Paradise News

Tag: General News

  • Investors Oversubscribe CBN’s N1trn Liquidity Management Bonds

    Dr. Olayemi Cardoso

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has successfully concluded a sale of government securities, issuing N1.053trn ($680m) in short-term instruments as part of its liquidity management exercise.

    The CBN offered N500bn at the Open Market Operations (OMO) auction and oversubscribed, selling N1.053trn, with 79 per cent of the total bids, or the equivalent of $530m, coming from foreign investors.

    Friday’s auction was the first since the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting, which was followed by a virtual meeting with foreign portfolio investors.

    The CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, used both meetings to set a detailed strategy to curb inflation, stabilise the exchange rate, and spur confidence in the banking system and economy.

    Cardoso further highlighted in the meeting with investors an outlook for sustained increases in the CBN’s foreign currency reserves, improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market, and imminent settlement of the remaining backlog of genuine Foreign Exchange transactions by the Central Bank of Nigeria

    According to him, “The CBN is committed to supporting price stability by taking the necessary measures to increase liquidity in the foreign exchange markets sustainably.

    “Our focus is on building a fully functioning market that allows smooth entry and exit for investors,” he added.

    Speaking with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, the Bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali said the development underscored the level of confidence that the Bank now enjoyed from investors.

    She also said the Management of the CBN was optimistic that its monetary policy measures were beginning to yield positive results.

    Investors Oversubscribe CBN’s N1trn Liquidity Management Bonds is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

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  • Nikki Haley wins the District of Columbia’s Republican primary and gets her first 2024 victory

    By Meg Kinnard and Will Weissert, Associated Press

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Nikki Haley has won the Republican primary in the District of Columbia, notching her first victory of the 2024 campaign.

    Her victory Sunday at least temporarily halts Donald Trump’s sweep of the GOP voting contests, although the former president is bound to pick up several hundred more delegates in this week’s Super Tuesday races.

    Despite her early losses, Haley has said she would remain in the race at least through those contests, although she has declined to name any primary she felt confident she would win. Following last week’s loss in her home state of South Carolina, Haley remained adamant that voters in the places that followed deserved an alternative to Trump despite his dominance thus far in the campaign.

    Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in South Burlington, Vermont, Sunday, March 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
    Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in South Burlington, Vermont, Sunday, March 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

    The Associated Press declared Haley the winner Sunday night after D.C. Republican Party officials released the results. She won all 19 delegates at stake.

    “It’s not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos,” Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement, noting that Haley became the first woman to win a Republican primary in history.

    Washington is one of the most heavily Democratic jurisdictions in the nation, with only about 23,000 registered Republicans in the city. Democrat Joe Biden won the district in the 2020 general election with 92% of the vote.

    Trump issued a statement shortly after Haley’s victory sarcastically congratulating her on being named “Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo.”

    Haley held a rally in the nation’s capital on Friday before heading back to North Carolina and a series of states holding Super Tuesday primaries. She joked with more than 100 supporters inside a hotel ballroom, “Who says there’s no Republicans in D.C., come on.”

    “We’re trying to make sure that we touch every hand that we can and speak to every person,” Haley said.

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  • Sunday Live: Trump Sweeps Primaries Ahead of Super Tuesday as Democrats Vow to Steal 2024 Election


    Guest host Chase Geiser also breaks down the the open border, the latest WWIII news as German military officials were caught discussing strikes against Russia, and much more — tune in and share this link!

    Guest host Chase Geiser breaks down the latest 2024 election developments as Trump trounces Nikki Haley in Missouri, Idaho and Michigan ahead of Super Tuesday. We’ll also cover the latest World War III news as a leaked conversation between German officials discussing strikes against Russia emerges, and how the open border crisis has turned into a disaster for the Biden regime’s campaign. Tune in!



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  • ‘Africa’s Mr BEAN Takes A Bow’ — Nollywood Stars Mourn Mr Ibu

    The entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular comic actor, John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu.

    The 62-year-old actor passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in a Lagos hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

    Mr Ibu, who had recently undergone a series of surgery that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs, had sought prayers and financial assistance from fans during his health battle.

    The AGN President, Emeka Rollas, expressed his grief in a statement confirming the actor’s passing: “Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace”.

    Since the sad incident, colleagues of the deceased actor have taken to social media to share their condolences.

    Kanayo O. Kanayo, a veteran Nollywood actor, described Mr Ibu as Africa’s ‘Mr BEAN’ and paid tribute to his exceptional comic talent.

    He wrote, “Africa’s ‘Mr BEAN’ takes a bow. John Okafor AKA Mr Ibu is the most outstanding comic actor by CONDUCT.

