Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

The United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria have officially resumed full operations, following the reopening of the U.S. government after a historic 43-day shutdown — the longest in the nation’s history. The announcement brings relief to thousands of Nigerians who rely on the mission for visa processing, passport services, and various consular needs. Global Impact of the Shutdown The shutdown, which began on October 1, forced U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide — including those in Abuja and Lagos — to scale down public activities. With government funding frozen, the diplomatic missions announced they would reduce public communications, halting routine…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally confirmed Umar Iliya Damagum as its substantive National Chairman, in a unanimous decision by party delegates at the ongoing 2025 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. The confirmation comes as the party seeks to consolidate leadership ahead of critical internal elections and future electoral contests. Unanimous Ratification at the National Convention Reports indicate that the motion to ratify Damagum was moved by Tony Abineri, Chairman of the Edo State chapter, on behalf of the 3,000 delegates present at the convention. The motion was subsequently seconded by Edward Marshal, following the procedural guidelines set…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expelled key figures including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and former party Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. The motion for expulsion was moved by Chief Olabode George, former PDP National Vice Chairman (South), and seconded by Hon. Samaila Burga, Chairman of PDP Bauchi State, at the ongoing party convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. The expulsions come amid a factional dispute, with the Wike-led camp previously attempting to halt the convention through court action. The party, however, secured a favorable judgment from a high court in Oyo,…

Former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The resignation was communicated through a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Umuahia Ward 1 and subsequently released to the media on Saturday. Political Background Senator Orji served as governor of Abia State from 2007 to 2015 and represented Abia Central in the eighth and ninth Senate. He initially assumed office under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), but switched to the PDP in 2011 after a prolonged dispute with his predecessor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu. He completed his gubernatorial tenure under the PDP…

Niagara, Canada — G7 foreign ministers, joined by the EU High Representative, concluded two days of talks in Niagara under Canada’s G7 presidency, issuing a wide-ranging joint statement addressing global security, economic resilience, and geopolitical flashpoints. Ministers from Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and Ukraine also participated in selected discussions. Support for Ukraine and Pressure on Russia The G7 reaffirmed “unwavering support” for Ukraine’s sovereignty, calling for an immediate ceasefire and stating that the current line of contact should form the basis for negotiations. They pledged to increase economic pressure on Russia and consider actions against…

Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, has warned that South Sudan stands “on the brink of a renewed, large-scale civil war” and urged the country’s leaders to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and prioritize the welfare of their citizens. Ambassador Locetta emphasized that political violence is rising sharply, First Vice President Riek Machar is under arrest, and the transitional government is failing to meet even the most basic needs of the South Sudanese people. “The United States calls on political leaders to engage in direct dialogue and clearly renounce this violence,” she said during a…

In a dramatic turn among close Republican allies, President Donald Trump reportedly erupted in frustration on Wednesday, declaring “Complain, complain, complain!” as he publicly distanced himself from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene following her introduction of a controversial bill aimed at phasing out the H-1B visa program. The bill — which Greene framed as a protectionist measure to “shield American workers from foreign labor competition” — sparked immediate debate across conservative and business communities. While Greene insisted her proposal was designed to bolster domestic employment, Trump’s reaction suggested a sharp divide over immigration-related economic policy within his political circle. According to…

LAGOS — In a dramatic turn of events in Nigeria’s entertainment and legal circles, veteran actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka (popularly known as Baba Ijesha), is reported to have regained his freedom on Friday, 14 November 2025 after spending more than three years in custody on charges of sexual assault. According to a post on the Instagram page of fellow actor, Yomi Fabiyi on Friday evening, Baba Ijesha was released after being “cleared by the Appeal Court”. Fabiyi wrote: “You are now officially FREE AND OUT. Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER. I am also happy you were cleared by…

Lagos — The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has issued a firm directive prohibiting police officers from stopping citizens on the road to arbitrarily search their mobile phones. The warning, which underscores a renewed commitment to professional policing, was delivered at a strategic meeting with senior command officers. Key Points Absolute Ban on Roadside Phone SearchesCP Jimoh stated unequivocally that stopping people — especially youths — on the street to demand access to their phones is unlawful. He emphasized that such checks must only occur within police stations and under proper investigative contexts. Phone Checks Limited to…

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has officially postponed the rollout of a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel until the first quarter of 2026, the Federal Government announced this week. The duty had been approved in October 2025 as part of a broader reform to boost local refining capacity, support domestic producers, and strengthen the non‑oil revenue base. Why the Deferment? The deferment was formally requested by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), led by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji. According to a memo dated November 7, 2025, the government and stakeholders agreed more time was…

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has publicly acknowledged responsibility for a dramatic confrontation involving its officials, the Nyesom Wike–Minister of the FCT–and soldiers guarding a disputed piece of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District. At the same time, the FCTA revealed that the claim to the land rested only on a letter of intent issued in 2007—an 18-year-old document, not a formal title. The Incident On 11 November 2025, Minister Wike visited a site at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, in Abuja, responding to reports of illegal development and the seizure of the site by armed naval personnel. While attempting to…

In a major move to boost accessibility for football supporters across Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), together with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has announced that e-visas for fans attending the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 will now be available free of charge. Key Details of the Announcement Free e-Visa via YALLA AppSupporters traveling to Morocco for AFCON 2025 can apply for an electronic visa through the YALLA app, CAF and LOC confirmed. The visa comes at no cost for fans. Fan ID RequirementA mandatory Fan ID is required for entry to all stadiums…