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الوسم: Nigeria

  • YouTuber Turns 21 with 50M Subscribers in Lagos Celebration

    YouTuber Turns 21 with 50M Subscribers in Lagos Celebration

    A US-based YouTuber, IShowSpeed, recently visited Lagos, Nigeria, which is known as the country’s cultural and economic hub. The visit coincided with his 21st birthday and his achievement of reaching 50 million subscribers on YouTube. His African tour, which began on December 29, spans approximately 15 countries across the continent and has attracted large crowds at each location.

    Recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as the most influential creator of 2025, IShowSpeed’s net worth has been estimated at around $20 million by Forbes. His day in Lagos started at the lively Balogun Market on Lagos Island, where crowds gathered to interact with him, some even asking for money. Surrounded by bodyguards, he commented on the crowd, saying, “What are they saying? It sounds like English, but a different kind,” before hurriedly leaving the market scene.

    He then visited Freedom Park, which was formerly a prison, where he enjoyed the spicy taste of his first plate of jollof rice. Following this, he went to the Nike Art Gallery, a popular destination for celebrities and political elites visiting Lagos. Stephen Oluwafisayomi, a 24-year-old YouTuber known as Stevosky, observed that IShowSpeed’s effort was to showcase Nigeria’s culture, relationships, and food to an international audience, especially Americans, to present Africa as a welcoming travel destination.

    Later in the evening, around 6:00 PM local time, IShowSpeed, celebrating his birthday, paused along the roadside with his security team to witness his YouTube channel reach 50 million subscribers. He marked the milestone by smashing a birthday cake into his face, celebrating with excitement. A local observer, Karim Jari, an 18-year-old student at Nike Art Gallery, remarked that despite some negatives shown about these countries, such experiences can motivate people to support and help improve them through business, fundraising, or other efforts.

    The day prior, IShowSpeed also celebrated Senegal’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Dakar. Known outside the screen as Darren Jason Watkins Jr., the Cincinnati native started his online career a decade ago, initially posting gaming videos before expanding into content about his global travels. His current Africa tour has included some notable activities, such as racing a cheetah in South Africa, playing soccer with 100 children in Angola, visiting Kenya’s Maasai community, and attending the AFCON final in Morocco.

  • Trump Announces U.S. Strike on Daesh in Nigeria

    Trump Announces U.S. Strike on Daesh in Nigeria

    A U.S. military strike was carried out in northwest Nigeria at Nigeria’s request, according to President Donald Trump and the U.S. military, claiming the target group has been assaulting Christians in the area.

    “Tonight, under my orders as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a strong operation against ISIS (Daesh) terrorists in northwest Nigeria, who have been viciously attacking and killing mostly innocent Christians—a level of violence not seen for many years, even centuries,” Trump announced on Truth Social.

    Nigeria’s foreign ministry stated the airstrikes were part of ongoing security cooperation with the U.S., involving intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts to eliminate militant groups.

    “This precision bombing targeted terrorist positions in Nigeria’s northwest,” the ministry said on X.

    A Pentagon video showed at least one missile being launched from a naval vessel.

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude to Nigeria for their support and added, “There’s more to come…”

    Nigeria’s government has acknowledged that militant groups threaten both Muslims and Christians. The U.S. claims the persecution of Christians oversimplifies the complex security environment and overlooks Nigeria’s efforts to uphold religious freedom. Despite these tensions, Nigeria has agreed to collaborate with the U.S. to strengthen its military against militants.

    Nigeria’s population largely consists of Muslims in the north and Christians in the south.

    Earlier on Thursday, police reported that a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and wounded 35 more in Nigeria’s northeast, another region plagued by militant activity.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a Christmas message on X, calling for peace, especially among different religious groups. He affirmed his commitment to protecting religious freedoms and safeguarding all Nigerians from violence.

    Trump posted his remarks about the strike on Christmas Day while at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he’s spending the holiday. He made no public appearances that day and was last seen traveling with his team on Wednesday night.

    Last week, the U.S. military launched large-scale strikes against dozens of Daesh targets in Syria, responding to a suspected attack on U.S. personnel in the region, a move Trump endorsed.

  • Trump suggests US may deploy troops or air strikes in Nigeria

    Trump suggests US may deploy troops or air strikes in Nigeria

    US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stands by aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington, DC, March 9, 2025. — Reuters


    • Claims Christians are being murdered in record numbers in Nigeria.
    • Promises US intervention to end the violence.

    On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced that the US military may send troops to Nigeria or conduct air strikes to stop what he described as the mass killing of Christians in the West African country.

    When asked about deploying ground troops or launching airstrikes in Nigeria, Trump told reporters on Air Force One, “It could be. I mean, other options. I foresee many possibilities.”

    “They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria… They’re targeting Christians in huge quantities. We will not let this continue.”

    Trump made this statement Sunday evening while returning to Washington after spending the weekend at his Florida vacation home.

