Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

National Identification Number…Credit: NASSCO/NIMC Elegbede Abiodun The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office has disclosed that more than 12.3 million Nigerians have so far been linked to the National Social Register through their National Identification Numbers as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and credibility in the delivery of social interventions. The National Coordinator of NASSCO, Dr. Funmi Olotu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a high-level stakeholder engagement with local government chairmen themed, “Strengthening Local Government Leadership for Inclusive Development and Social Protection Delivery.” Olotu said the integration of the National Identification Number into the National Social Register…

Manny Ita  – Sweden is planning to introduce electronic monitoring bracelets for children considered vulnerable to recruitment by criminal gangs, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle rising gang-related violence. Under the proposal, children and teenagers aged 13 and above could be required to wear electronic bracelets to ensure they comply with curfews imposed by social services. The government estimates that between 50 and 100 young people could initially be monitored under the scheme. Officials say organised criminal networks in Sweden have increasingly exploited minors to carry out murders and violent crimes because children below the age of criminal responsibility have…

Manny Ita  – David Grossman has been named the recipient of the 2026 Thomas Mann Prize, one of Germany’s most respected literary honours. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 25 at the Theater Lübeck in Lübeck, where the acclaimed Israeli writer will receive prize money worth approximately $30,000. Organisers said Grossman was selected for his literary and essayistic works, which they described as creating “spaces for understanding and reconciliation” during periods of political instability and global tension. The 72-year-old author has long been recognised for addressing issues surrounding conflict, peace and coexistence in the Middle East…

Manny Ita  – Arsenal have reportedly secured more than £122 million in UEFA prize money after booking a place in the 2026 UEFA Champions League final. The North London club boosted their earnings with an additional £16 million reward following their semi-final triumph over Atlético Madrid, sealing qualification for the final scheduled to take place in Budapest on May 30. The massive payout comes from several revenue streams introduced under UEFA’s revamped Champions League format for the 2025/26 season. Arsenal’s earnings reportedly include participation fees, league-phase performance bonuses, value pillar distributions, and rewards for progressing through the knockout rounds. Their…

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly redeployed former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, to South Africa as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement and address growing concerns over attacks on Nigerians living in the country. The move comes amid renewed reports of xenophobic violence and harassment targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa. The Federal Government is said to be intensifying diplomatic and community-level interventions aimed at protecting Nigerian citizens and improving bilateral relations between both countries. Sources familiar with the development disclosed that Fani-Kayode’s assignment is expected to focus on consultations with South African authorities, Nigerian community…

Manny Ita  – Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea have cancelled this year’s Victory Day military parade and related public celebrations over growing security concerns linked to intensified Ukrainian attacks on the peninsula. Crimea’s Moscow-backed leader, Sergei Aksionov, confirmed that large-scale May 9 commemorations, including the traditional “Immortal Regiment” march, would not hold this year due to what officials described as the current security situation. Aksionov said alternative activities would still be organised to mark Victory Day, insisting the region would commemorate the occasion “with dignity” despite the restrictions. The cancellation comes amid a rise in Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian military…

Manny Ita  – Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism, culture and hospitality sectors have signed a new partnership agreement aimed at repositioning the country as a major global tourism destination through the promotion of cultural heritage, historical landmarks and local attractions. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism economy, attract foreign visitors and boost international recognition of the country’s rich cultural diversity and creative industries. Officials involved in the agreement said the partnership will focus on improving the visibility, preservation and commercial value of Nigeria’s heritage sites, festivals, monuments, museums and traditional communities. The plan also seeks…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s booming Afrobeats industry has reportedly reached an estimated global valuation of $29.6 billion, further cementing its position as the country’s most influential cultural export and one of the fastest-growing music movements in the world. The latest industry projections reflect the massive commercial growth of Afrobeats across streaming platforms, international tours, endorsements, publishing rights, brand partnerships and digital consumption worldwide. Over the last decade, Afrobeats has evolved from a regional sound into a dominant global music force, driven by Nigerian stars whose music now regularly tops international charts and fills arenas across Europe, North America, Africa and…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has intensified efforts to review Nigeria’s National Diaspora Policy as part of broader measures aimed at improving the protection, engagement and welfare of Nigerians living abroad amid growing global uncertainties and diplomatic tensions. Government officials said the review process is designed to address emerging challenges affecting Nigerians in different parts of the world, including immigration restrictions, economic instability, discrimination, conflicts and evolving international labour conditions. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), alongside relevant ministries, agencies and development partners, is currently engaging stakeholders across various sectors to update the policy framework in line with present…

Manny Ita  – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Holy See on Thursday in a bid to reinforce ties with Pope Leo XIV after weeks of public tension between the pontiff and President Donald Trump. Rubio, a Catholic, met privately with Pope Leo and later held talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. According to the U.S. State Department, discussions focused on peace efforts in the Middle East, humanitarian issues in the Western Hemisphere, and cooperation on religious freedom. Relations between Trump and the Pope have been strained following disagreements over immigration policies and the Iran…