Global oil prices dropped on Friday and are on track for a weekly loss of over 2%, driven by fears of oversupply and heightened uncertainty surrounding trade relations between the United States and China.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell by 36 cents, settling at $62.43 per barrel, marking a 3.5% decline for the week.
According to Anh Pham, Senior Analyst at LSEG, “On a weekly basis, prices are down due to persistent concerns over excess supply from OPEC+, while the demand outlook remains shaky amid ongoing trade tensions. A stronger U.S. dollar has also weighed on crude prices.”
Earlier gains in the oil market were reversed after a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry stated that no active tariff negotiations were taking place with the United States. This contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim on Thursday that trade talks were still in progress.
Ole Hansen, an analyst at Saxo Bank, noted that “Traders now view further crude price gains as unlikely in the short term due to ongoing trade frictions between major global consumers and speculation that OPEC+ could accelerate output increases as early as June.”
In a move reflecting economic caution, China has exempted certain U.S. imports from its 125% tariffs, requesting businesses to identify essential goods for tariff waivers. This action signals Beijing’s increasing concern over the trade war’s economic toll.
The broader market remains jittery, with oversupply fears intensifying after several OPEC+ members hinted at the possibility of speeding up oil production hikes in June, according to a recent Reuters report.
Adding to the complexity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed in an interview with CBS News that progress is being made in peace efforts with the U.S. to end the war in Ukraine. While details remain unresolved, any easing of the conflict and lifting of sanctions could allow more Russian oil to enter the global market, potentially increasing supply pressures further.
Russia, a top oil producer and key member of OPEC+, alongside Saudi Arabia and the U.S., plays a major role in global energy dynamics.
As supply-side uncertainties grow and geopolitical tensions persist, oil markets may continue to face downward pressure in the short term.
Congo and Rwanda are poised to sign a landmark agreement in the United States this Friday aimed at restoring peace and fostering economic development, according to sources cited by Reuters. The deal is expected to be finalized during a high-level ceremony in Washington, attended by the foreign ministers of both nations and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The accord seeks to bring an end to the persistent violence plaguing eastern Congo, fueled in part by the advance of the M23 rebel group, widely believed to be supported by Rwanda—a claim Kigali has consistently denied.
Beyond the pursuit of peace, the agreement comes amid active discussions with the U.S. over significant investments in Congo’s rich mineral resources. The country is home to vast deposits of copper, cobalt, and lithium—critical elements for mobile phones, electric vehicles, and other modern technologies. Rwanda has also confirmed ongoing talks with the U.S. regarding a potential minerals deal.
The renewed diplomatic momentum follows a surge in violence earlier this year when M23 rebels captured key eastern cities. In response, both the United Nations and Western governments accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to the rebel group. Rwanda maintains its military action was in self-defense against Congolese forces and militias linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
Mediation efforts by Qatar and the U.S. have helped bring both parties to the negotiating table. In March, Qatar facilitated a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, resulting in a call for a ceasefire. Talks hosted in Qatar also led to a joint statement this week, with both Congo and M23 rebels pledging to cease hostilities and work toward a lasting peace.
A diplomatic source revealed that Friday’s agreement will act as a “declaration of principles”, outlining shared commitments to peace, regional stability, and economic collaboration. While the details are still being finalized, the accord aims to rebuild trust, boost investor confidence, and normalize diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.
Another source noted that a full peace deal is expected to follow in the coming months, with both parties working closely to finalize the terms.
This development comes as the U.S. continues exploring a potential minerals-for-security partnership with Congo—a proposal initially brought to Washington by a Congolese senator earlier this year, capturing the interest of the Trump administration.
If successful, the peace accord could mark a turning point in one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts, while unlocking economic opportunities in one of the world’s most mineral-rich regions.
The Lagos State Government has revealed that 26,592 students from public schools failed the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), raising serious concerns about academic performance across the state.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, made the disclosure during a ministerial press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday.
“45.7% of the 58,188 public school students who sat for the examination did not pass,” he stated.
This failure rate is alarming, especially considering the state government’s significant investment of ₦1.577 billion to cover WAEC registration fees for students.
“The sum of ₦1,577,794,000 was paid by the state government as examination fees for 58,188 students captured for the 2024 WASSCE,” Alli-Balogun noted.
To address the issue and prevent further financial waste, the commissioner announced that biometric and image registration will be introduced for the 2025 WASSCE, to verify and track legitimate beneficiaries of government sponsorship.
So far, 56,134 students have been successfully verified and registered for future sponsorship.
Eko Learners’ Support Programme Launched to Improve Performance
As part of broader educational reforms, the state government has launched the Eko Learners’ Support Programme, aimed at boosting the performance of WASSCE and NECO candidates in public schools.
Launched on January 14, 2025, the initiative is designed to empower students through 320 lessons across 10 core subjects, including:
English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Economics
Government
History
Literature-in-English
Yoruba
Each lesson, delivered in 30-minute episodes, will be broadcast on Lagos Television (LTV) and archived across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to ensure easy access and long-term academic support.
“This forward-thinking initiative supports academic excellence and encourages creativity and critical thinking. Every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Alli-Balogun.
He called on students—especially those in boarding schools—to fully embrace the programme.
“Education is a lifelong journey, and I encourage all students to take full advantage of this support system,” he added.
The Lagos State Government remains committed to transforming the education landscape by combining financial investment with digital learning innovations to improve student outcomes.
The NBA has announced the five finalists for the prestigious 2024–25 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award, which honors players leading impactful efforts for social justice in their communities.
The finalists are:
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
Harrison Barnes (San Antonio Spurs)
Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors)
Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)
CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans)
These players were selected by a distinguished panel that includes NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, human rights advocate Dr. Richard Lapchick, National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial, and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum.
The winner, who will be announced during the NBA playoffs, will receive the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy along with a $100,000 donation to a justice-focused nonprofit of his choice.
Notable past recipients of the award include Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who won the honor last season.
Tanzania has officially banned the importation of agricultural products from South Africa and Malawi, citing retaliatory action against what it describes as unfair trade restrictions imposed by both countries.
Despite being member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the trade row has escalated after Malawi and South Africa barred several Tanzanian agricultural exports. Malawi’s ban covers key goods such as maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, while South Africa recently prohibited the import of Tanzanian bananas shipped from Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, made the announcement in a video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account late Wednesday. He noted that Tanzania had given both countries until Wednesday to lift their bans on Tanzanian goods—an ultimatum that was not met.
“I would like to officially announce that from this night … we won’t allow any agricultural products from South Africa in our country,” Bashe declared, adding that Malawi will face the same restriction.
In addition to the import bans, Tanzania will block the transit of agricultural goods through its territory to landlocked Malawi and suspend the export of Tanzanian fertilizers to the country.
Bashe emphasized that while diplomatic discussions will continue, the immediate priority is to protect Tanzania’s agricultural sector and national business interests.
“We are taking this measure to protect our business. This is business, and we should all respect each other,” he said.
China is pressing the United States to cancel all “unilateral” tariffs as a necessary step toward resolving the ongoing trade tensions between both countries. This call comes amid speculation that the U.S. may be considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports.
At a press briefing on Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, He Yadong, emphasized that the removal of U.S. tariff measures is essential if Washington is genuinely interested in ending the trade dispute.
“The person who tied the bell must untie it,” He said, signaling that the U.S. should take responsibility for initiating the tariff conflict.
Despite recent statements from President Donald Trump suggesting that there has been “direct contact” between Washington and Beijing, Chinese officials have denied that any trade talks or negotiations have taken place.
“China and the United States have not conducted consultations or negotiations on tariffs, let alone reached an agreement,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun clarified, dismissing reports of ongoing talks as misinformation.
According to a Reuters source, the Trump administration is considering reducing tariffs on Chinese goods—currently set at 145%—to a range between 50% and 65%, pending possible talks with China.
China also convened a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, engaging with representatives from over 80 foreign enterprises and business chambers. The session focused on the negative impacts of U.S. tariffs on foreign investments and operations in China.
Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji encouraged foreign businesses to “turn crises into opportunities” and assured them that the government is working on solutions to ease their challenges.
Meanwhile, at the G20 Finance Ministers Meeting held alongside the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, China’s Central Bank Governor Pan Gongsheng reaffirmed the country’s commitment to upholding global free trade principles and the multilateral trading system.
As pressure mounts on both sides, the international community and economic stakeholders continue to watch closely for signs of a breakthrough in the prolonged U.S.-China trade war.
The ongoing strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which began on April 22, 2025, has now caused significant disruptions to flight operations across the country, with Air Peace, the country’s largest domestic carrier, suspending all flights.
The strike, backed by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), stems from unresolved grievances over poor salaries, non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, unpaid allowances, and lack of training programs.
Mr. Awotu, Chairman of the National Joint Union (NJAC), spoke passionately to LN247 News in a chat on the ongoing strike action, highlighting the dire situation faced by NiMet workers.
Has the Government Addressed Your Issues , and What Is the Next Plan of Action?
The strike action has drawn attention from the federal government, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, scheduling a critical meeting with union representatives on April 24, 2025, to resolve the crisis.
Mr. Awotu, in his interview with LN247 expressed hope for a positive outcome, stating,
“The next line of action is that the government has called for a meeting today 24 April 2025, which we are going to honor.
After the meeting, what is concluded will be made known to the public”. “From there, we will know our next line of action.”
He emphasized the union’s determination, saying, “We are still on strike, we are still pushing for the betterment of NiMet. We have suffered, we are tired, we are dying.”
The unions have issued a one-month ultimatum to NiMet management to implement the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wage, threatening further industrial action if demands are unmet.
But a senior NiMet official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration at the unions’ actions, noting that some demands have been addressed and others are in progress, but the management remains committed to an amicable resolution following the minister’s intervention.
What’s Happening with Air Peace?
The strike has severely impacted flight operations, particularly as Airpeace suspends operations at Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports, where NiMet workers have halted services, including the provision of Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports critical for safe landings during Nigeria’s rainy season.
Air Peace announced the suspension of all its flights nationwide on April 23, 2025, citing safety concerns due to the unavailability of these reports.
In a statement signed by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace explained, “Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of CNH reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over.
“Your safety is our top priority.”
The suspension left numerous passengers stranded, with the airline promising to provide updates and rescheduling options.
While Air Peace grounded its fleet, other airlines, including XEJET, Aero Contractors, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, continued operations, relying on alternative weather data sources such as real-time satellite monitoring, global aviation meteorology systems, and pilot reports.
United Nigeria Airlines issued a statement on April 24, 2025, affirming that its operations remain “safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards” despite the strike.
However, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the strike caused significant delays and cancellations, with an airport staff member noting, “The protest has affected many flights.”
The Northwest Zonal Chairman of AUPCTRE, Timothy Meshelia, confirmed the disruptions, stating that the protest halted several scheduled flights, leaving passengers stranded.
A Call for Change Amid Hardship
The union chairman, Mr. Awotu’s remarks to LN247 underscores the human toll of the crisis, particularly the meager salaries paid to NiMet workers.
“As I’m telling you, level four of our staff collects 31,000, it’s very bad. They need to work towards that,” he said., highlighting the union’s demand for a better salary structure.
The unions have accused NiMet management of breaching agreements made since January 29, 2025, to improve conditions, prompting the resumption of the strike after an expired ultimatum.
Despite the disruptions, NiMet management insists it is working toward a resolution, with a senior official stating, “No one bites off his nose to spite his face. We are hopeful that the unions will listen to reason.”
As the nation awaits the outcome of the April 24 meeting, the NiMet strike continues to expose deep-seated issues within Nigeria’s aviation sector, with workers and passengers caught in the crossfire.
The resolution of this crisis will determine whether normalcy returns to the skies or if further industrial action looms.
Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, the Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, has officially stepped down from the upcoming July 12, 2025 chairmanship race, throwing his full support behind Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola explained that his decision to withdraw was voluntary and rooted in loyalty to his political mentor, Speaker Obasa. He dismissed rumors of internal coercion, emphasizing that the move was a strategic step to promote party unity and support Abdulganiyu’s political aspirations under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me,” Abiola declared.
He detailed his journey in politics, which began in 2015 when Speaker Obasa appointed him as Special Assistant on Media. He later served as Sole Administrator of Agege LGA in 2016, the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time, before rising to Secretary of the Local Government in 2017 and Vice Chairman in 2021—all achieved through party support and Obasa’s influence.
While Abiola admitted he had aspirations to become chairman, he expressed satisfaction with the party’s consensus and the stakeholders’ decision urging Speaker Obasa to endorse his son.
“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree. Leaders and stakeholders have united behind Abdulganiyu. I support that,” he stated.
Abiola pledged unwavering support for Abdulganiyu Obasa’s candidacy, assuring APC members that he remains committed to the party’s goals and confident that more leadership opportunities lie ahead.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right,” he added. “I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory.”
He concluded by directing members of his political support group, the Obasa Youth Alliance, to fully rally behind the party’s decision and ensure a united front going into the election.
Real Madrid edged past Getafe with a narrow 1-0 away victory in their La Liga clash on April 23, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Arda Guler. The win saw Carlo Ancelotti’s men close the gap on league leaders Barcelona to just four points as the title race intensifies.
Guler, handed a rare start, seized the spotlight with a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box in the 21st minute—his third goal of the season and 10th in a Real Madrid shirt. The 19-year-old Turkish sensation made his presence felt in a game that offered few clear-cut chances.
Thibaut Courtois played a vital role in preserving the lead with key saves throughout the match, keeping Getafe’s persistent attack at bay. Despite enjoying only 36% possession, Getafe mustered 20 shots—six more than Madrid—but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Real Madrid controlled the rhythm with 64% possession and registered seven shots on target compared to Getafe’s six. It wasn’t the most dominant performance, but Los Blancos showed grit and composure to grind out a crucial win.
With this result, Real Madrid now have 72 points from 33 matches. Their attention now turns to the Copa del Rey final on April 26, where a clash with Barcelona awaits. Having already lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup this season, a Spanish Cup victory could further cement their dominance in domestic and international competitions.
Milan 3-0 Inter: Jovic Stars as Rossoneri End Treble Hopes
AC Milan emphatically dashed Inter Milan’s treble dreams with a commanding 3-0 victory in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal, advancing to the final on a 4-1 aggregate. Luka Jovic starred with a brace, propelling Milan to their third win over their city rivals this season.
Having already defeated Inter in January’s Italian Super Cup final, Milan once again asserted their supremacy in the Derby della Madonnina. The result keeps hopes alive for coach Sérgio Conceição, whose position has come under scrutiny amid Milan’s poor Serie A form—they sit ninth and are at risk of missing out on European competition next season.
Jovic opened the scoring with a precise header from Álex Jiménez’s cross in the 36th minute, then doubled the lead shortly after halftime by forcing home a loose ball from a corner. The win was sealed late on when Tijjani Reijnders calmly finished from a tight angle after being set up inside the box.
“We had to show our character—and we did,” said Jovic post-match. “Now we’re going to Rome.”
Inter had early chances, including Federico Dimarco rattling the crossbar and Lautaro Martínez missing a sitter, but Milan were clinical. Inter, who also lost to Bologna over the weekend in Serie A, will now shift focus to their upcoming Champions League semifinal against Barcelona.
Bologna face Empoli in the second leg of the other semifinal, with a 3-0 lead in hand. The Coppa Italia final is scheduled for May 14 in Rome.
Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace: Gunners Drop Points But Escape Unscathed
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Crystal Palace, a result that inches Liverpool closer to the Premier League title. In a match that lacked intensity, both sides appeared more focused on upcoming key fixtures—Arsenal’s Champions League semifinal and Palace’s FA Cup semifinal.
The Gunners started strong with Jakub Kiwior nodding home from a free kick in just the third minute. But Eberechi Eze leveled the score with a stunning volley from the edge of the box following a corner. Arsenal responded before halftime, with Leandro Trossard’s deflected effort restoring the lead.
However, a defensive error from William Saliba gifted Palace an equalizer late on. Jean-Phillippe Mateta intercepted a poor pass and chipped a stranded David Raya, capping a night of shaky defending for Arsenal. The Gunners conceded 2.2 xG—one of their worst defensive showings this season.
There were some bright spots: Gabriel Martinelli continued his strong form, Trossard impressed up front in the absence of Partey, and no fresh injuries were reported. However, Arteta’s side lacked sharpness and cohesion overall.
Arsenal now turn their attention to a crucial Champions League clash against PSG. While not the ideal tune-up, the North London side will be hoping to flip the switch in front of a home crowd on the European stage.
At 12:49 p.m. local time, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck off the coast of Silivri, near Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. The tremor was followed by a series of aftershocks—eight earthquakes were recorded within a single hour. The seismic activity caused widespread panic, prompting residents to evacuate buildings and gather in open spaces. Despite the intensity, initial assessments reported no major structural damage or casualties.
Why Do Earthquakes Reoccur in Turkey?
The frequent occurrence of earthquakes in Turkey stems from its unique geological setting. The country sits at the convergence of the Anatolian, Eurasian, and Arabian tectonic plates, a high-stress collision zone. This tectonic pressure is released through active fault lines, particularly the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) and the East Anatolian Fault (EAF)—two of the most seismically active in the world. As a result, earthquakes and aftershocks are a common feature of Turkey’s landscape. Experts continue to warn that densely populated areas like Istanbul remain at high risk, highlighting the need for constant preparedness and stronger, earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
Notable Earthquakes in Turkey’s History
The 1999 İzmit Earthquake
On August 17, 1999, the İzmit (Kocaeli) earthquake struck northwestern Turkey with a magnitude of 7.6. Over 17,000 people lost their lives, and more than 250,000 were left homeless. The disaster exposed weaknesses in urban planning and building standards, leading to sweeping reforms in construction codes and emergency response protocols.
The 2020 Elazığ Earthquake
On January 24, 2020, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit Elazığ Province in eastern Turkey. Although the death toll was lower—41 people—the event showcased improved coordination in rescue and relief efforts, reflecting Turkey’s progress in disaster preparedness.
The 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
On February 6, 2023, two massive earthquakes rocked southern Turkey within hours of each other. The first had a magnitude of 7.8, followed by a 7.5 aftershock. More than 50,000 people died, and destruction spread across 11 provinces. This catastrophe highlighted the devastating impact of weak infrastructure and the urgent need for strict enforcement of building regulations.
Earthquakes remain an inevitable part of life in Turkey due to its geographical location. While the country has made progress in emergency response and construction reforms, each seismic event serves as a critical reminder of the need for continued vigilance, public education, and investment in resilient infrastructure. As urban populations grow and risks remain high, Turkey’s commitment to long-term safety and preparedness is more important than ever.
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