Author: Prima News

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, delivered remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General, saying “the war remains a stain on our collective conscience.”It has “shattered lives, devastated communities, and deepened regional and global instability,” she said.Death, displacement and attacks on infrastructureShe highlighted the “catastrophic” human toll which includes more than 15,000 civilians killed, 41,000 injured and millions forced to flee their homes, while “a whole generation has lost years of education as schools have come under fire.”Amid the current winter season, characterized by sub-zero temperatures, Russia has intensified strikes against Ukraine’s energy system.As civilians in Russia are also…

The time is ticking fast. Months are fast narrowing to weeks. It is 10 months to the 2027 general election. Yet, an eerie silence pervades the entire Lagos political landscape. President Bola Tinubu, whose imprimatur will decide many political fates, is battling a different kind of headache far from his re-election challenge. He is at that cliffhanging juncture that Yorubas proverbially refer to as ‘orita meta to n damu onile, to n damu alejo’ (the three-way crossroads or T-junction that confuses both the landlord and the guest). Those who understand the Yoruba language in-depth know that this is not just…

Amazon-owned Zoox plans to make its robotaxis available to hail on the Uber app in Las Vegas later this year, the two companies announced Wednesday. Before that happens, though, Zoox still needs approval from the federal government to commercially deploy its robotaxis, which don’t have a steering wheel or pedals. That requires exemptions from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). On Wednesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began taking public comment on Zoox’s application for those exemptions. (Zoox currently has an exemption that allows the custom-built robotaxis to operate as a demonstration, and not commercially.) If and…

The Central Bank of Nigeria has given Deposit Money Banks 18 months to fully comply with its new baseline standards for automated anti-money laundering solutions, while other financial institutions have 24 months from March 10, 2026, to meet the requirements. The PUNCH observed that this represents an extension from the previously reported 12 months, when the apex bank first proposed the guidelines. In a circular dated March 10, 2026, the CBN said, “The implementation of these guidelines shall start from the date of issuance, while full compliance shall be 18 months (for Deposit Money Banks) and 24 months (for Other…

By Aduragbemi Omiyale The annual retreat for business managers and executives organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) will take place from April 16 to 18, 2026, at the AAE & T Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State. This year’s edition is themed The Resilient Enterprise, People and Systems: Building and Managing Businesses that Outlive Seasons, Cycles and Crises. The programme aims to equip leaders with the insights, tools, and networks required to build resilient organisations in an increasingly complex business environment. It will provide a unique platform for executive-level engagement through high-level conversations, peer learning sessions with experienced leaders,…

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed Tuesday, December 29, 2026, for the conduct of local government elections across the 33 local government areas of the state. The Chairman of the commission, Babatunde Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement released in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday. The development, according to the statement dated March 4, 2026, followed the revision of the Presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission from February 20, 2027, to January 16, 2027 — a date previously scheduled by OYSIEC for the conduct of the local government council elections in the…

By Adeola Badru The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has granted all parties involved in the dispute over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elective convention leave to pursue an out-of-court settlement, adjourning the case indefinitely while urging stakeholders to resolve the crisis peacefully in view of the timetable for the 2027 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, led by Justice Biobele Georgewill, on Wednesday granted all parties involved in the dispute over the elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leave to explore…

The Nigeria Cricket Federation is moving closer to appointing a new high-performance manager for the male senior national team, the Yellow Greens, and other national teams, following the shortlisting of applicants for the role previously handled by former Kenya international Steve Tikolo, The PUNCH reports. The search for Tikolo’s replacement began on February 2, just a week after his departure. According to an advertisement published on the federation’s official Facebook page, interested candidates were required to possess at least a Level 3 coaching qualification, along with between eight and 10 years of coaching experience. One month later, the federation is…

Digital creator and popular TikToker,  Ralph Georges, has urged young people, particularly in the Caribbean and the diaspora, to take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy while staying connected to their cultural roots. According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, Georges said social media platforms have created a new pathway for young entrepreneurs and content creators to build global communities without abandoning their heritage. “Today, the internet allows us to connect with the world without losing who we are. Young people should use digital platforms to share their talents, support each other, and build something meaningful.…

Pope Leo on Wednesday ​lamented the death ‌of numerous civilians in the ongoing Iran war ​and also expressed ​closeness to people in ⁠Lebanon, saying the ​country, targeted by Israeli ​strikes, was going through a “great trial.” Leo, the first ​U.S. pope, called ​on pilgrims in his weekly ‌audience ⁠in St. Peter’s Square to pray for peace. “Let us continue ​to pray ​for ⁠peace in Iran, and throughout ​the Middle East, ​especially ⁠for the many civilian victims, including many ⁠innocent ​children,” said ​the pontiff.