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

Elon Musk's Vision: AI and the End of Retirement Savings

Elon Musk has expressed the belief that saving for retirement in the future will become irrelevant due to the transformative effects of artificial intelligence and robotics, which he predicts will usher in an era of unprecedented abundance. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO shared his optimistic outlook during a discussion on the Moonshots with Peter Diamandis podcast, emphasizing that concerns about building a financial safety net for decades ahead may no longer apply. Musk envisions a world reshaped by advancements in AI, robotics, and energy innovations, predicting that by 2030, AI will surpass the collective intelligence of all humans. He further anticipates the emergence of a society where humanoid robots outnumber people. In this scenario, traditional jobs, particularly white-collar roles, would gradually become obsolete. He underscored that current AI technologies are already capable of performing more than half of tasks that don’t involve manipulating physical matter. This surge in productivity, according to Musk, will surpass even the highest expectations of abundance. Rather than relying on a basic universal income, Musk foresees a future where individuals could access virtually anything they desire, rendering the traditional relationship between earnings, savings, and quality of life irrelevant.

Musk suggested that within five years, AI will revolutionize medical care and eliminate limitations on the availability of goods, services, and educational resources. He has previously asserted that within 10 to 20 years, AI and humanoid robots will make employment optional and could render money itself obsolete. Musk draws parallels between work in such a world and leisure activities like playing sports or gardening—optional pursuits driven by personal interest rather than necessity.

However, Musk acknowledges the potential challenges of a future without the need to work for survival. While a high universal income might provide material abundance, it could also lead to societal unrest and a profound existential dilemma for individuals. He cautioned against assuming that such a future is inherently desirable, questioning whether having all needs met without purpose-driven work would be fulfilling. Despite his optimistic projections about technological progress and its benefits, Musk remains mindful of the complexities such innovations could introduce into human life and meaning. Photo credit: Instagram Elon Musk

Trump Declares Himself 'Acting President' of Venezuela

One week after the United States reportedly apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and transported him out of the country, former U.S. President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social media platform to share a digitally altered image portraying himself as Venezuela’s "acting president." The image mimicked the format of his Wikipedia profile and was posted on Sunday. Trump proclaimed himself the interim leader of Venezuela, stating his authority would begin in January 2026. Following the operation involving Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, Trump announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s governance moving forward. He emphasized the importance of stability, saying, "We’re committed to making sure the transition is cautious and effective—it’s what we stand for." In the wake of Maduro’s removal, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president and oil minister, assumed the role of interim president in Venezuela. Describing Rodríguez as "gracious," Trump struck a seemingly softer tone toward her in comparison to his statements about Maduro. Nonetheless, he issued a warning, stating she could face even harsher repercussions than her predecessor if she failed to cooperate with U.S. directives.

As part of his demands, Trump called for Venezuela to transfer between 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. Additionally, he insisted that Venezuela sever its alliances with nations such as China, Cuba, Russia, and Iran, urging instead for exclusive cooperation with Washington in oil production. Responding to these developments, Rodríguez stated that Venezuela would welcome opportunities to expand its oil market with the United States. Photo credit- Instagram President Trump

N12.2 Billion Trips: What Nigerians Pay For Leaders' Flights

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and their aides are expected to allocate a total of N12.2 billion for both foreign and domestic travels in the fiscal year 2026. This information emerged from the State House budget estimates presented in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly. Travel and transport expenditures continue to dominate the Presidency's budget, with international engagements taking up a significant portion of the funds, despite ongoing fiscal reforms. For President Tinubu, N7.014 billion has been set aside for travel and transportation costs. This includes N6.14 billion allocated for international travel and logistics, while N873.89 million is budgeted for local travel. Vice President Shettima’s travel-related allocation amounts to N1.732 billion, broken down as N1.31 billion for international trips and N417.49 million for domestic travel.

Additionally, the State House Headquarters has been allocated N3.433 billion specifically for travel and transport. The budget earmarks N179.01 million for the acquisition of vehicles for the President, while food and catering supplies will cost N375.19 million. An allocation of N79.68 million is set aside for drugs and medical supplies, and N56.43 million is provided for refreshments and meals. Altogether, the President's total budget amounts to N8.39 billion, with items not specified included in this figure. Of this amount, capital expenditure represents N777.19 million. The Vice President’s budget includes N171.03 million for food and catering supplies, N14.99 million for refreshments and meals, and N21.8 million for honorariums and sitting allowances. Furthermore, the Vice President’s welfare packages received an allotment of N28 million, while publicity and advertisements were budgeted at N11.83 million. Overall, his total allocation stands at N2.64 billion, including other unspecified items, with capital expenditure making up N641.39 million. The State House Headquarters has been allocated a total of N43.20 billion for the fiscal year 2026. This consists of N2.64 billion for personnel costs, N10.10 billion for overhead expenses, and N30.49 billion designated for capital expenditure.

A detailed breakdown shows that N11.23 billion is set aside for the purchase of motor vehicles, N7 billion for establishing solar power systems at the Presidential Villa, and N2.42 billion for wildlife conservation initiatives. Additionally, honorariums and sitting allowances have been allocated N2.12 billion, while office furniture and fittings are budgeted at N2.56 billion. Other notable allocations include N513.84 million for welfare packages, N3.84 billion for vehicle maintenance and spare parts, and N8.48 billion earmarked for office building renovations. The rehabilitation of residential buildings has a dedicated allocation of N44.21 million. Additional budget allocations include N371.80 million for library resources such as books and equipment, N12.19 million for sporting and gaming equipment, and N11.71 million set aside for constructing and providing office buildings. Photo credit: Instagram President Bola Amend Tinubu