General
Viral Setback to Global Thinking
By Gregory Kronsten
The first duty of our rulers is to protect our security. So, they declare war, mobilize armies and negotiate peace on our behalf.
Now, however, they face an enemy they cannot see and do not understand. Being human, they make mistakes. In most cases we have elected them to look after us, and are angry when they fall short.
The recriminations and name-calling have barely started.
Government A was at best reluctant to share its experience of the virus with other countries. Government B did not support the struggling states by the sea to its south. Government C was slow to introduce lockdown. Government D initially made light of the virus that had already devastated many other countries. Government E has kept its collective head down and left second-tier officials to tackle the threat (and take the brickbats).
Three of the five are G7 members and the other two prominent among the BRICS (remember them). For all countries, the question is whether Covid-19 will bring us closer together or teach us to look after ourselves first.
The international financial system is disbursing monies to support the post-Covid recovery at national level: to fund healthcare, ease the burden of external debt service and shore up the balance of payments.
While we hear the mantra that the global crisis requires a global solution, our hunch is that governments will initially veer towards looking inwards. Having seen selective export bans applied to personal protective equipment and testing equipment, they will produce or at least stockpile their own.
Having seen splits within their trade and political groupings, they will be wary of depending on their partner members.
The faultlines of the EU have again been exposed and would it not be surprising now if African governments tempered their expectations of the African Continental Free Trade Area? They may want to move on from reciting the size of the new market and it’s combined GDP as if the numbers guarantee the success of the project.
The closing of national borders might have helped to contain the virus although in some instances the horse had already bolted. Advocates of visa restrictions and immigration controls have been emboldened.
Behavioural scientists may have a different take but the virus will have dented the confidence of many people. It would be a shock if, having been subject to lockdown, they quickly rediscover the joy of travelling to exotic destinations. When the flight is short-haul, the issue of social distancing still arises.
Quite apart from the general level of domestic demand, some industries will be particularly wary of their prospects post-virus. Travel agencies, holiday operators, airlines serving leisure destinations, retail parks targeted at tourists and educational establishments dependent upon foreign students all spring to mind.
It may be that, once we have a vaccine for Covid-19, we will forget the deaths it has caused, the fear it has created and the economic dislocation it has brought. This is unlikely. However, government, household and personal finances have all been hammered by the virus. So, even if we have outgrown the virus, we may well not have the funds for the flight and the holiday.
Gregory Kronsten is the Head, Macroeconomic & Fixed Income Research at FBNQuest
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians and the media to stand with the military to end terrorism in the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday night to mourn the loss of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of today, Mr Tinubu “expressed deep sadness” over the incident.
Some Boko Haram terrorists had launched a coordinated terrorist attack on the military camp, killing Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah and others.
While praising the courage and heroism of the dead soldiers, the President urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.
“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.
“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.
“I urge the military high command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.
“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.
“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The federal government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Visa appointments at the United States of America (USA) embassy in Abuja have been cancelled.
This is coming a day after America directed its officials to leave the facility “due to the deteriorating security situation” in the capital city of Nigeria.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, “The Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave the US Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.
“The overall Travel Advisory for Nigeria is Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Some specific states are at Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
The next day, the US Embassy in Abuja announced the cancellation of “visa appointments,” urging applicants to “check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.”
However, it noted that, “Visa operations at US Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Global Camp Meeting 2026, organised by Dominion City under the theme, Redigging the Wells of Our Fathers, left a lasting impact on attendees.
The six-day international conference ended with waves of miracles, revival, and life-changing testimonies, Business Post gathered.
From the onset, the atmosphere of the gathering was marked by deep spiritual intensity, with participants reporting life-changing experiences.
The first night of the Night of Glory witnessed remarkable miracles, including the deliverance of a 14-year-old girl from a seven-year struggle with pornography, healing from cancer, restoration from partial blindness and deafness, and recovery from heart and severe skin infections.
In addition, several children were reported to have been baptised in the Holy Spirit, with many seen praying in tongues, a development that further underscored the depth of the spiritual impact across all age groups.
Beyond these, numerous testimonies poured in from participants across different locations. Chinecherem S. shared how he arrived at the Enugu camp meeting on crutches due to a bone fracture but left completely healed, able to walk, run, and jump freely.
Similarly, Faith from Lagos testified to being healed of a fibroid, noting that a previously noticeable lump in her abdomen had completely disappeared.
Blessing recounted a profound encounter during a teaching on The Cross, which led to her deliverance from hard drug use and prostitution, describing it as a turning point in her life.
International participants were not left out, as Ella M. from Namibia described the teachings as “uncompromising truth,” while Boikanyo M. from Botswana testified to experiencing God’s power remotely, expressing belief in an impending revival in her nation.
These are a few of the overwhelming testimonies of miracles, salvation, deliverance, and spiritual renewal experienced at the event, which drew over 60,000 in-person participants and millions of online viewers worldwide.
For many, the impact extended beyond physical healing to clarity of purpose and commitment. Peter B. from Lagos shared that he received a clear sense of his calling to disciple others and rededicated his life to fulfilling God’s purpose, adding that he also experienced deliverance during a baptism session.
The meeting also featured ministrations from Dr David Ogbueli and other global ministers, who emphasised moral renewal, spiritual growth, and leadership development.
Participants were equipped not only spiritually but also through sessions addressing innovation, career growth, and societal impact.
Organisers noted that the conference also contributed to local economic activity while providing free transportation and medical services to attendees.
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