American journalists remain jailed in Russia with no end in sight, highlighting the ongoing challenges to free media. The situation in Venezuela is explored, focusing on the hope for a free press. Front line journalists provide updates on the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the critical role of a free press in countering censorship.

The Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, is the second largest movie producer globally, gaining significant traction in both artistic quality and box office popularity.

Police in Nigeria have established a new base and deployed special forces in Kuriga, Kaduna state, following the abduction of nearly 300 students by armed bandits. The initiative, announced by Nigerian police chief Kayode Egbetokun, aims to restore residents' confidence and enhance security. Governor Uba Sani expressed optimism about the operations' success. The recent kidnappings highlight the challenges faced by President Bola Tinubu's administration, which is considering decentralizing the police force to improve security. Analyst Kabiru Adamu supports the move but emphasizes the need for accountability.

Trials have commenced in Nigeria for hundreds of individuals, including members of the country's electoral commission, INEC, who are accused of offenses related to the general elections held last year.

Nigeria has commenced trials for 190 individuals, including electoral officials and political party members, accused of offenses related to the 2023 general elections. The trials, prosecuted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with defense from the Nigerian Bar Association, aim to deter future electoral misconduct. Civil society groups like Ready to Lead Africa and Connected Development welcome the trials but emphasize the need for convictions to restore public trust in the electoral process. The charges include vote buying, election material theft, and election-related violence, with hopes that high-profile offenders will be brought to justice.

Nigerian activists, including transgender woman Empress Cookie, have praised Pope Francis' decision to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, seeing it as a positive step for LGBTQ rights in Africa. However, religious organizations in Africa, such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, have expressed dismay, with Bishop John Promise Daniel criticizing the move as contrary to the word of God. The Catholic Church of Nigeria has not yet responded, but a spokesperson indicated that bishops are formulating a position. Meanwhile, a Ugandan court is hearing a challenge to the country's anti-LGBTQ law. Activists remain skeptical about the overturning of Nigeria's laws against homosexuality but view the pope's declaration as progress.

The COP28 summit concluded with a landmark deal to transition from fossil fuels, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming. The agreement, which also promotes renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, has been met with mixed reactions in Nigeria. Nigerian leaders, including former climate change director Peter Tarfa, stress the need for proper implementation. However, Salisu Dahiru and others criticize the deal for lacking fairness towards developing countries. Nigeria, heavily reliant on oil for foreign exchange, faces economic impacts from the transition. President Bola Tinubu has called for significant financial support to achieve Nigeria's transition plan, while highlighting developed nations' unfulfilled financial commitments to poorer countries.

Nigerian authorities have prioritized national defense, internal security, and economic stability in the 2024 budget, allocating $4 billion to defense and security. Despite this, experts doubt the effectiveness of increased military spending, citing issues of accountability and corruption. President Bola Tinubu has promised to overhaul internal security and has signed a performance bond with cabinet members to ensure accountability. However, recent attacks by armed gangs in Zamfara state highlight ongoing security challenges. The government predicts economic growth of 3.76% next year and is actively seeking foreign investments.

Security experts in Africa are increasingly concerned about the use of drones by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and al-Shabab. These groups are leveraging global affiliations to acquire and modify drones, posing a growing threat to regional security. Analysts highlight the lack of preparedness among African governments to counter this threat, with Nigeria's military notably lagging in drone defense capabilities. The Institute for Security Studies reports that while global attention has focused on drone use in the Middle East, African militant groups are now incorporating drones for propaganda, intelligence gathering, and potentially more harmful purposes. Experts urge African nations to develop domestic strategies to address this issue urgently.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is welcoming new trade agreements with Germany, including a deal for Nigeria to export liquid natural gas. The agreements are part of a series of investment deals aimed at reviving Nigeria's economy, which faces slow growth, rising inflation, and significant debt. Key deals include a partnership between Riverside LNG and Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG for gas exports and a $500 million renewable energy project funded by Germany's DWS Group. Tinubu's administration is actively seeking foreign investments to boost various sectors, including electricity and rail transport.

