Trump Acknowledges Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as a Respected Leader in Recent Meeting

At the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast held on Capitol Hill, U.S. President Donald Trump extended a warm acknowledgment to Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a "very respected woman." This notable interaction marked a moment of international recognition and underscored the significance of her dual role as both a national figure and religious leader. Mrs. Tinubu, who also serves as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, (RCCG) Redeemed Christian Church of God, joined the prestigious event and was invited on stage by President Trump amid applause from attendees. Trump expressed admiration for her influence, saying, "We’re honored to be joined today by Nigeria's First Lady, who happens to serve as a pastor in the largest church in Nigeria—a very respected woman." With these words, he highlighted her stature not just within Nigeria but also on the global stage. This commendation couldn't have come at a more pivotal moment for Nigeria. The country is currently undergoing vital transformations under the Renewed Hope administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Guided by the All Progressives Congress manifesto, this agenda prioritizes key reforms aimed at tackling persistent economic, social, and infrastructural challenges. Among its core focus areas are fiscal responsibility paired with growth-driven investment strategies, job creation targeted at empowering youth, bolstering agricultural output to secure food availability, enhancing healthcare and education accessibility, developing infrastructure such as power, housing, and roads, strengthening security measures, supporting vulnerable communities through social programs, and promoting governance founded on anti-corruption principles. Furthermore, international recognition from figures like President Trump injects diplomatic momentum into Nigeria’s foreign policy strategy. The United States plays an essential role in various partnerships with Nigeria, ranging from counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and other insurgencies, to trade and investment via agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Such goodwill has the potential to amplify Nigeria’s initiatives—take the power sector as an example. Here, the Renewed Hope agenda is pushing for sustainable electricity solutions through public-private partnerships reminiscent of Lagos’s success with independent power projects. A supportive stance from global allies such as the U.S. could translate into increased investor confidence or even technical assistance that propels Nigeria’s reforms forward. Ultimately, the recognition of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu represents more than a personal accolade; it serves as a nod to Nigeria's evolving strategic presence on the global stage. In these moments of international collaboration and goodwill, there lies an opportunity for the nation to forge stronger partnerships that align with its vision of progress and resilience

US Imposes New Oil Sanctions on Iran Following Indirect Talks in Oman

On Friday, February 6, the United States unveiled new sanctions designed to curb Iranian oil exports shortly after Washington and Tehran wrapped up a day of indirect negotiations in Oman. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that Iran relies on oil revenue to support "destabilizing activities worldwide" and further tighten domestic repression. He emphasized US President Donald Trump’s commitment to reducing what the administration terms as Iran’s illegal oil and petrochemical exports as part of its maximum pressure campaign. The latest measures outlined by the State Department target transactions involving 14 vessels accused of transporting Iranian oil. These include ships registered under flags from Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, sanctions were imposed on 15 entities and two individuals believed to be connected to these activities. Since the onset of Trump’s administration, the US has consistently enforced sanctions aimed at pressuring other nations to cease purchasing Iranian oil. The announcement comes as Iran's foreign minister engaged in indirect talks with senior US officials in Oman on Friday, discussing the country’s nuclear program. The discussions were described as taking place in a “positive atmosphere.” These talks follow a period of escalating tensions during which Iran’s clerical leadership forcefully suppressed widespread protests—the largest seen since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Trump has also previously threatened military action against Iran while bolstering US armed forces near its coastline.

Troops Strike: Boko Haram Commander and 10 Killed in Action

Just a day after troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) eliminated Julaibib, a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander in the Gujba area of the Timbuktu Triangle, another significant breakthrough was achieved. Abu Khalid, the second-in-command in Sambisa Forest, was neutralized alongside ten other terrorists. The operation, carried out by Sector 1 troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT Sanity, took place around 11:00 p.m. in the Komala region of Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State. Security sources reported that the troops recovered a cache of weapons, including five AK-47 rifles, magazines, as well as bicycles, a variety of food and medical supplies, and other logistics. Importantly, no casualties were recorded among the troops. Komala, a settlement located approximately 35 kilometers from Maiduguri along the perilous Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road, has long been abandoned due to persistent Boko Haram insurgency in the area.

