Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

The UK granted asylum to one person along with 22 family members, most of whom are in their teens, putting significant pressure on the system.The British government is now facing mounting scrutiny after it emerged that a confidential military data breach led to the admission of thousands of Afghan nationals into the United Kingdom—many of them extended family members—under emergency asylum measures. The revelation has raised serious concerns about the strain on public resources and the potential risk to national security. Following the leak of a classified list in 2022, which contained the names of nearly 19,000 Afghans who had…

India has successfully conducted test launches of two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—in a strategic demonstration of military strength following its recent armed conflict with neighbouring Pakistan. The tests were carried out on Thursday, July 17, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, located on India’s southeastern coast. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that both missiles, launched under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, met all technical and operational parameters. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army and defence scientists for their “remarkable achievement,” stating that the tests reflect India’s growing deterrent capabilities and commitment to national defence.…

In a new development, the British government announced on Thursday plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all UK elections, marking a significant shift in the nation’s democratic framework. This comes after a public inquiry highlighted growing concerns over declining voter engagement. The 2024 general election recorded a turnout of just 59.7%—the lowest in over two decades, according to a parliamentary report. The proposed reform, which still requires parliamentary approval, aims to unify voting rights across the United Kingdom—bringing England and Northern Ireland in line with Scotland and Wales, where 16 and 17-year-olds already vote in devolved elections.…

Abuja, Nigeria — As Nigeria intensifies its focus on urban renewal, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has emerged as a prominent symbol of national transformation. Leading this resurgence is Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, who now serves as Minister of the FCT under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Wike’s appointment in August 2023 sparked intense debate across political circles. While supporters hailed it as a strategic move to inject energy and efficiency into Abuja’s development agenda, critics condemned it as a display of political opportunism. A long-time member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP),…

Two Nigerian-born business leaders — private equity titan Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi and tech entrepreneur Tope Awotona — have been named among America’s richest immigrants, according to Forbes’ 2025 annual ranking of foreign-born billionaires. Ogunlesi and Awotona are among 125 billionaires from 41 countries who now call the United States home. Collectively, this elite cohort represents 14 percent of U.S.-based billionaires and holds a staggering 18 percent of the country’s total billionaire wealth. The list, which celebrates the enduring impact of immigrant entrepreneurship, once again underscores the transformative role of foreign-born talent in shaping America’s economic powerhouses — particularly in finance,…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has opened a three-day summit in the American capital with five African heads of state, notably excluding Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria. The summit, which began on Wednesday, is being described by the White House as an “incredible commercial opportunity” as Washington intensifies its “trade, not aid” engagement strategy with the continent. The African leaders hosted include:President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, President Boakai Among of Liberia, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal These leaders, while not representing Africa’s largest or…

The U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly warned that he would “bomb the s**t out of Moscow” if Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, according to bombshell audio tapes revealed in a new political book. The tapes—recorded at a series of 2024 private fundraisers in New York and Florida—were aired Tuesday night by CNN and are featured in the upcoming release, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, authored by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf. “With Putin I said, ‘If you go into Ukraine, I’m going to bomb the sh*t out of Moscow.…

London, UK — Tony Smith, the former director-general of the UK Border Force, has called for a radical overhaul of the asylum system that would require migrants granted refugee status to repay the costs of their accommodation and processing once they are permitted to work. Speaking amid record Channel crossings and spiralling asylum-related expenditure, Mr Smith said the government could recover up to £2.7 billion annually, nearly half of the current £5.4 billion spent each year on supporting asylum seekers. He suggested that migrants who eventually gain the right to work could be required to repay their state-funded housing and…

London, UK – A UK tribunal has blocked the deportation of a Pakistani national with a criminal record after hearing compelling psychological evidence that removal would severely harm the mental health of his eldest son. The Upper Tribunal was informed by expert witnesses that the child—already suffering from heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and stress—would experience significant psychological deterioration if forced to relocate to Pakistan with his family. According to a psychologist’s testimony, the boy’s mental health would likely suffer “profoundly” if he were removed from his established life in the UK. The child reportedly speaks limited Urdu, has no…

Abuja — The World Bank has appointed Dr. Mathew Verghis as its new Country Director for Nigeria, effective July 1, marking a key leadership change in one of the institution’s largest African portfolios. Verghis, an Indian national, succeeds Dr. Ndiame Diop, who has moved to a new role within the organisation. The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by the World Bank on Friday. With more than 20 years of global experience in economic policy and development, Verghis has held senior positions across Africa, East Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. Most recently, he served as Regional Director for Prosperity…