World News

Iran fires vessels, reimposes strict military controls on Strait of Hormuz

Published

2 months ago

April 19, 2026

Iran has reimposed strict military controls on the Strait of Hormuz as its ’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy forced at least two vessels back westward out of the Strait, with firing involved on Saturday.

In the early hours of February 28, Iran launched reprisal attacks on the United States (US) military bases in the Middle East, with multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, and Kuwait, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The attack followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iran.

Now in its sixth week, the conflict has since disrupted economic activities in the region, with the rest of the world feeling the heat.

On Saturday, Iran said it had tightened control of the narrow waterway.

Some vessels reported they received radio messages from the IRGC navy telling them the strait was closed again and no ships were allowed to pass through.

UK Maritime Trade Operations, based in Dubai and run by the UK Royal Navy, said that two Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker and a vessel north-east of Oman.

According to TankerTrackers, Iran’s navy had forced two Indian vessels back out of the Strait of Hormuz, with firing involved.

One of the vessels is an Indian-flagged VLCC supertanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi oil. The impact was not immediately clear.

Iran said on Saturday it was reimposing strict military controls on the strait, the conduit of about a fifth of global oil trade before the war, leading to uncertainty over whether such traffic would be allowed to continue through the strait.

US President Donald Trump hours earlier had cited “some pretty good news” about Iran, declining to elaborate.

But he also said fighting might resume without a peace deal by Wednesday, when a two-week ceasefire expires.

Iran had announced its temporary reopening of the strait following a separate US-brokered 10-day ceasefire agreement on Thursday between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon.

But on Saturday, Iran’s central military command announced it would resume “strict management” of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement on state television, it said Washington had broken a promise by continuing its naval blockade of ships sailing to and from Iranian ports.

And in a message posted on his Telegram channel, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran’s navy was ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on its enemies.

Related Topics:Featured Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Strait of Hormuz UK Maritime Trade Operations

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World News

Obama, wife celebrate Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Published

1 hour ago

June 16, 2026

News Diggers

Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have unveiled their first joint portrait for the Obama Presidential Center, praising the work of Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby for capturing key moments of their shared journey.

In separate posts shared on X, former U.S. President Barack Obama described the unveiling as a special occasion, noting that the artwork reflects “so many chapters” of his and Michelle Obama’s story together.

“It was great joining Njideka Akunyili Crosby — a gifted Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist — to unveil our first portrait together,” Obama wrote. “This piece reflects so many chapters of Michelle and my story, and we’re thrilled that it will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Center starting this Juneteenth.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also commended the acclaimed artist, highlighting the emotional depth and vibrancy of the portrait.

“Barack and I were so honored to have @AkunyiliCrosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center,” she wrote. “Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too.”

The portrait was created by Nigerian-born contemporary artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, who is based in Los Angeles and is internationally recognised for her mixed-media works that explore themes of identity, family and cultural heritage.

According to the Obamas, the artwork will be permanently displayed in the Hope and Change lobby of the Obama Presidential Center beginning on Juneteenth, the annual U.S. holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

The unveiling has drawn attention not only because it marks the first official joint portrait commissioned by the former First Couple for the Presidential Center, but also because of the involvement of a Nigerian artist whose work has gained global acclaim in recent years.

World News

Narendra Modi, Tinubu reaffirm strong diplomatic ties

Published

20 hours ago

June 15, 2026

News Diggers

President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and India following an exchange of goodwill messages marking Modi’s historic tenure in office.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Tinubu for congratulating him on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister, describing the Nigerian leader as a valued friend and highlighting the enduring partnership between both nations.

“Thank you President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for your warm wishes. I deeply value our friendship and the strong partnership between India and Nigeria. Together, we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of our peoples and for the advancement of the Global South,” Modi wrote.

Modi’s response came after President Tinubu, in a message dated June 9, 2026, congratulated the Indian leader on what he described as a historic political milestone achieved through the confidence and trust of the Indian people over three consecutive mandates.

Tinubu said Modi’s “dedication to public service, commitment to national development, and influential leadership on the global stage continue to inspire millions worldwide.”

The Nigerian president also described Modi as “a personal friend and trusted ally” whose wisdom, courage and commitment to national development he had come to admire over the years.

“Beyond being a great friend of Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is a personal friend and trusted ally whom I can always count on,” Tinubu stated.

He further noted that Modi, a recipient of Nigeria’s national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), had played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between both countries.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I wish Prime Minister Modi continued good health, wisdom, and success as he leads India to even greater heights,” Tinubu added.

The exchange of messages underscores the growing strategic relationship between Nigeria and India, with both leaders expressing a shared commitment to promoting the prosperity of their citizens and advancing the interests of countries in the Global South.

World News

Manchester celebrates Africa Day through culture, conversation, community

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2026

News Diggers

Culture experts and enthusiasts have applauded the Africa Day 2026 Cultural Hangout Festival held in Manchester last weekend.

The event brought together speakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community

stakeholders for a day focused on culture, heritage, tourism, and international

collaboration.

Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre, the event provided a platform

for dialogue on how cultural assets can support destination promotion, economic

development, and stronger relationships between African and UK communities.

The event was organised by Aihawu Victor, Founder and CEO of the Cultural

Hangout Festival, who welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of

preserving cultural identity while creating opportunities for future generations.

“We often celebrate culture through food, fashion, and entertainment, but culture is

also a powerful tool for education, tourism, business, and community development,”Victor said during his presentation.

One of the highlights of the day was a discussion session that brought together

speakers from both Nigeria and the United Kingdom to share perspectives on

tourism, culture, and destination development.

Representing Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Ms. Avoseh-Akwe

Senami Oluwakemi, Council Manager, spoke on Tourism as a Tool for Local

Economic Development. Drawing from the experiences of Badagry, a town known for

its rich history and cultural significance, she explained how communities can benefit

when heritage is properly preserved and promoted.

Another speaker, Careen Joseph, explored opportunities for collaboration between

African and UK destinations. Her presentation focused on how cultural partnerships,

tourism exchanges, and shared projects can create stronger connections between

communities on both sides.

Aihawu Victor also delivered a presentation on ‘The Role of Culture and Heritage in

Destination Promotion’, encouraging participants to see cultural assets not simply as symbols of the past but as valuable resources for education, tourism, and economic development.

Away from the discussion sessions, the atmosphere throughout the day reflected the diversity and creativity of Africa. Guests enjoyed live music, drumming, instrumental

performances, cultural displays, and opportunities to interact with businesses and creative entrepreneurs showcasing their work.

Performing artists added energy and excitement to the festival, creating moments that brought people together through rhythm, storytelling, and shared cultural

experiences. For many attendees, the event was more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to reconnect with heritage, build new relationships, and explore ideas that could lead tofuture partnerships and projects.

The festival was delivered with support from partners including CareersBar, Reftop

Homes Ltd, and the Centre for Youths Integrated Development (CYID).

As the day came to a close, participants left with new contacts, fresh perspectives,

and a renewed appreciation for the role culture can play in bringing people together

across borders.

The Cultural Hangout Festival continues to grow as a platform that connects culture

with education, tourism, enterprise, and community development, creating spaces

where heritage is celebrated while new opportunities are created for the future.