Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has approved the appointment of a new chairman and members for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
According to an official statement, Dr. Micheal Ekpai Odey has been named as the new RSIEC Chairman. He will be working alongside six members, including four professors.
The appointments were made public in a Government Special Announcement released on Wednesday by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. The statement, which was shared with newsmen, noted that the appointments are effective from Monday, April 7, 2025.
It reads, “The following have also been appointed as Chairman and members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission: “Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey, Chairman Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira Member Prof Author Nwafor Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha Member Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor Member Dr (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce Member Professor Chidi Halliday Member. All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”
This development follows Ibas’ recent decision to suspend the heads of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state, including the previous leadership of RSIEC, which had been chaired by Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.).
Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has stressed the urgent need for real-time intelligence sharing among the country’s security agencies as a critical step toward improving threat response and ensuring national stability.
Speaking at an Interagency Security Seminar held at the Army War College Nigeria, Abuja, the Minister said that bridging existing gaps in intelligence coordination is vital for proactively addressing Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
The seminar, themed “Multiplicity of Operations in Nigeria’s Contemporary Security Landscape: Optimizing Multi-Agency Efforts for Effective Threat Response,” brought together security stakeholders and experts to discuss collaborative strategies for safeguarding the nation.
Gaidam said the country must move away from isolated agency responses and adopt a unified, technology-driven approach that includes law enforcement, the military, intelligence agencies, and civil society.
“The need to establish a seamless and secure mechanism for real-time intelligence sharing is of utmost importance in managing our security issues,” he said. “This will enhance our capacity for proactive and preemptive responses to threats.”
The Minister added that leveraging modern technologies—such as artificial intelligence, advanced surveillance systems, and digital forensics—would boost operational efficiency. He also proposed cross-agency training exercises and joint simulations to improve synergy and build trust among security personnel.
Highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s security threats, Gaidam noted ongoing insurgency and terrorism in the North-East, banditry and farmer-herder clashes in the North-West and North-Central, separatist movements in the South-East, and organized crime in the South-South and South-West.
“These threats are further compounded by economic disparities, governance deficits, porous borders, and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks,” he stated.
He emphasized that a multi-agency approach is no longer optional but necessary, calling on the police to deepen cooperation with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, Civil Defence, Immigration, and Customs services.
He also highlighted the importance of involving civilians in security management through strengthened police-community relations and community policing initiatives, which he said would significantly improve intelligence gathering and public trust.
Also speaking at the event, Major General Babagana Mohammed Monguno (Rtd), who served as the guest lecturer, reiterated the critical role of military operations in restoring national security. He noted that while security operations are ongoing in all geopolitical zones, threats still persist, making it imperative to adopt a more comprehensive and strategic national response.
“Despite the successes of current operations, security threats continue to disrupt livelihoods and instill fear across the country. A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach is essential to counter these challenges effectively,” he said.
The seminar concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and modernize Nigeria’s security infrastructure to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
Saudi Arabia’s visa restrictions have sparked confusion in Nigeria Ahead of 2025 Hajj.
Nigerians were thrown into a state of uncertainty on Monday, 7th April following reports of new visa restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about their potential impact on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Misinformation quickly spread online, with some interpreting the policy as a blanket ban on Nigerian participation in the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
However, both the Federal Government of Nigeria and Saudi authorities have moved to clarify the situation, dispelling rumors and providing key details about the temporary measures.
The confusion stems from a notice issued by Saudi Arabia, widely circulated by Gulf-based media, announcing a temporary suspension of short-term visa issuance to nationals of 14 countries, including Nigeria.
The policy, effective April 13, 2025, affects single and multi-entry business visas, tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.
Other nations impacted include Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension is set to last through June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
Saudi authorities explained that the measure is part of a broader effort to regulate travel ahead of the pilgrimage, following challenges during the 2024 Hajj.
Last year, the kingdom recorded at least 1,301 deaths, primarily due to extreme heat and logistical strain, with most fatalities linked to pilgrims lacking official Hajj permits.
