Nigeria’s digital frontier has entered a new phase with the amended Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act now fully in effect as of July 2025. Originally passed in 2015 to tackle online fraud, identity theft, cyberstalking, and financial scams, the law has since been expanded to include stricter provisions.
These include jail terms for unauthorized access to devices, fines and imprisonment for spreading false information online, liability for group admins who fail to moderate illegal content, a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on digital transactions, and mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements tied to National Identity Numbers. The amendment also strengthens protections against cyberbullying and digital blackmail, making it one of the most comprehensive frameworks of its kind in Africa.
Yet, its firm stance raises critical questions. While the government positions the law as a shield against cyber threats, critics fear it could become a double-edged sword, one that suppresses investigative journalism, whistleblowing, and free expression under the guise of order. Provisions on unauthorized access, recording conversations, and publishing sensitive data could push citizens toward unregulated digital spaces. The debate remains: is the law a necessary safeguard for Nigeria’s digital age, or a potential tool to gag dissent and limit democratic freedoms online?
Nigeria and Brazil have entered a new phase of diplomatic and economic partnership following the signing of a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing direct cooperation across key sectors, including aviation, trade, and cultural exchange.
The accord was formalized during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil, from 24 to 25 August 2025, where discussions centered on strengthening ties between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s largest nation. The agreement is designed to open new channels for investment, improve connectivity, and reinforce both nations’ long-standing historical and cultural relationship.
Who was present at the meeting
The signing took place in Brasília, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. President Tinubu was accompanied by senior Nigerian officials, among them Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture; and Bianca Onoh Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
On the Brazilian side, key figures included Minister of Transport Silvio Costa Filho and other cabinet members responsible for economic and infrastructural development.
What was the outcome of the meeting
The high-level discussions between Nigeria and Brazil produced five major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), each tailored to deepen cooperation across critical sectors.
1. Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA): Signed between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho. This deal paves the way for direct flights between both countries, aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
2. Diplomatic Training Cooperation: Signed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Onoh Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira. The agreement establishes frameworks for diplomatic training exchanges and capacity building.
3. Political Consultation Mechanism: Also signed by both Foreign Affairs ministers, this MoU provides a platform for regular consultations on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern.
4. Science, Technology, and Innovation Partnership: Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, endorsed an agreement covering cooperation in biotechnology, ocean science, energy, space development, digital transformation, and raw materials research.
5. Agricultural and Trade Financing Cooperation: The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MoU to strengthen agricultural financing, promote investment, and support joint projects in agribusiness and rural development.
What this agreement means for Nigerians
For Nigeria, the agreements represent more than improved connectivity; they signal new openings for growth in diplomacy, science, agriculture, and trade. The direct air service will ease travel and enhance people-to-people exchange, while diplomatic training and political consultations will strengthen Nigeria’s voice in global affairs.
Cooperation in science and technology is expected to boost research and innovation, offering opportunities in biotechnology, energy, and digital transformation. The agricultural financing deal promises greater access to funding, technology transfer, and investment for Nigerian farmers, potentially improving food security and agribusiness development.
Altogether, these accords lay the foundation for stronger economic integration, deeper cultural ties, and a renewed partnership that places Nigeria at the center of South-South cooperation.
In the words of President Tinubu:
“Nigeria’s future lies in expanding partnerships that deliver real benefits to our people. This agreement with Brazil is a foundation for prosperity, opportunity, and a new era of cooperation across continents.”
On August 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported the country’s first travel-related human case of New World screwworm (NWS) myiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of the flesh-eating screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax).
This case represents a notable development amid an ongoing outbreak in Central America and Mexico, sparking concerns over the parasite’s possible impact on U.S. public health and livestock. The infection was identified in a Maryland resident who had recently traveled to El Salvador, although early reports from some beef industry sources suggested Guatemala as the point of exposure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working alongside the Maryland Department of Health, confirmed the diagnosis on August 4, 2025, using telediagnosis, an expert review of images of the larvae submitted for analysis. Officials have stated that the patient has made a full recovery and stressed that the overall risk to the wider U.S. population remains “very low,” with no evidence of further transmission to people or animals.
What Is The New World Screwworm?
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) attack and consume the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, pets, and in rare cases, humans.
Adult female flies can deposit as many as 400 eggs at once in open wounds, as well as in the nose, mouth, or eyes. Within a few days, these eggs hatch into hundreds of larvae equipped with sharp mouth hooks that bore into flesh, leading to intense pain, significant tissue destruction, and, if left untreated, potentially deadly secondary infections.
The term “screwworm” comes from the larvae’s twisting, screw-like movement as they feed, which can cause wounds to expand rapidly. Although they primarily pose a serious threat to cattle, devastating herds and inflicting billions of dollars in economic damage, human infections, while uncommon, are described as “very painful” and demand immediate medical care.
