Ripple has become the first blockchain payments firm to secure a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

This is the firm’s first licence in the Middle East, and enables the firm to provide regulated cryptocurrency payments and services within the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).

The approval allows Ripple to make its payment products accessible to businesses in the UAE.

In 2020, the company established its Middle East headquarters in DIFC in 2020 and now has over 20% of its global customer base operating in the region.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said: “We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption. Thanks to its early leadership in creating a supportive environment for tech and crypto innovation, the UAE is exceptionally well-placed to benefit.”

DIFC Authority CEO Arif Amiri stated: “We are thrilled that Ripple is deepening their commitment to Dubai by securing a DFSA licence that makes them the first blockchain-enabled payments provider in DIFC. This milestone not only highlights our commitment to fostering innovation, but also opens the door for Ripple to tap into new growth opportunities across the region and beyond.

Ripple's own RLUSD stablecoin, launched in December 2024 on global exchanges, has exceeded a market cap of $130m, the company stated.

The DFSA licence is the newest addition to Ripple's portfolio of over 60 regulatory approvals globally.

Last month, Ripple partnered with Portuguese currency exchange provider Unicâmbio to enable instant cross-border payments between Portugal and Brazil

"Ripple gains licence for crypto payments in UAE " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.

[GlobalData]

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has explained the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, saying the primary motive was protecting the interests of future generations.

A statement by spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the president spoke on Thursday at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.

The president said for 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of the nation’s subregion with fuel, adding that it was getting difficult to plan for the future of Nigeria’s children

He highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, particularly economic and social issues, expressing gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing the difficulties.

Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.

“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.

“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

He reiterated that firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.

“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball. Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefiting from it,” Tinubu added.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee Inter-Parliamentary Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has explained why the purported petition from suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is “dead on arrival” at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Senator Ibrahim who made the assertion in a statement in Abuja, emphasised that Nigeria, rather than Senator Natasha, is the member of the IPU.

“A petition can only be lodged against another member state by a member state.

“This implies that the IPU cannot consider petitions from individuals who are not members,” he began.

Ibrahim added: “The suspended Senator Natasha is not a member of the IPU, but Nigeria is!

“Additionally, the suspended Senator cannot represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I served as the interim president of the IPU in Geneva in 2023, and I am familiar with how the IPU operates after presiding over its proceedings.

“Furthermore, as Chairman of the Interparliamentary Committee in the Nigerian Senate, I did not approve or authorise the suspended Senator Natasha to attend the IPU on behalf of Nigeria to the Senate President.”

[TheNation]

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Portuguese youngster Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP, with the winger set to join the Blues in 2026.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday via X, the deal, finalised after a swift negotiation process, will see Quenda sign a seven-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year.

His medical has already been completed, paving the way for his future move to Stamford Bridge.

Quenda has reportedly given his approval to Chelsea’s project and the plans of new manager Enzo Maresca.

Romano stated: “Chelsea agree deal for Portuguese top talent Geovany
Quenda—here we go. Medical done for Quenda after secret blitz, he will join Chelsea in 2026. Club-to-club agreement completed with Sporting, and Quenda said yes to Chelsea’s project and Enzo Maresca’s plans.

“Geovany Quenda’s contract at Chelsea will be valid for the next seven years, all agreed last night. There will be also an option to extend the agreement for +1 year.”

[Punch]

A Nigerian man claiming to be the father of singer Asake is seeking financial assistance from the public due to what he described as “health struggles”.

In a now-viral video, the aged man identified as Fatai Odunsi revealed he has been suffering from a stroke since 2022.

Odunsi alleged that he has not seen Asake since his stroke and claimed that the singer has consistently ignored his calls.

“I am the father to Asake who is singing. The last time I saw him was when this thing happened to me on March 29, 2022,” he said.

“He does not pick up my calls anytime I call him. Now I have become tired. I have been looking for this my brother and I recently met with him.”

Asake’s acclaimed father calls for help, alleges neglect pic.twitter.com/ZxcsL5uYdV

—WuzupNigeria (@WuzupNigeria) March 14, 2025

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In the video, Odunsi was accompanied by Sonibare, who claimed to be his brother.

Sonibare explained that he had sought Odunsi’s permission before sharing his story on social media. He also appealed to Nigerians to come to their aid.

“As I said earlier, his name is Fatai Odunsi. He is the one who gave birth to Asake whom every one of us knows as Ololade Mr Money. We need the help of Nigerians because he is now broke,” Sonibare said.

“I have done the best I could as a person. That is why I am coming to you Nigerians to come to our aid. Whatever amount you can give, even if it is N1 please help him out. I do not want him to die young. We all will not die young too.

