Diaspora & Migration
Rwanda to Host Up to 250 U.S. Deportees Under New Migration Deal

The United States and Rwanda have reached a landmark agreement for the East African nation to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S., as part of President Donald Trump's intensified immigration crackdown. The deal, first confirmed by Reuters, was signed in June in Kigali by officials from both countries. A Rwandan government spokesperson revealed that the initial list of 10 individuals had already been submitted by Washington for vetting. “Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation,” said Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government. Under the agreement, Rwanda retains the right to approve or reject each proposed deportee. Those who are accepted will receive workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support, allowing them to restart their lives in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. The White House and State Department have not issued a statement on the deal. The Department of Homeland Security referred all questions to the State Department. President Trump, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has emphasized plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, including those with criminal records. His administration has previously pursued third-country deportations, targeting nations like South Sudan and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). In May, Rwanda's Foreign Minister acknowledged that discussions with the U.S. over deportations were underway. Despite human rights concerns raised by watchdogs regarding Rwanda's domestic policies, Kigali continues to present itself as a resettlement partner for Western governments. Trump administration officials argue that relocating migrants to third countries is an effective method to remove individuals who cannot be repatriated easily, especially those who pose potential public safety risks.

August 7, 2025
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Rwanda to Host Up to 250 U.S. Deportees Under New Migration Deal

The United States and Rwanda have reached a landmark agreement for the East African nation to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S., as part of President Donald Trump's intensified immigration crackdown. The deal, first confirmed by Reuters, was signed in June in Kigali by officials from both countries. A Rwandan government spokesperson revealed that the initial list of 10 individuals had already been submitted by Washington for vetting. “Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation,” said Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government. Under the agreement, Rwanda retains the right to approve or reject each proposed deportee. Those who are accepted will receive workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support, allowing them to restart their lives in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. The White House and State Department have not issued a statement on the deal. The Department of Homeland Security referred all questions to the State Department. President Trump, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has emphasized plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, including those with criminal records. His administration has previously pursued third-country deportations, targeting nations like South Sudan and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). In May, Rwanda's Foreign Minister acknowledged that discussions with the U.S. over deportations were underway. Despite human rights concerns raised by watchdogs regarding Rwanda's domestic policies, Kigali continues to present itself as a resettlement partner for Western governments. Trump administration officials argue that relocating migrants to third countries is an effective method to remove individuals who cannot be repatriated easily, especially those who pose potential public safety risks.

Ghana Declares Mourning After Ministers Killed in Helicopter Crash

Tragedy struck Ghana on Wednesday when a military Z‑9 helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region. All eight individuals on board lost their lives, including: Minister of Defence Edward Omane Boamah Minister of Environment, Science & Technology Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed NDC Vice-Chair Samuel SarpongFormer parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye Three Air Force crew members In response to the tragedy, President John Mahama declared three days of national mourning, suspended all official activities, and ordered that flags fly at half-mast. A government-led investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

260 Army Officers Sit for Senior Staff Course Qualifying Exam

Kaduna, Nigeria — A total of 260 middle-cadre officers of the Nigerian Army are currently sitting for the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination (SSCQE) 2025, a pivotal milestone in their military careers. The week-long exam began on Sunday at the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps Centre, located within the Jaji Military Cantonment.  The examination, administered by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), serves as a crucial step toward selection for the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) and other international staff colleges.  Addressing both candidates and directing staff, the President of the Examination Board, Major General Kelvin Aligbe, underscored the exam’s stringent curriculum,which spans eight subjects, including tactics, low-intensity conflict, geopolitics, and military law,and reiterated the importance of discipline and fairness in the process.  Major General Aligbe emphasized that only candidates scoring at least 50% in all subjects will qualify for selection, and the assessment is designed to identify the next generation of leaders within the Nigerian Army. He also reminded officers that Army Headquarters allows a maximum of three attempts for passing the SSCQE. 

