Ima Elijah

<h3>Official data released on Thursday, February 15, 2024, revealed that Britain has entered a recession, posing further challenges for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative party, who are expected to face a tough general election this year.</h3>

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023, following a 0.1% decline in the previous quarter, thus meeting the technical definition of a recession, characterised by two consecutive quarters of GDP decline.

Despite economists' forecasts suggesting the recession could be short-lived, the news represents a significant setback for Sunak, who has noted economic growth as a priority.

The timing is particularly unfavorable for the Conservatives, who trail behind the Labour party in opinion polls.

The announcement coincides with two by-elections, where the Conservatives are apprehensive about losing previously secure constituencies in Wellingborough, central England, and Kingswood in the southwest.

Capital Economics analyst Ruth Gregory noted that while the recession is a setback for the prime minister, it is relatively mild, and leading indicators suggest it may be nearing its end.

The downturn in GDP was widespread, with all major sectors experiencing contraction, particularly manufacturing and construction.

Overall, the economy remained flat in 2023 with a mere 0.1% expansion, a stark drop from the 4.6% growth seen in 2022.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt acknowledged the challenges posed by high inflation, currently at 4.0%, double the Bank of England's target rate.

He emphasised the importance of adhering to the government's plan, which includes tax cuts to stimulate economic growth.

However, Labour's finance spokeswoman Rachel Reeves criticised the government's economic management, attributing the recession to Sunak's policies and asserting that his promise of delivering growth lies in ruins.

Despite a decline in UK inflation from its peak in October 2022, energy and food prices remain elevated, posing ongoing challenges for households and businesses.

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (CNBC)

Official data reveals that Britain has entered a recession, posing further challenges for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative party.

Britain enters into a recession ahead of general elections

<h3>After two days of shutdown, Senegal has restored mobile internet service access following temporary suspension amidst protests triggered by President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone elections.</h3>

The decision to suspend internet access came shortly after President Sall’s announcement of the election delay, which led to protests in Dakar, the capital city.

During a parliamentary session on Monday, February 05, 2024, lawmakers voted to postpone the elections to December, thereby extending President Sall’s tenure.

The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy cited the dissemination of "hateful and subversive messages" on social media as the reason for the internet shutdown, citing threats to public order.

However, this move has drawn criticism from foreign nations and human rights activists.

The United States, through a statement by Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the Department of State, expressed deep concern over Senegal's decision to delay the presidential election, stating that it goes against the country's democratic principles.

The US urged the Senegalese government to restore full internet access immediately and ensure the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, including for members of the press.

On Wednesday, February 07, Netblocks, an internet monitoring company, confirmed the restoration of internet services in Senegal, although uncertainty remains regarding the sustainability of this decision.

Senegalese President Macky Sall [21stcenturychronicle]

Senegal has restored mobile internet service access following temporary suspension amidst protests triggered by President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone elections.

Senegal restores internet access to citizens 2 days after shutdown

<h3>With President Macky Sall's decision to indefinitely postpone the presidential election, Senegalese authorities have taken the drastic step of shutting down the internet across the country. </h3>

This move comes amidst widespread protests triggered by the unexpected deferment of the election initially slated for February 25, 2024.

The decision to cut off internet services was officially announced on Sunday, January 04, by Moussa Bocar Thiam, the Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs.

Thiam stated that the suspension of mobile data internet services would be effective from 10 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024. The minister justified the internet shutdown by citing the dissemination of "several hateful and subversive messages" on social networks, which he claimed were contributing to a climate of "threats of disturbances to public order."

The move to restrict internet access has raised concerns both within and beyond Senegal. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed its worry about the internet shutdown, particularly in the context of the postponed election. The CPJ urged the Senegalese government to reconsider and promptly restore internet access to the public.

Internationally, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement on Sunday, calling on authorities in Senegal to swiftly set a new date for the presidential election. The regional body explained the importance of democratic processes and urged the Senegalese government to address the concerns of its citizens.

With President Macky Sall's decision to indefinitely postpone the presidential election, Senegalese authorities have taken the drastic step of shutting down the internet across the country.

Senegal shuts down internet amidst postponement of presidential election

<h3>Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Power, has rejoined the ranks of Nigerian billionaires on the Forbes list.</h3>

As reported by the Forbes Billionaire Index on Thursday, January 10, 2024, Otedola now holds the fourth position among Nigerian billionaires, following AbdulSamad Rabiu, Mike Adenuga, and Aliko Dangote.

The combined wealth of these four Nigerian billionaires has reached an impressive $29.10 billion, constituting 28% of the total $103.70 billion valuation of the listed 20 African billionaires.

South Africa leads the continent with six billionaires, while Egypt follows closely with five. Nigeria stands strong with four billionaires, accompanied by two in Morocco, and one each in Algeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Femi Otedola's net worth, estimated at $1.1 billion, secured him the fourth spot previously held by Folorunsho Alakija, Nigeria's wealthiest businesswoman.

Globally, Otedola is ranked 2,353 and holds the 17th position in Africa, sharing the spot with South African billionaire Michiel Le Roux.

