Tag: Diaspora

  • U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    According to The Punch, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore described his recent trip to Nigeria as “heartbreaking,” saying he encountered accounts of killings and insecurity that he believes deserve stronger attention from international partners.

    Punch reported that Moore linked his comments to broader debates about how violence in Nigeria is framed globally, and urged greater focus on protecting civilians and addressing the drivers of attacks.

    Daily Post also reported Moore’s remarks, repeating the “heartbreaking” description and situating it within ongoing discourse in the U.S. about Nigeria’s security challenges and religious/communal violence narratives.

    The comments add to a growing pattern of Nigeria-related security issues surfacing in U.S. political debate, often influencing advocacy, hearings and policy proposals.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: External commentary can amplify pressure—but it can also oversimplify complex conflict dynamics. The key is whether Nigeria’s security agencies and political leaders can show measurable progress that undercuts “genocide” or “state failure” narratives. Watch for diplomatic engagements, any new U.S. legislative moves tied to Nigeria, and local conflict-prevention steps in flashpoint states.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/my-trip-to-nigeria-heartbreaking-us-congressman-moore/)

     

     

    Photo: Riley Moore image — AFP

  • ‘Detty December’ rush: Lagos hospitality hits peak as diaspora visitors return

    ‘Detty December’ rush: Lagos hospitality hits peak as diaspora visitors return

    According to Vanguard, Lagos is experiencing peak end‑of‑year demand as ‘Detty December’ draws in visitors, with hotels booked out and major concerts and events driving a visible tourism surge.

    The report described a city-wide cash-and-culture boom: packed venues, higher room rates, and heavy spending around entertainment, food, transport and short‑let apartments.

    A separate AFP story carried by Yahoo similarly captured the build-up, noting that “the hotels are booked” as Lagos prepares for the festival season and returning visitors.

    Other lifestyle reporting has also pointed to the broader economic spillover, including increased informal-sector earnings and a short, intense demand cycle that stresses transport and urban services.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Detty December is now an economic season, not just a party label—good for jobs and revenue, but it also exposes Lagos’ infrastructure gaps (traffic, safety, power, pricing abuses). Watch for whether state agencies publish reliable tourism metrics, and whether the private sector starts building year-round products instead of a one-month cash rush.

    Source: Vanguard — 14 Dec 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/detty-december-lagos-hotels-events-sold-out-as-fun-seekers-scramble-for-space/amp/)

     

    Photo Credit:The Audience during the AfroFuture Festival in 2023 – RollingStone

  • Senate Panel Screens Omokri, Yakubu and Others as Ambassadors

    Senate Panel Screens Omokri, Yakubu and Others as Ambassadors

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has screened a batch of non‑career ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, including social commentator Reno Omokri and academic Professor Yakubu. Lawmakers questioned the nominees on their foreign‑policy priorities, diaspora‑engagement strategies and plans to promote Nigerian trade interests abroad.

    Committee members stressed the need for envoys who can defend Nigeria’s image, attract investments and support citizens in host countries. The nominees are expected to be formally confirmed after the committee submits its report to the full Senate.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11