The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is presenting a united front in its dealings with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as its member countries—Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—prepare to withdraw from the regional bloc.
Foreign ministers from the AES met in Ouagadougou on Sunday to finalize details of their formal exit, scheduled for Tuesday, January 28. During the meeting, the alliance emphasized adopting a “global approach” to future negotiations and relations with ECOWAS, ensuring they act as a unified entity.
The three nations announced their intent to leave ECOWAS shortly after forming the Alliance of Sahel States, known by its French acronym AES. Their decision follows strained relations with ECOWAS due to military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023).
ECOWAS condemned the coups, suspended their memberships, and demanded a return to civilian rule. However, the military governments rejected these calls, expelled French troops from their territories, and sought support from Russia to combat ongoing jihadist insurgencies.
The AES ministers stated that future discussions with ECOWAS must recognize the alliance as a cohesive actor committed to peaceful coexistence while pursuing its regional objectives.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has revealed plans to address corruption allegations against its former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following his return to the House. This was disclosed by the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, during an exclusive interview at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.
Ogundipe stated, “Once he is physically present, the allegations against him will be addressed. There are reports of significant financial expenditures linked to him, and while we don’t know the source of some records, we will take necessary actions when he joins us.”
Responding to inquiries about the possibility of involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the investigation, Ogundipe said, “The decision to file a petition or set up a committee will be determined when he is present. The leadership of the House will ensure due procedures are strictly followed.”
Obasa was removed from office by lawmakers last week amidst accusations of corruption. However, the former Speaker dismissed the allegations, claiming his removal was unprocedural and asserting his position as the legitimate Speaker.
“If there are claims that I am corrupt, let them present evidence,” Obasa said during a gathering with supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge last Saturday.
In contrast, Ogundipe maintained that the removal was lawful, saying, “The process of his removal adhered to constitutional guidelines. We followed the same process used to appoint him. The members acted based on what they observed and decided to change leadership.”
On Monday, the Assembly postponed its scheduled plenary session, citing the need to allow lawmakers to settle in and maintain calm within the House. Security around the Assembly complex was notably heightened, with personnel screening journalists and visitors.
The increased security followed Obasa’s remarks over the weekend, where he insisted that the House had not followed proper procedures to remove him.
Obasa was replaced by Mojisola Meranda, the former deputy speaker, after a majority vote ousted him on January 13, 2025, over alleged misconduct and financial mismanagement. Meranda officially assumed office on Monday, supported by several lawmakers.
Ogundipe expressed hope that Obasa would return to the Assembly, emphasizing that the House remains peaceful and focused on its duties.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he referred to as “transgender ideology” within the military, marking a significant step back for LGBTQ rights.
Speaking aboard Air Force One during a series of military-related announcements, Trump also called for the development of a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
The executive orders reinstated service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and expanded measures to eliminate diversity programs across the armed forces.
“To ensure we maintain the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military,” Trump declared at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.
This order, which follows Trump’s previous ban on transgender troops, reinforced his opposition to recognizing gender diversity in the armed forces. Trump asserted that the military had been “burdened by radical gender ideology to appease activists” and claimed that “many mental and physical health conditions are incompatible with active duty.”
The executive order stated, “Adopting a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in personal life.” It added, “A man’s assertion that he is a woman, and the demand for others to honor this falsehood, is inconsistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.”
Another executive order criticized diversity initiatives within the military, claiming they “undermine leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, thereby eroding lethality and force readiness.” The order also banned discussions on “gender ideology” and dismissed theories framing America’s founding documents as inherently racist or sexist, labeling them as “un-American.”
These actions coincide with Trump’s second week back in the White House and align with a ceremonial welcome at the Pentagon for his newly appointed Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News personality, was confirmed despite concerns over his limited experience and past allegations of misconduct.
“Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will execute!” Hegseth posted on X.
Policies for transgender individuals in the U.S. military have fluctuated in recent years. Democratic administrations have sought to allow transgender individuals to serve openly, while Trump has repeatedly pushed for their exclusion. The military first removed its ban on transgender service members in 2016 under President Barack Obama, but Trump delayed and ultimately reversed the policy during his first term. President Joe Biden reinstated inclusive policies upon taking office in 2021.
Although transgender troops account for a small fraction of military personnel—around 15,000 out of more than two million—their exclusion could exacerbate the challenges of declining recruitment numbers. Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indirectly criticized Trump’s stance, stating earlier this month, “Any military that turns away qualified patriots eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.”
In addition to these measures, Trump reiterated his commitment to developing a U.S.-made Iron Dome missile defense system to protect against airborne threats. “We must immediately begin constructing a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield,” Trump emphasized, adding that the system would be manufactured domestically.
