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The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of its late immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari who passed away in London on Sunday.
This is in furtherance to the seven days of national mourning earlier declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on Monday.
Tunji-Ojo stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
He said that the holiday would provide an opportunity for Nigerians at large to reflect on the life and values of the Daura-born former President.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation.
“This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu kand, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has died at the age of 91.
The monarch passed away on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime friend and former president.
The revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Adetọna, Ọgbagba II, joined his ancestors after a historic reign spanning over six decades.
Officially announcing the passing of the monarch, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun described Adetona as a remarkable royal father, whose ascension to the throne marked the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland.
Abiodun noted that throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development.
The statement reads, “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland. Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“It is indeed double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that the former President, Muhammadu died in a London, the United Kingdom hospital.
“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland. Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
“Under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun State. His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebuland with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards but also solidified its reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to our country. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign,” the Governor said.
Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has died at a clinic in London.
A statement released by the family and signed by his former media aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed that the elder statesman passed away on Sunday afternoon at a clinic in the United Kingdom.
The brief statement read:
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, the former president, this afternoon at a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari served as Nigeria’s Head of State between December 1983 and August 1985 following a military coup and later returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015, serving two consecutive terms until 2023.
Buhari was known for his anti-corruption stance, infrastructural development initiatives, and efforts to combat insecurity, even as his administration faced criticism on economic and human rights issues.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country and beyond, with many remembering him for his discipline, integrity, and influence in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
Few days ago, we received the shocking news that the United States has updated its non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visa policy for Nigerians, reducing it to three months with single entry.
There had being numerous insituations about the possible cause of this development. The 17th Summit of the Global South and the Emerging Economies bloc, BRICS, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance has been sighted as a possible reason for the United State action.
This rumour was debunked by the US Embassy in Abuja, noting that the suggestions that the Trump administration was engaging in tit-for-tat clampdowns on visas as punishment for Nigeria not giving in to their demands were false.
It said the real reason for the visa restrictions were “technical and security benchmarks” that had to be respected.
Earlier in the year, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally announced the country’s decision to join BRICS, previously consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which has been expanding its membership.
Nigeria is one of nine countries invited to become partner countries, a status that is distinct from full membership. The move will further help her achieve increased trade, investment, and access to development finance.
BRICS membership could also help Nigeria diversify its economy, reduce reliance on oil revenue, and gain a stronger voice in global affairs.
However, the visa restrictions have in no small measure introduced immediate hurdles for travellers, professionals, and students. Nigeria is Africa’s top source of international students to the U.S., with a 13.5 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the 2024 Open Doors report on international education exchanges.
My major concern is not really about the policy change of the United States regarding visa rules but the backward movement of Nigeria, the most populous and populated country on the continent of Africa, on the progress ladder.
In my childhood days, I easily fell in love with the term, Giant of Africa, which Nigeria was usually called. In many aspects, this is a country that is so important to many activities in Africa. No wonder, it is stated inter-alia in her foreign policy objectives that, “Africa is the center piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.”
It is no news that God has been so gracious to Nigeria in many areas: human resources, mineral resources, climate, location, name it. We have many good things that other nations are earnestly wishing for.
For instance, Malaysia in the 1970s sent delegates to Nigeria to study palm cultivation and potentially acquire seedlings considering the forward pace of our country at the time. Our arable land is distinct based on the geographical location of each region. Good enough, our forebears took advantage of the agricultural potentials in those days to establish a nation we call ours today.
I am sure the pace of development of the agricultural sector in Malaysia today is far beyond description, compare to Nigeria.
Some years ago, I was asking my father-in-law, a retired Permanent Secretary and Clerk of Ogun State House of Assembly, now of blessed memory, where Nigeria actually got it wrong. The old man went into his archives and brought out his travel documents in the 1980s.
To my surprise, then £1 (British Pound Sterling) in 198o was between ₦0.78 and ₦1.00. This means ₦1 was roughly equal to £1 or even slightly stronger at certain points during that period.
Sadly, as of today, July 12, 2025, the mid-market rate indicated that £1 (British Pounds Sterling) is ₦2,060 – ₦2,080.
There is wisdom in the saying that it takes a minimum of 25 years to raise a child. At 25, the child is expected to have graduated from the university and settled down on a job or career path. If there is delay in any form, by age 30, or at most 32, the fellow should have grown beyond being spoon-fed by parents. He should by that age be able to fend for himself.
It is obvious that challenges abound in life. But it should not get to a stage that we begin to move in circles which is what Nigeria has been doing in 65 years while other countries have gone farther ahead.
In those days as we heard, foreigners were traveling down to school in the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka because of the solid and enviable foundations laid by our nationalists.
Even the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, was a Mecca of some sorts. It is on record that in the 1960s, the King of Saudi Arabia, King Faisal, was a patient at UCH Ibadan and was treated by Nigerian Doctors. In fact, between 1962 and 1966. the UCH Ibadan was the family hospital of the Saudi Royal family.
