Our Children’s Brains Are Not for Sale: Macron's Urgent Call for Social Media Restrictions

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his government will expedite legislation to prohibit children under 15 from using social media, aiming to implement the law before the next school year starts in September. "The minds of our children and teenagers are not for sale," Macron stated in a video released late Saturday. "Their feelings should not be sold or manipulated, whether by American companies or Chinese algorithms." Macron mentioned that the government intends to restrict social media access for those under 15 and also ban mobile phone usage in high schools, calling this a clear and necessary rule for teens, families, and educators. This announcement comes as various Western nations advocate for stricter online safety regulations to shield minors from the potential dangers of social media. In December, Australia enacted significant legislation prohibiting under-16s from having accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The UK has also indicated it is contemplating similar actions, including a potential ban on social media for those under 16. In France, the proposed ban is being pushed by lawmakers who contend that current protections are inadequate due to ineffective age-verification systems. One lawmaker involved in the initiative stated that users can currently input any birth date to access social media. "What we aim to enforce on platforms, by strictly applying the European Digital Services Act, is genuine age verification when accessing a social network," she explained. "This changes everything, as users will need to prove if they are over or under 15." She recognized that some users might still find ways to circumvent restrictions but emphasized that the priority is to take strong measures to safeguard minors online. After Australia’s ban, officials reported that over 4.7 social media accounts believed to belong to under-16s had been deactivated or removed. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the decision was influenced by increasing evidence of social damage and demands from both parents and youth. After Australia's ban, officials reported that over 4.7 social media accounts thought to belong to users under 16 had been deactivated or taken down. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the decision was influenced by increasing evidence of social damage and demands from both parents and youth.

iShowSpeed Turns 21: Exploring His Africa Tour and the Significance of 50 Million Followers

American online streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., widely recognized as iShowSpeed, has addressed criticism surrounding claims of alleged disrespect toward Nigerian content creators during his ongoing Africa tour. He clarified that the purpose of his trip was not centered around collaborations with influencers but rather aimed at promoting African culture and showcasing the everyday lives of its people. The explanation came in response to widespread reactions following a Wednesday livestream that documented his first full day in Lagos, Nigeria. The event drew large crowds, spontaneous street interactions, and numerous viral moments that quickly sparked conversations across Africa and beyond. Some Nigerian content creators voiced their disappointment, accusing the streamer of ignoring collaboration requests during his Lagos visit. Fans had specifically urged Speed to engage with Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, a popular Nigerian streamer active on TikTok and Kick. Peller made multiple attempts to catch Speed's attention, going as far as climbing onto his vehicle and even riding a horse through traffic in an effort to connect. In a widely circulated video, Peller was heard pleading, "Please, I’m a streamer. I’m big. Please let’s do something. I have suffered because of you." Despite these attempts, Speed continued with his planned activities, leading to mixed reactions online. Many fans and creators questioned why one of the world’s most prominent streamers would tour Africa without collaborating with local influencers. In response, Speed firmly stated that the focus of his tour is not on partnerships with other content creators. He explained that the goal is to shine a spotlight on African culture, street performers, and overlooked talents within everyday communities. He noted that many of the creators expressing their grievances already have prominent platforms, while his tour aims to provide visibility to those who seldom get such opportunities.

He also clarified that his daily itinerary is pre-arranged by his team. "Every day on this tour is scheduled — the locations, the time, everything," he emphasized, adding that last-minute meetups or adjustments are not feasible. He further highlighted that canceling cultural visits or abandoning plans arranged by local communities would go against the spirit of the tour. Speed acknowledged similar criticisms during his earlier stop in South Africa, where some creators also felt left out. However, he reiterated his dedication to showcasing the core essence of the continent.

"The purpose of this trip is to highlight the real Africa — the street performers, local artists, and communities with talent that rarely receive global recognition," he stated. Titled "Speed Does Africa," iShowSpeed’s tour began on December 29, 2025, and is set to span 28 days across 20 countries. His next stop is scheduled to be the Benin Republic as he continues his journey through the continent. Photo credit: Instagram- ishowSpeed

Ooni's Diplomatic Passport Renewal: Acknowledging Tinubu's Immigration Reforms

On Wednesday, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), visited the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja to renew his diplomatic passport. The distinguished royal was warmly received by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, accompanied by members of the service’s management team. The visit was highlighted in a statement released on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, from the NIS headquarters in Abuja. According to the statement, the Ooni’s visit reflects his commitment to fostering engagement with national institutions. The document acknowledged his appreciation for ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing migration management and border governance. During the visit, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi praised the leadership and transformative initiatives undertaken under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He commended the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Interior, and others team.