In 2016, Otedola's net worth was $1.8 billion, and he fell off the billionaire's list in 2017. However, his resurgence is attributed to significant gains in his investments, particularly in Geregu and FBN Holdings.

Otedola's investment in Geregu soared by an impressive 227.2%, fuelled by a surge in demand that propelled the company's share price from ₦110 to ₦399 within 12 months. Additionally, his stake in FBN Holdings saw a notable increase, with share values rising from ₦11.25 to ₦23.55, marking a growth of 109.33%.

Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Power, has rejoined the ranks of Nigerian billionaires on the Forbes list.

Otedola rejoins Dangote on Forbes billionaire list

<h3>Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, is set to arrive in Nigeria on Thursday after being granted political asylum by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). </h3>

The move comes in the wake of charges leveled against Koroma in connection with a failed coup d’etat in Sierra Leone on November 26, 2023.

The announcement of Koroma's arrival was made through a public notice signed by Sierra Leonean Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah.

According to the notice, the Republic of Sierra Leone officially charged Koroma on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. The charges include treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harbouring, following investigations into the botched coup.

In a letter addressed to the current President of Sierra Leone, Julius Bio, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, requested the temporary relocation of the former President to Abuja, Nigeria.

The letter, dated January 2, 2024, was also copied to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Sierra Leonean President Macky Sall.

ECOWAS cited the need to ensure the safety and well-being of Dr Ernest Bai Koroma during the ongoing legal proceedings. The letter stated the organisation's commitment to fostering peace, stability, and the rule of law in the West African region.

Nigeria, as a member state of ECOWAS, has agreed to provide political asylum for the former Sierra Leonean leader. The decision reflects the regional bloc's stance on promoting diplomacy and conflict resolution within its member states.

While facing serious charges in his home country, Ernest Koroma is expected to reside temporarily in Nigeria, pending the resolution of legal matters and the restoration of political stability in Sierra Leone.

Ernest Bai Koroma was president of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018

Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, is set to arrive in Nigeria on Thursday after being granted political asylum by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma granted asylum in Nigeria

<h3>Harvard University's first Black president, Claudine Gay, tendered her resignation on Tuesday, January 02, 2024, amidst mounting criticism over alleged plagiarism and her response to anti-semitism on campus.</h3>

The controversy surrounding Gay escalated when reports surfaced, accusing her of failing to properly cite scholarly sources in her academic work. The anonymous publication of the most recent accusations on a conservative online platform further intensified the scrutiny on her leadership.

The shortest presidency in Harvard's 368-year history, Gay faced a significant blow when she declined to definitively address whether advocating for the genocide of Jews violated Harvard's code of conduct during her recent testimony before Congress.

The University's governing Harvard Corporation supported her, but did express dissatisfaction with her handling of the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel amid the war in Gaza.

While more than 70 lawmakers, including two Democrats, called for Gay's resignation, a substantial number of Harvard alumni and donors echoed the sentiment. However, over 700 Harvard faculty members rallied behind her, signing a letter of support.

Born to Haitian immigrants in New York, the 53-year-old political science professor took office in July as the historic first Black president of Harvard. The university has not yet responded to requests for comments on Gay's resignation.

Harvard University's first Black president, Claudine Gay, tendered her resignation on Tuesday amidst mounting criticism over alleged plagiarism and her response to anti-Semitism on campus.

Harvard University’s 1st Black president resigns amid plagiarism allegations

<h3>Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has hailed the Dangote Refinery as the "8th wonder of the world," emphasising its potential to revolutionise Nigeria's energy landscape.</h3>

Otedola took to Twitter on Sunday, December 10, 2023, to express his optimism about the refinery's role in shaping the nation's economic future.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I heartily congratulate my bestie <a href="https://twitter.com/AlikoDangote?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlikoDangote</a> as the 8th Wonder of the World – the $20 Billion (Twenty Billion Dollars) <a href="https://twitter.com/DangoteGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DangoteGroup</a> Refinery – officially commences production. The Dangote Petrochemical Complex, which consists of the world’s largest single-train 650,000… <a href="https://t.co/iDlbWBkWTM">pic.twitter.com/iDlbWBkWTM</a>&mdash; Femi Ote$ (@realFemiOtedola) <a href="https://twitter.com/realFemiOtedola/status/1733850617016205736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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He asserted that the Dangote Refinery, situated in Lagos and owned by Africa's wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, holds the key to ensuring energy security and independence for Nigeria.

"By meeting our requirements for all refined petroleum products, it will champion energy security and independence for our nation and act as a catalyst for a new era of prosperity for the subcontinent. It promises economic transformation for Nigerians today and for generations to come," Otedola declared.

The refinery, reputedly the largest in Africa, has commenced operations with a capacity to process 350,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

In a recent milestone, the Dangote Refinery received its first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade, signifying the commencement of the refinery's operations. This delivery is part of the larger plan to supply six million barrels to the facility from various sources.

Femi Otedola, extending his congratulations to his "bestie" Aliko Dangote, lauded the visionary leadership behind the refinery.

Describing Dangote as a "visionary patriot," Otedola highlighted the refinery's multifaceted significance.

