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Officials discussing Morocco–Nigeria cooperation during Mata International Equestrian Festival in northern Morocco, symbolising cultural and economic partnership.

Nigeria and Morocco strengthen ties through cultural, economic plans

Morocco and Nigeria are set to strengthen economic cooperation following discussions linked to the Mata International Equestrian Festival in northern Morocco. The President of the Mata International Equestrian Festival, Nabil Baraka, said both countries are exploring closer collaboration aimed at boosting economic development projects and fostering youth engagement. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the festival, Baraka emphasised that future cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco could drive long-term growth through shared initiatives. He noted plans for structured economic dialogue next year, saying both nations should work towards “making sure Nigeria and Morocco get closer in economic dialogue” to support development and generational cooperation. The festival, held in northern Morocco, brought together cultural groups, international visitors, and equestrian teams in celebrations of heritage and traditional horse-riding sports. Organisers say the event continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and international networking. Baraka’s comments add to ongoing diplomatic and cultural efforts between African nations seeking to expand trade, tourism, and youth development partnerships across the continent.

Veteran Nollywood actor and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo during a stage performance.

Veteran actor Kola Oyewo passes away at 80

Veteran Nigerian actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar Kola Oyewo has died at the age of 80. According to TheCable Lifestyle, news of his death was announced on Friday by fellow actor Kunle Afod in an Instagram post, where he paid tribute to the late theatre icon. Afod described Oyewo as a legend whose contributions to Nigeria’s theatre and film industries would continue to inspire future generations. The actor’s death came just months after he publicly spoke about his battle with an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. In an interview in April, Oyewo revealed that the condition had reduced his ability to take on demanding acting roles, although he expressed gratitude that his health had improved. Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He later became one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame, a performance that earned recognition across Africa’s theatre community. During a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo featured in productions such as Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe and Super Story, alongside numerous Yoruba-language films. Beyond the screen and stage, Oyewo was an accomplished academic. He earned a doctorate in Drama from University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University. Through his work as an educator and mentor, he helped shape generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s theatre, film and academic communities.

Shakira performing on stage during the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca alongside Burna Boy as fireworks light up the stadium.

Mexico hosts colourful World Cup opening as Burna Boy, Shakira perform

Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Colombian singer Shakira lit up the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The broadcaster reported that the duo delivered a high-energy performance of the tournament’s official song, “Dai Dai”, as fireworks and large-scale choreography marked the start of the global football event. Held ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, the ceremony featured dancers, a giant World Cup trophy model, and performances from international stars including J Balvin and Andrea Bocelli. Channels Television, citing AFP, reported that the 80,000-capacity stadium was transformed with lights and pyrotechnics, drawing loud reactions from spectators as the tournament officially kicked off across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 2026 edition features 48 teams and 104 matches, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey, organisers confirmed.

Davido wearing a customised jacket with names of abducted Oyo pupils during a World Cup countdown performance, as Reno Omokri comments on the issue.

Omokri faults Davido over abducted Oyo pupils publicity row

Former presidential aide and Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised Afrobeats star Davido over the singer’s public advocacy for abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, arguing that high-profile publicity around kidnapping cases can unintentionally aid terrorist groups. According to reporting by PUNCH Newspaper, the dispute follows Davido’s appearance at a FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where he used his outfit to highlight pupils and teachers abducted in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State. Davido reportedly wore a customised jacket and shirt displaying the names of victims, including those still held captive and those confirmed dead, in a move he described as a call for urgent government intervention. In a statement posted on X, Omokri said such campaigns risk strengthening the incentives of armed groups rather than pressuring them to release victims. He argued that global attention can increase the strategic value of hostages, making negotiations more complex for security agencies. Omokri referenced the phrase often attributed to former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, that “publicity is the oxygen of terrorism”, insisting that militant groups thrive on visibility. He also claimed that past international advocacy campaigns, including those linked to the #BringBackOurGirls movement, had unintended consequences by increasing the profile of abducted victims. Omokri further maintained that security agencies often prefer lower public visibility in active hostage situations, though he stressed that government efforts to rescue abducted persons continue. Nigeria has faced repeated school abductions in recent years, with authorities and security forces frequently conducting rescue operations across affected regions.

ECB President Christine Lagarde speaking at a press conference in Frankfurt announcing interest rate increase amid rising eurozone inflation pressures.

Europe hikes interest rates for the first time since 2023 to tame Iran war inflation surge

The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2023, lifting it by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25 per cent as inflation pressures linked to the Middle East conflict intensify. The decision, announced at its Frankfurt headquarters on Thursday, marks a shift in monetary policy after months of stability and comes amid rising economic uncertainty across the eurozone. Inflation in the 21-member currency bloc has climbed to 3.2 per cent in May, above the ECB’s 2 per cent target, with policymakers attributing part of the surge to energy shocks triggered by the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. The central bank also revised its inflation forecast for 2026 upward to 3 per cent, from 2.6 per cent in March. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the war in the Middle East is “generating inflation pressures”, warning that the outlook remains uncertain, with risks tilted towards higher inflation and weaker growth. The bank also cut its eurozone growth projection to 0.8 per cent from 0.9 per cent. Energy markets remain under strain, with the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil and gas route, reported to be heavily disrupted. The ECB said the scale and duration of the energy shock will determine how long inflationary pressure persists. The move makes the ECB the first major central bank to tighten policy in response to the current energy-driven inflation wave. However, the decision has drawn debate among economists, some of whom argue that higher interest rates may do little to address inflation caused by supply shocks rather than demand. Higher borrowing costs are expected to weigh further on eurozone growth, which has already shown signs of contraction, while investors now await signals on whether further tightening will follow.

Femi Falana and Falz speaking during announcement of a planned June 12 protest in Nigeria over insecurity and economic hardship.

June 12 Protest: Falana, Falz mobilise Nigerians over insecurity, hardship

A coalition of civil society organisations, labour unions, youth movements and activists has announced plans for a nationwide protest on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, over worsening insecurity and economic hardship. The announcement, reported by Channels Television, was made on Wednesday and led by prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), alongside activist and musician Falz. The coalition said the planned demonstrations are in response to rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks across several parts of the country. It argued that government responses have not been sufficient to protect citizens or stabilise affected communities. According to the group, Nigerians have continued to suffer displacement, loss of lives and abductions in states including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger. The organisers also criticised economic policies such as fuel subsidy removal, repeated fuel price adjustments, currency devaluation and higher electricity tariffs. They said these measures have contributed to rising food costs, transport fares, inflation and the decline of small businesses. The coalition further stated that despite increased government revenue allocations across federal, state and local levels, living conditions for many citizens have worsened. It maintained that wages have remained insufficient amid persistent inflationary pressure. Supporters of the planned action include civil society groups, labour activists, student organisations, youth coalitions and members of the #EndBadGovernance movement. The group called on workers, traders, artisans, students, religious bodies and community associations to participate in what it described as a nationwide demand for improved security and living standards. It added that the June 12 protest would mark the beginning of a series of actions aimed at pressing authorities to address insecurity and economic challenges.

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Nigeria and Morocco strengthen ties through cultural, economic plans

Veteran actor Kola Oyewo passes away at 80

Mexico hosts colourful World Cup opening as Burna Boy, Shakira perform

Omokri faults Davido over abducted Oyo pupils publicity row

Europe hikes interest rates for the first time since 2023 to tame Iran war inflation surge

June 12 Protest: Falana, Falz mobilise Nigerians over insecurity, hardship

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