMF and the World Bank have asked for. It makes for positive transparency; it makes for clarity of direction; it also reduces the speculative demand for naira. For me, this is the Central Bank finally saying, basically, we will do what the market has been asking for.

“There are lots of the shocks the bank has no control over. It would be a brave governor of the bank who would announce a target rate when he does not know how much is going to come in or what is going to happen to the oil price tomorrow or the day after, and the entire world is going through shocks. 

“I think it is extremely important that we recognise that the only clarity that the Central Bank can give at the moment is to say we do plan to converge, and that means the official rate is going to be devalued, but we are not going to do it in a rapid and disorderly manner.

“But, if they want to preserve the value of their currency, there is some virtue in waiting for an orderly unwinding of these backlogs because we must remember that when Covid-19 hit and after the Russia-Saudi fiasco, oil prices went down to $10 a barrel.”

 

The CBN had adjusted its official rate from N360 to a dollar to N381 to a dollar. But as of Friday, the exchange stood at N379 to a dollar.

Ronaldinho set to end five-month 'prison hell' and return to Brazil today after fake passport scandal in Paraguay

 

Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho is expected to be allowed to return to Brazil today, bringing his five-month prison hell to an end over fake passport scandal in Paraguay.

 

Back in March, the former AC Milan and Barcelona legend was caught up in a scandal after entering Paraguay with fake documents along with his brother.

 

According to La Nacion, passports were found bearing the names of Ronaldinho and Roberto and with Paraguayan nationality despite having their Brazilian passports confiscated in 2018 following conviction in an environment offence.

 

The pair later ended up in a Paraguay prison before they were released on house arrest after serving just 32 days behind bars.

 

In a new report by The Sun, Ronaldinho has been offered freedom and an escape from trial in exchange for a £70,000 cash payment following his fake passport scandal arrest.

 

His brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira is also expected to be allowed to leave with him if a judge accepts a new prosecution proposal based around a two-year suspended jail sentence and a £85,000 fine.

 

Both men would have to plead guilty to a charge of entering the country with falsified passports as part of a so-called deal called a ‘salida process’ in Paraguay, according to reports in the South American country.

 

In April, the 40-year-old told Paraguayan daily ABC Color that the first thing he will do when he recovers his freedom is give his doting mum Miguelina “a big kiss".

Former WWE wrestler James 'Kamala' Harris dies at 70

 

Former WWE wrestler James "Kamala" Harris has died at age 70.

 

WWE confirmed his death on their official web page.

 

The WWE statement did not say the cause of death but according to a Facebook post by Kenny Casanova, the writer who co-authored Harris’s autobiography, the wrestler died of the coronavirus. 

 

 

Harris, who performed in the ring as Kamala, made his WWF debut in 1984, according to WWE's website.

 

In a career that spanned more than two decades, Harris battled many of wrestling's superstars, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant.

 

 

Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 380 pounds, fans knew Harris as “Kamala” or “The Ugandan Giant”. Kamala was characterized by an African mask, warpaint and a loincloth.

 

Other wrestlers took to social media on Sunday August 9, to honor Harris using the hashtag #ripkamala.

Time to boost post-COVID Tourism - Idris Aregbe

As part of his efforts to further rejuvenate tourism, arts, culture and entertainment, Mr. Idris Aregbe, the founder of Culturati and CEO of Connecting Lagos has facilitated meeting between the Lagos State Mnistry of Tourism, Arts and Culture via the office of S.A to the governor on Tourism, Mr. Solomon Bonu and the Management of Motherland Beckons, the owner of Lacampagne Tropicanal  Beach and Resort  Led by Otunba  Wanle Akinboboye to discuss on boosting tourism post-COVID era.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Aregbe who has foremost media and entertainment expert, Samuel Olatunji and journalists in his team said this is the time to call attention of people to tourism within Lagos as international flights are not opened yet. 'It's time for Lagos to take the lead in tourism, arts and entertainment-related matter. Lagos is the hub of commerce and entertainment in Africa, we cannot be hoping for change, we need to initiate it.

 

 

 

We have the numbers, places and personalities to drive tourism in Lagos. we need strategic actions and alliance like we are witnessing today between ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and a major player in tourism and resorts like Lacampagne Tropicana.

Two Atletico Madrid players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of Champions League quarterfinal against RB Leipzig on Thursday night

 

Spanish side, Atletico Madrid have confirmed that two senior players have tested positive for Coronavirus ahead of the club's Champions League quarterfinal clash against RB Leipzig on Thursday night.

