Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

The Lagos State House of Assembly has recommended relocating residents of the waterfront communities of Makoko, Oko‑Agbon, and Sogunro to Epe, specifically the Agbowa area. The recommendation follows investigations into the demolition of structures in these communities, which displaced thousands of residents. The recommendation followed the adoption of a report by the Assembly’s House Committee on Rules and Business during plenary. The report emerged after lawmakers investigated petitions submitted by residents who were displaced during a controversial demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State Government. Background to the Demolition The relocation proposal is closely linked to demolition operations conducted…

In a significant escalation of U.S. counterterrorism policy in Northeast Africa, the administration of Marco Rubio announced on March 9 that the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood has been formally designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), entity by the United States Department of State. The State Department also stated its intent to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), beginning March 16, 2026, a move that would trigger sweeping sanctions and legal restrictions against the group and its supporters. The announcement marks one of the most consequential U.S. policy decisions regarding Islamist factions operating in the ongoing conflict…

Washington, D.C. — The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals accused of undermining peace and stability in the Great Lakes region of Africa, with several senior officials from Rwanda expected to be affected. The announcement was made in a press statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who warned that continued interference in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo threatens regional security and economic progress. The policy is designed to penalise those believed to be responsible for fueling violence in eastern Congo, particularly through support for the armed group known as March 23…

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has intensified its grassroots advocacy efforts with a community sensitisation programme aimed at increasing awareness and prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The outreach took place at Oloko Community in Iju-Ishaga and Ifesowapo Community in Ijaye, underscoring the agency’s continued commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and promoting safer communities across Lagos State. The engagement formed part of the agency’s ongoing strategy to bring information and support services closer to residents at the grassroots level. Community members gathered to receive vital education on the nature of abuse, available support systems, and…

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), of the Nigeria Police Force. The appointment, announced on March 8, 2026, marks a leadership change in the police media department, with Placid replacing Benjamin Hundeyin, who previously served as the spokesperson of the force. The development is part of a broader restructuring of the police communication system aimed at strengthening public engagement and improving the dissemination of information about police activities. Background to the Appointment The appointment of Placid comes shortly after Disu…

Nigeria’s agricultural sector, long regarded as the backbone of rural livelihoods and a major contributor to national food supply, has increasingly become a battlefield. Over the past few years, farmers across the country have faced mounting threats ranging from banditry and insurgency to kidnapping & violent attacks on farmlands. These security challenges have not only endangered lives but also threatened Nigeria’s food security and economic stability. As I scanned this morning news in search of an issue to reflect on, I came across a Sunday PUNCH interview on this subject, which inspired me to lend my voice to the discussion.…

The African media giant, MultiChoice Group has announced plans to discontinue its video streaming service, Showmax, after more than a decade of operation. The decision marks the end of one of Africa’s most prominent home-grown streaming platforms and signals a major shift in the company’s digital strategy as the global streaming market becomes increasingly competitive. The announcement was communicated to subscribers in early March 2026, confirming that the platform will eventually be wound down, although an exact shutdown date has not yet been disclosed. Background of Showmax Showmax was launched in 2015 in South Africa as a subscription video-on-demand service…

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), has issued a joint statement expressing deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The statement highlights ongoing violations of recently agreed ceasefires and calls for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation of violence. The joint statement was issued by the governments of the United States, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, with Sweden serving as chair of the group. The statement reflects growing international concern about persistent instability in eastern Congo, a region long…

Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector has been thrown into fresh uncertainty following a new increase in petrol prices by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The refinery has raised its gantry (ex-depot), price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦995 per litre, marking one of the sharpest price jumps in recent months. The latest adjustment is expected to trigger another rise in pump prices nationwide, potentially pushing the cost of petrol at filling stations above ₦1,050 per litre depending on transportation costs and marketers’ margins. Rapid Price Increase Within Days The new price represents a dramatic surge over a…

In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s global diplomatic ties, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career ambassadors and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and international organisations, including the United Nations. This follows the confirmation of these diplomats by the Nigerian Senate in December of the previous year. The appointed diplomats are set to represent Nigeria in diverse locations, contributing to foreign relations, economic diplomacy, and global image. Non-Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners Non-career ambassadors, often appointed based on political considerations or notable contributions to national service, play an essential role in representing Nigeria in key…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), made headlines in January 2026 with a major financial move—its withdrawal of a staggering N13.41 trillion from the financial system. This decision, which has caused ripples across the economic landscape, was reported by the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA). The move, with its large scale and the potential long-term implications, has prompted various analysts, policymakers, and financial experts to assess its impacts on inflation, liquidity, and the broader Nigerian economy. Background: The Role of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) The CBN is Nigeria’s apex financial institution, tasked with regulating the nation’s monetary policy,…

On March 3, 2026, Melania Trump delivered an impactful address at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), briefing focused on the intersection of children, technology, and education in conflict-affected regions. Speaking from New York City as the United States assumed the presidency of the Council, the First Lady emphasized education, access to technology, and global cooperation as the foundation for sustainable peace and the protection of children worldwide. Honouring Sacrifice and Extending Compassion Trump opened her remarks by expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones in conflict and offered support to those injured, highlighting the human cost of instability.…