Akwa Ibom State has recorded 96 new cases of COVID 19 as NCDC announces 216 new cases in various states across the country.

In its latest update on the pandemic, the Federal Government agency responsible for the control of disease outbreaks noted that the new infections were reported in eight states of the federation.

This comes amid fears and panic as Nigeria’s total figure has continued to rise recently, although authorities have yet to officially declare a third wave of the pandemic.

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As part of efforts to prevent the disturbing trend and control the deaths recorded in the first and second waves, the Federal Government and some state authorities have reintroduced the initially relaxed protocols.

These include compulsory use of face masks in public places, maintaining social distancing, and restriction of crowds in places of worship and social gatherings, among others

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday disclosed that its much-anticipated digital currency will be launched on October 1.

CBN Director, IT Department, Rakiya Mohammed, revealed this during a private webinar, explaining that the banking sector regulator had been conducting research towards the launch of digital currencies since 2017. She added that the central bank may conduct a proof of concept before the end of the year.

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The move to adopt the electronic currency was first disclosed by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in May.

He had said a digital currency will soon become a reality in the country, adding that the central bank had already set up its committee which was working on the concept.

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Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has reportedly been arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic by security operatives in the West African country.

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He was allegedly arrested yesterday at Cotonou Airport on his way to Germany, about three weeks after the Department of State Services declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms, an allegation he has since denied. Reports say plans are underway to repatriate him to Nigeria today.

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The Senate today passed into law a supplementary budget of N895 billion of which N173 billion is for recurrent expenditure and N722 billion will be for contribution to a development fund for capital expenditure for the year ending 31st December 2021.

This supplementary budget is intended to equip the military in fighting insurgency, covid 19 vaccination, and also funding for the management of HIV.

Its passage comes after a satisfactory report by Senator Jibrin Barau, Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, where he explained that the supplementary budget would augment the effort of various government agencies to discharge their responsibilities.

Senator Barau further noted that security agencies will be able to procure arms and equipment as they continue to contain the security threats posed in various regions of the country.

The home-based Super Eagles will face New Zealand in an international friendly game in November.

This was disclosed by Eagles media officer Babafemi Raji. According to Raji, the game against New Zealand is one of the friendlies planned by the NFF for the home-based players.

In the early hours of Sunday, the Eagles took on Mexico in a high profile friendly in Los Angeles where they were hammered 4-0.

STILL IN SPORTS; Akwa United’s hope of winning the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) crown this season received a major boost on match-day 31 after they picked a valuable point in Jos following a goalless draw with 2017 champions Plateau United on Sunday.

The draw in Jos means that Akwa United have taken four points from a possible six against Plateau United this season, having won the first leg 1-0 in Uyo.

China’s President Xi Jinping has warned that foreign powers will “get their heads bashed” if they attempt to bully or influence the country.

Speaking at an event marking the centenary of the ruling Communist Party, Xi also said Beijing would not allow “sanctimonious preaching”, in remarks widely seen as directed at the US.

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It comes as China faces criticism over alleged human rights abuses and its crackdown in Hong Kong. Reports say Relations between the US and China have worsened in recent times over trade, espionage and the pandemic.

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