DeepSeek AI has emerged as a significant player in the artificial intelligence landscape, sparking conversations around innovation, market disruption, and geopolitical influence. The Chinese startup has challenged industry norms, shaken up global markets, and drawn the attention of world leaders.
What is DeepSeek AI?
DeepSeek AI, officially known as Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd., is a Chinese technology company headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, the company focuses on developing cutting-edge artificial intelligence models with a strong emphasis on efficiency and open-source solutions.
Key Features and Achievements
Cost-Effective Development: DeepSeek developed its large language model (LLM), “R1,” for just $6 million—a fraction of the costs incurred by major players like OpenAI and Anthropic, which spend hundreds of millions to billions on similar projects.
Rapid Growth: In January 2025, DeepSeek launched its first chatbot app, which quickly became the most downloaded free app on the iOS App Store in the U.S., surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Efficiency Breakthrough: The company employs a “mixture of experts” approach, activating only the necessary computing resources for a task. This method is not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable, challenging the energy-intensive norms of AI development.
Why DeepSeek AI is Considered a Threat to the U.S. Technology Market
DeepSeek AI’s rise has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and Wall Street, and its success has raised serious concerns among U.S. technology leaders and policymakers.
Disruptive Market Impact
The success of DeepSeek’s chatbot app led to a massive stock market reaction, with Nvidia—a key player in AI infrastructure—losing 17% of its value, wiping out over $600 billion in stock market capitalization. This disruption highlighted the startup’s potential to undermine the dominance of established tech giants.
Cost and Resource Efficiency
DeepSeek’s ability to develop high-performing AI models at a fraction of the cost challenges the traditional financial barriers to entry in AI development. This efficiency threatens to shift the competitive advantage from resource-rich companies in the U.S. to lean, innovative startups in China.
Technological Parity
DeepSeek’s R1 model has been described as comparable to advanced U.S. AI systems. Its innovative “mixture of experts” approach demonstrates how China’s tech industry is narrowing the gap with Silicon Valley, creating concerns about the U.S. losing its technological edge.
Geopolitical Concerns
DeepSeek’s rise has broader geopolitical implications. AI is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of global power, and DeepSeek’s success is being viewed as a potential shift in the balance of technological influence. Some analysts have even called it a “Sputnik moment” for American AI.
What Donald Trump Said About DeepSeek AI
U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the significance of DeepSeek AI, calling it a “wake-up call” for America. He likened the company’s rapid rise to a pivotal moment in technological history, urging the U.S. government and private sector to act decisively to retain its leadership in AI.
Trump’s Key Statements
On National Security: Trump emphasized that DeepSeek’s success underscores the urgency for the U.S. to prioritize AI development to avoid losing ground to China in this critical sector.
On Innovation: He described DeepSeek’s achievements as both impressive and alarming, pointing to the need for the U.S. to innovate faster and more efficiently.
On Policy Response: Trump advocated for increased investment in AI and tech infrastructure, calling for a bipartisan approach to ensure that the U.S. remains the global leader in artificial intelligence.
The Bigger Picture
DeepSeek AI’s success represents more than just technological advancement, it is a symbol of China’s growing influence in the global tech landscape. The company’s disruptive innovations have highlighted the need for competitive responses from U.S. tech companies and policymakers.
DeepSeek AI’s meteoric rise signals a transformative moment in the AI industry. Its ability to compete with U.S. tech giants, disrupt markets, and influence geopolitical discussions places it at the forefront of the global AI race. Whether the U.S. can respond effectively to this “wake-up call” remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the emergence of DeepSeek AI marks a turning point in the future of technology.
Coca-Cola has recalled its drinks in some countries across Europe because they contain “higher levels” of a chemical called chlorate.
The firm said in a statement that the recall was focused on Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It added just five product lines had been shipped to Britain, and they had already been sold.
Affected products include the Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico and Minute Maid brands, according to the Belgium branch of Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operation.
Chlorate can be produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing.
Coca-Cola said it had not received any consumer complaints in Great Britain, and that it had “alerted the authorities on this matter and will continue to collaborate with them.”
The company added the issue has affected “a very small number of imported cans” of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero with production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE” which Coca-Cola said can be found on the base of the can.
Anne Gravett from the Food Standards Agency said it was investigating.
“If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers,” she added.
Exposure to high levels of chlorate can cause health problems including thyroid problems, especially among children and infants.
NHS and private nutritionist Caron Grazette told the BBC: “We need to question whether or not we want to digest chemicals in soft drinks which are used in the production of fireworks and disinfectants, however small the quantity”.
Chlorate’s effects on humans when taken in excess include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and limiting the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen, added Ms Grazette, citing recent research into the chemical.
The higher levels of chlorate were discovered during routine testing at the company’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium, according to an unnamed company spokesperson quoted by the AFP news agency.
The majority of unsold products had been withdrawn from shelves, and the company was in the process of withdrawing the rest.
The draw for the 2025/26 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has taken place, with hosts Morocco facing Mali, Zambia and Comoros in Group A.
Seven-time champions Egypt, who will likely be led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, will play South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B In Group C, Nigeria will start their campaign to win a first AFCON title since 2013 by taking on Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.
Senegal won a memorable first title in 2021 and the the Teranga Lions will play DR Congo, Benin and Botswana, with the Zebras making their just their second Africa Cup of Nations appearance. In Group E, Algeria will play Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, while Group F will stage a mouth-watering clash between rivals Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, as well as Gabon and Mozambique.
Cote d’Ivoire are the defending champions and the the tournament will begin on 21 December with Morocco opening against Comoros. The final will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on 18 January 2026.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the registration and examination dates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The announcement was made by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during a media briefing held in Lagos on January 26, 2025.
Key Dates for the 2025 UTME:
Registration Period: January 31, 2025, to March 5, 2025.
Mock Examination: February 23, 2025 (optional for candidates).
Main Examination: March 8, 2025, to March 15, 2025.
Prof. Oloyede emphasized the importance of candidates adhering to the registration timeline to avoid last-minute challenges. He noted that the Board has upgraded its registration and examination processes to ensure a seamless experience for candidates.
Guidelines for Registration
Prospective candidates are required to:
Create a JAMB profile by sending their National Identification Number (NIN) to the designated JAMB SMS code.
Visit an accredited JAMB registration center or cybercafé to complete their application process.
Provide a valid email address, passport photograph, and biometric data during registration.
The Registrar stressed the mandatory use of the NIN for registration, a measure aimed at curbing identity fraud and ensuring data accuracy.
Optional Mock Examination
Candidates who wish to participate in the optional mock exam are required to indicate their interest during registration. A nominal fee will apply for the mock exam, which is designed to familiarize candidates with the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format and assess their readiness for the main UTME.
Advancements in Examination Conduct
Prof. Oloyede highlighted several advancements made by JAMB to enhance the integrity of the UTME. These include:
Deployment of advanced technology to prevent examination malpractice.
Enhanced monitoring of CBT centers to ensure strict compliance with JAMB guidelines.
Improved accessibility for candidates with special needs, including provisions for visually impaired candidates.
Appeal for Cooperation
JAMB has appealed to parents, candidates, and stakeholders to support its efforts to maintain transparency and fairness in the admission process. The Board also warned against patronizing unaccredited centers or engaging in fraudulent activities during registration.
With the registration window set to open on January 31, 2025, JAMB advises prospective candidates to start early and ensure they meet all requirements. The announcement underscores JAMB’s commitment to a smooth and credible examination process for millions of Nigerian students aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions.
For further information, candidates are encouraged to visit the official JAMB website or contact its helpdesk.
US stocks took a steep dive on Monday morning after a groundbreaking announcement from a Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, which shook the dominance of the American tech sector. DeepSeek, a year-old company, introduced its new AI model, R1, which mirrors the capabilities of popular AI systems like ChatGPT. However, R1 operates at a fraction of the cost of models from US giants such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta.
The company revealed that it spent just $5.6 million to train R1, a stark contrast to the hundreds of millions—or even billions—spent by US firms on similar AI technologies. This revelation, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, sent shockwaves through the stock market, particularly hitting the tech sector hard.
On Monday, the Dow Jones dropped by around 369 points, or 0.8%, while the S&P 500 fell by 2%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq saw a dramatic plunge of 3.6%, marking its biggest drop since September 2022. Meta recently announced it would invest over $65 billion in AI this year, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman has warned that trillions of dollars will be needed to support the AI infrastructure—costs that seem to dwarf what DeepSeek spent on its breakthrough.
Marc Andreessen, a leading tech investor and supporter of President Donald Trump, praised DeepSeek’s development, calling it “one of the most amazing and impressive breakthroughs I’ve ever seen” in a post on X.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that DeepSeek managed to build such a powerful model despite US restrictions on exporting high-power AI chips to China, citing national security concerns. The Chinese startup achieved this at a significantly lower cost using under-powered AI chips, further intensifying the shockwave through the market.
On Monday, US tech stocks were hammered. Nvidia (NVDA), the leading supplier of AI chips, dropped by 12%. Meta (META), Alphabet (GOOGL), and other major tech players like Marvell, Broadcom, Palantir, and Oracle also saw sharp declines. Since tech stocks make up roughly 45% of the S&P 500, the sell-off dragged down the broader market as well.
Keith Lerner, analyst at Truist, noted that the US stock market’s outperformance has been driven largely by its tech sector, particularly in AI. He pointed out that DeepSeek’s development has raised questions about the future dominance of US companies in the AI space and whether their massive investments will translate into profits or just overspending.
As a new earnings season kicks off for major tech companies, their responses to DeepSeek’s breakthrough could lead to further volatility in the coming weeks. However, while DeepSeek’s achievement is extraordinary, it may not be enough to topple years of American progress in AI leadership. A major shift toward a Chinese startup seems unlikely, and some analysts believe the market selloff could be an overreaction—or perhaps investors were just waiting for a reason to pull back.
“Time will tell if the DeepSeek threat is real,” said Michael Block, market strategist at Third Seven Capital. “The race is on to see which technology works, and how the big Western players will respond and evolve.” He added that markets may have become too complacent under the looming influence of the Trump 2.0 era, finding a “great excuse” to pull back with this new development.
Legal luminary and elder statesman, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, in the early hours of Monday, 27th January, 2025, withdrew the cases of defamation instituted against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Babalola had filed a lawsuit against Farotimi in an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court following Farotimi’s publication of a book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’, which allegedly defamed him.
Farotimi was remanded in a correcttional centre for weeks before he was granted bail.
Afe Babalola’s decision to withdraw the suit followed the visit to him by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday night.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II in company of prominent Yoruba traditional Rulers in Ekiti state was at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) at 10:08pm on Sunday night to appeal to the founder of the university Aare Afe Babalola to forgive the human rights lawyer and withdraw the ongoing criminal case instituted against him.
Babalola emphasized the significance of the Yoruba traditional institution and its influence, stating, “the monarchs are here, they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt.”
The senior advocate expressed his deep disappointment over Farotimi’s accusation that he won all his cases through corruption, which led him to decline all previous requests to withdraw the cases from court.
Speaking at the meeting, Babalola said he had received several letters as well as calls on the issue from eminent Nigerians asking him to withdraw the suit.
They included former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Hassan Kukah.
Afe Babalola said he had no choice but to succumb to the latest pleas by the visiting traditional rulers.
The Ooni mentioned that Yoruba leaders and the traditional institution had been closely monitoring the situation, adding that he and others resolved to intervene so that Babalola ” can pardon his son, Farotimi.”
“We’ve all come together as traditional rulers to discuss with you on this issue and this gentleman Dele Farotimi is your son and you must forgive him and withdraw the criminal charges against him. As a father, you have soft sons and you have tough sons, Dele Farotimi is a tough son of yours. You have indeed made a point that your name can not be be messed with”.
He commended the legal icon for building his integrity over the years, “You have done great things for this race and Nigeria, such that your name can never be forgotten, assuring him that nobody can tarnish his name and and encouraged him to remain steadfast in following the developments.
The statement quoted that Afe Babalola accepted the request, saying he grew up as a child to understand such interventions by the traditional rulers.
He said, “today is a very important day for me, I’m a Yoruba man and I’m very proud to be one. I’m not in quest of more wealth, I’m rather concerned on managing the one I have already”.
Ewi of Ado has come here to meet me on this matter, former president Obasanjo has intervened, same with Bishop Matthew Kukah and a host of other prominent Nigerians to ask for the exact thing you have come to ask for this evening., my answer to them has been “NO” but today my answer is “YES”
Babalola emphasized that he had no personal benefit to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment. He assured the traditional rulers that he would direct his lawyers to withdraw the case.
The court granted Farotimi N30 million bail on 20th of December.
Timileyin Ajayi, accused of murdering Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against him by the Police.
Ajayi was arraigned on a single count of culpable homicide, an offense punishable by death, at the Court 2 in Lafia before Justice Simeon Aboki on Monday.
Stanley Nwaforagu, the Officer-in-Charge of Legal for the Nasarawa State Police Command, confirmed to journalists after the court session that the Police remain committed to ensuring justice prevails despite the defendant’s plea.
“On January 27, 2025, the defendant, Mr. Timileyin Ajayi, was formally arraigned on one count of culpable homicide punishable by death. He pleaded not guilty, and the court has adjourned the case to March 17–20 for trial. The court has shown a commitment to expedite the process, which is a positive development. We are confident that the overwhelming evidence we have will sustain the charge and deliver justice,” Nwaforagu stated.
Joseph Tukur, counsel to the defendant, expressed his determination to see the legal process through on behalf of his client.
“Today’s session was solely for arraignment, and the defendant has entered his plea. A trial date has been set. It’s our duty to ensure the prosecution follows due process by proving their case beyond a reasonable doubt,” Tukur said.
The court aims to deliver a speedy trial in the high-profile case, as both parties prepare for the next legal proceedings.
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