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

Trump Launches Board of Peace: What It Means for Global Diplomacy and the UN

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially unveiled a bold new initiative called the Board of Peace, which aims to stabilize the precarious ceasefire in Gaza. However, Trump envisions this initiative extending far beyond Gaza to address other pressing global challenges. While this expansive vision has garnered interest, some allies worry it might disrupt the United Nations' leadership role in managing international diplomacy and conflict resolution. During a high-profile announcement held alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump clarified that the Board of Peace is intended to complement—not replace—the efforts of multilateral institutions like the UN. Highlighting what he considers untapped potential within the United Nations, he framed the board as a cooperative partner in tackling global crises. Positioned as the board’s chair, Trump emphasized that the initiative’s ultimate scope goes beyond Gaza to tackle broader international conflicts. However, this ambition has sparked unease among U.S. allies who fear it could dilute the primacy of the UN in global governance. Despite these concerns, the new initiative has already attracted commitments from around 35 countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Argentina, and Indonesia. Russia is reportedly considering joining but remains undecided for now. Meanwhile, responses from Western powers have been more tepid—France has declined to participate, Britain has stated it is holding off for the time being, and China has yet to take a clear position.

Key to membership in the Board of Peace is a significant financial commitment, with permanent members expected to contribute $1 billion each. At the signing ceremony, however, there were no major representatives from global superpowers. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin commented that Moscow is reviewing the proposal and suggested possibly using frozen Russian assets in the U.S. to fulfill any potential contribution aimed at supporting Palestinians. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that in the short term, the board’s primary focus would be the effective implementation of the Gaza peace plan. He further suggested it could act as a blueprint for resolving conflicts in other regions. The board's establishment was backed by a UN Security Council resolution tied to Trump’s Gaza peace strategy, though the UN stressed its involvement would remain limited to that specific area. The current roster of contributors includes a mix of democracies and nations led by governments sympathetic to Trump’s diplomatic style. High-profile members include U.S. figures like Rubio, senior Gaza negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Right now, international attention remains firmly fixed on Gaza’s fragile truce. According to Kushner, the next steps focus on reconstructing Gaza’s infrastructure and addressing the disarmament of Hamas, a vital roadblock to sustainable peace in the region. In the near term, efforts will prioritize delivering humanitarian aid while creating conditions conducive to long-term stability.

There are some early signs of movement. Palestinian officials have indicated that Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt is scheduled to reopen next week—a critical development for civilian access and aid delivery. Even so, challenges to the ceasefire persist as mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas over violations—ranging from disputes about hostages and humanitarian aid to ongoing violence—threaten its longevity. On a more diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to join the board, while Palestinian factions have cautiously endorsed both the peace plan and a transitional committee to oversee Gaza under the board’s monitoring. Yet even with this framework in place, long-standing issues like Hamas disarmament, security arrangements for Gaza, and an eventual Israeli withdrawal will require marathon negotiations.

Adeleke Addresses Paternity Claims: 'Anu Is Not My Grandchild; Kemi Olunloyo Has Been After My Son for Years'

Adedeji Adeleke, the father of popular Afrobeats musician Davido, has dismissed resurfaced paternity allegations involving his son and a minor, Anuoluwapo Adeleke. At a press briefing held at his Lagos residence on Wednesday, he accused controversial investigative journalist Kemi Olunloyo of spearheading a long-standing campaign of impersonation and defamation against his family. PREMIUM TIMES was present to cover the event, which addressed the paternity dispute that recently reignited after the 12-year-old girl appealed on social media for another DNA test. During the briefing, Mr. Adeleke categorically denied the claim that Davido fathered the child and emphasized that the family has handled the matter transparently over the years. Setting the record straight, he remarked, “I have 14 grandchildren,” before detailing the history behind the allegations. Mr. Adeleke explained that the issue first came to his attention in 2014 when he received a letter from a lawyer in Ibadan accusing Davido of impregnating a woman and neglecting both her and the child. Taking swift action, he sought to address the matter directly.

