The New Diplomat

Trump Declares ‘War Is Over’ in Gaza as He Begins Middle East Diplomatic Visit

The New Diplomat — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:32:19 +0000

By Abiola Olawale United States President Donald Trump declared the “war is over” in Gaza, just hours before touching down in Israel for a diplomatic push in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the region, Trump emphasized the end of the two-year conflict that has ravaged Gaza since […]

The post Trump Declares ‘War Is Over’ in Gaza as He Begins Middle East Diplomatic Visit appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Presidency Gives Update on Edun’s Health, Says He is Recovering

The New Diplomat — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:29:28 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Presidency has confirmed that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is recovering from a sudden illness at his Abuja residence, with no immediate plans for his replacement under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The update comes as the Presidency confirmed earlier that Edun would not be […]

The post Presidency Gives Update on Edun’s Health, Says He is Recovering appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Oil Prices Rebound After a Sharp Selloff

The New Diplomat — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:12:24 +0000

Oil prices rebounded in early Asian trading on Monday, recovering from sharp losses in the previous session as investors grew cautiously optimistic that potential talks between President Trump and President Xi could ease tensions between the world’s two largest economies and oil consumers. At the time of writing, Brent was up 1.64% at $63.76, while WTI had risen 1.73% […]

The post Oil Prices Rebound After a Sharp Selloff appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Confirms Wale Edun’s indisposition, names Cardoso to lead Nigeria’s delegation to World Bank-IMF meetings

The New Diplomat — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:05:24 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Presidency on Sunday confirmed that Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, is “indisposed,” and announced that Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will lead the country’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings scheduled […]

The post Confirms Wale Edun’s indisposition, names Cardoso to lead Nigeria’s delegation to World Bank-IMF meetings appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Nigerian Varsities Set to Shut Down as ASUU Declares Nationwide Two-Week Warning Strike

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:20:29 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially declared a comprehensive two-week warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria. The action is set to begin at midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025. ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the decision during a press briefing at the University of Abuja […]

The post Nigerian Varsities Set to Shut Down as ASUU Declares Nationwide Two-Week Warning Strike appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Umahi Declares: It’s not yet South East’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:14:20 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has told Nigerians from the South East to exercise patience in their quest for the presidency, insisting that it is “not yet the region’s turn” to produce the country’s next leader. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, […]

The post Umahi Declares: It’s not yet South East’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Madagascar Crisis: Mutinous soldiers claim control as President Rajoelina warns of coup attempt

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 14:30:41 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Madagascar plunged deeper into political turmoil on Sunday after a renegade army unit declared it had seized control of all military forces in the country, prompting President Andry Rajoelina to accuse the group of attempting to “seize power illegally and by force.” Reports said the mutinous CAPSAT contingent, a corps of administrative […]

The post Madagascar Crisis: Mutinous soldiers claim control as President Rajoelina warns of coup attempt appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Atiku expresses worry over youths losing hope in Nigeria, urges massive participation in 2027

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 14:26:04 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing loss of hope among young Nigerians about the future of the country, urging them not to give up but to remain engaged in the democratic […]

The post Atiku expresses worry over youths losing hope in Nigeria, urges massive participation in 2027 appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Tinubu Heads to Rome for High-Stakes Global Counter-Terrorism Summit

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 14:21:35 +0000

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Rome, Italy, to attend an international counter-terrorism summit. It was gathered that the summit is aimed at addressing the growing threat of global terrorism. The New Diplomat reports that the summit, hosted by the Italian government, brings together heads of state, […]

The post Tinubu Heads to Rome for High-Stakes Global Counter-Terrorism Summit appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Presidency Accuses US Lawmakers of Weaponizing ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims Over Nigeria’s Gaza Stance

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 14:15:54 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Nigerian Presidency has accused influential United States lawmakers of allegedly fabricating and amplifying claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as retaliation for the country’s criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This is as Daniel Bwala, special adviser to the president on policy communication, dismissed the allegations as “Western propaganda” […]

The post Presidency Accuses US Lawmakers of Weaponizing ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims Over Nigeria’s Gaza Stance appeared first on The New Diplomat.

[PHOTOS] Peter Obi Embarks on Spiritual Quest in Rome, Seeks Divine Intervention for Nigeria

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 13:01:02 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, visited Rome, Italy to pray for Nigeria. Joined by his wife, Margaret, Obi, a two-term governor of Anambra State, said he undertook a sacred pilgrimage to Rome during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. He said he prayed for Nigeria’s healing, peace, and responsible leadership. […]

The post [PHOTOS] Peter Obi Embarks on Spiritual Quest in Rome, Seeks Divine Intervention for Nigeria appeared first on The New Diplomat.

SERAP Writes Newly Nominated INEC Chair, Demands Prosecution of Electoral Offenders

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 12:49:44 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to launch swift prosecutions against politicians and their sponsors implicated in grave electoral offenses. SERAP’s letter, dated October 11, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director […]

The post SERAP Writes Newly Nominated INEC Chair, Demands Prosecution of Electoral Offenders appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Trump Escalates Trade War: Slaps 130% Tariffs on Chinese Goods

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 09:17:19 +0000

By Obinna Uballa President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new trade measures against China, declaring that the United States will impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports, on top of the existing 30%, starting November 1 or sooner. The move marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington and Beijing, effectively reviving the trade […]

The post Trump Escalates Trade War: Slaps 130% Tariffs on Chinese Goods appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Senior Advocates of No-Consequence (SANs), By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

The New Diplomat — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:41:48 +0000

The ritual of the “Call to Bar” is the formal ceremony for the admission of new entrants into Nigeria’s legal profession. The responsibility for administering it resides in the Body of Benchers (BoB), a statutory entity described by law as “a body of legal practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession in Nigeria.” The solemnity […]

The post Senior Advocates of No-Consequence (SANs), By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu appeared first on The New Diplomat.

How Much Mercury is in the Fish You Eat?

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 16:38:17 +0000

Low-mercury seafood options include scallops, clams, shrimp, and salmon, all with less than 0.02 ppm. Top predators like swordfish, shark, and Gulf of Mexico tilefish have the highest mercury levels, some over 1.0 ppm. Experts recommend eating high-mercury fish no more than 3 times a month, or avoiding them entirely. Mercury in fish is a […]

The post How Much Mercury is in the Fish You Eat? appeared first on The New Diplomat.

[FULL LIST] Presidency Unveils Names of Beneficiaries of Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 16:02:33 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Nigerian Presidency has officially unveiled the names of 175 beneficiaries granted clemency under President Bola Tinubu’s presidential prerogative of mercy. The announcement, ratified by the Council of State on October 9, 2025, includes posthumous pardons for iconic figures like Herbert Macaulay and Major-General Mamman Vatsa, alongside living convicts such as former […]

The post [FULL LIST] Presidency Unveils Names of Beneficiaries of Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s Burial Date Announced

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:49:18 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The family of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old Arise News anchor, reporter, and producer, has unveiled a schedule for her funeral rites, culminating in her burial on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Known affectionately as “Sommie,” Maduagwu’s tragic death during an armed robbery in Abuja has sparked widespread grief, tributes, and renewed demands […]

The post Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s Burial Date Announced appeared first on The New Diplomat.

A list of this year’s Nobel Prize winners so far

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 14:24:32 +0000

The awarding Friday of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado brought this week’s Nobel announcements to a conclusion. Only the economics prize remains, to be awarded Monday. The peace prize is the only Nobel awarded in Oslo, Norway. The others are awarded in Stockholm. The award ceremony will be held on Dec. 10, […]

The post A list of this year’s Nobel Prize winners so far appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Oil Prices Drop to $59 on Gaza Ceasefire and Trump’s China Tariff Threat

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:37:15 +0000

WTI crude tumbled below the critical $60 per barrel mark for the first time since May, with front-month futures settling at $58.90 per barrel for a steep 4.24% loss on Friday, October 10. The international benchmark, Brent, followed suit, closing down 3.82% at $62.73 per barrel. This decisive collapse was driven by a powerful one-two […]

The post Oil Prices Drop to $59 on Gaza Ceasefire and Trump’s China Tariff Threat appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Why Forgiveness Is Hard, By Funke Egbemode

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:29:46 +0000

Ebun noticed that her husband was avoiding intimacy with her. He was travelling more, sleeping outside the home under one flimsy excuse or the other. The traffic was terrible. I did not want to drive home that late because my spare tyre is bad. I had had an extra bottle of beer and my friends […]

The post Why Forgiveness Is Hard, By Funke Egbemode appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Ranked: Europe’s Most Dangerous Cities, According to Citizens

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 09:33:41 +0000

Key Takeaways Numbeo’s Crime Index is based on user surveys, scaled 0–100, and reflects perceptions of crime and safety rather than official statistics. Bradford, UK is the most dangerous city in Europe according to the latest mid-2025 crime rankings. At the country-level, France has the most cities in the top 30. Where do European’s feel the least […]

The post Ranked: Europe’s Most Dangerous Cities, According to Citizens appeared first on The New Diplomat.

As its ruling party turns 80, an emboldened Kim Jong Un shows off North Korea’s new hypersonic weapon, ICBM

Hamilton Nwosa — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 09:26:29 +0000

North Korea showed off a new hypersonic glide vehicle and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) at a military parade late Friday, as it marked 80 years of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. The Hwasong-11Ma hypersonic weapon and the Hwasong-20 ICBM, which state media called North Korea’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system,” were among an […]

The post As its ruling party turns 80, an emboldened Kim Jong Un shows off North Korea’s new hypersonic weapon, ICBM appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Nigeria Immigration Offers Voluntary Return Program for Visa Overstayers

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 09:03:07 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP). This initiative provides undocumented foreign nationals a grace period to either regularize their status or depart Nigeria voluntarily. The program kicks off on October 13, 2025, just days after the closure of the government’s five-month Expired […]

The post Nigeria Immigration Offers Voluntary Return Program for Visa Overstayers appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Details as Fitch Holds Steady on Nigeria’s ‘B’ Rating

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 08:33:57 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Nigeria’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at ‘B’ with a Stable Outlook. Fitch said the affirmation comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against high inflation. The country’s new economic status was reviewed in a report published on Friday. According to the report, “Nigeria’s ‘B’ rating is due to its […]

The post Details as Fitch Holds Steady on Nigeria’s ‘B’ Rating appeared first on The New Diplomat.

FG Refutes Report Claiming It Stopped FIRS, Customs from Deducting Cost of Collection

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 08:17:54 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Federal Government has denied reports that the government has scrapped the long-standing cost of collection deductions for key revenue agencies. The clarification comes hot on the heels of the remarks made by Finance Minister Wale Edun, underscoring ongoing efforts to streamline Nigeria’s revenue mobilization without disrupting operations. However, the Federal Ministry […]

The post FG Refutes Report Claiming It Stopped FIRS, Customs from Deducting Cost of Collection appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Nigeria’s Public Debt Soars to N152.4trn Amid Mounting Fiscal Pressures

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 08:01:21 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria’s public debt burden has risen to an unprecedented N152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025, marking a N3.01 trillion or 2.01% increase from N149.39 trillion recorded at the end of March, according to the latest figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO). In dollar terms, the debt profile climbed from $97.24 […]

The post Nigeria’s Public Debt Soars to N152.4trn Amid Mounting Fiscal Pressures appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Shockwaves in Opposition: Governors Mbah, Diri Set to Join APC Next Week

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 06:08:53 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria’s political landscape is bracing for a major shake-up as Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State prepare to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) next week, in what insiders describe as one of the most consequential realignments since 1999. […]

The post Shockwaves in Opposition: Governors Mbah, Diri Set to Join APC Next Week appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Genocide allegations dangerous, could damage Nigeria’s global standing – Bolaji Akinyemi warns

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 06:05:28 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has raised alarm over what he described as an “unjustified and unfair” attempt to label Nigeria with genocide allegations, warning that such claims could carry grave diplomatic and reputational consequences for the country. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Akinyemi expressed deep […]

The post Genocide allegations dangerous, could damage Nigeria’s global standing – Bolaji Akinyemi warns appeared first on The New Diplomat.

New INEC Boss and Tinubu’s Visibilization of Northern Yorubas

The New Diplomat — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 04:22:59 +0000

By Farooq A. Kperogi Everyone who is familiar with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unabashed Yorubacentricism expected him to appoint a Yoruba person to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC chairman. However, because, as I pointed out in my September 20 column, no president, prime minister, or head of state has ever appointed an INEC chairman […]

The post New INEC Boss and Tinubu’s Visibilization of Northern Yorubas appeared first on The New Diplomat.

Army confirms killing of four soldiers by Boko Haram in deadly midnight raid on Borno

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:37:12 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Four Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead and five others injured after Boko Haram terrorists launched a fierce midnight attack on a military base in Ngamdu, along the Damaturu–Maiduguri Road in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. The assault, which occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, was met with stiff resistance […]

The post Army confirms killing of four soldiers by Boko Haram in deadly midnight raid on Borno appeared first on The New Diplomat.