The Saudi government has since tightened controls to prevent overcrowding and the misuse of non-pilgrimage visas during the sacred event.
Key Facts
Effective Date and Scope: The visa suspension begins April 13, 2025, and applies to short-term visa categories for nationals of the 14 listed countries.
Travel Window: Holders of existing short-term Saudi visas can enter the kingdom before April 13 but must depart by April 29, 2025, or face penalties, including a possible five-year entry ban.
Hajj Exemption: The restriction does not affect pilgrims traveling under the official Hajj scheme, facilitated by Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) or approved tour operators.
Quota System: Saudi Arabia allocates a limited number of Hajj permits to each country, distributed via lottery. However, high costs often push pilgrims toward unauthorized travel options, a practice the new policy aims to curb.
Previous Restrictions: In February 2025, Saudi Arabia limited travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days and suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely.
How it affects you
The visa suspension does not signal a complete ban on Nigerians entering Saudi Arabia, as some social media claims suggested.
Pilgrims registered through NAHCON or recognized operators will still be granted Hajj visas, the only authorized travel document for the pilgrimage period.
However, tourist visa holders will be barred from entering or staying in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH), to ensure compliance with Hajj regulations.
An official from NAHCON, described the policy as a routine adjustment, noting that “countries often tweak visa policies to achieve specific objectives.”
The official urged Nigerians to seek clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Saudi authorities rather than relying on unverified sources.
Federal Government and Saudi Authorities Response
The Federal Government of Nigeria swiftly addressed the wave of misinformation.
In a statement, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, dismissed reports of a blanket visa ban as “entirely false.” He cited confirmation from the Saudi Tourism Centre, which clarified that no such directive exists beyond restrictions tied to the Hajj season.
“For clarity, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season,” the statement read. “Individuals holding a tourist visa are not permitted to perform Hajj.”
The ministry emphasized the importance of using official channels for updates and warned against spreading unverified claims.
Saudi authorities echoed this position, stating that the temporary suspension is a logistical measure to manage the influx of visitors during Hajj, building on lessons from the 2024 season’s challenges.
They reaffirmed that pilgrims with proper documentation remain welcome.
As the 2025 Hajj approaches, Nigerian stakeholders are encouraged to rely on NAHCON and other official bodies for guidance, ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience amidst the evolving travel policies.
On April 7, 2025, a wave of rumors swept through Nigeria’s digital landscape, alleging that President Bola Tinubu had dismissed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), replacing him with a supposed Professor Bashiru Olamilekan.
Within hours, both the presidency and INEC issued emphatic denials, exposing the claims as baseless and spotlighting the persistent challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s electoral discourse.
As of April 08, 2025, Yakubu remains firmly in office, steering INEC toward critical milestones like the 2027 general elections, even as his tenure nears its scheduled end later this year.
The Rumor’s Roots and Rapid Rebuttal
The falsehood originated from a viral WhatsApp message, a platform notorious for amplifying unverified narratives in Nigeria.
By Monday evening, April 7, the claim had gained traction, prompting swift responses from authoritative voices.
O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, took to X to debunk the story, stating, “The news is false—disregard it.”
He underscored that official decisions from President Tinubu’s administration are announced through formal channels, not rumor mills.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication, reinforced this, urging the public to dismiss the report entirely.
INEC’s response was equally decisive. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Yakubu’s Chief Press Secretary, told Vanguard, “It’s not true—disregard the claim. ” The commission’s clarity quashed any lingering doubt, aligning with its track record of countering misinformation, as seen in December 2024 when it refuted false reports of Yakubu’s death in a London hospital.
The speed and unity inec-chairman-mahmood-not-sacked-spokesman/of these denials underscore a coordinated effort to protect public trust in Nigeria’s electoral leadership at a pivotal moment.
Yakubu’s Tenure: A Timeline Nearing Its Close
Professor Yakubu’s leadership of INEC is rooted in a decade-long tenure. First appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, he was sworn in on November 9, 2015, for his initial five-year term.
