US Approves $385 Million Arms Sales To Taiwan, Deal Opposed By China
The United States has approved the proposed sale of spare parts for fighter jets and radar systems as well as communications equipment to Taiwan, in deals valued at $385 million, a US agency said Friday. While Washington does not have official diplomatic relations with Taipei, it remains the island’s most important backer and biggest arms supplier. The proposed sale of the...
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed As WTO Director-General Amid Concerns Over Trump’s Return
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term, extending her leadership until 2029. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to head the WTO, was the sole candidate in the race, making her reappointment virtually assured. The WTO’s 166 member states reached a consensus on her reappointment during a special closed-door...
Internet Users Hit 5.5bn In 2024 — ITU
According to the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Facts and Figures 2024 report, there will be 5.5 billion Internet users worldwide in 2024. This represents a significant increase of 227 million individuals compared to revised figures for 2023. The ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). The report found out that while global connectivity continues to rise,...
Australia Bans Under-16 From Social Media Platforms
Australia's parliament passed a world-first law on Thursday that bans children under 16 from using social media, putting tech companies on notice to strengthen security before an unspecified deadline. The ban came following the passage of a groundbreaking law in parliament. The new law was drafted in response to what the Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described as a “clear, causal...
Ireland Elects President In Closely Contested Election
Following a campaign characterized by vitriol over the housing and cost-of-living crises, Ireland's incumbent coalition parties are running neck and neck with Sinn Fein, the opposition party, in Friday's elections. Polls open across the country at 0700 GMT and close at 2200 GMT as voters choose new members of the 174-seat lower chamber of parliament, the Dail, in Dublin. Counting is...
FBI Arrest Nigerian Scammer ‘Bobo Chicago’ Over $2.8m Fraud
Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, popularly known as "Bobo Chicago," has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on suspicion of participating in a $2.8 million money laundering and email scam. According to online media outlet Peoples Gazette, the 25-year-old allegedly terrorised fellow Nigerians living in the Houston metro area before fleeing to Chicago, where he established residency. He is currently...
Tinubu Commences State Visit To France, Expresses Gratitude To President Macron
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commenced his state visit to France, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations. In a post shared on his official X handle, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, for the warm reception. He described the start of the visit as “splendid” and emphasized the longstanding...
UK Set Up Africa’s Largest Visa Application Center In Lagos
On Wednesday, the United Kingdom opened its biggest visa application center in Africa, which is situated in Ikeja, Lagos. Operated by VFS Global, the new centre marks a significant step in enhancing visa application services for Nigerians travelling to the UK. This was contained in a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos on Wednesday. With additional centres in Abuja and...
Russia Launches Strikes On Ukraine’s Energy Sector
A massive attack on Ukraine's energy sector by the Russian Army on Thursday resulted in emergency power outages as temperatures dropped throughout the nation. Ukraine’s energy grid has been heavily targeted since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of “terror” tactics by trying to plunge Ukrainian cities into darkness and cut off heating to civilians throughout the...
UK Police Detain Six Connected To Proscribed Kurdish Group
Police said Wednesday that six people were arrested in London as part of a "significant" counter-terrorism policing operation for "suspected activity" connected to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Two women and four men were detained under the Terrorism Act 2000, the Metropolitan Police said, but there is “not believed” to be any imminent threat to the public linked to...
