A manufacturing company, Artco Industries Limited, has filed a ₦100 million lawsuit against the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Artco Furniture Manufacturing Company Limited, and Chief Dr. Onyekachi Iheme over the alleged registration of a company with a name similar to its own. The company claims that this has led to a loss of revenue due to confusion and misrepresentation.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenges the registration of Artco Furniture Manufacturing Company Limited, which the plaintiff argues is nearly identical to its own name registered since 2003. This similarity, the plaintiff asserts, has misled the public into believing the two companies are connected or that the new entity is a subsidiary of the original Artco Industries.

The plaintiff seeks a court order to deregister the second defendant’s company and demands ₦100 million in damages for lost revenue caused by CAC’s alleged negligence in conducting due diligence before approving the registration. The claim also alleges that the second defendant was used by Iheme to divert business opportunities and deceive the public.

The suit is scheduled for hearing on October 7.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasized the importance of engaging youth in agriculture to support Nigeria’s food sufficiency goals. During a visit with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) management, she stressed the need to address the gap between urbanization and agricultural skills, particularly among young Nigerians.

Tinubu introduced the Young Farmers Club, an initiative by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which aims to teach agricultural skills to students in public primary and secondary schools. She believes that early education in farming will help bridge the gap between perception and reality about agriculture, making it easier to integrate these skills into everyday life.

She highlighted her commitment to supporting her husband’s administration and ensuring that the benefits of democratic governance reach the people, with a focus on women and youth. NADFUND’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, praised her efforts and programs, including the Women in Agric Support Program (WASP) and the #Every Home a Garden competition, for their role in promoting food security and responsible agricultural practices.

Bola Babarinde, former Chairman of the APC in South Africa, has defended Aliko Dangote’s refinery, calling for national pride rather than criticism. Babarinde argued that the refinery is a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and should be supported for its potential to enhance national infrastructure and create jobs.

Babarinde praised Dangote for reinvesting in Nigeria, contrasting him with those who siphoned wealth abroad. He acknowledged Dangote’s strategic relationships with successive governments but defended his approach as essential for national development. Despite controversies, Babarinde emphasized Dangote’s commitment and transparency, highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s economy as a positive force.

He also criticized recent calls within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to continue importing petroleum products, framing it as a betrayal of national interests given the NNPCL’s history of inefficiencies and corruption. Babarinde urged President Bola Tinubu to engage patriotic Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to drive progress and reform the financial sector to benefit the broader economy.

Hon. Adamu Muktar Gini, a prominent APC chieftain in Kano State and Chairman of the Coalition of APC Youth Movement, has praised President Bola Tinubu and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau for their dedication to regional development. His commendations follow President Tinubu’s recent signing of the North-West Development Commission Bill into law.

Gini described the bill’s signing as a “landmark decision,” highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the North-West region. He emphasized the commission’s potential to drive sustainable development, enhance economic opportunities, and improve living standards in the area.

Gini also lauded Deputy Senate President Barau for his role in sponsoring the bill, noting that Barau’s efforts have paved the way for significant positive change in the North-West. The Coalition of APC Youth Movements in Kano State has pledged full support for the initiative and committed to ensuring its successful implementation.

The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has directed Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to appear before it by July 30. The committee’s decision comes in response to several issues:

• Oversight Visit Issues: During an oversight visit to the EFCC’s headquarters, the committee faced difficulties accessing the commission’s complex. The committee members were reportedly denied access and informed that Olukoyede was unavailable due to an emergency at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
• Committee’s Displeasure: The committee, led by Rep. Obinna Onwusibe, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, criticizing what they described as the chairman’s “snobbish attitude” and the denial of access.
• Budget Performance Inquiry: The committee’s primary concern is the EFCC’s budget performance and the challenges faced by the commission. They requested information and documents related to the budget and the commission’s operations, which they have yet to receive.
• Summons and Consequences: The committee has resolved to summon Olukoyede and his management team to answer questions regarding the EFCC’s budget and other operational challenges. They emphasized that the integrity and functions of the National Assembly must be respected.

The committee’s actions highlight ongoing issues with oversight and transparency within the EFCC and underscore the importance of accountability in the management of public funds.

