Author: News Room
The IMF’s staff report on its 2026 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria is a very political document — mealy-mouthed, even, if one of the persons I discussed the report with, last week, is to be taken seriously. What is a reader to make of the report’s claim that the expansionary consolidated government fiscal stance last year was financed in part by “a CBN deposit drawdown of 1.1 per cent of GDP which has the same liquidity impact as previous ‘ways and means’ (overdraft) financing”? Or that as at the time of the report’s presentation, “the estimated savings of the fuel…
At least 40 people have been executed in Iran on “national security grounds” since the start of the year, including 18 protesters, the United Nations said Monday. “The authorities have intensified their brutal crackdown, arresting thousands and imposing even more severe restrictions on civic space. They have executed at least 40 people on national security grounds so far this year, including 18 protesters,” said UN rights chief Volker Turk. AFP All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written…
Some gunmen on Saturday invaded the Ode Oriya community in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State and abducted the traditional ruler of the community, Adeniyi Adelana. A source in the community told PUNCH Metro that the hoodlums stormed the community at about 8pm on Saturday and went to the residence of the 60-year-old community leader, whisking him away to an unknown destination in the bush. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Sunday, disclosed that the state command had commenced a rescue operation in the forest.…
President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Vincent Okumagba, has attributed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to poor handling of the team during the qualifying campaign, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Nigeria is not among the 48 nations competing at the World Cup, extending the Super Eagles’ absence from football’s biggest stage after also missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar. Reflecting on the disappointment, Okumagba said the tournament’s commencement without the Super Eagles has been painful for Nigerian supporters, especially given the historic nature of the competition being jointly hosted by three countries. “The…
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has lauded Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for leveraging his global platform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to protest persistent insecurity and mass abductions in Nigeria. In a statement shared via his official X handle late Sunday, Obi described the singer’s actions as an act of patriotism that transcended mere entertainment to demand crucial international scrutiny. PUNCH Online reports that the musician appeared on stage for the FIFA World Cup countdown concert wearing a customised leather jacket decorated with…
The UK is the latest country to follow Australia in implementing a total social media ban for children under 16, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced. The ban, which could take effect from early next year, will be joined by wider measures that will also prevent children from talking to strangers in online games, livestreaming, or using sexual or romantic chatbots.“Do we truly believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children? Do we truly believe that it’s a place where they can feel safe?” Starmer asked during a press conference announcing the policy. “I don’t think I…
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more! Cameron Diaz has spent the last few years quietly perfecting what the rest of Us are still trying to figure out: how to look effortlessly pulled-together without trying too hard. For summer, we’re recreating her effortless vibe, starting with her beloved Birkenstock Arizona slides that she has been spotted wearing in California. Of course, she’s not the only A-lister who reaches for Birkenstocks (Heidi Klum and Reese Witherspoon are also fans). But Diaz wears hers with a particular kind of…
Armed bandits on Sunday killed a farmer in Kasuwar Magani, a village in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victim, Baba Bala, popularly known within the community as Sarkin Daji, was reportedly ambushed and killed on his farm. Mansur Ibrahim, a resident of the area, told PREMIUM TIMES that the deceased has been buried in accordance with Islamic rites. He said the community was unsettled, with residents lamenting escalating insecurity in the LGA. “This is just one out of many incidents. Residents are calling on the authorities to prioritise the security of lives and property and put…
Amad Diallo came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Côte d’Ivoire secured Africa’s first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday. Following South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico and Morocco’s impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil, the Elephants carried the continent’s hopes of recording a first win at the expanded tournament. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute when Manchester United winger Diallo finished from inside the penalty area after a surging run and assist from Wilfried Singo. The goal capped a closely contested encounter in…
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced a forthcoming total ban on social media for children under 16, saying that such platforms are “making children unhappy”. Starmer said that the government “will ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16”, warning that these platforms are “exposing them to content that is dangerous” and “designed to be addictive”. The government said the ban will “include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X” but not messaging services such as WhatsApp. He added he hoped to pass the regulation by late December and for the ban to…