Central to Mr. Adeleke’s statements was an accusation that Ms. Olunloyo had impersonated the minor online to spread false claims about Davido. He read a message allegedly sent by the girl's aunt, denying any connection to a social media account used to post statements attributed to the child. According to the message, “My mum or I do not run the account. The account is managed by Kemi Olunloyo, with whom we severed ties years ago. We’ve reached out to her multiple times to stop posting about Anu.” The business magnate further criticized Ms. Olunloyo for what he described as years of baseless and malicious attacks on Davido. Mr. Adeleke revealed that his family is considering legal action against Ms. Olunloyo to address what he said were sustained defamatory statements damaging their reputation. To counter the paternity claims, he disclosed that five DNA tests had been conducted over the years, all of which confirmed that Davido is not the biological father of Anuoluwapo. Offering evidence during the briefing, he shared results from the most recent DNA test, which indicated zero percent paternity and were verified with signatures from both him and the girl’s grandmother. In contrast, he noted, DNA results for all of Davido’s actual children showed a 99.9 percent match. Expressing frustration over the persistence of these allegations, Mr. Adeleke questioned why anyone would deliberately berate someone based on unfounded claims, deeming this controversy both unnecessary and excessive. He emphasized that if Davido were truly Anuoluwapo’s father, his family would provide full financial support without hesitation. As part of his personal efforts to assist, Mr. Adeleke shared that he had aided Anu’s family for years, even offering to sponsor her mother, Ayotomide Labinjoh, through school. However, she reportedly dropped out during her second year. He clarified that during this time, financial support for school fees and upkeep was provided through Anu’s aunt, who cared for her, her grandmother, and her mother. Mr. Adeleke confirmed that his assistance had been unknown to Davido, showcasing his commitment to resolving the matter privately. He dismissed any need for a new DNA test, asserting that prior results had already provided conclusive answers.

The long-standing paternity dispute became public once more in January when Anu posted a plea on Instagram for another DNA test, citing experiences of bullying and emotional distress. However, Anu’s mother challenged these claims and alleged that only one test was conducted back in 2014, calling into question its validity. She has since demanded a new test under independent supervision. In response to these reemerging claims, Mr. Adeleke reiterated that this case had been settled years ago, attributing the ongoing controversy to misrepresentation and online misinformation likely fueled by Ms. Olunloyo’s involvement. The journalist has rejected accusations from the Adeleke family and published what she described as documentation from a 2014 DNA test...

Brooklyn Beckham Rejects Reconciliation with Parents Amid Claims of Humiliation and Anxiety

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham has publicly stated that he has no desire to reconcile with his parents, former football star David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham, confirming speculation about a strained relationship within the family. In a lengthy Instagram statement shared on Monday, Peltz Beckham accused his parents of attempting to sabotage his marriage to American actress and billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz, who is the daughter of businessman Nelson Peltz and former model Claudia Heffner Peltz. He expressed frustration with the way his parents have supposedly controlled public narratives about their family throughout his life, adding that their alleged interference in his relationship began even before his 2022 wedding. Following his marriage, he adopted the surname Peltz Beckham in honor of both families.

He described the statement as an act of asserting himself for the first time, sharing his thoughts across six Instagram stories for his 16.3 million followers. Reports of tension between Brooklyn and his famous parents have circulated for years, with tabloid headlines regularly fueling rumors of conflict. In his post, Brooklyn expanded on several incidents that he claimed contributed to the family rift.

One key point of contention he highlighted was an issue surrounding Nicola's wedding dress. He alleged that Victoria canceled plans to design her daughter-in-law’s gown at the last moment, leaving Nicola scrambling to find an alternative. Nicola ultimately wore a Valentino haute couture dress with a square neckline and dramatic train, an experience her stylist later characterized as the pinnacle of couture fashion, involving multiple visits to the brand's headquarters in Rome.

Brooklyn also claimed that tensions flared over seating arrangements at the wedding. He said his mother reacted with hostility after he and Nicola decided to seat his lifelong nanny and Nicola’s grandmother at the main table, a decision made in recognition of the losses both women had endured. Another incident he mentioned involved his wedding’s first dance. Brooklyn alleged that his mother "hijacked" the moment by stepping in unexpectedly. According to him, as he prepared for his first dance with Nicola, Victoria called him onstage to dance with her instead.

These revelations add further insights into the ongoing rift between Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and his parents, which continues to draw public attention.