    The previous day, he threatened military action if Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, failed to suppress the violence against Christians.

    This threat came shortly after his administration re-listed Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for violating religious freedoms. Countries on this list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan.

    No Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine

    Regarding Ukraine, Trump stated he is not seriously considering supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles. When asked during a flight on Air Force One if weapon provision was on the table, Trump responded, “No, not really.”

    Previously, on October 12, Trump mentioned the possibility of sending long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not end the conflict.

    He added that he discussed Ukraine’s request for weapons, including Tomahawks, with President Zelensky during the flight to Israel.

    Tomahawk missiles can travel up to 2,500 km (about 1,550 miles), sufficient to reach deep into Russia, including Moscow.

    The Kremlin has warned against supplying such missiles to Ukraine, with Trump warning that doing so would constitute a “new act of aggression.”

    Trump Skips Supreme Court Tariffs Argument

    He also said he would not attend the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing on the legality of his global tariffs. The court will hear arguments on Wednesday concerning whether Trump exceeded his authority in imposing most of his tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

    Trump explained that although he wanted to be present, he preferred not to distract from the importance of the case. “It’s about the future of our country, not about me,” he stated.

    The case is a significant test of Trump’s assertions of executive power, challenging his use of tariffs to influence trade and raise revenue, which had helped push stock markets to record highs. Various businesses and 12 states had challenged his authority.

    Trump defended his tariffs, citing longstanding high duties imposed by other countries and stating they enhanced US national security. He argued, “Without tariffs, we risk losing our security and sovereignty, as other nations have exploited us for years. Tariffs have strengthened our position.”

  • Trump Warns of U.S. Military Action Over Nigeria’s Christian Rights

    Trump Warns of U.S. Military Action Over Nigeria’s Christian Rights

    • Trump issues a warning about a potential “guns-blazing” military strike aimed at completely eliminating militants.
    • He emphasizes that the primary objective is to target terrorists responsible for brutal atrocities.
    • Trump has directed the Defense Department to prepare for possible action.

    On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that he has instructed the U.S. military to be ready for possible intervention in Nigeria if the Nigerian government continues to permit the killing of Christians. Additionally, he stated that the U.S. will immediately halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria via a post on Truth Social.

    Trump indicated that the U.S. might “enter that now discredited country, guns blazing,” to eradicate terrorists committing these horrific crimes. He further instructed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action, warning that any attack would be swift, fierce, and definitive—comparable to how terrorists have targeted Christians. He also urged the Nigerian government to act quickly, warning: “The Nigerian government better move fast!”

    This is a developing story and updates will follow as more information becomes available.

  • Over 60 Dead as Over 100-Rev Boat Capsizes in Nigeria

    Over 60 Dead as Over 100-Rev Boat Capsizes in Nigeria

    A boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized in Nigeria’s Niger State, resulting in at least 60 fatalities and numerous rescues. Officials say dozens of people were saved, but the death toll continues to rise. The accident happened early Tuesday morning when the vessel set out from Tungan Sule in Malale district en route to Dugga for a condolence visit. Near the Gausawa community in Borgu Local Government Area, it struck a submerged tree stump, causing it to overturn.

    Borgu Local Government Chair Abdullahi Baba Ara reported an increasing death count, stating, “The number of fatalities has now reached 60. Ten individuals are in critical condition, and search efforts for others are ongoing.” The incident took place around 11 a.m. local time.

    Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, the district chief of Shagumi, shared he was on the scene shortly after the event. “I was there yesterday from noon until late afternoon. More than 100 people were on the boat,” Muhammad explained. “We recovered 31 bodies from the river, and the vessel itself was salvaged and removed.” He also noted that four victims were buried according to Islamic customs, with women and children comprising most of the deceased.

    The Niger State Emergency Management Agency reported ongoing searches by rescue teams and local divers. So far, 29 deaths have been confirmed with 50 people rescued and two still unaccounted for. The agency indicated the boat was overloaded and collided with the tree stump, causing it to capsize.

    Frequent boat accidents in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season, are often caused by insufficient safety enforcement, overcrowding, and poorly maintained vessels.

  • Over 40 Missing Following Sokoto State Boat Disaster in Nigeria

    Over 40 Missing Following Sokoto State Boat Disaster in Nigeria

    Rescue crews are searching for over 40 individuals following a boat crash in Nigeria’s northwest, Sokoto State, according to the country’s emergency services on Sunday.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that the vessel, which was ferrying more than 50 people to a market, capsized early Sunday morning.

    “Approximately 10 people have been saved, but more than 40 remain unaccounted for,” NEMA stated.

    Such boat tragedies are frequent on Nigeria’s under-regulated waterways, often caused by overcrowding and inadequate vessel upkeep, especially during the rainy season when rivers and lakes tend to overflow.

    In a similar incident last August 2024, at least 16 farmers drowned when a wooden canoe overturning while transporting them across a river to their rice fields in Sokoto State.

