Lifestyle Apr 8, 2023

French and German tourists avoid UK due to post-Brexit travel restrictions

The Pentagon is investigating the authenticity of leaked classified US and NATO military information about Ukraine that has been circulating on social media. The documents, which include maps and slides, could be useful to Russia, according to The New York Times. Ukrainian officials have called the documents fake and blamed the Russians for their dissemination. The emergence of the documents raises questions about the timing of the planned Ukrainian counteroffensive and what either side knows about the other’s preparations for it. Tourism leaders fear that French and German tourists are avoiding the UK due to post-Brexit travel restrictions on ID cards. Since October 2021, EU citizens have needed a passport to enter the UK, causing a significant drop in bookings from France and Germany. School groups are particularly affected, as one or two children without passports in a class of 30 can lead teachers to choose alternative destinations. The decline is also damaging the UK's standing in the perception of French and German people, with Visit Britain reporting a significant drop in rankings.

Local News Mar 11, 2023

Survivors recount experiences in Lagos train and bus crash

Survivors of the recent crash involving a train and a bus carrying Lagos State government staff have recounted their experiences. One survivor, who changed seats with a colleague, stated that her new seat ended up being the exact spot where the train collided with the bus. Another survivor recounted waking up to the shouts of "e ma lo, e duro" and then being flung from her seat due to the impact. The driver of the bus has begged for forgiveness, blaming the accident on mechanical faults, but survivors claim he had his earpiece on while driving and ignored the signalman at the rail line. Several survivors were transported to Orile Agege General Hospital for treatment, while authorities have stated that the driver will be prosecuted. The tragic incident highlights the importance of road safety measures and vigilance to prevent such accidents from occurring.

Tech Mar 6, 2023

Abound Raises £500 Million for Open Banking-Based Lending Business

Abound, a UK-based consumer lending service, has raised £500 million ($601 million) to fuel its open banking-based business, which combines open banking data and machine learning algorithms to build a better credit score for applicants. Abound is planning to expand its direct-to-consumer offering in the UK, and as a B2B service in Europe. The service issues loans of between £1,000 and £10,000, and has been growing on average 30% month-on-month, with over 150,000 customers to date. The new funding includes both debt and equity, with Citi and Waterfall Asset Management providing the debt portion, and K3 Ventures, GSR Ventures and Hambro Perks providing equity.

Local News Mar 6, 2023

Osun State cancels right-of-way fees to promote broadband penetration

Osun state in Nigeria cancels right-of-way fees for telecom companies and internet providers to lay fibre optic cables for free, as part of a digital economy policy aimed at improving broadband penetration and attracting tech startups. The state also plans to localize the Nigerian Startup Act, launch a Google Mapping project, and focus on the digital economy.

Local News Mar 5, 2023

Nigerian Elections Fell Short of Expectations, Says US Ambassador

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, commends Nigerians for their dedication to democracy in the presidential polls, but says it failed to meet expectations. Leonard urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to address the challenges and undertake a broader review of the problems ahead of the March 11 gubernatorial elections. Read more about her call to action and the changing electoral landscape in Nigeria in this news report.

Sports Feb 28, 2023

Dundee United Sporting Director Tony Asghar Departs After Manager Sacking.

Dundee United's sporting director, Tony Asghar, has left the club following the sacking of their manager, Liam Fox. The club is currently four points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table. Asghar's departure will allow for a new manager to be appointed within a restructured football department. The club faces increasing fan pressure, with protests and chants for Asghar's dismissal. Dundee United will host Aberdeen in their upcoming match.

Local News Feb 26, 2023

Soldiers Recover Ballot Boxes from Thugs in Gombe State.

Soldiers in Gombe State, Nigeria have recovered two ballot boxes that were snatched by thugs armed with guns and cutlasses from a polling unit, which also happened to be the school of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. The incident highlights the lengths to which some will go to interfere with the democratic process. The security personnel's bravery in retrieving the ballot boxes is commendable.

Finance Feb 25, 2023

Central Bank of Nigeria Appoints Acting Director of Communications

The Central Bank of Nigeria has appointed Dr. Isa Abdulmumin as the Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, following the retirement of Osita Nwanisobi. With a wealth of experience, Dr. Abdulmumin's appointment demonstrates the bank's commitment to continuity and effective management. Learn more about this appointment and the bank's communication and stakeholder engagement strategies.