Rwanda has strongly denied allegations by the United Nations that it was involved in the killing of hundreds of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN’s human rights office had reported that M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan forces, carried out attacks on farms in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, between July 9 and July 21, killing at least 319 people.
In a statement from Kigali’s foreign affairs ministry, the claims were dismissed as “unacceptable” and “false,” accusing the UN of making baseless allegations that could undermine ongoing peace efforts.
This development comes despite a recent declaration of principles signed in Doha by Kinshasa and M23 rebels in July, aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire. Fighting, however, has persisted in affected regions.
Several UN investigations have previously accused Rwanda of providing M23 with personnel, armored vehicles, and logistical assistance, allegations Kigali has consistently rejected. The continuing violence threatens plans for a permanent peace agreement, expected by August 18, which seeks to protect civilians and facilitate the safe return of millions displaced by the conflict.
Speculation over the 2027 presidential race has moved from quiet whispers to open debate, following the release of a recent list of federal appointments in which every new appointee hailed from one of the nineteen northern states.
This development has reignited conversations about political alignment, power shifts, and the underlying tensions between the North and Abuja. At the heart of this recalibration lies the question: is this a strategic positioning ahead of 2027, or a move that risks deepening political divisions?
As the road to 2027 unfolds, the nation faces a crucial question, will the contest be defined by ethnic calculations and regional entitlement, or by a demand for measurable progress and results? Northern sentiments, political alliances, and the ability to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges will all play a role in determining who emerges victorious. One thing is certain: the battle for Nigeria’s political future will not be fought in the shadows any longer; it is now firmly in the public arena, and the stakes could not be higher.
Today, August 12, marks International Youth Day, a global observance dedicated to recognising the energy, innovation, and contributions of young people. Established by the United Nations in 1999, the day aims to highlight youth-related issues, promote engagement, and underscore the role of young people as drivers of social, economic, and political change.
Each year, the UN adopts a theme to guide discussions and action. This year’s focus, “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships”, reflects the growing influence of young people in shaping solutions to global challenges through digital innovation and cross-border collaboration.
What It Means For Nigerian Youths
Nigeria is home to one of the largest youth populations in the world, and their impact on national development is increasingly visible. In recent years, young Nigerians have:
Driven Civic Engagement: From voter registration drives to active participation in elections, youths have shown commitment to strengthening democracy. Digital platforms have become vital tools for advocacy, transparency, and mobilising participation.
Leveraged Technology For Governance: Initiatives like Facebook’s Nigeria Election Integrity Hub and Google’s promotion of credible election content have helped combat misinformation and support informed decision-making.
Innovated Across Industries: Nigerian start-ups such as Flutterwave, Paystack, PiggyVest, and Moniepoint have transformed fintech and inspired similar advancements in healthtech, agrotech, and edtech. These innovations not only address local challenges but also attract global partnerships and funding.
Amplified Nigeria’s Cultural Influence: Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy, Tems, Wizkid, and Davido have reshaped international perceptions of Nigerian culture. Sporting achievements, including the Super Falcons’ strong performance in the 2025 WAFCON, have also showcased the country’s youthful talent.
For Nigeria to harness this momentum, investment in digital infrastructure, education, and innovation is essential. Empowering young people with skills and opportunities positions them as valuable contributors to global development, diplomacy, and cooperation.
What It Means For Youths Around The World
Globally, International Youth Day serves as a reminder that young people are not passive beneficiaries of progress, they are active architects of the future. From climate activism to technological innovation, youths are leading solutions that transcend borders.
Technology As A Unifier: Young innovators worldwide are building platforms, apps, and tools that connect communities, promote education, and address social issues.
Multilateral Cooperation: Youth-led initiatives in climate action, gender equality, and human rights are increasingly influencing policy discussions at forums like the United Nations and the African Union.
Cultural Exchange: Through arts, music, sports, and social media, young people are bridging cultural divides and fostering mutual understanding.
International Youth Day is more than a celebration, it is a call to action for governments, organisations, and communities to invest in the next generation. By equipping youths with the resources, education, and platforms they need, the world ensures that their ideas and energy contribute meaningfully to sustainable and inclusive development.
Nigeria continues to lag behind in women’s political representation, with only 3.9% of seats in the House of Representatives and just 3 out of 108 Senate seats held by women. The barriers remain stubborn from cultural and religious bias to the high cost of nomination forms, unsafe political environments, patriarchal party systems, financial constraints, and the absence of strong mentorship networks.
