The New Diplomat

Zamfara Rakes In N358.9bn Revenue in 2024, Delivers 82% Budget Performance

Hamilton Nwosa — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:25:39 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Zamfara State Government has reported a total revenue generation of N358.9 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, achieving 82 percent of its approved N437 billion budget target. The announcement was made on Thursday in Gusau by the State Auditor-General, Abubakar Danmaliki, during the presentation of the state’s 2024 Citizens Accountability Report. […]

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Makinde Throws Shade at Umahi over Coastal Highway

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:07:02 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has thrown shade at the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over failure to provide an answer on the average cost spent for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Makinde, who spoke at an event in a viral video on Friday, said there was no need for the Minister of […]

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Venezuelan Democracy Activist María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Trump Snubbed

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:15:21 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy campaigner, María Corina Machado, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela” and her “struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” Machado, who has been in hiding since August 2024 […]

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UNILAG, UI Top 2026 Times World University Rankings in Nigeria

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:33:15 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has emerged as the highest-ranked university in Nigeria, alongside the University of Ibadan (UI), in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings released on Thursday, October 9, 2025. According to the global ranking, UNILAG and UI both placed in the 801-1000 band out of more […]

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Oil Prices Set for Moderate Dip on Gaza Ceasefire

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:53:54 +0000

Crude oil prices are on course for another weekly decline following the news of a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas, which was ratified today by Tel Aviv. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $64.90 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $61.28, as the Middle East war premium vanished. “This (deal) saw the […]

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Farouk Lawan Thanks Tinubu After Receiving Presidential Pardon

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:48:04 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Farouk Lawan, a former member of the House of Representatives, has appreciated President Bola Tinubu for granting him a presidential pardon. The New Diplomat reports that on Thursday, Tinubu, during a National Council of State meeting, granted a presidential pardon to Lawan and several others. Among others are one of Nigeria’s founding […]

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Peru’s President Dina Boluarte Ousted After Corruption Scandals, ‘Nose Job’ Controversy Rock Govt

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:43:55 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Peru’s President Dina Boluarte has been removed from office following a late-night congressional vote that united lawmakers from across the political spectrum, bringing an abrupt end to her embattled presidency. Boluarte, who has faced months of investigations over bribery, abuse of power, and her alleged role in the deadly crackdown on 2022 […]

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Nigeria Gets Renewed Hope of World Cup Qualification Ahead of Lesotho Clash Today

The New Diplomat — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:41:15 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been reignited following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to adjust the qualification criteria in response to Eritrea’s withdrawal from the ongoing campaign. The Super Eagles face Lesotho in a crucial World Cup qualifier scheduled for 5 p.m. local time […]

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$4.5bn: Court Admits More Evidence Against Emefiele

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:30:45 +0000

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 9,2025, admitted more evidence against a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in an alleged $4.5bn fraud. Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demand preferred against him by […]

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NEITI Warns of Deepening Transparency Crisis, Says Nigeria Lost $3.3bn to Oil theft, Sabotage

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:17:25 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria lost an estimated 13.5 million barrels of crude oil valued at $3.3 billion to theft and pipeline sabotage between 2023 and 2024, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has revealed. Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, disclosed this on Thursday at the 2025 Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria […]

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Oil Eases over 1.5% after Gaza ceasefire

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:11:03 +0000

Summary Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire, return of hostages US oil product supplied highest since December 2022, EIA says Stalled peace talks in Ukraine underpin prices Oil prices edged slightly lower on Thursday after Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed an agreement to cease fire in Gaza. Brent crude futures were […]

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Details as Tinubu Grants Herbert Macaulay, Others Presidential Pardon

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:01:28 +0000

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exercised his constitutional powers to grant presidential pardons to 175 individuals, including the revered Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay. It was gathered that the development happened during the National Council of State that was held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday. Although the presidency has yet to release […]

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FG promises action as World Bank flags excessive revenue retention by FIRS, NCS, NUPRC, others

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:52:26 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The federal government has said there’s already a plan to curb the issue of excessive revenue retention by federal agencies. This is as the World Bank raised concerns over what it describes as the disproportionately high share of revenue retained by Nigeria’s major revenue-generating agencies compared to similar institutions across Africa. In […]

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What Will They Eat When They Finish The Money? By Azu Ishiekwene

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:44:05 +0000

The grave is never satisfied, but other things compete with it for insatiability. I can’t help feeling that some members of Nigeria’s National Assembly will vie for the top place of never enough with the grave, water and fire. Enough is a stranger to them. What happens in these chambers in Abuja, in the name […]

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Minimum Wages in 50 U.S. States & 35 Countries, Adjusted for Living Costs

