Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Australia Enforces Social Media Ban For Under-16s. Australia has introduced a landmark law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, marking one of the strictest regulations globally aimed at Big Tech. The law, approved on Thursday after extensive debate, will come into effect by late 2025, making Australia a test case for similar initiatives worldwide. The Social Media Minimum Age Bill mandates platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) to prevent access for underage users. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines of up to A$49.5 million (£25.5 million) for tech companies. A trial phase to…

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed As WTO Director-General. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Council has announced the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as Director-General. Her new term will commence on 1 September 2025, solidifying her leadership for another four years. Dr Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and first African to hold the position, has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to global trade reform, inclusive trade policies, and efforts to strengthen multilateral trade systems. Her reappointment reflects widespread confidence in her ability to guide the WTO through ongoing global economic challenges,…

Nigeria Targets Trade Balance In Partnership With China. The Federal Government has announced ambitious plans to reverse Nigeria’s $20 billion trade deficit with China and transform the nation into a net exporter to the Chinese market within the next five years. This was disclosed by Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, during the opening ceremony of the China-Nigeria Infrastructure Cooperation Forum and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Exhibition held in Abuja on Thursday. Tegbe highlighted the disparity in trade, noting that while Nigeria imported nearly $20 billion worth of goods from China…

Nigeria And France Strengthen Ties With Focus On Education And Investment. During a high-profile meeting at the Palais de l’Élysée, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s strategy to tackle its out-of-school children crisis through education and skills training. Speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Tinubu highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to returning children to classrooms and equipping older youths with skills for the workforce. The President emphasised that insecurity in parts of Nigeria had made it difficult for children to attend school, but ongoing efforts were gradually improving the situation. “We are re-populating classrooms and bridging the gaps…

Ukraine’s Energy Workers Battle Winter And Russian Strikes. As Ukraine braces for another harsh winter, its energy workers are engaged in a relentless battle to maintain power amidst Russia’s targeted attacks on the nation’s infrastructure. The task is monumental, with engineers racing against time to repair the damage caused by frequent missile and drone strikes. Inside a battered thermal power station, workers are seen labouring under extraordinary conditions. Patches of snow accumulate indoors, as gaping holes in the roof leave the facility exposed to the elements. Despite these challenges, engineers are determined to keep the country’s lights on. …

Former Childcare Worker Ashley Paul Griffith Sentenced To Life In Prison For Abusing Dozens Of Children. Ashley Paul Griffith, a former childcare worker dubbed “one of Australia’s worst paedophiles,” has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing nearly 70 young girls over a 19-year period. Griffith, 47, was found guilty of 307 offences committed across childcare centres in Queensland, Australia, and abroad between 2003 and 2022. His victims, all girls aged between one and seven, were subjected to his horrific crimes, which included rape and the creation and distribution of child exploitation material. …

Premier League Clubs Gear Up For January Transfer Window. As the January transfer window approaches, speculation surrounding high-profile moves is heating up, with several Premier League clubs planning big-money transfers and strategic reinforcements. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, 32, remains a top target for Saudi Pro League clubs. The Egyptian winger, who has been a pivotal figure for the Reds, is reportedly the league’s “dream” signing for the next season, as Saudi teams continue to attract global stars. Manchester United are preparing a £50 million bid for Benfica’s 22-year-old Portuguese defender Tomás Araújo. The Red Devils will face stiff competition…

Hummels’ Late Equaliser Denies Spurs Victory In Europa League Clash. Veteran defender Mats Hummels salvaged a dramatic point for Claudio Ranieri’s Roma with a stoppage-time equaliser against Tottenham in the Europa League. The 35-year-old Germany international, making his first European appearance since the Champions League final in July, endured a turbulent evening. Hummels conceded an early penalty after fouling Pape Matar Sarr in the box, which Son Heung-min converted to give Spurs an early lead. However, he redeemed himself in the dying moments, tapping in Angelino’s precise cross to secure a 2-2 draw. Tottenham dominated the first half,…

Amorim Secures First Old Trafford Victory As United Edge Past Bodo/Glimt. Manchester United marked their first home game under new manager Ruben Amorim with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League. The match began in electrifying fashion, with United taking the lead after just 48 seconds. A costly mistake by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who hesitated while attempting a clearance, allowed Rasmus Højlund to intercept and set up Alejandro Garnacho for a simple tap-in. Despite the early breakthrough, United’s joy was short-lived. Bodø/Glimt turned the game on its head with two goals in quick…

Iga Swiatek Accepts One-Month Ban Following Doping Controversy. World number two and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ). The 23-year-old reigning French Open champion’s positive test stemmed from an out-of-competition sample in August 2024, during her reign as world number one. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that the banned substance was inadvertently ingested due to contamination in a regulated melatonin supplement Swiatek had been taking to manage jet lag and sleep issues. The ITIA concluded that Swiatek’s fault was minimal, placing her…

Governor Sanwo-Olu Sympathises With FRCN Over Lagos Fire Incident. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the management and staff of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) following a fire incident at the Radio Nigeria Broadcasting House in Ikoyi. The fire, which occurred on Wednesday evening, affected two buildings, including the control rooms, music studios, and radio studios. In a statement released on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the incident as “unfortunate” and a significant loss for the FRCN. The fire, as confirmed by…

President Tinubu Appoints Jamiu Abiola As Senior Special Assistant On Linguistics And Foreign Matters. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters. The appointment, effective from 14th November 2024, was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Jamiu Abiola, the son of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, previously served as the Special Assistant to the…