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  • Daniel Bwala Says Nigerians Earning ₦60,000 at Home May Be Better Off Than Some Who ‘Japa’

    Presidential Adviser on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has argued that some Nigerians earning as little as ₦60,000 monthly are better off than those who relocated abroad in search of greener pastures.

    Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on The Morayo Show, where he discussed the economic realities facing many Nigerians living overseas.

    ‘Japa is not always greener’

    According to Bwala, many Nigerians who migrated to countries such as the United Kingdom now work jobs that do not reflect their educational qualifications.

    “Some of you in Nigeria who think you are suffering, you’re better off than your colleagues that japa five years ago.”

    He described the experience of many migrants as “modern-day slavery,” claiming that degree holders are now working in care homes, warehouses and other low-skilled jobs to survive.

    Living costs consume earnings

    Bwala said although some workers abroad earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, a significant portion of their income goes into rent, transportation, internet, utility bills and feeding.

    “At the end of the day, what you are left with is not much. So you are forced to do two or three jobs,” he said.

    He added that someone earning ₦60,000 in Nigeria may still benefit from support from family and friends, unlike many Nigerians living abroad who have no such safety net.

    Defends Tinubu’s social programmes

    The presidential aide also defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting what he described as key healthcare interventions.

    According to Bwala, the Federal Government has introduced a 50 per cent subsidy on dialysis in federal hospitals and made caesarean section procedures free in public health facilities.

    He said the administration intends to expand healthcare support to cover additional medical services and prescription drugs as more resources become available.

  • Nigerian Chef Adejoké Bakare Makes History as First Black Woman in UK to Earn Michelin Star

    Nigerian-born chef Adejoké “Joké” Bakare has made history after becoming the first Black woman in the United Kingdom to receive a Michelin star for her restaurant, Chishuru, in London.

    Bakare earned the prestigious recognition for her West African fine dining restaurant in Fitzrovia during the 2024 Michelin Guide awards, a milestone that continues to attract global attention for her contribution to African cuisine.

    Historic achievement for Nigerian chef

    The Kaduna-born chef received the Michelin star just months after relocating Chishuru to its permanent home in central London.

    Michelin inspectors praised the restaurant for its bold flavours, creativity and modern interpretation of West African dishes, describing it as one of London’s standout dining destinations.

    Bakare’s achievement also makes her one of the few Black female chefs in the world to own a Michelin-starred restaurant.

    From Nigeria to global recognition

    Bakare was born in Kaduna to a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother before relocating to the United Kingdom with her family.

    Before becoming a professional chef, she sold fish and chips while studying in Nigeria and later built her culinary career through supper clubs and pop-up restaurants after moving abroad.

    Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she won the Brixton Kitchen competition, leading to the launch of Chishuru, which quickly gained popularity before moving to its permanent London location.

    Celebrating West African cuisine

    Chishuru has earned acclaim for showcasing modern West African cuisine while staying true to traditional flavours and ingredients.

    Bakare has consistently said her goal is to introduce more people to the richness and diversity of African food while inspiring greater representation within the global hospitality industry.

    Beyond the Michelin star, she has also received several international honours, including being named Chef of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards.

    Nigerians celebrate milestone

    Bakare’s achievement has been widely celebrated by Nigerians and members of the African diaspora, with many describing it as a proud moment for Nigerian cuisine on the global stage.

    Her success has also renewed conversations about the growing international recognition of African chefs and the increasing popularity of West African cuisine in fine dining.

  • Kemi Badenoch Attacks Keir Starmer After Resignation, Demands Focus on Security

    Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has launched a scathing attack on outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing him as a “terrible Prime Minister” and blaming his administration for several of the country’s economic and governance challenges.

    Badenoch made the remarks shortly after Starmer announced his resignation, arguing that Labour’s policies had weakened Britain and left key national issues unresolved.

    Badenoch Blames Labour for Britain’s Challenges

    In her reaction, Badenoch said the country’s problems stemmed not only from Starmer’s leadership but also from Labour’s broader political ideology and policy choices.

    According to her, measures such as increases in National Insurance contributions, welfare spending concerns, inadequate defence funding and reliance on foreign energy sources have contributed to Britain’s current difficulties.

    “Britain is not ungovernable. Keir Starmer is a terrible Prime Minister. But the problem is Labour’s choices and their values, regardless of who is running the party,” Badenoch said.

    Calls for Stronger Security and Defence Policies

    The Conservative leader stressed that national security should be a priority during the leadership transition.

    She argued that the next Labour leader must address defence investment, energy security and broader governance concerns, warning that failure to do so could trigger demands for a fresh general election.

    Badenoch also questioned whether Labour’s expected successor would be willing to make the difficult decisions needed to strengthen Britain’s security and economy.

    Labour Leadership Race Takes Shape

    Starmer’s resignation has opened the door for a leadership contest within the Labour Party, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham widely regarded as the frontrunner.

    Reports indicate that senior Labour figures have already begun rallying support around Burnham as the party prepares for a transition.

    Badenoch, however, dismissed the possibility of major policy changes under a new Labour leader, insisting that the party’s core approach would remain unchanged.

    Political Tensions Intensify

    The latest exchange adds to growing political tensions in the United Kingdom as Labour navigates a leadership transition following disappointing electoral performances and mounting internal pressure.

    Political observers are closely watching the process amid concerns about policy continuity, economic stability and national security priorities during the caretaker period.

  • UK-Based Nigerian Father Dies in Sleep Same Day He Buried His Own Father

    A United Kingdom-based Nigerian man, identified simply as Herbert, has been found dead in his apartment in Thornaby, days after losing his father in Nigeria, in a tragic incident that has left his family and community in shock.

    What we know

    Herbert, a father of three, reportedly died in his sleep last week, leaving behind his wife and young children.

    The incident came just days after he lost his father in Nigeria, a development that had already placed emotional and financial strain on him.

    Details of the incident

    According to a post shared on X by a user known as “The Stress Manager,” Herbert had committed significant financial resources to ensure his father received a proper burial, despite being unable to travel.

    The post revealed that he passed away on the same day his father was laid to rest.

    “Herbert, a calm and devoted Nigerian husband and father of three young children… passed away suddenly in his sleep in Thornaby,” the post read.

    Heartbreaking discovery

    The situation took a more distressing turn after it was revealed that Herbert’s children were the ones who discovered his lifeless body at home while their mother was away.

    “No child should ever experience that,” the post added.

    Family seeks support

    Following the incident, Herbert’s family has appealed for financial assistance to cover funeral expenses and the cost of repatriating his remains to Nigeria.

    A former president of Nigerians in the UK, Benjamin Kuti, also confirmed the development and urged members of the Nigerian community to support the bereaved family.

    A fundraising campaign has since been launched, with £2,633 raised out of a £7,000 target as of the time of filing this report.