Nigerians are advocating for a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East following the outbreak of conflict in the Gaza territory, initiated by Hamas militants' attacks on Israel on October 7. The conflict has resulted in over 1,400 deaths in Israel, including foreign nationals, and nearly 3,000 deaths in Gaza due to Israeli bombardment. VOA reporter Timothy Obiezu gathered opinions from residents in Abuja, Nigeria.

Gunmen killed two local workers and abducted three Chinese workers at a hydroelectric dam project in Niger state, Nigeria. The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon, with police responding and rescuing four other Chinese nationals and two local workers, who later died from gunshot wounds. Authorities are working to rescue the abducted Chinese workers, with increased efforts and collaboration with local communities. The Chinese Embassy has not commented, but such attacks on expatriates for ransom are common. Last year saw a rise in attacks by criminal gangs in Niger state, leading Nigerian authorities to designate these gangs as terrorist organizations.

Pope Francis' decision to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples has been met with praise from African LGBTQ activists, who see it as a step towards reducing anti-LGBTQ sentiment and oppression. However, African religious organizations, particularly in Nigeria, have expressed strong opposition. The Vatican clarified that the blessing is not equivalent to a wedding ceremony and emphasized treating same-sex couples with dignity. The decision has sparked debates in Africa, where homosexuality is widely condemned and punishable by law. The Catholic Church of Nigeria is yet to respond officially, while a Ugandan court is currently hearing a case against the country's anti-LGBTQ law.

Nigerian authorities have charged Binance with four counts of tax evasion and are seeking Interpol's help to arrest an official who escaped custody. The charges include failure to pay company income tax and value-added tax, and facilitating tax evasion for users. Binance has denied wrongdoing and did not comment on the charges. The case highlights broader issues of currency manipulation and government negligence, with experts noting the systemic flaws that allowed such exploitation. Binance recently ceased all transactions in Nigeria's local currency, converting balances to the stablecoin tether.

ECOWAS's new peacekeeping force is seen as a necessary step to counter violent extremism and restore democratic order in West Africa, but analysts like Rotimi Olawale and Chidi Omeje express skepticism about its success due to the unconventional nature of the conflict and internal divisions among member states. The force aims to address terrorism and coup attempts, with defense chiefs from member nations set to meet in January to discuss the way forward.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, concerned about the spread of autocracy in Africa, is monitoring the situation in Gabon where a military coup ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The coup, condemned by the African Union, is the eighth in Africa since 2020 and highlights the failure of democratic leadership in the region. Experts predict more coups due to poor governance and lack of democratic accountability. The coup has been met with mixed reactions, with some Gabonese celebrating the end of Bongo's long rule. General Brice Nguema has been named the transitional leader of Gabon.

Nigerian human rights groups concluded a weeklong campaign to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, responding to U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime reports highlighting Nigeria's low conviction rates for human traffickers and its role as a significant source, transit, and destination for trafficking activities in Africa.

The Women's World Cup kicked off on Thursday, July 20, with victories for the two host countries, New Zealand and Australia. The first African nation to compete, Nigeria, will face Canada tonight. The focus is on the Super Falcons, Nigeria's team.

Nigerian authorities and entrepreneurs are promoting the use of alternative fuels like natural gas and electric vehicles to mitigate the high costs of petroleum fuel following the removal of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu. This shift aims to provide more cost-effective energy solutions amid rising fuel prices.

Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, may boycott their opening match against Canada at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to unpaid bonuses. This potential protest highlights ongoing demands for fair pay by female players. The report was produced by Timothy Obiezu from Abuja.

