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Scenes from this year's Halloween celebration in Saudi Arabia have attracted attention, with videos showing large crowds participating in a lively outdoor event featuring elaborate costumes, themed entertainment and colourful displays. The footage captures people dressed in different Halloween-inspired outfits, alongside attendees wearing traditional Saudi clothing, reflecting the diverse atmosphere of the gathering. The development has once again brought attention to Saudi Arabia's evolving social and entertainment landscape under its ambitious Vision 2030 programme. Once widely associated with strict restrictions on public entertainment, the Kingdom has increasingly opened its doors to large-scale recreational events, international entertainment and new social experiences. However, the celebrations may also reignite conversations about the relationship between modernisation, cultural identity and religious values in Saudi society. By Muhammad Isa Ramat RAMAT UNLIMITED   ...

THE QUESTION EVERY ENFRANCHISED NIGERIAN SHOULD ASK BEFORE ELECTION DAY By Muhammad Isa Ramat   As another election approaches, Nigerians must begin to ask themselves some difficult but necessary questions. Beyond political parties, campaign promises, religious affiliations, ethnic sentiments and personal interests, there is one fundamental question every eligible voter must confront: Am I voting for someone who genuinely deserves the responsibility of governing me, or am I simply voting out of loyalty, sentiment or temporary personal gain? Democracy is not merely about casting a ballot every four years. It is about making informed choices and holding elected officials accountable for the mandate entrusted to them. Unfortunately, our political environment has increasingly become one where political loyalty sometimes outweighs competence, accountability and performance. Some voters defend political officeholders even when their records raise serious questions. Others are easily infl...

  By Muhammad Isah Ramat The recent reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to about ₦700 per litre has been widely welcomed by Nigerians. While the federal government has linked the development to ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector, industry analysts point to the emergence of the Dangote Refinery as a major factor influencing the new pricing dynamics. Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna remain largely non-operational despite years of rehabilitation efforts and significant public spending. As a result, fuel supply has historically depended on importation, exposing prices to foreign exchange volatility and global market shocks. The entry of the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery—the largest in Africa—has introduced a new supply reality. Even before full nationwide distribution, its production of PMS has increased competition in the downstream market and reduced the pricing power previously held by fuel importer...

🖊️ Muhammad Isah Ramat Introduction The Nigerian president’s recent directive to crash food prices across the country has sparked widespread debate. While the move aims to reduce the burden of high living costs on ordinary citizens, many analysts warn that the policy could backfire, especially in the northern region, which produces the bulk of Nigeria’s food supply. Northern Nigeria: The Food Basket Under Siege The northern region accounts for nearly 90% of the food consumed in Nigeria. Despite this, it faces persistent challenges: insecurity from banditry and insurgency, widespread unemployment, and crippling poverty. Thousands of farmers have been displaced from their farmlands, and agricultural output has already declined. Against this backdrop, the president’s plan to force a reduction in food prices may have unintended and damaging consequences. Negative Impacts on Farmers 1. Loss of Income   Lower food prices mean farmers will earn far less for their produce. Small-scale far...

The President of the United States has continued his online rants, escalating tensions with India—not over oil, but over a failed bid for the Nobel Peace Prize. Reports suggest the dispute arose after India declined to nominate Donald Trump for the prestigious award, despite Pakistan putting his name forward. Trump had reportedly expected both nations to endorse him, even though he played no direct role in brokering a ceasefire. India’s refusal prompted the U.S. leader to unleash a wave of sanctions and tariffs on New Delhi, fueling further strain in bilateral relations. Contrary to Trump’s claims, the issue is not linked to India’s growing purchases of Russian oil. Diplomats note that India began importing Russian crude at the request of European partners, who then re-import it indirectly to avoid openly dealing with Moscow amid the ongoing Ukraine war. Analysts say the move allows Europe to maintain diplomatic appearances while still securing vital energy supplies. ...

Israel on Monday announced it will deliver humanitarian assistance to South Sudan, even as it maintains a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip where millions face the risk of famine. According to a statement carried by Army Radio, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed it would provide emergency support to South Sudan in response to a cholera outbreak that has spread since September 2024. Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN , reported that the move comes “amid reports of discussions with South Sudan on the possible transfer of Gaza residents to its territory.” However, Juba has denied any such deal. The aid package, supervised by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, is expected to include basic medical supplies, water purification systems, and food parcels , according to Israel Hayom . The development has drawn global attention, as Israel continues to keep Gaza’s border crossings sealed since March 2, blocking humanitarian convoys and allowing only limited shipments—far below th...