SPOTLIGHT

The United States has resumed processing visa applications for foreign-trained medical doctors, including Nigerians, following a policy adjustment that had previously slowed immigration procedures for healthcare professionals. The earlier directive temporarily affected several categories of immigration applications, including work permits, visa renewals and residency requests, creating delays for doctors already contributing to the American healthcare system. Authorities have

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly criticised the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa, warning that such acts undermine the country’s democratic values and history of solidarity. In a statement released to coincide with Freedom Day, Guterres expressed serious concern over reports of intimidation and attacks targeting foreign nationals. He pointed specifically to recent incidents in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The

President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively pursue foreign investments while projecting a stronger national image abroad. Speaking at the opening of an induction programme for the envoys in Abuja, the President said their appointments reflect trust in their ability to advance Nigeria’s interests in an increasingly complex global environment. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,

Lagos State government has forged a sister-state relationship with the California State Assembly, United States through the Assembly Concurrent Resolution 129 (ACR 129) The resolution was sponsored by Assembly member, Matt Haney, and unveiled at the California/Africa Climate and Economic Forum 2026, establishing one of the most significant Africa–California diplomatic ties in recent history. At the gathering were government officials, business leaders, and Nigerian diaspora

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing sharp criticism after comments he made about Nigerian-accented English triggered widespread reactions online. Speaking during an engagement with Kenyans in Italy, the president praised his country’s education system and English proficiency, but drew controversy when he suggested that Nigerian English can be difficult to understand, joking that it sometimes requires interpretation. The remarks, which drew laughter from the audience at th

New data released by the International Organization for Migration has revealed that more than 8,000 migrants were reported dead or missing worldwide in 2025, highlighting the continued dangers of irregular migration despite shifting global patterns. The figures bring the total number of migrant deaths and disappearances recorded since 2014 to over 82,000. Behind these numbers, the agency estimates that at least 340,000 family members have been directly impacted, many left wit

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has said he prays daily for Nigeria’s progress, warning that challenges in the country could have direct consequences for neighbouring states, particularly Ghana. Speaking at a major continental gathering, the Ghanaian leader emphasised that Nigeria remains central to West Africa’s stability, noting that developments in the country often shape the region’s economic and security outlook. Mahama stated that Ghana’s fortunes are closely ti

Former Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has rejected bribery and corruption allegations during proceedings at a UK court, insisting she never abused her office. Testifying before the Southwark Crown Court, the 65-year-old stated that she consistently resisted corrupt practices while in office and maintained transparency in her dealings Prosecutors allege that certain Nigerian businessmen financed luxury expenses on her behalf, including high-

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, has been formally recognised on the Senate Floor at the Georgia State Capitol during an official visit focused on strengthening diaspora engagement and international partnerships. The recognition was facilitated by Georgia State Senator Donzella J. James, who honoured Jermaine Sanwo-Olu in acknowledgment of his role in advancing diaspora relations and fostering stronger connections betw