Category Global News

RYNI News : By Omotayo Stephen . O
26 July 2025

A quiet storm is sweeping through the United Kingdom’s immigrant workforce — and for thousands of Nigerians, it may soon mean an abrupt and painful return home.

Following a sweeping overhaul of the UK’s immigration policy, the British government has axed over 100 job roles from its Skilled Worker visa eligibility list, triggering widespread anxiety among Nigerian professionals who relied on these positions for legal residency and employment.

The new regulations, which officially came into effect on July 22, 2025, sharply redefine the landscape for foreign workers. The minimum salary threshold for most skilled roles has now surged to £41,700, up from previous figures hovering around £25,000. Only a limited set of roles on the newly minted Temporary Shortage Occupation List remain exempt from the hike — a list that leaves out many roles historically held by migrant workers.

For Nigerians, the implications are dire. Over the past three years, Nigerians have emerged as one of the largest groups securing employment through the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) system — particularly in health, social care, IT, customer service, logistics, and creative industries. But under the new framework, many of these roles — from pharmaceutical technicians to community support workers, interior designers to logistics supervisors — have been stripped of sponsorship eligibility.

What this means, in practical terms as gathered by Saturday PUNCH, is that current CoS holders may not be able to renew their visas when their current contracts expire. Without a valid visa, they could face deportation or be forced to leave voluntarily.

Speaking to The Global Sentinel, Kayode Alabi, a UK-based immigration consultant and CEO of Phika Travels, warned that “many affected Nigerians are already in panic mode.” He added, “If your job has been delisted, you won’t qualify for a new visa or sponsorship. That means your time in the UK is ticking.”

For those in health and care roles, the situation is slightly more nuanced. While the salary threshold remains at £25,600, employers must now prove this is the net amount employees will receive after deductions like accommodation and transport — a hurdle many small care homes may struggle to meet.

Expressing her concerns, one affected Nigerian caregiver, whose visa expires in August, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH , “My role has been delisted. I’ve applied to several companies, but none can meet the salary threshold. I may have to return home.”

Across online forums and diaspora networks, similar stories abound. Some employers have openly stated they cannot adjust salaries in line with the new regulations. Others have frozen recruitment altogether, awaiting clarity.

Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of Cardinal E-School and Edu Services, predicts that over 10,000 Nigerians may be impacted. “The emotional and economic toll is real. People sold properties, left families, and made long-term plans based on the previous system. Now, everything is up in the air.”

Data from the UK Home Office supports this sobering projection: after a spike to over 26,000 Nigerian Skilled Worker visa approvals in 2023, approvals have already begun to decline sharply in 2024.

As Britain tightens its borders in pursuit of lower net migration, thousands of Nigerian families now face a chilling question: Where do we go from here?

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen . O
18 July 2025

In a landmark moment celebrated by Nigerians and the global Black diaspora, Dr. Timileyin Oluseyi, a Nigerian-born physician based in the United States, has shattered institutional records by being the first resident in his medical residency history to win all eight prestigious awards at his graduation ceremony.

The unprecedented achievement includes top honors for clinical excellence, research, leadership, teaching, patient-centred care, professionalism, innovation, and community service—a sweep never before achieved in the residency’s existence . With performances across every academic and professional measure, Oluseyi outperformed every peer, irrespective of background or race .

But it was the heartfelt cultural salute that captured global attention: during the ceremony, both the program director and department chairman prostrated before Dr. Oluseyi in accordance with Yoruba tradition—a gesture of deep respect reserved for elders and esteemed individuals. The tribute, accredited to careful cultural research by institutional leaders, was described as a powerful testament to both his achievement and heritage .

One senior faculty member remarked, “We’ve never seen anything like this. He raised the bar for this program forever,” underscoring the magnitude of Oluseyi’s success . The emotional ceremony blended seriousness with levity when colleagues famously presented him with a wheelbarrow to “carry all his awards home,” eliciting laughter and applause .

Dr. Oluseyi’s historic feat is resonating far beyond the lecture halls. Nigerian diaspora groups, including NiDCOM, and social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram, have erupted in celebration, calling him a trailblazer and a shining example of Black excellence . Many see his success as a beacon of hope and representation for Nigerian and African youth aspiring to careers in medicine.

This moment comes at a pivotal time, as global conversations increasingly emphasize equitable recognition of Black professionals in historically non-diverse fields. Dr. Oluseyi’s story represents not just personal triumph, but a symbolic victory in dismantling stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of Black and African medical professionals.

As he embarks on his next chapter—be it further fellowship or independent practice—Dr. Timileyin Oluseyi’s unparalleled success positions him as a cultural icon, a clinical visionary, and a role model whose legacy will inspire long after he takes his final bow on stage.