Photo credit: Instagram- Brooklyn Peltz Beckham

President Museveni Appoints Daughter Natasha Museveni as Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda: Uganda Power Shift All to One Family

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, after securing re-election, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Natasha Museveni, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda. Meanwhile, the First Lady, Mrs. Janet Kataaha Museveni, holds the position of Minister of Education and Sport. In addition, the President's son serves as the Chief of Defense Forces in Uganda. Museveni was declared the winner in Thursday's election, extending his nearly four decades in power by another five years. According to the election commission, he garnered 72% of the vote, while his closest contender, Bobi Wine, secured 25%. Wine has rejected the results, alleging "fake results" and "ballot stuffing." However, he has yet to provide evidence for these claims, and authorities have not directly addressed the accusations. The African Union election observers stated they found "no evidence of ballot stuffing." Wine has since called for peaceful protests.

At 81 years old, Museveni first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 and has since claimed victory in seven elections. Despite the announcement of his win, reports of intermittent violence have emerged in specific neighborhoods. The country has faced an internet blackout since Tuesday, which has hindered the verification of information. Authorities defended the shutdown, arguing it was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud, and the incitement of violence—a justification criticized by the United Nations. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, leading the African Union observer mission, urged the government to desist from suspending internet access during elections. He also condemned reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions, asserting that these acts generated fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process, according to AFP news agency.

Photo credit: Instagram President Museveni

Tony Blair, Mark Carney, and Marco Rubio Appointed to Trump-Led Gaza Reconstruction Board

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been named members of a newly established international body tasked with leading the reconstruction of Gaza after years of widespread devastation due to ongoing conflict. This organization, called the Board of Peace, will be chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump. It is a cornerstone of an American-led initiative supported by the United Nations, focusing on demilitarizing Gaza and rebuilding the region after the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to U.S. officials, the board’s primary function will be to oversee long-term efforts to stabilize Gaza and coordinate global investment and development initiatives. Founding members include Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, investor Marc Rowan, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Several global leaders have acknowledged receiving invitations to participate in this initiative. Canadian officials confirmed that Prime Minister Carney has accepted. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also invited, while Argentine President Javier Milei publicly announced he had been asked to join as a founding member. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is considering his invitation, according to official statements.

Trump described the Board of Peace as an extraordinary group, dubbing it the most influential international body ever assembled. The White House emphasized that each board member will have a specific role critical to Gaza's rebuilding and governance. The absence of representation from the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, has sparked criticism. Under the plan, the Palestinian Authority is intended to assume control of Gaza in the future following extensive reforms. This exclusion has been denounced by Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group, as a move favoring Israeli objectives and catering to their interests.

Blair’s appointment, in particular, has sparked debate. Although he served as the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister for a decade, his involvement in Middle Eastern affairs remains contentious due to Britain’s role in the Iraq war and his tenure as a regional envoy—a period during which Palestinians often accused him of bias toward Israel. Under the framework outlined by the United States, day-to-day operations in Gaza will be managed by a specialized 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee chaired by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a Palestinian native of Gaza with prior experience within the Palestinian Authority. The committee is tasked with overseeing essential services and rebuilding institutions to enhance civilian life. Nickolay Mladenov, a former United Nations Middle East peace coordinator, has been assigned the role of high representative for Gaza. He will act as a liaison between the technocratic committee, the Board of Peace, and regional stakeholders.

The agreement outlines plans for the technocratic committee to temporarily govern Gaza until a restructured Palestinian Authority is ready to take over. This transition is envisioned as a step toward enabling Palestinian self-determination. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly opposed granting any authority over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority and continues to reject prospects of Palestinian statehood. Israeli officials confirmed their extensive involvement in selecting members of the technocratic committee, ensuring that no individuals connected to Hamas or directly affiliated with the Palestinian Authority were included. Israel's internal security agency approved all 15 members.

An additional executive board has been established to assist in managing governance efforts in Gaza. This board comprises representatives from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates alongside members from both the Board of Peace and the technocratic committee. Israel has expressed strong opposition to this new executive board’s formation, arguing that its structure was devised without prior consultation with Israeli authorities and contradicts their official policies. Netanyahu has ordered Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to convey Israel's concerns to Secretary Rubio directly.

