Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

Nigeria’s flagship cash transfer scheme is reaching millions of households, offering urgent relief in a period of rising living costs — but questions remain over its long-term impact and sustainability. The HOPE Conditional Cash Transfer (HOPE-CT) Programme, run by the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), is designed to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians through direct payments. Under the scheme, eligible households receive ₦75,000 over three months, aimed at covering basic needs such as food and healthcare. According to the Minister  of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, outlined that more than 9.1 million people have already received the…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will conclude his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, ending a trip seen as a reset in relations between London and Abuja,  but one that has also drawn attention for a notable political absence. The visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, is the first by a Nigerian president in 37 years. It has combined royal ceremony with strategic talks aimed at strengthening trade, investment and diplomatic ties. President Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, are expected to round off the visit with a private breakfast with…

Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, after the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal was not sighted anywhere in the Kingdom. The announcement was made on Wednesday evening following observations across several regions. The Supreme Court had earlier called on Muslims to look for the moon on the 29th day of Ramadan, but no verified sightings were reported. As a result, Ramadan will complete 30 days of fasting, with Thursday, March 19, confirmed as the final day of the holy month. The decision carries importance beyond Saudi Arabia, as many…

The United States has sharply expanded its controversial visa bond programme, requiring travellers from 50 countries , including Nigeria to deposit up to $15,000 before being granted short-term entry visas. The policy, announced by the US State Department on March 18, will take effect from April 2, marking a significant tightening of entry conditions for visitors applying for B1/B2 business and tourism visas. Originally introduced in 2025 as a pilot scheme, the programme targets applicants considered at higher risk of overstaying their visas. Under the rules, travellers must pay a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, depending on individual…

It was a day of celebration and cultural pride in Abuja as members of the Mwaghavul community gathered to showcase their heritage at the annual Puus Kaat festival. Held on Saturday, 14 March, the event brought together sons and daughters of the Mwaghavul people from across Nigeria, turning the nation’s capital into a stage for tradition, music and shared identity. Puus Kaat, a festival linked to the planting season in Plateau State, is one of the community’s most important cultural events. It serves not only as a celebration of agriculture but also as a platform to preserve history, promote creativity…

Iran has struck Qatar’s main gas export hub, Qatari officials said, just hours after Tehran warned that Gulf energy facilities had become “legitimate targets”, in an escalation that analysts say could trigger a global energy shock. Authorities in Doha said a missile hit the Ras Laffan industrial city, home to the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export facility, causing a fire and “extensive damage”. Emergency crews were deployed to contain the blaze, while officials confirmed that all personnel had been accounted for and no casualties reported. State-owned QatarEnergy said the site had been directly targeted, while the interior ministry confirmed…

Senegal have refused to return the Africa Cup of Nations trophy after being stripped of their title, escalating a dispute with African football’s governing body into a political and legal confrontation. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) ruled this week that Senegal had “forfeited” the final against Morocco after players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, overturning their 1-0 extra-time win. The result has been officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco. Senegal’s government has rejected the decision, describing it as unjust and calling for an independent investigation into Caf. Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye, a senior minister,…

Energy facilities across the Gulf are being evacuated after Iran warned of imminent strikes, triggering fresh fears of a major supply shock and sending oil prices sharply higher. According to reports, staff were told to leave key sites in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar after Tehran issued a warning that energy infrastructure could be targeted “in the coming hours”. The alert followed Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, including sites linked to the South Pars gas field and Asaluyeh, in a rapidly escalating cycle of attacks across the region. In a statement carried by Iranian media, the warning…

Iran has warned it will take “decisive action” after facilities linked to its South Pars gas field were reportedly hit in a strike, raising concerns over a widening conflict and the security of global energy supplies. The South Pars field, which Iran shares with Qatar, is part of the largest natural gas reserve in the world, making it one of the most strategically important energy sites globally. Iranian state media said a fire broke out following the strike but reported no casualties. Footage verified by international broadcasters shows thick black smoke rising from the site, as emergency crews worked to…

Britain has recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures rising above 20C as much of the country enjoyed its most settled spell of spring to date. A high of 20.9C was recorded, marking the UK’s peak temperature of the year so far. England also reached its own high point, with temperatures averaging around 20.2C, as mild conditions spread widely across the country. The rise in temperature coincided with a major moment in the royal calendar. King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and First Lady Remi Tinubu in a full ceremonial…