 

"On Saturday 8 August, all members of the first team and the club's traveling party [set to head] to Lisbon underwent PCR tests at the Ciudad Deportiva de Majadahonda as required by UEFA protocol, [in order] to participate in the quarterfinals of the Champions League," the club confirmed in a statement .

 

"Among the results known today, two positives have appeared. Both individuals are isolated in their respective homes, and their results were immediately communicated to the Spanish and Portuguese health authorities, UEFA, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the Portuguese Federation and the Higher Sports Council.

 

"The corresponding action protocol foreseen for these cases has been activated, which requires new PCR tests to be carried out on the first team and members of the expedition to Lisbon and the closest contacts of the positive cases.

 

"These tests will result in changes to training schedules, and in the structure and development of travel and accommodation in the Portuguese capital.

 

Atletico Madrid are scheduled to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League quarter-finals in Portugal on Thursday, August 13. 

UK’s ‘second most expensive mansion’ on sale for £185 million

 

A massive mansion overlooking Regent's Park in central London has been listed for £185m and would become the UK's second most expensive home if it's sold at that price.

Zenprop, the current owners of the 1-18 York Terrace East wants to sell the Grade-I listed terrace to a foreign billionaire.

The building was completed in 1826 and was designed by John Nash, the architect whose other works include Buckingham Palace, Regent Street, and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

 

 

According The Sun, the York Terrace East property with 117,000 square feet of floorspace has planning permission to be turned into 26 homes and two flats

Derrick Beare, chief executive of Zenprop, said a buyer would have to spend an extra £80-90m to refurbish about 90 per cent of the interior.

 

 

He told the Financial Times: "The current price is a result of Brexit and the pandemic.
"It should be more, but I don't think I can get more in this market. It won't appeal to many people but we only need one person.

 

"The kind of person with billions, who wants a place in London."

 

 

If the property is sold for £185m, it would be the second most expensive mansion after Chinese property tycoon Cheung Chung-kiu paid  £200m for a Knightsbridge mansion overlooking Hyde Park in January.

 

Obasanjo undergoes Covid-19 test

 

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo underwent Covid-19 test over the weekend at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

 

The former president has received many guests of late, hence the test.

 

His media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi said the test came back negative.

 

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West land in Miami after ‘make or break’ trip in the Dominican Republic

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West landed in Miami on Sunday August 9, after their "make or break" trip in the Dominican Republic.

 

The celebrity couple were spotted exiting their private jet in Punta Cana’s private airfield on Sunday morning along with their four children.

 

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star was pictured with daughter Chicago, 2, in her arms as daughter North, 7, and son Saint, 4, walked behind her with a security guard protecting them.

 

 

The Billionaire rapper, 43, was also seen leaving his private jet while a friend held onto the couple’s youngest son, Psalm, one.

 

This comes after Kanye and Kim made a "make or break" trip to the Dominican Republic to work on their marriage after the rapper's public meltdowns.

 

TMZ reports the family are now in Colorado, where they plan to continue their get away together with a glamping trip.

 

 

Yahoo Yahoo boys have become the role models of Nigerian youths- ex-Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke

 

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke says the Nigerian system has so degenerated to the extent that Nigerian youths now look up to internet fraudster popularly known as ''Yahoo Yahoo' boys as their role models.

 

The Minister who is currently being investigated and tried in several courts cases for alleged financial frauds committed while she served as a Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, said this while delivering a lecture at a virtual event which was also attended by her former boss, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday August 7.

 

The former minister said

“The ones that have swag, the Yahoo Yahoo boys as my son would say; these in short, are the role models they are looking at. These are the ones that reinforce negative societal norms and values.

This is a travesty of an unfolding tragedy for us. Why have I spent time talking about fatherless homes and the impact it has on our children? The truth of the matter is that an irresponsible boy tends to become an irresponsible man and it is therefore a vicious cycle. If you plant yam, you cannot harvest plantain.”

 

During her speech, the former Minister emphasized the need for youths to imbibe the culture of hard work as there are no shortcuts to progressing in life.

''There are no shortcuts to working your way up the ladder of life. Progressing in life, in work and relationships, marital or otherwise, is always dependent on consistent effort and hard work.

As we create more responsible young men, we will generate more responsible fathers which will in turn engender a more sustainable society and build a greater nation of successful Ijaw men and women.” she said

 

Watch the video of her speaking below.

 

China to support Joe Biden while Russia wants Trump to win 2020 US presidential election: New intelligence report reveals

 

According to a new intelligence report by the US intelligence agencies released on Sunday,  August 9, China will influence the upcoming 2020 presidential elections to favour Democratic candidate Joe Biden while the Russian government favors a Trump re-election.

 

According to the report, global powers China and Russia are in position to interfere with proceedings to ensure that their pick seals the White House position.

