Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. This commitment was emphasized during a reception in Lagos celebrating China’s 76th National Day and Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. The two countries have achieved significant results in their bilateral relations, with trade reaching $21.89 billion in 2024, making Nigeria China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa. The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges, citing the growing number of Nigerian youths learning Chinese language and culture. “We look forward to more Nigerian friends learning about China, visiting China, and falling…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Markets across Ibadan will shut down on Friday, September 26, 2025, as traders honor the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. The directive was issued by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwaju Yekeen Abass, as a mark of respect for the new monarch. All markets within the eleven local government areas of Ibadan land, including those in the city center and surrounding areas, will suspend trading activities for the day. Asiwaju Abass congratulated Oba Ladoja on behalf of the market leaders’ council, zonal executives, and the entire trading community in Oyo State. “As…
An Ibom Air flight from Abuja to Lagos was forced to return to base on September 21 after a female passenger suffered a medical emergency shortly after takeoff. The flight, designated as Flight 561, had departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja when the passenger’s condition deteriorated, prompting the captain to make the decision to return to Abuja. The passenger, who had reduced mobility, suddenly lost pulse and breathing, prompting the crew to administer oxygen and perform chest compressions. “The SCCM and the team immediately assessed the situation and made a public announcement requesting medical personnel onboard, but none…
TV host Jimmy Kimmel has spoken out against government threats to silence comedians, calling them “anti-American”. This statement comes after his late-night talk show was suspended due to pressure from President Donald Trump. Kimmel’s show was pulled off-air following Trump’s threat to sue ABC, the network that carries the show. Kimmel sparked controversy with comments about the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, suggesting Trump’s supporters were trying to exploit the incident. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accused Kimmel of misleading the public and threatened to revoke ABC affiliates’ licenses if they didn’t demand Kimmel’s removal. The network initially suspended the…
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has given Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, a 24 hour ultimatum to publicly denounce his alleged affiliation with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This decision was made during a caucus meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, where APGA emphasized the importance of party loyalty and discipline. APGA accuses Senator Abaribe of having ties with ADC, which they believe undermines the party’s unity and structure. APGA stressed that maintaining party loyalty is crucial, especially ahead of future elections. The party’s leadership warned that Senator Abaribe’s alleged affiliation with ADC could send the wrong signal to…
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is considering adding over a dozen popular online platforms to its social media ban for users under 16. Tech giants WhatsApp and Reddit, streaming giant Twitch, and gaming firm Roblox are among the companies that may be affected by the ban. This move is part of the country’s efforts to protect minors from online harm. The ban, which already includes Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, would make Australia a world leader in regulating social media for minors. The eSafety Commissioner has written to 16 companies, including Pinterest, Lego Play, streaming company Kick, and gaming platform Steam, asking…
A devastating accident occurred on Tuesday at Ijora Causeway in Lagos, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a serving police officer and a female passenger. The incident happened when a 40 foot container truck with registration number XP 368 AKD overturned and landed on a commercial tricycle marked KJA 364 QN. The accident occurred beneath the Ijora Bridge, inward Ijora 7Up, and was attributed to the truck’s loss of control while attempting a dangerous maneuver. Preliminary findings by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the truck’s reckless move led to the fatal crash. Two people…
The Central Bank of Nigeria cut its interest rate by 50 basis points to 27% from 27.5% in July, marking the first rate reduction in five years. This move is part of the CBN’s efforts to stimulate economic growth as inflation shows consistent signs of easing. The naira appreciated to ₦1,487.36 per dollar in the official foreign exchange market, representing a marginal gain of 0.08% from ₦1,488.60 on Monday. The CBN’s cautious decision to reduce its benchmark interest rate is expected to boost economic growth while keeping the naira attractive to foreign portfolio investors. According to CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso,…
The Dangote Refinery is significantly enhancing Nigeria’s bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. With the refinery’s operations, Nigeria’s shipping tonnage is likely to increase, a key factor in determining a country’s representation on the IMO Council. The refinery’s imports of crude oil and exports of refined products will contribute to Nigeria’s shipping tonnage. A maritime analyst and consultant, Oluwabunmi Ogunjimi, explained that the refinery’s operations have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s standing at the IMO. He noted that Nigeria stands a good chance in its bid for Category ‘C’ of the IMO Council, which is reserved for…
The Federal Inland Revenue Service has defended the Federal Government’s borrowing plan, stating that debt is a legitimate component of every national budget. FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, emphasized that borrowing is not a problem, but rather a normal part of a country’s economic ecosystem. Adedeji explained that when the government borrows from banks, it pays interest, which enables banks to pay salaries and taxes to state governments. He noted that borrowing for infrastructure projects, such as roads, is a sustainable economic strategy, as future tax collections from those who use the facilities help repay the debt. The FIRS boss highlighted…
Vice President Kashim Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He will be representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting key issues such as multilateralism, UN reform, climate action, and international finance restructuring. The national statement is expected to showcase Nigeria’s commitment to global cooperation and development. Notably, Nigeria will unveil its updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement during the address, demonstrating its dedication to addressing climate change. Prior to the national statement, Shettima participated in the opening session of the Assembly, where he engaged…
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has denied meeting US President, Donald Trump and MC Oluomo, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. Obi described circulating images suggesting the meetings as fake and fabricated to mislead the public. Obi emphasized that his politics focuses on tackling real problems in Nigeria, not seeking praise or cheap publicity. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, promoting the rule of law, improving education and healthcare, and lifting millions out of poverty. MC Oluomo also denied the meeting, describing the viral image as photoshopped and reaffirming his…