Renowned Nollywood actress Chioma Akpotha has won the Best Actress award at the 2025 African Film Festival in London for her role in the movie 'Silent Tears.' The film, which addresses issues of domestic violence, has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling. Akpotha dedicated the award to victims of abuse, urging society to take a stand against such injustices. Her win marks another milestone for Nollywood on the global stage, as the industry continues to gain international recognition.
Heavy rainfall over the past week has caused severe flooding in several communities in Niger State, displacing over 5,000 residents. Homes, farmlands, and infrastructure have been destroyed, with local authorities struggling to provide relief. The state government has appealed for federal assistance and set up temporary shelters for affected families. Environmentalists warn that poor urban planning and climate change are exacerbating the frequency of such disasters in Nigeria. Emergency response teams are currently on the ground to assess the full extent of the damage.
A sophisticated cyberattack has targeted major financial institutions across Europe and North America, disrupting online banking services for millions of users. Cybersecurity experts attribute the attack to a state-sponsored hacking group, though no specific country has been named. The attack has raised alarms about the vulnerability of global financial systems, with potential ripple effects on Nigerian banks that rely on international payment networks. Governments and corporations are on high alert, with emergency measures being implemented to contain the breach.
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a peacekeeping mission in Sudan to address the escalating conflict in the Darfur region. The mission, which includes contributions from African Union forces, aims to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. Nigeria, a key player in regional security, has pledged to contribute troops to the mission. The conflict has displaced millions and poses a risk of destabilizing neighboring countries. Analysts describe the UN’s decision as a critical step toward restoring peace in the region.
The United States and China have reached a landmark trade agreement to reduce tensions and avert a potential tariff war that could have disrupted global markets. The deal, signed after months of negotiations, includes commitments to lower tariffs on key goods and address intellectual property concerns. This development is expected to stabilize supply chains worldwide, including in Nigeria, where imported goods from both nations are critical to the economy. Economists predict a positive ripple effect on African markets, though some remain cautious about long-term implications.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early this morning, triggering a tsunami warning across the region. At least 200 people are reported dead, with thousands displaced as buildings collapsed in coastal areas. International aid organizations are mobilizing to assist with rescue and relief efforts. The disaster has raised concerns about potential economic disruptions in Southeast Asia, a key trading partner for Nigeria. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no Nigerian citizens have been reported among the casualties so far.
Oil prices have surged to a six-month high following an agreement by OPEC+ to extend production cuts into 2026. The decision, announced after a virtual meeting, aims to stabilize global markets amid geopolitical tensions and fluctuating demand. Brent crude rose by 5% to $85 per barrel, a development that could boost Nigeria’s revenue as a major oil exporter. However, analysts warn that sustained high prices may fuel inflation worldwide. The Nigerian government has yet to comment on how this will impact domestic fuel subsidies.
The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to increase the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 per month. This decision follows intense negotiations between the federal government, labor unions, and private sector stakeholders. The bill, which was presented as an executive proposal, aims to address the rising cost of living and inflation in the country. President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days. Labor leaders have hailed the move as a step in the right direction, though some argue that the increase is still insufficient given the economic realities. The new wage structure will be reviewed every three years to ensure it aligns with economic conditions.
Lagos-based fintech startup PayFast has secured $10 million in Series A funding led by a consortium of international investors. The funding will be used to expand operations across West Africa and enhance the platform’s digital payment solutions. PayFast, founded in 2021, has seen rapid growth due to the increasing demand for cashless transactions in Nigeria. The CEO, Adebayo Johnson, stated that the investment would help bridge the financial inclusion gap in the region. Industry experts predict that this deal could spur more foreign investment in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
A massive cyberattack targeted major European banks on July 3, 2025, disrupting online services and causing millions in losses. Cybersecurity experts attribute the attack to a sophisticated ransomware group, with investigations ongoing to identify the perpetrators. The incident has heightened concerns about digital infrastructure security worldwide, including in Nigeria, where financial institutions are increasingly digitized. EU officials are urging member states to bolster defenses against future attacks, while customers face delays in transactions.