Three warships from China's People's Liberation Army arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a five-day visit aimed at strengthening maritime security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea. This visit underscores the growing relationship between China and Nigeria, with China being a significant partner in infrastructure investment and a major crude oil importer from Nigeria. Analysts suggest that China may have undisclosed objectives, such as establishing a naval base in the region. The visit highlights China's broader strategy to protect its investments in Africa by enhancing security ties.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, led by chair Mahmood Yakubu, is conducting a review of its operations and technologies used in recent elections. Despite INEC's claims of a successful voter accreditation system, the European Union and other observers have criticized the elections for not being transparent or inclusive, and for operational and logistical issues. The Nigerian presidency rejected the EU's report, while other experts like Idayat Hassan and Emmanuel Njoku highlighted the challenging political environment and INEC's shortcomings. INEC has been evaluating its performance since 2011 and is also reviewing evidence of infractions in over 200 police investigations. An appeals court in Abuja is hearing lawsuits challenging Bola Tinubu's election, with proceedings to resume later in the month.

Nigerian Muslims face a challenging Eid al-Adha due to soaring prices following the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu. The decision has led to significant increases in transportation and food costs, particularly affecting the affordability of rams for the celebrations. Economist Isaac Botti criticizes the move as insensitive, highlighting the lack of measures to mitigate the impact on citizens. The World Bank warns that over 7 million Nigerians could fall into extreme poverty without compensatory measures. The government has secured an $800 million World Bank loan to address the situation, but the economic strain remains severe.

One year ago, armed men from Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria stormed Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church during a mass, killing 41 people. Authorities and the Catholic Diocese organized a memorial service and inaugurated a park to honor the victims.

The National Petroleum Company NNPC Ltd. of Nigeria supported the decision of the country's new leader, President Bola Tinubu, to stop paying long-standing oil subsidies. Tinubu announced this during his inauguration on Monday in the capital, Abuja. Nigeria spends billions of dollars each year to keep fuel prices affordable at the pump, and previous administrations' attempts to end subsidies often led to street protests.

Nigeria's new president Bola Tinubu has announced the cessation of petrol subsidies during his inauguration, aiming to reallocate public funds to other projects. This policy change has historically led to increased fuel prices, inflation, and protests. VOA correspondent Timothy Obiezu gathered insights from entrepreneurs, motorists, and experts on the streets of Abuja.

Human rights groups are calling for the suspension of the resettlement of displaced persons in northeastern Nigeria due to concerns about security and basic needs.

President-elect Bola Tinubu urges opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to embrace peace and collaborate with his incoming government to tackle Nigeria's challenges. Despite his peace calls, opposition parties allege electoral fraud in the 2023 elections and plan to contest his presidency in court.

The Nigerian electoral commission declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu the winner of the recent presidential election. However, the two main opposition parties allege fraud and vow to challenge the results in court.

Nigerian lawmakers and experts argue that the February 25 elections were a setback for gender equality, noting a reduction in the number of women elected to the National Assembly. This outcome may change after the upcoming March 18 polls. Activists, lawmakers, and candidates from Abuja, Nigeria, express concerns over the political environment's lack of support for women.

Nigeria is set to elect a new president with an additional 10 million mostly young voters registered. The election will see APC's Bola Ahmed Tinubu, PDP's Atiku Abubakar, and LP's Peter Obi, who is seen as a formidable third-party candidate. Factors such as fuel and cash scarcity are expected to influence the closely contested election. The article includes perspectives from voters and analysts on the potential outcomes and challenges.

In Nigeria, a banking report indicates that the volume of electronic payments has increased following cash shortages caused by a redesign of the local currency, the naira. Online transactions increased by 55% in January alone, according to the study.

Nigeria's Central Bank extended the deadline for exchanging old currency by 10 days due to 30% of old bills still in circulation, despite criticism for not adhering to the original January 31 deadline. The extension aims to reduce the risk of losses for citizens. A seven-day window post-deadline is also approved for depositing old bills directly to the bank. The currency swap, which includes redesigning 200, 500, and 1000-naira notes, is intended to combat counterfeiting, encourage online payments, reduce crime, and integrate more Nigerians into the banking system. The policy faces opposition from some lawmakers and citizens, and occurs amidst preparations for general elections and an ongoing fuel crisis.

