Author: News Room

The Bank of England on Monday proposed extending operating hours for its core settlement infrastructure toward near-24/7 availability, part of a broader push with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to prepare UK wholesale markets for tokenized finance.The proposal seeks to add weekend and extended daily operating hours to the central bank’s settlement mechanism, Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and the Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS).The Bank of England said the expanded operating hours would support cross-border payments and new payment and settlement models as tokenization develops.The consultation will support cross-border payments and new payment and settlement models based on tokenization…

A daycare employee in Florida was arrested after she was accused of violently assaulting an infant in her care after having personal issues that were exacerbated by a text message. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook statement that officers reported to HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital in Panama City on Wednesday, May 13, after medical staff reported that a 3-month-old child was brought in with a fractured skull, fractured leg, fractured ribs and a brain bleed. An investigation was launched into the matter, which revealed that the infant allegedly sustained the injuries while at a daycare earlier…

Three key political figures in Kano State have secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial tickets unopposed for the 2027 general elections. Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau; Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; and Abdulrahman Kawu emerged unopposed as the candidates for Kano Central, Kano North, and Kano South, respectively. The APC conducted its senatorial primaries nationwide on Monday. In Bichi, Mr Jibrin was affirmed as the party’s candidate; Mr Kawu secured the nomination in Rano, while Mr  Shekarau emerged victorious for Kano Central during the election held in the Gezawa Local Government Area. Officials from the national…

Sterling Financial Holding Company Plc has announced plans to raise $400 million in fresh capital through a combination of debt and equity instruments, as part of resolutions to be considered at its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The company disclosed the capital raise in a statement signed by its secretary, Sunny Kanabe, and posted on NGX Group on Monday, announcing its 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for 9 June. The proposed capital raise is being put forward without affecting the capital-raising approvals earlier granted at the company’s AGM held on 11 July, 2025, it said. The company had disclosed in…

The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, says the organisation has stabilised its finances and completed major restructuring following sudden funding cuts. Mr Ghebreyesus said this on Monday at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, noting that WHO is now projecting that 90 per cent of its base budget for 2026–2027 was funded. “The reforms began nine years ago as part of the WHO transformation, the most ambitious agenda in the organisation’s history, anticipating future funding shocks,” he said. He said the reforms helped WHO cushion the impact of recent financial constraints and maintain operations across…

Arthur Okonkwo has described his maiden invitation to the Nigeria national football team as an “incredible” moment after being named in the Super Eagles squad for this month’s Unity Cup in the United Kingdom. The 24 year old Wrexham AFC goalkeeper is set for his first senior appearance for Nigeria after years of representing England at youth level during his development at Arsenal FC. Speaking in an interview with NFF TV, Okonkwo expressed pride and excitement over finally getting the opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior international level. “It is an honour to play for your country,” Okonkwo said. “I…

United States President, Donald Trump, has decided to hold off on attacking Iran again at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Trump disclosed this in a post on his Truth Social media account on Monday. According to him, the strike was scheduled for Tuesday, but he was asked to hold off because serious negotiations are now taking place between the US and countries in the Middle East, and beyond. The US leader noted that the request came from Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President…

Members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area on Monday endorsed Senator Wasiu Eshilokun as the party’s consensus candidate for the Lagos Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. Eshilokun, who currently represents Lagos Central in the Senate, was affirmed during the APC senatorial primary election held at Evans Square in Ebute Metta, Lagos. The exercise attracted a large turnout of party faithful and supporters, while security operatives were stationed at the venue to maintain order and ensure a peaceful process. Addressing party members during the exercise, the APC Electoral Officer for Lagos…

Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested one Adeshola Muyiwa over an alleged N2,600 transfer fraud in the Agbado axis of Ifo Local Government Area of the state. The 23-year-old suspect was said to have visited a food vendor at about 8 a.m. on Sunday at Owolanwa Junction, Agbado, purchased food items worth N2,600 and presented a fake transfer alert as proof of payment. He was arrested at about 11:45 a.m. by officers of the Agbado Division under the leadership of the DPO, Adesanya Oyekanmi. Confirming the arrest on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi,…

Arsenal are one win away from claiming their first Premier League title in 22 years. This follows a battling 1-0 victory over already-relegated Burnley at the Emirates on Monday night. The Gunners came into their last home fixture two points clear, knowing they could put pressure on Manchester City, who are away to Bournemouth on Wednesday night. And Mikel Arteta named a very attacking side to face the Clarets. Although Arsenal dominated the first half, they only had Kai Havertz’s header to show. The goal proved to be the winner, as the league leaders took their tally to 82 points.…