President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to authorize a military strike against Iran, signaling a pause amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The announcement came as Israel and Iran continued exchanging missile attacks, with Iran’s missiles recently striking a hospital in southern Israel, wounding at least 240 people. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed Trump’s message: “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the relocation of the Women’s Asian Cup qualifying matches from Jordan to Qatar. The qualifiers, initially scheduled to start next week in Amman, have been postponed and will now take place from July 7 to 19. The decision was made due to the “ongoing situation” in the region, where tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified, with both countries conducting air strikes against each other. The conflict risks further escalation involving the United States, heightening security concerns. The AFC’s statement confirmed that the…
Nigeria’s 36 state governors have united with the Federal Government in a strategic effort to address food inflation and ensure food security. Their plan includes harmonizing levies, eliminating illegal checkpoints, and improving the free flow of goods across state lines. Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, disclosed that both the Progressive Governors Forum and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have agreed on adopting a state-level security system to bolster federal security efforts. Food inflation, although showing a technical decline from 40.66% in May 2024 to 21.14% in May 2025 due to a change in…
Benue State recently played host to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who visited the state following the tragic killings that occurred in the Yelewata Community of Guma Local Government Area on June 13, 2025. The President’s visit was met with a heartfelt address from the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who expressed immense gratitude for the President’s swift response and unwavering support. Governor Alia, in his speech, highlighted the significance of the President’s visit, noting that it marked a pivotal moment for the state grappling with protracted insecurity. “Your Excellency, this visit marks the very…
Reno Omokri, former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has issued a comprehensive rebuttal to Peter Obi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue State following the tragic Yelewata massacre. Omokri condemned Obi’s complaint that Tinubu wore a celebratory agbada instead of black mourning clothes, describing it as a clear sign of Obi’s ignorance about Islamic traditions. He explained that President Tinubu, a Muslim, adhered to Islamic customs which forbid wearing black during mourning events and instead prescribe white attire, citing a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) narrated by Ibn Abbas: “Wear white clothes, for they are the…
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central was arraigned on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on charges of defamation brought by the Federal Government. The charges stem from statements she allegedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, filed the criminal charge, accusing the senator of making false claims during a live television broadcast on April 3, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly stated that Akpabio withdrew her security to make her vulnerable and conspired with Bello to have her killed in Kogi…
The Tor Tiv of Benue, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has accused certain politicians of politicizing the ongoing crisis in the state with the aim of pushing for a state of emergency declaration. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi on Wednesday, the paramount ruler expressed concern that some politicians prefer the crisis to worsen to justify such a declaration. He stated, “The second apprehension we have is the politicization of the crisis, politicians in the state are busy politicizing the crisis, passing blames instead of joining hands to address the crisis. We hear that there are…
In a strongly worded reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a lack of compassion and appropriate leadership during a time of national tragedy. Obi questioned the tone and nature of the presidential visit, saying, “What has happened to our compassion as a People?” He highlighted the expectation that the President would show solidarity with the families affected by the recent massacre in Benue State, where over 200 innocent Nigerians lost their lives, as well as the devastating floods in…
In a bid to combat rising food prices and supply disruptions, the 36 governors of Nigeria have agreed to partner with the Federal Government to harmonize levies, eliminate illegal checkpoints, and facilitate the smooth transit of goods between states. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation on Thursday morning. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communiqué, said, “The Forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser… on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation…
President Bola Tinubu is expected in Kaduna State on Thursday (today) to inaugurate several critical projects under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, marking two years of the governor’s tenure. The projects include a 300-bed Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, constructed to improve healthcare services for Kaduna residents. The President will also commission the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, as well as road projects in Soba and Samaru Kataf LGAs. The 24-kilometre Kafanchan Township Road is another key infrastructure slated for commissioning. Additional projects include the Tudun Biri Road, a 22-kilometre road linking Kauru and Kubau LGAs, and…