Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

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…

Eighty asylum seekers locked up at Harmondsworth immigration removal centre have issued a desperate plea for a United Nations investigation into what they describe as inhumane treatment by UK authorities. These men, who fled war-torn countries like Sudan, Afghanistan, and Iran, have compiled a harrowing report detailing experiences of fear, humiliation, and severe mental harm – painting a grim picture of Britain’s detention system. The detainees, many of whom crossed the Channel in small boats seeking safety, speak of being held in conditions that exacerbate their trauma. They report inadequate medical care, limited access to lawyers, and insufficient time to…

A  new poll has laid bare the huge gap between public perception and the reality of immigration in Britain. Two-thirds of voters (67 per cent) believe numbers coming to the UK have gone up over the past year – even though official figures show net migration has crashed to its lowest level in years. The survey, carried out by More in Common and shared exclusively with The Guardian, found that only a small fraction of people realise the true picture. Net migration dropped to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, down from a peak of 944,000 and the lowest…

Home Office has rolled out fresh amendments to the UK’s immigration rules, bringing Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual (HPI), and Scale-up visa categories fully in line with recent reforms. These changes, effective from January 8, 2026, enforce a higher English language threshold and refine salary calculations, closing loopholes for transitional applications. Under the updates, detailed in Statement of Changes HC 1333, English proficiency for Skilled Worker applicants jumps from CEFR level B1 to B2 – meaning better skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This aims to ensure migrants integrate more seamlessly into the workforce and society. For HPI and…

Fresh tensions have erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) late last year. Former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole has publicly declared that the governor joined an “illegal” faction of the party, warning that this misalignment could jeopardize his political future and risk repeating the disastrous 2019 election crisis. In a Channels Television interview, Cole insisted that the Emeka Beke-led faction remains the only authentic and legally recognized structure of the Rivers APC, backed by a court judgment affirming its leadership. He dismissed the Tony Okocha-led…