"This refinery is much more than just an industrial milestone; it's a testament to the visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence of one of Africa's finest and most dogged patriots," Otedola stated.

Having witnessed the inception and development of the refinery, Otedola acknowledged the dedication and hard work that Dangote invested in realising this transformative project over the past decade.

"This refinery is a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians and Africans. It is also at the vanguard of championing environmental sustainability," Otedola added.

Femi Otedola with Aliko Dangote (NAN Photos)

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has hailed the Dangote Refinery as the "8th wonder of the world," emphasising its potential to revolutionise Nigeria's energy landscape.

I congratulate my bestie - Otedola applauds Dangote's vision for energy security

<h3>The Lagos State Police Command has declared Owodunni Ibrahim, widely known Primeboy wanted in the tragic demise of Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.</h3>

The announcement was made by Lagos State Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement released on Wednesday, October 04, 2023 afternoon.

Despite repeated police invitations, Primeboy has failed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad's death. Consequently, the police have officially declared him wanted.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MOHBAD: LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND DECLARES PRIMEBOY WANTED Following his failure to honour police invitation successfully sent to him since the commencement of investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Mr Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, the Lagos State Police… <a href="https://t.co/2DE84ahwfZ">pic.twitter.com/2DE84ahwfZ</a>&mdash; SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenHundeyin/status/1709558775663739195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Primeboy is described as a male of approximately 1.64 meters tall, with a dark complexion and distinctive tribal marks, belonging to the Yoruba tribe. His last known residence is 3rd Power, Oke Eletu, Ikorodu.

The Lagos State Police Command has urged anyone with information about Primeboy's whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or call 0803 688 5727.

In an effort to expedite Primeboy's capture, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has announced a substantial reward of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000) for anyone providing credible information that leads to his arrest.

The public is encouraged to assist law enforcement in ensuring that justice is served for the untimely loss of Mohbad.

The Lagos State Police Command has declared Owodunni Ibrahim, widely known as Primeboy wanted in the tragic demise of Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.

BREAKING: Primeboy declared 'wanted' by police in Mohbad's death case

<h3>Eleven electricity companies operating in Nigeria have formally requested the government to conduct a thorough review of their current electricity prices. </h3>

The government made this announcement through an official notice issued by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The companies have expressed their desire to modify their pricing structure, taking into consideration various factors such as the prevailing economic conditions and other significant factors that directly impact the provision of electricity.

The notice, as reported by Channels Television, highlighted that the companies' plea for a price review is in accordance with the Electricity Act of 2023 and other existing regulations that govern the sector.

It is worth noting that a number of electricity distribution companies in Nigeria had initially proposed implementing price increases from July 1, 2023. However, this decision was met with significant public dissatisfaction, particularly expressed through strong opposition voiced by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), a prominent labor union representing workers across the nation.

The NLC, in its appeal to the government, urged authorities to refrain from approving the proposed electricity price hikes. Their argument centered around the perceived unfairness of such an increase, particularly during a time when citizens are already grappling with the burden of high petrol costs.

The public's reaction appears to have had an impact, as the electricity companies opted to suspend the planned price increase on July 1. Nevertheless, according to the notice released by NERC on Thursday, July 13, there remains a possibility of the price hike being implemented, as the companies have now formally requested a review of their rates.

NERC has also announced that they will convene a meeting to deliberate on these applications and ultimately decide whether the companies can proceed with raising their prices. In order to ensure transparency and gather public opinion on the matter, they have invited individuals to express their views and provide comments before July 20, 2023.

Nigerians to pay more for electricity [Unsplash]

Eleven electricity companies in Nigeria have asked the government to review their electricity prices.

Electricity rates in Nigeria could go higher, here's why

Simon Ekpa, the Biafra Separatist Leader, has been arrested by the Finnish Police due to his statements threatening to prevent elections from taking place in Nigeria.

What happened: The faction of the banned Indigenous People's of Biafra (IPOB) led by Ekpa had reportedly announced a prohibition on holding elections in the South-East.

The IPOB agitator recently declared a sit-at-home from February 23, 2023 to February 28 apparently to stop the conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the region; slated for February 25.

According to emerging reports, the Finland-based activist has also been accused of masterminding numerous homicides committed by 'Unknown Gunmen', who are responsible for the demise of numerous individuals, including government officials, in the South-East region.

What you should know: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish ambassador, following the alleged misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and incitive comments by the Nigerian-Finnish lawyer, Ekpa, which many fear could derail the peaceful conduct of 2023 general elections.

At a meeting earlier, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama expressed, to the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, his displeasure over the orders given by Simon Ekpa to his teeming followers who consequently embarked on killings, maiming, burning and other destructive activities.

Ekpa's arrest: Ekpa was picked up from his Apartment in Lahti region of Finland by officers from the Finnish Central Criminal Police on Thursday morning, February 23, 2023.

The IPOB agitator recently declared a sit-at-home from February 23 to February 28...

BREAKING: IPOB leader, Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland ahead of 2023 elections

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Ima Elijah is a Senior News Reporter at Pulse.