Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has revealed that the United States government under President Donald Trump has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country. The 91-year-old author said he received a letter from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos on October 23, notifying him that his visa had been cancelled due to “additional information” obtained after it was issued. According to Soyinka, the visa in question was a B1/B2 type, issued in April 2024, and the cancellation letter requested that he return his passport for physical revocation. “This letter serves as official notification that the non-immigrant visa…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Africa’s vast $120 billion worth of hydrocarbon resources are not yielding benefits for the continent because of low refining capacity and poor energy infrastructure. He made this known at the 19th edition of the OTL Africa Energy Week in Lagos, where he called for urgent action to ensure that Africa gains more from its oil and gas wealth. Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, the President explained that despite the continent’s enormous energy reserves, most of its crude oil is still exported for refining abroad. He noted…
The Nigerian Army has reportedly raided the home of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva, in connection with an alleged coup plot currently being investigated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). The operation, according to credible sources, took place in the Maitama area of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday. Reports say a special military team carried out the raid following intelligence that linked the former minister to a series of secret meetings with some detained military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government. One top source revealed that Sylva is believed…
Madagascar’s transitional leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina has announced the appointment of a new cabinet following the recent ouster of the country’s army chief and the removal of former President Andry Rajoelina. The announcement comes as the island nation continues to adjust to a military-led transition after weeks of protests and political unrest. The newly formed cabinet consists mostly of civilian ministers, with a few key positions reserved for members of the military. Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo unveiled a team of 29 ministers, comprising 25 civilians and four representatives from the security forces. This move is seen as an attempt to…
A bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The legislation, introduced by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, representing Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), aims to create a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for Nigeria’s growing financial technology industry. During the plenary session on Tuesday, Laguda highlighted the need for a dedicated regulatory body to address the complexities within the fintech sector. He noted that the current regulatory environment is fragmented, with multiple agencies overseeing different aspects of fintech operations, leading…
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan for lacking the political will to remove the fuel subsidy during his administration, despite support from key stakeholders. Fayemi made this assertion while speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja, where he discussed Nigeria’s economic policies and leadership challenges. He revealed that many governors under Jonathan’s administration, including himself, were in favor of removing the subsidy, acknowledging its economic inefficiencies. However, he noted that Jonathan hesitated to take decisive action, which he believes was due to political considerations and fear of public backlash. Fayemi…
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any form of violence during the Anambra State governorship election will attract a firm and decisive response from security agencies. Ribadu issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was represented by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the Office of the NSA. The NSA assured that the Federal Government has activated comprehensive security measures to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and transparent election scheduled for November 8,…
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced a ban on unauthorized video production activities on its campus, including within hostels and other facilities. This directive, issued on October 22, 2025, aims to safeguard the institution’s academic environment and uphold its public image. The university has observed a rise in unapproved filming of skits, vox pops, and other content, which may misrepresent the university’s values and standards. In a statement signed by Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the Head of the Communication Unit, UNILAG emphasized the importance of obtaining prior approval for any filming activities. Requests should be submitted to the Communication Unit located…
President Bola Tinubu has officially written to the Nigerian Senate, requesting the confirmation of his newly appointed service chiefs. The letter, read aloud during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, includes nominations for General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. The Senate has referred the confirmation request to the Committee of the Whole, planning to conduct the screening and confirmation process next week.…
The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on ministers and presidential aides to stop excessive praise of the president and instead provide candid, constructive feedback. He emphasized that sycophancy undermines governance, hinders national development, and prevents leaders from making informed decisions. Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch in Abuja, Sanusi highlighted that Nigeria’s leadership crisis is worsened by a culture where those who speak the truth are often labeled as enemies of the state. He criticized the tendency of officials to offer…
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 175 mph (282 km/h), approaches the island. Forecasters warn that the storm could be the most destructive in the nation’s history, with potential for catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage. Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 storm on October 27, 2025, and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, October 28. The U.S. National Hurricane Center describes the storm as “catastrophic,” with forecasts predicting up to 40 inches (1,016 mm) of rainfall, destructive winds, and a high risk of flash…
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to participate in the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS). The summit, which runs from October 27 to 29 at Expo City Dubai, is a global platform that brings together mayors, city leaders, business executives, and young professionals to discuss sustainable urban development and explore trade and investment opportunities across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Wike departed Abuja on Sunday and landed in Dubai early Monday morning at around 4 a.m. He was warmly received by Nigeria’s Consul General…