Tanzanians Mourn Ex-Speaker Who Resigned Over Debt Row

Dodoma, Tanzania — The nation is in mourning following the death of Job Ndugai, a veteran politician and former Speaker of Parliament, who passed away in Dodoma on Wednesday at the age of 62. President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences in a statement, saying she received the news “with sorrow” and extended sympathy to the deceased’s family and friends. Ndugai had served as a Member of Parliament for 25 years and was preparing to defend his Kongwa seat in the upcoming general elections after recently securing the ruling party’s nomination.  Ndugai rose through the political ranks to become Deputy Speaker in 2010, later ascending to the role of Speaker in 2015. He made history as the first Speaker in Tanzanian history to resign from office he stepped down in January 2022 following a public dispute with President Hassan over the country’s rising external debt. His remarks warning that Tanzania risked being “auctioned” due to excessive borrowing ignited national debate.  In his resignation, which he framed as a personal decision taken in the interest of the nation, Ndugai apologized for his controversial comments and expressed gratitude to his colleagues and constituents.  The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), described him as a courageous leader, patriot, and dedicated public servant who strengthened the institution of Parliament. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced shortly

Chowdeck Raises $9M to Drive Quick-Commerce Expansion in Nigeria and Ghana

Chowdeck, the Lagos-based on-demand delivery startup, has raised $9 million in its Series A funding round. The investment, led by Novastar Ventures with participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, and HoaQ, is set to fuel the company's aggressive quick-commerce expansion across Nigeria and Ghana.  The funding will support a new delivery model powered by dark stores and hyperlocal logistics designed to speed up access to essentials like groceries, food, and medicine, while improving reliability and tapping underserved urban areas.  Chowdeck launched in 2021 and now serves 1.5 million customers across 11 cities via a fleet of over 20,000 riders, achieving an impressive 30-minute average delivery time. Since 2024, the value of transactions on the platform has surged more than sixfold.  The startup’s CEO and Co-founder, Femi Aluko, stated:  “We’re thrilled… this funding will supercharge our expansion into more cities, cut delivery times, scale our grocery footprint, and attract top talent in innovation and customer service.”  In a strategic move to enhance its technological edge, Chowdeck acquired Mira, a point-of-sale (POS) provider catering to food and hospitality businesses. This acquisition is part of the startup's push to evolve into a hybrid logistics and software platform for merchants.  Looking ahead, Chowdeck plans a major rollout of quick-commerce infrastructure 40 dark stores by year-end, scaling to 500 by the end of 2026, launching two to three stores weekly, underpinning its hyperlocal expansion strategy. 

Entertainment
She Says I’m Not Her Father” – Ned Nwoko Calls Out Regina for Lack of Rest

Businessman and senator, Ned Nwoko, has playfully called out his wife, actress Regina Daniels, for not getting enough rest despite his constant reminders.   In a lighthearted exchange shared online, Nwoko revealed that Regina often brushes off his concerns, jokingly telling him, “you’re not my father.”   The lawmaker explained that his worries stem from observing her busy lifestyle, juggling family, politics, and the film industry. According to him, proper rest is essential to maintain her health and balance her responsibilities.   “I want her to slow down sometimes, but she always laughs it off. I care about her well-being, that’s all,” Nwoko noted.   The couple’s humorous interaction has since sparked conversations on social media, with many fans praising their bond and lighthearted approach to family life.



Diaspora & Migration
Bilari: Chief Minister’s Office Seeks Report on Pending Sugarcane Dues

Bilari, India – The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has directed officials to submit a detailed report on pending sugarcane dues owed to farmers in Bilari, amid growing concerns over delayed payments by local sugar mills.   Sugarcane farmers have repeatedly voiced frustration over long-standing arrears, which they say are affecting their livelihoods and putting them under financial strain. The CMO’s intervention is seen as a step toward ensuring accountability and faster disbursement of payments.   Authorities have been instructed to assess the total outstanding dues, reasons for delay, and a clear timeline for settlement. The government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring transparency in the sugarcane payment process.




Education & Youth
Liberia: Government, Partners Mark International Youth Day and National Skills Competition

The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with development partners, has commemorated International Youth Day alongside the Liberia National Skills Competition, bringing together young people from across the country to showcase innovation, creativity, and vocational expertise. The event, held in Monrovia, focused on empowering Liberia’s youth through education, technical training, and entrepreneurship. It featured skill demonstrations, workshops, and exhibitions, aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment opportunities. Government officials, private sector representatives, and international partners emphasized the importance of investing in youth development to drive national growth. They highlighted that skill acquisition not only equips young people for the job market but also fosters self-reliance and reduces unemployment. International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12 to recognize the contributions of young people to societal advancement and to promote policies that support their development.