Trump's Blunt Answer on accepting Someone else’s Nobel Prize

On the afternoon of January 16, a reporter questioned President Donald Trump regarding his acceptance of an award that wasn’t rightfully his. Specifically, the incident revolved around Trump accepting a Nobel Peace Prize medal that had been awarded to María Corina Machado, the 2025 recipient. In previous statements, Trump had alluded to his admiration for the Nobel Peace Prize and suggested that receiving such an honor would be a privilege. Reports suggested that Machado's lack of opposition to transferring her award influenced Trump’s decision not to support her political stance. Later, during an interview with Sean Hannity, Machado expressed a willingness to gift her award to Trump, stating her high regard for him.

On January 15, Machado visited the White House and handed over her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump, who accepted it with enthusiasm. However, the Nobel Institute issued a statement clarifying that the prestige and recognition associated with the award are strictly non-transferable. The following day, as Trump addressed members of the press on the North Lawn before departing for Mar-a-Lago aboard Marine One, a reporter asked about the peculiar acceptance of someone else’s prize. The reporter inquired about Trump’s intentions for the award and why he accepted it in the first place. Trump responded by saying Machado had offered it to him voluntarily and praised her for her gesture. He stated, "She said you’ve had eight wars and no one deserves this prize in history more than you do. "I thought it was very generous of her. She’s a remarkable woman, and I look forward to speaking with her again."

The questioning continued, with another reporter pressing Trump on aligning with individuals linked to Venezuela’s Maduro regime instead of Machado, who is backed by much of the Venezuelan populace. Trump pivoted, referencing past U.S. actions in Iraq as a cautionary tale about removing leaders without proper consideration. He closed his remarks by reiterating his admiration for Machado, calling her an extraordinary individual and praising their meeting. While the nature of Trump’s interactions with Machado generated headlines, the Nobel Institute's stance remains firm: awards granted by their organization are symbols of personal achievement and cannot be shared or transferred. Photo credit: Instagram whitehouse

Five DNA tests turn out negative – Davido

Ayo Labinjoh, who has been referred to as the alleged "baby mama" of Afrobeat superstar David Adeleke, widely recognized as Davido, has broken her silence regarding the controversy surrounding her daughter's paternity DNA test. The situation resurfaced recently when Mitchelle Anuoluwapo, a 12-year-old girl, publicly requested a DNA test to confirm if Davido is her biological father. Reports earlier shared by Dr. Kemi highlighted this renewed paternity debate. Davido denied being the father and asserted that he had already undergone five DNA tests, all confirming no biological connection to the child. He also stated that he had never met Ayo Labinjoh, the girl's mother, whom he described in derogatory terms.

In response to the growing discussion, Davido commented on the post, reiterating his stance. He claimed he had conducted multiple tests and called for an end to what he deemed baseless accusations. His reply read: "I’ve taken five DNA tests, all negative. I am not your father. Never met your mom. She’s an obsessed fan lying to you. This needs to stop. I actually have children. Stop this nonsense." In contrast, Ayo Labinjoh issued a statement through her daughter’s Instagram account, providing a different narrative. She explained that she met Davido at HQClub and accused him of abandoning her due to what she claimed was his assumption that she was a prostitute.

Labinjoh also disputed Davido's claim regarding the DNA test results. She alleged that the test conducted was not legitimate, stating that Davido’s father, Dr. Deji Adeleke, arranged for them to visit a laboratory, not a hospital, in 2014. According to her, blood was taken but later discarded without her knowledge, and a falsified result was issued. She labeled the results as fraudulent and elaborated further, saying: "Dr. Deji Adeleke took us to a lab, not a hospital, where Anu’s blood was drawn in 2014 and then discarded behind our backs. A fake result was printed. Wale Sobola, the lab technician masquerading as ‘Dr. Alex,’ carried out this act. Additionally, a relative of actress Sotayo Gaga admitted three years ago on his page that he never conducted the test on Anu and discarded the blood sample, blaming his personal struggles on past wrongdoing."

Photo credit: Instagram- Davido

Netanyahu's Strategic Appeal: The Impact on US Policy Regarding Air Strikes on Iran

Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged Donald Trump to delay potential military strikes on Iran during a tense, last-minute phone call, as preparations for a broader regional conflict intensified. According to The New York Times, discussions reflected heightened urgency, with diplomatic staff evacuated from Tehran and Iranian airspace cleared, signaling an imminent attack. Netanyahu, however, requested additional time for Israel to prepare for potential retaliation.

