Category Archives: Featured

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AU congratulates South Africa as G20 Chair, Host

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The African Union Commission (AUC) has congratulated the Republic of South Africa on assuming the G20 Chair and for hosting the G20 Summit in Africa for the first time, a milestone highlighting South Africa’s growing influence in global governance.

In a statement, the AUC praised South Africa for its leadership in promoting the priorities of the Global South, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening inclusive global governance.

Read Also: Xi Jinping congratulates Paul Biya on re-election, pledges to strengthen China-Cameroon ties

The commission also noted South Africa’s status as a vibrant democracy, emphasizing its commitment to equality, human rights, and the rule of law, guided by values reflected in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Highlighting South Africa’s diversity, the AUC stated that the nation’s multicultural population and inclusive society serve as a source of national strength and global admiration.

The African Union encouraged international partners to engage with South Africa and the wider African continent based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation, supporting Africa’s continued role in global peace, development, and prosperity.

FULL LIST: UK advises citizens against travel to 21 Nigerian States amid rising insecurity

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The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned British citizens against traveling to 21 states in Nigeria, citing rising insecurity, kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal clashes. The advisory was last updated on October 21.

In the north-east, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Gombe, due to risks of retaliatory attacks linked to ongoing military operations. Only essential travel is recommended for Bauchi state, where threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa remain high, particularly around transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings.

In the north-west, the advisory warned against all travel to Katsina and Zamfara, citing frequent banditry and violent attacks. Essential travel only is advised for Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Sokoto.

For north-central Nigeria, the FCDO cautioned against non-essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states. In Abuja, rising violent crime, including firearm-related incidents, and protests that may turn violent were highlighted.

In the south-east, the advisory warned against non-essential travel to Abia, Anambra, Imo, due to activities of active secessionist groups. Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states were also flagged.

Read Also: UK politicians should focus on British issues

In Lagos, the FCDO highlighted high levels of crime, particularly on the mainland, with street crime posing significant risks to travelers.

Here are 21 the Nigerian States

North-East (avoid all travel):
• Borno
• Yobe
• Adamawa
• Gombe
North-East (essential travel only):
• Bauchi
North-West (avoid all travel):
• Katsina
• Zamfara
North-West (essential travel only):
• Kaduna
• Kebbi
• Jigawa
• Sokoto
North-Central (non-essential travel only):
• Niger
• Kogi
• Plateau
• Taraba
South-East (non-essential travel only):
• Abia
• Anambra
• Imo
South-South (non-riverine areas, non-essential travel only):
• Delta
• Bayelsa
• Rivers
FCDO also highlighted high crime in:
• Lagos (mainland)
• Abuja (capital, with violent crime and protests)

Amnesty calls for full exoneration of Ogoni Nine on 30th anniversary of execution

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Abuja, Nigeria — Marking 30 years since the brutal execution of nine leading environmental activists, the Ogoni Nine, Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian government to fully exonerate the men, who were executed for fighting to protect the Niger Delta from oil giant Shell. The anniversary coincides with the start of COP 30 in Brazil.

The Ogoni Nine, led by writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, were executed in 1995 following a sham trial, bringing international attention to the devastating social, environmental, and economic impacts of oil production in the Niger Delta.

While the Nigerian government granted a pardon in June 2025, Amnesty International says this falls short of the justice the activists and their families deserve.

“The Ogoni Nine were executed for a crime they did not commit,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Nigeria Country Director. “Their friends and family have suffered for decades and deserve full exoneration.”

Esther Kiobel, widow of Dr. Barinem Kiobel, one of the Ogoni Nine, emphasized the importance of clearing her husband’s name.

“My husband was killed like a criminal. All I wanted was for his name to be exonerated – it is what I still want,” she said.

The executions followed a violent crackdown on the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which protested against oil spills and gas flaring in Ogoniland. Amnesty International has documented Shell’s role in encouraging the Nigerian military’s actions, including raids on 43 villages in 1994 that led to multiple deaths.

The legacy of oil spills and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta continues to devastate communities. Poorly maintained pipelines and inadequate clean-ups by Shell and other companies have destroyed farmland, contaminated water sources, and left millions struggling to survive in poverty.

Read Also: Thousands of climate-displaced Somalis abandoned by authorities, Amnesty Int’l claims

“The execution of these activists set a precedent that allowed oil companies and the government to intimidate communities demanding justice and environmental protection,” Sanusi added.

Despite ongoing pollution, affected communities remain defiant. This year, residents of Ogale and Bille have filed a case against Shell in the UK’s Royal Courts of Justice, seeking cleanup of oil spills that have ravaged their livelihoods. Their case is set to be heard in March 2027.

Amnesty International’s report, Extraction Extinction, to be released on 12 November, highlights the threats fossil fuels pose to life, nature, and human rights. It includes a case study on the Niger Delta and a dedication to the Ogoni Nine.

Amnesty calls on Shell to engage affected communities in meaningful consultations, provide full remediation of environmental damage, and offer adequate compensation, in line with international human rights standards.

Background: The Ogoni Nine included Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbokoo, and Ken Saro-Wiwa. They were executed after a flawed trial for allegedly being involved in murders, though their true “crime” was challenging Shell’s environmental destruction in Ogoniland.

APC hails Tinubu for neutrality in Anambra election

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The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for defending Nigeria’s democracy by maintaining neutrality in Saturday’s Anambra governorship election.

The party’s Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, gave the commendation in a statement on Monday in Lagos,

According to him, Tinubu’s stance demonstrates his commitment to credible elections and deepening  democracy.

“The President has once again shown that he remains the most credible defender of Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging transparency and refusing to interfere in the electoral process,” Oladejo said.

Oladejo said the President’s decision not to interfere in the poll reaffirmed his reputation as a true democrat and strengthened public confidence in the electoral system.

He also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election.

According to him, the conduct of the election under the new INEC leadership reflects a bold and refreshing new dawn in Nigeria’s democratic experience.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

He added that the outcome of the Anambra election revealed the disunity and lack of structure within the opposition coalition.

Oladejo said the election  exposed the “paper-thin” nature of the coalition, which he described as a gathering of “political wanderers and competing egoists.”

According to him, the result shows that the so-called coalition lacks vision, organisation and national appeal.

“A group that cannot win in its own stronghold should stop dreaming of national victory,” he said.

Oladejo added that while the opposition search for excuses, the APC would continue to focus on governance and reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said the ruling party remained the only political organisation with national depth, structure and discipline.

“The Anambra election is a warning to the opposition that the era of emotional blackmail is over,” he said.

NAN reports that INEC declared Gov. Charles Soludo and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winner of the Saturday governorship election after polling 422,664 votes.

Soludo’s closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu, of the APC, garnered 99,445 votes.

Similarly, Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes, while John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored 8,208 votes.

George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP) and Jude Ezenwafor of the PDP scored 10,576 votes and 1,401 votes, respectively.

(NAN)

AU expresses concern over deteriorating security in Mali

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep concern over the rapidly worsening security situation in Mali, where terrorist groups have imposed blockades, disrupted access to essential supplies, and severely affected humanitarian conditions for civilians.

In a statement, the Chairperson condemned the deliberate attacks on innocent civilians, which have caused significant loss of life and increased instability across the region.

He reaffirmed solidarity with the Government and people of Mali, as well as the families of the victims, emphasizing the African Union’s continued commitment to peace, security, and development in the Sahel.

Read Also: UN genocide prevention chief warns of atrocity crimes in Sudan’s El Fasher

The statement also strongly condemned recent kidnappings, including the abduction of three Egyptian nationals, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. Such acts were described as serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

H.E. Youssouf called for a coordinated international response to combat terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel, urging enhanced cooperation, intelligence sharing, and sustained support for affected states, in line with the Communiqué of the 1304th African Union ministerial meeting held on 30 September 2025.

The Chairperson concluded by reaffirming the African Union’s readiness to support Mali and other Sahel countries during this challenging period, providing assistance to strengthen their efforts toward peace and stability.

