Nigeria News (Standard)
Soludo Moves to Regulate Rent Fees in Anambra Amid Pushback Over ₦12,000 Cement Price
Landlords cite soaring building costs as government targets agents and estate operators for alleged exploitation of tenants
Landlords cite soaring building costs as government targets agents and estate operators for alleged exploitation of tenants
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced plans to clamp down on excessive housing charges, warning house agents and estate operators against collecting illegal fees from tenants beyond agreed rent payments. The move, revealed on Friday, has drawn mixed reactions in Anambra, with landlords arguing that rising construction costs make it unfair for government to influence rental prices.
The state government is considering reforms that may regulate agency charges, require the registration of real estate agents, and provide new channels for tenants to report exploitation. Governor Soludo stated that his administration was responding to reports of tenants being forced to pay multiple fees in addition to their rent. “I learnt that after tenants pay their house rent, agents still collect additional fees from them. House agents in Anambra State should get ready… we are coming for them,” Soludo said during an address.
However, some landlords and property developers have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the impact of inflation on construction materials. A Nigerian man went viral online after saying, “I can’t be buying a bag of cement for ₦12,000 and you tell me how much I will rent my property.” He added that unless government introduces mass housing schemes or subsidises building materials, efforts to regulate private rents are unsustainable. “If govt wants to crash rent, they should roll out mass housing for low income earners and rent will crash,” he argued on social media.
For years, residents in major cities like Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi have faced high accommodation costs due to agency fees, agreement charges and legal deposits often rivaling or exceeding annual rent. Some tenants allege that these extra charges are now a significant barrier to securing affordable housing. The planned reforms are expected to focus more on regulating the activities of agents and real estate practitioners than imposing direct controls on landlords’ rental prices.
Soludo’s intervention is part of a wider push by the Anambra government against what it describes as exploitative practices in critical sectors. Over the past two years, authorities have increased efforts to bring transparency into property transactions and protect residents from predatory practices. While officials say new regulations will restore order in the housing market, stakeholders warn that without addressing fundamental supply issues—such as construction inflation—the cost burden may persist.
Nigeria News (Standard)
AFRIMA Delegation Begins Stakeholder Engagement in Casablanca Ahead of 10th Music Awards
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has commenced a six-day strategic engagement in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of preparations for the 10th edition of the continent’s leading music awards. The delegation, led by AFRIMA President and Executive Producer Mike Dada, arrived in Morocco’s economic capital on Friday, June 21, to meet with key government officials, corporate partners, media houses and stakeholders in the creative sector.
During the visit, which runs from June 21 to June 26, the AFRIMA team will evaluate hospitality facilities, transportation systems and major event venues across Casablanca. This assessment forms part of AFRIMA’s broader continental stakeholder engagement programme designed to strengthen partnerships and determine the city’s readiness to host future editions of the prestigious awards.
The Casablanca engagement follows previous Road to 10th Edition activations held earlier this year in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. According to organisers, one of the main highlights will be a Creative and Media Soirée at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, June 23. The event aims to foster pan-African collaboration among Morocco’s music industry professionals and provide a platform for cultural exchange across the continent.
Speaking ahead of the engagements, AFRIMA Director of Brand Communications and Sponsorship Matlou Tsotetsi said the visit underscores AFRIMA’s commitment to building stronger pan-African partnerships through music. “Casablanca remains one of Africa’s most important cultural hubs,” Tsotetsi stated. She added that engaging directly with Moroccan stakeholders is critical for promoting unity in Africa’s creative industries.
