2025 | Page 34 of 136 | Trendbrio.com

CBN Unveils 7 Key Reforms to Reconnect Nigerians in Diaspora with Home Banking System

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago14 mins

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken a bold leap to re-integrate Nigerians living abroad into the country’s financial ecosystem by launching the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN). Unveiled yesterday in Abuja by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, the initiative eliminates seven major barriers that have long prevented Nigerians in the diaspora from seamless participation in Nigeria’s banking and investment systems. Here are the key reforms and what they mean for diaspora Nigerians: Governor Cardoso described the launch as a “dream come true” for millions of Nigerians abroad, noting that “this is the beginning of a broader journey, not the final destination.” The CBN plans ongoing refinements based on user feedback to ensure no Nigerian is left out of the country’s financial future—no matter where they reside. This groundbreaking policy marks a new era of inclusion and opportunity, bridging the distance between Nigerians at home and abroad with financial infrastructure that works for everyone.

Subscribers in Akwa Ibom Cross River Decry 9mobile Network Collapse Face Economic Hardship

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

For over two months, residents and businesses in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States have been plunged into digital darkness as 9mobile’s network services remain completely shut dow in the region. The prolonged outage has disrupted lives and livelihoods, with thousands of subscribers unable to make calls, receive messages, or access essential digital services. At the 9mobile office on Marian Road in Calabar, frustration runs high. The premises, described as nearly non-functional, had no electricity, no operational systems, and just a lone staff member unwilling to speak on the matter. A security guard, however, confirmed the flood of complaints: “Naso e be, people dey come here every day for this problem. Make una de patient, dem go fix am.” For Inyang Eyo, the network failure cost him a job opportunity. “They tried to reach me several times on my 9mobile line, but it wasn’t connecting. I lost the job. This was my main line, and it’s painful.” Grace Ekpo shared a similar experience: “I thought my SIM was blocked. It’s been over a month without service. I can’t make or receive calls. It’s never been this bad.” Ansa Abang, who runs a tech-based business, said the outage crippled his operations. “I use my 9mobile line for receiving Google and Facebook verification codes. I’ve lost clients and credibility. My online business has practically shut down.” The disruption comes amid growing concerns about 9mobile’s shrinking subscriber base. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the operator lost over 6,000 subscribers to rival networks within three months. In December 2024, 2,188 users ported out of 9mobile, while 3,891 left in November, representing a sharp erosion of consumer confidence. Despite the rising complaints, 9mobile has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the outage or offering a timeline for resolution. With no clear explanation from the company and the NCC silent on enforcement or consumer compensation, users are left stranded and businesses continue to suffer. Consumer rights advocates are now calling on the NCC and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to investigate the blackout and compel 9mobile to restore service and compensate affected customers. “This is no longer just a network issue,” said one ICT analyst. “It’s a public infrastructure failure, and it’s hurting the economy of an entire region.”

JAMB’s Regional Server Model Fuels Distrust Amid UTME Glitches, Scholars Urge Structural Reform

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is under renewed scrutiny following a technical incident in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) that disrupted the results of over 379,000 candidates from the Lagos and South East zones. The glitch, widely attributed to inconsistencies in the board’s regionally managed server clusters, has sparked concerns about structural bias and deepened existing ethnic and regional tensions in Nigeria. JAMB currently operates a decentralised server model, where individual regions manage their own exam infrastructure. While intended to enhance localised efficiency, this system has inadvertently introduced uneven vulnerabilities, particularly in areas where software mismatches or delayed updates go unaddressed due to weak central oversight. Although there is no evidence the 2025 incident was deliberate, analysts warn that in a country as ethnically divided as Nigeria, even technical errors can be interpreted through the lens of regional discrimination. Political scientist Chukwuemeka Ibeanu (2005) cautioned that state institutions in Nigeria must be deliberately designed to prevent perceived exclusion or favouritism, while Peter Ekeh’s (1975) “two publics” theory explains how ethnic allegiances often supersede national loyalty, especially when state fairness is in question. “This isn’t just about faulty servers,” said one policy analyst. “It’s about a system that, by design, enables differential treatment. That perception — whether real or imagined — is politically dangerous.” Indeed, the fallout from the glitch has already led to tribal accusations, social media outrage, and rising calls for investigations into regional exam discrepancies. Experts now advocate for a cloud-based, centrally controlled system that would ensure uniform oversight, real-time updates, and greater transparency across all zones. Such a shift could not only improve operational efficiency, they argue, but also help dismantle the structural conditions that feed mistrust and regional resentment. “Institutional design matters,” one IT governance consultant said. “As long as JAMB continues with this fragmented approach, it opens itself up to technical failures being politicised — and that’s a risk Nigeria can no longer afford.”

PFN President Bishop Wale Oke Calls for National Prayer Says There is Light for Nigeria

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has called on spiritual leaders across the country to unite in prayer for divine intervention amid Nigeria’s deepening economic and security crises. Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the ongoing PFN retreat commemorating the body’s 40th anniversary, Bishop Oke emphasized that the nation is in urgent need of God’s healing. “Nigeria needs divine intervention and such can only come from God Almighty,” Bishop Oke declared. “As Christian leaders, we are entrusted with the spiritual burden to deliver this nation through prayer and righteousness.” While acknowledging the efforts of the federal government to tackle national challenges, the cleric insisted that only God can provide lasting solutions. He expressed optimism that Nigeria is approaching a turning point, encouraging citizens to remain hopeful. “Nigeria will be better,” he assured. “Let us join hands, seek the face of God, and believe in His promises. He will heal our land.” Speaking on the theme of the retreat, “PFN Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” the bishop explained that the gathering reflects on God’s faithfulness to the country and the Church over the years. He reiterated that PFN is committed to building a better Nigeria through spiritual engagement, moral living, and the propagation of righteousness. “Violent killings, banditry, and kidnappings are the works of darkness. But we are here to shine the light of God. The Bible says when light shines in darkness, darkness cannot overcome it. There is light for Nigeria,” he declared.

