Author: straightnewsng.com

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose from 22.41 per cent in May to 22.79 per cent in June, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced Monday. NBS said the June inflation rate showed an increase of 0.38 per cent points compared to May 2023 headline inflation rate. The statistics office said on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 4.19 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in June 2022, which was 18.60 per cent. “This shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in June 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., June…

Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has expressed sadness over the sorry state of cottage hospitals in the state, and directed immediate repairs of two in each of the three senatorial districts. Governor Eno who visited Cottage Hospital, Akai Ubium shortly after a commemorative service at The Salvation Army, Akwa Ibom South East Division, in Akai Ubium, said primary healthcare is a major focus and component of the ARISE Agenda which must be given full expression. Eno who was visibly saddened by the state of decay at the cottage hospital, called for a full audit on the state of all…

By: Udeme Nana The other day, security Agencies in Nigeria reportedly ordered the destruction of a ship laden with stolen crude oil and news credited to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) have it that an average of 437,000 barrels of crude oil is stolen in Nigeria daily! This mindless stealing, one understands, has been the way of life for many super-rich Nigerians in the oil sector and their foreign collaborators. However, one former oil company executive, Udom Inoyo, often beats his chest confidently to declare that he was spotless throughout his 32 years of work in ExxonMobil, a key…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said sit-at-home portends grave danger to Igbo entrepreneurship. Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed disciple of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had declared a one-week sit-at-home and has slammed another two weeks’ enforcement of the order in the  South East Region. “The existential threat to Igbo entrepreneurship and businesses now is the insecurity and sit-at-home problem in the South-East. The mutation of this problem is largely unfathomable. It is becoming a cankerworm that is eating deep into our collective fortune as a people,’’ Kalu stated. Speaking on the theme:…

Nigeria’s queen of the track, Tobi Amusan, won the 100-metre hurdles event at the Silesia Diamond League, Poland on Sunday evening. Amusan won the keenly contested race with a time of 12.34 seconds, equalling the meeting record in the process. United States of America duo Harrison Kendra and Ali Nia came second and third, respectively. It was Amusan’s second victory in the Diamond League this year. The 26-year-old also took first position in Stockholm two weeks ago. The Commonwealth Gold Medalist produced a strong finish to win the highly competitive women’s 100m hurdles ahead of her rivals for next month’s…

Carlos Alcaraz defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic to claim his first Wimbledon title Sunday, shattering the Serb’s dream of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam. World No. 1 Alcaraz recovered from dropping the first set and saving a set point in the second to win 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 after 4 hours and 42 minutes on Centre Court. It was a second major for the 20-year-old Spaniard following his U.S. Open title last year as he became Wimbledon’s third youngest men’s champion. Also read: Unseeded Vondrousova Shocks Jabeur to win Wimbledon The result will also spark feverish speculation over…

A Nigerian University don, Peter Esuh has faulted the Federal Government for foisting unstable management on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). NDDC created in 2000 has witnessed many management teams. He also blamed the federal government for “lackadaisical communication that is going on NDDC.” Esuh, Dean of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo (UNIUYO) in Akwa Ibom State, who spoke during a three-day seminar on the theme: Capacity building workshop for NDDC Corporate Affairs Department in Uyo on Saturday, carpeted the Federal Government for irregular dissolution of the commission’s boards and reconstitution of new ones. Speaking on the topic: Imperatives of…

Nigerian journalist, Mr.  Ibanga Isine, sees the perception of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as ‘cash cow’ caused by politicians as unhealthy. Isine, who spoke during the three-day Capacity building workshop for NDDC Corporate Affairs Department in Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital, said this perception by people poses negative image to the commission. The media manager lamented that politicians have hijacked the Commission that supposed to be a change agent to their selfish ambition. Also read: Work as a team to achieve NDDC’s goals- enjoins Managing Director Speaking on the topic: Peculiar Challenges of Public Communication in the Niger Delta Region,…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has opposed plan by the 10th National Assembly to spend N40 billion on bulletproof and exotic cars for its principal officers and members. SERAP gave the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas seven days “to drop the scandalous plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials, and N70 billion as ‘palliatives’ for new members.” The organisation further urged them to “repeal the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to reduce the budget for the National Assembly by N110bn, reflect the…

Marketa Vondrousova upset the odds in Saturday’s final on Centre Court as she powered to a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Tunisian sixth seed Ons Jabeur. The 24-year-old clinched an unexpected maiden Grand Slam title at the second attempt after losing to Ash Barty in the 2019 French Open final. “After everything I have been through, I had a cast last time, it’s amazing I can stand here and hold this trophy,” said Vondrousova, who was sidelined with a wrist injury in 2022. “I don’t know how I’ve done it. Tennis is crazy.” Vondrousova joins Jana Novotna and Petra Kvitova as…