Thirteen worshippers have been killed after gunmen attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack happened on Tuesday morning while residents were observing the Fajr (dawn) prayer.
In a statement, Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, said the killings were a reprisal by bandits after community members ambushed and lynched several of them two days earlier. According to him, villagers had seized three motorcycles, recovered two AK-47 rifles, and rescued kidnap victims from Ruwan Sanyi village during the earlier confrontation.
“The incident occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community. The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminals started shooting sporadically,” Mu’azu said.
He noted that security agencies, including the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base and the police, had been deployed to restore order and flush out the attackers.
The commissioner praised the courage of residents in resisting criminal elements but assured that the state government remained committed to combating banditry. He added that condolences had been extended to the families of those killed.
Bolivia’s August 17, 2025, presidential election has brought a dramatic political shift, ending nearly 20 years of leftist rule under the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party. For the first time in the country’s history, no candidate won outright in the first round, forcing a runoff scheduled for October 19 between centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira and former right-wing president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.
Rodrigo Paz Pereira surprised many observers by finishing first with about 32% of the vote. His campaign leaned on themes of anti-corruption, grassroots outreach, and a vision of “capitalism for all,” which appealed to voters weary of economic struggles marked by high inflation, fuel shortages, and declining trust in institutions.
Quiroga, who took second place with around 27%, presented himself as a pro-business conservative favoring privatization, fiscal austerity, and renewed ties with global financial institutions.
The once-dominant MAS party suffered a severe collapse. Its candidate Eduardo del Castillo barely surpassed 3% of the vote, while another leftist figure, Andrónico Rodríguez, managed only about 8%. This fragmentation underscored the decline of a political force that had defined Bolivia for two decades.
Former president Evo Morales, barred from running, called on his followers to nullify their ballots in protest. That appeal led to a record 19% of votes being invalidated, surpassing the totals received by many candidates. Analysts see this as evidence of MAS’s weakening influence and internal divisions.
The election outcome signals widespread frustration with the political establishment and a demand for new leadership. The upcoming runoff between Paz and Quiroga represents not only a clash of two competing visions for Bolivia but also a historic break from the country’s long era of leftist dominance.
The Immediate Past Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, has said that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds vast potential to boost Africa’s economy if women-led enterprises are fully empowered.
Oye made this known at a forum hosted by Zenforte and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Abuja. He noted that women-owned businesses, which make up about 40 per cent of enterprises across the continent, remain an untapped source of innovation, growth, and job creation.
He explained that AfCFTA can provide women entrepreneurs with access to larger markets, enhance competitiveness, and improve economic outcomes by removing trade barriers and fostering deeper regional integration.
“Women-led enterprises are not just vital to the continent’s economy, they also represent an immense opportunity for growth and innovation,” Oye said.
Despite the opportunities, he identified persistent challenges faced by women-led businesses, including poor access to finance, difficulties in entering new markets, and the need for stronger skills and capacity development to navigate trade regulations.
Oye further raised concerns about the Central Bank of Nigeria’s refusal to honour $2.4 billion forwards, warning that the decision was already creating litigations and financial pressure on businesses. He stressed that robust policies and collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders were critical to supporting women-led businesses and achieving the wider goals of AfCFTA.
“To amplify the impact of women-led enterprises, we must collaborate across several fronts, expand access to finance, open up markets, and invest in capacity building,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are preparing for a potential peace summit, their first face-to-face encounter since the war began over three years ago. The development follows a series of high-level meetings in Washington, where Donald Trump hosted European leaders to discuss long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trump, fresh from his meeting with Putin in Alaska, described his White House talks with European officials and Zelensky as “very good.” He revealed that he reached out to Putin afterward to begin arranging a direct meeting between the two leaders, though the timing and location are yet to be finalized.
Zelensky, speaking outside the White House, confirmed his readiness for such a dialogue. The Kremlin also indicated that Putin was open to direct talks. While the war remains largely stalled, with Russia making limited advances, the recent Trump-Putin discussions failed to secure an immediate ceasefire.