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
17 July 2025

Africa, home to over 1.4 billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is increasingly becoming the stage of a puzzling economic drama. On one side, foreign investors are pouring billions into African ventures, seeking untapped markets and long-term gains. On the other, Africa’s own wealthy elite are steadily moving their money overseas—into Western real estate, foreign stocks, and offshore accounts.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa reached $97 billion in 2021, a 147% increase from the previous year, signaling renewed global confidence in the continent’s potential. Meanwhile, the African Wealth Report 2023 by Henley & Partners reveals that over 60% of Africa’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) hold a significant portion of their assets outside the continent.

Why the contradiction?

The answer lies in a combination of perceived domestic risk and global financial pull factors. For many wealthy Africans, home markets are plagued by economic volatility, weak legal protections, and fragile political systems. The Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance shows that while some countries are progressing, issues like corruption, rule of law, and regulatory instability remain widespread, leading to a “flight to safety” mentality among local investors.

“Many wealthy Africans prefer the predictability of London, New York, or Dubai to the uncertainty they face in their own backyards,” says economist Dr. Bayo Akinlade. “Even profitable businesses can be destabilized overnight by policy shifts or governance failures.”

Additionally, trust in African financial institutions remains low. A World Bank survey (2022) found that nearly 40% of surveyed African entrepreneurs cited regulatory uncertainty and political interference as major barriers to local investment.

But this story isn’t just about fear—it’s also about prestige and global mobility. Offshore investments often provide elite Africans with access to global banking, residency or citizenship-by-investment programs, and elite education systems. These incentives, combined with better access to global capital markets, explain why African capital continues to flow outwards.

Ironically, while African investors look abroad, foreign investors are lining up to enter. The reasons? High returns, first-mover advantage, and long-term strategic positioning.

In private equity, for instance, African funds have delivered annual returns of 11–15%, according to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, outperforming many Western markets. Sectors like fintech, agritech, infrastructure, and clean energy offer robust growth potential, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) projected to create a combined market of $3.4 trillion.

“Africa’s youth, digital adoption, and resource base make it irresistible for forward-thinking global investors,” says Maria Edwards, Senior Analyst at the IFC. “They’re playing the long game.”

This paradox reveals a key challenge for African policymakers: how to restore domestic investor confidence, stem capital flight, and build a more trustworthy investment climate.

Until then, Africa risks becoming a continent where wealth is created locally but stored abroad—while outsiders reap the rewards of a future Africans themselves hesitate to fully claim.

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
15 July 2025

In a dramatic yet unsurprising move, Cameroon’s long-serving leader, President Paul Biya, has announced on sunday his intention to run for an unprecedented eighth term in office, extending a reign that began over four decades ago.

The nonagenarian leader made the announcement via X (formerly Twitter), posting in both English and French:
“I am a candidate for the 12 October 2025 presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you is commensurate with the serious challenges facing us. Together, there are no challenges we cannot meet.”

In a formal statement titled “Declaration of Candidacy for the 12 October 2025 Presidential Election by His Excellency Paul BIYA,” the president described his decades-long leadership as a “sacred duty,” while acknowledging that “much remains to be done.” He claimed his decision was driven by widespread calls from across the nation and the diaspora urging him to stay the course.

With Biya at the helm since 1982, Cameroon has seen over four decades of uninterrupted rule, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. If re-elected, his next term could take him close to 100 years of age by its end.

Though he remains the figurehead of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM),
Biya’s latest bid comes amid growing unrest within his political circle. Two of his key allies—Employment Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary and former Prime Minister Bello Bouba Maigari—have left his camp to pursue their own presidential ambitions under the FSNC and NUDP, respectively. Both parties had been long-standing supporters of Biya’s CPDM.

The race is also heating up on the opposition front. Maurice Kamto, Biya’s most prominent challenger from the 2018 election, is back in the ring, along with Cabral Libii, a strong voice from the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (CPNR). However, the opposition remains fractured and unable to rally around a single candidate—an advantage for Biya in a system known for heavily favoring incumbents.

Despite his enduring grip on power, public frustration remains high. Youth unemployment, inflation, inadequate infrastructure, and ongoing separatist violence in the Anglophone regions continue to fuel discontent.

Candidates have until July 21 to declare their intentions, but one thing is certain: Cameroon’s 2025 election promises to be both historic and deeply divisive.

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
15 July 2025

In a testament to global ambition and entrepreneurial brilliance, two Nigerian-born innovators, Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi and Tope Awotona, have secured their places on Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s richest immigrants. The annual list, featuring 125 immigrant billionaires from 41 countries, showcases the pivotal role of immigrants in shaping the U.S. economic landscape, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, and innovation.