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:30:41 +0000

Key Takeaways After adjusting for inflation and price differences, statutory minimum wages in leading high-income economies—including Germany, Australia, and France—are higher than all 50 U.S. states. Under the same metrics D.C., Connecticut, Washington, and Arizona have the highest statutory minimum wages in the U.S. U.S. states following the federal minimum wage (which hasn’t moved since 2008), cluster at […]

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Lagos Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Trade Fair Developers to Secure Bui

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:00:28 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Lagos State Government has handed property developers and structure owners at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo a two-week deadline to obtain building approvals. The directive was announced by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, on Thursday. The Commissioner stated that during the time frame, the developers […]

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Tinubu mourns Christopher Kolade, describes him as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures”

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:13:51 +0000

By Obinna Uballa President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr Christopher Kolade, describing the respected broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader as one of Nigeria’s “intellectual treasures” and a man of “unimpeachable integrity.” Dr Kolade, aged 92, passed away on Wednesday. In a statement issued from the State House on Thursday, Tinubu […]

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Tinubu names Joash Amupitan as new INEC chairman

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:58:20 +0000

By Obinna Uballa President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure in October 2025. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointment in a statement on Thursday, saying the National Council of State approved the […]

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Just In! Council of State Unanimously Backs Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:53:11 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The National Council of State has given its approval to Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The unanimous endorsement, announced during a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, comes as the country gears up for an off-cycle election, including the […]

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Tinubu Presides over Council of State, Set to Present Nominees for INEC Chair

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:43:03 +0000

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over the National Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa. It was gathered that the President is expected to present his nominees for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairmanship during the meeting. The development came after the recent exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose […]

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Putin says Russian air defenses responsible for Azerbaijani jet’s crash last year, killing 38

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:40:07 +0000

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that Russia’s air defenses were responsible for shooting down an Azerbaijani airliner in December that killed 38 people in his first admission of blame for the crash. Putin made the statement at a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliev in Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe, where both are attending […]

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Elder statesman, broadcaster, and diplomat Christopher Kolade dies at 92

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:32:46 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria has lost one of its most respected public figures, Dr. Christopher Kolade, CON – the revered diplomat, broadcaster, and corporate leader – who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 92. His family announced his passing in a statement on Thursday, expressing gratitude for “his incredible […]

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2027: Northern PDP Bloc Endorses Jonathan for President, Declares ‘No Going Back’

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:26:10 +0000

By Obinna Uballa A powerful coalition within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North has thrown its weight behind former President Goodluck Jonathan to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027, describing him as “the only leader capable of redeeming the PDP and reuniting Nigeria.” The endorsement came in a communiqué issued at […]

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Police Arrest 12 suspects over death of Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:38:05 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers in connection with the killing of Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery attack in Abuja. The suspects were apprehended following a coordinated operation by the Scorpion Squad under […]

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CAN divided over ‘Christian genocide’ claims as U.S. lawmakers, clerics clash on Nigeria’s religious crisis

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:16:07 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has become divided over renewed international claims that Christians are being systematically persecuted and exterminated in Nigeria, as a growing debate around faith, insecurity, and foreign intervention continues to intensify. The controversy was triggered by recent comments and legislative moves in the United States, where public […]

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Peter Obi Hails Nnaji’s Resignation, Calls INEC to Tighten Pre-Election Ve

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:11:21 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has praised Uche Nnaji for his resignation as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, amid explosive allegations of certificate forgery. Obi also seized the moment to rally the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rigorous reforms, demanding mandatory certificate submissions six […]

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[FULL LIST] University of Ibadan Reclaims Crown as Nigeria’s Best Institution for 2026

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:02:08 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The University of Ibadan (UI) has surged back to the pinnacle of Nigerian higher education, clinching the title of the nation’s top university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The development marks a return for UI, which dropped to fourth place in the previous year’s assessment but now […]

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Experts React as FG, World Bank Clash Over Nigeria’s Poverty Figures

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:45:25 +0000

By Obinna Uballa A new poverty report by the World Bank has sparked a wave of controversy in Nigeria, with the Federal Government dismissing it as “unrealistic” and experts insisting that the figures, however grim, reflect the lived experiences of millions of citizens. The World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update released this week estimates that 139 […]

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Israel, Hamas Greenlight First Phase of Trump’s Peace Plan

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:55:42 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Israel and Hamas have inked their approval on the inaugural phase of the United States President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative. The agreement, announced on Wednesday amid high-stakes indirect talks in Egypt, paves the way for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid. This development is […]

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Where Extreme Poverty Rates Are Highest in the World

The New Diplomat — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:10:59 +0000

Key Takeaways Africa is home to 23 of the top 30 countries with the highest rates of extreme poverty. Kosovo ranks in 19th globally in 2024, seeing the highest rates outside of Africa—a country that faces high unemployment rates and ongoing conflict. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produces roughly three-quarters of the world’s cobalt, it […]

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