Unfortunately, when it comes to education and medical tourism, Nigerians and its leaders should top the list globally, considering how rotten the health and educational sectors have become. We have abandoned the process of development our forebears embarked upon and decided to cherish the completed, furnished, and elegant buildings of other countries.
If you don’t build your own house, no matter how fanciful and expensive your rented apartment is, you will still be referred to as a tenant.
There is an adage in Yoruba land that says, “If excreta stays too long without being disposed, strange flies with feast on it.”A few days after US visa update, the United Arab Emirates came up with, imposing tougher entry conditions for Nigerian travellers and banning transit visa applications entirely.
According to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied. Even the 45 and above visa applicants must present a personal six-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
I am afraid the day will not come when Togo, Cape Verde, Eritrea and some others, will come up with their visa restrictions for Nigerians.
We need to put our house in order so that we do not continue to be the ridicule of other nations. The era of mismanagement, greed, corruption, and insecurity should be gone. The nations called greener pasture did not become green overnight. Some people laboured with all their hearts, day and night to make it green such that it can accommodate different nationalities.
This is not where we ought to be. We are giants, not to be derided. There is a portion in the Bible that says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead….”
The leadership across all levels should be intentional about its various reforms and work towards building a nation reputable for good governance, excellent management, and enviable security.
Femi Onasanya, a public affairs analyst and Development Communication Expert, wrote via femibimboo@gmail.com.
The French Giants, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder, Fabián Ruiz scored twice in a devastating first-half display as the French champions demolished Real Madrid and former PSG star Kylian Mbappé 4-0 on Wednesday to book their place in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.
Real Madrid defenders made two defensive errors which handed PSG their opening goals within nine minutes at MetLife Stadium.
Raúl Asencio’s poor control in the sixth minute gifted Ousmane Dembélé possession and his first effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois before the rebound was picked up by Ruiz who scored into an empty net.
Antonio Rüdiger’s wayward pass three minutes later allowed Dembélé to burst unmarked into the box before firing a tidy finish past Courtois.
Ruiz struck later in the 24th minute after Achraf Hakimi made a great run down the right and the Spaniard held off defender Asencio with a feint before finishing perfectly from close range.
Substitute Gonçalo Ramos completed the rout for European champions PSG three minutes from time, punishing a feeble Real Madrid side that failed to pose any attacking threat.
“It was an incredible match, brilliant win,” player of the match Ruiz told DAZN. “Even under scorching heat, such difficult conditions to play in midday, the team responded really well and it’s an achievement to be proud of.
“We made a perfect game and beat a top-level rival like Real Madrid in a great way. It’s job well done.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical gamble backfired in the game just as he abandoned the five-man defense that had served them well in previous rounds, reverting to a four-man backline that proved woefully inadequate against PSG’s attacking prowess.
“At the beginning, the setback was strong enough with a 2-0 down. We knew that the task was really tough,” Madrid coach Alonso told DAZN.
“At the moment, the feeling is not the best, but we’ll have to try to learn from today. They are a team that has been built in two years and we are just starting here, so it will take time.
“Right now what we need is a proper break. This is not the beginning of next year, this is just the end of this season. After just three weeks here, I think that we can take positives from this period, not from today. We take lessons from today.”
PSG, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final last month, were on the attack from the opening whistle and never relented against opponents who looked clueless on how to approach Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal even with French forward Mbappé back in the starting side after illness.
Dembélé almost scored in the fourth minute with a curling strike from inside the box that Courtois stopped with a brilliant one-handed save before producing another stunning reflex move to block a close-range strike by Ruiz.
But there was nothing he could do to deny PSG from opening a three-goal lead and the French team had more chances to extend its advantage further before the break.
Madrid made no changes at the break and PSG stayed in control, with Désiré Doué having a goal ruled out for an offside.
The Spanish side never came close to causing Donnarumma a serious problem and Ramos added a fourth goal for PSG.
The United States Department of State says it has updated its non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas policy for Nigerians, reducing it three months with single entry.
A press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, said the new visa restrictions take immediate effect, just as it advised Nigerian travellers to comply with the new regulations.
The statement clarified that, “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.”
It noted that the move was part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy described as “a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”
Explaining the rationale behind the policy update, the US said that its visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of its immigration systems.
The embassy said that “these standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.”
It further said the US Mission was working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.
“Examples of these standard criteria include: Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
“Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”
In spite of the new development, the embassy reaffirmed its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria.
“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger,” the statement read.
The embassy also expressed support for ongoing Nigerian reforms, stating, “We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.”
According to impeccable sources the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has joined his ancestors. The monarch ,90 died according to palace sources in the early hours of Monday today, July 7 2025. He ascended the Throne of his forebears in July 2024 and spent approximately one year as the Olubadan of Ibadanland . He died two days after the celebration of his 90th birthday.