US Judge Rejects Minnesota's Request to Halt Immigration Sweeps

Over the weekend, Minnesota's efforts to halt the aggressive immigration enforcement operations led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faced a significant setback. A federal judge denied the state’s request to temporarily suspend the sweeping detention and deportation campaign, further igniting controversy over the federal operation, dubbed Metro Surge. Under the Trump administration, federal agents targeted communities across Minnesota in search of undocumented immigrants. These operations resulted in thousands of arrests and two tragic fatalities—both US citizens—fueling public outrage and widespread protests across the state. Federal Judge Katherine Menendez ruled against Minnesota’s plea for a temporary restraining order, stating that “the balance of harms does not decisively favor an injunction.” She emphasized that her decision was not a resolution on the broader case but rather a response to the urgent request for an immediate halt. Menendez refrained from commenting on whether the large-scale immigration crackdown violated any laws or the state’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Minnesota remains steadfast in its argument that the operation undermines its rights as a state. The major flashpoint of this controversy has been Minneapolis, the state’s largest metropolitan hub, which has borne the brunt of ICE's activities. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed deep disappointment following the ruling, highlighting the emotional and social toll the federal sweeps have had on his community. He remarked on how residents have been living in fear and dealing with disruption from “a federal operation that never belonged in Minneapolis in the first place.” The furor surrounding Metro Surge reached new heights after two Minnesota citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by heavily armed ICE agents. Their deaths triggered nationwide demonstrations, forcing the Trump administration to reassess its approach. Shortly afterward, Greg Bovino, a senior commander for Customs and Border Protection, was replaced by Tom Homan, who vowed to scale back enforcement with stipulations. Adding fuel to tensions, Minnesota Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a controversial letter to state officials following Pretti’s death. The letter reportedly included conditions for stopping ICE operations within Minnesota, which critics interpreted as akin to a threat. Bondi celebrated Judge Menendez’s ruling as an important victory for the Trump administration’s Justice Department. In a public statement on social media platform X, Bondi declared, “Neither sanctuary policies nor meritless litigation will stop the Trump Administration from enforcing federal law in Minnesota.” As protests against Metro Surge continue to swell and legal actions unfold, Minnesota’s battle to reclaim what it sees as its sovereignty reflects deeper fractures in America’s ongoing debate over immigration policy. For countless residents across the state, however, the immediate concern remains navigating through challenges of fear and disruption caused by these sweeping crackdowns.

Our Children’s Brains Are Not for Sale: Macron's Urgent Call for Social Media Restrictions

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his government will expedite legislation to prohibit children under 15 from using social media, aiming to implement the law before the next school year starts in September. "The minds of our children and teenagers are not for sale," Macron stated in a video released late Saturday. "Their feelings should not be sold or manipulated, whether by American companies or Chinese algorithms." Macron mentioned that the government intends to restrict social media access for those under 15 and also ban mobile phone usage in high schools, calling this a clear and necessary rule for teens, families, and educators. This announcement comes as various Western nations advocate for stricter online safety regulations to shield minors from the potential dangers of social media. In December, Australia enacted significant legislation prohibiting under-16s from having accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The UK has also indicated it is contemplating similar actions, including a potential ban on social media for those under 16. In France, the proposed ban is being pushed by lawmakers who contend that current protections are inadequate due to ineffective age-verification systems. One lawmaker involved in the initiative stated that users can currently input any birth date to access social media. "What we aim to enforce on platforms, by strictly applying the European Digital Services Act, is genuine age verification when accessing a social network," she explained. "This changes everything, as users will need to prove if they are over or under 15." She recognized that some users might still find ways to circumvent restrictions but emphasized that the priority is to take strong measures to safeguard minors online. After Australia’s ban, officials reported that over 4.7 social media accounts believed to belong to under-16s had been deactivated or removed. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the decision was influenced by increasing evidence of social damage and demands from both parents and youth. After Australia's ban, officials reported that over 4.7 social media accounts thought to belong to users under 16 had been deactivated or taken down. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the decision was influenced by increasing evidence of social damage and demands from both parents and youth.