Arsenal’s Trophy Drought Continues After Champions League Exit: What’s Next for Arteta’s Gunners?

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Arsenal’s 2024–25 campaign ended in heartbreak as they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, losing 3-1 on aggregate. The result extends the Gunners’ trophy drought under Mikel Arteta, who last lifted silverware with the club in the 2020 FA Cup. Despite dominating large parts of the tie, Arsenal were undone by clinical finishing from PSG and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Arteta, however, praised his team’s effort, stating, “I don’t think there’s been a better team than us in the competition, but we are out.” The exit has reignited debate over Arteta’s future. While critics question the lack of trophies, many supporters point to the club’s steady progress and tactical development under his leadership. Arsenal remain a competitive force in both domestic and European competitions, but are yet to turn their promise into tangible success. With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal now face a pivotal moment. Reinforcements, particularly in attack, will be essential if the team hopes to take the final step and finally break their silverware drought. The club’s board appears committed to Arteta’s long-term vision, signaling continued backing for the Spanish manager. As the Gunners look ahead to the 2025–26 season, the challenge is clear: convert potential into trophies and reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.

Egypt 2025: South Africa’s Amajita Condemn Flying Eagles to Third Place Match

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Nigeria failed to reach the final of the 18th Africa U20 Cup of Nations as a calm and composed Amajita soaked up all the pressure and intensity from the Flying Eagles, and then landed the sucker punch midway into the second half to win by the odd goal and condemn the seven-time champions to Sunday’s third-place match. The Flying Eagles started with so much intensity and muscle-flexing, butcould have done with a lot more coordination and composure in the final third as the opportunities came and went without any one being utilized. Forward Kparobo Arierhi could not get his head to a teasing cross byClinton Jephta in the 22nd minute, and then missed target from six yardswith only the goalkeeper to beat on the half-hour. Three minutes later, Thabang Mahlangu could have profited from Amajita’s first real incursion upfront when goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt missed an inswinger, but captain Daniel Bameyi spirited the ball away from goal. Arierhi, always with the chances, bundled over the bar another cross byJephta in the 37th minute, and two minutes later, after turning his marker, saw his shot diverted away from goal. On the hour mark, Nigeria lost the dependable goalkeeper Harcourt toinjury, and one minute later, substitute goalkeeper Ajia Yakub cameclose to bungling a simple cross with Kgomotso Madiba waiting for aslip. The slip came five minutes later, as Yakub again miscalculated the ballfrom a pull-out and defender Tylon Smith rose above him to head into the net. Opportunities fell to substitute Mendos Rickson and Auwal Ibrahim lateron, but the Flying Eagles could not find parity and must now play the loser of the second semi-final (between hosts Egypt and Morocco) for the bronze medals on Sunday.

Controversial Influencer VeryDarkMan Re-Arraigned for Cyberbullying Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Others

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Controversial social media figure Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on cyberbullying and defamation against several public figures The Nigeria Police accused the outspoken activist of publishing offensive and defamatory content on his Instagram handle targeting celebrities including Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel Oguachuba (a.k.a. Samklef). The charges also include alleged derogatory comments aimed at senior police officers and lawmakers. VDM pleaded not guilty to all charges before Justice Musa Liman, who now presides over the case following the transfer of Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon to another division. Otse had previously been arraigned on the same charges in May 2024 and was granted ₦10 million bail with stringent conditions. According to court documents (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024), VDM is alleged to have: VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the previously granted bail terms be retained. The prosecution did not object, and Justice Liman upheld the earlier bail conditions. The case was adjourned to July 24, 2025, for trial. The charges fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalizes online harassment and the spread of harmful content.

Ola Aina: Offside Flag Could Have Prevented Awoniyi Injury

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has said the injury that saw teammate Taiwo Awoniyi placed in an induced coma could have been avoided if the the offside flag had gone up in time. The incident in question took place in the closing stages of Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City, where Awoniyi clattered against the post. The forward finished the game despite being in significant pain and sources told ESPN he later underwent “urgent” surgery on an abdominal injury and was placed in a coma to aid recovery. Awoniyi collided with the post in an attempt to get on the end of a cross from Anthony Elanga. The winger had strayed offside in the buildup but as per protocol, the assistant referee only raised his flag once the play was done. “Anthony was miles offside. The whole world could see and so could I from where I was,” Aina told the Daily Mail. “You think ‘offside’ straight away. Surely you could just lift the flag up? Personally I liked how it was back in the day when for offside they just put it up straight away. “A simple decision and get on with the game. Having to see it out and then just see this happen … well none of this would have happened to T [Awoniyi] if the flag had just gone up would it?” In the aftermath of the game, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch and remonstrated with manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Forest later released a statement explaining that the owner’s emotional reaction was due to seeing Awoniyi in immense pain and his frustration at the medical staff for letting him continue the game.