Causes Of New World Screwworm
The primary cause of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations is exposure to the parasitic fly Cochliomyia hominivorax and its eggs or larvae. Here are the key factors that lead to NWS myiasis (infestation):
Presence Of Open Wounds Or Sores
The female screwworm fly is attracted to open cuts, scrapes, or even small skin abrasions on warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, pets, and sometimes humans. She lays eggs (up to 400 at a time) on these wounds or around moist openings like the nose, mouth, or eyes.
Egg Hatching And Larval Development
Once the eggs hatch (usually within 12–24 hours), the larvae (maggots) penetrate healthy living tissue rather than feeding only on dead tissue like some other fly species. Their screw-like burrowing action leads to severe tissue damage and further attracts more flies.
Poor Wound Care Or Sanitation
In environments where wounds are not properly cleaned or protected, the risk of infestation increases. This is especially common in rural or agricultural settings where animals may be exposed to untreated injuries.
Environmental And Geographic Factors
NWS flies are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Outbreaks are often linked to warm, humid climates that favor fly reproduction and survival.
Transmission via Travel
Human cases are rare and often occur when individuals travel to endemic areas (Central and South America) and return with untreated wounds that become infested.
Symptoms Of New World Screwworm
The signs of infection can be extremely painful and may include:
Persistent wounds or sores on the skin that fail to heal or worsen over time
Bleeding from affected sores
Sensations of larvae moving within open wounds or inside the nose, mouth, or eyes
Visible maggots present in the wounds or in the nose, mouth, or eyes
A strong, unpleasant odor coming from the infected wounds or affected areas such as the nose, mouth, or eyes
What Are The Treatments?
Managing this condition usually requires immediate medical intervention. Treatment often includes surgically removing all visible larvae, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the affected wounds, and administering antibiotics.
The hundreds of larvae need to be carefully extracted by hand, and the wounds meticulously disinfected to prevent further damage. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to address secondary bacterial infections, while pain relief measures are necessary in more severe cases.
For animals, additional treatments such as topical or systemic insecticides are used to kill any remaining larvae and reduce the risk of re-infestation.
With prompt and comprehensive care, patients can recover successfully; however, if left untreated, the infestation can result in severe tissue destruction and even death.
President Duma Boko of Botswana declared a national public health emergency on August 25, 2025, following a critical collapse in the country’s medical supply system. Hospitals and clinics across the nation have run out of essential medicines and equipment.
The crisis has disrupted treatment for cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, and diabetes. Elective surgeries are suspended, and rural clinics face severe shortages. The government has launched an emergency response to stabilise the situation.
P250 Million Emergency Fund Launched as Military Takes Over Distribution
President Boko announced the release of P250 million to fast-track medical procurement. The Finance Ministry approved the funds to address the urgent shortage and restore minimum health services within days.
The Botswana Defence Force has taken control of nationwide distribution. Military teams are prioritising clinics in rural and high-risk areas. Trucks began moving supplies out of Gaborone on the evening of August 25.
Health officials say military-led delivery ensures speed, oversight, and security. Remote clinics in Maun, Francistown, and Gantsi are among the first locations receiving critical supplies.
Diamond Slump and U.S. Aid Cuts Blamed for System Collapse
Botswana’s health crisis was triggered by a steep decline in diamond revenues. The global slowdown in diamond demand has slashed national income, affecting government spending on healthcare.
Additionally, U.S. aid to Botswana’s health programs has decreased substantially. These funding cuts have strained public clinics and delayed essential purchases of drugs and medical tools.
President Boko blamed the country’s central medical stores for operational failure. “The medical supply chain has failed and disrupted health services nationwide,” he said during a national address on August 25.
Poor procurement practices, inflated prices, and weak stock tracking made the problem worse. Audits revealed years of mismanagement in the national supply system.
Even though flour prices have dropped with a bag falling from over ₦80,000 to around ₦55,000–₦56,000, bread remains costly for many Nigerians. The reason goes beyond flour; other imported ingredients like sugar, yeast, and butter also influence production costs.
There’s also a gap between bakery prices and what consumers pay, as distributors and retailers are often accused of maintaining high profit margins despite reduced costs.
This price disconnect is part of Nigeria’s broader food inflation problem. The average price of a 500g sliced bread jumped 89.48% year-on-year, from ₦553.03 in February 2023 to ₦1,047.86 in February 2024. While food inflation has eased to 22.74% as of July 2025, many households still feel the pinch.
According to NBS, the Nigerian bread market could generate $18.81 billion in 2025, yet without addressing distribution costs and mark-ups, bread may remain out of reach for many families.
Typhoon Kajiki, which has now weakened into a tropical storm, has struck Vietnam, China, and Laos, leaving behind flooding, landslides, and widespread disruption. In Vietnam, authorities reported heavy rainfall that damaged homes, caused dangerous landslides, and forced flight cancellations.
The government ordered tighter monitoring of dams and vulnerable areas, while emergency teams were mobilised with building materials, transport, and rescue equipment to strengthen flood defenses. Officials also enforced evacuation plans for people living in coastal and low-lying regions, warning citizens to avoid travelling near rivers and dams.
