The U.S. Embassy in Abuja officially reopened its newly redesigned American Centre, located at the Embassy Chancery.

The revitalized center is part of a network of 30 American Spaces across Nigeria and is designed to serve as a hub for cultural exchange, innovation, and professional development.

A statement released on Wednesday by the embassy said the newly redesigned American Center features modernized spaces and enhanced technology aimed at expanding educational, cultural, and professional opportunities for Nigerians of all ages.

Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, Jr., emphasized the role of the American Center in fostering opportunity and connection.

“We are proud to reopen the American Center as a space that celebrates American excellence in arts and reflects the values that define our nation. American Spaces have become trusted venues for young people seeking opportunities to learn about the United States, improve their English, and develop professional skills.

“They offer a welcoming environment where students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can connect, collaborate, and innovate.

“Through educational advising, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programs, American Spaces equip Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

“The individuals depicted on this mural embody the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance. These are hallmarks of American achievement, but they are also qualities we see every day in Nigerian youth,” Mills said.

Also speaking during the reopening ceremony, Country Public Diplomacy Counselor, Lee McManis, stated that the revitalized space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for cultural exchanges and learning.

“We are thrilled to reopen the American Center here at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. This revitalized space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for celebrating U.S. leadership in innovation and learning. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the center will foster meaningful connections and provide new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

“American Spaces are at the heart of our commitment to bridge building. These Spaces offer a welcoming environment where people can access reliable information, develop new skills, and engage in open dialogue.

“By fostering connections and supporting lifelong learning, American Spaces empower individuals and strengthen the bonds between our nations,” McManis said.

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has publicly stated that he receives death threats because of his efforts to reform the country’s tax system.

Oyedele made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja at a governance colloquium organised to mark the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

Addressing participants at the event, Oyedele underscored the complexity and risks associated with reforming entrenched systems, particularly those that challenge powerful interests.

“Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system,” he said.

He noted that the reform agenda is confronted by deep-rooted challenges, including low public trust in government, weak tax compliance, and limited understanding among citizens about the relationship between taxes paid and public services delivered.

Oyedele explained that Nigeria’s tax revenue remains far below that of comparable countries, making reform not just necessary but unavoidable.

He urged Nigerians who believe in the reforms to speak up, warning that silence allows opponents to dominate public discourse.

According to him, the Federal Government commenced the implementation of new tax laws on January 1, 2026.

The reforms are anchored on four key legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025.

Trust, Oyedele said, remains one of the most critical barriers to progress.

“The trust in government and within government is very low,” he observed, adding that many Nigerians are unaware of their tax responsibilities due to a weak tax culture.

He also highlighted a major communication gap, noting that many citizens wrongly assume the reforms introduce new taxes rather than streamline existing ones.

“Suddenly, there is a national awareness, and they just say, the people have come with taxes all over the place when actually, what the government is doing is to reduce those taxes they have been paying, and harmonise them,” he explained.

Oyedele emphasized that pushing through the reforms demands bravery and firm political will.

“You need that courage to push through, you need the courage to take risks, because it’s very risky,” he said, pointing to the political, economic, and reputational dangers involved.

Despite facing threats and online attacks, the tax reform chief maintained that the current approach is necessary.

“What we have been doing all along, all my adult life with the tax system, was pain reliever. It hasn’t taken us far.”

“It can’t take us far. Now we’re doing the surgery. It’s going to come with some pain, but that’s the only right thing to do.”

He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, describing the present reforms as the most significant progress he has witnessed and calling for sustained commitment to achieve long-term results.

A 38-year-old Nigerian caregiver, Oghenemaro Dave Ejerua, was recently arrested by the Toronto Police Service for allegedly assaulting several vulnerable adults at a group home.

The police said the suspect, identified as Oghenemaro Dave Ejerua, a Toronto resident, was employed as a caregiver at a group home located around Sibley Avenue and Dentonia Park Avenue in East York.

According to investigators from 55 Division, the assaults allegedly occurred between November 1 and November 30, 2025, during which time the accused is said to have repeatedly assaulted residents under his care.

The case came to light after police responded to a report of an assault in the area at about 9am on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Following investigations, authorities initially declared Ejerua wanted and released his image to the public on December 31, 2025.

In an update issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Toronto Police confirmed that Ejerua had now been arrested and charged with seven counts of assault.

He was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 10 Armoury Street, Toronto, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10am in Room 106.

The police are urging anyone with additional information related to the case to contact 55 Division at 416-808-5500, or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

The Toronto Police Service reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community and encouraged the public to report suspected abuse promptly.