Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

 Plans for a vast new Chinese embassy complex in central London are facing renewed scrutiny amid revelations about an extensive underground structure whose purpose remains unclear and which lies close to some of Britain’s most sensitive communications infrastructure. China purchased the former Royal Mint site near the Tower of London in 2018 for £255 million, a move that attracted attention both for its scale and symbolism. At the time, British officials were assured that the site would be used for standard diplomatic purposes. However, planning documents later submitted by Beijing revealed proposals far more ambitious than a conventional embassy. Read…

Tehran says it is “ready for war but also dialogue” as demonstrations spread nationwide and the death toll climbs past 500  Iran has signaled a willingness to negotiate with the Trump administration after the U.S. president warned that Tehran was “crossing a line” by using lethal force against protesters, even as nationwide demonstrations intensified and the reported death toll surged beyond 500. President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran had reached out to Washington seeking talks, following his public threats of potential military action in response to what he described as an increasingly violent crackdown on civilians. “Iran called. They…

A senior pro-Kremlin commentator –  Vladimir Solovyov has openly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to broaden Moscow’s military ambitions beyond Ukraine, arguing that Russia should abandon restraint and explicitly define a “zone of influence” where it would tolerate no anti-Russian governments. The remarks, broadcast on Russian state media, called for Moscow to “make clear that the games are over” and dismiss international law in favour of securing perceived national interests. The comments underscore rising tensions on the global stage, coming as  Donald Trump has again intensified his controversial push for American control of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory of major…

The number of people sleeping rough on the streets of the capital has risen by 63 per cent since Sadiq Khan became mayor, new figures reveal – yet the London mayor insists he is “confident” he can reverse the trend and end rough sleeping entirely by 2030. According to data from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), rough sleeping in London increased from 8,096 in 2015/16 to 13,231 in the most recent count – a sharp rise that has fuelled criticism of the mayor’s record on homelessness. Sir Sadiq Khan, speaking exclusively to the Local Democracy Reporting Service during…

In a world where economic volatility hits hard, the naira has been on a rollercoaster – dipping to record lows against the pound and dollar amid inflation woes and forex shortages. But stronger ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offer a lifeline, potentially easing these pains through boosted remittances, smart investments, and trade pacts. For Nigerians at home or in the UK diaspora – over 270,000 strong – this could mean steadier finances, better exchange rates, and fresh business avenues. As global partners like the UAE deepen links with Africa, Nigeria stands to gain if leaders like President Bola…

Abuja/Abu Dhabi, January 12, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has jetted into Abu Dhabi, the gleaming capital of the United Arab Emirates, for the kick-off of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week – a star-studded global summit on green energy and climate action. The 73-year-old leader arrived late Sunday evening local time, greeted with open arms by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, in what aides call a “strategic push” to snag vital investments for Nigeria’s shift from oil dependency. Tinubu’s private jet landed around 11:30pm, with the president looking sharp in a crisp suit…

Plateau State’s All Progressives Congress has kicked off its electronic membership drive with a bang, as Governor Caleb Mutfwang , sets sights on delivering one million votes for President Tinubu in 2027. The launch signals APC’s aggressive push to solidify its hold in the north-central state amid opposition disarray. Mutfwang, who switched from PDP last month, hailed the exercise as a “milestone” for consolidation. “We’re building a massive base for victory,” he said at the flag-off. The e-system requires NIN and voter’s cards for over-18s, aiming for transparency and growth. Plateau’s move mirrors nationwide efforts: Enugu eyes two million, FCT…

Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has come out swinging against fresh impeachment threats targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara, branding the move a leftover ploy from the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) designed to sow discord. In a blistering statement, local APC chiefs warned that such “imported chaos” could fracture the party at a crucial time, urging lawmakers to drop the axe and focus on governance instead. This latest flare-up in the oil-rich southern state underscores the fragile alliances within Nigeria’s political landscape, where personal rivalries often eclipse public service. The drama unfolded as the Rivers State House…

Washington and Tehran edged closer to a dangerous confrontation over the weekend as President Donald Trump was warned by senior military officials that the United States armed forces require more time to prepare for any potential strikes against Iran. The warning came amid escalating protests across Iran and growing speculation about imminent US military action in the Middle East. Concerns about a possible strike intensified on Saturday evening after evidence emerged that two American C-17A military transport aircraft departed from Germany and appeared to be heading toward the Middle East. While the Pentagon has not confirmed the mission, the movements…

Donald Trump said on Saturday night that he was ready to help Iranians protesting against the regime, as discussions reportedly began within his circle over possible military options against the country. For the past two weeks, Iran’s streets have been gripped by unrest as nationwide protests entered their 14th consecutive night. Demonstrators have called for an end to clerical rule despite a heavy security crackdown that activists say has left hundreds dead. Witnesses and medical sources describe overwhelmed hospitals, overcrowded morgues, and security forces allegedly targeting protesters’ eyes—a tactic documented during previous uprisings. Amid the unrest, the former US president…