The recognition from the Ooni underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading and modernizing the Nigeria Immigration Service through institutional reforms. Recent months have seen significant advancements within the service, including digitization of passport operations, enhanced border surveillance, and a restructured migration management process, all spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s visit to the NIS headquarters highlights his engagement with impactful governance measures that aim to foster efficiency within national frameworks. The event also served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between traditional leadership and governmental agencies in pursuit of broader developmental goals. Photo credit: Instagram- Ooni of Ile Ife

Trump Launches Board of Peace: What It Means for Global Diplomacy and the UN

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially unveiled a bold new initiative called the Board of Peace, which aims to stabilize the precarious ceasefire in Gaza. However, Trump envisions this initiative extending far beyond Gaza to address other pressing global challenges. While this expansive vision has garnered interest, some allies worry it might disrupt the United Nations' leadership role in managing international diplomacy and conflict resolution. During a high-profile announcement held alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump clarified that the Board of Peace is intended to complement—not replace—the efforts of multilateral institutions like the UN. Highlighting what he considers untapped potential within the United Nations, he framed the board as a cooperative partner in tackling global crises. Positioned as the board’s chair, Trump emphasized that the initiative’s ultimate scope goes beyond Gaza to tackle broader international conflicts. However, this ambition has sparked unease among U.S. allies who fear it could dilute the primacy of the UN in global governance. Despite these concerns, the new initiative has already attracted commitments from around 35 countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Argentina, and Indonesia. Russia is reportedly considering joining but remains undecided for now. Meanwhile, responses from Western powers have been more tepid—France has declined to participate, Britain has stated it is holding off for the time being, and China has yet to take a clear position.

Key to membership in the Board of Peace is a significant financial commitment, with permanent members expected to contribute $1 billion each. At the signing ceremony, however, there were no major representatives from global superpowers. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin commented that Moscow is reviewing the proposal and suggested possibly using frozen Russian assets in the U.S. to fulfill any potential contribution aimed at supporting Palestinians. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that in the short term, the board’s primary focus would be the effective implementation of the Gaza peace plan. He further suggested it could act as a blueprint for resolving conflicts in other regions. The board's establishment was backed by a UN Security Council resolution tied to Trump’s Gaza peace strategy, though the UN stressed its involvement would remain limited to that specific area. The current roster of contributors includes a mix of democracies and nations led by governments sympathetic to Trump’s diplomatic style. High-profile members include U.S. figures like Rubio, senior Gaza negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Right now, international attention remains firmly fixed on Gaza’s fragile truce. According to Kushner, the next steps focus on reconstructing Gaza’s infrastructure and addressing the disarmament of Hamas, a vital roadblock to sustainable peace in the region. In the near term, efforts will prioritize delivering humanitarian aid while creating conditions conducive to long-term stability.

There are some early signs of movement. Palestinian officials have indicated that Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt is scheduled to reopen next week—a critical development for civilian access and aid delivery. Even so, challenges to the ceasefire persist as mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas over violations—ranging from disputes about hostages and humanitarian aid to ongoing violence—threaten its longevity. On a more diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to join the board, while Palestinian factions have cautiously endorsed both the peace plan and a transitional committee to oversee Gaza under the board’s monitoring. Yet even with this framework in place, long-standing issues like Hamas disarmament, security arrangements for Gaza, and an eventual Israeli withdrawal will require marathon negotiations.

Adeleke Addresses Paternity Claims: 'Anu Is Not My Grandchild; Kemi Olunloyo Has Been After My Son for Years'

Adedeji Adeleke, the father of popular Afrobeats musician Davido, has dismissed resurfaced paternity allegations involving his son and a minor, Anuoluwapo Adeleke. At a press briefing held at his Lagos residence on Wednesday, he accused controversial investigative journalist Kemi Olunloyo of spearheading a long-standing campaign of impersonation and defamation against his family. PREMIUM TIMES was present to cover the event, which addressed the paternity dispute that recently reignited after the 12-year-old girl appealed on social media for another DNA test. During the briefing, Mr. Adeleke categorically denied the claim that Davido fathered the child and emphasized that the family has handled the matter transparently over the years. Setting the record straight, he remarked, “I have 14 grandchildren,” before detailing the history behind the allegations. Mr. Adeleke explained that the issue first came to his attention in 2014 when he received a letter from a lawyer in Ibadan accusing Davido of impregnating a woman and neglecting both her and the child. Taking swift action, he sought to address the matter directly.