Reappointed on October 27, 2020, and sworn in again by December, his second term—capped at five years under Nigerian law—runs until December 2025. As of April 08, 2025, Yakubu has roughly eight months left, a timeline confirmed by both INEC and presidential statements. This places his exit well ahead of the February 2027 general elections, ensuring a transition period for his successor, who will require presidential nomination and Senate approval.
The rumor’s timing, just months before this natural conclusion, suggests either opportunistic misinformation or a misreading of INEC’s leadership cycle.
Yakubu’s tenure has been marked by significant electoral events, notably the 2023 general elections, and ongoing reforms, making his role a lightning rod for scrutiny and speculation.
The 2023 Elections, the controversies and Beyond
Yakubu’s chairmanship has not been without controversy, particularly following the 2023 elections.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking at Yale University’s Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum in late 2024, labeled those polls a “travesty” and demanded Yakubu’s removal, citing alleged irregularities that undermined public faith. His critique, echoed by some civil society groups, reflects a broader call for electoral overhaul—a sentiment Yakubu himself has acknowledged by pushing for reforms, including a proposed retreat with the National Assembly to amend the 2022 Electoral Act.
Yet, Yakubu has his defenders. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in November 2024, dismissed Obasanjo’s stance as “partisan” and “ill-advised,” praising Yakubu’s efforts to modernize INEC, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). The Citizens for Democratic Reforms (CDF) similarly argued in November 2024 that Yakubu’s leadership has curbed elite control over elections, shifting power to voters—a point echoed in a September 2024 Vanguard piece hailing 2024 as a “milestone year” for INEC’s efficiency under Yakubu.
Recent developments bolster this narrative. In January 2025, Yakubu announced INEC’s implementation of 142 stakeholder recommendations from the 2023 election review, including enhanced training and technology deployment. His January 22, 2025, announcement of the February 21, 2026, FCT Area Council elections further demonstrates his focus on operational continuity, even as he flags rising election costs as a concern for lawmakers.
Misinformation’s Broader Threat
The April 2025 rumor is not an isolated incident. In December 2024, INEC battled false claims of Yakubu’s death, with Oyekanmi noting Yakubu’s active presence at meetings on December 11 and 12—events widely covered by media.
This pattern of fabricated narratives, from death hoaxes to dismissal tales, highlights a systemic challenge: misinformation’s power to destabilize trust in Nigeria’s democracy. INEC’s consistent rebuttals, often paired with appeals to “genuine media professionals,” signal a proactive stance, but the recurrence suggests deeper societal vulnerabilities.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Transition
With Yakubu’s term ending in December 2025, the focus shifts to his legacy and INEC’s future. His tenure has seen technological strides (e.g., BVAS), logistical feats (e.g., 20 by-elections since 2023), and a push for inclusivity, like the May 2024 framework for inmates’ voting rights. Yet, financial strains—evident in his January 2025 plea for a ₦126 billion budget—underscore the challenges his successor will inherit.
The debunked rumor of April 7, 2025, is a fleeting distraction from these stakes. Yakubu remains in place, his exit predetermined by law, and not politics.
As Nigeria prepares for 2027, the real story lies not in WhatsApp whispers but in the ongoing battle to fortify its electoral system.
A gas explosion in Ijora Badia, a suburb of Lagos, injured at least 15 people on Sunday, 6th April 2025. The blast, which occurred around 5:00 p.m., was reportedly caused by a leaking 25-kilogram gas cylinder inside a small shop.
This shop was part of a bungalow complex that also contained 15 self-contained rooms and seven other shops. According to an eyewitness, Mr. Kabiru Ahmed, the explosion caused significant damage, though thankfully, no one lost their life.
Preliminary investigations suggest that improper handling of the gas caused the leak, which was ignited by a nearby flame. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the incident and stated that the fire had been completely extinguished. She added that all remaining gas cylinders were safely removed from the scene.
Fifteen individuals, both adults and children, sustained burn injuries of varying severity.
“Many received first aid on-site, while others were transported to the hospital for further treatment. Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening,” Adeseye explained.
