Author: Damilola Olufemi

The United States is grappling with its most severe measles outbreak since 1992, with 1,277 confirmed cases reported across nearly 40 states in 2025, according to new data released Monday by Johns Hopkins University. Texas has emerged as the epicentre, accounting for over 60% of all infections. The resurgence of measles—a disease once declared eradicated in the U.S. due to successful vaccination campaigns—comes amid declining immunisation rates and a growing wave of public distrust in health authorities. So far, three deaths have been linked to the outbreak, including two young children. All were reportedly unvaccinated. Public health experts warn that…

The United States of America President Donald Trump on Monday announced a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea, citing imbalanced trade relationships with both countries. The decision was disclosed in official letters sent to the respective governments as part of a broader trade push by the White House. In the nearly identical letters, he stated that the new tariffs would take effect on August 1, arguing that current trade arrangements were “far from reciprocal.” He warned of further punitive measures if either country retaliated. The announcement follows the U.S. president’s earlier pledge to send notifications to up…

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has alleged that Israel attempted to assassinate him during last month’s brief but intense conflict between both countries. In an interview released Monday with U.S. broadcaster Tucker Carlson, Pezeshkian claimed, “They did try, yes. They acted accordingly, but they failed.” He emphasized that it was not the United States behind the attack, but Israel. “I was in a meeting… they tried to bombard the area in which we were holding that meeting,” he said, speaking through a Persian translator. The comments appear to reference an alleged Israeli strike during the 12-day war that erupted in June.…

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has formally ended his association with the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a shift in his political allegiance. In a resignation letter dated June 29, 2025, and addressed to the APC chairman in Banshika Ward, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Lawal stated that his decision to exit the ruling party takes immediate effect. While he did not disclose his next political destination, the former SGF hinted at aligning with a new platform. “I will soon make public my new political affiliation,” he wrote, adding that the move…

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), calling it senseless and unjust. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on July 6, 2025, Obi questioned the rationale behind keeping Kanu in custody, especially over what he described as non-violent offences. “Why is he still being held? It doesn’t make sense to me,” he said when asked whether he would support a political resolution to Kanu’s case. Obi further argues The former governor of Anambra State argued that allegations of using offensive…

On Monday, July 7th, 2025, the demise of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was reported in the brown roof city and national dailies. The New Daily Prime reported that the monarch joined his ancestors just two days after he marked his 90th birthday and during the ongoing 90th birthday and first-anniversary coronation celebrations. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has yet to officially announce the demise of the king. .The late Oba Olakulehin was birth on July 5, 1935. He was officially presented with the staff of office by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024,…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that Nigeria was in a near-collapse state before President Bola Tinubu came into power. Speaking during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, on Sunday, Wike praised Tinubu’s leadership for making tough but necessary decisions to revive the country. “The country was dead. It takes hard decisions to bring it back to life. We know there are still challenges, but do we expect miracles in just two years? Governance isn’t like prayer where you say, ‘Be healed,’ and it happens instantly.” The service marked a…

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, joined his ancestors at the age of 90. The monarch, who succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun, died early Monday morning (today) during the ongoing 90th birthday and first-anniversary coronation celebrations. Oba Olakulehin’s demise comes just two days after he marked his 90th birthday. The late Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, was birth on July 5, 1935. He was officially presented with the staff of office by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. Olubadan’s death was rumoured in March 2025 In March 2025, it…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Sunday held a thanksgiving service to celebrate what he described as the successful completion of key infrastructural projects recently commissioned in Abuja. The service was held at St. James Anglican Church in Asokoro and broadcast live on major television stations, including Arise TV, News Central, and AIT. Notable attendees included former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. The thanksgiving comes on the heels of a 19-day inauguration marathon initiated by the FCT Administration in June to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in…

Nigeria allocated 4.1 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to debt servicing in 2024, marking an uptick from 3.7 per cent in 2023, according to the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) latest Country Focus Report. The report highlights the growing cost of debt in the face of tightening global credit conditions and high domestic interest rates. It noted that the surge in debt service costs stemmed from rising interest payments on government securities and increased borrowing to cover fiscal deficits. “Debt servicing increased to 4.1% of GDP from 3.7 % in 2023,” the report stated, adding that “the debt…