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🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·23 mins ago
FIFA investigates alleged racist abuse targeting IShowSpeed
FIFA has initiated an investigation into alleged racist insults directed at streamer IShowSpeed during last week's World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde. The global football body announced on Tuesday via X that it was made aware of an incident involving a supporter and IShowSpeed at Miami Stadium on July 3, 2026, and immediately launched a probe. IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., is an African-American streamer with over 57 million YouTube subscribers and millions more on other video platforms. The 21-year-old has been attending and live-streaming from World Cup matches through a special agreement with FIFA, YouTube, and Fox Sports. FIFA stated, "FIFA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms. These actions have no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society." IShowSpeed reportedly faced further racist abuse during Tuesday's match between Argentina and Egypt, where an Argentine fan allegedly imitated a monkey during an encounter with the streamer.
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🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·23 mins ago
NCC and stakeholders address repeated road digging for fiber optic deployment
The Nigerian Communications Commission and various stakeholders have initiated efforts to stop the repeated excavation of roads for fiber-optic cable installation. This move involves developing a cost-based pricing framework for sharing underground telecom ducts, aligning with the Federal Government’s "Dig Once" policy. The initiative, announced at the Second Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja, aims to reduce broadband deployment costs, encourage infrastructure sharing, and accelerate fiber rollout across Nigeria. The "Dig Once" policy mandates that telecommunications ducts be installed during road construction or rehabilitation, enabling multiple operators to use existing underground infrastructure instead of repeatedly digging up roads. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated that this initiative is crucial for deepening digital infrastructure and improving broadband access. He emphasized that a transparent, commercially viable, and equitable pricing framework is essential for the policy's success, promoting collaboration and efficient use of national resources. Ayuba Shuaibu, Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the NCC, noted that consultants were engaged in 2023 to address the lack of a pricing mechanism for shared ducts, which was a significant gap in the draft "Dig Once" policy. He added that the study will provide a structured framework for equitable access and sustainable infr
Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·48 mins ago
IMF warns higher prices may worsen Nigeria's poverty despite economic stability
The International Monetary Fund IMF has cautioned that despite recent improvements in Nigeria's macroeconomic stability, rising prices for essential goods could exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. The IMF's July 2026 World Economic Outlook Update projects Nigeria's economy to grow by 4.1 percent in 2026 and 4.3 percent in 2027. However, the report highlights that households remain vulnerable to increasing living costs, with higher prices for necessities expected to aggravate poverty and food insecurity. The IMF noted that global headline inflation is projected to increase, and renewed geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, pose the biggest downside risk to the global economy, potentially leading to commodity price volatility and higher energy and food costs. The Fund advised governments to avoid broad-based fuel subsidies, tax cuts, and price controls, recommending instead temporary and targeted support for vulnerable households while maintaining policies aimed at restoring price stability. It also urged countries to rebuild fiscal buffers, strengthen tax administration, and expand social protection programs. Nigeria's headline inflation rate recently rose to 15.93 percent in May 2026, marking the third consecutive monthly increase.