Daniel Bwala has made serious allegations against Senator Ali Ndume, claiming that Ndume is orchestrating a retaliatory campaign against him. According to Bwala:

• Retaliatory Actions: Bwala alleges that Ndume is mobilizing youth from Bwala’s local government area to discredit him. This effort reportedly includes a planned press conference and rally in Southern Borno.
• Press Conference Concerns: Bwala views the planned press conference and rally as a form of “pushback” against him. He believes these events are intended to undermine his credibility.
• Death Threats: Bwala links the upcoming press conference to previous death threats he received. He suggests that the threats are connected to Ndume’s actions and that the press conference is part of a broader effort to intimidate him.
• Criticism of Ndume: Bwala accuses Ndume of hypocrisy, criticizing him for being able to voice opinions against others, including President Tinubu, but not tolerating criticism directed at himself.
• Broader Implications: Bwala argues that the real target of Ndume’s actions is President Tinubu, citing the political climate and Ndume’s public criticisms of the president.

These allegations underscore a tense political climate and suggest significant underlying issues within the political landscape.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has highlighted the growing risks of excessive heat for workers worldwide, attributing these challenges to climate change. The report emphasizes that the impact of rising temperatures is increasingly affecting people in various industries, not just those working outdoors.

Key findings from the report include:

• Increased Exposure: In Europe and Central Asia, the proportion of workers exposed to excessive heat has risen more sharply than in any other region over the past 20 years. As of 2020, 29% of workers in this region faced excessive heat at times, a 17.3% increase compared to two decades ago.
• Global Impact: On a global scale, 2.4 billion people are exposed to excessive heat at work. Africa faces the highest proportion, with 90.2% of workers experiencing such conditions, followed by the Arab states at 83.6%.
• Health Risks: Heat at work leads to significant health issues. Nearly 22.9 million people suffer accidents due to heat annually, with almost 19,000 fatalities. Additionally, 26.2 million individuals live with chronic kidney problems due to insufficient fluid intake, as recommended drinking is 0.85 litres per hour once temperatures hit 32°C.

The ILO’s report underscores the urgent need for improved workplace safety measures and better management of heat stress to protect workers’ health and safety.

Nigerian international music icon Yemi Alade has unveiled her highly anticipated sixth album, Rebel Queen.

Known for her captivating blend of African music and her celebration of her heritage, Yemi Alade continues to enchant listeners with her latest project. Rebel Queen reflects her unapologetic love for African culture, blending a rich array of sounds that include afropop, dancehall, amapiano, lingala, afrobeats, reggae, and R&B.

Yemi Alade, affectionately called Mama Africa, showcases her multilingual talents on this album, singing in Yoruba, English, Igbo, French, and Swahili. Her cross-cultural approach highlights her dedication to promoting African music and culture on the global stage.

The 16-track album is notable for its musical diversity and emotional depth. Notable tracks include:

• ‘Karibu’: A Swahili-infused intro celebrating African heritage.
• ‘Tomorrow’: A reflective track about living in the present.
• ‘Happy Day’: An anthem of joy and resilience.
• ‘African Woman’: A powerful tribute to African women.
• ‘Peace and Love’: A poignant call for compassion.

Rebel Queen also features impressive collaborations:

• Angélique Kidjo (Benin) on “African Woman”
• Ziggy Marley (Jamaica) on “Peace and Love”
• Innoss’B (Congo) on “Lipeka”
• Konshens (Jamaica) on “Baddie” remix

These collaborations enhance the album’s dynamic sound, blending various genres and styles seamlessly. Each track on Rebel Queen offers a unique experience, reflecting Yemi Alade’s originality and bold spirit.

With Rebel Queen, Yemi Alade continues to assert her place in the music industry, celebrating African music’s diverse and vibrant sounds and proving her influence in a male-dominated field.

KCee is back with his latest album, Mr. Versatile, marking another milestone in his distinguished music career.

For two decades, KCee has been a significant figure in Nigerian music, known for his continual evolution and hit singles. Mr. Versatile showcases his ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing music industry, celebrating his journey and growth.

The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including:

• Didi B (France)
• Kanika Kapoor (India)
• Oxlade
• Skibii
• Teni
• OdumoduBlvck
• Ijaya (all from Nigeria)
• Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
• OneRepublic (US)

KCee’s musical journey began 25 years ago in a church choir, where he met his former bandmate Presh. Their debut album was a gospel project before they transitioned into rap and Afropop. His father, a pastor and DJ with record stores, played a significant role in shaping his musical path.

