Author: Akintayo Adams

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that while he does not personally prioritize the “Palestinian issue,” it remains a significant concern for his people. The exchange, detailed in a report by The Atlantic, took place during Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia in January amid discussions about the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel. This conversation occurred against the backdrop of U.S.-led efforts to negotiate peace in the region, which were disrupted by the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Mohammed bin Salman emphasized to Blinken that while…

Peter Obi, Former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, has expressed concern over the escalating security crisis in Africa, stating that “non-state actors have now taken over security in some African nations.” Speaking at an international leadership dialogue in Athens, Greece, Obi called on global leaders to engage in conversations focused on governance, particularly security and economic challenges. During his presentation, Obi highlighted key issues plaguing Africa, such as unemployment, corruption, poverty, and inequality, with over 50% of the continent’s population being multi-dimensionally poor. He emphasized the need for leaders to address insecurity, ensure equitable…

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate newly completed projects at the University of Ilorin during its 39th convocation ceremonies on October 22, 2024. Additionally, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, will deliver the Convocation Lecture on Friday, October 18, 2024, as part of the event’s activities. According to a statement by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the convocation ceremonies will begin with a press briefing by the Vice Chancellor on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The Convocation Lecture, entitled “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the…

Former U.S President Donald Trump, on Friday, accused Google of deliberately showing only negative stories about him, while promoting positive content about his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump made the claim on his Truth Social platform without providing any evidence to support his accusation. He further stated that if re-elected, he would push for the tech giant’s prosecution, accusing it of interfering with elections. In his post, Trump labeled Google’s alleged actions as “ILLEGAL ACTIVITY” and called on the Justice Department to pursue criminal charges. He added that if the department does not take action, he will seek…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his confidence in being alive to witness the 90th birthday celebration of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church. Speaking during Oyedepo’s 70th birthday celebration at the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, on Friday, Obasanjo, now 86, humorously remarked that he would still be present when Oyedepo turns 90, at which point he himself would be 107 years old. Addressing the congregation, Obasanjo said, “Today you are joining the club of Septuagenarians; from Septuagenarian, you will become Octogenarian, and I will be here. From Octogenarian, you will become Nonagenarian, and I…

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary. The announcement was made by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad, praising the resilience and dedication of the people. He highlighted the importance of reflecting on the “labour of our heroes past” and emphasized the need for unity in building a prosperous nation. He also encouraged Nigerians to remain committed to the task of nation-building and wished everyone a Happy Independence Day…

The United Nations reported on Friday that more than 3,600 people have been killed in Haiti this year due to escalating gang violence. The country, already the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, is facing severe turmoil, with gangs taking control of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and overwhelming both the security and healthcare systems. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) revealed that about 600,000 people were displaced in the first half of 2024, while 1,280 were injured in the violence, including women and children. Additionally, 893 individuals, including 25 children, were kidnapped for ransom as gangs vied for control in the power…

The Naira made a notable recovery, gaining ₦126.64 against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market within 48 hours. FMDQ data revealed that by Friday, the Naira appreciated to ₦1540.78 per dollar, up from ₦1667.42 on Wednesday. This increase reflects a significant boost in value within just two days. On a week-on-week basis, the Naira showed a slight appreciation, trading at ₦1540.78 on Friday compared to ₦1541.52 the previous week. The improvement is attributed to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) intervention, which included selling foreign currency to eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operators at ₦1590 per dollar on…

A devastating flood in Kebbi State has claimed the lives of 29 people and destroyed 329,000 homes, displacing thousands of residents. The flood has also submerged 858,000 hectares of farmland, wiping out critical crops such as rice, millet, sorghum, and beans, sparking fears of an impending food crisis in the region. At a press briefing on Friday, Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, described the government’s efforts to manage the aftermath of the disaster, stating that the scope of the damage has overwhelmed local resources. He emphasized the need for federal assistance, as the state’s resources…

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over have arrested Former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku over a ₦27 billion fraud. Ishaku, who completed his tenure as governor in 2023 after eight years in office, was taken into custody at his Abuja residence in the early hours of Friday. According to sources within the EFCC, Ishaku remains in custody as of Friday night. The commission has reportedly filed at least 15 charges against the former governor, with plans to arraign him in court soon. A source within the EFCC indicated that the agency had been investigating Ishaku since…