It’s a seismic moment not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent. For the first time, two Nigerian visionaries have climbed into the billionaire ranks of the world’s most competitive economy — a feat born not of inheritance, but of tenacity, daring innovation, and pure willpower.

At 77th position, Ogunlesi is no stranger to global influence. A Yale- and Harvard-trained legal and financial mastermind, he chairs Global Infrastructure Partners, a firm that controls billions in airport, energy, and transport investments. With a personal fortune estimated at $2.4 billion, the business mogul from Sagamu has shaped mega-deals in US — all while keeping his roots firmly Nigerian.

Meanwhile, Tope Awotona, the tech disruptor behind the scheduling giant Calendly, lands at 106th position with a net worth of $1.4 billion. A one-man startup army who emptied his savings to build Calendly, Awotona’s journey from the streets of Lagos to the innovation labs of Atlanta is now the blueprint for immigrant excellence in global SaaS powerhouse used by millions.

Their rise is part of a larger phenomenon: immigrants now make up 14% of America’s billionaires — but command a staggering 18% of its total billionaire wealth, according to Forbes. And it’s not just about money. This list celebrates resilience, vision, and the global citizen who builds across borders.

At the summit remains South African-born Elon Musk, whose $393.1 billion empire spans Tesla, SpaceX, and AI. Yet beyond Musk’s shadow, the emergence of Ogunlesi and Awotona signals a new dawn for African entrepreneurial influence — one that’s no longer defined by extraction or aid, but by technology, finance, and boardroom leadership.

Other notable African-born figures include Egypt’s Haim Saban ($3.1 billion), Morocco’s Marc Lasry ($1.9 billion), and Bharat Desai from Kenya ($1.6 billion).

Forbes notes that 93 percent of the immigrant billionaires are self-made, a figure that speaks volumes about the grit and resilience driving this elite group. The rise from 92 immigrant billionaires in 2022 to 115 in 2025 signals a growing “immigrant mindset” fueled by innovation, adaptability and relentless pursuit of opportunity, qualities well embodied by Ogunleai and Awotona on the world stage.

This year’s rankings don’t just spotlight wealth — they spotlight visionaries who dared to dream across oceans and borders. And as Ogunlesi and Awotona rise, they not only carry the torch for Nigeria — they illuminate a path for the next generation of global changemakers.

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
13 July 2025

A monumental figure in Nigeria’s modern history has taken his final bow. Muhammadu Buhari, former military head of state and two-term civilian president, passed away peacefully on Sunday in a medical facility in London at the age of 82, marking the quiet end of a man whose leadership stirred both admiration and debate.

The announcement came via his longtime aide and former presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, who stated, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus.”

Buhari, who once bestrode Nigeria’s political and military arenas with austere discipline and nationalist fervor, leaves behind a complex legacy that spanned nearly five decades of public service—marked by military command, political resilience, and historical milestones.

Born in 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari’s journey from a northern town to Nigeria’s seat of power mirrored the nation’s own turbulent post-independence trajectory. Revered by some as a no-nonsense patriot and reviled by others as an unbending autocrat, Buhari’s life and leadership left no Nigerian indifferent.

Rising to prominence as a Major General in the Nigerian Army, Buhari first held sway over the nation as a military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, following a coup that promised a crusade against indiscipline and corruption. His time as a military ruler was as decisive as it was controversial, earning him both respect and criticism in equal measure.

Nearly a decade later, he was tapped by the late General Sani Abacha in 1994 to head the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), where he supervised infrastructure and development projects that left a lasting imprint on the nation’s economic landscape.

But it was his tenacity in the democratic arena that defined his latter years. After three failed presidential bids, Buhari finally achieved victory in 2015, under the All Progressive Congress (APC), unseating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan—an unprecedented democratic transfer of power in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019, completing his second term in 2023.

His presidency was marked by battles on multiple fronts— insurgency, economic downturns, anti-corruption efforts, and rising youth agitation. Through it all, Buhari maintained his trademark composure, winning both praise and criticism for his quiet, sometimes distant, style of leadership.

Decorated with the nation’s highest honours—Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), among others—he also bore military medals such as the Defence Service Medal and Forces Service Star, and was awarded the Congo Medal and the Global Seal of Integrity.

As condolences flood in from world leaders, African presidents, and ordinary citizens, the nation stands at a reflective crossroads. Whether seen as a disciplined reformer or a reluctant democrat, one truth remains unshakable: Muhammadu Buhari was a man who defined—and defied—his times.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI Media.

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp