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  • Lagos court jails businessman, company for refusing to accept Naira as legal tender

    Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, April 17, 2025 convicted and sentenced a businessman, Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu and his company, ICE BY CW to five years imprisonment for their refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.

    Obiajualu, alongside ICE BY CW, was arraigned on Thursday on a two-count charge bordering on refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.

    Count one reads: “That you, ICE BY CW and Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu, on the 10th day of December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand US Dollars) as a means of payment for the purchase of one diamond Clover bracelet and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

    Count two reads: “That you, ICE BY CW and Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu, on the 10th day of December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, directly retained the total sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand US Dollars), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: pricing and accepting USD as a means of payment for goods and services and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

    He pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him

    In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, tendered, in evidence, the payment receipt of the bracelet dated December 10, 2024, the defendant’s statement dated December 27, 2024 and the Diamond bracelet.

    Okezie also urged the court to convict the defendant as charged.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Aluko found the first and second defendants guilty and sentenced them to six months imprisonment each, with an option of fine in the sum of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) on count one.

    The Judge sentenced the second defendant to four years imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) on count two.

    Also, the Judge pronounced a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) on the first defendant on count two.

    The Diamond Clover bracelet was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    The two convicts bagged their imprisonment for pricing and accepting United States Dollars as a means of payment for goods in and services in Nigeria contrary to the money laundering Act.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Cardoso’s Financial Sector Reforms Instrumental To Fitch Upgrade Of Nigeria’s Credit Rating—Standard Chartered Bank

    Standard Chartered Bank has hailed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, for his transformative policies in the financial sector, which have repositioned the Nigerian economy on the path of sustainable growth.

    Standard Chartered, in a letter to the apex bank governor dated April 15, 2025, and signed by the Group Chief Executive, Bill Winters, said that Cardoso’s financial sector reforms have been instrumental to Fitch’s upgrade of Nigeria’s credit rating.

    Fitch Ratings had last week upgraded Nigeria’s outlook to Stable from Negative, highlighting renewed confidence in the government’s commitment to far-reaching policy reforms.

    While Nigeria’s long-term foreign currency rating remains at ‘B’, Fitch said the economic direction taken since mid-2023 is starting to bear fruit.

    In the Standard Chartered Bank letter to the CBN Governor obtained by THE WHISTLER, Winters said the upgrade is a direct reflection of the transformational reforms the Nigerian government has embarked upon since the administration of President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023.

    He said that under the leadership of Cardoso as Governor of the CBN, the business community and financial markets have witnessed significant positive reforms that have transformed the economy and markets and placed growth on a sustainable upward path.

    The rating upgrade, he stated further, is more remarkable as it comes at a time of great uncertainty over the global economy, further underscoring the strong confidence and conviction in Nigeria’s economic outlook.

    As Sovereign Rating Advisor to the Nigerian Government for over a decade, the Standard Chartered Bank boss said the bank is honoured to have worked alongside Cardoso to make this upgrade a reality.

    He expressed appreciation for all the support that the CBN, under Cardoso, has afforded the bank and assured of continued partnership that would boost the Nigerian economy.

    The letter reads in part, “I write to congratulate you on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank on the recent upgrade of Nigeria’s Sovereign Credit Rating to B with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings.

    “The upgrade is a direct reflection of the transformational reforms the Nigerian government embarked upon when the administration took office in May 2023.

    “Under your leadership as Governor of the CBN, the business community and financial markets have witnessed significant positive reforms that have transformed the economy and markets and placed growth on a sustainable upward path.

    “The rating upgrade is all the more remarkable in that it comes at a time of great uncertainty over the global economy, further underscoring the strong confidence and conviction in Nigeria’s outlook.

    “As Sovereign Rating Advisor to the Nigerian Government for over a decade, we are honoured to have worked alongside you to make this upgrade a reality. We appreciate all the support CBN has afforded us and hope that you have found our contributions helpful.

    “As always, we remain committed to supporting Nigeria in its work to consolidate the gains from its ongoing reform programme to achieve further sovereign rating upgrades for the benefit of the entire nation.”

    Key reforms such as exchange rate liberalisation, tighter monetary policy, removal of fuel subsidies, and an end to deficit monetisation have improved macroeconomic credibility, reduced distortions, and enhanced resilience to shocks.

    A key turning point for the Nigerian economy was the Central Bank of Nigeria’s introduction of a new FX matching platform and FX code in 2024 to enhance price discovery and transparency.

    Following a 40 per cent naira depreciation last year, these reforms helped narrow the official-parallel market gap and boosted FX liquidity.

    Net FX inflows through official and autonomous channels surged by 89 per cent in Q4 2024, compared to an 8 per cent rise the previous year.

    However, Fitch expects modest depreciation in the short term, particularly as external risks mount.

    Gross reserves climbed to $41bn by end-2024, before easing to $38bn due to external debt servicing, including a $1.1bn Eurobond repayment due in November.

    Nigeria’s current account recorded a $6.8bn surplus in 2024 (6.6 per cent of GDP), aided by FX formalisation and reduced import costs.

    Net external reserves stand at about $23bn, and the CBN has reduced its reliance on FX swaps, with such liabilities now just 14 per cent of gross reserves, down from 25 per cent in November last year.

    Cardoso’s Financial Sector Reforms Instrumental To Fitch Upgrade Of Nigeria’s Credit Rating—Standard Chartered Bank is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Senior Quantity Surveyor at Java Design Concepts Ltd

    Java Design Concepts Ltd is a company that has more than 20 year’s experience in the construction industry & are dedicated to deliver in various services in the construction sectors, from Residential, Commercial buildings, high-rise buildings, road construction to Oil & Gas Infrastructures as well as steel fabrication & Concrete solutions. Our ability to handle any type of construction projects gives us the strength and permits our client to push boundaries with a peace of mind. Our infinite expertise & resources span across the region with our integrity & obsession of completing the job correctly, on time & on budget has been our recipe for success.Requirements

    Proven experience in quantity surveying within the construction industry
    Broad knowledge of claims, variations, and contractual matters
    Expertise in preparing Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and cost estimation
    Strong analytical and negotiation skills
    Professional certifications and membership of relevant bodies is an added advantage

    Click Here To Apply

  • Risk Intern (Bakeries) at Tiger Brands April, 2025

    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Job Description

    THE JOB AT A GLANCE: 

    • Contract Duration: 12 Months 

    • An opportunity to work on and support projects delivery as a Risk Intern will provide you with practical experience and give you a head start and understanding on your chosen career path. 

    Job Location 

    WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE: 

    You will have opportunity to be an owner every day as you: 

    • Support project work 

    • Problem-solve issues 

    • Work with a cross-functional team to complete a Work Integrated Learning project as assigned by your Line Manager 

    • Attain on-the-job work experience aligned with your career aspirations 

    • Perform additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives. 

    • You would have graduated with the relevant degree as per the job title 

    • Collection and Analysis of SHE data 

    • Participation in Emergency Drills 

    • Contractor Safety Management 

    • Involvement in SHE Audits & Inspections 

    • SHE Trainings and Awareness Campaigns 

    • Involvement in Incident Investigations 

    • Reviewing SHE Procedures 

    • Reviewing Standard Operating Procedures 

    • Conducting Planned Job Observations (PJOs) in relation to SHE aspects 

    • Performing Audits and Inspections  

    ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS 

    • National Diploma in Safety Management  

    • Risk Management (Looking to complete P1 & P2)

    •  Listed below are the minimum requirements that you are required to meet: 

    • Citizen in the country of hire 

    • Should be based at the city of hire 

    • A relevant National Diploma OR BTech OR bachelor’s degree

    • Have not worked full time (more than 1 year) in their field of study 

    • Work authorization in the country for which application is being submitted 

    At application, please ensure that you attach the following documents: 

    • CV 

    • Matric Certificate 

    • ID 

    • Academic Transcripts 

    Click Here To Apply

  • Singer Portable knocks out Speed Darlington in the first round of their celebrity boxing fight (Videos)

    Controversial singer, Badmus Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has knocked out his rival, Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, in a celebrity boxing fight.

     

    The fight tagged ‘ Chaos in the rings’ took place at the Balmoral Events Centre in Lagos on Saturday morning.

     

    Portable defeated Speed Darlington by technical knockout after an injury to his right wrist.

     

    It was also gathered that the ‘Baby Oil’ singer left the ring in an ambulance after he lost the bout.

    After the bout, Speed Darlington took to Instagram to accuse his opponent of using ‘juju’ on him despite being willing to continue the fight. 

     

    Watch the videos below…

     

     

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • ’You are bitter, hypocritical,’ Arewa youths lash Atiku over attacks on Tinubu

    The Arewa Youth Council (AYC), has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his constant criticism of President Bola Tinubu, labelling him a bitter hypocrite who is being driven by his desperation to become Nigeria’s president after several failed attempts.

    The AYC, in a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, said Atiku’s actions were both laughable and shameful for a man who oversaw the “reckless sale” of Nigeria’s national assets to his allies and cronies during his tenure as head of the National Council on Privatisation, only to turn around and present himself as a reformer and moral authority.

    In the statement signed by AYC’s President, Comrade Adams Reuben, the group said Atiku’s recent push for a coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, was a “failed train heading nowhere”.

    “Atiku might be suffering from his serial rejections at the polls,” the AYC President said.

    “How does a man so deeply involved in the systemic weakening of Nigeria’s economic backbone now question a leader who is working tirelessly to repair the damage?

    “He supervised the transfer of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), and other prized national assets to associates under the guise of reforms that left millions of Nigerians worse off. That’s the legacy he’s running from, and he thinks we’ll forget by screaming ‘coalition’ and throwing jabs at Tinubu.”

    Continuing, the Arewa youth group said:

    “Nigerians have seen through that smokescreen. This so-called coalition is nothing but a gathering of political orphans, desperate to regain relevance. It is a failed train heading to nowhere — and Atiku is not only the conductor, he’s the last passenger too.”