iShowSpeed Turns 21: Exploring His Africa Tour and the Significance of 50 Million Followers

American online streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., widely recognized as iShowSpeed, has addressed criticism surrounding claims of alleged disrespect toward Nigerian content creators during his ongoing Africa tour. He clarified that the purpose of his trip was not centered around collaborations with influencers but rather aimed at promoting African culture and showcasing the everyday lives of its people. The explanation came in response to widespread reactions following a Wednesday livestream that documented his first full day in Lagos, Nigeria. The event drew large crowds, spontaneous street interactions, and numerous viral moments that quickly sparked conversations across Africa and beyond. Some Nigerian content creators voiced their disappointment, accusing the streamer of ignoring collaboration requests during his Lagos visit. Fans had specifically urged Speed to engage with Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, a popular Nigerian streamer active on TikTok and Kick. Peller made multiple attempts to catch Speed's attention, going as far as climbing onto his vehicle and even riding a horse through traffic in an effort to connect. In a widely circulated video, Peller was heard pleading, "Please, I’m a streamer. I’m big. Please let’s do something. I have suffered because of you." Despite these attempts, Speed continued with his planned activities, leading to mixed reactions online. Many fans and creators questioned why one of the world’s most prominent streamers would tour Africa without collaborating with local influencers. In response, Speed firmly stated that the focus of his tour is not on partnerships with other content creators. He explained that the goal is to shine a spotlight on African culture, street performers, and overlooked talents within everyday communities. He noted that many of the creators expressing their grievances already have prominent platforms, while his tour aims to provide visibility to those who seldom get such opportunities.

He also clarified that his daily itinerary is pre-arranged by his team. "Every day on this tour is scheduled — the locations, the time, everything," he emphasized, adding that last-minute meetups or adjustments are not feasible. He further highlighted that canceling cultural visits or abandoning plans arranged by local communities would go against the spirit of the tour. Speed acknowledged similar criticisms during his earlier stop in South Africa, where some creators also felt left out. However, he reiterated his dedication to showcasing the core essence of the continent.

"The purpose of this trip is to highlight the real Africa — the street performers, local artists, and communities with talent that rarely receive global recognition," he stated. Titled "Speed Does Africa," iShowSpeed’s tour began on December 29, 2025, and is set to span 28 days across 20 countries. His next stop is scheduled to be the Benin Republic as he continues his journey through the continent. Photo credit: Instagram- ishowSpeed

Ooni's Diplomatic Passport Renewal: Acknowledging Tinubu's Immigration Reforms

On Wednesday, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), visited the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja to renew his diplomatic passport. The distinguished royal was warmly received by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, accompanied by members of the service’s management team. The visit was highlighted in a statement released on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, from the NIS headquarters in Abuja. According to the statement, the Ooni’s visit reflects his commitment to fostering engagement with national institutions. The document acknowledged his appreciation for ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing migration management and border governance. During the visit, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi praised the leadership and transformative initiatives undertaken under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He commended the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Interior, and others team.

The recognition from the Ooni underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading and modernizing the Nigeria Immigration Service through institutional reforms. Recent months have seen significant advancements within the service, including digitization of passport operations, enhanced border surveillance, and a restructured migration management process, all spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s visit to the NIS headquarters highlights his engagement with impactful governance measures that aim to foster efficiency within national frameworks. The event also served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between traditional leadership and governmental agencies in pursuit of broader developmental goals. Photo credit: Instagram- Ooni of Ile Ife