These challenges have kept many capable women from stepping into leadership roles, while those who do often face resistance in influencing meaningful change. This raises pressing questions: Are the women in office advancing gender-related reforms, or are they being used as token figures? Are they occupying strategic leadership positions where real power is exercised?
The way forward demands deliberate action. Young women are already using digital activism and grassroots mobilization to push for inclusion, but this must be matched by institutional reforms, gender quotas, fairer party structures, and policy changes that lower entry barriers.
Babachir Lawal, who previously held the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed that the country’s future leader should be someone who fosters unity and inclusiveness among the people.
He made these remarks during a televised political discussion on Monday.
In his view, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has the potential to secure victory in the 2027 presidential race.
When questioned about the attributes of an ideal presidential candidate, Lawal outlined a number of criteria.
“Power should go to the person who will give every Nigerian a sense of belonging, a sense of justice.
“It is personal. To the individual, to me and you, how are you living? Is there any environment where your aspirations are achieved? And who can guarantee that environment?
”That is what is most important to each individual Nigerian,” he stated.
Bafana Bafana secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Guinea in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, with Thabiso Kutumela proving the difference.
Playing at the Mandela National Stadium, the 31-year-old forward delivered a Man of the Match performance, scoring and inspiring the team to bounce back from their opening draw. His movement, creativity, and composure unsettled Guinea’s defence and brought rhythm to South Africa’s attack.
Kutumela’s influence was clear from the outset as he dropped deep to link play and drifted into wide positions to stretch the opposition.
His sharp passing and ability to find pockets of space gave Bafana Bafana the edge in a tightly contested match.
Speaking after the game, Kutumela remained humble: “I’m happy to have won the award, but this trophy is dedicated to all my teammates, the coach, and the entire technical staff.” He added that the victory was a much-needed morale boost for the squad.
Eyes On The Remaining Group Games
The match saw South Africa take an early lead before Guinea equalised, raising the stakes. But Kutumela’s decisive goal in the second half restored control, and the team held firm despite late pressure from the West Africans.
The win now sets up crucial fixtures against Uganda and Niger, which will determine Bafana’s progression in the tournament.
Kutumela stressed the importance of staying focused for the upcoming challenges: “Every game will be important,” he said.
With his leadership and form, South Africa will be counting on him to keep their CHAN ambitions alive.
Nigeria’s Must-Win Test Against Sudan
Meanwhile, in Group D, Nigeria finds itself in a precarious position following a narrow 1-0 loss to reigning champions Senegal, leaving them rooted at the bottom with zero points. Their upcoming match against Sudan is nothing less than a must-win. Coach Éric Chelle has emphasized tactical discipline, collective spirit, and intensity, but Nigeria has shown issues with finishing and maintaining pressing into the final third of play.
Facing a Sudanese side buoyed by a 1-1 draw in their opener, much will depend on Nigeria’s ability to convert opportunities and control the midfield if they hope to stay alive in the competition.
The question in Nigeria’s education sector is no longer simply, “Are our children in school?” but rather, “Are they truly learning?” Learning poverty, as defined by the World Bank, is the inability of a 10-year-old to read and understand a simple text a skill every child should possess by that age.
Disturbingly, UNICEF’s 2022 report revealed that over 70% of Nigerian primary school pupils fall into this category. Even in urban and semi-urban schools with better infrastructure, many children still struggle to read at grade level or solve basic math problems, raising urgent questions about where exactly the system is failing.
These statistics are more than just numbers; they are a wake-up call. Education is often called the cornerstone of national development, but without real learning taking place, that cornerstone crumbles. If we want to secure the future of our children and, by extension, the nation, classrooms must become places where knowledge is actually gained, not just where pupils are counted. The way forward begins with acknowledging the depth of the problem, demanding accountability, and ensuring that every child in Nigeria has the opportunity to not just attend school but to learn and thrive.
Three Ghanaian nationals have been handed over to U.S. authorities to face charges linked to a sprawling cyber fraud operation said to have stolen more than $100 million from victims worldwide. The suspects Isaac Oduro Boateng, also known as Kofi Boat; Inusah Ahmed, nicknamed Pascal; and Derrick van Yeboah, called Van, were extradited from Ghana and appeared before a U.S. federal court in Manhattan on August 7, 2025. A fourth man, Patrick Kwame Asare, also known as Borgar, remains at large but has been indicted in the same case.
U.S. prosecutors allege the men were part of a sophisticated criminal organisation that operated from West Africa, targeting both individuals and companies through elaborate online scams. According to court documents, the group relied on romance fraud, where suspects posed as potential romantic partners to earn the trust of victims, many of them elderly, and business email compromise schemes to trick companies into wiring large sums of money to fraudulent accounts.