Shortly afterward, Trump publicly claimed to have received information from significant sources indicating that Iran had halted its k!llings of dissidents. He stated, "We were told that k!lling in Iran are stopping, and there’s no plan for executions… I’ve been told that on good authority. We’ll see what happens, but if this continues, I’ll be very upset." On January 15, the White House announced that around 800 executions in Iran had been halted, and Trump claimed credit, labeling the intervention as a lifesaving measure, telling NBC News, "We saved a lot of lives yesterday." Iranian officials countered these assertions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi commented to Fox News that the Iranian government had no intention of executing protesters. Meanwhile, regional nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt cautioned the U.S. against military action, warning it could escalate into a larger Middle Eastern conflict.

Attention has also turned to Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old shopkeeper detained during protests and at risk of imminent execution. Believed to be the first protester targeted with capital punishment during the recent unrest, Soltani's family spoke out about his precarious situation as Iranian authorities appeared to reconsider their stance. State-controlled media later indicated that Soltani’s charges—allegations of collusion against national security and propaganda against the regime—did not carry the de@th penalty if upheld in court.

As Iran grapples with internal upheaval, the international community faces pressure to address both human rights violations and the possibility of conflict escalation across the region. Photo credit: Instagram-whitehousenews

US Freezes Visa Processing for Nigeria and 74 Other Countries

The US State Department is set to pause visa processing for nationals of 75 countries—a move that could significantly impact individuals from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Among the affected nations are Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, and Thailand. This decision targets applicants who are deemed likely to become dependent on public assistance or welfare benefits in the United States. Scheduled to take effect on January 21, the pause is expected to last indefinitely until a comprehensive reassessment of immigrant visa procedures is completed. This policy shift stems from the department’s effort to tighten immigration processes under the "public charge" provision of US immigration law. According to a State Department memo initially reported by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been directed to deny visas to individuals considered at risk of becoming a public burden on US resources. The memo outlines strict evaluation criteria for visa applicants. Factors such as previous reliance on government assistance, long-term medical care needs, age, health conditions (including being overweight), financial stability, and even English language proficiency could be grounds for denial. A spokesperson for the State Department, Tommy Piggott, emphasized the intent behind the new measures: to prevent foreign nationals from entering the United States solely to benefit from welfare programs. Piggott stated that immigration processing would remain on hold for the 75 listed countries while updated screening and vetting procedures are implemented.

This directive expands on longstanding immigration laws, which have historically allowed visa denials based on public charge concerns. While such provisions have been part of US immigration policy for decades, their enforcement has varied significantly from one administration to another. In 2019, under President Donald Trump’s administration, the scope of the "public charge" rule was broadened to include a wider spectrum of public benefits. The revised definition allowed consular officers greater discretion in denying applications based on potential dependency risks. In line with this approach, a November 2025 cable instructed global consulates to apply more rigorous screening standards when processing immigrant visas.

President Trump had previously highlighted welfare statistics among immigrant households, pointing out that approximately 33.3% of Nigerian immigrant families received some form of public assistance. This framing appears to align with broader efforts by his administration to prioritize a "self-sufficiency" standard for immigrants seeking entry into the United States. Although these restrictions are framed as measures to safeguard American resources and ensure fairness in immigration policies, they have sparked debates about their fairness and potential implications for immigrants from vulnerable or marginalized communities. The continued pause on visa processing will likely have a ripple effect across families and individuals aspiring to start a new chapter in the US, emphasizing the complex overlapping of immigration policy and socioeconomic challenges. Photo credit: Instagram-usembassy

Nigeria and UAE Forge Trade Agreement to Remove Tariffs on Goods

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates during his visit to Abu Dhabi. The agreement aims to provide duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products in the UAE market, fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations. In a statement shared on Tuesday, January 13, via his social media page, President Tinubu mentioned that the deal was finalized while he participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, following an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The agreement is designed not only to grant duty-free access for Nigerian goods but also to create broader opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and service providers. It also enhances investment confidence, encouraging UAE investors to support Nigeria's productive sectors of the economy. Acknowledging the efforts behind the agreement, President Tinubu credited Minister Dr Jumoke Oduwole of Nigeria and Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the UAE for leading the negotiations with dedication and clarity. He praised their teams for successfully concluding the discussions.