The White House gathering was notable for its strong European presence, with leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO showing a united front. Zelensky described his Oval Office meeting with Trump as “the best” they’ve had, contrasting with their tense and publicly hostile encounter earlier this year.
A key focus of the talks was how to guarantee Ukraine’s security. Trump said European nations would coordinate with the U.S. to provide these assurances, but Kyiv would have to abandon its long-standing ambition of joining NATO. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the meeting “very successful,” highlighting Trump’s role in breaking previous deadlocks. Detailed negotiations are expected in the coming days.
Reports suggest Ukraine may agree to purchase around $100 billion worth of U.S. weapons, financed by European partners, in exchange for American security guarantees. Zelensky later mentioned a $90 billion figure and noted that the framework for these guarantees should be finalized within ten days.
Despite the momentum, caution remains among European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron urged tighter sanctions if Putin fails to show genuine commitment to peace. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb warned that Putin cannot be trusted, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted Ukraine should not be pressured into giving up territory, comparing it to the U.S. being asked to surrender Florida.
On August 17, 2025, former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), marked his 84th birthday. Born in Minna, Niger State, in 1941, Babangida rose through the Nigerian Army to become one of the country’s most influential and controversial leaders. His rule, from 1985 to 1993, was marked by bold reforms, iconic infrastructure projects, and political upheavals that continue to shape Nigeria today.
Here are five key facts you may not know about the man Nigerians fondly call “IBB”:
1.He Was The First Nigerian Leader To Introduce Wide-Ranging Economic Reforms
One of Babangida’s most enduring legacies was the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) in 1986. Though controversial, the program liberalised the economy, encouraged private sector growth, and reduced dependence on oil revenue. Supporters hailed it as forward-thinking, while critics say it deepened poverty.
2.He Built Some Of Nigeria’s Iconic Infrastructure
IBB’s administration left behind physical projects that still define Nigeria’s landscape. These include the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the Ajaokuta Steel Complex. His investments in roads, telecommunications, and urban development demonstrated a vision for a modern Nigeria.
3. He Founded Nigeria’s Modern Intelligence Agencies
Babangida strengthened Nigeria’s security structure by creating two of the country’s most important intelligence bodies: the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). These agencies remain central to Nigeria’s security framework today.
4. He Was At The Centre Of The June 12 Crisis
The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola, remains the most controversial decision of Babangida’s leadership. The annulment sparked nationwide protests and remains one of the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Despite this, Babangida argued that his decision was aimed at preventing chaos and bloodshed.
5. He Still Commands National And International Influence
Even in retirement, Babangida remains a respected voice in Nigerian politics. His recent book launch and presidential library fundraising in Minna attracted top figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as international dignitaries. Billionaire businessmen Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Theophilus Danjuma pledged billions in donations to support the library project, cementing Babangida’s stature as one of Nigeria’s most enduring leaders.
General Ibrahim Babangida remains a figure whose leadership left lasting marks on Nigeria’s journey. From economic reforms to landmark projects and his influence in governance, his years in power shaped the nation in ways that still matter today.
At 84, his story continues to be remembered as part of Nigeria’s political and developmental history.
Nigeria spends over $10 billion every year on food imports, including wheat, rice, sugar, fish, and even tomato paste, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
Kyari disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos at the First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. 2025 Agric and Export Expo. Represented by his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Alkali, the minister described the rising dependence on food imports as unsustainable and called for stronger financing in agriculture to drive local production and boost exports.
“Agriculture already contributes 35 percent to our GDP and employs the same percentage of our workforce. We have 85 million hectares of arable land and a youthful population, with over 70 percent under 30 years old. Yet Nigeria accounts for less than 0.5 percent of global agro-exports and earns less than $400 million from the sector,” Kyari said.
He stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to achieving food sovereignty, which he described as essential to reducing dependency on foreign food supplies. “Food sovereignty means ensuring no Nigerian goes hungry due to global supply shocks. It means empowering every community to thrive on our land, our people, and our productivity,” he added.
According to him, scaling up domestic food production and supporting exports must go hand in hand. He noted that while the country has the land, labour, and market, what is lacking are financing systems, infrastructure, and value addition that can transform potential into real prosperity.
