News
Iranian Vice President Zarif Resigns After 11 Days
Iran’s Vice President, Mohammed Javad Zarif, has stepped down from his position only 11 days after his appointment.
Zarif announced his resignation via his social media platform, expressing dissatisfaction with his role and regret over his inability to meet expectations.
Zarif’s resignation is attributed to disagreements over the selection of ministers for President Massud Pezeshkian’s new cabinet.
Zarif indicated that the composition of the cabinet did not align with his preferences, noting that at least seven of the 19 nominated ministers were not his first choices.
This resignation marks the second significant challenge for President Pezeshkian since he assumed office at the end of July.
The first crisis involved the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Zarif, who was a crucial ally during Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign, had been instrumental in the campaign’s success due to his popularity.
Following the election, Zarif and his team were tasked with recommending candidates for key government positions to help implement promised reforms.
However, the cabinet list presented by Pezeshkian was seen by observers as inconsistent with the reform plans. Speculation suggests that Iran’s conservative hardline faction may have influenced the ministerial appointments.
Zarif, who previously served as Iran’s chief diplomat from 2013 to 2021 and played a key role in negotiating the 2015 nuclear agreement, was expected to contribute significantly to Pezeshkian’s foreign policy and the resumption of nuclear negotiations.
The hope was that with a new team, Pezeshkian could address the economic sanctions impacting Iran’s economy.
News
‘He Was a Giant’ — President Tinubu Mourns Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to late Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs, recalling his contributions to the creative industry and his impact on Nigeria’s cultural identity.
In his tribute, Tinubu described Jacobs as a giant of the Nigerian creative industry and said “He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.
“The nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity.”
News
Deji Adeyanju Demands Action From Tinubu Over Counterfeit Products
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency over the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs and consumer products in Nigeria.
Adeyanju also called for the removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, as well as the heads of other regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“Nigerians are being exposed to dangerous products daily, from fake and substandard medicines to unsafe consumer goods, with reports of drugs being sold wholesale in the open under the hot sun. No responsible government should expose its citizens to such risks and expect mortality rates not to rise.”
Adeyanju also called out NAFDAC over what he described as failures in regulating the circulation of counterfeit and substandard products in the country.
It can be noted that various counterfeit products continue to circulate in Nigerian markets, while NAFDAC has also reported seizures and destruction of counterfeit, expired and substandard products.
News
‘Two Hours on the Road’ — Lagosians Groan Over Kara Bridge Traffic
Lagosians have lamented heavy traffic caused by ongoing construction work at Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Federal Government announced that repairs on the damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge would begin on September 8, 2026. The project, initially scheduled to begin in August, was delayed to allow further traffic management planning due to concerns over its impact on motorists.
Since work began, traffic around the Kara area has become heavy, with Lagosians sharing updates on social media about spending two hours or more on the road.
Some commuters say the delays have made their 9-to-5 routines difficult, with several hours spent travelling to and from work.
-
Entertainment22 hours ago10 Leonardo DiCaprio Movies That Made Him a Hollywood Star
-
Entertainment22 hours agoRema Names His Favourite Streamers for Entertainment, Fans React
-
Sport22 hours ago“I Am Really Disappointed” — Mikel Arteta Reacts to Brighton Defeat
-
Entertainment22 hours agoFrom “Caro” to “Sempe”: 10 L.A.X Songs to Add to Your Playlist This Weekend
-
Entertainment22 hours agoYoung Jonn Revisits Old Post After Blaqbonez Offers to Collab With Him
-
Entertainment22 hours ago“You Have to Vote Right” — Timaya Speaks on Nigeria’s Political Future
