The New Diplomat

Details as FG, States LGs Share N2.103trn in September

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:17:24 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed a total of N2.103 trillion as federation revenue for September 2025, shared among the Federal Government (FG), 36 states, and 774 Local Government Councils (LGCs). The allocation was made at the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting chaired by the Accountant-General of the Federation, […]

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Why I Don’t Want Nigeria to Qualify for 2026 World Cup– South Africa’s Minister Reveals

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:27:33 +0000

By Abiola Olawale South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has unleashed a scathing attack on Nigeria’s Super Eagles, declaring outright that he hopes they crash out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. McKenzie spoke during an interview with Radio 947 in Johannesburg, where he accused Nigeria of allegedly attempting […]

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From Harvard to Stanford: The Tuition Costs of the Top 10 Colleges

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:17:43 +0000

Key Takeaways Tuition alone at elite schools ranges from $59K to $71K, compared to $43K at the average private college. The University of Chicago tops the list. The cost of attending America’s most prestigious universities continues to soar. For the 2024–25 academic year, the total annual cost of the top 10 national universities now ranges […]

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It Is Time to End the Civil War: Beyond Words, Towards Economic Empowerment

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:23:43 +0000

By Sonny Iroche A War That Officially Ended, But Psychologically Lingers On January 15, 1970, the guns of the Nigerian–Biafra Civil War fell silent when General Philip Effiong formally surrendered to General Yakubu Gowon at the Dodan Barracks in Lagos. Gowon’s declaration of “No Victor, No Vanquished” was meant to mark not only the cessation […]

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Ceasefire Deal Breaks Down as Israel Launches Airstrikes on Gaza

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:54:42 +0000

Israel has unleashed a wave of airstrikes on southern Gaza, targeting areas in Rafah and Jabalia just one week after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect. The strikes, which Israeli officials described as a “firm response” to alleged Hamas attacks, have killed at least eight Palestinians and wounded dozens more, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The […]

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[Video] Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence on Marital Turmoil, Blames Regina Daniels’ Outburst on Drug, Alcohol Abuse

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:39:36 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Senator Ned Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State at the Senate has addressed explosive allegations of domestic violence leveled against him by his wife, Nollywood star Regina Daniels. In a social media post on Sunday, Nwoko claimed that Daniels’ alleged struggles with drug and alcohol abuse are […]

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Gbenga Oyebode, the business lawyer leading Nigeria’s $660 million palm oil giant

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:04:17 +0000

Accountants keep the books balanced. Lawyers keep the deals bulletproof. But those who master both—who can read the fine print while seeing the big picture—build empires. In Nigeria few embody that blend of intellect and enterprise as completely as Gbenga Oyebode. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Oyebode has evolved from co-founding one […]

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Israel accuses Hamas of attacking Israeli forces in Gaza in first major test of ceasefire

Hamilton Nwosa — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:50:05 +0000

Israel has accused Hamas of attacking Israeli forces in southern Gaza with the military carrying out airstrikes on the city of Rafah, the first major test of the US-brokered ceasefire. An Israeli military official says Hamas attacked Israeli forces in Rafah, southern Gaza, with rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, prompting Israel to carry out strikes […]

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SERAP Demands Full Disclosure of ₦18.6 Billion NASS Running Costs from Akpabio, Abbas

Hamilton Nwosa — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:38:40 +0000

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued an ultimatum to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, demanding a detailed accounting of the ₦18.6 billion allocated as monthly running costs for members of the National Assembly (NASS). The group warned that failure […]

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Details as FG Charges Nwebonyi with Criminal Defamation Over Remarks Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:31:47 +0000

The Federal Government has dragged Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District of Ebonyi State at the Senate, before the courts on five counts of alleged criminal defamation. It was gathered that the charges stem from alleged inflammatory and derogatory statements the Ebonyi North lawmaker allegedly made against his colleague, Senator […]

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Otti’s “Write Your Will” Remarks Were Taken Out of Context, It is Figurative– Abia Govt Clarifies

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:24:21 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Abia State Government has issued a statement emphasizing that Governor Alex Otti’s viral “write your will” comment was a metaphorical expression of his commitment to electoral integrity, not a literal threat. The clarification comes after Otti’s remarks sparked discussions among Nigerians. The governor made the statement during his monthly media engagement […]

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Regina Daniels hints at domestic violence in viral video; brother lashes out at Ned Nwoko

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 06:43:49 +0000

By Obinna Uballa A visibly distressed Regina Daniels has sparked alarm after a video of her in apparent distress circulated widely on social media on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in which she appeared to hint at physical abuse. The clip, shared across X and other platforms, shows Regina surrounded by several people amid a tense […]

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About 20 military officers, including brigadier general, detained over ‘plan to overthrow Tinubu’

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 06:13:11 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Nigerian military has launched a high-level investigation into an alleged coup plot involving about 20 officers accused of planning to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. According to multiple security sources, the officers, among them a brigadier general and a colonel, were arrested in late September following intelligence that they were holding secret […]

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DHQ Denies Coup Plot, Says Independence Parade Cancellation Not Linked To Alleged Mutiny Probe

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 06:05:39 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary were cancelled due to an alleged coup plot. In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, and titled “DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt,” the military authorities […]

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Tension as Netanyahu insists Gaza war Won’t end until Hamas is disarmed, strip fully demilitarised

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 05:59:27 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the war in Gaza will not end until Hamas is fully disarmed and the Palestinian territory completely demilitarised, prompting concern about possible renewal of hostilities. Speaking on Saturday in an interview with right-wing Channel 14, Netanyahu said the completion of the ceasefire’s second phase, […]

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Pardon me!, By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

The New Diplomat — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 05:52:21 +0000

In September 1887, Harry Johnston, Acting Consul of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (Niger Delta) procured the arrest in the wharfs of the Niger Delta of King Jaja of Opobo on the rather dubious charge of “obstruction of trade”. It accused King Jaja of violating a trade treaty with the British, which did not, however, have […]

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DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt

Hamilton Nwosa — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:13:33 +0000

1. The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest […]

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Oil Prices Dip as Trump-Putin Summit Looms

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 18:42:21 +0000

Crude oil prices are expected to decline this week due to the hypothetical possibility of a peace agreement between the US and Russia, which could lead to a rebound in Russian oil exports and contribute to a predicted supply glut. The International Energy Agency has revised its demand growth estimates downwards for both this year […]

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When Forgiveness Is Hard (2), By Funke Egbemode

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 17:39:33 +0000

She was popularly called Mama Iyabo. Her husband threw her out of their matrimonial home 15 years ago, along with her three children, after 15 years of marriage. “I had earlier heard rumours about my husband and another woman. I knew he had girlfriends. He was doing well and living it up, though he took […]

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Why I Dumped PDP for APC– Jonathan’s Ex-Aide Reveals

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 16:59:36 +0000

By Abiola Olawale A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressive Congress (APC). Dudafa, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events during Jonathan’s […]

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EPL: Details as Chelsea Defeats Nottingham Forest 3-0

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:15:53 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Chelsea secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, capitalizing on a scintillating second-half performance that saw them leapfrog into the Premier League top four. The three-goal haul, courtesy of youngster Josh Acheampong, the electric Pedro Neto, and captain Reece James, compounded the misery for Forest […]

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Tinubu Lands in Abuja After Counterterrorism Talks in Rome

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:01:48 +0000

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Tinubu touched down in Abuja on Saturday, marking the end of a high-stakes diplomatic mission in Rome where he participated in counterterrorism discussions. It was gathered that Tinubu’s aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he was received by top government officials, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom […]

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Israel Returns 15 Palestinian Bodies to Gaza Amid Ceasefire Exchanges

Hamilton Nwosa — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:12:37 +0000

Israeli authorities have handed over the remains of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Saturday, escalating efforts to repatriate bodies amid ongoing hostage exchanges. The transfer, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), brings the total number of Palestinian bodies returned since the truce’s inception to 135, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. […]

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Sahara Reporters: Nigerian Defence Intelligence Detains Brigadier-General, Other Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow President Tinubu

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:10:51 +0000

At least sixteen senior military officers have been detained by the Armed Forces of Nigeria for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, top sources have told SaharaReporters. A coup d’état is an overt attempt by a military organisation or other government elites to unseat an incumbent person or leadership. While the […]

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Notable ADC Members Will Join APC Soon, Chairman Yilwatda Reveals

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 11:38:51 +0000

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has announced that prominent figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are poised to join the APC ranks next week. The high-profile defections, described by Yilwatda as having successfully “passed their medicals,” come amid a growing wave of political realignments favoring the APC. Yilwatda made the […]

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Nigeria’s Population Set to Explode by 130 Million by 2050, World Bank Warns

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 11:01:12 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The World Bank has projected that Nigeria’s population will surge by approximately 130 million people by 2050, ballooning to around 350 million citizens. This projection was highlighted during the 2025 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings. World Bank Group President Ajay Banga delivered the forecast at the plenary session in Washington, D.C., emphasizing that […]

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Wike Shuts Down Presidential Ambition Rumour, Reaffirms Support for Tinubu

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 10:56:06 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared his steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, extending his commitment through 2031. This is as the Minister also dismissed rumors of a potential 2027 presidential bid. In a statement issued on Saturday, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public […]

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Maryam Sanda and Tinubu’s Crisis of Clemency

The New Diplomat — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:00:10 +0000

By Farooq A. Kperogi President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, like his predecessors, has the constitutional right to grant clemency. He draws this right from Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants him the power to pardon convicts and commute sentences. But constitutional rights are not moral shields, and mercy must ennoble justice, not mock it. […]

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Super Eagles Soar in Latest FIFA Rankings, Climbs to 41st Globally

The New Diplomat — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:15:34 +0000

Reclaims Africa’s Top 5 Spot By Abiola Olawale The Super Eagles of Nigeria have rocketed four places in the freshly released FIFA men’s world rankings, surging from 45th to 41st position. This ascent also catapults the Super Eagles back into Africa’s top five, edging out rivals like the Ivory Coast and Tunisia. The climb comes […]

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Makinde Slams Mass Exodus to APC, Says Hunger, Poverty Haven’t ‘Defected’ from Nigerians Yet

Hamilton Nwosa — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:00:28 +0000

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed the wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as mere distractions. Instead, he urged his fellow politicians to prioritize the “defection” of hunger and poverty from their daily lives, emphasizing that true change hinges on alleviating economic hardships rather than […]

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