Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

UN Agency Links Nigeria’s High Fertility Rate To Weak Reproductive Rights. A United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report, released on 18 June 2025, has linked Nigeria’s high fertility rate of 5.3 children per woman to weak reproductive rights, exacerbating poverty and straining public services. The report, presented in Abuja, highlights limited access to contraception, cultural barriers, and inadequate sexual education as key drivers. Nigeria, with a population of over 230 million, faces significant challenges in managing its growth, particularly in northern states, where early marriage and low female literacy rates are prevalent. The UNFPA urged the government to prioritise…

FCMB To Convert N23bn Loan To Equity To Exit CBN’s Forbearance Regime. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has unveiled plans to convert N23 billion in loans to equity by 30 June 2025, as part of its strategy to exit the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) forbearance regime. The bank’s Managing Director, Yemisi Edun, announced on 17 June in Lagos that the conversion would involve restructuring non-performing loans into share capital, boosting the bank’s equity base to meet CBN’s new capital requirements. The move aims to strengthen FCMB’s financial position and enhance its ability to support Nigeria’s economic recovery, particularly in…

North Carolina Celebrates 14 June As ‘Igbo Day’ To Honour Nigerian Heritage. North Carolina – In a heartfelt gesture celebrating cultural diversity, Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina officially declared 14 June 2025 as ‘Igbo Day’ to recognise the rich heritage and contributions of the Igbo community. The proclamation, announced on 12 June 2025, encouraged residents across the state to join in observing this significant day, which took place last week, highlighting the vibrant Nigerian cultural legacy within the United States. The Igbo people, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural preservation, and…

Trump Grants Two Weeks For Diplomacy Before Deciding On Iran Strike, White House Confirms. President Donald Trump has announced he will allow a two-week window for diplomatic efforts before making a final decision on whether the United States will launch a military strike against Iran, the White House confirmed on Thursday, 19 June 2025. The statement, delivered by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, underscores a commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, offering hope for a diplomatic breakthrough. The announcement follows a week of intense conflict between Israel and Iran, which began…

JUST-IN: Federal Government Closes Case Against Nnamdi Kanu. The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reached a pivotal moment, igniting renewed optimism among his supporters as the Federal Government announced the closure of its case on Thursday, 19 June 2025. The development, which has fuelled widespread public debate, underscores the delicate balance between national security and calls for justice, with Kanu’s supporters demanding his release while the government insists the charges are critical to maintaining order. The trial, held before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, saw…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Granted N50m Bail In Defamation Case. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has granted bail to suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sum of N50 million. The ruling, delivered by Justice Chizoba Orji on Thursday, 19 June 2025, rejected the Federal Government’s request to remand the senator in custody pending her trial, citing sufficient evidence that she would attend her court sessions. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who pleaded not guilty, is facing a three-count charge of defamation stemming from comments made during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on 3…

I Learn Governance Lessons From Those Who Insult Me, Says Tinubu. President Bola Tinubu, during a town hall meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, on 18 June 2025, revealed that he draws valuable governance lessons from critics, including those who insult him. Speaking amidst the backdrop of the recent Yelewata massacre, which claimed over 200 lives, Tinubu addressed stakeholders at the Benue State Government House, emphasising his openness to constructive criticism as a tool for improving leadership. “I learn governance lessons from those who insult me,” he said, reflecting on his tenure as Lagos State governor, where he faced similar…

Set Up Special Intervention Fund For Benue Victims, Gov Alia Tells FG. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has urged the Federal Government to establish a special intervention fund to support communities devastated by recent attacks, particularly the Yelewata massacre on 13-14 June 2025, which killed over 200 people. Speaking during a town hall meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi on 18 June, Alia highlighted the need for financial assistance to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and support displaced farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s “food basket.” The governor’s plea comes as thousands of residents have fled their…

Tinubu Visits Hospitalised Victims Of Benue Attack. President Bola Tinubu made a poignant visit to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to offer condolences and support to victims of the recent deadly attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. The assault, which occurred on 13-14 June, claimed over 200 lives, with many others injured and displaced, as suspected armed herders stormed the community, setting homes ablaze and targeting internally displaced persons sheltering in a local market. Landing at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, around 12:58 pm, Tinubu proceeded to the…

Nigerian Military Denies Allegation Of Internal Sabotage In Benue Massacre. The Nigerian military, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, has firmly denied allegations of internal sabotage in the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives on 13-14 June 2025. Speaking during a visit to the affected community on 17 June, Musa responded to claims, including those by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in May 2025, that some military personnel were leaking information to bandits. “Such accusations are unfounded and demoralise our troops,” Musa stated, asserting that the military was committed to rooting out…

Senate Panel Queries RSIEC Chairman-Nominee’s Indigeneship Status. The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, on 18 June 2025, raised concerns over the indigeneship status of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) chairman-nominee, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), during a confirmation hearing in Abuja. The panel questioned whether Enebeli, nominated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, met the constitutional requirement of being an indigene of Rivers State, citing discrepancies in his documentation. The scrutiny reflects growing tensions over political appointments in Nigeria, where indigeneship often influences eligibility for public office, particularly in state electoral bodies responsible for local government elections. Enebeli, a retired…

Two Nigerian Government Vehicles Recovered In Ghana, Niger, Says Police. The Nigeria Police Force has recovered two government-owned vehicles stolen and smuggled to Ghana and the Republic of the Niger, highlighting the transnational nature of vehicle theft in West Africa. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the recoveries followed intelligence-led operations by the Interpol unit, with the vehicles seized in Accra and Niamey. The vehicles, believed to belong to a federal ministry, were intercepted after months of collaboration with Ghanaian and Nigerien authorities. Adejobi praised the cooperation, noting that investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators…