Author: News Room

For Nigeria, this is a moment of choice for both domestic leaders and international partners. Retreating from governance now may seem fiscally prudent, but it will be politically costly. The consequences are both everyday and structural – weaker institutions, deeper cynicism, and a democracy that exists more on paper than in practice. The work of salvaging governance and democracy in Nigeria demands not less funding, but better, braver, and more locally grounded funding. Nigeria’s democracy is entering dangerous territory, with governance failures worsening. Unfortunately, donor support for transparency, accountability, and democracy programming in Nigeria is being withdrawn under the radar.…

The Tunji Braithwaite Foundation has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, lamenting that thousands of Nigerians presumed innocent remain in correctional facilities for years without trial. The foundation said the continued detention of awaiting-trial inmates amounted to a grave violation of their constitutional rights and urged the judiciary, lawmakers and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to address the crisis. The Executive Director of the foundation, Olaoluwa Braithwaite, made the call in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday after the foundation’s “March of Silence” held in Lagos to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the…

Shares in the Trump family-backed American Bitcoin (ABTC) sank to an all-time low on Wednesday after the crypto miner set a date for a 1-for-15 reverse stock split in a bid to stay listed on the Nasdaq.American Bitcoin said its reverse stock split will go into effect after the market closes Thursday and will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis when the market opens Monday. It would continue to trade under the ticker ABTC.It said every 15 shares of the company’s Class A and B common stock will be reclassified as one share. The company expects its common stock to…

Jason Kelce has been a dedicated Team USA men’s soccer team supporter during their run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and wants American fans to get with the program.  “I hear a lot of the other chants from U.K. teams,” Kelce, 38,  said on the Tuesday, June 30, episode of Landon Donovan and Tim Howard’s “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast, denouncing the notorious “I believe that we will win!” rallying cry among Team USA fans.  “I know you played over there, Tim,” the former Philadelphia Eagles center continued. “I know that there’s a lot of energy and passion in those…

A state high court in Onitsha, Anambra State, has granted the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, leave to serve court summons on Kenneth Okonkwo, his former spokesperson, via substituted means in the N5 billion defamation suit against Mr Okonkwo. The judge, D.A. Onyefulu, gave the order on Tuesday, 30 June, according to a court document seen by PREMIUM TIMES. The order followed an ex parte application filed by Mr Obi through his lawyer, Chisom Ibemesi, after his initial efforts to serve Mr Okonkwo failed. The court permitted Mr Obi to serve the writ of summons…

For 105 years, the CPC has remained true to its founding mission. For 55 years, China and Nigeria have stood together through thick and thin as good friends and trusted partners. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, our two countries have weathered changes in the international landscape by standing firmly with each other in solidarity and mutual support. The 1st of July marked the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Under the Party’s strong leadership, China has achieved the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. In just a…

Folarin Balogun scored and was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday. The co-hosts’ first World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century — and only their second ever — sets up a clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday. Balogun’s goal on the stroke of half-time had sent the California crowd into delirium, with some 30 million Americans expected to be watching the blockbuster clash across the nation. But the striker saw red as VAR intervened following a nasty clash with Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic.…

Bitcoin (BTC) rallied to $60,000 at Wednesday’s Wall Street open as stocks moved higher and US dollar strength fell.Key points:Bitcoin catches an early tailwind at the start of July’s first US trading session, rising with stocks.US dollar strength cools as analysis sees an increasingly “crowded” USD long trade.Bitcoin traders maintain faith that July will form a relief-bounce monthly candle.BTC price eyes 3%+ daily gainsData from TradingView showed BTC/USD spiking to $60,475 on Bitstamp, taking daily gains to nearly 3%.BTC/USD one-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe new monthly candle had started with a bump and a trip to new multiyear lows for the…

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s forthcoming wedding will span multiple days in New York City. “Taylor and Travis told guests to be in NYC. No other location was provided,” a source exclusively revealed to Us Weekly, adding that invitees were told to arrive in Manhattan to celebrate the couple on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3. “They are spending a lot of money — in the millions.” A second insider, meanwhile, revealed that the wedding will take place at the city’s famed Madison Square Garden arena. Swift and Kelce, both 36, got engaged in August 2025 after two years…

A former deputy president of the ninth Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege has condemned the Delta State House of Assembly’s removal of Udu Constituency lawmaker, Collins Egbetamah, describing the action as unconstitutional and politically motivated. The assembly on Tuesday declared the Udu Constituency seat vacant after Mr Ogbetamah defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Mr Omo-Agege, the NDC candidate for the 2027 election in the Delta Central Senatorial District, raised the objections in a statement he issued on Wednesday and made available to reporters in Asaba. He faulted the assembly’s decision, insisting it violated constitutional provisions and…