Author: Aminu Ridwan

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated plans to impose visa restrictions on Nigeria and 35 other countries, according to a report by The Washington Post. An internal memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, dated Saturday, outlines a proposal for a sweeping travel policy targeting countries that fall short of new U.S. State Department requirements. The listed countries have been given 60 days to comply with the new benchmarks or risk facing entry bans or tightened visa controls. The proposal, which primarily affects African nations, includes Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, and…

As Nigeria continues to grapple with evolving security threats, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on newly passed-out recruits of the Nigerian Army to remain steadfast and combat-ready in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the 88 Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday, where 6,195 recruits completed their training, General Oluyede stressed the need for professionalism, resilience, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity. He reminded the recruits of the army’s core values—discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service, courage, and respect for…

The Oyo State chapter of the Child Protection Network (CPN) has distributed relief materials to 32 homes and organisations across Ibadan, in a bid to support vulnerable and less privileged children under their care. Speaking during the exercise, State Coordinator of CPN, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to extend their generosity to disadvantaged children in society, emphasizing that such gestures help them live more meaningful lives. She explained that the initiative reflects CPN’s core mission of uplifting vulnerable children through collective efforts. Dr. Odigbo also acknowledged BoxAid Global as a vital partner in the initiative, noting…

The Kwara State Government has announced a partial closure of the Post Office to Challenge section of Muritala Mohammed Way, beginning Sunday, June 15, 2025, to enable asphalt laying as part of the ongoing road upgrade project. The state’s Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed that while the road will remain open to traffic, diversions will be implemented to manage vehicular movement. He advised motorists to anticipate delays, exercise caution, and comply with traffic officials. “We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public’s cooperation,” Olododo stated. “This upgrade is crucial for improving the road’s functionality and…

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reopen investigations into the unresolved assassinations of notable Nigerians, including journalist Dele Giwa, former Attorney-General Bola Ige, and pro-democracy activist Kudirat Abiola. Addressing a group of journalists in Lagos on Saturday, Soyinka emphasized the importance of resolving these long-standing cases, suggesting that some Nigerians—both within and outside the country—may hold key information that could illuminate the circumstances surrounding the killings. His comments came as part of his reflections on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, marked annually on June 12. This year’s commemoration saw President Tinubu address the National Assembly and bestow…

June 14, 2025 Manchester United are weighing a potential move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen following Arsenal’s advances in the race for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. Both Premier League giants are in the hunt for a new centre-forward this summer. However, tensions have emerged between Gyokeres and Sporting CP over transfer terms, with the Swedish international and his camp accusing the Portuguese club of reneging on previously agreed conditions regarding his release fee. Arsenal have already tabled a €55 million (£46.8m) bid plus €10 million (£8.5m) in performance-related add-ons, which was rejected. A revised offer is anticipated, and with Champions…

Mpox is spreading swiftly across Sierra Leone, with confirmed cases now recorded in all 16 regions, including the capital city, Freetown. Health authorities report being overwhelmed as they scramble to isolate and treat patients amid a surge in infections that has already exceeded last year’s total cases across the continent. In January, the government began treating mpox patients at home in a bid to preserve hospital capacity for malaria cases and pregnancy-related complications. However, the approach proved ineffective. The virus, which transmits through close physical contact, quickly spread through densely populated communities, causing a spike in infections. Several isolation centres…

In a recent interview with TVC on June 9, 2025, Maryam Abacha, widow of the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, stirred fresh controversy by claiming that the over $3.8 billion recovered from various countries—often referred to as the “Abacha loot”—was not stolen, but rather funds her husband “saved” for Nigeria. She alleged that the money mysteriously disappeared shortly after Abacha’s death in 1998. “Who witnessed any funds being stashed abroad?” she asked rhetorically. “No one has produced signatures or definitive proof. Those funds my husband kept for Nigeria were gone within months, but no one talks about that.” Echoing…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities, citing their threat to public safety and environmental sustainability. During a recent inspection of the Ibadan Circular Road project, the Director-General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency, Abiodun Oni, restated the governor’s zero-tolerance stance on unauthorised mining. He said illegal excavation has caused significant environmental degradation, particularly in the Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas. Oni explained that the inspection was a follow-up to an earlier visit by the governor, who had issued a directive to halt all harmful mining practices in the…

The Kwara State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) ushered in a new era of leadership with the inauguration of its newly elected executives at the NUJ Hall, GRA, Ilorin. The event was anchored by Comrade Ilias Kamaldeen, a former Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to a past NANS Kwara Chairman. In his welcome address, Comrade Ibrahim Razak Jeje, founder of ZETSI Africa, reflected on the rich history of NANS, highlighting its achievements, challenges, and the road ahead for the student movement. His remarks set the tone for a day filled with reflection, motivation, and optimism.…