International
President Tinubu’s Address In Ghana At John Mahama’s Inauguration [Full Text]
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has expressed confidence in Ghana’s newly sworn-in President, John Mahama, to bring positive change and progress to his nation.
Tinubu, accompanied by several Nigerian governors, attended the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, describing it as a testament to democracy’s growth in Africa.
In a statement delivered during the event and released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded the peaceful transition of power facilitated by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
He emphasized that the ceremony symbolized Ghana’s democratic maturity and Africa’s capability to achieve political and economic milestones.
Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support to Ghana and its people, reaffirming his dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering unity across Africa.
He highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in tackling shared challenges, including poverty, unemployment, instability, and insurgency.
“It is always a moment of pride when a close neighbor succeeds. Today, we celebrate not just Ghana’s democracy but Africa’s progress,” Tinubu said.
He underscored the continent’s achievements in proving critics wrong, stating, “Africa has nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We are charting our path to success, lifting our nations out of poverty, and building resilient economies.
”Tinubu commended President John Mahama’s vision and patriotism, describing him as a leader deeply committed to Ghana’s mission and prosperity.
“Your new president is a man of substance and vision who loves his nation and its people. He is determined to guide Ghana toward fulfilling its destiny,” Tinubu remarked.
He further drew inspiration from Ghana’s founding leader, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, celebrating the shared heritage between Ghana and Nigeria.
“The spirit of Nkrumah lifts Ghana’s Black Star higher. As Nigeria draws strength from its founders, Ghana does the same, creating a bond that unites our nations in purpose and action,” he said.
Tinubu urged Ghana’s new administration to prioritize regional integration through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasizing that cooperation is vital for addressing the region’s pressing concerns.
He called for unity, dialogue, and mutual respect among African nations, asserting, “Even when we disagree, we must resolve our differences through dialogue, ensuring our unity remains intact.
”President Tinubu concluded his address by expressing optimism for Africa’s future. “This is not just a victory for Ghana but a victory for African democracy.
Let us continue to build a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity,” he stated.
In closing, Tinubu extended his blessings to Ghana, Nigeria, ECOWAS, and the entire African continent, wishing the new government under President Mahama immense success.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with Ghana to achieve shared prosperity and progress.
“May Ghana’s democracy grow stronger. May the bond between our nations remain unbroken.
Together, we shall overcome our challenges and create a brighter future for all Africans,” Tinubu said.
International
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important for oil?
OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq export most of their crude via the strait, mainly to Asia.
(BBC) – Iran’s top security body must make the final decision on whether to close the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian TV said on Sunday, after parliament reportedly backed the measure in response to U.S. strikes on several of Tehran’s nuclear sites.Iran has in the past threatened to close the strait but has never followed through on the move, which would restrict trade and impact global oil prices.
Below are details about the strait:
WHAT IS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ?The strait lies between Oman and Iran and links the Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond.It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 2 miles (3 km) wide in either direction.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
About a fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the strait. Between the start of 2022 and last month, somewhere between 17.8 million and 20.8 million barrels of crude, condensate and fuels flowed through the strait daily, data from analytics firm Vortexa showed.
OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq export most of their crude via the strait, mainly to Asia.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have sought to find other routes to bypass the strait.
About 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) of unused capacity from existing UAE and Saudi pipelines could be available to bypass Hormuz, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said in June last year.
Qatar, among the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas exporters, sends almost all of its LNG through the strait.
The U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, is tasked with protecting commercial shipping in the area.
HISTORY OF TENSIONS
In 1973, Arab producers led by Saudi Arabia slapped an oil embargo on Western supporters of Israel in its war with Egypt.
While Western countries were the main buyers of crude produced by the Arab countries at the time, nowadays Asia is the main buyer of OPEC’s crude.
Donald Trump, the United States President yesterday announced the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites, marking a dramatic military escalation that effectively signaled Washington’s entry into Israel’s war against Iran.
Trump said: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
All planes are now outside of Iran air space,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
In a televised address, he described the strikes as a “spectacular military success.
”The U.S. intervention has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, reviving memories of the devastation in Iraq following the 2003 invasion.
Israel’s initial strikes on June 13 targeted Iran’s key nuclear infrastructure and top military commanders, killing over 400 people.
Tehran’s retaliatory attacks have so far left at least 24 dead in Israel.
While Iran’s nuclear programme appears significantly degraded, global attention now shifts back to the nations that already possess nuclear weapons — countries whose arsenals shape the world’s balance of power.
As of this year 2025, nine countries officially or unofficially possess nuclear weapons, each with distinct strategic aims and geopolitical influence.
Here are Nine countries that own the most nuclear weapons globally:
1. Russia (~5,889)
2. United States (~5,244)
3. China (~500+)
4. France (~290)
5. United Kingdom (~225)
6. Pakistan (~170)
7. India (~164)
8. Israel (~90)
9. North Korea (~30–50)
International
US asks China to stop Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz
China in particular is the world’s largest buyer of Iranian oil and has a close relationship with Tehran.
Getty Image: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
His comments came after Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that their parliament had approved a plan to close the Strait but added that the final decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council.
Any disruption to the supply of oil would have profound consequences for the global economy.
China in particular is the world’s largest buyer of Iranian oil and has a close relationship with Tehran.
Oil prices have surged following the US’ attack, with the price of the benchmark Brent crude reaching its highest level in five months.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them (Iran) about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil,” Marco Rubio had said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
“If they [close the Straits]… it will be economic suicide for them.
And we retain options to deal with that, but other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours.
“Around 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with major oil and gas producers in the Middle East using the waterway to transport energy from the region.”
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important for oil?
See the 9 countries with the most nuclear weapons
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