    The group also took out time to extol President Tinubu, stressing that while Atiku has been perpetually chasing the presidency, Tinubu got it at the first time of asking because of Nigerians’ trust in his leadership.

    “This is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first time on the presidential ballot — and he won because Nigerians believe in his vision, his intellect, and his ability to take tough decisions. Atiku has contested six times, lost each time, and still thinks we owe him the presidency?

    “He (Atiku) has failed. Nigerians have moved on. It’s time Atiku does the same. His bitterness will not change the fact that the country is finally in the hands of a thinker, a builder, and a leader.

    “Those who sow division, incite bitterness, and attempt to whitewash their tainted legacies in the name of political opposition,” the group concluded.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Many Feared Trapped As Building Collapses In Lagos

    A four-storey building located on Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State has collapsed.

    Several people are feared trapped under the rubble, as emergency responders are currently on the scene.

    The structure, which reportedly housed a popular local restaurant, collapsed around 8 a.m. on Saturday.

    As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties remains unclear.

    THE WHISTLER reports that this incident comes just days after two adult males were rescued alive on Sunday from the debris of a one-storey building under construction that collapsed in the Idumota area of the state.

    That incident occurred on Agarawu Street, off Aroloya Central Mosque, near the Idumota Bus Stop on Lagos Island.

    Similarly, in March, a building under construction in Lekki also collapsed, with at least 14 individuals rescued and taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, two victims were later recovered dead.

    Many Feared Trapped As Building Collapses In Lagos is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Giants, Roupp survive two Trout homers to even series against Angels

    Landon Roupp had everyone figured out but Mike Trout Saturday night and that proved to be enough for the Giants in a 3-2 road win over the Los Angeles Angels.

    Roupp went seven innings, a career high and the deepest he’s gone this season in improving his record to 2-1. He gave up two runs on solo homers by Trout and nothing else. He walked just one, struck out nine and threw 96 pitches, 62 of them strikes.

    Tyler Rogers threw a scoreless eighth and Ryan Walker the ninth for his fifth save. Walker’s first order of business? Retire Trout, who threw a scare into the Giants with a deep drive to left that was tracked by Heliot Ramos.

    Walker then gave up a single to Jorge Soler before Matt Chapman slipped while fielded a ground ball by Logan O’Hoppe on a 3-0 count and managed to throw him out from his knees. Chapman caught a spike in the dirt and limped back to his position but finished the game.

    The final out came on a fly ball to center by Nolan Schaunel with pinch runner Tim Anderson at second.

    The Giants, 14-7, can win their fifth series of the season with a win Sunday over the Angels and are 5-4 on a 10-game on a 10-game road trip. Los Angeles fell to 10-10. The Giants return home for seven games against Milwaukee and Texas starting Monday.

    Matt Chapman hit a two-run home run in the first, his fourth of the season.Trout, who struck out three times the previous night against Logan Webb and the first time against Roupp, unloaded in the fourth for his seventh homer. It wasn’t a wall-scraper either, traveling 435 feet and leaving the bat at 115.2 miles per hour on a hanging curve.

    Trout wasn’t finished. He hit another solo homer down the left field line against Roupp in the sixth.

    After being shut the previous night, Chapman got the Giants on the board in the top of the first with a two-run home run to left field. It came on an 0-1 pitch on a change-up above the belt that starter Kyle Hendricks (0-1) probably regretted the moment it left his hand.

    The Giants led 3-0 in the third when Willy Adames singled to right off a Hendricks change-up to drive in Mike Yastrzemski, who hit one-out double to eight. Adames, who was 6-for-32 on the road trip, was thrown out in rundown as Yastrzemski scored.

    Source: Paradise Post

  • The Story of Fatal Fury trailer for City of the Wolves



    Video is less than 5 minutes long








    If you haven’t been keeping up with the lore of the Fatal Fury series, SNK has a new video which covers the storylines in the franchise — all in under 5 minutes.






    The video starts in South Town, with Tung Fu Ru and his two disciples, Geese Howard and Jeff Bogard. It talks about how Terry and Andy Bogard get their start in fighting games, along with showing footage of the prior games.









    This is an easy way to get caught up with the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves’ plotlines, before it releases on April 24, 2025, and April 21, 2025 at midnight for early access users.


    This video follows a number of other materials from SNK as of late, building up to the release of the game. As there’s an anime short directed by legendary Masami Obari featuring music by Salvatore Ganacci, and a trailer focusing on the Cristiano Ronaldo versus Salvatore Ganacci match up.


    Also, SNK revealed which modes Cristiano Ronaldo will be unavailable in with the launch of the game, and we’ve also found character usage and match up charts for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves’ second beta.


    You can also find a complete move listing on our website, along with a news feed for the game so it makes it easy to keep up with the latest news.




    Submitted by Sarif2soon.







    Source: Event Hubs

  • Finance and Strategy Specialist at Paystack April, 2025

    Click Here To Apply