For Nigerians, the pact brings tangible benefits, facilitating easier market access for their products while fostering growth in industrialization and economic diversification. It positions Nigeria as a gateway for trade and investment across Africa. Additionally, the agreement underscores purposeful economic reform, strategic engagement, and cooperative partnerships aimed at serving Nigeria’s long-term national interests. President Tinubu expressed optimism about the strengthened relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, emphasizing that the partnership would deliver mutual benefits for both nations and their people.

Photo credit: Instagram President Bola Amend Tinubu

Trump's Iran Striking: What It Means for Future Diplomatic Efforts

The ongoing wave of protests in Iran has severely challenged the regime’s ability to suppress dissent, presenting a critical juncture for the nation. Meanwhile, Israel, a key regional adversary with arguably the most to gain from Iran’s instability, has chosen to adopt a cautious stance. Despite previous threats, it has refrained from interfering directly, opting instead to observe how the internal unrest unfolds and allowing US President Donald Trump the political room to decide on potential intervention. President Trump appears to be edging closer to opening a significant new chapter in the fraught US-Iran relationship. The case for American military intervention to support Iranian protesters grows increasingly urgent as the crisis deepens. Trump has repeatedly issued stern warnings, only for Iran’s leaders to defy his red lines with brazen confidence. In a recent CBS News interview, the president declared he would take "strong action" should Iran proceed with plans to execute protesters. While this statement doesn't guarantee military engagement, symbolic actions could risk undermining his ability to deter Tehran effectively.

Trump has promised the Iranian people that help is forthcoming—a commitment that may demand more than rhetorical support. While some former US officials, including figures with high-level experience in defense and intelligence, have stopped short of advocating full-scale military intervention, they stress the importance of taking concrete steps to back the protesters in their plight. America's credibility as a global leader may hinge on whether it follows through with meaningful action.

The humanitarian justification for intervention continues to intensify as harrowing details of repression surface. Although an internet blackout obscures much of what’s happening, emerging footage reveals horrifying consequences of the regime’s crackdown—images that highlight the gravity of the situation and call for urgent international attention. Photo credit: Instagram- President Trump

Funke Akindele Makes History as 'Behind The Scenes' Surpasses N2bn Milestone

Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has once again etched her name in the annals of African cinema with her latest film, Behind The Scenes, making history by surpassing the ₦2 billion milestone at the box office. This extraordinary achievement crowns the movie as the first Nollywood production to ever reach such heights. The thrilling news came via FilmOne Entertainment on Monday, where the distributor revealed that Behind The Scenes has amassed an impressive total of ₦2,103,039,706 in ticket sales. In their celebratory announcement, FilmOne described this accomplishment as nothing short of record-breaking, stating that the film has "broken and shattered records." Not only is it now the highest-grossing Nollywood film in Africa, but it also claims the title of the top-earning Nollywood release in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Beyond its financial success, the film underscores Funke Akindele's position as a cinematic trailblazer. FilmOne highlighted her remarkable achievements, acknowledging her as Africa’s most commercially successful filmmaker, as well as the highest-grossing writer, director, and producer in West African history. Moreover, Akindele has set yet another incredible benchmark by becoming the first filmmaker to secure the number one spot at the African box office for three straight years—an unprecedented feat in the region's film industry.

The ₦2 billion milestone marks a significant leap from the film’s earlier records. Initially crossing the ₦1 billion threshold and later climbing to ₦1.77 billion, 'Behind The Scenes' had already earned its place among Nollywood's finest. Now, with this latest surge, it has secured its position as the all-time champion of Nigerian cinema.

At the heart of this captivating production is Scarlet Gomez in the leading role, supported by an all-star ensemble cast featuring Funke Akindele herself, alongside respected names like Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Adebowale ‘Mr. Macaroni,’ Ibrahim Chatta, and Kamo State. The cast masterfully blends celebrated actors with emerging talents to bring this monumental blockbuster to life.

As Funke Akindele continues to break barriers and set new standards for Nollywood and African cinema at large, 'Behind The Scenes’ stands as a testament to her vision, innovation, and undeniable storytelling genius. Fans and industry stakeholders alike now eagerly anticipate what groundbreaking strides she will take next. Photo credit: Instagram Funke Akindele