July 2025 | Page 23 of 48

Israeli Airstrikes Hit Syrian Defence Ministry, Area Near Presidential Palace in Damascus

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

The Israeli military has carried out air raids targeting Syria’s Defence Ministry and areas close to the presidential palace in Damascus, killing at least three people and injuring 34 others, according to local reports. The strikes follow Israel’s warning to intensify attacks if Syrian government forces are not pulled back from the country’s southern region, where recent clashes between Druze communities and Syrian security forces have escalated tensions. There has been no immediate response from Syrian authorities or confirmation from Israel, which typically maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its military operations in Syria. Israel has repeatedly expressed concern over Iranian influence and armed groups operating within Syria, often targeting weapons depots and military installations linked to pro-Iran forces.

Eze, Madueke, Gyokeres Signings Could Transform Arsenal – Sports Analyst

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Sports Analyst Mark McAdam has described Arsenal’s potential summer business as “transformative,” suggesting that the addition of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres would give the Gunners the depth and quality needed to win major honours. Speaking on The Transfer Show, McAdam confirmed that Arsenal are actively exploring a deal for Eberechi Eze, with the Crystal Palace midfielder’s release clause set at £60 million plus £8 million in add-ons. “The key thing is that Eberechi Eze would be keen on moving to north London, which makes things a lot easier,” McAdam said. He added that pairing Eze with Chelsea’s Madueke and Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres would significantly boost Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. “What a summer it would be if they signed Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eze. That would completely transform what Arsenal have. When you add the young players and Bukayo Saka, suddenly Arsenal fans will be licking their lips, saying this is the type of squad, strength in depth they believe can finally get them over the line,” he noted.

BBNaija Season 10 Premieres July 26 with Record-Breaking ₦150m Grand Prize

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

LAGOS, July 16, 2025 – The highly anticipated 10th season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) will premiere on July 26, 2025, with a staggering ₦150 million grand prize, the biggest in the show’s history. The announcement was made by MultiChoice Nigeria during a press conference on Wednesday, where the organizers promised an edition packed with thrilling entertainment, drama, and fierce competition. The upcoming season will introduce a fresh format, moving away from last year’s “No Loose Guard” edition, where housemates entered the house in pairs. Physical auditions for the new season were conducted between May 16 and 18, 2025. BBNaija, which debuted in 2006, has become one of Africa’s most-watched reality shows. In the 2024 edition, Kellyrae made history as the first married contestant to win the competition, walking away with ₦100 million. Organizers assured fans that the 10th season will raise the bar even higher, featuring surprises, new twists, and engaging content to captivate millions of viewers across the continent. Full Details: BBNaija Season 10: Premieres July 26 With ₦150m Grand Prize

BREAKING: Atiku Abubakar Resigns from PDP, Backs New Coalition Party Ahead of 2027 Elections

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has officially resigned from the opposition party as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku confirmed his involvement in the formation of a new coalition platform, the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as a viable alternative for Nigerians seeking change. His resignation was contained in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the PDP chairman of Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The development was made public on Wednesday via a post by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Media on X (formerly Twitter). In his resignation letter, Atiku expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities the party afforded him, while citing irreconcilable differences and a deviation from the party’s founding principles as reasons for his exit. “Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life,” Atiku stated. “As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision. However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.” Atiku’s resignation marks a major shake-up in Nigeria’s political landscape, setting the stage for intense political maneuvering as parties and power blocs prepare for 2027. Full Details: Click here to read

Nigeria Immigration Service Launches Digital Platform for CERPAC Applications

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a new digital platform to streamline the application process for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC). The portal, accessible at https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng, will allow applicants to complete and submit their CERPAC applications entirely online, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and reducing processing delays. According to the NIS, the initiative aims to enhance transparency, boost efficiency, and improve the overall user experience for expatriates and businesses engaging foreign personnel in Nigeria. The move aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, which seeks to modernize public services, promote ease of doing business, and strengthen compliance within Nigeria’s immigration system. Officials say the platform will also incorporate features for real-time tracking, automated notifications, and secure payment options, ensuring a more seamless process for applicants and employers alike. The NIS advised all prospective CERPAC applicants to access the portal via the official link and follow the outlined procedures to avoid fraudulent intermediaries.

