Reduction of military presence is latest sign of weakening western influence in region French troops will begin to withdraw from Ivory Coast in west Africa this month, marking the latest reduction of France’s military presence and a further weakening of western influence in the region. Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara made the announcement in a new year’s address that French troops would pull out from a base in the capital Abidjan…

Critics warn President Bola Tinubu’s proposed changes to VAT distribution will help wealthier southern states Nigeria’s government is facing stiff opposition to a controversial tax reform bill that northern leaders say favours more productive southern states, reawakening a historic regional divide in Africa’s most populous country. Nigeria’s parliament late last month began deliberating on four bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the so-called “Nigeria Tax Bill”, to streamline…

Citizens with local passports have more difficulty moving across the continent than European and American visitors The Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote and I don’t have much in common. While he oversees a sprawling empire worth billions of dollars, I spend my days here writing about business and wondering which countries will next fall prey to the whims of disgruntled putschists. But we’re both African citizens who share a common bugbear:…

Nigerians in the UK endure severe weather for crossover church Services, While Britons Celebrate with pubs and fireworks Celebrations to mark the beginning of a new year have been a tradition for thousands of years, with people around the globe embracing unique customs and rituals to usher in fresh beginnings. January 1st is universally recognized as a time for reflection on the past year and a moment to set aspirations…

Lasu professor calls for professionalism in appointing Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister. He urged the government to prioritize career diplomats over politically driven choices, warning against “paternalism” that undermines foreign policy. A History Professor at Lagos State University (LASU), James Falode, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize professionalism and competence in appointing individuals to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Professor Falode stressed the importance of selecting seasoned…

By Michael Damilola Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s political sphere. Renowned for his outspoken demeanor, decisive actions, and focus on infrastructure development, Wike has consistently commanded attention and sparked debates across the nation. Since assuming office as FCT Minister, Wike has initiated bold reforms, including the revocation of undeveloped plots owned by…

Former Kano State Governor and 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly refuted allegations of a supposed agreement with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) regarding a rotational presidency arrangement for the 2027 elections. In an interview with BBC Hausa on Monday morning, Kwankwaso vehemently denied claims that he, Atiku, and Obi…

A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea crashed on arrival Sunday, smashing into a barrier and bursting into flames, killing everyone aboard except for two flight attendants plucked from the wreckage. A bird strike was cited by authorities as the likely cause of the crash — the worst ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil — which flung passengers out of the plane and left…

Human rights activists say at least 130 people killed after ruling party’s Daniel Chapo confirmed winner of election Human rights activists in Mozambique have accused the ruling Frelimo party of orchestrating looting and violence, including organising mass prison breakouts, as cover for a brutal crackdown they say has killed at least 130 people since Christmas Day. “The strategy of Frelimo now is to create a state of terror,” said Quitéria…

A human rights advocate, who has been in the news for months, Dele Farotimi has thanked Nigerians for standing by him during his time in prison, regardless of his tribe or religion. Farotimi was remanded by the Ekiti State magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti court for 21 days after he was accused of “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a book titled: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal…

Kemi Badenoch is facing mounting criticism for engaging in a public spat with Nigel Farage over claims regarding Reform UK’s membership numbers. The dispute has drawn warnings from within her own Conservative Party, with members and political observers questioning the wisdom of such confrontations during a politically precarious time. The New Daily Prime earlier reported Farage claimed that Reform UK’s membership had surpassed the Conservative Party’s, a claim Badenoch dismissed…

The widow of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Betty, has dissociated herself from the memorial lecture being planned by the state government in honour of her husband. The state government had scheduled the lecture, which is part of a series of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023, for Friday in Akure, the state capital. Renowned lawyer, Femi Falani (SAN),…