Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The United Nations General Assembly has approved a $3.45 billion regular budget for 2026, concluding weeks of tense negotiations shaped by the organization’s wide-ranging UN80 reform programme. The 193-member Assembly voted on Tuesday to authorize $3,450,426,300 to fund the UN’s core work across peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. The budget reflects Secretary-General António Guterres’ push for austerity, including a 15 per cent cut in overall spending and a nearly 19 per cent reduction in staff numbers, as the organization responds to mounting financial pressure. Funding from the regular budget supports political affairs, international law…

By Atoyebi Nike Libya has reopened its National Museum in Tripoli after a 14-year closure caused by civil war. The reopening marks a symbolic step toward stability and national healing, offering Libyans and visitors a chance to reconnect with the country’s long and complex history. Years of conflict made it difficult to protect cultural heritage in the oil-rich Mediterranean nation. Despite this, the museum’s revival signals a renewed commitment to preserving national identity. Administrative Director Kamal Yousef described the museum as a “cultural fortress” that houses much of Libya’s history under one roof. “During the years of closure and chaos,…

By Atoyebi Nike Former Anambra State governor and presidential hopeful Peter Obi has confirmed that he will contest the 2027 presidential election. Obi made the announcement during an interactive session on X (formerly Twitter) hosted by @obidientupdate, ending months of speculation about his political future. The X Space drew thousands of listeners, reflecting Obi’s continued relevance in Nigeria’s political space ahead of the next general election. Speaking during the session, Obi addressed key national challenges, including the economy, security and governance. “Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. I need your prayers. I need your support,” he said. He…

By Atoyebi Nike Ghana and Egypt led Africa’s most aggressive interest-rate cuts in 2025 as inflation eased and economic conditions improved across the continent. After years of tight monetary policy to combat inflation triggered by currency shocks, supply disruptions and fiscal stress, African central banks began shifting toward growth support. Inflation slowed sharply. Excluding Algeria, the nine largest African economies recorded average inflation of 10.74 per cent in 2025, down from 16.28 per cent in 2024, according to Trading Economics and World Bank data. The World Bank said most sub-Saharan African central banks either cut rates or paused tightening, though…

By Atoyebi Nike The Senate has urged the Federal Government to introduce broad-based subsidies for fertilizers and other farm inputs to support Nigerian farmers. The call follows growing concerns over falling produce prices and high production costs. The motion, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), highlighted the widening gap between low farm-gate prices and soaring input costs. Goje warned that the situation threatens the livelihoods of millions of farmers. He called for investment in critical agricultural infrastructure, including storage facilities, rural roads, processing centres, and irrigation systems, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve profitability. Lawmakers noted that while…

By Atoyebi Nike The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) is reviewing its Farm Input Supply Programme. The goal is to improve delivery systems and boost agricultural productivity across Nigeria. The review was the focus of a roundtable in Lagos. Participants examined lessons from the pilot phase and proposed ways to make the second phase more efficient. NADF Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim said the Fund wants to strengthen its interventions. He noted that operational challenges during the pilot phase affected planting schedules and yields. Represented by Head of Corporate Services Abiodun Sosanya, Ibrahim said the Fund is working closely with processors.…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nasarawa State Police Commissioner, Shetima Mohammed, has imposed a total ban on the burning of used tyres during New Year crossover night activities across the state. The directive, announced in a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, orders all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to enforce the ban strictly. Mohammed warned that anyone caught burning tyres would face arrest and prosecution. The commissioner explained that the ban aims to protect government and private infrastructure, prevent environmental pollution, maintain traffic flow, and ensure public safety during the festivities. He also…

By Atoyebi Nike Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 19 suspected oil thieves, dismantled 22 illegal refining and bunkering hubs, and recovered more than 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at over ₦150 million across the Niger Delta. Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Danjuma, said the operations, conducted between November 23 and December 28, 2025, were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related economic crimes. The raids disrupted criminal networks in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. In Bayelsa, troops…

By Atoyebi Nike The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has declared that payments for environmental health services made to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or any unauthorized organizations are invalid. Mr. Kingsley Madaki, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman of AMAC, stated this in a press release on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Abuja. The council emphasized that under the 4th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, the regulation of social and environmental services falls exclusively under local government authorities. AMAC retains sole authority to manage and collect revenue for environmental activities such as…

By Atoyebi Nike The Chairman of the Sokoto State Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Committee, Muhammad Suraju, has warned that military operations alone are insufficient to end violent extremism in Nigeria’s Northwest, urging authorities to prioritize inclusive governance, economic empowerment and community resilience. Suraju made the call on Tuesday while addressing a press conference at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in the region. He said the Northwest faces complex and interconnected security threats, driven not only by banditry and emerging extremist groups but also by long-standing socio-economic challenges. “The Northwest is…