Author: Dr. Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to utilize its 2023 dividends, initially intended for the federation, to address the increasing costs of the nation’s petrol subsidy. The Cable report. This decision comes as the NNPCL faces soaring subsidy costs, projected to reach N6.884 trillion by the end of 2024. To ease the financial strain on the state-owned oil giant, Tinubu also sanctioned the suspension of 2024 interim dividend payments, allowing NNPCL to bolster its cash flow amid warnings that the subsidy burden could prevent the company from remitting nearly N4…

The UK and other European countries have been placed on the highest level of alert amid concerns that a more virulent strain of the virus may have already reached British shores. The move follows an alarming confirmation from Swedish health authorities that the deadly strain, dubbed ‘Clade 1b,’ has breached their borders, prompting heightened vigilance across Europe, despite no confirmed cases in the UK yet. In response to the confirmed case in Sweden, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has elevated its risk level. The ‘Clade 1b’ strain is notably more severe than previous variants, carrying a higher…

Abuja, Nigeria — In a significant development, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force has officially summoned Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning. Ajaero is being investigated on serious allegations that include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The police’s invitation letter, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, warns of severe consequences if Ajaero fails to comply. “You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old…

Tel Aviv, Israel — In a significant diplomatic development, Israel has agreed to a proposed ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, a move that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed following high-stakes talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two-and-a-half-hour meeting, held on Monday, underscores the urgency of halting the ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since the October 7 attacks. The ceasefire proposal, structured as a three-phase process, demands that Hamas release all hostages taken during the initial assault. In return, Israel would withdraw its military forces from Gaza and agree to…

The UK government has thrown its weight behind the growing shift towards remote work. This comes as Downing Street signals potential reforms to bolster workers’ rights, including a proposed “right to switch off” outside of office hours. The government is considering introducing this new right as part of a comprehensive workers’ rights package, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Starmer’s spokesman emphasized that the goal of these reforms is to improve the UK’s low productivity levels while ensuring that workers remain motivated and engaged. “Good employers understand that for workers to stay motivated and productive, they need to be…

Perth, Australia — In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title, submitting Israel Adesanya in the main event on Saturday. The South African fighter, who claimed the belt earlier this year by split decision against Sean Strickland, showcased his strength and skill in a dramatic fight that culminated in a third-round submission. The contest, held in a packed arena in Perth, saw Du Plessis, 30, deliver a standout performance against Adesanya, who was vying to reclaim the middleweight crown and secure a third championship title. The fight reached its decisive moment when…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued an urgent appeal for global assistance as the Mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, spreads rapidly across Africa. Symptoms of the virus include high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, swollen glands, chills, joint pain, and fatigue. In a statement released yesterday, ECOWAS highlighted a sharp increase in Mpox cases across several African nations, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana among the hardest hit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed concerns about the virus’s potential to spread beyond the continent if not swiftly contained. “We are…

It is obvious that Nigeria is missing from the Olympic medal table. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 223 million people, failed to secure a single medal at the Paris 2024 Games. This absence is particularly notable compared to other African nations, as Kenya led the continent with 11 medals, followed by South Africa with 6, and Algeria with 3. Nigeria’s zero-medal haul echoes disappointing performances in previous Olympic Games, including London 2012, Seoul 1988, Moscow 1980, and Mexico City 1968. Optimism had been high for Nigeria’s athletes heading into Paris, especially in athletics. Tobi Amusan, the world record…

Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a law student and model, has been forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant amid a wave of xenophobic abuse. Adetshina, whose father is Nigerian and mother Mozambican, was born in Soweto, South Africa, at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and has lived in the country for 23 years. Despite her longstanding ties to South Africa, her place in the competition sparked a furious online backlash. On July 1st, Adetshina was announced as one of 13 finalists vying for the chance to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant. However, her inclusion…

Lagos, Nigeria — As Nigeria grapples with escalating economic challenges and widespread hunger protests, the nation’s political landscape is being reshaped by renewed calls for constitutional reform. On August 9th, 2024, Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, alongside a coalition of prominent figures known as the Patriots, including former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Shehu Sani, Mike Ozekhome, and others met with President Bola Tinubu to advocate for the creation of a new constitution. Anyaoku expressed deep concern over the current state of Nigeria’s governance, arguing that the existing constitution has failed to meet the fundamental needs of its citizens.…