Emergency response teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and the Nigeria Police were all present at the scene.
The explosion, which occurred at around 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, involved a 25kg gas cylinder in a mini shop that stored five similar cylinders. The shop was located within a bungalow that housed 15 self-contained rooms and seven other shops.
According to Adeseye, the fire was caused by a gas leak due to mishandling, which was triggered by a nearby flame.
“It was a case of poor handling of gas products, which unfortunately allowed gas to escape and come in contact with a flame. This triggered the explosion,” Adeseye stated.
“The resulting fire was swiftly extinguished, and the gas cylinders were safely removed. The danger was completely averted, and normalcy has since returned to the area,” she added.
Adeseye also confirmed that 15 people had sustained burn injuries, but none of them had life-threatening injuries. Some victims received first aid at the scene, while others were taken to nearby hospitals for further care.
The fire was extinguished through the combined efforts of firefighters from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station, officials from LASEMA, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and LASAMBUS. A similar gas explosion earlier this year, in March 2025, on the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway tragically left five people dead.
How To Avoid Gas Explosions
The recent gas explosion in Lagos shows just how important it is to follow safety guidelines when using gas in homes and businesses. Here are five simple ways to avoid gas explosions:
Regularly Check and Maintain Gas Equipment:
Bassey Essien, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, says that expired or damaged cylinders, along with unnoticed leaks, are common causes of gas explosions. He reminds us that gas cylinders have an expiration date and should be maintained every five years during their 15-year lifespan.
Make sure to regularly inspect gas cylinders, pipes, and appliances for leaks, wear, or damage. Hire a certified professional for routine checks to avoid any issues.
Keep Electrical Appliances Away from Gas Cylinders:
Never use electrical appliances or open flames near a gas cylinder while changing connections or checking for leaks.
It’s also a good idea not to use your phone in the kitchen when cooking with a gas stove. Experts say these actions could start a fire, and if it gets out of control, it could lead to an explosion.
Ensure Proper Ventilation:
Storing gas cylinders near stoves, ovens, or in direct sunlight can cause dangerous pressure buildup.
Gas cylinders should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat or flammable materials. Make sure the cylinders are stored upright and the valve is tightly closed when not in use.
Always use gas appliances in places with good ventilation to allow any leaked gas to disperse safely. Never use gas appliances in small, enclosed spaces where gas could accumulate and cause an explosion.
Don’t Open the Gas Flow Before Igniting the Flame:
If you’re using a burner without automatic ignition, don’t turn on the gas before lighting the flame.
Opening the gas flow first could release too much gas into the air, which might lead to a fire or even an explosion if the flame can’t catch properly.
Install Gas Detectors:
Gas detectors are devices designed to measure the levels of different gases. They use various sensors, such as combustible, infrared, ultrasonic, and electrochemical sensors.
Install gas detectors in your kitchen and other areas where gas appliances are used. These detectors can warn you if gas is leaking, giving you enough time to take action before it becomes a danger.
Educate and Train Everyone on Gas Safety:
Make sure everyone in your home or workplace understands gas safety. Teach them how to check for leaks, turn off the gas, and know what to do in case of a gas emergency.
Southampton have parted ways with manager Ivan Juric following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, the club confirmed on Monday.
The Saints were officially relegated after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, setting a new Premier League record for the fastest-ever relegation.
Juric’s side endured a dismal campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table after losing 25 of their 31 league matches. Their drop to the Championship with seven matches remaining surpasses previous records held by Derby County in 2008 and Huddersfield Town in 2019, both of whom were relegated with six games left.
Appointed in December to replace Russell Martin, Juric took over with Southampton already in a difficult position. The 49-year-old managed just one league victory during his time in charge — a win against Ipswich in February. Southampton have now lost seven of their last eight matches.
Simon Rusk will take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season, with former player Adam Lallana assisting him.
“We can confirm that we have today reached an agreement with our men’s first-team manager, Ivan Juric, to end his spell at the club,” said a Southampton statement.
“Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t seen performances progress the way we had hoped, but we would like to thank Ivan and his staff for their honesty and hard work as they fought against the odds to try and keep us up.”
