Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

In an unexpected geopolitical development, a senior Kremlin envoy has proposed the construction of a 70-mile “Putin–Trump Unity Tunnel” connecting Russia and the United States beneath the Bering Strait, a project envisioned as a symbol of global cooperation and peace. Kirill Dmitriev, Moscow’s special envoy for international economic and investment cooperation, unveiled the idea on Thursday, describing it as a “once-in-a-century opportunity” to unite two continents. Dmitriev, who also plays a key role in peace negotiations concerning Ukraine, suggested that the ambitious project could be built using cutting-edge tunnelling technology developed by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk through his company, The…

Barely 24 hours after one another, two state governors from Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have abandoned the party, deepening concerns that the country’s political landscape is tilting dangerously towards a one-party state. On Tuesday, Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu State, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his entire State Executive Council. By Wednesday, Douye Diri, governor of the oil-rich Bayelsa State, announced his resignation from the PDP, further rattling opposition ranks. The defections, confirmed by senior party figures and widely covered in Nigeria’s local press, have sparked renewed anxiety over…

Migrants coming to the UK for work will soon be required to speak English to an A-level standard under new immigration rules set out by the government, in one of the most significant overhauls of the visa system in a decade. The changes, due to take effect from 8 January 2026, will apply to applicants for skilled worker, scale-up, and high potential individual (HPI) visas,  categories designed for professionals and graduates entering the UK labour market. The move forms part of the government’s May 2025 immigration white paper, which aims to reduce net migration and tighten entry requirements for foreign…

Madagascar’s military has seized control of the country after weeks of youth-led unrest, forcing President Andry Rajoelina to flee abroad amid a deepening political crisis on the Indian Ocean island. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite Capsat military unit, appeared on national television on Monday to announce that the army had taken power and would oversee a two-year transition leading to a new constitution and elections. “The renovation period will last a maximum of two years,” Col Randrianirina said. “During this time, a referendum will be held to establish a new constitution, followed by elections to gradually set up…

Germany has revoked the citizenship of a Palestinian man who publicly praised Hamas just one day after receiving his German passport , a rare and politically charged move that underscores Berlin’s zero-tolerance policy toward expressions of support for the militant group. The man, identified only as Abdallah, had recently completed his naturalisation process and celebrated being granted German citizenship. But within 24 hours, he posted an image on Instagram depicting Hamas fighters alongside the caption “heroes of Palestine.” According to the German newspaper Bild, the post prompted swift action from authorities. Abdallah soon received an official letter from the Federal…

Britain is set to endure the weakest growth in living standards of any major Western economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned, as stubbornly high inflation and a slowing economy weigh heavily on household incomes. In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF forecast that UK growth per person, a key measure of living standards  would rise by just 0.5 per cent in 2026, compared with 1.8 per cent in the United States and 1.2 per cent in Japan. The eurozone is also expected to outpace Britain, posting growth of 0.9 per cent per head. Living standards under strain…

A 58-year-old teacher, Farooq Ahmed, has been banned from teaching for life after he was found guilty of hitting a pupil with a ruler and kicking a chair that another child was sitting on at Oasis Academy, North Avenue, Bradford. The incident occurred on November 24, 2023, barely three months after Mr Ahmed joined the school at the start of the academic year. He was suspended three days later and formally resigned from his post on January 15, 2024, the same day he received a conditional police caution from West Yorkshire Police for assault by beating. Read Also: Arsenal Tivat’s Europe…

The Afe Babalola University scholar explains that as long as due process is followed, the President’s decision stands beyond legal challenge. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 11, 2025, granted presidential pardons and clemency to 175 individuals, including former lawmaker Farouk Lawan; Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband; late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa; nationalist Herbert Macaulay; Mamman Vatsa; and several others. In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision followed recommendations made by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired…

Britain’s global influence appeared notably diminished yesterday as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was left queuing behind other world leaders to greet US President Donald Trump at a high-stakes Gaza peace summit, according to The Daily Express. The awkward moment, captured by international press photographers, showed Sir Keir fidgeting in the desert heat as he waited in line behind Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while President Trump stood at the centre of attention following the signing of a landmark ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The scene underscored what observers described as a…

It was a day of joy, pride, and patriotism as Nigerians across the United Kingdom, especially those from the North West of England, gathered at the Nigeria House in Manchester on Saturday, October 11, 2025, to celebrate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The colourful event, themed “Relax, Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria,” was organised by the Nigerian Community in Greater Manchester under the leadership of Alhaji Kumoye. The ceremony brought together Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from across the UK, who came to honour their homeland and reflect on the nation’s journey of unity, resilience, and hope. Among the dignitaries present were…