NEWS

Factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has attributed the party’s internal crisis to actions taken by its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television, Abure alleged that the dispute began after Obi and Otti visited Umuahia to establish a caretaker committee.He insisted that the party had been stable and effectively performing its opposition role under his leadership prior to that move.Abure stated that the formation of the caretaker committee in Umuahia led to the emergence of factions within the party, which he believes triggered the ongoing crisis. He maintained that he played a unifying role in building the party and strengthening its structure before the disagreement. ...

Australia is experiencing a significant decline in international student interest, with visa applications falling by 32% between 2023 and 2025, according to a report by ICEF Monitor.The report, cited by the Economic Times, points to mounting challenges within Australia’s international education sector, driven by rising study costs, tighter visa regulations, and increasing rejection rates.It noted that these pressures are already impacting student enrolments across major source markets and could alter the country’s education pipeline in the years ahead.Particularly affected are English-language programmes (ELICOS) and vocational education and training (VET), while universities that rely heavily on foreign students are also beginning to feel the strain.ICEF Monitor warned tha...

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that efforts to end the war with Russia cannot be delayed until tensions in Iran are resolved, stressing the urgency of ongoing negotiations.In a new interview with CNN, Zelensky said he is open to a ceasefire with Russia but does not expect progress soon, as US attention has shifted toward the Middle East.Speaking with journalist Christiane Amanpour, Zelensky said he does not “see the opportunity” for meaningful talks until the situation involving Iran is “closed” or a broader ceasefire is reached between the United States, Israel and Iran.He described it as a major challenge that the same US negotiating team—led by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is handling both the Iran conflict and Ukraine negotiations.While...

The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has uncovered an alleged adoption scam following the closure of an illegal orphanage, Uwadia Children Home, in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area.The development also led to the arrest of the proprietress, an elderly woman, Mrs Grace Efe Uwadia who has been handed over to the Aideyan Police Station in Benin City for further investigation and prosecution.Providing further insight into the case, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development revealed that the incident was triggered by a formal complaint from an alleged victim, Mr Monday Akpaduma who had approached the ministry after encountering irregularities in an adoption process.According to the Commissioner, ...