Crime & Security
NDLEA Arrests 29-Year-Old Man With 7,000 Tramadol Capsules in Kano

Kano, Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 29-year-old man for being in possession of 7,000 capsules of tramadol in Kano State.   The suspect, whose identity is being withheld for ongoing investigations, was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation by NDLEA operatives. According to the agency, the arrest was part of its intensified clampdown on the trafficking of illicit and controlled substances in the state.   An NDLEA spokesperson confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court once investigations are completed. He further stressed that tramadol abuse continues to pose a serious public health threat in Nigeria, particularly among youths.   The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to curbing drug trafficking and abuse, urging citizens to provide useful information that could help track down offenders and dismantle drug networks across the country.





Innovation
Firm Expands Fibre Network to Boost Internet Access in West Africa

Lagos, Nigeria – A leading telecommunications infrastructure company has announced the expansion of its fibre-optic network across West Africa, in a move aimed at improving internet penetration and digital connectivity in the sub-region.   The project, which spans multiple countries, is expected to enhance broadband speed, reliability, and affordability, providing a significant boost to businesses, educational institutions, and households.   According to the company, the expansion aligns with Africa’s push toward digital transformation, supporting innovations in fintech, e-commerce, health tech, and remote learning. The initiative is also projected to create jobs and attract more investment into the ICT sector.   Industry experts say the development will help reduce the digital divide, giving millions of people in underserved areas better access to the internet.





Business
AFRES Moves to Curb Illicit Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa

The African Real Estate Society (AFRES) has announced new measures aimed at curbing illicit investment flows across Sub-Saharan Africa’s property markets.   According to AFRES, the real estate sector has increasingly become a channel for money laundering, tax evasion, and unregulated capital movement, raising concerns among governments and financial watchdogs.   The society noted that it is working closely with regional regulators, financial institutions, and international partners to establish stricter compliance frameworks and promote transparent investment practices.   Experts believe the move could strengthen investor confidence, reduce financial crime, and enhance the credibility of Africa’s real estate and property markets on the global stage.   AFRES also plans to roll out training programs and stakeholder workshops to sensitize industry players on anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and due diligence processes.





Sport
NIGERIAN PLAYERS ABROAD: Iwobi Shines for Fulham as Osimhen Opens New Gala Account

Super Eagles stars continued to make headlines across Europe over the weekend, with Alex Iwobi delivering a standout performance for Fulham in the English Premier League and Victor Osimhen scoring on his debut for Galatasaray in Turkey.   Iwobi impressed at Craven Cottage, dictating play from midfield and earning praise from fans and pundits alike for his creativity and work rate. His performance was key in Fulham’s hard-fought victory, further strengthening his reputation as one of the club’s most reliable players.   Meanwhile, in Turkey, Victor Osimhen wasted no time opening his goal account for Galatasaray, finding the net in his very first appearance for the Turkish champions. The Nigerian striker’s instant impact has fueled excitement among Galatasaray supporters, who expect him to play a decisive role in their league and Champions League campaigns.   Other Nigerian players, including Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Terem Moffi, also featured for their respective clubs across Europe, underlining Nigeria’s growing influence in top-flight football.





Politics
Bode George, Gana, Others Arrive for PDP NEC Meeting in Abuja

Top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Chief Bode George and former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana, have arrived in Abuja ahead of the party’s highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.   The meeting, scheduled to take place at the PDP national secretariat, is expected to deliberate on key party issues, including reconciliation strategies, preparations for upcoming elections, and internal restructuring.   Party insiders revealed that the presence of heavyweight figures like George and Gana underscores the importance of the session, which comes at a critical time for the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself as the leading opposition party in Nigeria.   Other party stakeholders and governors are also expected to attend, making the Abuja meeting a decisive moment in shaping the PDP’s future direction.





News
NERC Transfers Regulation of Electricity Market to Bayelsa

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially transferred regulatory authority of the electricity market in Bayelsa State to the state government.   According to NERC, the transfer follows Bayelsa’s successful establishment of an independent electricity regulatory agency, in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 which empowers states to oversee electricity markets within their jurisdiction.   This move means Bayelsa now has the legal mandate to regulate electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and retail activities within the state, while NERC will maintain oversight only on interstate and national grid-related matters.   Analysts believe the development will enhance state-level power reforms, encourage investment in renewable energy, and improve service delivery to households and businesses in Bayelsa.   The commission emphasized that more states are expected to follow suit as Nigeria gradually decentralizes its electricity sector to ensure greater efficiency and accountability