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Over 3.7m Internally Displaced Persons Living In Nigeria – IOM

More than 3.7 million people are currently living in displacement across Nigeria as a result of conflict, violence, and climate-related shocks such as flooding and environmental pressures.

The Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, made this known while delivering a goodwill message at the First Edo State Humanitarian Summit held in Benin City.

Dimanche noted that behind the growing displacement figures are families struggling to rebuild their lives with dignity and determination, stressing that humanitarian action must go beyond emergency response to restoring hope and opportunity.

She explained that IOM’s humanitarian efforts in Nigeria are guided by three major priorities which include saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving durable solutions to displacement, and facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration.

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According to her, the organisation is working to ensure that vulnerable populations displaced by conflict and climate shocks receive life-saving assistance, protection and pathways to recovery.

Dimanche added that Nigeria must move beyond merely managing displacement to providing durable solutions such as safe return, local integration and building resilient communities where affected persons can rebuild their futures.

The IOM Chief of Mission also highlighted the role of Edo State in Nigeria’s migration landscape, noting that the organisation has partnered the state government since establishing its presence in Benin City in 2017.

She disclosed that through the partnership, IOM has supported over 9,000 migrants from Edo State to return home safely, while more than 8,000 people have received reintegration assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.

Dimanche further revealed that the organisation has assisted over 1,100 victims of human trafficking, providing them with protection, counselling and recovery support.

She added that through Migration Information and Job Centres supported by IOM, young people across the state are receiving guidance on safe migration, skills development and employment opportunities.

The IOM Chief said awareness campaigns on safe migration have also reached over three million people across Edo State, helping communities better understand migration risks and opportunities.

Dimanche stressed that addressing displacement and vulnerability requires sustained collaboration between governments, the United Nations system, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector.

“It Kept Me Hungry” — Ayra Starr On Her New York Move, The ‘Big Three’ Of Afrobeats, And Hollywood Ambitions

Afropop sensation Ayra Starr has revealed the unconventional maternal “blackmail” that launched her global career, while opening up about her move to New York and her upcoming film debut alongside Hollywood royalty.

Speaking on HOT 97, the singer detailed how her mother’s unwavering—and sometimes forceful—belief in her talent became the catalyst for her success.

Starr credited her mother for both her move to Lagos and her early social media presence, revealing that her mother used financial leverage to ensure she shared her gift with the world.

“She used to be like, ‘I’m not sending you any money in school if you don’t post… God has given you a gift, post on Instagram,’” she recalled.

The singer also shared an endearing story about a literal contract she signed as a child. “I borrowed like 15 naira from her and I told her that when I become a superstar, I’m going to pay her back 1 million… She made me sign the contract. I was probably like nine and she has it till now.”

The ‘Big Three’

When discussing the global explosion of Afrobeats and her place within the genre’s hierarchy, Starr was definitive about the artists she believes represent the gold standard of the movement.

“Tiwa Savage obviously, Wizkid, Rema… that’s my solid big three,” she stated, paying homage to her “sister” Tiwa Savage and her fellow Mavin Records label-mate.

Ayra Starr attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Centre on September 12, 2023, in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jason Kempin /Getty Images via AFP)

Surviving New York and ‘Trauma Dumping’

The singer’s recent relocation to New York proved to be a grounding experience. Moving during the height of winter, she found herself in a Spartan living situation that fuelled her ambition.

“I was just inside with no furniture in my apartment yet… it was good though, it kept me hungry,” she said.

Discussing her latest single, “Where Do We Go,” released earlier this month, she admitted the track served as a form of emotional catharsis following a “toxic cycle” with a former partner. “I was just trauma dumping in that song and now I’m over it… I have to protect my peace.”

In honour of the new single, Starr outlined a strict set of dating dealbreakers that leave no room for ambiguity. Her philosophy on modern romance is simple: anything that threatens her mental clarity is met with a swift exit.

She was particularly vocal about “sneaky links,” advising fans to avoid them altogether because they inevitably lead to toxic cycles. Furthermore, she dismissed the concept of a “hall pass” as entirely unacceptable. Her most ruthless boundary, however, is reserved for communication and loyalty.

“If a guy only texts after 11 PM or is still texting his ex, he is immediately blocked, deleted, and unfollowed,” she insisted. “Protect your peace… you just have to put them where they belong.”

Ayra Starr performs at Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show (Photo credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC)

From the Stage to the Silver Screen

Starr is set to make her acting debut in the high-profile adaptation of “Children of Blood and Bone,” which wrapped filming in June 2025. Starring alongside Viola Davis and Idris Elba, she noted that Damson Idris acted as a “big brother” on set, helping her navigate the discipline required for film.

