Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Mark Carney Becomes Canada’s Prime Minister, Pledges Strong Stance Against US Trade Threats. Mark Carney has won the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister, vowing to stand firm against US President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, secured a landslide victory in the Liberal Party’s leadership contest, defeating three rivals. The 59-year-old leader delivered a powerful victory speech in which he criticised Trump’s recent tariffs on Canadian goods and dismissed the US president’s controversial remarks about making Canada the 51st American state. “Americans…

Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence In Self-Defence Case In Nigeria. The Nigerian Supreme Court has recently upheld the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, for the killing of a Fulani herdsman in an incident he claimed was an act of self-defence. The ruling, delivered on 7 March 2025, has ignited widespread discussion and criticism regarding the legal interpretation of self-defence in Nigeria. Jackson’s case has drawn significant attention, particularly from human rights advocates and figures within the Christian community, who have expressed deep concerns. They argue that the decision represents a potential miscarriage of justice, highlighting…

Nigeria Boosts Energy Sector With Approval Of Three New Petrochemical Refineries. In a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency, the Federal Government of Nigeria has granted licences for the construction of three new petrochemical refineries, a move set to bolster the nation’s refining capacity and reduce its reliance on imported fuel. The announcement, made on Sunday, has been hailed as a landmark decision in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to harness its vast oil resources for domestic benefit. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) confirmed that the licences were awarded to three companies: Eghudu Refinery Ltd, MB Refinery and Petrochemicals…

Manchester City Face Unprecedented Challenge Following Loss To Nottingham. Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar territory under Pep Guardiola after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their ninth league loss of the season. This equals their worst-ever record for league defeats in a single campaign since the Spaniard took charge. More concerning for City is the growing uncertainty around Champions League qualification, a scenario that seemed unimaginable when they secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title last May. Champions League Spot at Risk For the first time in Guardiola’s tenure, City’s place in Europe’s elite competition is in…

Magomed Ankalaev Stuns Alex Pereira To Claim UFC Light-Heavyweight Title. Magomed Ankalaev secured the UFC light-heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. The Russian fighter dominated much of the contest, pressuring Pereira and limiting the Brazilian’s ability to land his signature powerful strikes. Ankalaev’s composed and strategic approach earned him the judges’ scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. “I can’t put it into words, it’s been such a long wait to reach my dream – the title is on my waist,” said Ankalaev. “I don’t think anything surprised me. I…

Andrea Berta Set To Join Arsenal As Sporting Director. Arsenal Football Club is poised to welcome Andrea Berta as their new sporting director after the 53-year-old Italian reached an agreement with the Premier League side. Berta, who parted ways with Atlético Madrid in January, emerged as the frontrunner among several candidates considered by the Gunners during an extensive recruitment process. The highly regarded football executive, known for his sharp transfer acumen and strategic vision, reportedly prioritised Arsenal over other top-tier opportunities across Europe. Sources close to the club indicate that contracts are now being finalised, with an official announcement expected…

Barcelona-Osasuna Match Postponed Following Tragic Loss Of Medical Staff Member. In a sombre turn of events, the highly anticipated La Liga clash between Barcelona and Osasuna has been postponed, both clubs confirmed earlier today. The decision comes after the heartbreaking news of the passing of a key member of Barcelona’s medical team, prompting players to request the delay of the fixture. According to reports from Spanish radio station SER, the players were deeply affected by the loss of Carles Miñarro Garcia, the doctor for Barcelona’s first team. The club officially confirmed his passing in a statement released this afternoon,…

Nigeria Records N3.4 Trillion Trade Surplus In Q4 2024. Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N3.42 trillion in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, according to the latest foreign trade report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The report revealed that total exports for the quarter amounted to N20.01 trillion, surpassing total imports valued at N16.59 trillion. This resulted in a positive trade balance, reflecting the nation’s strong export performance. Overall, Nigeria’s total trade for the quarter reached N36.6 trillion, marking a 2.20 per cent increase from the N35.8 trillion recorded in Q3 2024. On a…

Flamingos Soar To Victory In Pretoria: South Africa 1-3 Nigeria. Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, affectionately known as the Flamingos, delivered a commanding performance in Pretoria today, securing a 3-1 victory over South Africa in the first leg of their latest encounter. The result gives the young Super Falcons a strong advantage heading into the second leg next week. The match, held at a vibrant stadium in the South African capital, showcased Nigeria’s attacking prowess and resilience. Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring in the 20th minute, firing home a clinical finish to set the tone for the Flamingos’ dominance.…

Southern Kaduna Leaders Condemn Murder Of Catholic Priest, Demand Action On Insecurity. The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has expressed deep sorrow and condemnation over the abduction and killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. The tragic incident, carried out by terrorists, has once again raised serious concerns over the escalating insecurity in Kaduna State. In a statement issued over the weekend, SKCLA Chairman, Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, described the killing as a painful loss to the Church and a disturbing sign of the worsening violence in the region. “We…

Tinubu Rejects N942bn Census Budget, Calls For Cost Reduction. President Bola Tinubu has declined the National Population Commission’s (NPC) proposed N942 billion budget for the forthcoming national housing and population census, citing the need for cost-cutting measures. Sources close to the discussions revealed that the President has urged the commission to explore more economical alternatives, including the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for the exercise. During a meeting at the State House on 24 February 2025, Tinubu met with NPC officials, led by Chairman Nasir Kwarra, where he expressed his concerns over the high cost.…

Tolaram Moves To Strengthen Control Over Guinness Nigeria With Mandatory Takeover Bid. Tolaram, through its subsidiary N Seven Nigeria, has initiated a ₦39.3 billion mandatory takeover bid (MTO) to acquire additional shares in Guinness Nigeria, further solidifying its control over the company. This follows Tolaram’s acquisition of a 58.02% equity stake in Guinness Nigeria on 4th October 2024 from Diageo. The transaction saw Tolaram purchase 1,270,943,368 ordinary shares from Atalantaf Limited and Guinness Overseas Limited—both subsidiaries of Diageo—for a cash consideration of ₦81.60 per share, amounting to ₦103.7 billion. Offer to Existing Shareholders In compliance with Part XII…