Navy rescues 10 crew members from distressed vessel

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The Nigerian Navy has rescued 10 crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III, which was enroute Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Monday in Abuja.

Adams-Aliu said that the navy had proven its swift response capability and dedication to saving lives at sea.

He said the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA on Friday.

Read Also: Navy dismantles 10 Illegal refining sites in Delta, seizes 27,000 litres of stolen products

“Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed.

“On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday.

“The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its timely intervention and exceptional professionalism,” he said.

Adams-Aliu said the successful rescue operation underscores the Nigerian navy’s renewed efforts to ensure maritime safety, protection of critical national assets, and promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

(NAN)

Western Union unveils new growth strategy, targets $5b revenue by 2028

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New York, USA — The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) today outlined its medium-term growth strategy and financial outlook during its Investor Day event in New York City. The company projects a 20% revenue increase, targeting up to $5 billion by 2028, as it accelerates its transformation into a digital-first financial services provider.

Speaking at the event, Devin McGranahan, President and CEO of Western Union, said the company’s vision is to make financial services accessible to people everywhere.

“Over the past three years, we have evolved to become a digital-first company, enabled by our retail network, serving customers beyond remittance, all powered by our market-leading platform,” McGranahan said.

Looking ahead, Western Union aims to expand beyond traditional remittance services, strengthening its Digital Asset Network and advancing its USDPT stablecoin strategy.

Read Also: Youth Charter launches Africa expansion of “Youth 4 Africa” framework

“Our strategy is clear—digital-first, driving growth across channels, geographies, and products to meet our customers’ evolving financial needs,” McGranahan added.

2028 Financial Outlook

Western Union forecasts revenue between $4.8 billion and $5.3 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.15 to $2.45 by 2028. The company said this projection reflects its new long-term strategy, dubbed “Beyond”, which focuses on reimagining customer engagement, expanding digital capabilities, and leveraging its global network for broader financial inclusion.

Investor Day Webcast

The Investor Day event began at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 6, 2025, and features presentations from the company’s executive management team on Western Union’s strategic direction and market outlook. A live webcast and replay are available at IR.WesternUnion.com
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Ghana President Mahama commissions Damongo camp prison

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Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the new Damongo Camp Prison, a 300-capacity correctional facility built by The Church of Pentecost, describing it as a symbol of hope, redemption, and partnership for national renewal.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, President Mahama commended the Church for its continued collaboration with the Ghana Prisons Service, noting that it had already built similar facilities in Ejura and Nsawam.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when the state, the Church, and the community come together in service to humanity,” Mahama said. “Nation building is not the sole responsibility of government, but a collective moral endeavour of all who believe in the dignity and potential of every human being.”

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prison reform, revealing plans to provide the Service with logistics to expand into large-scale farming, poultry, and agro-processing as part of efforts to enhance productivity and inmate rehabilitation.

He added that the Prisons Service would play a key role in the government’s proposed 24-hour economy, engaging in production activities such as manufacturing, furniture making, sewing school uniforms, and processing agricultural goods for both government and commercial use.

Read Also: FNB partners with WomenIN Festival 2025 to empower women, drive financial independence

Mahama also announced an increase in inmates’ daily feeding allowance from GHS 1.80 to GHS 5.00, stressing that the move was driven by justice, not charity. “It reflects our belief that dignity should never depend on one’s circumstances,” he said.

Additionally, the President pledged to provide the Damongo Camp Prison with a 66-seater bus to support staff mobility.

Expressing gratitude to the Church, Mahama said: “We thank Apostle Eric Nyamekye and members of The Church of Pentecost for their faith in humanity and their partnership with the state. As Mandela said, a society’s greatness is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.”

In his remarks, Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, said the prison projects form part of the Church’s Kingdom Project—an initiative focused on spiritual transformation and societal development. “Our aim is to raise disciples of Christ who impact their world with righteousness,” he said.

Suspected IPOB sponsor died of Illness, not torture – Police 

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The Imo Police Command has denied the social media report that operatives of its Anti-kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) tortured a terror suspect, Magnus Ejiogu, to death.