The club also addressed its future outlook as it prepares for life in the Championship.
“With relegation to the Championship now confirmed, we believe it is important to give fans, players and staff some clarity on the future as we head into a very important summer.
“We remain incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our fans. Their continued dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and is appreciated by everyone at the club.
“Despite the challenges that relegation will bring, our goal is to restore a sense of pride for them in their team and club once again.”
Demonstrators have taken to the streets in Abuja and Lagos, despite earlier warnings issued by the police. The protests were organized by the Take It Back Movement and are currently ongoing.
In Abuja, Omoyele Sowore, one of the group’s leaders, and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju were at the frontline, standing firm as police officers attempted to remove them from the scene.
In Lagos, protesters holding placards gathered in Ikeja, the capital of the state.
Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the group assembled at Isaac Boro Park, but before the protest could build up, police officers used tear gas to disperse them.
Current Situation & Reasons Behind the Protest
The protest comes on the same day declared by the federal government as National Police Day. According to the Take It Back Movement, their nationwide protest is a response to what they described as the “authoritarianism of President Bola Tinubu administration, abuse of human rights and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act.”
Despite being asked by security officers to move to another location, the protesters continued with the rally. They sang unity songs and began marching from inside the park towards Aba Express Road. As they arrived at the CFC junction, they were again blocked by anti-riot officers who ordered them to leave the road, but the protesters refused. In response, the police fired tear gas, causing the crowd to scatter.
Police Response
The Nigeria Police Force, through its spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released a statement expressing concern over the protest and its timing.
“The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called ‘Take it Back Movement’ is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.”
“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.”
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horns by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.”
“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is, however, questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.”
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”
The statement also urged those planning to take part in the protest to seek dialogue with appropriate authorities instead of occupying the streets.
The US-China trade conflict intensified on Monday as China fired back with steep tariffs on American goods, leading to a dramatic downturn in Asian stock markets and stoking fears of a looming global recession.
Markets witnessed a sharp sell-off, marking the worst day for equities since the COVID-19 pandemic. Investor anxiety triggered heavy losses in major Asian indices: Hong Kong dropped 10%, Tokyo briefly lost 8%, and Taipei fell over 9%.
The ripple effects extended to Wall Street futures and commodities markets, which also declined amid growing concerns over weakened global demand.
Just days earlier, Donald Trump had rattled markets by imposing sweeping tariffs on US trading partners. Defending his decision, he asserted that the US had endured years of unfair treatment and claimed other countries were now ready to strike new deals with Washington.
Soon after Friday’s market close in Asia, China hit back with a 34% tariff on all US imports, set to begin April 10.
Additionally, China rolled out export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, including gadolinium widely used in MRIs and yttrium, which is essential in the production of consumer electronics.
Hopes that President Trump might change course in response to the financial turbulence were dashed on Sunday when he insisted that negotiations with other nations would only occur if trade deficits were resolved.
Trump dismissed accusations of intentionally triggering the market slide, stating that predicting market behavior was beyond his control.
“Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something,” he said, referring to the massive value losses across global equities.
The sell-off in Asia was comprehensive, with every sector suffering steep losses. Tech firms, automakers, financial institutions, casino operators, and energy companies were all hit hard as investors moved away from risk-heavy assets.
Chinese tech giants Alibaba and JD.com saw massive drops of over 14% and 13%, respectively. Japan’s SoftBank plunged more than 10%, while Sony declined by 9.6%.
The Shanghai Composite Index slid more than 6%, Singapore’s market sank 8%, and Seoul fell by over 5%. The downturn in South Korea triggered a rare “sidecar mechanism” — a temporary pause in trading — for the first time in eight months.
Markets in Sydney, Wellington, Manila, and Mumbai also suffered steep declines.
Steve Cochrane, chief Asia-Pacific economist at Moody’s Analytics, commented: “We could see a recession happen very quickly in the US, and it could last through the year or so, it could be rather lengthy.
