Author: Olukayode Oke

Nigeria Secures €300 Million Development Partnership With France. In a significant stride towards bolstering economic growth and sustainable development, Nigeria has entered into a €300 million development partnership with France. This landmark agreement is set to drive investments in key sectors such as healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and agricultural value chains. The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, signed the agreements on behalf of Nigeria, while France’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Mr Antoine Armand, represented the French Government. The partnership also involves France’s development agency, AFD (Agence Française de Développement).…

Governor Zulum Urges Caution Over Tax Reform Bills. Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has voiced strong opposition to the proposed tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly, warning of their potential adverse effects on the northern region and other parts of the country. In an interview with the BBC Hausa service, Governor Zulum criticised the swift progress of the bills, which were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September. He noted that such rapid legislative action is unusual, pointing out that other significant bills, such as the petroleum bill, took…

Zelensky Proposes NATO Membership For Unoccupied Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that the areas of Ukraine currently under Kyiv’s control could come under NATO’s protection as a potential solution to ending the war’s “hot phase”. Speaking in a comprehensive interview with Sky News, Zelensky expressed willingness to consider NATO membership for the territories still under Ukraine’s control, but only if membership was first extended to the entire country within its internationally recognised borders. He suggested that once this was achieved, Ukraine could pursue the return of Russian-occupied regions through diplomatic negotiations. The idea remains speculative, as…

Syrian Rebels Launch Significant Offensive In Aleppo. Rebel forces in Syria have reportedly gained control of multiple neighbourhoods in Aleppo, marking the most significant challenge to the Syrian government in years. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, rebels now hold more than half of the country’s second-largest city. This development represents the first major rebel presence in Aleppo since 2016, when government forces, supported by Russian allies, expelled opposition groups. The recent advance was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group, alongside allied factions. Verified footage shows rebel fighters…

Australia Enforces Social Media Ban For Under-16s. Australia has introduced a landmark law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, marking one of the strictest regulations globally aimed at Big Tech. The law, approved on Thursday after extensive debate, will come into effect by late 2025, making Australia a test case for similar initiatives worldwide. The Social Media Minimum Age Bill mandates platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) to prevent access for underage users. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines of up to A$49.5 million (£25.5 million) for tech companies. A trial phase to…

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed As WTO Director-General. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Council has announced the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second term as Director-General. Her new term will commence on 1 September 2025, solidifying her leadership for another four years. Dr Okonjo-Iweala, who made history in 2021 as the first woman and first African to hold the position, has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to global trade reform, inclusive trade policies, and efforts to strengthen multilateral trade systems. Her reappointment reflects widespread confidence in her ability to guide the WTO through ongoing global economic challenges,…

Nigeria Targets Trade Balance In Partnership With China. The Federal Government has announced ambitious plans to reverse Nigeria’s $20 billion trade deficit with China and transform the nation into a net exporter to the Chinese market within the next five years. This was disclosed by Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, during the opening ceremony of the China-Nigeria Infrastructure Cooperation Forum and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Exhibition held in Abuja on Thursday. Tegbe highlighted the disparity in trade, noting that while Nigeria imported nearly $20 billion worth of goods from China…

Nigeria And France Strengthen Ties With Focus On Education And Investment. During a high-profile meeting at the Palais de l’Élysée, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s strategy to tackle its out-of-school children crisis through education and skills training. Speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Tinubu highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to returning children to classrooms and equipping older youths with skills for the workforce. The President emphasised that insecurity in parts of Nigeria had made it difficult for children to attend school, but ongoing efforts were gradually improving the situation. “We are re-populating classrooms and bridging the gaps…

Ukraine’s Energy Workers Battle Winter And Russian Strikes. As Ukraine braces for another harsh winter, its energy workers are engaged in a relentless battle to maintain power amidst Russia’s targeted attacks on the nation’s infrastructure. The task is monumental, with engineers racing against time to repair the damage caused by frequent missile and drone strikes. Inside a battered thermal power station, workers are seen labouring under extraordinary conditions. Patches of snow accumulate indoors, as gaping holes in the roof leave the facility exposed to the elements. Despite these challenges, engineers are determined to keep the country’s lights on. …

Former Childcare Worker Ashley Paul Griffith Sentenced To Life In Prison For Abusing Dozens Of Children. Ashley Paul Griffith, a former childcare worker dubbed “one of Australia’s worst paedophiles,” has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing nearly 70 young girls over a 19-year period. Griffith, 47, was found guilty of 307 offences committed across childcare centres in Queensland, Australia, and abroad between 2003 and 2022. His victims, all girls aged between one and seven, were subjected to his horrific crimes, which included rape and the creation and distribution of child exploitation material. …

Premier League Clubs Gear Up For January Transfer Window. As the January transfer window approaches, speculation surrounding high-profile moves is heating up, with several Premier League clubs planning big-money transfers and strategic reinforcements. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, 32, remains a top target for Saudi Pro League clubs. The Egyptian winger, who has been a pivotal figure for the Reds, is reportedly the league’s “dream” signing for the next season, as Saudi teams continue to attract global stars. Manchester United are preparing a £50 million bid for Benfica’s 22-year-old Portuguese defender Tomás Araújo. The Red Devils will face stiff competition…

Hummels’ Late Equaliser Denies Spurs Victory In Europa League Clash. Veteran defender Mats Hummels salvaged a dramatic point for Claudio Ranieri’s Roma with a stoppage-time equaliser against Tottenham in the Europa League. The 35-year-old Germany international, making his first European appearance since the Champions League final in July, endured a turbulent evening. Hummels conceded an early penalty after fouling Pape Matar Sarr in the box, which Son Heung-min converted to give Spurs an early lead. However, he redeemed himself in the dying moments, tapping in Angelino’s precise cross to secure a 2-2 draw. Tottenham dominated the first half,…