Kyari urged a shift from reliance on oil revenues to resilience in agriculture and agribusiness. He emphasized innovative financing mechanisms such as performance-based agricultural funding, revenue-sharing, factoring forward contracts, and Pay-as-Harvest schemes as proven models that could strengthen food security in Nigeria.
“Nigeria can do better if we embrace critical thinking and adopt tested strategies that are already working in other economies,” he said.
The Federal Government has commenced a fully automated admission process for Federal Unity Colleges across the country, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and capacity management in secondary school placements.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, said the reform was introduced under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.
According to the ministry, the initiative eliminates the problem of overcrowding in Unity Colleges by ensuring admissions are strictly within each school’s approved capacity.
Dr. Alausa described the reform as a guarantee of “fairness, operational efficiency, and sustained quality” in the colleges.
The current cycle covers 80 conventional Federal Unity Colleges for Junior Secondary School 1, while admissions for 42 Federal Technical Colleges under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme will be released later.
Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadri, hailed the automation as a “game-changer,” saying it will streamline the process, strengthen accountability, and create better learning environments for students.
The ministry added that parents and students can check admission results on its official website, reaffirming its commitment to delivering quality education in safe and conducive environments nationwide.
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has reached a decisive stage, with six countries already booking their places in the quarter-finals. Hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have made history by progressing together, while Morocco, Algeria, and Madagascar have also secured passage to the knockout rounds.
Kenya — A Dream Debut For The Hosts
Kenya, playing in their first-ever CHAN tournament, have defied expectations by finishing top of Group A with 10 points. The Harambee Stars stunned seasoned sides, beating DR Congo and Morocco 1–0 apiece, before sealing their group with a narrow 1–0 victory over Zambia. Their only slip came in a 1–1 draw with Angola. Conceding just once in the group stage, Kenya look well-drilled and resilient. They will face Madagascar in the quarter-finals at Kasarani on Friday, August 22.
Tanzania — Relentless And Compact
Group B belonged to Tanzania, who finished unbeaten with 10 points. The Taifa Stars showcased strong organization, conceding only a single goal across four matches. Even a final-day 0–0 draw against the Central African Republic could not dent their momentum. With the Dar es Salaam crowd behind them, Tanzania are set for a high-profile quarter-final showdown against Morocco under the lights at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Uganda — Nerves And History In Kampala
Uganda’s path to the quarter-finals was dramatic and emotional. Facing South Africa in their final Group C game, the Cranes fought back from 3–1 down to earn a 3–3 draw, thanks to two late penalties including one deep into stoppage time. That result pushed them to seven points, enough to top the group for the first time in their CHAN history. Uganda will now face the runners-up of Group D at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, aiming to extend their fairytale run.
Algeria — Efficiency Over Flair
Algeria had to dig deep to qualify, edging through as Group C runners-up on six points. A tense goalless draw with Niger on the final day proved just enough to see them advance on goal difference, ahead of South Africa. Though not yet at their sparkling best, Algeria’s tournament know-how makes them a dangerous knockout opponent. They will face the winners of Group D in Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium.
Morocco — Champions Show Their Edge
Two-time CHAN champions Morocco once again proved their pedigree. After slipping to second place behind Kenya in Group A, the Atlas Lions sealed qualification with a commanding 3–1 victory over DR Congo. With nine points from four games, Morocco have shown attacking flair and tournament maturity, setting up a heavyweight clash with hosts Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
Madagascar — The Island Nation Rising
Madagascar’s story has been one of resilience and determination. The Barea clinched second place in Group B with seven points, edging out Mauritania on goal difference after a decisive 2–1 win over Burkina Faso. Their reward is a quarter-final clash against Kenya in Nairobi, a fixture that promises both excitement and unpredictability.
Quarter-Final Fixtures Confirmed
The stage is set for a thrilling knockout phase. Kenya will face Madagascar in Nairobi, Tanzania battle Morocco in Dar es Salaam, Algeria take on the Group D winners in Zanzibar, while Uganda host the Group D runners-up in Kampala. With the co-hosts thriving and traditional heavyweights still in the mix, CHAN 2024 promises a quarter-final round rich with drama, passion, and history in the making.
