Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Starmer Reaffirms UK’s Support For Ukraine In Meeting With Zelensky. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the United Kingdom’s unwavering support during a meeting at Downing Street. Starmer told Zelensky that he has the full backing across the United Kingdom, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic tensions. Zelensky, who arrived in London after a contentious meeting with US President Donald Trump, expressed gratitude for Britain’s support, stating, I saw a lot of people and I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, for such big support from the…

Afenifere Youth Leader Regains Freedom After 12 Days In Captivity. The National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Eniola Olajuni, has been released after spending 12 days in captivity. His release was confirmed on Saturday by the National Secretary of the Youth Council, Biodun Aderohunmu, in a brief message stating, “He has been released.” Olajuni was  abducted on Monday, 17 February 2025, while travelling to Abuja for a meeting. His kidnappers had demanded ₦100 million and two tricycles as ransom for his release. Police Intervention And Public Appeal  Following his abduction, a viral video surfaced showing Olajuni at…

IFAB Introduces New Rule To Keep Goalkeepers On Their Toes. In a move set to shake up the beautiful game, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially approved a new rule for goalkeepers, effective from the start of next season. Announced today, 1 March 2025, the change aims to speed up play and add a fresh dynamic to matches across the UK and beyond. Under the new regulation, goalkeepers will have just eight seconds to release the ball once they take possession. If they fail to distribute it within this time limit—whether by throwing, kicking, or rolling it…

Ukraine-Russia Tensions Escalate As Diplomatic Standoff Unfolds. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have reached a new peak, with recent developments on the ground and across the Atlantic stoking fears of further conflict. Reports emerging from Ukraine allege that Russia has launched fresh military exercises near its border, a claim Moscow has countered by framing the manoeuvres as a defensive response to what it calls “NATO provocation.” This latest escalation has thrust the fragile relationship between the two nations back into the global spotlight, threatening to unravel diplomatic efforts to maintain peace. Adding fuel to the fire, was the dramatic…

US Approves $3 Billion Arms Sale To Israel. The Pentagon has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of nearly $3 billion worth of bombs, demolition kits, and other weaponry to Israel. The approval was issued on an emergency basis, bypassing the usual congressional review process. The notification was sent to Congress on Friday afternoon, sidestepping the long-standing practice of allowing the chairs and ranking members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees to review and request additional information before formal approval. Details of the Arms Package   The approved sale includes: -…

President Tinubu Signs ₦54.99 Trillion Budget, Highlights Economic Progress. President Bola Tinubu has signed the 2025 budget of ₦54.99 trillion, assuring Nigerians that the government’s strategic reforms are driving progress and economic recovery. Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating, “Today, we see a light at the end of the tunnel. We can see signs of progress.” The National Assembly had passed the budget on 13 February 2025, increasing the initial proposal of ₦54.2 trillion to ₦54.99 trillion. The budget signing was attended by key government officials,…

Bauchi State Government Shuts Schools For Five Weeks For Ramadan. The Bauchi State government has announced the closure of all schools across the state for five weeks in preparation for the 2025 Ramadan fast. The closure, which will take effect from 1st March to 5th April, applies to all public and private primary, junior and secondary schools, as well as higher institutions of learning. The decision was confirmed by Mr Jalaludeen Maina, the Information Officer for the Ministry of Education, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Friday. He explained that the holiday…

Russia Praises Trump After Heated Exchange With Zelenskyy. Russian officials have expressed approval of U.S. President Donald Trump following his intense confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their recent meeting in Washington. The Oval Office exchange has been viewed as a sign of growing tensions between the United States and Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry, commended Trump’s “restraint” during the argument, stating, “How Trump and [Vice President] Vance held back from hitting that scumbag is a miracle of restraint.” Similarly, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, described Zelenskyy as…

Wike, Fubara Reactions As Supreme Court Nullifies Rivers LG Election. The Supreme Court has declared the local government election conducted in Rivers State on 5 October 2024 as invalid, ruling that it was conducted in violation of the Electoral Act. The verdict also includes directives halting the release of funds to the state government and reinstating 27 lawmakers who had been removed amid political tensions. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur stated that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) failed to meet the necessary legal conditions before organising the election, rendering the process null and void. The…

NUJ Urges Media Houses To Prioritise Salary Payment And Insurance for Journalists. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has called on media houses to prioritise the payment of salaries and provide insurance coverage for their staff. The appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s monthly congress, held on Friday at the NUJ Secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan. The communiqué, prepared by Comrades Akeem Abas (Chairman), Olamide Adeniji (Secretary), and Dayo Adu (Member), highlighted the rapid increase in the number of radio stations in Oyo State, particularly in Ibadan. While acknowledging the…

Tinubu Urges NIPSS Graduates To Lead Nigeria’s Digital Transformation. President Bola Tinubu has called on graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and other policymakers to take the lead in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and tech-driven economic growth. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course 46 of NIPSS in Kuru, Plateau State, on Friday, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the institute. He outlined plans to fully digitise its operations, develop an advanced e-library, and establish virtual learning platforms to ensure that executive education remains…

Mojisola Meranda Retains Speakership Of Lagos Assembly Amid Leadership Row. Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have firmly backed Mrs Mojisola Meranda as Speaker, dismissing claims of her resignation amid a brewing leadership dispute. The declaration came from Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday. The affirmation follows dramatic scenes on Thursday when ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stormed the Assembly complex with a heavy security presence, proclaiming his return to the top post. Obasa, who was removed in January over allegations of misconduct and…