    “He didn’t need to say a word to evoke laughter. His mien, body movement etc was comic. He embodied laughter. May God who called him home, grant him eternal rest. Nyikiriputu, koko onyiko onyi, egbu bie nwanyi abua…God will smile receiving you. Mr Ibu, GOODNIGHT.”

    Singer Abdulkareem Eedris hailed Ibu as a legend, stating that memories of him would last forever. He said, “Time may heal our broken hearts but memories will last forever. Rest on legend.”

    A close colleague of the deceased, Charles Inojie, also bade him farewell, saying Mr Ibu can now enjoy the peace he was denied during his health struggles.

    He wrote “Rest in peace, king. Yes, you can have it all now. That which eluded you the most when it mattered the most…PEACE…

    “The peace of mind to recuperate peacefully Was a favour too expensive to oblige you Now, it’s all yours, bro. Revel in heavenly peace, infinitum. Rest… Rest… Rest in PEACE.”

    Similarly, actress Mercy Johnson Okojie shared a candlelight image, offering her condolences. She simply wrote, “it is well…rest well sir.”

    Actor Ken Eric Ugo said Mr Ibu’s legacy would live forever: “You fought the good fight! Your legacy lives forever! Rest In Peace Mr Ibu,” he wrote

    Skit maker and musician Nas Boi (@iamnasboi) credited Mr Ibu and Charles Inojie for teaching him the skill of humour, expressing his love and gratitude to the deceased.

    “I acquired the skill of being funny from MR IBU Y, and CHARLES INOJIE @charlesinojie. It was a privilege to meet you. Love you forever sir….. Rest well King,” he said.

    Many other celebrities and fans of the actor consoled the family of the deceased and described him as “Legend”.

    Mr Ibu rose to prominence in the early 2000s for his comedic roles in Nollywood films such as ‘Mr Ibu in London’, ‘Mr Ibu and His Son’, ‘Coffin Producers’, ‘Husband Suppliers’, and ‘International Players,’ amongst others

    ‘Africa’s Mr BEAN Takes A Bow’ — Nollywood Stars Mourn Mr Ibu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

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  • San Jose Sharks lose to Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild

    The San Jose Sharks faced some headwinds in their game against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night.

    The Sharks were playing their second game in as many nights — just like the Wild were — but were also dealing with an illness now running through the locker room, sapping some of the team’s energy.

    The biggest obstacle, though, was the play of Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, who recorded his third hat trick of the season to help hand the Sharks a disappointing 4-3 loss at Xcel Energy Center.

    With the Sharks leading 3-2, Kaprizov scored at the 2:38 and 16:01 mark of the third period, with the second goal completing the hat trick and putting the Wild ahead to stay as San Jose was sent to its seventh straight loss.

    “When you don’t have it, you’ve got to find a way to hang around and I thought that’s what we did,” Sharks coach David Quinn said. “It was just unfortunate. They’ve got Kaprizov and we don’t.”

    Anthony Duclair, Mikael Granlund, and Nico Sturm all scored for the Sharks (15-39-6), who managed just 15 shots on net as they completed a two-game road trip with a 0-1-1 record.

    The Sharks led the Wild on two occasions Sunday, including in the third period as the two teams traded goals.

    After Duclair scored his 14th of the season 23 seconds in for a 3-2 Sharks lead, Kaprizov tied it, one-timing a pass from Matt Boldy past goalie Kaapo Kahkonen, who made 28 saves for the game.

    Kaprizov’s third goal of the game was also his 29th goal of the season, as he became the fifth-fastest active player to 300 career points. Having now played 258 games, he’s behind only Sidney Crosby (219), Alex Ovechkin (237), Connor McDavid (240) and Evgeni Malkin (240).

    “He’s a phenomenal player,” Sturm said of Kaprizov, his one-time Wild teammate. “That third goal, that’s him. He gets lost as the third guy high, there’s a puck battle, and he’s got the smarts to where he just waits for the puck to squirt out to him.”

    The Sharks now start a three-game homestand on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars.

    The Sharks were without center William Eklund, who came down with an illness Sunday. With Eklund unavailable, Kevin Labanc drew back into the lineup after he was a healthy scratch Saturday in Dallas and Luke Kunin moved into Eklund’s role as the Sharks’ second-line center.

    Eklund had goals in each of the last two Sharks’ games and for the season has 10 goals and 27 points in 58 games.

    Sunday’s game was Kahkonen’s first against his former team. He was drafted by the Wild in 2014 in the fourth round and played three-plus seasons in the organization before he was acquired by the Sharks two years ago for defenseman Jacob Middleton.

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  • Garfield Lady Bulldogs Clinch Fourth State 3A Basketball Title

    By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium

    The Garfield Lady Bulldogs captured their fourth state 3A basketball title with a thrilling 62-59 victory over the Mead Panthers.

