Global

The year 2024 has brought remarkable news for Nigeria’s foreign trade sector, which skyrocketed to a whopping ₦138.03 trillion. Imagine an increase of 106.56% from 2023, when the trade value stood at a considerable ₦66.83 trillion. This striking information was shared by none other than the illustrious National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Numbers on a page don’t always paint a full picture, do they? So, what lies behind this surge in trade? Let’s delve into this enigmatic story. Let's explore some fascinating insights.…

In the vibrant and often tumultuous theater of international relations, arms imports have carved a significant niche. Behind this growth lurk geopolitical frictions, modern-day defense evolution, and security jitters that nations, large and small, seek to address. But what drives a nation to become a top importer of military might? Let us explore the data supplied by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to unravel this enigma. Global Leaders in Arms Imports: A…

As the world grows more interconnected, the desire to expand one's horizons becomes a compelling narrative for many. Nigerians are at the forefront of this quest for global engagement. According to Henley & Partners, Nigerians ranked among the top five nationalities curious about investment migration options in 2024. With a 16% year-over-year increase, they outpaced any other African country in expressing this interest. What exactly stirs this profound demand for overseas investment opportunities?…

Recently, the Global Mind Project unveiled its extensive report on mental health, drawing from over a million responses collected online from participants in 76 different countries. The data revealed a rather unsettling truth: in wealthier countries, the mental well-being of those aged 18 to 34 is on a downward trend with little sign of recovery in sight. However, there's a silver lining. In parts of Africa, youth are demonstrating a remarkable resilience that stands out globally. Who would've thought? Tanzania,…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. In a world where the pulse of economies sets the pace for global progress, the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking illuminates the forefront contenders. Currently, the global economic stage is dominated by several nations renowned for their robust competitiveness. Yet, what exactly makes an economy competitive on the world stage? Is it solely about GDP numbers, or is there more beneath the surface? The most competitive economies in the world are distinguished by…

When we look into the intricate web of rental trends worldwide, certain dominant factors come into play. Economic conditions, housing affordability, government policies, and, indeed, cultural preferences each hold sway over how rental markets evolve. Pause and reflect—is it merely a roof over one's head, or a quest for freedom that fuels this global inclination towards renting? Top 10 Countries with Remarkable Rental Populations in 2024 According to Eurostat,…

Understanding DRC's Stance on M23 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) perceives the M23 group through a critical lens, branding it as a terrorist organization. This perspective does not emerge from a vacuum; it hinges on numerous factors. Paramount among them is the nation's sovereign integrity, a principle they've seen undermined in past agreements that dissolved amidst foreign meddling and a potentially futile expectation of compliance. Sometime back, I recall a conversation with an aid…

The clash between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now the talk of international circles. In an event that was at once expected yet unprecedented, Trump clashed vociferously with Zelensky at the esteemed White House, with the American president making clear his stance: negotiate with Russia, or the United States might withdraw its support. This public discord unfolded in what was ostensibly meant to be a mere prelude to the signing of a minerals agreement that…

In the ever-evolving landscape of global aviation, the year 2024 beckoned with both challenges and achievements. A reminder of both human enterprise and its vulnerabilities, Africa's aviation landscape serves as a poignant reflection of this dual narrative. With ten incidents recorded, Africa positioned itself as the region with the second-highest number of plane crashes. An unsettling statistic indeed, it mirrors the perpetual conflict between ambition and the precarious nature of modern advancements. African…

In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump recently unveiled a bold initiative that could potentially redefine pathways to American residency. On Tuesday, he announced a plan to sell U.S. residence permits - dubbed "gold cards" - for a staggering $5 million. This is the latest example of “residence by investment” programs, a concept gaining traction among the world’s affluent seeking global mobility. "With this new 'gold card', we're inviting the world’s elite to invest in America," Trump declared, standing…