2027 Politics: Atiku’s Show of Strength in Katsina Fuels Speculation on Obi’s Next Move

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

KATSINA, July 16, 2025 – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar drew massive attention at the burial of late President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina on Tuesday, raising fresh debates about the political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who attended the high-profile funeral alongside key political heavyweights including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains, was greeted by a large crowd chanting “Sai Atiku.” The strong display of support has intensified speculation that Atiku is consolidating influence within the ADC ahead of 2027, with many political analysts questioning the chances of Labour Party’s Peter Obi in securing a viable platform for his presidential ambition. Observers note that if Atiku secures the ADC ticket, Obi’s path to the presidency could become significantly more challenging. Some political commentators suggest that Obi should consider negotiating for the vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket with Atiku, rather than risk political isolation. “In Nigerian politics, coalitions and strategic alliances often determine success,” one analyst noted, drawing parallels with Goodluck Jonathan, who rose to the presidency after accepting the VP role under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007. Analysts argue that for Obi, accepting a vice-presidential slot could keep him relevant on the national stage and position him for future leadership opportunities. The unfolding developments indicate that 2027 will likely be dominated by power blocs, mergers, and survival politics, as major contenders begin to align forces across regional and party lines.

Woodhall, Polaris Bank, UK and Lagos Governments Launch ₦1.5bn Creative Sector Fund

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: LAGOS – July 15, 2025Nigeria’s creative industry received a major boost as Woodhall Capital, in partnership with Polaris Bank, the UK Government, and the Lagos State Government, unveiled a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund to expand access to structured financing for entrepreneurs across fashion, film, music, and digital content. The fund was announced during the launch of the Creative Currency Podcast, an initiative designed to foster collaboration between creatives, financiers, policymakers, and global stakeholders. The platform will also serve as a policy engagement forum addressing long-standing challenges such as limited financing, weak intellectual property enforcement, and lack of scalable business structures. Speaking at the launch hosted at the Ikoyi residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director at Polaris Bank, said the fund marks a deliberate shift in recognizing intellectual property as a bankable asset. “This fund represents more than capital; it reflects our belief in Nigerian creativity as a global force,” Ozomah said. “We’re not just exporting talent. We’re exporting ownership, structure, and long-term value.” Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, Founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital, emphasized the need for bespoke financial products and investor-matching services tailored for creative MSMEs. The UK Government, represented by Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy, citing the UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Partnership signed in 2024 as a milestone for trade and investment. Representing the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, highlighted ongoing policy reforms, infrastructure support, and the Lagos Creative Fund, which offers zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to creative businesses. Panelists at the event urged creatives to formalize operations, protect intellectual property, and maintain transparent financial records, while financial institutions were encouraged to rethink risk models to accommodate the unique dynamics of creative enterprises. The Creative Currency Podcast aims to build a knowledge-sharing ecosystem for creators, investors, legal experts, and cultural stakeholders, promoting professionalism, transparency, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s creative sector. The event closed with a unified call to “invest in systems, not just stories”, stressing that a structured, well-capitalized creative economy can drive job creation, exports, and global influence for Nigeria. Polaris Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting MSMEs, noting its extensive portfolio dedicated to growing small businesses and fostering economic inclusion across the country.

Global Terrorism Index: Nigeria Drops from 3rd to 8th Most Terror-Affected Country

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Abuja – Nigeria has recorded significant progress in the fight against terrorism, dropping from the 3rd to the 8th position on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), according to the latest ranking. The report indicates a sharp decline in terrorist incidents and fatalities across the country compared to previous years, marking one of Nigeria’s best performances in over a decade. The improvement is largely attributed to sustained military operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other violent extremist groups in the Northeast and Northwest regions. In 2022, Nigeria ranked 3rd globally, trailing only Afghanistan and Iraq. However, recent data shows that improved counterterrorism strategies, enhanced intelligence sharing, and community-driven security initiatives have contributed to reducing terror-related violence. Despite the progress, the GTI warns that Nigeria remains vulnerable to emerging security threats, including banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and kidnapping for ransom, which continue to pose significant challenges in some parts of the country. The new ranking places Afghanistan, Somalia, and Iraq as the top three most terror-impacted nations globally.