An attack occurred on Thursday night opposite the Abagana Camp for internally displaced people in Markudi, Benue state, resulting in eight deaths and eight injuries, with three victims sustaining severe chest injuries. The assailants decapitated some victims. No group has claimed responsibility, but ethnic Fulani herders are suspected. This is the second attack near the camp in two years. Benue and neighboring Nassarawa states have seen clashes between farmers and herders. The police are investigating, and further details are expected soon.

Ahead of Nigeria's February 2023 election, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced cash withdrawal restrictions to combat vote-trading and corruption. The policy limits personal account withdrawals to 100,000 naira per week and corporate accounts to 1,000 dollars. Critics, including economist Eze Onyekpere, argue it will negatively impact small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and increase business costs. Supporters like public finance expert Isaac Botti commend the policy for addressing cash hoarding and corruption. The CBN plans to enforce compliance and monitor the rollout of new currency bills, which will replace old naira notes by the end of January.

The remaining captives from the March Nigeria train attack were freed after more than 180 days. The release, facilitated by security agencies and the Federal Ministry of Transportation, was welcomed by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and others. The abduction had drawn significant criticism of the government. Authorities plan to reunite the victims with their families after medical examinations. The railway between Abuja and Kaduna remains closed, with ongoing concerns about safety. The government faces calls to take security more seriously to prevent future abductions.

Christian groups in Nigeria criticize the ruling All Progressives Congress Party for selecting Muslim candidates for both president and vice president in the upcoming election, arguing it undermines religious balance and unity. The Christian Association of Nigeria expressed concerns about escalating issues due to lack of representation, while the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs refrained from commenting on political matters. The APC defended its choice based on competence. Citizens and political analysts are divided on the importance of religious representation in politics, with some urging voters to make informed decisions in the upcoming elections.

Nigeria's confirmed COVID-19 infections nearly doubled to over 4,000, marking the highest record since the pandemic began. Officials attribute the spike to the omicron variant and urge citizens to avoid gatherings. Over one million expired AstraZeneca vaccine doses were destroyed, with authorities emphasizing the importance of vaccination amidst myths and disinformation. Booster shots have been introduced, with President Muhammadu Buhari publicly receiving one to encourage participation.

Nigeria plans to destroy approximately one million expired COVID-19 vaccine doses. The vaccines, donated through COVAX from Europe, had short shelf lives, contributing to their expiration before use. Nigeria's National Primary Health Care Development Agency announced the withdrawal of the expired doses and is coordinating with NAFDAC and the ministry of environment for their destruction. The country has faced challenges with vaccine uptake, with only 3.6 percent of the adult population fully vaccinated, far below the targeted 40 percent. Nigerian authorities will no longer accept vaccines with short shelf lives, as they pressure the health system and the populace.

Nigeria's IT sector is experiencing significant growth, yet women only make up one-fifth of the workforce. Aid groups are addressing this gender disparity by educating women and girls on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, aiming to increase their participation in the IT field.

The British government has suspended visa applications from Nigeria due to the omicron variant, effective from Monday. The travel ban, which allows UK citizens and residents to re-enter but mandates isolation, has been criticized by Nigeria's health minister Osagie Ehanire for contradicting WHO's stance on border closures. Ehanire argues that the ban will disrupt commerce and family reunions, especially during the festive season. Despite Nigeria reporting three omicron cases, the UK's discovery of more cases in Nigerian travelers has raised concerns. The omicron variant, spreading faster than delta, has reached nearly 50 countries, though its impact on hospitalizations and deaths remains uncertain. Nigerian Justin Chukwemeka, affected by the ban, expressed his distress over the situation.

