Author: Akintayo Adams

The Taliban government has announced the release of an Afghan prisoner in exchange for American detainees. The deal, brokered by Qatar, saw Khan Mohammad, an Afghan fighter imprisoned in the United States, being released in exchange for American citizens. Mohammad had been serving a life sentence in California after being arrested nearly two decades ago in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. The Taliban government praised the exchange as a positive example of resolving issues through dialogue and expressed gratitude to Qatar for its effective role in the deal. This announcement comes shortly after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who had…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% tariff hike for telecommunications companies. This decision comes in response to rising operational costs and is the first change in rates since 2013. The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50%, is significantly lower than the over 100% proposed by some operators. The NCC emphasized that the new tariffs would remain within the limits outlined in its 2013 Cost Study and adhere to the 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification. The approved adjustment aims to address the gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that service delivery to consumers is…

Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. The inauguration ceremony took place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to extremely cold weather. Trump took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, marking his return to the presidency. In his inaugural address, Trump declared that “the golden age of America begins right now,” emphasizing themes of unity, strength, and fairness. He also outlined his plans for his second term, which include signing a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping immigration policies, and increasing U.S. energy production. Trump seized to moment…

In a historic moment, all living US presidents assembled at the Capitol for Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. This rare assembly of past presidents, each with their own legacy, added weight and significance to the event. The presidents entered the Capitol in chronological order of their presidencies, creating a dramatic display of American history. Notably, Michelle Obama, the former first lady and wife of President Barack Obama, was the only former first lady not in attendance at the ceremony. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

In Lagos, the economic hub of Nigeria, there is a vast array of consulting firms that offer a wide range of services, including management consulting, financial advisory, IT consulting, and more. These firms cater to various industries and organizations, helping them to improve performance, solve complex problems, and drive growth. Here is a detailed list of some notable consulting firms in Lagos: These consulting firms play a crucial role in driving business success in Lagos and by extension, Nigeria, by providing expert guidance and innovative solutions. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

The United Kingdom is preparing to announce significant fee hikes for visa sponsorship of foreign workers. The proposed changes include doubling the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee from £239 to £525. Employers sponsoring skilled workers under the Skilled Worker Route will bear this cost, which is expected to impact immigration budgets and recruitment strategies. Additionally, the fee for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will rise from £10 to £16, and the naturalisation fee will increase from £1,000 to £1,070. These changes are part of the UK government’s plan to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and borders system.…

Education and literacy are indeed the bedrock of societal advancement. Organizations and foundations play a pivotal role by offering grants that support educational access, innovative teaching methods, and a passion for reading. These grants cater to a broad spectrum of initiatives, ranging from early childhood education to adult literacy programs. By doing so, they help bridge gaps, promote equity, and empower individuals to thrive in an interconnected world. Criteria for Selecting the Top 10 Grants Relevance to the Educational or Literacy Challenge The relevance of the grant to the specific educational or literacy challenge being tackled is paramount. Funders typically…

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the fixed prices for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa states will pay ₦8,327,125.59, while those from the northern zone will pay ₦8,457,685.59. Pilgrims from southern states are expected to pay ₦8,784,085.59. The announcement follows extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity and affordability. NAHCON’s Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, emphasized the importance of early payment and adherence to Saudi Arabia’s guidelines to avoid inconveniences. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

Bitcoin reached a new all-time high, briefly surpassing $109,000 on Monday, January 20, 2025. This surge comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, with the cryptocurrency hitting $109,111 before retreating slightly below $108,000. The market is optimistic about Trump’s pro-crypto policies, including the potential establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve and easing of crypto regulations. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.

Idowu Iluyomade, a former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has opened his own church following his suspension from the RCCG. The new church, named “Family Fellowship,” is located in the Victoria Island area of Lagos. Videos from his Sunday service have surfaced online, showing Iluyomade and his members dancing and celebrating during the service. Iluyomade was suspended in June 2024 after facing public criticism over his wife’s extravagant 60th birthday party, which took place shortly after the tragic death of prominent church member Herbert Wigwe. The RCCG Governing Council replaced him with Pastor Charles Kpandei and…