Arokodare Goal Lifts Nigeria Over Rwanda As 1-0 Win Revives World Cup Qualification Hopes
<p>Tolu Arokodare’s second-half winner secured Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda, boosting Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification chances.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.arise.tv/arokodare-goal-lifts-nigeria-over-rwanda-as-1-0-win-revives-world-cup-qualification-hopes/">Arokodare Goal Lifts Nigeria Over Rwanda As 1-0 Win Revives World Cup Qualification Hopes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.arise.tv">Arise News</a>.</p>
Tolu Arokodare scored a decisive second-half winner to give Nigeria a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their Group C World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, who recently joined the Premier League side, made the difference as the Super Eagles claimed all three points to revive their hopes of qualifying for the tournament.
Coach Eric Chelle opted to bench captain William Ekong, while the attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Moses spearheaded Nigeria’s frontline. The Super Eagles started brightly, with Osimhen finding the net from a Lookman assist in the eighth minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Moses Simon going close twice and Alex Iwobi testing Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari from long range. However, Osimhen was forced off with an injury in the 36th minute and replaced by Cyril Dessers, as the first half ended goalless.
Arokodare was introduced at the start of the second half in a tactical switch, and the towering striker made an immediate impact, blasting into the net from close range in the 51st minute to hand Nigeria the lead. Minutes later, Ntwari pulled off a double save to deny Simon and Lookman as the Super Eagles pushed for a second goal.
The visitors threatened late in the game, but Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure a crucial win. The result marked Nigeria’s first victory in six matches since their 2-0 triumph over Rwanda on matchday two of the qualifiers.
With the win, Nigeria climbed above Rwanda into third place in Group C, accumulating 10 points from seven matches, just one point behind second-placed Benin Republic. The Super Eagles remain six points behind group leaders South Africa, whom they will face in a must-win clash in Bloemfontein on September 9.
<p><img width="679" height="452" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Senate.jpg-1.webp" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Senate Explains N3.7 Trillion Provision In 2024 Budget" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Senate.jpg-1.webp 679w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Senate.jpg-1-300x200.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px" /></p>
<h2>The Senate has said the N3.7 trillion allegedly added to the 2024 budget was statutory transfers to first-line charge agencies of government not domiciled in the ministries.</h2>
<p>The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator <strong>Yemi Adaramodu</strong>, made this known while speaking with journalists on Tuesday after plenary.</p>
<p>Recall that the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Senator Abdul Ningi, in an interview with BBC Hausa last Saturday, <strong><a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/09/there-was-another-budget-that-was-done-underground-northern-senators-to-meet-tinubu-over-alleged-n3-trillion-padding-in-2024-budget/">alleged</a></strong> that the 2024 budget was padded with N3. 7 trillion, but the Senate <strong><a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/11/senate-speaks-on-2024-budget-padding-allegation/">denied</a></strong> such a claim.</p>
<p>Speaking further, Adaramodu said there was nothing like budget padding, stressing that the claim by Ningi was a demonstration of the error of arithmetic and innocence of procedure by the protagonists of budget padding.</p>
<p>The Senate spokesman asserted that the Red Chamber needed to be treasured as a pillar of democracy and would only do what would promote national interest.</p>
<p>He said: “<em>The N3 trillion is for statutory transfers of government agencies on the first lines charges.</em></p>
<p><em>“It is a matter of integrity. The issue of the budget has been put to rest as the protagonists of the budget padding were called to substantiate, and they could not prove it, but the allegations can not just go without being attended to.</em></p>
<p><em>“The Appropriation Act is a public document, and when it was done, it was done in the public glare, and it was N28.77 trillion, and so for some to say N25 trillion was what was approved is scary.</em></p>
<p><em>“Statutory transfers for agencies on first line charges, that are not domiciled in the ministries was what Mr Ningi said was padded, that the allocation cannot be traced</em>.”</p>
<p>He listed the agencies to include Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Public Complaints Commission, National Judicial Council, North East Development (NEDC), and Niger Delta Development Commission Commission (NDDC), among others.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/13/senate-explains-n3-7-trillion-provision-in-2024-budget/">Senate Explains N3.7 Trillion Provision In 2024 Budget</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/flowers-in-front-of-the-montreal-skyline.jpg?id=59911676&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=45%2C0%2C45%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Easter weekend is just around the corner — and if you've been holding off on <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/mapaq-chocolate-recall-montreal" target="_blank">chocolate</a> (or wine) since Lent, the finish line is in sight. But before you dive into holiday mode, keep in mind that Easter also brings closures and schedule changes across Montreal.</p><p>Whether you're planning a Good Friday (April 18) hangout or trying to squeeze in errands on Easter Monday (April 21), it's worth knowing what's open, closed, or operating on reduced hours throughout the weekend.</p><p>Good Friday is a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-stat-holidays-2025-calendar" target="_blank">statutory holiday in every province and territory except Quebec</a>. Here, employers are only required to give either Good Friday or Easter Monday off — not both. So depending on your workplace, you could be off Friday, Monday, or neither.</p><p>From grocery stores and liquor outlets to public transit, government services, and attractions, here's what you need to know about what's open and closed in the city from April 18 and 21 — including the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/saq" target="_blank">SAQ</a>, Maxi, IGA, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/societe-de-transport-de-montreal" target="_blank">the STM</a>, and more.</p><h3>Grocery stores and markets</h3><br/><p><strong>Grocery stores:</strong></p><ul><li>Metro: Stores will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday (regular hours) but only the Metro Plus De La Montagne will be open on Easter Sunday.</li><li><span></span>Super C: Stores will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday (regular hours), however none will be open on Easter Sunday.</li><li>Aisle 24: All locations of this cashierless grocery chain are open 24/7, all year round. You'll just need to download the app and create a profile in order to unlock the door.</li><li>IGA: IGA did not respond to MTL Blog's request for information on the holiday hours and their websites do not have holiday hours posted as of the time of publishing. You may want to call your local store to confirm their hours before heading out.</li><li>Maxi: All Maxi stores in Montreal will maintain regular hours on Friday and Monday, but will be closed on Sunday.</li><li>Walmart: All Walmart stores in Montreal will maintain regular hours on Friday and Monday, but will be closed on Sunday.</li></ul><p><strong>Markets: </strong>All of Montreal's public markets — including Atwater, Jean-Talon, and Maisonneuve — will be open throughout the Easter long weekend, with slightly reduced hours on Sunday. You can find full schedules on the <a href="https://www.marchespublics-mtl.com/" target="_blank">Marchés publics de Montréal website</a>.</p><h3>Pharmacies</h3><br/><p><strong>Pharmacies: </strong>Most major pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, Uniprix, etc.) will be open during their regular hours all weekend.<br/><br/></p><p><strong>Dépanneurs: </strong>Convenience stores and 24-hour dépanneurs remain open throughout the weekend, depending on the owner.</p><h3>SAQ</h3><br><p><strong>SAQ:</strong> If you're planning to pick up a bottle for your Easter weekend celebration you've got a few days to work with — but some locations will be closed depending on the day and store type.</p> <ul> <li> Good Friday (April 18) & Saturday (April 19):<br/> All SAQ locations will be open as usual.</li> <li> Easter Sunday (April 20): <ul> <li> SAQ Express stores will be open.</li> <li> Most SAQ stores (formerly “SAQ Classique”) will also be open.</li> <li> SAQ Sélection locations will mostly be closed.</li> <li> SAQ Dépôt stores will be closed.</li> </ul> </li> <li> Easter Monday (April 21):<br/> Most SAQ stores will be open, except for those inside enclosed malls that don't have exterior access.</li> </ul> <p>To check exact hours for your local branch, visit the "Branches" section on <a href="https://www.saq.com/en/store?srsltid=AfmBOor0ZWcR9zyQEhWzzzE2GYWxfRl_PuxpFPh2Ttc2j1CzssToy4CP" target="_blank">SAQ.com</a>.</p><p><strong>SQDC: </strong>All SQDC stores in Montreal will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.</p><h3>Shopping malls</h3><br><p>In Quebec, Easter Sunday is considered an official retail closing day, meaning most stores — including major shopping malls — must close by law. However, they're open on Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday.</p><p>Here's a quick look at Montreal-area malls that will be closed on Easter Sunday (April 20) but open the rest of the weekend:</p> <ul> <li> CF Fairview Pointe Claire</li> <li> Carrefour Laval</li> <li> Centre Rockland</li> <li> Carrefour Angrignon</li> <li> Plaza Côte-des-Neiges</li> <li> Galeries d'Anjou</li> <li> Centre Eaton de Montréal</li></ul><h3>Services</h3><br><p><strong>Garbage collection:</strong> Regular collection schedules (garbage, recycling, compost) will continue across Montreal this weekend. For more info about your specific borough, you can visit <a href="http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/collectes" target="_blank">ville.montreal.qc.ca/collectes</a>.<span></span></p><p><span></span><strong>Canada Post:</strong> Canada Post is closed on national, provincial and territorial <a href="https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/kb/sending/general-information/find-out-operating-hours-on-holidays" target="_blank">holidays</a>. That means there is no collection or delivery of mail happening on Good Friday or Easter Monday, as they are both observed at the federal level. However, post offices operated by private businesses may be open if their host businesses are.</p><p><strong>Banks:</strong> All banks are closed on Good Friday. Some may be open on Easter Monday, despite it being a national holiday — it's best to call your local branch to make sure before heading out.