Month: February 2025

DR Congo Conflict: Death Toll Surpasses 900

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Over 900 people have died in the past two weeks due to intense fighting between M23 rebels and government forces in Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization reported on Monday that approximately 2,880 injured people have been admitted to Goma health facilities since January 26. Last week, Rwandan-backed M23 fighters seized Goma’s airport and swept through the city, the capital of North Kivu province, forcing tens of thousands to flee. The rebels have escalated attacks in eastern DRC, claiming control of Goma, establishing checkpoints, and…

USAID places staff on leave as part of Trump’s purge

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The United States Government’s humanitarian agency USAID on Tuesday announced it was placing its staff in the US and around the world on administrative leave as it moved to recall employees from overseas postings.   The agency said in a statement on its website, which reappeared Tuesday that the staff leave will begin shortly before midnight on February 7, 2024.   The administrative leave will hit “all USAID direct hire personnel… with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs.”   “Thank you…

South Korean President Back in Court for Impeachment Hearing

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South Korea’s impeached president, currently suspended from his duties and under arrest, appeared in court on Tuesday for hearings that will determine his official removal from office. The former prosecutor ignited political turmoil in the country on December 3rd when he declared martial law, suspending civilian rule and deploying soldiers to parliament. This attempt at imposing martial law was short-lived, lasting only about six hours, as the opposition-controlled parliament defied the armed troops, voted down the decree, and subsequently impeached him for his actions. In addition to the impeachment proceedings,…

Telecom Tariff Hike: NLC Pauses Protest, Awaiting Review Outcome

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs. This decision followed a meeting between NLC representatives and government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja. The tariff increase, implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was justified by the regulator as necessary due to rising operational costs, including inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and increased energy expenses. The NCC cited its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to ensure the…

Procurement fraud: Emefiele Fights EFCC’s Request for More Witnesses

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Embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to bar the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from calling additional witnesses after 10 had testified in his ongoing procurement fraud trial. Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), contended that since EFCC listed only 10 witnesses in the proof of evidence it filed in court, it should not be allowed to call additional witnesses. But the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, asserting that further testimonies…

PenCom issues new guidelines on PFAs’ branches

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The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has released a new circular outlining the operational guidelines for Licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) regarding their branches and service centers. This directive aims to enhance service delivery by PFAs to meet the growing demand for pension-related services. PenCom, established under the Pension Reform Act 2004, is responsible for regulating, supervising, and ensuring the effective administration of pension matters in Nigeria. The circular specifically targets improving the accessibility and efficiency of services offered to Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders. The circular outlines specific requirements for…

Trump : Funding Cut for South Africa Over Land Seizures

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US President, Donald Trump has said he will cut off future funding to South Africa for “confiscating” land and “treating certain classes of people very badly” pending an investigation. The land issue in South Africa has long been divisive, with efforts to redress the inequality of white-rule drawing criticism from conservatives including the world’s wealthiest person and Trump adviser, Elon Musk. who was born in South Africa. South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill last month that stipulates the government may, in certain circumstances, offer “nil compensation” for property…

Dangote Price Cut: Fuel Importers Fear Losses

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s recent reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol has significantly impacted petroleum marketers. This decision, lowering the price from N950 to N890 per liter, is believed to be a response to warnings that some traders might resort to importing fuel if foreign prices remain lower than locally refined products. Dangote’s stated aim is to provide economic relief and align with global energy sector developments and declining crude oil prices, urging marketers to pass these savings on to consumers. However, the price reduction presents both opportunities and challenges…

Osun Rep : Aregbesola should make peace with Tinubu

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he lawmaker representing the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Oluwole Oke, stated on Sunday that former Governor Rauf Aregbesola should “go and beg, prostrate, and make peace” with his “principal,” President Bola Tinubu. In a social media post, Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, emphasised that if he were in Aregbesola’s position, that is exactly what he would do. The comment comes amid political tension in Osun State, where Omoluabi Progressives, a political group supported by Aregbesola, recently announced its departure…

Tems Makes History with Grammy Win

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Tems, a Nigerian singer whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, has won the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards. Her song “Love Me JeJe” earned her the win, besting tracks from Yemi Alade, Asake featuring Wizkid, Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and Burna Boy. This marks Tems’ second Grammy win. The category itself is relatively new, having been introduced in 2024, with South African artist Tyla taking the inaugural award for her song “Water.” At this year’s Grammys, Tems received three nominations, bringing her career…