US envoys arrive in Pakistan for Iran peace talks amid uncertainty over direct engagement
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday for a new round of peace negotiations with Iran. However, Iranian state media indicated that Tehran’s representatives had no immediate plans for face-to-face talks with the US. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, already in Islamabad, met with Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its efforts in establishing a ceasefire and explained Iran’s positions on the conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Iranians had requested the in-person conversation, hoping it would advance a deal. Vice President JD Vance, who led previous negotiations, was on standby. Iranian state television reported that Araghchi would not meet directly with the Americans, with Islamabad serving as a bridge to convey Iranian proposals. Araghchi is also scheduled to visit Oman and Russia to discuss efforts to end the war, which Iran states was launched by Israel and the United States on February 28. Iran’s military remained defiant, warning of a response if the US military continues its blockade and piracy in the region. Efforts to resume talks have been stalled due to Iran’s refusal to participate while a US naval blockade on its ports is in place. Iran has also imposed its own blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy markets. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the vital need for the s
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Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, has called for unity among opposition leaders ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Speaking at a national opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde, Hayatu-Deen warned that continued fragmentation among opposition parties could weaken their ability to offer a credible alternative to the ruling party. He emphasized that Nigeria's worsening security, economic hardship, and shrinking democratic space necessitate a coordinated national response. Hayatu-Deen stated that the country is at a critical juncture, requiring collective action rather than isolated efforts. He cautioned that disunity would prolong the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and reinforce the political status quo. He urged political actors to demonstrate real sacrifice, collaboration, and a shared national purpose, prioritizing national interest over personal ambition and party loyalty. Hayatu-Deen reaffirmed his commitment within the ADC to build a broad coalition focused on improving security, stabilizing the economy, and restoring confidence in democratic governance. The summit included prominent figures such as Governor Makinde, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, with Hayatu-Deen also consulting with Professor Jerry Gana and Kashim Imam.
The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria CRMI has endorsed the Central Bank of Nigeria's CBN recent regulatory measures designed to enhance security in the country's digital payments sector. Kevin Ugwoke, the Institute's President and Chairman of Council, stated that the framework addresses growing threats like fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access on instant payment platforms. The CRMI highlighted safeguards such as a ₦20,000 transaction limit for new mobile banking applications within the first 24 hours, mandatory device binding, and real-time enterprise fraud monitoring systems. These controls target vulnerable stages like account onboarding and activation, where fraudsters often compromise user credentials. The CBN's new framework responds to a surge in electronic transactions and increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, including SIM swap attacks and phishing. The Institute also welcomed the Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate, a benchmark intended to improve clarity and consistency in short-term funding costs. While supporting the policy, CRMI emphasized that its success depends on financial institutions effectively implementing the new requirements, urging them to upgrade cybersecurity, strengthen fraud detection, invest in staff training, and improve customer awareness of safe digital banking practices. The Institute pledged continued support for regulatory reforms through training, advocacy, and collaboration.
The organisers of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival anticipate approximately 500,000 participants for the 2026 edition, scheduled from July 27 to August 7. Mr. Oyindamola Olukanni, Media Head of Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited, the festival’s marketing consultant, announced this in a statement. Olukanni stated that the globally recognised cultural event is launching new campaign visuals to reposition the festival as a living and uninterrupted civilisation. He highlighted that the festival has been continuously practiced and preserved for over 600 years as a living tradition. The 2026 edition, themed “Preserving Heritage, Inspiring the Future,” emphasizes tradition as a guide to progress. The Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is noted as one of the last surviving sacred ecosystems where spirituality, culture, and community actively continue. Monthly campaign rollouts have been ongoing since February to boost audience engagement and visibility for participating brands. Pre-festival activities, including the Osun-Osogbo Global Summit on May 29, will gather stakeholders to outline the festival’s strategic direction and announce partners. Olukanni noted that under the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, the festival remains one of Africa’s most enduring cultural institutions, describing it as unbroken, authentic, and globally significant.
Must ReadAdebayo Adelabu, the immediate past Minister of Power, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved his resignation from the Federal Executive Council. Adelabu, through his media aide Femi Awogboro, dismissed reports suggesting his decision was against the President's wishes, calling such claims “baseless.” He stated that he secured full consent before stepping down. Adelabu also mentioned that criticisms regarding his departure are unfounded, attributing them to those unsettled by the crowd that welcomed him in Ibadan. His clarification follows earlier reports that he resigned despite presidential attempts to dissuade him, reportedly to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State. Adelabu formally resigned in a letter dated April 22, 2026. His exit is linked to a directive from the Presidency requiring political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026, in line with Section 881 of the Electoral Act, 2026.