Author: Andrew Rogers

Ten commercial banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) have reported a total of N3.77 trillion in loan impairment charges from 2023 to the first quarter of 2025. The rising bad loans reflect the ongoing economic difficulties faced by the country’s banking sector. Loan losses were N1.34 trillion in 2023 and increased to N2.13 trillion in 2024. In the first three months of 2025, impaired loans reached N297.10 billion. This sharp increase shows how hard it has become for borrowers to meet their debt obligations. Several economic factors have contributed to this trend. The naira’s sharp devaluation in mid-2023 made…

The U.S. dollar dropped sharply after China accused the Trump administration of violating a recent trade deal between the two countries. This happened shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said China had failed to follow the agreement made last month in Switzerland. Following this renewed trade tension, the British pound rose by 0.7 percent against the U.S. dollar, reaching $1.354. That is close to its highest level in almost three years. The rise in the pound showed investors moving away from the dollar due to uncertainty. China’s Ministry of Commerce responded by saying that the United States had introduced unfair…

Eight people were injured on Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, after a man used a homemade flamethrower to attack a peaceful rally held in support of Israeli hostages. The incident happened during a weekly event called “Run for Their Lives,” where members of the Jewish community gather to show solidarity with Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The suspect, identified by the FBI as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. He was also injured and is receiving medical care. The FBI said it is investigating the case as a…

Alvo Minerals Limited (ASX: ALV) has started a $1.56 million accelerated entitlement offer. The company wants to raise money by giving shareholders two new shares for every three shares they already own. Each new share costs 2 cents. For every two new shares bought, shareholders will get one free option. These options let holders buy shares later at 5 cents each and will expire in three years. The offer is split into parts for institutional and retail investors and is not underwritten. This means there is no guarantee that all shares will be sold. Shareholders can buy more shares than…

Melbourne-based e-commerce company Articore Group, listed on the ASX as ATG, has announced major leadership changes. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Martin Hosking, has left the business with immediate effect. Two directors with ties to The Star Entertainment Group, Anne Ward and Ben Heap, have also stepped down. These changes come after a group of shareholders, including Hosking and former chairman Richard Cawsey, pushed for a vote to remove Ward, Heap, and another director, Robin Low. They used their voting power, which is more than 5 percent of the company’s total, to request a special meeting. This action followed years…

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed a request from the United States to significantly raise Australia’s defence spending. The request was made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major security summit in the Asia-Pacific region. Hegseth urged Australia to lift its defence budget to 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product. However, Australia has chosen to stick with its current plan to increase defence spending to 2.3 percent of GDP over the next four years. The Australian government says it is focused on delivering a defence strategy based on actual needs and long-term…

Michael V., born Beethoven del Valle Bunagan, stands as one of the most beloved and versatile figures in the Philippine entertainment industry. Known affectionately as “Bitoy” by his fans, Michael V. has built a remarkable career as a comedian, actor, writer, director, musician, and visual artist. His ability to entertain through various forms of media has made him a household name, admired not only for his humor but also for his creativity and artistry. Michael V. rose to fame primarily through his work on the long-running television comedy show Bubble Gang, which airs on GMA Network. Since its debut, the…

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Kenya. Since its founding in 1992, KHRC has become a crucial voice for democracy, justice, and the rule of law. It emerged during a challenging time when Kenya was under authoritarian rule, and political freedoms were severely limited. A group of former political prisoners and human rights activists established KHRC to fight for civil liberties and democratic reforms. Over the years, the commission has grown in strength and influence, defending the rights of citizens and holding the government accountable. KHRC’s mission is…

The National School Health Policy in Nigeria plays a critical role in ensuring the health and development of school-aged children. First introduced in 2006, this policy was created by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health. Its primary aim is to address the many health-related issues that can negatively affect learning and child development. As over 65 million children attend schools across the country, this policy provides a much-needed framework to support their well-being. The National School Health Policy is based on the idea that children must be healthy to learn effectively. It seeks…

The Harvard Arab Conference, recognized as the largest pan-Arab conference in North America, continues to serve as a powerful platform for showcasing innovation, culture, and thought leadership from the Arab world. Organized annually by Arab students at Harvard University, the event brings together a wide range of influential figures, from policymakers and entrepreneurs to artists and scholars. Hosted with the support of various Harvard institutions, including the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, the conference reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering global dialogue. The event is primarily managed by the Harvard Arab Alumni Association (HAAA), an organization that…