Mr. Versatile is a tribute to KCee’s roots, celebrating cultural pride, and embracing growth. The album explores genres such as highlife, dancehall, and Afropop, aiming to evoke nostalgia and excitement.

KCee shares, “I am thrilled to share Mr. Versatile with my fans. This album represents a journey of creativity and growth, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience the music that I have poured my heart and soul into.”

The album highlights how aging can be an opportunity to discover new approaches to old dreams, showcasing KCee’s desire to keep evolving. Mr. Versatile promises to uplift listeners and provide a feel-good experience, serving as a soundtrack to life’s highlights.

Mr. Versatile Tracklist:

1. Hypnotize (Produced by Shugavybz)
2. Finally Finally (Produced by Shugavybz)
3. Feel Am ft. Didi B (Produced by JaySynths)
4. Obalende (Produced by JaySynths)
5. Better Mama (Produced by JaySynths)
6. Big Fish (Produced by Masterkraft)
7. Motor ft. Kanika Kapoor (Produced by JaySynths)
8. Level Up (Produced by Shugavybz)
9. I Pray (Produced by JaySynths)
10. Into You (Produced by Runcheck)
11. Slow Mo (Produced by JaySynths)
12. Agenda (Produced by Spotless)
13. Ganja Man (Produced by Jazzwad)
14. Sista Blessing (Produced by JaySynths)
15. Ebelebe ft. Teni, Skibii (Produced by JaySynths)
16. Hallelujah (Produced by Spotless)
17. Ojapiano Remix ft. Diamond Platnumz, OdumoduBlvck (Produced by JaySynths)
18. Ojapiano Remix ft. OneRepublic (Produced by JaySynths)
19. Ojaginger (Produced by JaySynths)
20. Ojapiano (Produced by JaySynths)

Nigerian rapper Falz has revealed that he has never experienced love or said “I love you” to anyone. In a recent interview on the Menisms Podcast, Falz admitted that he has never reached the emotional depth in a relationship where such expressions occur.

He explained, “I’ve never told anyone I love them, nor has anyone told me. I’ve never reached that stage of emotional commitment in a relationship.”

Falz shared that he is usually very clear about his feelings and intentions from the beginning of a relationship to ensure that both parties are on the same page. “I’ve always been upfront about my feelings and what I’m looking for, so there’s no confusion about where we stand. We revisit these conversations from time to time to ensure we’re aligned.”

He added that he has been single since 2008, explaining, “My last relationship was when I was 18 years old. It’s not that I’m avoiding relationships; it’s just been a mix of different reasons, and I haven’t felt ready to fully commit.”

During a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the need to uphold democratic principles and institutions while addressing the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. Tinubu highlighted the importance of sustaining democracy and reiterated that, although protests are a vital part of democratic expression, any demonstration that leads to violence and destruction will not be condoned by the government.

Tinubu also expressed the desire for stronger U.S.-Nigeria relations, particularly in enhancing cooperation on shared democratic values and economic growth. He welcomed U.S. support for Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest democracy and urged for more partnership to benefit both nations.

In addition, Tinubu received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia, Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng. With Malaysia, he discussed improving the balance of trade and collaboration in sectors like agriculture and ICT. For Botswana, Tinubu expressed interest in developing cultural and economic ties, particularly in livestock development, and praised Botswana’s progress in this area.

Both Malaysia and Botswana are keen to strengthen their relations with Nigeria, with Malaysia focusing on education and financial services, and Botswana interested in livestock vaccines and cultural exchanges.

Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, highlighted Nigeria’s relatively low annual budget compared to other countries. He noted that South Africa, with a population of about 60 million, has an annual budget of $150 billion, whereas Nigeria’s 2024 budget is $15 billion for a population of around 200 million. This results in a per capita allocation of just $75 for essential services like health, agriculture, security, and education, which Fasua argues is grossly inadequate.

Wahab Omoniyi, author of the book *Budget as a Policy Instrument for Public Financial Management*, emphasized the need for improved budgetary education. He suggested incorporating budgetary studies into secondary school curricula to enhance understanding among students about the importance of budgeting.

Omoniyi stressed that fundamental knowledge of budgeting is crucial for households and small businesses. Dr. James Neminebor, President and Chairman of the Council of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), also underscored the significance of budgeting as a tool to prevent financial crises in enterprises and government.

For the 2024 fiscal year, Nigeria’s proposed budget is NGN27.5 trillion with an estimated revenue of NGN18.32 trillion.