Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

Naira Shows Stability as Dollar, Yuan Ease Slightly. The Nigerian Naira continued to demonstrate signs of           resilience on Monday, May 26, 2025, trading with relative stability in the black-market foreign exchange (FX) segment. After a week of moderate activity, the local currency managed to post marginal gains against the U.S. Dollar and Chinese Yuan, while remaining steady against the Euro and experiencing minimal fluctuations against the British Pound Sterling. This trend comes amid renewed efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the forex market by boosting official supply and encouraging the unification of…

In a striking departure from his previously conciliatory tone toward the Kremlin, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a sharp rebuke against Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring him “absolutely crazy” and warning that an attempt to seize all of Ukraine could lead to the collapse of Russia. Trump made the remarks in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, as Russia continues to intensify its drone and missile attacks across Ukrainian cities. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote. “He…

A record-breaking number of Americans are seeking to leave the United States and start a new life in the United Kingdom, as immigration figures reveal a surge in British citizenship and visa applications since the start of Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President. Data released by the UK Home Office this week shows that an average of 2,000 U.S. nationals applied for British citizenship in the first quarter of 2025 alone—a 12% year-on-year increase, and the highest figure ever recorded for a single quarter.  Which Immigration Routes Are Americans Using? Home Office records indicate that while many successful UK…

The naira maintained a relatively stable performance against major global currencies throughout the week, with modest fluctuations recorded in exchange rates against the US Dollar, British Pound (UK), Euro (EU), and Chinese Yuan. Highlights: • USD/NGN: The naira saw a slight appreciation from ₦1595.64 on May 21 to ₦1580.26 on May 24 before adjusting to ₦1587.80 on May 25. • GBP/NGN: The pound exchange rate rose slightly by week’s end, peaking at ₦2151.87 on May 25 after dipping midweek. • EUR/NGN: Rates remained relatively stable, with the euro ending the week at ₦1805.10. • CNY/NGN: The yuan held steady around…

The city of Manchester came alive on Sunday, May 18, as worshippers from across the UK and Nigeria gathered for “In His Presence 4.0”, a spirit-filled evening of praise, worship, and fellowship hosted by Minister Bola Ayànfé. The event, themed “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15), was organized under the banner of Àyànfé and De Torch and took place at the Manchester Recording Studios, 3 Archway, Hulme. The gathering attracted a diverse audience, including notable figures from Nigeria—top government officials, pastors—and the UK, further solidifying the event’s growing reputation as a major fixture in the international Christian worship calendar. A Night of…

The Nigeria-UK Golfing Association (NUGA) hosted its much-anticipated Captain’s Day 2025 at the prestigious Mannings Heath Golf Course in Sussex, drawing a vibrant crowd of golf enthusiasts, guests, and members for a memorable 27-hole competition under sunny skies. A total of 59 out of 60 registered players teed off, making the first NUGA major of the year a resounding success. The annual event, seen as a celebration of camaraderie and friendship within the association, was hosted by Captain Fred Adegeye, who, along with his family, was praised for organizing an unforgettable tournament. The event was split between two courses: a…

A deep political rift has emerged within the El-Rufai family as Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the first son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid—openly defying his father’s recent departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).Bello El-Rufai, who currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives for Kaduna North Federal Constituency, attended the APC National Summit in Abuja this week where Tinubu was officially endorsed as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Family Tensions Spill Into Public View The endorsement comes just two months…

Tensions between Donald Trump’s administration and elite academic institutions escalated this week as Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit to challenge a sweeping ban on foreign student enrollment. The decision by the Department of Homeland Security, which revoked the university’s certification to host international students starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, affects over 7,000 students — nearly 30% of Harvard’s student body. Simultaneously, Trump ramped up trade pressure on the European Union, threatening 50% tariffs on EU imports and a 25% levy on Apple products. The aggressive trade threats have already jolted global markets and rekindled fears of a new…

In a dramatic expansion of his protectionist trade agenda, President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose sweeping import tariffs—25% on Apple products and a 50% blanket tariff on all goods from the European Union, beginning June 1, 2025. The threats, delivered via a series of posts on Trump’s Truth Social platform, have already sent shockwaves through financial markets and raised fresh fears of global economic instability. “If Apple wants to sell iPhones in the U.S., they should be made in the U.S.,” Trump declared, threatening a tariff hike unless the tech giant shifts production out of countries like India.…

More than 4,968 Nigerian students at Harvard University are at risk of expulsion following a sweeping new directive from  President Donald Trump, banning American universities from recruiting international students. The controversial policy, announced Thursday by the White House, revokes the right of higher institutions to admit new international applicants — a move seen as a significant escalation in Trump’s ongoing ideological battle with elite academic institutions. Under the new rules, currently enrolled international students, including thousands from Nigeria, may be forced to transfer or face deportation if universities cannot retain their international enrolment status. Nigeria: Africa’s Top Contributor to U.S.…