Author: Tunde

Zelensky Arrives in New York for UN General Assembly as Russian Attacks Continue Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has landed in New York alongside First Lady Olena Zelenska for the UN General Assembly, where he aims to negotiate a stop to strikes on the energy sector and secure a new drone deal with allies. Later today, Zelensky will meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss a potential truce protecting heating and power facilities before winter. French President Emmanuel Macron also met with Zelensky and highlighted the urgency to halt energy infrastructure strikes, fearing millions of Ukrainian families may suffer from…

IMF Director Praises Sierra Leone’s Economic Progress New York, United States, 21 September 2026 – Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has praised President Julius Maada Bio for Sierra Leone’s notable strides in macroeconomic stability. Her comments came during a meeting with the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Georgieva highlighted the country’s substantial progress in its collaboration with the IMF, despite facing global economic challenges. “This is a difficult time for governments everywhere, particularly due to rising energy costs,” she noted. She reiterated the IMF’s dedication to assisting Sierra Leone…

President William Ruto has urged the international community to centre the United Nations in global efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that the governance of AI cannot be left solely to a few governments, companies, or laboratories. Addressing a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday, Ruto emphasised that AI governance “must be globally shaped, not globally imposed,” insisting that those affected by the technology must have a significant role in establishing its rules. “The rules of the intelligence era cannot be written by a handful of governments, companies, or laboratories. Those…

The Iranian government has approved the first draft of a controversial bill that aims to impose harsh penalties on individuals who communicate with foreign media deemed “hostile” by the authorities. If enacted, those convicted could face up to 30 years in prison. Named the “Countering the Influence of Foreign Intelligence Services, Governments, and Entities” bill, it passed through parliament on 16 August and is now moving towards final approval. A recent UN report described the bill as “broad and vaguely worded,” requiring Iranians to register any “activities with foreign agents or foreign nationals” through an online system linked to the…

The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Josephine Gauld, visited the Chief Justice’s Chambers in Freetown on 15 September 2026 to commend the reform efforts led by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda. During the meeting, they discussed the judicial priorities for 2026/27 and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in promoting the rule of law and justice administration. The High Commissioner congratulated Justice Kamanda on the ongoing reforms and highlighted the significant progress made. Key topics included the Judiciary’s strategic goals for the coming year, support from the UK-Sierra Leone Pro Bono Network, and how the UK can assist in expanding access…

Governor Uba Sani has inaugurated new infrastructure and educational measures for Basic Education across all 23 local councils in Kaduna State, aligning with his vision for human capital development. The event took place at Sultan Bello Primary School, Unguwan Sarki, and was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe. Sani highlighted the significance of primary education, stating, “It is where a child learns to read, write, count, reason and relate with others.” He added that without a solid foundation, learning becomes unsteady. “This administration views investment in basic education as investment in the future, not just expenditure on infrastructure,” he…

Pope Leo XIV will make his first official visit to France from 25 to 28 September, generating considerable excitement in the capital. The police anticipate that up to 250,000 people will line the streets for the papal procession through Paris. Additionally, around 80,000 tickets have been sold for a youth mass at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of the city. This visit marks the first time a pope has been to Paris since Benedict XVI in 2008. Charles Mercier, a director at the École pratique des hautes études in Paris, noted the significance of this visit, saying,…

General Birame Diop, the new Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission, met with Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, on 21 September 2026, to address security challenges facing West Africa. They discussed issues including terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, and misinformation that threaten peace and stability in the region. Ambassador Fonbaustier reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS in its efforts to tackle these challenges and promote security in the region. He congratulated General Diop on his new role and expressed support for his mission within the organisation. In response, General Diop thanked the ambassador and highlighted the strong relationship…

Panic has struck the Ogoda community in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, after the decomposing body of an unidentified young woman was found on the riverbank. The woman is believed to have been abducted and murdered for ritualistic purposes, with some body parts reportedly missing. Security agencies, along with Ahoada West Local Government Chairman Eugene Epelle, recovered the remains on Sunday afternoon. Speaking at the scene, Epelle condemned the incident and vowed that those responsible would face justice. “I completely condemn this act. I will ensure a thorough investigation, and anyone involved will be prosecuted. This will not…