Author: New Daily Prime

As the holiday season turns our attention to festive meals like turkey and mince pies, the pressing issue of food security takes center stage. In the UK, an alarming 10 million people face food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to affordable, nutritious food. Compounding this crisis, the government recently warned that the climate crisis poses a serious threat to the nation’s food security. At the same time, farmers have been protesting in Westminster, arguing that a weakened agricultural sector undermines the UK’s ability to produce its own food. FareShare, a network of 8,300 charities, 34 regional centers, and 26,000…

UK mortgage approvals dropped unexpectedly in November, signaling caution among households post-Budget. Consumer credit growth hit a 29-month low as borrowing costs and stamp duty changes impacted the housing market. UK mortgage approvals unexpectedly fell in November, interrupting the gradual recovery in housing market activity. Data released by the Bank of England on Friday revealed a decline in net mortgage approvals — approvals net of cancellations — to 65,700 in November, down from 68,100 in October and below the 68,500 forecast by economists polled by Reuters. The figures indicate growing caution among households following the Autumn Budget, as borrowing costs…

The Deputy National President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, has said each state of the federation should set up its own student loan scheme.Speaking in an interview with New Daily Prime, he opined that doing so would take some financial burdens off the shoulders of parents.According to him, the step would also complement what the federal government has done with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, otherwise known as the Student Loan Scheme.” There is no reason for each state of the federation not to have a similar body like the student loan…

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly expressed admiration for lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, following the latter’s recent release from a correctional facility in Ekiti. In a tweet on Friday, December 3, Obi described Farotimi as a symbol of courage, noting that the activist remained in high spirits despite the challenges he had faced. Obi shared his pleasure at finally meeting with Farotimi after his return from detention and expressed deep encouragement from the activist’s unwavering commitment to advocating for a better Nigeria. “Since his return from the correctional center in Ekiti,…

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo announced on Friday that, starting from the beginning of this year, all African passport holders will enjoy visa-free travel to Ghana. This move is a significant step towards greater economic integration across the continent. The announcement was made during Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation address, as he prepares to step down on January 6 after completing two terms in office. He expressed pride in the decision, noting that it would contribute to the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest trading bloc. “I am proud to have approved visa-free travel…

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has distributed various business equipment to women in Abigborodo, Delta State, to support their economic independence. The distribution, which took place on January 1, was part of the senator’s broader initiative to promote entrepreneurship and skills acquisition among women and youth in rural communities. According to a statement from her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, the empowerment programme aims to help the beneficiaries establish or expand their businesses, thereby improving their economic prospects. The equipment provided included deep freezers, sewing machines, and grinding machines. Abigborodo is the hometown of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, Emmanuel…

US President Joe Biden has decided to block the proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, according to sources close to the administration. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that a formal announcement of the presidential decision is expected as soon as Friday, unless Biden has a last-minute change of heart, which officials do not foresee. Despite pressure from senior advisers who cautioned that blocking such a significant investment could harm relations with Japan, Biden is poised to reject the deal. The transaction was brought to Biden after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United…

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged that his administration will operate with inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, with a focus on the welfare and best interests of the state’s citizens. Speaking during the 2025 first working day prayer meeting at the Governor’s Office in Akure on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his commitment to selflessness, dedication, and love in governance. Reflecting on 2024, the governor expressed gratitude for the successes achieved despite the challenges faced, highlighting that peace and stability had been restored in the state. He emphasised ongoing infrastructure projects, the implementation of the new minimum wage, and various social welfare…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday, Decmber 2, defended his decision to present the 2025 budget to just three lawmakers, asserting that the 27 members of the State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had permanently lost their seats. Fubara, who is currently embroiled in a prolonged dispute with former governor Nyesom Wike, made it clear that the defected lawmakers, loyal to Wike, would not be allowed back into the Assembly. He further insisted that there was no remedy or possibility for their return. Speaking shortly after signing…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning that 2025 could witness a prolonged confrontation between the union and the Federal Government unless concrete actions are taken to address long-standing issues in the university system. The union, led by Prof. Ayo Akinwole of the Ibadan chapter, criticised the federal government’s efforts in 2024 as insufficient, claiming that no significant changes were made in the university sector. In a statement on Wednesday, January 1, ASUU lambasted the government for neglecting the education system and failing to address critical issues outlined in past agreements. These include the non-release…