Central to Mr. Adeleke’s statements was an accusation that Ms. Olunloyo had impersonated the minor online to spread false claims about Davido. He read a message allegedly sent by the girl's aunt, denying any connection to a social media account used to post statements attributed to the child. According to the message, “My mum or I do not run the account. The account is managed by Kemi Olunloyo, with whom we severed ties years ago. We’ve reached out to her multiple times to stop posting about Anu.” The business magnate further criticized Ms. Olunloyo for what he described as years of baseless and malicious attacks on Davido. Mr. Adeleke revealed that his family is considering legal action against Ms. Olunloyo to address what he said were sustained defamatory statements damaging their reputation. To counter the paternity claims, he disclosed that five DNA tests had been conducted over the years, all of which confirmed that Davido is not the biological father of Anuoluwapo. Offering evidence during the briefing, he shared results from the most recent DNA test, which indicated zero percent paternity and were verified with signatures from both him and the girl’s grandmother. In contrast, he noted, DNA results for all of Davido’s actual children showed a 99.9 percent match. Expressing frustration over the persistence of these allegations, Mr. Adeleke questioned why anyone would deliberately berate someone based on unfounded claims, deeming this controversy both unnecessary and excessive. He emphasized that if Davido were truly Anuoluwapo’s father, his family would provide full financial support without hesitation. As part of his personal efforts to assist, Mr. Adeleke shared that he had aided Anu’s family for years, even offering to sponsor her mother, Ayotomide Labinjoh, through school. However, she reportedly dropped out during her second year. He clarified that during this time, financial support for school fees and upkeep was provided through Anu’s aunt, who cared for her, her grandmother, and her mother. Mr. Adeleke confirmed that his assistance had been unknown to Davido, showcasing his commitment to resolving the matter privately. He dismissed any need for a new DNA test, asserting that prior results had already provided conclusive answers.

The long-standing paternity dispute became public once more in January when Anu posted a plea on Instagram for another DNA test, citing experiences of bullying and emotional distress. However, Anu’s mother challenged these claims and alleged that only one test was conducted back in 2014, calling into question its validity. She has since demanded a new test under independent supervision. In response to these reemerging claims, Mr. Adeleke reiterated that this case had been settled years ago, attributing the ongoing controversy to misrepresentation and online misinformation likely fueled by Ms. Olunloyo’s involvement. The journalist has rejected accusations from the Adeleke family and published what she described as documentation from a 2014 DNA test...

Brooklyn Beckham Rejects Reconciliation with Parents Amid Claims of Humiliation and Anxiety

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham has publicly stated that he has no desire to reconcile with his parents, former football star David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham, confirming speculation about a strained relationship within the family. In a lengthy Instagram statement shared on Monday, Peltz Beckham accused his parents of attempting to sabotage his marriage to American actress and billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz, who is the daughter of businessman Nelson Peltz and former model Claudia Heffner Peltz. He expressed frustration with the way his parents have supposedly controlled public narratives about their family throughout his life, adding that their alleged interference in his relationship began even before his 2022 wedding. Following his marriage, he adopted the surname Peltz Beckham in honor of both families.

He described the statement as an act of asserting himself for the first time, sharing his thoughts across six Instagram stories for his 16.3 million followers. Reports of tension between Brooklyn and his famous parents have circulated for years, with tabloid headlines regularly fueling rumors of conflict. In his post, Brooklyn expanded on several incidents that he claimed contributed to the family rift.

One key point of contention he highlighted was an issue surrounding Nicola's wedding dress. He alleged that Victoria canceled plans to design her daughter-in-law’s gown at the last moment, leaving Nicola scrambling to find an alternative. Nicola ultimately wore a Valentino haute couture dress with a square neckline and dramatic train, an experience her stylist later characterized as the pinnacle of couture fashion, involving multiple visits to the brand's headquarters in Rome.

Brooklyn also claimed that tensions flared over seating arrangements at the wedding. He said his mother reacted with hostility after he and Nicola decided to seat his lifelong nanny and Nicola’s grandmother at the main table, a decision made in recognition of the losses both women had endured. Another incident he mentioned involved his wedding’s first dance. Brooklyn alleged that his mother "hijacked" the moment by stepping in unexpectedly. According to him, as he prepared for his first dance with Nicola, Victoria called him onstage to dance with her instead.

These revelations add further insights into the ongoing rift between Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and his parents, which continues to draw public attention.

Photo credit: Instagram- Brooklyn Peltz Beckham

President Museveni Appoints Daughter Natasha Museveni as Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda: Uganda Power Shift All to One Family

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, after securing re-election, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Natasha Museveni, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda. Meanwhile, the First Lady, Mrs. Janet Kataaha Museveni, holds the position of Minister of Education and Sport. In addition, the President's son serves as the Chief of Defense Forces in Uganda. Museveni was declared the winner in Thursday's election, extending his nearly four decades in power by another five years. According to the election commission, he garnered 72% of the vote, while his closest contender, Bobi Wine, secured 25%. Wine has rejected the results, alleging "fake results" and "ballot stuffing." However, he has yet to provide evidence for these claims, and authorities have not directly addressed the accusations. The African Union election observers stated they found "no evidence of ballot stuffing." Wine has since called for peaceful protests.

At 81 years old, Museveni first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 and has since claimed victory in seven elections. Despite the announcement of his win, reports of intermittent violence have emerged in specific neighborhoods. The country has faced an internet blackout since Tuesday, which has hindered the verification of information. Authorities defended the shutdown, arguing it was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud, and the incitement of violence—a justification criticized by the United Nations. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, leading the African Union observer mission, urged the government to desist from suspending internet access during elections. He also condemned reports of intimidation, arrests, and abductions, asserting that these acts generated fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process, according to AFP news agency.

Photo credit: Instagram President Museveni