Ramat Unlimited

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso –  In a remarkable show of patriotism and solidarity, a Burkinabe businessman based in Abuja, Nigeria, Ibrahim Koanda, has made a significant donation to support agricultural development and assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso. On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad formally received the donation during a ceremony recognizing efforts to bolster national peace and resilience. Mr. Koanda's contribution includes a set of pump motors and various agricultural equipment valued at over 8 million CFA francs. In addition, he presented a cash donation of 500,000 CFA francs to the Patriotic Support Fund. The donation aims to support the presidential initiative in the agricultural sector and contribute to the empowerment of internally displaced communities affected by insecurity and conflict. Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Koanda emphasized that his gesture was in direct respons...

Vatican City —  Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was seen attending the inauguration of the new Pope at the Vatican City accompanied by his son, Seyi, in a scene that has sparked fresh controversy back home over the growing influence of unelected family members within the presidency. Photographs from the prestigious ceremony show the President seated among world leaders, while his son was observed interacting with key dignitaries and accompanying his father in a capacity that has raised eyebrows across Nigeria’s political landscape. Critics argue that Seyi Tinubu, who holds no official position in government, appears to be wielding increasing influence over state affairs. His frequent presence at diplomatic events, high-level meetings, and official functions has drawn comparisons to political dynasties and accusations of nepotism. “This is not just about optics,” said Dr. Ifeoma Ogundipe, a political analyst. “We’re seeing a worrying trend where a private citizen — the ...

“No affliction strikes except by permission of ALLAH. And whoever believes in ALLAH, He will guide his heart. And ALLAH is knowing of all things.” (Quran 64:11) It’s been a year—twelve months marked by the quiet ache of absence and memories that keep us company since we lost our beloved mother (fondly called ‘Mama’ by us and her grandchildren), Hajiya Sa’adatu Musa Kofa on the 17th of May 2024, corresponding to the 9th of Dhu’l-Qadah, 1445 AH.  Time has flown, yet the silence left in the wake of our mother’s passing has been deafening. Still, it remains painfully difficult to accept that my time with Mama (being her last child), has come to an end. Equally, Mama’s death has hit my beloved father, four older siblings, four grandchildren, her sisters, in-laws, relatives, domestic staff and acquaintances in unquantifiable proportion. Married to my father, Engr. Usman Shehu Liman for close to four decades, Mama was born into the family of Late Alh. Musa Kofa’s family, Gidan Garko, Kofa...

Gaza City –  The Palestinian group Hamas has announced its willingness to release an Israeli-American soldier held hostage, following undisclosed negotiations with the United States. In a statement released Sunday, Hamas declared it is "ready for immediate negotiations" aimed at reaching a comprehensive ceasefire agreement with Israel. The announcement marks a significant development as the conflict in Gaza continues to draw international concern. According to Israeli media reports, Israel was not informed in advance of the US-Hamas discussions regarding the soldier’s release, raising questions about coordination between allies amid ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, emphasized Washington’s desire to see all hostages returned safely. “We want to bring the hostages home, but Israel is not willing to end the war,” Witkoff said, calling on the Israeli government to seize what he described as a crucial “opportunity” to facilitate th...

May 7th, 2025 [Washington, D.C.]  — In a significant update on the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, U.S. President Donald Trump announced today that an official statement regarding the situation is expected within the next 24 hours. This announcement comes amid rising tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region. During a press briefing, President Trump emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating conflict in Gaza, which has drawn international scrutiny and heightened calls for intervention. “We are monitoring the situation very closely and are prepared to make an announcement that will hopefully bring clarity and assistance to those affected,” Trump stated. As the situation evolves, reports indicate that various stakeholders, including local leaders and international organizations, are advocating for immediate humanitarian aid and a ceasefire. The upcoming announcement is anticipated to address these critical needs and outline potential U.S. involvement in alleviating ...

May 4, 2025 Ankara, Turkey  In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Turkish fighter jets reportedly attempted to repel Israeli aircraft that had intruded into Syrian airspace earlier this week. According to sources familiar with the incident, Turkish forces employed electronic warning signals and jamming operations in response to the Israeli maneuvers, signaling a potentially new level of direct confrontation between Turkey and Israel. The reported aerial standoff comes amid a surge in Israeli military operations across Syria. In recent days, Israel has conducted a broad campaign of airstrikes targeting multiple locations, including areas near the presidential palace in Damascus. Israeli officials claim the operations are aimed at safeguarding the Druze minority, following armed clashes between Druze militias and newly deployed Syrian government forces. The incident underscores growing geopolitical friction in the region, with Ankara increasingly asserting its role in reg...

In a world where childbirth is always a moment of wonder, one Malian couple has rewritten the definition of extraordinary. On May 4, 2021, Halima Cissé and her husband, Adjudant Kader Arby, from Timbuktu, Mali, welcomed nine babies—five girls and four boys—in a single day. Against enormous odds, every single one of the nonuplets survived and thrived, making global headlines and entering medical history. A Pregnancy That Surprised Everyone Halima, just 25 years old at the time, initially believed she was carrying seven children, as shown in early ultrasounds conducted in Mali. But doctors were in for a shock when she delivered nine babies by cesarean section at the Ain Borja Clinic in Casablanca, Morocco, where she was transferred for specialized care. The government of Mali stepped in to support her journey, covering the costs of the medical treatment abroad—an indication of just how rare and high-risk the situation was. Survival Against the Odds The birth of nonuplets is extraord...

- May 3, 2025 ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI  In a surprising diplomatic development, Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, is scheduled to visit Pakistan on Monday, followed by a high-level visit to India later this week. Sources close to Tehran suggest that Iran may be positioning itself as a neutral mediator in the longstanding and often volatile relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The timing of the visits has fueled speculation of a behind-the-scenes initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions that have persisted in the region, particularly over Kashmir, cross-border militancy, and economic competition. Both countries have recently signaled cautious openness to third-party engagement, with Iran — a regional power maintaining historically cordial ties with both New Delhi and Islamabad — seen as a credible interlocutor. "Iran is committed to regional stability and believes dialogue is the only path to peace," an Iranian foreign ministry official told...

-- Abuja, Nigeria  In a major development shaking Nigeria’s oil sector, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the recently sacked managing directors and top officials of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries following the discovery of N80 billion in the account of one of the former MDs. The arrests come as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of a staggering $2.9 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries. Findings by PUNCH reveal that the anti-graft agency is probing: $1.5 billion allocated to Port Harcourt Refinery, $740 million to Kaduna Refinery, and $656 million to Warri Refinery. The ex-Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd, Mr. Ibrahim Onoja; the former MD of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Efifia Chu; and the former MD of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Mustafa Sugungun, are all currently in EFCC custody. A top EFCC official, who r...