Tariff war: US slams Nigeria over import ban on 25 items (Vanguard)
The US government has faulted Nigeria’s import ban on 25 items, saying the restrictions are limiting market access for American exporters. This comes barely a week after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on goods entering the US, with Nigeria getting 14 per cent.
In a post on X on Monday, US Trade Representative, USTR, highlighted what it described as “unfair trade practices faced by American exporters.
“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods. Read more
Olubadan declares Sarkin Sasa illegal, threatens sanction (Punch)
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has declared the title of Sarkin Sasa in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State as null and void and not recognised by Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy Law.
The declaration was made during the Olubadan-In-Council meeting, held at the Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo in Ibadan, on Monday.
The PUNCH reports that the late Sarkin Sasa, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, who was the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers in the 17 Southern States of Nigeria, died on March 2, 2025. Read more
Japa: 16,000 medical doctors left Nigeria in 5 years –Minister (Sun)
No fewer than 16, 000 medical doctors left Nigeria for foreign practice in the last five years.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who made the disclosure said available records indicated that more doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have also indicated interest to leave to pursue professional opportunities and experience abroad.
He spoke during the seventh annual capacity building workshop of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) on the theme: “Integrated healthcare regulation and leadership in building resilient health systems” hosted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and attended by representatives from across Africa in Abuja yesterday. Read more
Rivers: Court Stops Ibas From Appointing Sole Administrators (NewTelegraph)
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has stopped Sole Administrator Ibok Ekwe Ibas from appointing Sole Administrators to oversee the State’s 23 Local Government Areas.
The PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu, had gone to court to challenge Ibas’s attempts to appoint sole administrators to manage the affairs of the Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In an ex parte motion filed on March 28, 2025, Msirimovu sought an order to bar Ibas from appointing sole administrators for the remaining months of his six-month tenure. Read more
APC seeks security agencies’ intervention in Osun LG crisis (Guardian)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has called on the security agencies to take swift action to restore peace and prevent alleged planned attacks on local government secretariats in the state.
The party specifically called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services(DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA) not to allow the state to be thrown into chaos.
Addressing a news conference on Sunday in Osogbo, Mr Sunday Akerele, a chieftain of APC, alleged that there were plans to attack the party’s reinstated council chairmen in their various local government areas. Read more
Culture basic imperative for holistic education — Edun (Nation)
The CEO of Grace Schools Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs Olatokunbo Edun, has asserted culture plays a vital role in educating students.
According to her : “The need to promote cultural heritage as an avenue to enhance learning cannot be underestimated.”
This is because culture is a way of life as it encompasses all the concepts such as literature, values that are unique to the people. Read more
2027: Tinubu working for our victory, says Adebayo (ThisDay)
The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is working hard to ensure the easy defeat of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), by the SDP through his anti-people policies and programmes.
Making the declaration at a recent televised interview, Adebayo noted that Tinubu was doing everything possible to ensure that he becomes the last APC president.
He said: “The people who are working hardest for the SDP to come to power are members of the APC-led government because they have turned the furnace fire on the back of the Nigerian people. Read more
NECA commends Customs on trade facilitation reforms (Channels)
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the recent policy reforms and operational improvements introduced under the current administration, particularly in the area of trade facilitation.
NECA President, Ifeanyi Okogwu, gave the commendation on Monday while leading a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
According to a statement on the service’s X on Tuesday, the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration on trade facilitation and private sector development. Read more
At least 66 killed in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse (AlJazeera)
A catastrophic roof collapse at an iconic nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, has left at least 66 people dead including a provincial governor and former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel.
At least 160 other people were injured and some 400 emergency crews were still working to pull survivors from the rubble as families of the victims gathered at the site searching for their loved ones, authorities said on Tuesday.
Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the Dominican Republic’s emergency operations centre, said that efforts to rescue those trapped under the debris were continuing, though the exact number of people inside the Jet Set nightclub at the time of the collapse remained unclear. Read more
Cruise to showcase last “Mission: Impossible” at Cannes (France24)
Tom Cruise is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival to present the latest and last episode of his “Mission: Impossible” series, joining Robert De Niro and French actress Juliette Binoche among the confirmed A-list attendees.
Cruise’s presence, three years after he lit up the French Riviera while promoting “Top Gun: Maverick”, marks a major coup for festival organisers.
“Mission: Impossible –- The Final Reckoning” is one of the most hotly awaited blockbusters of the year and is set for release in cinemas worldwide from May 17.
“After nearly three decades of thrills, stunts and twists, ‘Mission: Impossible –- The Final Reckoning’ promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience,” the festival said in a statement. Read more
Former Coronation Street and Buffy the Vampire Slayer star John Saint Ryan dies suddenly aged 72 (ITV)
Former Coronation Street actor John Saint Ryan has died suddenly, aged 72, after suffering a heart attack.
The actor, who was known for playing lorry driver Charlie Whelan in the soap between 1993 to 1994, died on Thursday, 3 April, surrounded by his family, his wife Joyce said.
In a post on Facebook, Joyce wrote: “I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April.
