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BREAKING: UK’s King Charles III diagnosed with cancer – Buckingham Palace

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King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday.

“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement, adding that he had begun treatment.

The king “remains wholly positive” and “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”, it said.

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Middle East

Just In: Saudi Arabia limits visas for travelers from Nigeria, 13 other countries 

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By Anastasia John E.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia has implemented a new visa policy, effective this February, restricting visitors from Nigeria and 13 other nations to single-entry visas. This change aims to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and enhance the safety of attendees at the annual religious event.
The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Travelers from these nations will no longer be eligible for the one-year multiple-entry visa previously available for tourism, business, and family visits.
Under the new guidelines, travelers will receive a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, with no option for extension. This applies to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family, but excludes individuals applying for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
Saudi authorities cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a primary reason for the change. Many travelers were reportedly using these visas to overstay their welcome, work illegally, or participate in Hajj without proper authorization. The issue of unauthorized pilgrims has contributed to overcrowding, particularly during the 2024 Hajj, where over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and congestion. Authorities believe the presence of unregistered pilgrims exacerbated the tragedy.
While Saudi officials have termed the suspension of multiple-entry visas as temporary, no timeline has been provided for its review. Authorities will assess the impact of the new regulations before making further decisions.
Travelers from the affected countries are strongly advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their planned travel dates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the importance of strict adherence to the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.
This policy change will significantly impact travelers from the 14 nations, especially those visiting for business or family reasons. While the suspension is described as temporary, travelers should plan their trips accordingly and remain informed of updates from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

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World

Trump’s Order Triggered Major Disruption In Bauchi State.

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Agency News.

Suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on the order of President Donald Trump has affected family planning programme in Bauchi State.

Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, stated that the suspension activities has impacted the distribution of family planning commodities.

He explained that this suspension led to challenges in ensuring a steady supply of family planning commodities to health facilities across the state.

He made the remarks during an advocacy visit by members of the Civil Society Organisation, Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD), on Thursday in Bauchi.

Mohammed explained that USAID was responsible for the last-mile distribution of family planning commodities to primary health care facilities across the state.

“However, with the suspension of their activities, these facilities are now facing stockouts, in spite of the increasing demand for family planning services at the community level,” he added.

He further revealed that the board was holding meetings to ensure that family planning commodities reached all health facilities and that there was no diversion of supplies.

Expressing regret over the suspension of USAID’s activities, Mohammed emphasized the negative impact on family planning services in the state.

He also mentioned that the Bauchi State government had allocated 50 million Naira as counterpart funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to supply family planning commodities.

Mohammed also commended the Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) for their ongoing efforts in advocating for family planning, immunisation, and other maternal, newborn, and child health services.

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Speaking on behalf of J4PD, Mr Bashir Hassan, Knowledge and Communication Specialist, assured that the organisation would continue to support the agency in raising awareness among the public.

He emphasised that increasing the uptake of healthcare services would contribute to the state’s economic development.

NAN

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World

JAPA: Senator Natasha Proposes Comprehensive Plans To Tackle “Japa” Syndrome

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By Suleiman Ibrahim.

Chairman of the newly inaugurated Senate Committee on Diaspora, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has presented a strategic approach to mitigate the growing “Japa” syndrome—the mass migration of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. Addressing the committee at its first meeting, the senator emphasized that to reverse this trend, Nigeria must foster an environment where its citizens can thrive, reducing the need to seek greener pastures outside the country.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who assumed leadership from outgoing Chairman Senator Victor Umeh, was joined by the committee’s Vice Chairman Anthony Harris and other key members. She highlighted the urgent necessity for comprehensive reforms to retain talent and harness the potential of Nigerians abroad for national growth.

In her speech, the senator acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that Nigeria cannot simply force citizens to stay. “The solution to the ‘Japa’ syndrome lies in offering opportunities for growth, security, and good governance. People will stay where they see hope and possibilities,” she stated, emphasizing that structural changes are essential for stemming the tide of migration.

To this end, she proposed a three-pronged approach to engage the diaspora and ensure that Nigerians abroad play an active role in national development:
Akpoti-Uduaghan suggested creating a dedicated bank to channel the billions of dollars Nigerians in the diaspora send home annually into structured, growth-driven projects.
This bank, managed by experts, she indicated would focus on sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and technology, ensuring that diaspora remittances are invested in projects that foster long-term economic growth rather than immediate consumption. “We must turn the tide and make remittances a driver of sustainable economic development,” she said.

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Drawing lessons from successful models in countries like India and Ethiopia, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the creation of high-tech zones, manufacturing hubs, and textile industries where returning diaspora citizens can contribute their skills. She pointed to India’s dominance in the global ICT sector and Ethiopia’s thriving textile industry, which have both leveraged diaspora knowledge and investment to boost their economies. “Nigeria has the human capital and expertise in the diaspora; we must create industries where they can return and contribute,” she urged.
sive Nigerian Diaspora Database
The senator stressed the importance of building a detailed database of Nigerians abroad, enabling the government to identify and engage diaspora talent effectively. By collaborating with Nigerian embassies worldwide, Akpoti-Uduaghan proposed gathering data on citizens’ skills, professional expertise, and investment potential. “Data will allow us to track the diaspora’s impact, ensuring transparency in how their funds are used for national development,” she explained.

Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan outlined plans to organize a Nigeria Diaspora Business Summit. The summit according to her, would serve as a platform for Nigerian professionals living abroad to showcase their businesses, innovations, and investment opportunities, fostering closer ties between Nigeria and its diaspora.

Former Chairman Senator Victor Umeh praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her visionary leadership, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the committee toward meaningful reform. “Her energy and insight into diaspora issues are exactly what we need to maximize the potential of Nigerians abroad for the development of our country,” Umeh stated.

With this strategic approach, Akpoti-Uduaghan aims to make Nigeria a more attractive place for both citizens at home and those abroad to invest, innovate, and contribute to national prosperity.

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Economy

Nigeria to Curb External Borrowing

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By Chris Ezekiel

The Federal Government has informed the World Bank of its desire to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on external debt financing

This is part of a broader strategy to explore alternative funding sources beyond traditional multilateral loans.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, made this disclosure during a meeting with the World Bank Executive Director, Dr. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed.

He reiterated the government’s focus on fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts sustainable investments and drives private sector-led growth.

Dr. Ahmed, who is the immediate past Minister of Finance, commended Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms, noting their role in improving fiscal stability and boosting investor confidence.

She also pointed out the recent financial reforms at the World Bank that have expanded its lending capacity, making an additional $150 billion available over the next decade.

One of the key topics discussed was Nigeria’s role in Mission 300, the World Bank’s initiative aimed at providing electricity access to 300 million Africans. Edun insisted on Nigeria’s commitment to the programme, stressing that improved power infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, industrial expansion, and enhancing private sector competitiveness.

The Minister assured the World Bank that President Bola Tinubu remains focused on strengthening Nigeria’s economic foundation, reducing reliance on external borrowing, and promoting long-term economic growth through private sector investments.

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