“And if there’s a recession in the US, of course, China will feel it as well because demand for its goods will be hit even harder. Harder than they would have been hit just because of the tariffs.”
Oil prices slumped by more than 3% on Monday, adding to Friday’s 7% decline, pushing both benchmark crude contracts to their lowest levels since 2021.
Copper, a key metal for the green energy transition — including electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines — also extended its losses.
“The market is in free-fall mode again, punching through floors,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management. “Trump’s team isn’t blinking. The tariffs are being treated as a victory lap, not a bargaining chip.”
These steep market losses followed a dismal session on Wall Street last Friday, where the major US indexes all sank nearly 6%.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that the US tariffs are likely to drive up inflation and hamper economic growth, while also increasing the chances of higher unemployment.
Trump’s tariff strategy is now complicating the Federal Reserve’s efforts to support the economy with potential interest rate cuts while also keeping inflation in check.
Despite these risks, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to his trade stance and called on the Fed to cut rates.
“Powell’s hands are tied,” said Innes. “He’s acknowledged the obvious — that tariffs are inflationary and recessionary — but he’s not signalling a rescue.
“And that’s the problem. This time, the Fed’s inflation mandate is forcing it to keep the safety net rolled up while asset prices get torched.”
Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, added: “Traders are nervously watching the two biggest economies going toe to toe on tariffs and are fearing that both could receive knockout blows from a prolonged economic fight.
“Neither the US nor China are backing down when it comes to slapping new tariffs on each other and in this escalatory environment it’s not surprising to see that risk assets are being avoided like the plague.”
– Key Market Figures as of 0400 GMT –
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 6.2% at 31,699.95
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 10.7% at 20,405.96
Shanghai – Composite: DOWN 6.3% at 3,130.17
West Texas Intermediate (WTI): DOWN 2.7% at $60.31 per barrel
Brent Crude (North Sea): DOWN 2.7% at $63.84 per barrel
Dollar/Yen: DOWN to 146.33 from 146.98
Euro/Dollar: DOWN to $1.0950 from $1.0962
Pound/Dollar: DOWN to $1.2889 from $1.2893
Euro/Pound: DOWN to 84.96 pence from 85.01 pence
New York – Dow Jones: DOWN 5.5% at 38,314.86 (close)
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marked World Health Day 2025 with a heartfelt call to action, urging increased investment in maternal and newborn health as a vital step toward achieving sustainable development.
In a statement issued on Monday by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady highlighted the ongoing challenge of preventable maternal and infant deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
She stated, “As we commemorate the World Health Day 2025, with the theme, ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ let us all remember that investing in maternal and newborn health is not only a moral responsibility but also a fundamental cornerstone of sustainable development.
“Every day, far too many women and newborns lose their lives due to preventable complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. No mother should have to risk her life to bring a child into the world, and no newborn should be denied a fair chance at survival.”
The First Lady also expressed appreciation for the dedication of health workers nationwide, recognizing their critical role in building a healthier society.
“On this World Health Day, let us all strive to create a world where mothers can safely give birth and children can live healthy to reach their full potential,” Tinubu stated.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the disbursement of N397,030,900 as transport allowances to 1,909 officials participating in the 2025 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), scheduled for April 10, 2025.
This was revealed by the Board’s Director of Finance, Mr. Mufutau Bello, during a readiness meeting held in Abuja to evaluate preparations for both the mock exam and the main UTME.
Bello highlighted the critical national importance of the examinations, explaining that the released funds represent only the first tranche of payments—covering one-third of the total officials engaged in the exercise.
According to a statement, the mock exam marks the beginning of JAMB’s core mandate, with the success of the exercise being crucial to maintaining the credibility of the country’s educational system. It emphasized, “The nation relies on the success of this exercise,” while warning that “any shortcomings could tarnish the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.”
JAMB staff reaffirmed their full commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful conduct of both the mock and main UTME nationwide. They also acknowledged public concerns regarding local travel allowances but clarified that such concerns often stem from “a limited understanding of the logistical scope involved in the nationwide examination process.”
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