Based on extant tradition he would be succeeded by Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja , former Governor of Oyo State.
The United States President Donald Trump has signed a major disaster declaration on Sunday for Kerr County, thereby activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Texas.
Trump, who described the disaster as a horrible thing, promised to visit the county on Friday
The destructive, fast-moving waters of the river rose eight metres within 45 minutes before daybreak on Friday, washing away homes and vehicles while tens of lives have been reportedly dead and missing.
The State Governor, Greg Abott, warned on Sunday that additional rounds of heavy rains lasting into Tuesday could produce more life-threatening flooding, especially in places already saturated.
Abott vowed that authorities would work round the clock to search new areas new areas as the water receded, declaring Sunday a day of prayer for the state.
“I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” he said.
Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours using helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.
In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said on Sunday afternoon.
He pledged to keep searching until everybody was found from Friday’s flash floods. Ten other deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties, officials disclosed.
The Canadian Government has reversed its decision on 178 study fields to enable students apply for Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in order to build a career in the Maple Leaf country.
The reinstated fields will remain eligible until early 2026, and those who applied for study permits between June 25 and July 4, 2025, are covered.
Few weeks ago, the government controversially removed the fields from the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list.
This decision left many international students uncertain about their future as their programs no longer qualified for the coveted Canadian work permit.
According to the statement issued by Immigration Refugees, Citizenship, Canada (IRCC), students who submitted study permit applications between June 25 and July 4, 2025, for these previously ineligible fields are still covered under the new rules.
“The reinstated 178 fields are linked to jobs in long-term shortage, ensuring graduates can contribute to Canada’s economy.
“Boost for Canada’s Education Sector: The policy change reinforces Canada’s appeal as a top destination for international students, driving enrollment and economic growth.
“The July 4 update ensures that fields removed on June 25 are now eligible again, and this applies retroactively for study permit applications submitted between June 25 and July 4, 2025,” it added.
The Senate has given conditions for the reinstatement of the embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, after a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the six-month suspension handed down on her by the Senate.
Justice Binta Nyako, in her judgment on Friday, ordered the Senate to reinstate the Kogi Central senator, just as it described the suspension as excessive.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March by the Red Chamber for six months for alleged gross misconduct, following her face-off with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the sitting arrangement.
The suspended Senator had on national television, accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual moves.
Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a petition to the Senate, alleging that she was sexually harassed by Akpabio, which was an allegation the Senate President had since denied.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, went ahead to challenge her suspension in court.
Delivering her judgment on the matter, Justice Nyako faulted the provision of Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Rules as well as Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, while she declared both as overreaching.
The court stressed that the two legislations failed to specify the maximum period that a serving lawmaker could be suspended from office.
Justice Nyako stated that while the Senate had the authority to discipline its members, such disciplinary actions must not strip citizens of representation in the National Assembly.
She noted that since the Senate was constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension amounted to denying the people of Kogi Central District effective participation and representation in national governance.
“The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member. However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament,” Justice Nyako ruled.
The court, however, found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on her Facebook page on April 27.
Justice Nyako held that after reviewing the post and the application before her instituted by the third respondent, she was satisfied that it was linked to the suspension matter before the court and therefore found the plaintiff guilty of contempt.
The judge, therefore, ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days,imposing a fine of N5m.
In reaction to the judgment, the Senate Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said the Red Chamber would not immediately reinstate the embattled senator.
Adaramodu said that the court judgment did not override the Senate’s constitutional powers to discipline its members.
“Which judgment are we appealing when they (the court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members? The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator.
“It was established that the senator in question erred. The court has already told her to go and do some things, like restitution, so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution, and that will inform our next line of action,” Adaramodu said.
He explained that the Senate would only reconvene to deliberate on the matter after Akpoti-Uduaghan had complied with the court’s directives.
“The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter.
“The first reaction now will not be from us, the court has ruled, so once she takes the step to redress and does what the court has directed her to do, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court,” Adaramodu added.
Addressing journalists after the judgment, the Senate counsel, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the Senate, with reference to the issue of civil contempt arising from social media posts made during the case.
“The first application filed by the Senate, that no social media posts should have been made, was decided in our favour. The court directed that the satirical apology be taken down and that a proper apology be published in two national ddailies. Additionally, damages of five million naira were awarded to be paid to the court,” Dauda said.
On the substantive ruling regarding the suspension, Dauda added that the Senate’s authority to discipline its members was not in dispute.
“It appears the court affirmed that the Senate, as an institution, has the right to discipline its members. While members are elected to represent constituencies, they are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Senate’s standing rules,” he said.
He further said that the court did not order the reinstatement of Akpoti-Uduaghan, but that suggested the Senate could consider recalling her.
“There was no relief asking for the suspension to be lifted. The judge only made what we call an obiter dictum, a non-binding remark, that the suspension may have been excessive. We will consult with our colleagues, read the full judgment, and respond accordingly,” he added.
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