UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that a return to war in Gaza must be avoided at all costs amid fears that the three-week-old ceasefire agreement between Hamas fighters and Israel is about to end. Guterres disclosed this in a statement relayed to journalists by UN Geneva spokesperson Rolando Gomez on Tuesday. “We must at all…
Pope Francis has once again been unable to deliver a public address due to ongoing bronchitis. During the weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, the 88-year-old pontiff, who leads 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, asked a priest to read his prepared statement on his behalf. He explained that he was unable to read it…
The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, has urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to use his leadership to end the persistent violence in Benue State, particularly following a deadly assault on the Yelwata community that claimed over 200 lives. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Makurdi on Wednesday, the traditional ruler, who also heads the…
The trial of former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke opened in London on Tuesday, with prosecutors alleging she accepted cash and luxury benefits from oil executives seeking favourable treatment. Alexandra Healy, for the prosecution, told Southwark Crown Court that Alison-Madueke received at least £100,000 in cash, private jet flights, chauffeur-driven vehicles and high-value goods while…
In a courtroom showdown in New York, Donald Trump engaged in a fiery clash with a judge as he provided testimony in a civil fraud trial. The former president vigorously defended his family’s business while disputing allegations of bank deception. This trial, presided over by a judge who has previously ruled that the Trump Organization…
The United Kingdom on Wednesday said a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) has been opened in Ikeja, through its new commercial partner, VFS Global. The British Deputy High Commission, which made this known in a statement, said it was the largest in Africa. It noted that VFS Global also opened United Kingdom VAC in Abuja…
Eight high-profile terrorist leaders operating in Nigeria’s troubled North-West have surrendered their weapons and released 16 abducted civilians in a significant step towards peace, the Nigerian Army has confirmed. In a statement published across its official social media channels, the Army attributed the breakthrough to an ongoing surrender and reintegration initiative under Operation Fasan Yamma,…
The Senate has urged Nigerians, particularly Katsina communities, to remain united and vigilant amid worsening insecurity, warning against internal collaborators undermining national security. Lawmakers cautioned that individuals aiding or shielding criminals posed grave threats to peace, stability and effective security operations across affected communities. The call followed a Point of Order raised by Sen. Muntari…
The minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said that Nigeria is committed to prioritising identity verification on consular services to bolster its new visa regime. Mr Tuggar disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a pitch presentation by ASFAAR, a visa and tour company, aimed at easing visa processing for Nigerians. President Bola Tinubu…
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Sheikh Abdur Hadiyyatullah, the President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria. Hadiyyatullah, also the founder and director of Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College of Nigeria in Iwo, Osun, died on Monday, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Tuesday….