 

The report alleges China want to remove 'unpredictable' Trump as tensions between Washington and Beijing have intensified during the first term of the Trump administration due to the Coronavirus pandemic plus other issues while Russia wants to discredit Joe Biden with their own interests in mind.

"Ahead of the 2020 US elections, foreign states will continue to use covert and overt influence measures in their attempts to sway US voters' preferences and perspectives, shift US policies, increase discord in the United States, and undermine the American people's confidence in our democratic process," said William Evanina, who leads the National Counterintelligence and Security Center

 

Evanina also said that tactics that could be used, as well as the spread of disinformation and propaganda, include attempts at compromising equipment used in the election. This could be either to alter the result in their favor or to give a false impression that the results have been tampered with.

 

While speaking to congress, she also revealed another player in the up I ng elections was Iran, saying the Islamic Republic aims to spread disinformation to divide the country and hurt the chances of Trump to remain in power.

Trump's and Biden's campaign have both denied soliciting for foreign help.

 

Tony Blinken, Biden's campaign senior advisor says Biden "has led the fight against foreign interference for years, and has refused to accept any foreign materials intended to help him in this election," adding that this is "something that Donald Trump and his campaign have repeatedly failed to do."

 

Trump's reelection campaign spokesman, Tim Murtaugh, said;

"We don't need or want foreign interference, and President Trump will beat Joe Biden fair and square."

 

Woman who ripped out her eyes while high on drugs gets new prosthetic eyeballs

A woman who ripped out her own eyes while high on drugs has received a pair of prosthetic eyeballs.

 

Two years ago, Kaylee Muthart, 22, gouged out her eyes as a horrified bystander struggled to stop her (read here).

 

After being rushed to hospital, doctors told Kaylee that she would never see again. The injury became her motivation to quit drugs for good.

 

 

Now, Kaylee has received new prosthetic eyeballs so that she can appear "more normal".

 

She said: "I was so excited to get them. I just wanted to appear more normal to the outside world."

 

Kaylee with her new eyes

 

Kaylee, who is enrolled in a blind school in her home state of South Carolina, was accompanied to the life-changing appointment by her boyfriend, Alex George, 42.

 

He said: "It melted my heart. She was never any different to me, but I know she's wanted this for a very long time and I'm so happy she has this now.

 

Kaylee wirh her new eyes

 

"I felt so much joy, love, appreciation and thanks to God. Seeing Kaylee happy makes me happy.

 

"She is always an upbeat and positive person, but this made her extra happy. It was incredible to be able to look in her eyes."

 

Kaylee added that she will never forget the moment doctors gave her her eyes back.

 

Kaylee before pulling her eyes out

 

She added: "I said that, 'I feel like I'm Kaylee again' and Alex said 'you've always been Kaylee to me'. He cried when he saw me."

 

Kaylee has given up drugs and she has learnt to use brail.  She now plans to go back to school to get her high school diploma, and then an associates degree.

 

She said: "Coming off meth was awful, physically and mentally, there were hallucinations and psychosis, but I overcame it, thanks to God."

 

Kaylee added that she has started writing a book about her experience, and will soon have a guide dog to help her navigate the world.

 

We are targeting electrification of five million households with solar power - Osinbajo

 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment towards making the country better for Nigerians.

 

Speaking at a Virtual Presidential Policy Dialogue Session organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Vice President said that while the Buhari-led administration is focusing on key areas like agriculture, housing, manufacturing, they will also expand to cultivation and agro processing.

 

He said; 

 

“We are to create jobs and boost our national housing programme. We would be intentional in the support of manufacturers in using our local raw materials. We are seriously engaging the use of cement in building our roads, as it will be cheaper for us and more durable.

“We are targeting electrification of five million households with solar power, and we are supporting SMEs, especially in the pharmaceuticals to enhance the production of personal protective equipment.”

I'll support reforms that will reduce my powers on judicial appointments - CJN Ibrahim Muhammad

 

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Muhammad has said that he will support judicial reforms that will whittle down his power on judicial appointments. 

 

Muhammad said this at a webinar tagged ‘Selection and appointment of judges: Lessons for Nigeria’, which was organised by Justice Research Institute (JRI). 

 

The CJN said; 

 

“I will accept it 100 percent, because this is something for the nation. It is not something for one individual. 

“But where the law has conferred powers on a particular individual, he has to exercise powers; there is nothing you can do.

“But certainly, if this would be amended, I give 100 percent for the amendment.”

Naked Jordyn Woods breaks the internet with butt massage video (18+)

 

Kylie Jenner's ex-BFF, Jordyn Woods went viral on Twitter after she shared a naked video of herself getting a butt massage. 

