The 45th and 47th U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the introduction of a $5 million “Gold Card” visa aimed at attracting wealthy foreigners to the United States. This new initiative, which Trump referred to as the “Trump Gold Card,” offers a path to U.S. residency and citizenship for those who can afford the hefty price tag. Key Details: Trump’s announcement has sparked various reactions, with some praising the potential economic benefits and others expressing concerns about the implications of allowing wealthy individuals to essentially buy their way into the U.S. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google…
Author: Akintayo Adams
The Nigerian currency, the naira, has continued its appreciation against the US dollar across both official and black markets. This trend has been observed over the past few days, reflecting a positive shift in the value of the naira. Official Market At the official market, the naira strengthened to ₦1,495.91 per dollar on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, compared to ₦1,497.11 per dollar on Monday. This represents a marginal gain of ₦1.2 against the dollar. Black Market In the parallel (black) market, the naira appreciated to ₦1,485 per dollar on Tuesday from ₦1,500 per dollar on Monday. This means the naira…
Nigeria’s equity market extended its downward trend on Tuesday, as the market capitalisation of listed equities recorded N215 billion or 0.32 percent losses. This is the case as the market capitalisation, which opened at N67.383 trillion, closed at N67.168 trillion. The All-Share Index also declined by 0.32 percent to 107,781.79, against 108,126.97 recorded on Monday. However, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return rose to 4.72 percent. The market breadth also closed negative with 49 losers and 13 gainers. On the losers table, Honeywell Flour led by 10 percent to close at N1.25 per share, while Smart Products Nigeria (SMURFIT) led the gainers…
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has announced his intention to take former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), to court over alleged human rights abuses. This decision follows the recent release of Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” in which he admitted to regretting the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Background The June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. However, the election results were annulled by Babangida, leading to widespread protests and political unrest. Falana, along…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme aimed at equipping 6,000 selected senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative, organized by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), seeks to integrate AI into the educational system, enhancing teaching methods and empowering educators with the skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future. Key Details: This AI training programme marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of excellence in education, aiming to bridge the digital gap and equip teachers with the skills necessary to thrive in…
The Magistrate Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos State, on Tuesday, acquitted popular musician Abdulazeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, in relation to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad. The court’s decision was based on the legal advice issued by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). Court’s Ruling Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, who presided over the case, stated that Naira Marley had no case to answer regarding Mohbad’s death. The court also acquitted three other individuals: music promoter Samson Balogun, known as Sam Larry; Owodunni Ibrahim, also called Primeboy; and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde. The…
The United States has released its list of eligible countries for the 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP), notably excluding Nigeria and several other countries. The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without a visa. However, travelers must obtain a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before their trip and fulfill all other requirements. Key Details: The US Department of State has emphasized enhanced security checks and prioritized nations demonstrating strong diplomatic ties and robust border security standards in its selection process. The decision…
Popular Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, known by his stage name Odumodublvck, has been hospitalized following a car accident. The incident occurred on February 25, 2025, and has left fans and well-wishers concerned about his condition. Details of the Accident Odumodublvck was involved in a head-on collision that left the front of his car severely damaged. The exact location of the crash remains unclear, but images from the scene show the vehicle veering into a bush and colliding with a palm tree. Another vehicle involved in the accident sustained significant damage after being struck by a truck. Police officers were seen…
Multichoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has announced a price increase for its subscription packages, effective from March 1, 2025. This adjustment comes nearly a year after the last price review and is attributed to the rising costs of running a business in Nigeria, including currency depreciation and high inflation. New DStv Prices New GOtv Prices Multichoice has stated that the price increase is necessary to continue offering world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology. The company has also pointed to the economic challenges in Nigeria, such as naira depreciation, high energy costs, and inflation,…
Popular rapper and activist Ruggedman has shared his perspective on domestic violence in relationships. According to the music star, provocations that could lead to domestic violence are enough grounds for a breakup. Speaking in a recent interview with TVC, Ruggedman said: “I always tell any woman I intend to date that if she pushes me to the level where I think of hitting her, then it’s over. “I say that because, for me to want to date someone, it means I’ve told her everything that triggers me. So, for you to now push that thing, it means you’re poking me.…