The simmering rivalry between two of Yorubaland’s most revered traditional rulers, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, has once again come to the fore following a sharp disagreement over the conferment of a chieftaincy title.
At the weekend, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan-based businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi.
The event, held during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media and business networking platform at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, was described by the Ooni as a recognition of Sanusi’s “unparalleled commitment to the cultural and economic growth of the Yoruba race.”
However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, swiftly rejected the move, accusing the Ooni of overstepping his traditional authority.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin demanded that the title be revoked within 48 hours or the Ooni should “face the consequences.”
“The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has been drawn to the purported conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi,” the statement read.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order. Because of that ‘above-the-law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s back, including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer any chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland.”
Who Holds Greater Authority?
At the heart of the dispute lies the question of hierarchy in Yorubaland’s traditional structure. Historically, both the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife command deep cultural significance: the Ooni as the spiritual custodian of the Yoruba people, and the Alaafin as the political authority with sovereignty traced back to the old Oyo Empire.
Court rulings and traditional protocols, however, have long emphasized that only the Alaafin has the exclusive authority to bestow titles with jurisdiction over the entire Yorubaland. The Ooni’s authority, by contrast, is officially limited to Ile-Ife and its surrounding areas, specifically Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas.
This was the basis of Oba Owoade’s warning, as he accused the Ooni of undermining Yoruba unity and disregarding his peace-building efforts.
Consequences For Defiance
The Alaafin’s 48-hour ultimatum raises the question of what consequences might follow if the Ooni refuses to comply. While no direct sanctions over a traditional ruler are spelt out in law, Oba Owoade’s threat suggests that the matter could escalate either through legal channels, relying on the earlier Supreme Court ruling, or through cultural and political pressure within Yoruba traditional institutions.
“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test,” the Alaafin warned. “The Ooni must revoke the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 hours or face the consequences.”
The Vietnamese government has expressed its interest in expanding cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as trade, agriculture, education, and security.
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Bui Hung, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the founding of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hung noted that while trade relations have improved, there is still significant untapped potential. He disclosed that bilateral trade rose to $1 billion in 2024, up from an average of $600 million in previous years, mainly due to Vietnam’s increased crude oil imports from Nigeria.
“Last year was the first time our trade volume reached $1 billion, largely because of oil purchases. But oil and gas should not be the main focus. Agriculture offers more sustainable opportunities,” the envoy said.
According to him, Vietnam currently exports electronics, textiles, footwear, and other consumer goods to Nigeria while importing cashew nuts and limited agricultural products in return. He identified rice as a key challenge, noting that high tariffs and taste preferences have hindered access to Nigeria’s market.
“Vietnamese rice faces nearly 70 percent tariffs in Nigeria, and while Nigerians prefer basmati, ours is jasmine and sticky. Yet globally, our rice is in high demand, with major buyers including the US, Japan, and Southeast Asia,” he explained.
The envoy suggested stronger collaboration in agriculture, highlighting Vietnam’s expertise in rice production. He revealed that one Vietnamese farmer is already cultivating rice successfully in Benue State, demonstrating the potential for partnerships in the sector.
Hung also disclosed that a proposal for a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries has been awaiting Nigeria’s response for over a year. “Such an agreement would reduce tariffs and enhance trade flows, as we have achieved with Japan, Korea, and others,” he said.
On security and defence, he said military exchanges already exist, with some Nigerian officers receiving training in Vietnam. “We are open to expanding this cooperation, including technology transfer,” he added.
The ambassador further emphasized education and skills development, stating that Nigerian students are already studying maritime, agribusiness, and ICT in Vietnam. He said Vietnam is willing to host more students and professionals for training, especially in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
While acknowledging challenges such as insecurity, Hung expressed optimism about future cooperation. “Nigeria has fertile land, abundant water, and a young workforce. With the right framework, we can build stronger ties that benefit both nations,” he concluded.
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