Her time on set also led to humorous clashes between her musical and acting worlds. Referring to Idris Elba, she joked: “Every time like, I can hear this [music] and he’s trying to go into character, I’m like ‘Sorry, I don’t want you to stop, but can you hear this please? Tell me what you think.’”

As for her future in cinema, the singer has set her sights on the blockbuster genre. “I really, really want to play a superhero at least once… or something like I want to be in a thriller… like a killer, because it’s so unexpected.”

Despite the commercial pressure of the industry, Starr remains focused on the “realness” of her upcoming album, which she promises will be “very authentic.”

Alleged Cyberstalking: Court Threatens To Revoke Sowore’s Bail, Issue Arrest Warrant

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to revoke the bail granted to politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in his ongoing trial on charges bordering on cybercrime.

Justice Umar, who issued the warning on Thursday, also said he would issue an arrest warrant for Sowore’s forceful production in court if he fails to attend the next hearing.

The judge’s position followed observations and applications made by the prosecuting lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who noted that Sowore chose not to attend court despite evidence that he was served with a hearing notice through his team of lawyers.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in a post he made on his X and Facebook accounts.

At Thursday’s hearing, Sowore was absent, and so were all his lawyers, numbering about 30.

READ ALSO: I’ve Been Arrested More Under Democracy Than Military Rule – Sowore

Reacting to the development, Kehinde noted that the business of the day was for the defence to conclude its cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.

The prosecuting lawyer said he confirmed from the court’s registry that a hearing notice was served on the defendant through his lawyers, just as the prosecution was also served.

Kehinde said there was no reason why the defendant, who should ordinarily be present in court at every sitting, was not in court and had also failed to provide any explanation for the absence of both himself and his lawyers.

Citing the provisions of Section 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Kehinde prayed the court to, among other things, order the revocation of the bail granted to the defendant and issue a bench warrant for his immediate production in court to face his trial.

Ruling, Justice Umar confirmed that Sowore was duly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers but noted that the defendant had always attended court since the case began late last year.

The judge also observed that past adjournments in the case had been at the instance of both the prosecution and the defence.

He said the defendant should be given the benefit of the doubt since it was the first time he had been absent from his trial.

Justice Umar, however, warned that if Sowore fails to attend court on the next adjourned date, he would not hesitate to grant the prosecution’s request to revoke the defendant’s bail and issue an arrest warrant against him.

Who wins and loses in the global energy crisis?

As oil prices surge, some economies benefit while others face rising costs.

The war in the Middle East is exposing how dependent the world is on a handful of strategic chokepoints.

The Strait of Hormuz – a narrow waterway in the Gulf – is closed.

The longer this goes on, the faster the global energy map could be reshaped.

From Europe to Asia, countries are facing mounting supply risks and the threat of an inflation shock.

If the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran drags on, alternatives will be hard to find.

How the Premier League run-in is shaping up

Chris Collinson

BBC Sport statistician

21 minutes ago

14 Comments

It’s tense at the top and nail-biting at the bottom.

With fewer than 10 rounds of games left, we take a look at how the Premier League title race, the fight for Champions League places and the relegation battle are shaping up.

At the summit, Arsenal enjoy a seven-point lead over Manchester City but have played a game more.

Looking at the remaining fixtures, the Gunners have a slightly easier run-in on paper, although their eight remaining games include what could be a title-defining trip to the Etihad on 19 April.

While some have questioned Arsenal’s ability to go on and win the league, it’s clear that Manchester City haven’t been the terrifying force of seasons past.

In fact, only twice under Pep Guardiola have they had fewer points after 29 games than their haul of 60 this term – in their first season under him back in 2016-17 (58) and last season (48).

Good news for Arsenal fans is that the most dominant team statistically – in terms of expected goal difference per game, excluding penalties – have won the Premier League in three of the past four seasons.

The exception came when Manchester City pipped the Gunners to the title two years ago.

With fifth place likely to lead to Champions League qualification again, just three points separate Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool for a place in the top five, with one of those sides looking set to miss out.

Some would say Aston Villa have the easiest run-in of the quartet. After a tough trip to Old Trafford this weekend, they face four of the bottom six in their next six games, although whether playing sides fighting for survival is an advantage at this stage is debatable.

A couple of months ago Aston Villa looked almost nailed on for a top-five finish as they sat at least eight points clear of the other three teams despite their underlying numbers being much worse.

In the battle at the bottom, Wolves and Burnley are all but down barring a footballing miracle, which leaves one spot that is likely to be filled by one of Leeds, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham.

With the most points on the board already, Leeds have the kindest run-in on paper, with just one game against a side from the top six (Manchester United on 13 April) and home games against both of the bottom two.

However, the reason why Tottenham and Nottingham Forest fans have reason to be nervous is that West Ham’s performances have improved considerably under Nuno Espirito Santo’s guidance in recent weeks.

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