    Despite not winning the opening possession, the Bulldogs embarked on a 4-0 run. Mead’s Teryn Gardner scored two points to end Garfield’s early momentum. The quarter was marked by a back-and-forth battle, with Gardner giving Mead the largest lead of the game by completing a three-point play after being fouled by Katie Fiso, making it 19-16 in favor of Mead at the end of the first quarter.

    The second quarter saw continued close competition, with neither team gaining more than a two-point lead. Fiso scored 8 points for the Bulldogs, while Mead’s Addison Wells-Morrison tied the game at 32 with a late three-pointer, setting the stage for a tense second half.

    After halftime, Gardner was sent to the free-throw line by a foul on Garfield’s Maya Davis, making both shots to put the Panthers ahead. Garfield’s Sarah Lessig and Fiso quickly responded with four points, regaining a narrow lead for the Bulldogs. Fiso then intercepted a pass intended for Wells-Morrison and assisted Jayda Lewis for a layup.

    With four minutes left in the third quarter, the Bulldogs initiated a 5-0 run, halted by Mead’s Caroline Spink. Fiso continued her impressive performance, scoring four unanswered points and making a key block. However, a foul on Devyn Hall sent Mead’s Shalya Melendez to the line, where she made one free throw. The Bulldogs extended their lead to 47-41 after a 9-3 run.

    Entering the final quarter, Garfield led 49-44 despite foul trouble for Star Smiley and Fiso.

    In the fourth quarter, Mead’s Reese Frederick and Gardner scored 8 points together. A technical foul on Lewis sent Gardner to the line, where she reduced the Bulldogs’ lead to 3. Fiso’s fourth personal foul allowed Wells-Morrison to tie the game at 56 from the free-throw line.

    For two intense minutes, the game remained tied at 56, with both teams showcasing strong defense. Fiso then took control, sinking two critical three-pointers, one just before the shot clock expired, creating a 6-point lead for Garfield. Mead’s Gracie Wenkheimer responded with a three-pointer, leaving the Panthers trailing by 3 with 47 seconds left.

    In the game’s final moments, the Bulldogs managed to maintain their lead. Gardner’s last-second three-point attempt fell short, and Lewis secured the rebound, sealing the win for Garfield.

    With this victory, the Lady Bulldogs have secured their fourth consecutive WIAA State 3A Girls Basketball Championship title, continuing the winning legacy of the Garfield High School Girls Basketball Program.

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  • Harris calls for immediate cease-fire ‘for at least the next six weeks’ in Gaza

    Vice President Kamala Harris called for an “immediate cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war Sunday, doubling down on pressure from the Biden administration as negotiations continue for a six-week pause in fighting.

    “Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire at least for the next six weeks, which is currently on the table,” she said in the Selma, Ala., speech.

    President Biden has urged the Israeli government to agree to a six-week cease-fire for weeks, amid tense negotiations with Hamas.

    The Israeli government agreed to the framework of a proposed six-week cease-fire on Saturday, The Associated Press reported, a sign of progress in negotiations.

    Harris is set to meet with Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, on Monday at the White House to discuss the cease-fire deal and humanitarian aid, The New York Times reported.

    The scheduled meeting reportedly draws the ire of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who did not authorize the trip, according to The Times of Israel.

    The vice president also pressed the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza in the speech, calling the situation in the war-torn region a “humanitarian catastrophe.”

    “What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating,” she said. “We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal food. Women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration.” 

    She added that there are “no excuses” for Israel not to increase aid deliveries in Gaza.

    The Biden administration has turned up criticism of Israel in recent weeks over humanitarian conditions in Gaza, especially after the killing of over 100 civilians attempting to receive aid on Thursday.

    Biden has faced growing pressure from Democrats to call for a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas as the situation in Gaza worsens, and the Palestinian death toll from Israel’s attacks climbs above 30,000. 

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, praised Harris’ statement on Sunday but urged the Biden administration to follow it up with policy.

    “The VP has called for an immediate ceasefire, and urgent aid into Gaza,” Jayapal wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “This is the first time this language has been used by the administration. It is important. Now let’s back it up with policy shift.”

    Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.



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  • Watch: Attorney General Garland Vows To Shut Down Voter ID, Election Integrity Laws


    Yet the vast majority of Americans support voter ID laws and guardrails for mail-in voting.

    Joe Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland vowed Sunday to shut down efforts to bolster election integrity, including voter ID and mail-in ballot restrictions.

    “The right to vote is still under attack. And that is why the Justice Department is fighting back. That is why one of the first things I did when I came into office was to double the size of the voting section of the Civil Rights Division,” Garland said at the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama.

    “That is why we’re challenging efforts by states and jurisdictions to implement discriminatory, burdensome and unnecessary restrictions on access to the ballot, including those related to mail-in voting, the use of drop boxes and voter ID requirements.”

