Brent crude oil records the lowest price for the first time in four years as the price fell to $65.58 per barrel on Friday. The worldwide oil benchmark fell by 7 per cent to trade at $65.58, making it lowest since April 2021. The United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also fell by 7.35 per cent to 62.03 per barrel. WHY THE DROP The price of the crude oil dropped following China’s increased tariffs on US goods in a retaliatory move, sharply intensifying a global trade war that has investors worried about a recession. President Donald Trump, on April 2,…
Author: Damilola Olufemi
President Donald Trump’s imposed tariffs recently announced is on the edge of significant changes between Africa and the United States as the policy targets more than 180 countries—including several African nations The approach described as “Liberation Day,” is intended to counteract what Trump’s administration sees as unfair trade practices. With this, any nation that does not have a formal trade agreement with the U.S. will be subjected to a baseline 10% tariff on all exports to the American market. The primary principle of reciprocal tariffs implies that if a country imposes high tariffs on U.S. goods, the U.S. will respond…
The European Union (EU) has disclosed that it plans countermeasures in response to new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump but remains open to negotiations. This was disclosed on Thursday by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. While reacting on the sidelines of a summit with Central Asian leaders in Uzbekistan, she described Trump’s move a “major blow to businesses and consumers worldwide,’’ adding that Europe was ready to respond and protect its interests. According to her, the tariffs will lead to millions of citizens facing higher grocery, medication, and transportation costs, while inflation would rise and…
Tensions are escalating in Kogi State as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defies security restrictions to visit her constituency, triggering renewed political drama reminiscent of the recall saga once faced by former senator Dino Melaye. Despite a state-imposed ban on rallies and large gatherings citing security concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan flew into Kogi Central to celebrate Sallah with her constituents. The senator, currently serving a six-month suspension from the National Assembly, insists her visit was lawful and not politically motivated. “This is my land. I am an Ebira woman and the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti,” she declared during the gathering.…
The Kaduna State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party in Kaduna State. This comes after El-Rufai and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dumped the ruling party for the SDP. El-Rufai cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision. He expressed his disappointment with the APC’s leadership, accusing the party of straying from the progressive ideals of its founding members. However, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary,…
No less than 25 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have completed the IT Bridge Academy programme, a pioneering initiative by Sightsavers designed to provide accessible and high-quality IT training. The academy, hosted by Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Lagos Campus, aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping persons with disabilities with industry-recognised certifications and pathways to employment. The programme’s disability-inclusive model offers tailored support, extended timelines for course completion, and accommodations such as screen readers and sign language interpreters. The graduates, comprising 16 female and 9 male students, earned Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications, with some already securing internships at…
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Nigeria. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all members of the House of Assembly. The president thereby appointed Retired Admiral Ette Ibas as Sole Administrator of the state. Since then, the declaration of a state of emergency has generated several thoughts, conversations, and opinions, including the constitutional backing of the declaration. In an in-depth discussion on Arise TV’s Good Morning Show, a senior advocate of Nigeria, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, provided a legal analysis of President Bola Ahmed…
Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is already shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with various opposition figures coming together to form a formidable coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At the forefront of this movement is a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has aligned with other political heavyweights including former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal; former governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi; former Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr.…
In a powerful show of grassroots advocacy, the VARSH Foundation extended its flagship initiative, Project Reach Every Child (RECH), to Benue State this February, impacting over 2,600 students across seven schools in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area. The ninth edition of the project focused on sex education, mentorship, and advocacy for safe learning environments. The team visited schools including Chief Akor Secondary School, Saint Stephen’s College, Lion Science and Technology Academy, and Saint Joseph Secondary School. Students and teachers participated in interactive sessions tackling issues such as sexual harassment, personal safety, and values-driven growth. The outreach received a major boost…
The Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has approved the disbursement of ₦32,880,443,906.25 for the first quarter of 2025 to boost healthcare. The approval was made during the 10th MOC meeting held yesterday, March 19, 2025, in Abuja and chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate. The MOC also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing BHCPF reforms through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), in line with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement of the SWAp. The committee approved and recommended the adoption of the BHCPF…