    Previously, on July 29, six girls drowned when their boat, returning from farm work, capsized midstream in Jigawa State.

    Just two days earlier, a boat accident in Niger’s central region claimed at least 13 lives.

  • Over 40 Missing in Nigeria Boat Tragedy

    Over 40 Missing in Nigeria Boat Tragedy

    Over the weekend, rescue teams in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto State continued searching for over 40 individuals following a boat disaster, according to the country’s emergency response agency. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that the incident occurred Sunday morning when a boat, ferrying more than 50 people heading to a market, capsized. Currently, about 10 people have been rescued, but more than 40 remain unaccounted for.

    Waterway accidents are a frequent issue in Nigeria, often exacerbated by overcrowded vessels and inadequate maintenance, especially during the rainy season when fluvial systems overflow. In August 2024, at least 16 farmers lost their lives after a wooden canoe capsized while transporting them across a river to their rice fields in Sokoto. Earlier in July, six girls drowned when a boat carrying them home from farm work capsized in Jigawa State. Just two days prior, a separate incident in Niger State resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people.

  • Four Wealthy Africans Surpass Half of the Continent’s Riches: Oxfam

    Four Wealthy Africans Surpass Half of the Continent’s Riches: Oxfam

    Aliko Dangote, CEO of the Dangote Group, speaks at the inauguration of the Dangote Petroleum refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, on May 22, 2023. — Reuters

    LAGOS: According to a report released by the anti-poverty organization Oxfam on Thursday, the four wealthiest individuals in Africa possess greater wealth than nearly half of the continent’s 750 million residents. The report cautions that increasing inequality poses a threat to democracy.

    Oxfam specifically mentioned Aliko Dangote, the richest person in Africa from Nigeria, in its findings.

    According to Forbes, the other three billionaires rounding out the top four include Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer from South Africa, along with Nassef Sawiris from Egypt.

    Oxfam noted that over the past five years, the wealth of African billionaires has surged by 56%, with the wealthiest among them experiencing even greater increases.

    Nearly half of the top 50 countries with the most pronounced inequality are located in Africa, as stated in the report.

    The organization argued that government policies favor the wealthy and inhibit the poor, allowing the continent’s richest to accumulate even more wealth.

    “Most African nations have not effectively implemented progressive taxation to tax the ultra-rich and combat inequality,” the report stated.

    Oxfam also attributed rising inequality to “regressive” policies from the International Monetary Fund and secretive financial maneuvers, particularly the use of tax havens to conceal wealth overseas.

    The nonprofit organization claimed that inequality is impeding democracy, obstructing efforts to alleviate poverty, and exacerbating the climate crisis, as “political capture” by affluent individuals undermines “pro-poor” government initiatives and public institutions.

    For example, in Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous democracy, aspiring politicians frequently find themselves priced out of elections due to exorbitant fees required by political parties.

    Additionally, vote-buying is widespread in a nation where millions struggle with poverty.

    Despite these challenges, Oxfam reported that nearly 90% of African countries have regressed on policies regarding taxation, workers’ rights, and minimum wage since 2022, policies deemed essential to address inequality.

    Oxfam has called for a complete reform of tax administrations across the continent.

    Currently, Africa’s tax systems are approximately three times less effective at redistributing income from the top 1% compared to the global average, according to the report.

    Moreover, the continent loses an estimated $88.6 billion each year due to illicit financial flows.

    A review of the tax systems of 151 countries revealed that “Africa remains the only region where effective tax rates have not increased since 1980,” as reported by the charity.

  • Nigeria Floods Claim 151 Lives, Displacing Thousands from Homes

    Nigeria Floods Claim 151 Lives, Displacing Thousands from Homes

    Debris from destroyed homes in the Anguwar Hausawa Gangari community, following devastating flooding that resulted in 151 fatalities and displaced thousands in Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria, on May 31, 2025. — Reuters

    • Flooding in Mokwa overnight leads to extensive rescue efforts.
    • Nigeria braces for seasonal flooding as the rainy season commenced in April.
    • The 2022 floods resulted in 600 deaths, displacing millions and devastating vast agricultural land.

    This week, catastrophic flooding in Niger State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of 151 individuals and forced thousands to evacuate their homes, as reported by an emergency official to Reuters on Saturday.

    Ibrahim Audu Hussaini, the director of information at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, updated the death toll, which had previously been reported as 117 the day before.

    He noted that more than 500 households were affected, with over 3,000 people displaced.

    The flooding in Mokwa occurred overnight from Wednesday to Thursday and rescue teams are still sifting through mud and debris in their search for victims days later.

    Nigeria is susceptible to flooding each rainy season, which commenced in April.

    In 2022, the country experienced its worst flooding in over a decade, resulting in more than 600 fatalities, displacing approximately 1.4 million individuals, and destroying 440,000 hectares (about 1.09 million acres) of farmland.