Insight by Oppy

By Opeyemi Taiwo Once celebrated as the “State of Harmony,” Kwara’s peaceful, multicultural identity has underpinned its Ease of Doing Business ranking, only to be eclipsed by a surge in armed criminality . Dislodged by military operations in Zamfara and Kaduna, bandits have exploited the porous Kamuku Forest corridor to entrench themselves in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs, while southern routes through Ekiti and Oke-Ero have become kidnapping arteries . Despite governors and local government chairmen pocketing over ₦375 billion annually in opaque “security votes” , the governor has leaned almost entirely on federal troop mobilised on April 22, 2025, neglecting state-led vigilante corps and rural outposts . In the most chilling incident yet, eight gunmen ambushed a Toyota Sienna (Reg. No. FFA 50 XD) around 6:30 pm on April 18, 2025, along the Obbo-Aiyegunle–Osi Road, abducting seven travellers in under 20 minutes . The “State of Harmony” and Ease of Doing Business Kwara’s officia...

Recent fears about the emergence of a new terrorist group in Kwara State have been dispelled by credible security sources. Contrary to speculation, Mahmouda the figure at the center of these reports, is not the leader of a new organization but a seasoned Boko Haram commander expanding his operational footprint. From Borno to Kaduna, then to Niger State, Mahmouda has methodically aligned himself with local criminal elements, including remnants of Darul Salam and active bandit groups. His current presence in the forests bordering Kwara suggests not the birth of a new insurgency, but the dangerous expansion of existing ones. This situation once again puts a spotlight on the responsiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture. Earlier warnings by analysts like Zagazola Makama were dismissed by police authorities as baseless fear-mongering. Now, with insurgent activity confirmed in the area, the credibility of our internal security communication is under scrutiny. What This Means ...

In a move that's breathing a sigh of relief across the global tech industry and for consumers everywhere, the Trump administration has quietly rolled back potential tariff hikes on some of our most essential gadgets. Late Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a list of exemptions that exclude smartphones, laptops, and crucial computer components from the administration’s sweeping reciprocal tariff measures. What does this mean? In short, the previously threatened 125% China-specific tariff and the 10% global baseline levy will not be applied to these products. This decision effectively shields consumers from potentially skyrocketing prices on everyday tech essentials. Think about it: your smartphone, your laptop, even the hard drive that stores your precious memories – these are items we rely on daily. Imagine their prices more than doubling overnight. The administration seems to have acknowledged the potential economic fallout, especially considering tha...

In a dramatic turn of events, global stock markets have plunged into chaos, with China experiencing its worst single-day crash since the 2008 financial crisis. The ripple effect is being felt worldwide, as investors scramble in the face of mounting fears and uncertainty. Here’s a snapshot of today’s market carnage: Hong Kong: -13.6% Taiwan: -9.6% Japan: -9.5% Italy: -8.4% Singapore: -8% Sweden: -7% China: -7% Switzerland: -7% Germany: -6.8% Spain: -6.4% Netherlands: -6.2% Australia: -6.2% France: -6.1% United Kingdom: -5.2% Market analysts are pointing to a combination of geopolitical tensions, concerns over economic slowdown, and panic selling as drivers behind the historic selloff. This crash has reignited fears of a global recession, drawing comparisons to the 2008 financial meltdown. Investors and policymakers are now watching closely to see how central banks and governments will respond to stabilize the markets. Stay tuned with Insight by Oppy for in-depth analysis and...

In a historic move, South Korea's Constitutional Court has upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office. This decision comes after a series of political events that began with the president's controversial martial law declaration four months ago. The Martial Law Declaration and Immediate Aftermath On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing rising threats from North Korea and accusing opposition parties of undermining national security. He ordered the mobilization of military and police forces to the National Assembly to suppress what he described as anti-state forces. This was the first time South Korea had seen martial law in over 40 years. The move sparked widespread protests and was met with international condemnation. The National Assembly quickly acted to overturn the decree, nullifying it within hours. Despite the brief duration, the martial law declaration triggered a political crisis that eventu...

The World Bank has approved a new $1.08 billion concessional financing package aimed at enhancing education quality, strengthening economic resilience, and improving nutrition for underserved populations in Nigeria. This funding is set to drive key programs that support vulnerable communities, improve access to quality education, and provide essential nutrition services. Breakdown of the Funding The approved financing is allocated to three critical projects: 1. Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Program – $500 million This additional funding will support the Nigerian government's efforts to expand access to livelihood support, food security services, and grants targeted at poor and vulnerable households and communities. The goal is to cushion economic shocks and provide sustainable relief to those most in need. 2. Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN 2.0) – $80 million ANRIN 2.0 is designed to increase the utilization of...

In a significant leadership change at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bayo Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO). This appointment marks a new chapter in the company’s drive for efficiency and growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Ojulari succeeds Mele Kyari, who has retired from the position after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 in January 2025. Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL witnessed notable achievements, including the successful rehabilitation and reopening of the Port Harcourt refinery in late 2024, a project that had been stalled for years. Who is Bayo Ojulari? Bayo Ojulari is a seasoned engineer with decades of experience in petroleum, process, and production engineering. His vast expertise in the oil and gas industry, both locally and internationally, makes him a strategic choice for leading NNPCL into its next phase of development. Some highlights of his caree...

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued an important advisory to all residents, particularly youth groups, organizations, and hiking enthusiasts, urging them to take necessary precautions before embarking on camping or hiking trips. In light of recent security concerns, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adwale, PSC, MNIPS, has emphasized that all such activities must be reported to the police beforehand. This measure is crucial to prevent security risks, as remote or isolated locations can be vulnerable to criminal activities. The Police Command strongly advises organizers to notify law enforcement before any outdoor expedition. This will enable the authorities to provide guidance on safe routes and arrange security measures where necessary. The FCT Police remain committed to ensuring public safety by offering expert advice and monitoring activities to minimize potential risks. Additionally, event organizers are urged to account for all participants throughou...