Investigators claim the illicit proceeds were funneled through multiple bank accounts before being laundered back to Ghana and neighbouring countries. Prosecutors say Boateng and Ahmed acted as “chairmen” overseeing the syndicate’s operations, while Yeboah facilitated communications and coordinated transactions.
The extradited suspects face multiple counts, including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen funds, and receipt of stolen money. Each wire fraud-related charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with additional penalties possible for other counts. Authorities say the trial will be held in the Southern District of New York, led by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.
The extraditions were the result of extensive collaboration between U.S. law enforcement agencies and Ghanaian authorities, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office, INTERPOL’s Ghana bureau, the Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs coordinated the legal transfer.
With three suspects now in U.S. custody, prosecutors are expected to begin presenting evidence in the coming weeks. The search for the fourth defendant, Patrick Asare, continues, with officials urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement. If convicted, the defendants could face decades behind bars for what prosecutors have described as one of the most significant cyber fraud cases involving West African suspects in recent years.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced significant progress in its student loan scheme, which began operations on May 24, 2024. According to its latest daily status report released on Monday, August 11, 2025, the scheme has disbursed a total of ₦86,347,458,384 to students across the country.
The disbursement is split into ₦47.63 billion paid directly to 218 institutions as tuition fees, and ₦38.72 billion given directly to students as upkeep allowances.
NELFUND says the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that every Nigerian student has access to funding for higher education.
How Many People Have Been Able to Access the Fund
Since its launch, 449,039 students have benefited from the loan scheme. Out of the 731,140 students registered on the portal, 720,732 have successfully applied for loans, showing an impressive 98% application success rate.
The report also indicates steady growth, with daily increases of 933 new successful registrants and 1,094 new successful applicants.
Recent Happenings
Just recently, on August 9, 2025, NELFUND disbursed ₦100.68 million to 556 students at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) as part of the first batch of 2024/2025 academic session disbursements.
Additionally, earlier this summer, NELFUND resumed upkeep disbursements for students who updated their bank details from digital wallets to conventional bank accounts, helping over 3,600 students who had been caught up by earlier delays to finally receive their payments .
How to Access This Fund
Eligible students who wish to benefit from the NELFUND loan must follow an online application process via the official NELFUND portal. Below are the key steps and important details to note:
1. Create an Account on the NELFUND Portal
Visit the official website (nelf.gov.ng) and register with your full name, a valid email address, phone number, and National Identification Number (NIN).
A verification email or SMS will be sent to confirm your account.
2. Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal, academic, and financial details accurately.
Upload required documents such as your admission letter, valid means of identification, recent passport photograph, and proof of school fees from your institution.
3. Select Loan Type
You can apply for tuition fee loans (paid directly to your school) and/or upkeep allowances (paid to your personal bank account).
4. Institutional Verification
Your school will verify your details and confirm your admission status before the application is processed.
5. Approval and Disbursement
Once approved, tuition fees are paid directly to your institution, while upkeep allowances are transferred to your registered bank account.
Important to Note:
Only students in accredited public tertiary institutions are eligible.
Applicants must have a clean record without any loan default history.
It is crucial to ensure that your BVN and NIN match your application details to avoid payment delays.
Students who previously used digital wallets for upkeep must update to a conventional bank account for faster disbursement.
Chad’s former prime minister and prominent opposition figure, Succès Masra, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of hate speech, xenophobia, and instigating a massacre. The ruling by the court in N’Djamena stemmed from an intercommunal conflict in which 42 people—mostly women and children—were killed in Mandakao, southwestern Chad, on May 14. The state prosecutor had sought a 25-year sentence prior to the verdict.
Masra’s lead defence lawyer described the sentence as humiliating and based on an unsubstantiated case. Masra had been arrested on May 16 and charged with inciting hatred, revolt, and complicity in murder, as well as arson, grave desecration, and forming armed groups. He was among approximately 70 defendants; his party, Transformers, said no concrete evidence had been presented.
Masra, who once led the opposition before reconciling with the ruling government to serve as prime minister from January to May 2024, had previously gone into exile after a violent crackdown in 2022 and returned under an amnesty in 2024. He ran in the 2024 election, receiving about 18.5% of the vote against Mahamat Déby’s 61.3%, but denounced the results.
During his court exit, Masra urged his supporters to “stand firm.” The violence that led to his conviction is part of a broader pattern of deadly clashes between nomadic herders and local farmers over land and grazing boundaries.
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