The delegation is also scheduled to participate in ongoing music festivals and entertainment events across North Africa as part of efforts to experience Casablanca’s vibrant creative ecosystem. Partners supporting the visit include Big Time Morocco, Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMIC), WeCasablanca, Royal Air Maroc and AFRIMA Ambassador for Morocco Ahmed Soultan. Further updates on preparations for the landmark 10th edition are expected after conclusion of facility inspections and meetings with Moroccan authorities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Striker Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His European Career
Ighalo says Houseman’s support opened doors to Europe after trials in Germany with Kim Ojo in 2007
Ighalo says Houseman’s support opened doors to Europe after trials in Germany with Kim Ojo in 2007
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has attributed the breakthrough in his professional football career to the efforts of renowned scout Marcelo Houseman, who discovered him and facilitated his move to Europe. Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, Ighalo recounted how Houseman identified his talent while he was playing for Prime FC and Julius Berger, before securing trials for him and fellow Nigerian player Kim Ojo at Hertha Berlin in Germany back in 2007.
Ighalo explained that although Hertha Berlin initially showed interest only in him, Houseman insisted that both players deserved equal opportunity. The scout turned down offers he considered unfair, demonstrating a commitment that extended beyond mere scouting duties. According to Ighalo, Houseman invested time and resources to ensure young African talents like himself had the chance to succeed abroad.
The former Super Eagles forward said, “Houseman discovered Kim Ojo and me in Nigeria and took us to Hertha Berlin in Germany for trials when we were still unknown players. Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman insisted that both of us deserved equal opportunities and turned down offers he considered unfair.”
Ighalo’s successful move from Nigeria to Norwegian club Lyn set the stage for a 19-year professional journey across Europe and Asia, including stints at Watford, Udinese, Granada, Manchester United, and Al Hilal. The striker noted that opportunities like these remain rare for many aspiring Nigerian footballers due to lack of access and support from experienced scouts.
Houseman’s approach has been lauded by stakeholders as a model for nurturing young talents from Africa. With Nigerian footballers continuing to seek breakthroughs abroad, Ighalo’s story highlights the importance of dedicated mentorship and fair representation in opening global doors.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/marcelo-houseman-made-my-dream-possible-says-ighalo/
Nigeria News (Standard)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns Amid Labour Party Tensions After 2024 Victory
Starmer steps down less than two years after landslide win as Andy Burnham’s rise sparks Labour leadership contest
Starmer steps down less than two years after landslide win as Andy Burnham’s rise sparks Labour leadership contest
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from office, stepping aside as both UK prime minister and leader of the Labour Party following mounting internal pressure and declining support within his party. The announcement came outside 10 Downing Street on Saturday, 22 June 2026, less than two years after Starmer led Labour to a resounding general election victory in July 2024.
Starmer confirmed he will remain in a caretaker capacity until Labour selects a new leader. His decision follows days of speculation after Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester and recently elected Member of Parliament, emerged as a frontrunner to challenge for the party leadership. Burnham’s recent special election win was widely seen as the catalyst for intensified calls within Labour for a change at the top.
Although Starmer’s administration ended over a decade of Conservative rule in Britain, his government struggled to maintain public confidence due to economic stagnation, rising living costs, and concerns about the slow pace of public service reforms. Dissent grew within Labour ranks as some party members questioned whether Starmer could lead them to another electoral success. Recent opinion polls showed Labour losing ground to both the Green Party and Reform UK under Nigel Farage, with many progressive voters shifting allegiances.
Addressing supporters outside Number 10, Starmer said: “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.” Burnham is expected to be sworn in as MP on Monday, further fuelling expectations that he could emerge as Labour’s next leader.
Starmer is now the sixth British prime minister in ten years to leave office before completing a full term, reflecting ongoing political instability in the United Kingdom since Brexit. US President Donald Trump commented on social media that Starmer had “failed badly on two very important subjects- immigration and energy,” while acknowledging his efforts on European cooperation and support for Ukraine. The outcome of Labour’s impending leadership race will determine who takes over as Britain’s next prime minister.
AFRIMA Delegation Begins Stakeholder Engagement in Casablanca Ahead of 10th Music Awards
Former Super Eagles Striker Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His European Career
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns Amid Labour Party Tensions After 2024 Victory
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Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
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