</p><p><strong>Courts: </strong>The municipal court is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and "only cases of persons in custody will be processed in court during this period at the building on 775 Rue Gosford," according to the <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/articles/open-or-closed-holiday-schedule-offices-facilities-and-services-30540" target="_blank">City of Montreal website</a>.</p><p>If you need to get in touch with the City over the long weekend, you can still <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/contact-city" target="_blank">call 311</a> but hours will be reduced from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Monday.</p><h3>Transportation</h3><br><p><strong>STM: </strong>Good Friday and Easter Monday are recognized holidays by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), so both bus and metro service will follow a holiday schedule. Be sure to check your specific route before heading out.</p><p><strong>Exo: </strong>Exo will also be adjusting its schedules for the long weekend. Regular paratransit schedules are automatically cancelled on legal holidays. Full details are available on the <a href="https://exo.quebec/en/customer-service/statutory-holiday-schedules" target="_blank">Exo website</a>.</p><h3>Things to do</h3><br/><p><strong>Espace pour la Vie museums:</strong> All five sites — the Biodome, Biosphere, Insectarium, Planetarium, and Botanical Garden — will be open all Easter weekend but closed on Monday.</p> <ul> <li> Good Friday, April 18:<br/> All locations open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except the Planetarium, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.</li> <li> Saturday, April 19:<br/> Same hours as Friday — all museums open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Planetarium open until 8:15 p.m.</li> <li> Easter Sunday, April 20:<br/> All sites open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the Planetarium closing a bit earlier at 5 p.m.</li></ul><div><strong>Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: </strong>The museum is open all weekend, including Friday and Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.</div><p><strong>Cinemas: </strong>Most movie theatres in Montreal — including all Cineplex theatres, Cinema du Parc, Cinéma Moderne Ciné-Starz, and Cinéma Starcité— are open all weekend.</p><p><strong>City-run </strong><strong>sports and cultural centres:</strong> Activities will have hours that vary by borough — call ahead or check your local borough site.</p><p><strong>Libraries:</strong> <span style="">Many public libraries in Montreal will be closed on Good Friday (April 18), Easter Sunday (April 20), and Easter Monday (April 21).</span> <span style="">Some branches may have modified hours on Saturday (April 19).</span> Since schedules can vary by borough, it's advisable to <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/places?mtl_content.lieux.installation.code=BIBL" target="_blank">check with your local library</a> for specific hours.</p><p><strong>Federal election early voting: </strong>Advance voting for the 2025 federal election kicks off this Easter weekend, running from Friday to Tuesday. Polling stations will remain open throughout the long weekend, including on statutory holidays. To find your local advance poll, confirm your registration, and get all the key info you need before heading out, check out <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/election-canada-montreal-voting" target="_blank">our full federal election guide here</a>.</p><div></div></br></br></br></br><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
<p><img width="748" height="500" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0143.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0143.jpeg 748w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0143-300x201.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px" /></p>
<h2>The <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/22/breaking-senate-rejects-bill-to-extend-tenure-of-nass-clerk-sani-tambuwal-others/">Senate</a> has confirmed Hafsat Bakare as the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).</h2>
<p><span id="more-4694202"></span>The resolution of the red chamber followed its adoption of the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes that screened the nominee.</p>
<p>The chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Menga Udende, presented the report to the Senate during Tuesday's plenary.</p>
<p>The Senate approved the recommendation of the committee when it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.</p>
<p>Akpabio, in his remark, congratulated Bakare on her appointment and urged her to bring to bear her wealth of experience in uplifting the operations and effectiveness of the NFIU.</p>
<p>Recall that President Bola Tinubu had <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/20/breaking-tinubu-appoints-new-ceo-for-nfiu/"><strong>nominated</strong></a> Bakare to head the NFIU pending her confirmation by the Senate.</p>
<p>By the appointment, Bakare will replace Modibbo Tukur who was relieved of his job by President Tinubu in June 2023.</p>
<p>Before her nomination for appointment as the CEO of the NFIU, Bakare served as deputy director at the NFIU, and was at different times the Head of the General Services Unit; Head of the Strategy and Reorientation Unit, and Head of the Board Secretariat of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).</p>
<p>The NFIU boss is a lawyer and financial intelligence expert with years of experience in anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and counter-proliferation financing.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/27/senate-confirms-hafsat-bakare-as-nfiu-boss/">Senate Confirms Hafsat Bakare As NFIU Boss</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>