 

The 22-year-old curvy model visited beauty place in Beverly Hills for a lymphatic drainage massage on Friday, August 7, and the clinic shared a video of her experience via Instagram on Saturday, August 8.

 

 In the clip, Woods is seen lying face down on a massage table while a masseuse rubs down her butt and legs. 

 

Watch the video below. 

 

billionaire Sir James Dyson's massive country pad that is big enough to fit nearly 18,000 homes

 

British billionaire, Sir James Dyson's massive country pad is big enough to fit nearly 18,000 homes.

The inventor and industrial designer, 73, lives in the Dodington Park, a 300-acre Georgian estate in Gloucs, which he bought for £15m in 2003.

 

 

With 4,840 sq yds to an acre, he has 1,452,000 sq yds of space and could fit 17,900 normal homes into that, according to The Sun.

The luxury pad boasts its own church, walled kitchen garden, lakes, lodges, woodland, a stunning entrance hall, and an orangery.

 

 

Sir James Dyson, who is worth $6.6 billion is best known as the inventor of the Dual Cyclone bagless vacuum cleaner.

 

Lagos State governor, Sanwo-Olu meets the boy in the "mummy calm down" video

 

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has finally met Nigerian internet sensation, Oreofeoluwa Lawal-Babalola,  popularly known as "mummy calm down".

 

When a video of Oreofeoluwa begging his mom not to flog him went viral, the Lagos State Governor expressed his admiration for the boy and indicated interest in meeting him.

 

The governor finally met the 4-year-old boy and his family at his office on Saturday, August 8, 2020.

 

 

Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu alleges assassination plot against high profile personalities in the state

 

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has alleged that there is a plot to assassinate high-profile personalities in the state.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Benin city,  the Deputy Governor called on President Muhammadu Buhari to charge security agencies to “do their work because Edo will not be a theatre of war if these things are dealt with.”

 

He said; 

 

“We have intelligence that some individuals are in Edo state and their assignment is to come and assassinate some known individuals in the state.

“So I am hereby bringing to the notice of the general public that these people are in town and we’ve communicated to the security agencies about their activities and why they are in town.

“For us, we will continue to appeal to our people not to look for trouble, not to disturb any program. We are law-abiding. We have a duty to protect lives and properties. That we will continue to do.”

Simon Cowell hospitalised for surgery on broken back after falling off his electric bike in Malibu

 

America's Got Talent judge, Simon Cowell has been hospitalized after breaking his back following a fall from his electric bike.

 

The 60-year-old entertainment mogul was rushed to hospital on Saturday Augusr 8, after falling from his new electric bicycle while taking it for a test drive at his house in Malibu, California. 

 

A spokesperson for the star told The Hollywood Reporter that he is being treated in hospital and will have surgery today.

 

Simon had a fall from his bike on Saturday afternoon whilst testing his new electric bike in the courtyard at his house in Malibu with his family," a spokesperson revealed.

 

"He hurt his back and was taken to the hospital. He's doing fine, he's under observation and is in the best possible hands."

 

They then added: "Simon has broken his back and will be having surgery this evening."

 

Simon had been scheduled to return to work on America's Got Talent next week with the first live show due to air on Tuesday, August 11.

Rape suspect freed due to Coronavirus pandemic, shoots himself after killing his accuser in Virginia

 

A Virginia man charged with rape has died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds after he was accused of murdering his rape accuser while out of prison over coronavirus concerns. 

 

Ibrahm Elkahlil Bouaichi, 33, was indicted last year on charges that included rape, sodomy, strangulation, and abduction, and was jailed without bond in Alexandria, Va. 

 

He was accused of rape by Karla Dominguez in October 2019 and she testified about the crime later in December. 

 

 

But in April 2020, Bouaichi was released from jail on a $24,000 bond after his lawyers argued the novel Coronavirus put him and other inmates in danger.

 

According to the Post, police say Bouaichi returned to Alexandria on July 29 and shot and killed Dominguez outside her apartment. 

 

The 33-year-old remained missing until Wednesday August 5, when federal marshals and Alexandria police spotted him and engaged in a vehicle pursuit resulting in a car crash in Prince George's County. 

As police went to arrest Bouaichi they realized he had shot himself. He was then taken to the hospital for treatment, where he remained until he died from his injuries on Saturday, August 8.

 

Bouaichi's attorneys, Manuel Leiva and Frank Salvato said in a statement that they were "certainly saddened by the tragedy both families have suffered here." 

 

The lawyers said they "were looking forward to trial. Unfortunately, the pandemic continued the trial date by several months and we didn't get the chance to put forth our case."