Airports in several provinces, including Quang Tri, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An, were temporarily closed, though no significant damage to the facilities was reported. Airlines began rescheduling flights as the storm passed. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed emergency measures across provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Tri, urging swift evacuations from high-risk zones to prevent further loss of life.
In China’s Hainan province, local authorities issued a yellow alert, the third-highest warning on the four-tier system. More than 100,000 people were affected by flooding and fallen trees across multiple counties and cities, though officials confirmed there had been no casualties so far.
Kajiki also reached Laos, where it brought intense rainfall. At present, the country has not reported casualties or serious damage to infrastructure, but weather services are continuing to monitor the situation. The storm system is expected to move further westward in the coming days, bringing rainfall to Thailand.
The Japanese government has denied reports suggesting that Nigerians, or other African nationals, would receive special visas as part of its “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative.
In a statement issued on Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that claims regarding a new visa category for Nigerians moving to Kisarazu city were incorrect.
The ministry explained that during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched the Africa Hometown program, aimed at enhancing exchanges between African nations and Japanese local governments.
“Under this initiative, four cities in Japan have been designated as ‘home towns’ for four African countries. JICA plans to foster interactions between these cities and African nations through various activities, including organizing exchange events with JICA’s overseas cooperation volunteers,” the statement read.
However, Japan emphasized that there are no plans to introduce measures that would promote immigration or issue special visas for African nationals. The Ministry also stated that reports claiming such measures were being considered were false.
“Contrary to recent reports, no special visa programs for African nationals, including Nigerians, are in the works. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work towards ensuring that accurate information is disseminated on this matter,” the statement continued.
This clarification comes after PUNCH Online reported last week that Nigeria’s government had announced Japan’s designation of Kisarazu city as the “hometown” for Nigerians. The report suggested that the city would also create a special visa category for skilled Nigerian youth and blue-collar workers.
In the initial statement, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu’s Mayor, Yoshikuni Watanabe, were said to have received a certificate marking the city as Nigeria’s designated “hometown.”
Youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders; they are a powerful force shaping the present. Nigeria, with one of the world’s youngest populations over 60% under the age of 30 and a median age of just 18.1 years has become a hub of youthful energy and innovation. Across the country, young people are driving change in areas like climate action, gender equality, quality education, and reducing inequalities.
Many of these changemakers start with a personal passion, turning it into impactful projects that transform their communities and, increasingly, gain global recognition. Yet the journey isn’t without hurdles. Youth unemployment stands at 8.4% for ages 15–24, while limited resources, policy gaps, and global uncertainties add to the challenges.
Despite these barriers, individual sparks of inspiration born out of everyday realities such as poverty, lack of access to education, or social injustice often ignite broader movements aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Nigeria’s youth are proving that with resilience and vision, local actions can resonate globally and shape a more equitable future.
US President Donald Trump has ignited a major political and financial storm after announcing the dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, accusing her of committing mortgage fraud.
The decision has been widely condemned by Democrats, legal experts, and market analysts, who describe it as an unlawful attempt to seize control of America’s central bank.
Trump alleged that Cook misrepresented two properties as her primary residences in order to secure more favorable mortgage rates. Cook, who was first appointed to the Fed in 2022 and later reappointed under President Joe Biden, firmly denied the accusations and insisted that the president has no legal authority to remove her. She has declared she will not step down, calling the move an unconstitutional interference with the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Democratic leaders immediately rallied in her defense. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described Trump’s decision as an “authoritarian power grab,” while Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that undermining the central bank for political gain could destabilize the US economy.
Constitutional scholars have also noted that members of the Federal Reserve Board enjoy fixed terms and can only be removed under very limited circumstances, raising serious legal questions about the legitimacy of Trump’s action.
The announcement reverberated through global markets. The US dollar weakened, gold prices rose, and Treasury yields climbed as traders reacted to fears that political meddling could erode confidence in the Fed’s credibility.
Analysts at Deutsche Bank suggested that if Trump succeeds in ousting Cook, he could appoint more governors sympathetic to his preference for lower interest rates, reshaping the board into a more dovish majority. Investors are now placing heightened bets on a possible interest-rate cut at the Fed’s September meeting.
The clash over Cook’s position highlights a broader battle over the independence of America’s central banking system. Economists and historians have warned that political interference in the Fed has, in the past, led to damaging economic outcomes, particularly in the inflation-plagued 1970s.
Trump’s move has therefore raised alarms not only in Washington but also in financial capitals worldwide, where confidence in the Federal Reserve is seen as a cornerstone of global economic stability.
A passenger train heading from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, overturning several coaches and forcing passengers to scramble for safety.
The mishap occurred along the busy rail corridor shortly after the train left Abuja at about 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with passengers rushing out of the derailed carriages in fear and confusion.
One witness said, “It is a complete pandemonium. People who were confirmed to be saved were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic. We can not confirm if everyone is safe yet, but we pray everyone comes out alive.”
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, said rescue operations were ongoing at the site.
“I don’t want to say much for now, but the incident is confirmed and the rescue operation is on as we speak,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the derailment had not been established, and no fatalities or injuries had been officially reported.
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