The command described the report as “false, unfounded, and deliberately aimed at maligning the image of the Nigeria Police Force”.

The command’s Spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

Okoye stated that the deceased, popularly called Emu, aged 49, from Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA), was identified as a major sponsor and financier of the proscribed IPOB/ESN.

He added that the deceased was responsible for multiple deadly attacks, including the assassination of the traditional ruler of Abudi Agwa in Oguta LGA, Eze Ignatius Asor, in 2022.

He was also linked to the attack on Agwa Police Station in 2022, which resulted in the killing of five police officers, including a pregnant policewoman.

“Investigation into Ejiogu’s case had been concluded, and the report was duly approved for prosecution on Monday, October 20, 2025.

“The command confirmed that his arraignment was delayed only because of the ongoing warning strike by members of the judiciary,” he stated.

Okoye, who detailed the events leading to the suspect’s death, stated: “On 23rd October, 2025, while awaiting arraignment, the suspect suddenly took ill.

Read Also: Police detain tricyclist over officer’s death

“He was immediately rushed to the Police Clinic, Amakohia, Owerri, before being referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for medical attention.

“In spite the best efforts of the medical team, a qualified medical practitioner later confirmed the suspect dead.

“His body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for a full autopsy to determine the definitive medical cause of his death.”

According to Okoye, the command firmly maintains its position that at no point was the suspect subjected to torture, maltreatment, or denied access to his family or legal representative.

“All necessary actions taken during his custody were strictly consistent with professional policing ethics and due process,” Okoye added.

He stated that for transparency, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, had already directed the Homicide Section of the state Criminal Investigation Department to establish the precise medical cause of his death.

“The command strongly condemns sensational and unverified reports that seek to undermine public confidence in law enforcement.

“The command remains resolutely committed to justice, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of its constitutional duties,” Okoye added.

(NAN)

‘We’ll fight it out if US invades Nigeria’ — Fani-Kayode warns Trump

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Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode has warned Nigerians would resist any attempt by the United States to invade the country, following a post by U.S. President Donald Trump instructing the U.S. military to prepare for possible action over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
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In a post on X on Sunday, Fani-Kayode described Trump in scathing terms and accused the U.S. leader of threatening Nigeria with “violence, military action and invasion.”
Tribune Online

“Imagine a deranged & sociopathic meglomaniac & tyrant, a recalcitrant and unrepentant schoolyard and dockside bully and a cheap and shameless godless scumbag like @realDonaldTrump threatening our country with violence, military action and invasion. What a nerve!” he wrote.

Fani-Kayode said a friend had alerted him to Trump’s comments and argued that Nigeria must not accept being treated as subordinate by Western powers. He warned Nigerians would not flee the country if the U.S. carried out its threat but would “stand their ground and fight.”
Tribune Online

Read Also: Tinubu to meet Trump over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria – Presidency

“My response to her was as follows. ‘You are right. They are evil and, if he carries out his abominable threat, there will be a war. We shall not leave the country but we will fight it out with them. We behaved like cowards and allowed them to demonise us with no response. I do not know what is wrong with Nigerians but this will be the greatest challenge they have ever faced and maybe after it is all over they will appreciate the importance of having bold, articulate and courageous leaders & disavow themselves of their accursed cowardice, ignorance, pettiness, weakness, envy & complacency.’”

He also accused Trump of aligning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and of failing to condemn atrocities elsewhere while attempting to brand Nigeria with a “genocide” tag. “Trump, a fascist & an associate of the globally recognized Hitler of the 21st century, @netanyahu, has refused to call the Israeli Zionist Nazis and the UAE-backed RSF butchers of Darfur, Sudan mass murderers and genocidal maniacs but he is calling our people the ‘killers of Christians’ and is desperately trying to label our nation with the genocide tag and create a crisis in Nigeria,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
ripplesnigeria.com

Trump’s post on his social media platform said the U.S. would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” if attacks on Christians continued and that America “may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” He added: “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”