“I am not just doing what I am doing. I sought permission from him before doing it. He has been looking for me for a while to put him on social media.

“We needed to come to the public to ask for help because we no longer have the money.”

Odunsi’s claim has not been verified. Asake has also not publicly responded to the allegations.

[TheCable]

US Vice President JD Vance shared the Trump administration’s position on key issues like deportation, immigration, border security, economy, and trade during an interview on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle" on Thursday.

Green Card Holders and Deportation

Vance addressed the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green-card holder, recently arrested for allegedly spreading pro-Hamas propaganda. Vance said, "A green card holder... doesn't have an indefinite right to be in the United States.

He added, "This is not fundamentally about free speech. Yes, it’s about national security, but it’s also more importantly about who we, as an American public, decide gets to join our national community." He indicated that the Trump administration is ready to act against student visa holders or other non-citizens involved in activities considered a threat. "I think we’ll certainly see some people who get deported on student visas if we determine that it’s not in the best interest of the United States to have them in our country," Vance said.

Immigration and Border Security
On immigration enforcement, Vance highlighted the Trump administration’s focus on reducing illegal migration. He said migrant crossings at the southern border have dropped by "well over 95%" since Trump returned to office in January. With border security in place, Vance noted that the administration is now focusing on increasing deportations. "We’re building that capacity up," he said.

Vance also criticized the Biden administration for underfunding immigration detention facilities and weakening Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He said, "Joe Biden underfunded migrant detention facilities and destroyed ICE, leaving the Trump administration with a hole that we have to dig out of." Vance praised Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and "border czar" Tom Homan for implementing self-deportation policies. "We’re going to encourage a lot of people to self-deport. We don’t have to knock on your door. Before that happens, why don’t you get on a plane and go home yourself?" he added.

Economic Outlook
When asked about a possible recession, Vance said, "You can never predict the future." However, he noted, "I think the fundamentals of the economy are actually quite strong right now, and we will see how this unfolds. I think by increasing businesses' investments in American workers and reshoring some of those supply chains, we are going to make this economy stronger over the long haul. That is the President’s ultimate goal."

Trade Policies and Tariffs
Discussing trade, Vance defended tariffs imposed under Trump’s "America First" approach. He said, "The EU has in some ways been the worst on American workers and American industries of anybody. They impose ridiculous tariffs and they say they are our most important ally and, of course, we care about European security, but they don't treat us like an ally when it comes to economics." He added, "The president wants to bring jobs and investment back to the US, build more here, invest more here, raise wages here—and you won’t have to pay these tariffs at all."

[economictimes]

It is with this profound reverence that I celebrate the illustrious 90th anniversary of my beloved mother, Chief (Princess) Christianah Monisola O. Ajulo (née Adedeji). She is not merely a matriarch; she is the very fabric of my being, the divine architect of my destiny, my unwavering compass through life’s storms. Her existence is my greatest blessing, her love my eternal shield, her wisdom my guiding light through the labyrinth of life.  

There has been a song that, when sung, feels as if it has existed since the dawn of time: "Iya ni wura iye biye, Iya ko se f’owo ra" (A mother is precious gold, priceless beyond measure). This song unveils its deepest meanings as one journeys through life within the boundless, glowing care of a mother, the first Òrìṣà, the unshakable pillar of existence, the child's safest haven in a world of uncertainties. A mother’s love is a fortress, unseen yet invincible, soft yet stronger than the weight of mountains.  

As I reflect upon the remarkable life of my mother who is 90 years old today, I am filled with immense gratitude for the guiding light she has been in my journey. She is my angelic guide, a master strategist, and a beacon of wisdom and strength, illuminating my path with her unwavering love and support. Indeed, as Proverbs 31:26 reminds us, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Her words, like soothing balm, have healed my wounds. Her voice, like a clarion call, has stirred me to greatness.  

From her modest but eventful beginnings, Maami has captured the hearts and admiration of all who are privileged to know her. She embodies the very essence of humility, grace, and warmth, her elevated sense of style a true reflection of her modesty and decency. She is a rare gem, a queen robed in dignity, a woman whose presence alone commands reverence and admiration.  

Though her formal education may have been limited, she remains my greatest educator, my first and most influential teacher. As a lawyer with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I owe my foundational understanding of law, ethics, values, and the profound significance of being an "Omoluabi" to her nurturing guidance. Indeed, Maami is my first law lecturer. She taught me law and justice long before I studied law, instilled integrity in me long before I swore any oath, and shaped me into the man I am today.  

Her unwavering faith in God has always been her greatest source of strength. Whenever trials arose, she would remind me of Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." In difficult times, when doubt clouded my vision, she would echo the words of Matthew 17:20: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." These words, spoken with conviction, have been my anchor in life’s storms.  

