See. Others hate their gu’mints too!
8 October 2025
This summarises publicly available information.
The Takaichi Effect The election of Sanae Takaichi as leader of Japan’s ruling party has triggered a selloff in long-dated Japanese government bonds (JGBs). Analysts suggest this volatility could be exported globally, with upward pressure on US, German, and UK bond yields, as Takaichi’s preference for expansionary fiscal policies raises debt financing concerns.
E.U. Stalin The European Union plans to double tariffs on foreign steel and halve the volume allowed into the bloc before duties are imposed, replacing a temporary safeguard clause. The move, which follows similar US tariffs, is designed to protect Europe’s steel sector from competition.
Filling the Tanks China is accelerating the construction of strategic oil reserve sites, with SOEs set to add at least 169 million barrels of storage capacity during 2025 and 2026. The push to increase stockpiles gained urgency after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the vulnerability of Beijing’s energy imports, prompting quiet mandates to State firms to stash oil.
The ABCs of Anxiety South Korea is debating the merits of ‘English kindergartens,’ where young children face intense academic pressure, including long lessons and frequent tests, for monthly tuition fees exceeding 1.5 million won (₦1.6m). This has prompted a proposed law to effectively ban the institutions, with proponents citing children’s rights to rest and play, while opponents fear it will only increase educational inequality.
Malagasy Shuffle Madagascar’s president has appointed a new prime minister after dismissing his cabinet last week amid ongoing protests against electricity and water cuts. The demonstrations have entered their third week with growing calls for President Rajoelina’s resignation, though he has ignored them.
Getting Very Small, Very Big The Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded for experiments with superconducting circuits in the 1980s, which demonstrated that quantum mechanical properties could exist on a large, macroscopic scale. The work is seen as foundational for the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum computing and sensors, which underpin modern devices like the mobile phone.
One Stood, Many Fled Residents of Banki, Borno State, have praised a Divisional Police Officer who stood his ground during a recent Boko Haram attack, while some soldiers allegedly abandoned their positions. A security source claimed the soldiers’ retreat was based on orders to await an air strike that did not arrive in time, allowing the insurgents to advance in large numbers.
The Unions’ Price A recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (Pengassan) caused a loss of over 200,000 barrels of oil production per day. The dispute, since resolved, also led to an ‘artificial’ hike in cooking gas prices and a slight increase in the pump price of petrol at NNPC stations.
Gains, Pains, and Automobiles Nigeria plans to triple the capital gains tax for foreign equity investors to 30% from January, unless the proceeds are reinvested locally. The move has raised concerns it could trigger a sell-off in the Nigerian stock market, which has been one of the world’s top performers this year, though tax authorities argue investors will not be worse off.
A Degree of Difficulty A court hearing in a suit filed by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka over a certificate controversy was stalled on Monday. The adjournment was due to the university’s failure to file its response, despite its officials allegedly telling a newspaper the minister was not a graduate after being served court papers. Minister Nnaji has since resigned to spare the BAT administration further embarrassment.
A Wedding and Two Funerals Gunmen have shot two people dead near Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory as they were returning from a wedding ceremony on Friday night. The incident has heightened fear among residents amid a resurgence of banditry, though the FCT Minister insists Abuja remains one of the safest cities in the country.
Rock and a Hard Place Residents of Orisunmbare community in Oyo State are demanding the relocation of a mining company after a flying stone from a quarry blast killed a young man. This follows a separate incident where a trailer from a different quarry in the area crushed three people, killing two, prompting the local council to vow stricter monitoring.
A Grave Misunderstanding A community association in Benue State has alleged that soldiers killed five people during a clash over traditional gun salutes at a burial ceremony. The association is demanding the army’s withdrawal, though police have confirmed only one death and stated the military team was returning from patrol when they encountered armed men and, ehm, opened fire.
Guarded Comments Security details attached to the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, were allegedly withdrawn over the weekend. The state government has denied any involvement, stating that the deployment of police officers is the sole prerogative of the police command, not the governor.
A Hero’s Fall A commander of the United Hunters Association in Kaduna State has been killed during an operation to rescue kidnap victims. The operation successfully freed three women and neutralised three suspected bandits, including a local leader, though some hunters also sustained gunshot wounds.
Prayer Interrupted Gunmen attacked Rani Ramat village, Patigi LGA in Kwara State during evening prayers, killing one person and abducting the village head. In response, the state governor has assured residents that more troops will be deployed and a local community security structure established.
A Busy Fortnight for the Army The Nigerian Army reports multiple successful operations across Kebbi, Kaduna, Kogi, and Kwara states. These operations resulted in the death of several criminals, the rescue of multiple kidnap victims, and the seizure of weapons and ransom money. Per Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye of the Second Division’s Army Public Relations Unit, at no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements…the publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region.
An Educated Guess More than 3,200 Nigerians have graduated from Saudi Arabian universities over the last decade, with another 850 currently studying there. The figures were revealed at an alumni forum where Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, commended Saudi Arabia for its long-standing educational cooperation. The Saudis note that all Nigerians are welcome.
Cream of the Crop The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled two major drug cartels in Lagos following intelligence-led operations spanning three weeks. The operations thwarted multiple attempts to export cocaine concealed in items such as stainless cups and body cream to the United Kingdom. Messrs Ode and Korede, the prime suspects, are currently assisting investigations pending court rulings and all.
A Silver Lining Nigerian weightlifter Rafiatu Folashade Lawal has won three silver medals at the 2025 IWF World Championships in Norway. Her performance was described as a ‘proud moment for Nigeria’ by Shehu Dikko, chair of the National Sports Commission.
A Spark of Bother A fire broke out in a section of the Rivers State Secretariat on Monday, but was contained without any casualties. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical fault, prompting the Head of Civil Service to urge staff to unplug appliances to protect the state’s ‘heritage buildings’. Congratulations to the contractors forthe renovation, though; it’ll be a merry Christmas.