    “That is why we are working to block the adoption of discriminatory redistricting plans that dilute the vote of black voters and other voters of color,” Garland added.

    • URGENT! Keep Alex Jones in the fight against the NWO! Please pray & contribute at DefendJones.com today!

    Despite Garland’s talking points, the 8 in 10 Americans support voter ID laws and guardrails for mail-in voting.

    The Democrats can’t afford for the nearly 8 million illegal aliens who’ve entered the country to be denied access to vote for Joe Biden in November, especially when many illegals openly declared they would do so.

    That’s especially crucial given most polls show Trump beating Biden handily in a hypothetical 2024 matchup due in part to the disastrous economy, Biden’s declining mental and cognitive health, high crime and the looming prospect of WWIII against Russia.

    The only path forward for Democrats is to rig the 2024 election or use coordinated lawfare tactics to derail Trump’s candidacy, which have begun to unravel in recent weeks.

    “Republicans must win. We want a landslide. We have to win so it’s TOO BIG TO RIG,” Trump declared Saturday at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina.

    Watch Garland’s full remarks:

    Follow Jamie White on X | Truth | Gab | Gettr | Minds



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  • Your Funds Will Flow Smoothly Out Of Nigeria — Tinubu Assures Qatar Investors

    In Doha on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu assured Qatari investors that their funds invested in Nigeria will flow smoothly in and out of the country under his administration.

    Speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum, Tinubu pledged to remove obstacles inhibiting profitable and legitimate enterprises in Africa’s largest economy.

    “I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past. Whatever is the obstacle or problem that some of you might have experienced; it is in the past, because there is no obstacle in the future,” Tinubu said.

    He invited the international business community to bring investments to Nigeria, saying the country is “serious about revolutionizing investment promotion.”

    Tinubu told the Qatari business leaders to report directly to him if any government official demands bribes or inducements from them.

    “Do not offer a bribe to any of our people, and if it is requested or taken from you, report to us. You will have access to me. Nigeria will no longer be defined by the past, but by what we do now and moving forward,” the president stated.

    “Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionizing investment promotion. We are removing obstacles today and we are going to continue to remove all obstacles. We have done so much within nine months. And I am assuring you, it is free entry, and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments,” the President stated.

    In November 2022, Emirates Airline, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stopped flight operations to Nigeria.

    The suspension was due to Emirates’ inability to repatriate $85 million of its revenue out of Nigeria.

    It was the second time that year that Emirates halted Nigeria flights for the same issue – the first suspension occurred in August 2022.

    But President Tinubu noted that his appointment of former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser will strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption, insecurity and boost investors’ confidence in the nation.

    Tinubu said Nigeria presents opportunities in oil and gas, solid minerals, tourism, healthcare and other sectors.

    “I am here to give you assurances in all spheres: tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and in many other opportunities that abound around us. Do not be the investors who miss out on the golden opportunity we present,” he told the Qatari business leaders.

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, said his country looks forward to exploring investment opportunities in Nigeria.

    Tinubu was accompanied by several Nigerian governors and ministers to the forum.

    They include Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo.

    Others were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen; and the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye.

    Your Funds Will Flow Smoothly Out Of Nigeria — Tinubu Assures Qatar Investors is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

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  • JP Sears sharp in A’s win, appears on track to start Opening Night

    A’s left-hander JP Sears was dazzling enough Sunday against the Texas Rangers that it appears the former Yankees prospect may be in line to be Oakland’s starting pitcher on Opening Night.

    Sears was dominant during his three-inning start, striking out seven batters and allowing just one hit while touching 95 mph on the Hohokam Stadium gun in the A’s 5-2 spring training victory. In two spring starts, he’s permitted just one hit while striking out nine with no walks in five innings.

    Sears was Oakland’s most consistent starter in a disastrous 2023 season while he went 5-14 with a 4.54 ERA in a team-high 32 starts. While the season opener is still more than three weeks away, mapping out the A’s rotation and doing the math shows Sears is on track for four more starts, with his fifth start set for March 28 — when the A’s start the season against Cleveland. Veteran Paul Blackburn seems to be his only competition for the opener.

    Ross Stripling, acquired from the Giants last month, made his A’s debut and worked three scoreless innings in relief of Sears. The 34-year-old right-hander allowed two hits and struck out one while giving up an unearned run.

    At the risk of jumping to conclusions over nine spring training games, the A’s pitching hasn’t looked anything like it did during a 112-loss season last year. Oakland pitchers led the majors in walks by a large margin – its alarming 694 walks were 40 more than the next-worst White Sox. This spring, the A’s 31 walks — including just one Sunday — are the second-fewest behind the Angels in the American League.

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