She always reminds me that I’m deliberately named, Abraham and that should sink to my head that as the father of faith, there lies my strength. Faith, as she has taught me, is the foundation upon which great lives are built. As Mahavira once said, “Faith is the foundation of all good deeds and the root of all wisdom.” And in those moments of uncertainty, when I have questioned my path, her presence has reminded me of Guru Nanak’s words: “He who has faith has the world.”  

As I reminisce, vivid memories of her firm yet loving discipline arise. I recall the gentle squeezing of my ears, a testament to her steadfast commitment to shaping my character. Through her nurturing, I learned the virtues of courage, generosity, tenacity, and respect for others. A trained seamstress, she transformed her vocation into a thriving career as a textile merchant in Gbagi Market, Ibadan, and later as the esteemed proprietor of TI OLUWA NI ILE BOOKSHOP (NIG) LTD. This establishment became a cherished haven for knowledge seekers across the Southwest of Nigeria. 

Maami’s admiration for great figures such as Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, Hubert Adedeji Ogunde, Akinwande Wole Soyinka, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti left a profound mark on me. Many of these distinguished personalities, along with others of great influence, were among her esteemed customers at the bookshop. She saw in me a leader, an actor, a scholar, and an activist, an ambitious vision that continues to shape my aspirations. Her stories of resilience and determination instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Even in my childhood, the books in her shop were my most cherished possessions, and it is within that nurturing environment that my lifelong love for learning took root.

Her unshakable trust in divine guidance has shaped her every decision. She often quotes Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This principle has been my guiding philosophy, a lesson I learned at her feet. Even in moments of despair, she reassures me with Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  

Throughout my life, Maami has been my unwavering supporter, encouraging me to embrace my aspirations without apprehension. She has often reminded me that "impossible" is merely a word. Her love knows no bounds; no one can understand or inspire me as she does. In the spirit of the Quran, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Quran 2:286), her intuitive understanding of my struggles has been a divine gift. Her prayers, whispered in the quiet of the night, have been the foundation of my victories.  

Today, as I celebrate her 90 years of life, I also honour the profound impact she has had on our community. As the Iya-Ijo of Christ Anglican Church in Ifira-Akoko, she has been a pillar of strength and wisdom for her congregation. Her active role in civic matters exemplifies her commitment to uplifting our society, tirelessly supporting initiatives that foster community growth. She is a mother not only to me but to many, a nurturer whose embrace has sheltered more souls than she will ever know.  

Despite her physical frailty, her determination to fulfill her civic duties, especially during the recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State, was nothing short of inspirational. I recall how she insisted that I drive her and her friends to the polling booth, where I physically carried her to ensure she could cast her vote. Her unwavering spirit serves as a powerful reminder that neither age nor health should ever hinder one’s commitment to democracy and civic engagement. As Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Maami does not merely preach values, she lives them.  

Princess Christianah Monisola O. Ajulo, my “Iya Ni Wura”, in letters and spirits, is a woman of substance, a mother not only to her family but to the nation, a truly extraordinary individual whose legacy will endure for generations. She has an uncanny ability to sense the decisions I face, both the ones I share and those I keep to myself. I vividly remember when a recent moment of decision arose on whether to accept an appointment; Maami called to advise me not to reject it, foreseeing its success, but warned me not to place any conditions whatsoever on the offer. This is not her first time of giving such advice, there’re some mouth watering briefs that come my way, from nowhere my mother will call, to offer her usual advice on what to do and sometimes she may come with that word, “Ma Gbowo” that means I should do the brief ex gratis. This wisdom has proven invaluable, and I have no regrets. She sees beyond the present, speaks into the future, and guides with an intuition that borders on the divine.  

In every lesson she has taught me, I see echoes of ancient wisdom. Buddha once said, “What we think, we become. With our thoughts, we make the world.” And in my mother’s voice, I hear Thich Nhat Hanh’s words: “Faith is like a seed; if you plant it in the right soil and nurture it, it will grow.” She has taught me that true greatness lies in effort, not just in rewards, much like Bhagavad Gita 2:47 states: “You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.”  

As I commemorate this significant milestone, I fervently pray for her continued health, joy, and resounding victories. Confucius reminds us, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” My mother has moved mountains with her faith, love, and relentless strength.  

Happy 90th birthday, Maami. Your life is a testament to love, resilience, and dedication. Today, I honour you with all the affection and admiration you so richly deserve. You are my first light, my unending song, the rhythm of my soul. You are the masterpiece that God painted into my life. You are love in its purest form. And for all eternity, I will remain grateful for the gift of being your son.

-Dr. Olukayode Ajulo OON, SAN