Author: Damilola

The Nigerian naira showed relative stability against the US dollar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as cautious trading and sustained demand shaped activity across both official and informal foreign exchange markets. At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the official trading window, figures from the FMDQ Securities Exchange indicated the currency hovered around ₦1,360 to the dollar in early deals. The rate, close to ₦1,360.19/$, reflects only minor fluctuations compared to the previous session. The performance continues a recent pattern where the naira has traded within the mid-₦1,350 to ₦1,360 band, supported by interventions and moderated demand at the official…

The United States Department of State has announced plans to issue a limited-edition passport bearing the image of President Donald Trump as part of activities marking America’s 250th independence anniversary on July 4, 2026, since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. According to reports, the redesigned passport will serve as a commemorative document tied to the ‘America250’ celebrations. Preview images shared via the White House’s official X account show Trump’s portrait on the inside cover, alongside excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, the American flag, and his signature in gold. Another page of the passport features a…

The United Arab Emirates has announced its decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the broader OPEC+ alliance, ending nearly six decades of membership in a move set to reshape global oil dynamics. In a statement shared on Tuesday, the country’s energy minister, Suhail Mohamed AlMazrouei, said the decision reflects evolving national energy policies and long-term market considerations. “The UAE’s decision to exit OPEC aligns with sector policy-driven developments and is consistent with long-term market fundamentals,” he said. “We express our appreciation to OPEC and member states for decades of constructive cooperation.” The UAE, which…

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on South Africa to take decisive action against rising xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals. In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres expressed serious concern over incidents reported in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, condemning both criminal acts and rhetoric that incites violence against migrants. “Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said. This followed a recent report of the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents…

The Nigerian naira opened trading on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, on a relatively stable note against the US dollar, with modest movements recorded across both official and parallel market segments. At the official window, also known as the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the currency traded around ₦1,360.19 to the dollar in early deals. Data from FMDQ Securities Exchange showed slight intraday fluctuations, with the naira initially quoted at about ₦1,359.23 before adjusting marginally as trading progressed. Market activity at the official window continues to reflect the dynamics of the “willing buyer, willing seller” framework overseen by the Central Bank…

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents linked to escalating tensions in South Africa. In a statement on Monday, Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20. She added that Andrew was arrested a day earlier in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary. According to the consulate, the two…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly thrown his weight behind the 2027 governorship ambition of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, describing him as the most suitable candidate for the role. The endorsement came during a meeting with party stakeholders at the governor’s office in Alausa, Lagos, as seen in a video obtained on Monday. Addressing attendees, Sanwo-Olu offered prayers for Hamzat, wishing him success and divine guidance as he looks ahead. “Peace of mind, peace in your family among your children, wife, spouse and everybody. That which you require, God will provide it for you: renewed strength, God Almighty will make it…

Ibom Air has sounded the alarm over the rising cost of aviation fuel, revealing that it now spends about N7.6 million to power a single flight, a development it says threatens the sustainability of domestic airline operations. In a statement released on Monday, the airline described the situation as unprecedented, noting a sharp spike in fuel expenses within a short period. “The fuel price situation is an unprecedented crisis for Nigeria’s domestic airlines. At Ibom Air, the cost of fueling our aircraft has more than tripled between January and today. From an average of N2.1m per flight in January, as…

The Akwa Ibom State Government has stepped up COVID-19 monitoring and response measures following confirmation of a fresh outbreak in a nearby state. The Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Uyo, noting that Governor Umo Eno had directed immediate activation of heightened surveillance. According to him, the directive covers all entry points into the state, healthcare facilities, and communities as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. “Disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on red alert to promptly detect and manage any suspected cases. “Residents…

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has clarified why a scheduled lecture by Peter Obi did not take place on Saturday, attributing the development to insufficient notice from the organisers. Obi was expected to deliver a keynote address at 9am on campus before heading to a political summit of opposition parties in Ibadan later that day. In a post on X, the former Anambra governor said the invitation had been extended months earlier and that preparations were already in place. He, however, expressed concern after the university declined to approve the venue shortly before the event. Describing the situation…