National

In a remarkable gesture that highlights the intersection of philanthropy and global goodwill, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently bestowed the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) upon Bill Gates. This honour is a testament to Gates' unwavering commitment to enhancing global health, advancing education, and alleviating poverty—all areas where his contributions have brought about significant change. As Gates visits Nigeria, his agenda includes critical discussions with President…

In an encouraging turn of events for the banking sector, Fitch Ratings has recently upgraded the rating of Fidelity Bank, highlighting the organization's remarkable resilience and effective strategies. This significant uplift was attributed to Fidelity Bank’s successful capital raise through a rights issue and public offering, along with an impressive improvement in its profitability, largely driven by increased interest income paired with a solid foundation of low-cost current and savings deposits. Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,…

Engaging in Dialogue: A Commitment to Somalia’s Future The recent remarks made by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo highlight a pivotal moment in Somalia's political landscape. “I welcome the timeline for the national consultative dialogue proposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concerning critical national issues, particularly elections, security, and the Constitution,” he expressed. This sentiment reverberates through the hearts of many Somalis who yearn for a cohesive and sustainable political…

Somalia's National Conference Tackles Arms Control Challenges Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal move toward enhancing national security, Somalia's federal government convened a two-day national conference on Monday in Mogadishu. This gathering aimed to confront the pressing issues of illicit arms, unmonitored ammunition, and the insidious threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by insurgent factions. Under the leadership of Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the conference was organized by the Office of the…

The Somali Salvation Forum: A Call for Inclusive Dialogue Mogadishu (AX) – As the anticipation builds for the upcoming national consultation conference, scheduled to commence on June 15, 2025, in Mogadishu, the Somali Salvation Forum—a coalition predominantly comprising opposition members—has articulated a series of pivotal preconditions for their involvement. This gathering, heralded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, offers a rare opportunity for dialogue, yet it simultaneously raises questions about the…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of prominent opposition groups spearheaded by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, released a powerful statement this past Saturday night. In it, they leveled serious accusations against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, asserting that he is undermining national cohesion and straying from the mutually agreed-upon blueprint for state-building. The statements emerged following a significant meeting in Mogadishu, where concerns were raised regarding the President’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an important step toward fostering national unity and addressing pressing governance issues, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially announced the commencement of the National Consultation Forum. Scheduled to open in Mogadishu on June 15, 2025, this high-level gathering aims to bring together political and civil society leaders to discuss critical state-building priorities. “In times of uncertainty, dialogue becomes not just a mechanism, but a bridge,” President Hassan Sheikh articulated…

On Saturday, Femi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), made a significant announcement regarding the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC). The forthcoming closure of the refinery is described as a temporary measure, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the refinery's long-term viability. Reflecting on the situation, Soneye stated, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to inform the general…

Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, made a notable reappearance in Parliament today, seeking to present the revised 2025 Budget Review after several prior attempts. This return to the legislative arena was not just routine; it carried the weight of expectation and anticipation. What led to this repeat moment? One might wonder. The atmosphere was charged as he approached the lectern. Legislators, many of whom had been following the fiscal discussions closely, perched on the edges of their seats. Godongwana’s task was…

Has Al-Shabaab Infiltrated the Somali National Army? MOQOKORI, Somalia - Intrigue and tragedy struck yet again in Moqokori, a town nestled within the troubled Hiiraan region of central Somalia. This past Saturday, the serenity of the army was violently altered when a senior Somali National Army (SNA) officer was shockingly gunned down by a lower-ranking soldier. The backdrop to this chilling event is the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, a militant group intent on destabilizing the currently fragile, UN-backed…