“We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive. Read more
China Box Office: A Minecraft Movie debuts on top, ending the long reign of Ne Zha 2 (Variety)
The China box office welcomed a new leader this past weekend as Warner Bros. and Legendary’s A Minecraft Movie debuted in first place with RMB105.5 million ($14.7 million) for the April 4–6 frame, according to Artisan Gateway.
The long-awaited live-action adaptation of the popular video game opened across China, scoring a solid start during the Qingming Festival period. Read more
Tributes paid after death of drummer and “heartbeat of Blondie” Clem Burke (NME)
Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died after battling cancer.
The legendary sticksman was a founding member of the band and was today described as the heartbeat of “heartbeat of Blondie” by frontwoman Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein.
In a statement on social media the duo said: “It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer. Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie.
“His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie.” Read more
Little Simz announces more artistes for Meltdown 2025 (Independent)
Little Simz has added more artistes to her already packed lineup for this year’s Meltdown festival.
Held at the Southbank Centre in London from 12 to 22 June, the event will play host to artists including British R&B star Mahalia, Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage, Canadian jazz/hip-hop collective BADBADNOTGOOD, and Mercury Prize-winning musician James Blake.
They will join the likes of London-born saxophonist Nubya Garcia, contemporary soul artist MEGA, and singer-songwriter Kara Jackson. Read more
Hamas ‘‘must have no role’’ in Gaza governance, says Macron in meeting with Sissi (TimesOfIsrael)
French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that Hamas should play no part in governing Gaza while publicly backing the Egyptian-led Gaza reconstruction plan during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.
The two spoke at a press conference ahead of a planned summit with Jordan’s King Abdullah II later that day, in light of Israel’s renewed offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
Macron threw his support behind the Gaza reconstruction plan unveiled by the Arab League in March, saluting Egypt’s “crucial work” and saying it “offers a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza.” Read more
Hoopers have a special place in my heart – Eke (Punch)
D’Tigers forward, Devine Eke, says Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers still have a special place in his heart despite completing a move to Senegal’s ASC Ville de Dakar ahead of the Basketball Africa League Sahara Conference, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Eke was Hoopers’ fourth signing for the BAL last season, and he combined well with the likes of Kelvin Amayo, Will Perry, and other players to help the Nigerian champions to a third-place finish.
The 28-year-old averaged 16.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game for Hoopers last season, which earned him a place on the All-BAL second team. Read more
Wehrlein addresses “bad luck” curse as ‘fight’ to intensify (RN365)
Pascal Wehrlein is looking to put an end to his and Porsche’s “bad luck” curse in Formula E this weekend, at the returning Miami E-Prix.
The reigning world champion heads to the Miami-Homestead Speedway yet to claim a race victory in Season 11, despite having started on the front row in three of the four races.
He suffered a terrifying crash whilst fighting for a podium in São Paulo after being hit by Jaguar’s Nick Cassidy, before he lost victory in Mexico City due to the timing of a late safety car ending. Read more
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry set for late starts at the Masters (RTE)
Rory McIlroy will be among the later starters as he bids to win the 89th Masters and complete the career grand slam.
McIlroy, who has won twice ahead of the Masters for the first time in his career, will play alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Ludvig Aberg and American Akshay Bhatia for the first two rounds at Augusta National, teeing off at 1312 local time (1812 Irish time) on Thursday.
Shane Lowry is in the following group along with Bryson DeChambeau and Hideki Matsuyama, followed by Jon Rahm, Wyndham Clark and Tommy Fleetwood. Read more
Pucovski retires aged 27 due to concussions (MorningStar)
Former Australia opener Will Pucovski has announced his retirement aged 27 after repeated concussions that have blighted his playing career.
Pucovski, who made 62 and 10 on his lone Test appearance against India at Sydney in January 2021, has not played competitively since March last year, when he was struck on the helmet by a Riley Meredith ball.
The accumulation of blows to the head — he has had a dozen known concussions — led to a medical panel advocating retirement, with Pucovski admitting his day-to-day life has changed in the past 12 months. Read more
Wardley and Miller news conference descends into chaos (BBC)
American Jarrell Miller taunted British heavyweight rival Fabio Wardley by wearing a Norwich shirt at a bad-tempered news conference held at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road.
Wardley is a lifelong Ipswich supporter and gets his dream of fighting at the stadium on 7 June when he faces Miller for the WBA ‘interim’ title.
Miller unveiled a Norwich top with ”going down 25″ on the back in reference to Ipswich’s likely relegation from the Premier League this season. Read more
Prop Mackenzie Carson ruled out of rest of Women’s Six Nations in England injury blow (Independent)
England have been dealt an injury blow with prop Mackenzie Carson ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s Six Nations.
Carson suffered an ankle injury during the first-half of the round two win over Wales in Cardiff, and was forced off. Subsequent scans have confirmed a campaign-ending issue, though it is understood that the Gloucester-Hartpury loosehead’s problem will not threaten her chances of featuring at a home World Cup later this year.Club colleague Sarah Beckett will continue her rehabilitation from a back injury in Gloucester. Uncapped Leicester back row Charlotte Fray, meanwhile, will be denied an opportunity to make a debut by a shoulder injury and drops out of a 35-player squad that has assembled ahead of the trip to Ireland on Saturday. Read more