Nigerian authorities are searching for over 250 inmates who escaped after an armed group attacked a prison in Jos, resulting in nine inmate deaths and injuries to six others. One soldier and one prison staffer were also casualties. This marks the fourth major prison attack in Nigeria this year, with previous incidents in Oyo and Imo states. The Nigeria Prisons Services is working on security upgrades and training, while experts endorse the recent designation of certain armed groups as terrorist organizations to aid in crackdowns. Security expert John Agim suggests prison officials need to assess the pattern of breaks to improve security measures.

Amnesty International and other rights groups have called for the release of hundreds more detainees in Nigeria's Borno state, following the release of several military detainees this month. Detainees like Musa Adamu, who was held for over four years without trial, have suffered harsh conditions. The Knifar Women, led by Hamzatu Alamin, have been instrumental in advocating for the release of their husbands and sons, with the Nigerian military responding by freeing some detainees. Despite this progress, many individuals remain in detention without trial, prompting continued calls for their release.

Nigeria's Minister of Information dismissed a leaked report blaming security forces for the deaths of protesters in Lagos state, calling it 'fake news.' The report from a nine-member panel found that Nigerian soldiers and police shot at protesters, killing at least 11 unarmed people. Civil rights groups and End SARS activists criticized the government's response, accusing it of political motivation and attempting to hide the report. The Lagos state governor has set up a committee to review the report, but activists remain skeptical and demand justice for the victims.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his visit to Nigeria, announced that the United States will host a summit with African leaders to enhance diplomatic ties. Blinken's visit included discussions on health care, education, agriculture, and governance, with the U.S. committing $2.1 billion to Nigeria. He also addressed issues such as the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, security, and human rights. Blinken's visit comes amid concerns about China's growing influence in Africa, with the U.S. emphasizing its engagements have 'no strings attached.'

The World Health Organization has endorsed the world's first malaria vaccine, a significant step in the fight against the disease that annually kills approximately 265,000 children in Africa. The report comes from Nigeria, one of the countries heavily affected by malaria.

Raquel Kasham Daniel, a Nigerian author and founder of Beyond the Classroom Foundation, has created a children's book titled 'There's a New Virus in Town' to educate children in Nigeria about COVID-19 and debunk myths. The book, featuring colorful images and a quiz, is part of an initiative that has reached 14,000 children, teaching them about the virus and personal hygiene. Despite Nigeria's over 200,000 recorded cases, misinformation persists, affecting vaccine uptake. Daniel's program addresses this by equipping children with knowledge to counteract myths, such as the belief that the virus only affects older people.

Schools in Kaduna State, Nigeria, have reopened after a two-month closure due to insecurity from armed kidnappings. Despite government efforts to improve the situation, attendance remains low, with educators like Naomi Ibrahim reporting only 50 of 120 students returning. Mass school kidnappings by local criminal gangs demanding ransoms have plagued the region, affecting states like Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina. Community leader Abu Mohammed notes increased security attention, but parents like Aishatu Musa still fear for their children's safety. UNICEF estimates that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, around 13.2 million, and the recent violence could exacerbate this issue.

Millions of Nigerians faced difficulties accessing Twitter after the government suspended the service following the deletion of a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari. The ban, which took effect on Saturday, was justified by authorities as a measure against activities undermining Nigeria's corporate existence. The move sparked objections from citizens and rights groups, including Amnesty International, which condemned the ban as a threat to free speech. The ban primarily affected major network providers MTN and Airtel, though some users bypassed it using VPNs. The controversy arose after Buhari's tweet threatening a crackdown on the separatist group IPOB was deleted by Twitter. The Nigerian government has a history of attempting to regulate social media, particularly following the End SARS protests.

Nigeria has experienced a surge in reported rapes and acts of sexual violence amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Thousands of Nigerians have marched in major cities to demand justice for victims. The report is from Abuja, with Timothy Obiezu as the correspondent and Emeka Gibson on camera.

In Nigeria, as businesses began reopening in May, many plazas and shopping complexes remain closed. Shop owners have adapted by selling goods from their car trunks to survive. The report is from Abuja, with Timothy Obiezu as the correspondent and Simpa Samson on camera.