Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Putin’s Three-Day Truce With Ukraine Takes Effect Amid Skepticism. A three-day truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin took effect today, aimed at coinciding with Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations. The Kremlin hopes this gesture will test Ukraine’s readiness for peace, but Kyiv has dismissed the move as mere theatrics. Despite the truce, exchanges of aerial attacks between Moscow and Kyiv continued just hours before the ceasefire was set to begin. Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod airport was temporarily closed due to Ukrainian drone strikes, while Russian attacks on Ukraine resulted in at least two fatalities. Background of the Conflict Russia’s…

Court Admits Tapes Of Nnamdi Kanu’s Incendiary Broadcasts. A Federal High Court has admitted into evidence tapes of broadcasts made by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in which he allegedly called for the killings of President Bola Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The tapes were played in court during the testimony of a Department of State Services (DSS) official, who stated that Kanu confirmed making the broadcasts. In one of the recordings, Kanu announced a N100 million bounty for Wike’s head and called for the burning…

Columbia University To Lay Off Nearly 180 Staff Members After Loss Of Federal Funding. Columbia University has announced that it will be laying off almost 180 staff members following the revocation of $400 million in federal funding. The decision comes after President Donald Trump’s administration cut off funding in response to the university’s handling of student protests against the war in Gaza. The layoffs represent approximately 20% of employees whose roles were supported by the terminated federal grants. According to the university, the decision was made after careful consideration of its financial resources and their impact on its staff.…

Digital Divide Persists In Africa, Rural Areas Worst Hit. A recent report has highlighted the significant digital divide in Africa, with rural areas being in the worst shape. Despite progress in digital adoption, millions of people in the region lack access to the internet, with 14% of the access gap attributed to the absence of telecom infrastructure. Key Findings – 38% of Africa’s population used the internet in 2024, up from 25% in 2018, but still the lowest regional rate globally. – 70% of the population is covered by 4G or 5G, but 14% are without access, while 16%…

Nigerian House Of Representatives Launches Probe Into N200 Billion CBN Loan For National Mass Metering Programme. The House of Representatives has announced a thorough investigation into the disbursement and utilisation of a N200 billion loan provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP). The initiative, aimed at providing free electricity meters to Nigerian consumers, is under scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo (LP-Anambra), Chairman of the 19-member investigative committee, revealed the probe in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja. The committee, recently…

Nigeria Bolsters Defence Efforts Against Insurgency, Strengthens Regional Security. In a significant step towards enhancing national and regional security, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has outlined robust measures to combat insurgency and bolster stability in the Lake Chad and Sahel regions. Speaking at a Ministerial Briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s progress in weakening terrorist groups and adapting to evolving regional dynamics. The Lake Chad Basin, spanning Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, remains a hotspot for jihadist activities, with groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) exploiting local grievances and state…

Nigerian Education Loan Fund Disburses ₦54 Billion, Reaffirms Commitment To Transparency. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has reiterated its dedication to transparent and accountable disbursement of student loans, ensuring funds are used exclusively to support Nigerian students. This assurance was given by NELFund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, during an oversight meeting with the House Committee on NELFund on Wednesday in Abuja. Sawyerr emphasised that 90 per cent of all funds received by NELFund are allocated strictly for student loans, as mandated by law. “These funds must go towards paying students’ fees and cannot be diverted or used for any…

Nigeria Partners With Propcom+ To Boost Agriculture And Economic Growth. The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to collaborate with Propcom+, a UK Aid-funded programme, to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods across the country. This commitment was announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during a meeting with a Propcom+ delegation in Abuja on Wednesday. Edun emphasised the government’s dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture, a key driver of Nigeria’s economy. He outlined ongoing efforts, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the African Development…

Nigeria’s Health Ministry Urges Public To Embrace Safe Salt Consumption. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a clarion call to Nigerians to adopt healthier salt consumption habits, addressing widespread misinformation and rising health concerns. The appeal follows a viral video in which a prominent religious leader discouraged adherence to medical advice on salt intake, prompting the Ministry to set the record straight in a press release dated 7 May 2025. In a statement signed by Deputy Director of Information & Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the Ministry reaffirmed that salt is not inherently harmful. “Salt contains…

PSG Triumph Over Arsenal To Reach UEFA Champions League Final. Paris Saint-Germain have booked their ticket to the UEFA Champions League final, overcoming Arsenal with a 2-1 victory in the second leg of their semi-final clash at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. The result sealed a commanding 3-1 aggregate triumph, sending the French champions through to their second-ever Champions League final, where they will face Inter Milan in Munich. The night began with PSG holding a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg, courtesy of Ousmane Dembélé’s early strike at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts wasted no…

Defence Minister Reassures Nigerians: Military Firepower Surpasses Terrorists. Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has firmly dismissed claims that terrorist groups possess superior firepower compared to the nation’s armed forces. Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru underscored the Nigerian military’s advanced weaponry and technological edge over any terrorist organisation. The Minister’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following a recent attack on a military base in Giwa, Borno. Lawmakers had expressed alarm over the perceived growing strength of terrorist groups, prompting Badaru to clarify…

Senate Committee Recommends Retaining 7.5% VAT In Tax Reform Bills. In a significant development for Nigeria’s fiscal policy, the Senate Committee on Finance has recommended retaining the current 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate as part of ongoing deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills. The decision, announced on Tuesday, is seen as a balanced approach to maintaining economic stability while addressing revenue distribution concerns. The committee also outlined a new VAT sharing formula to ensure equitable distribution across the federation. According to the proposed structure, 50% of VAT revenue will be distributed equally among all states, 20% will be…