News
Relieved U.S. TikTok enthusiasts hope ‘magic’ returns as app is restored
Their exile lasted less than 24 hours, ending when the Chinese-owned company restored service on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump, who returns to power on Monday, said he would revive U.S. access.
But the TikTok masses had already started contemplating life without the app that has captivated nearly half of all Americans.
As users returned, some cringed at sappy goodbyes posted before the shutdown or thanked Trump on social media site X, while others wondered whether the TikTok world would ever be the same again.
“We’re back but at what cost?” one user mused on the platform.
Trump’s action to save TikTok, owned by ByteDance, represents a reversal from his first term in office.
In 2020, he aimed to ban the short-video app over concerns the company could share Americans’ personal info with the Chinese government.
More recently, Trump has said he has “a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” crediting the app with helping him win over young voters in the 2024 election.
TikTok stopped working for U.S. users late on Saturday before a law shutting it down on national security grounds took effect on Sunday.
Trump said he would “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Though relieved, some users wonder if such a change to the company’s ownership structure would ultimately alter the TikTok experience.
“I think back to when Elon bought Twitter and how dramatically it shifted overall sentiment and how people interacted on the app.
“So that gives me a lot of concern,” said Kelly Sites, 38, referring to billionaire Elon Musk’s purchase of the social media site now known as X.
“I don’t want the magic of the algorithm to change,” said Sites, a part-time content creator based in Kansas City, Kansas.
The algorithms TikTok relies on for its operations are deemed core to the overall operations of ByteDance, which would make a sale of the app with algorithms highly unlikely, Reuters reported in April.
While questions linger about the future of TikTok, some users – particularly those who earn a living from it – lament their trust in the government will never be the same.
“I think that this is a very sad time in history,” said Richard “Chuck” Fasulo, 37, a mechanic and auto-influencer from Duchess County, New York.
Fasulo told Reuters that the app helped him dig his way out of debt, more than double his income and take his family on vacation for the first time last summer.
Confronting the specter of losing the business opportunities that the app provided him was not a pleasant experience.
“I think that myself, like many others, have gained a lot of disdain for the U.S. government,” said Fasulo, who has about 400,000 followers.
For others, however, relief is the important thing, no matter its source.
“I would choose a political stunt over losing TikTok forever,” Charlotte Warren, 31, a dating and relationships content creator based in Austin, Texas, told Reuters.
Without TikTok, she said she could lose up to 60,000 dollars in annual income, over 200,000 followers and was unsure if she would continue posting content to other platforms.
“I just wanted my app back.” (Reuters)
Residents of Tsafe in Zamfara State have expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, following the successful elimination of the notorious bandit leader, Dan Isuhu.
The community hailed the development as a significant step towards restoring security in the region.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Engr Muhammad Hussaini, residents attributed the success to Dr Matawalle’s strategic directives, which have bolstered military operations against terrorist elements, including the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.
Dan Isuhu, known for orchestrating kidnappings, killings and other criminal activities, had terrorised communities across Tsafe, Funtua and Gusau for years.
He said ” His death is considered a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in Zamfara.
“Dr Matawalle has been instrumental in driving intensified military operations in the state, ensuring the dismantling of criminal networks and the liberation of affected communities from the grip of banditry.”
With Dan Isuhu eliminated, residents are optimistic that it is only a matter of time before Bello Turji, the most wanted terrorist in the region, is brought to justice. As military efforts continue, there is renewed hope that Zamfara will soon experience lasting peace after years of violent attacks.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Federal Ministry of Environment has organized a workshop on Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation for vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone.
The event, which brought together representatives from all six states in the region, aimed to strengthen resilience against climate-related threats.
Delivering the keynote address, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, emphasized the growing impact of climate change on national development.
He highlighted challenges such as desertification advancing southward and the potential submergence of Nigeria’s 853-kilometer coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
“Climate change has become a critical issue, not only for its global implications but also for the threats it poses to our national development,” he stated. “Nigeria recognizes the urgent need to embed climate change strategies within its national framework to ensure sustainable development.”
Mahmud further outlined Nigeria’s commitment to international climate agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
He stressed that effective mitigation and adaptation measures are essential for protecting livelihoods, economic stability, and public health.
” The Federal Government has implemented various policies, legislative measures, and institutional capacity-building programs to address climate change challenges. These efforts include active participation in global climate negotiations, fostering partnerships with non-governmental organizations, and securing funding for climate initiatives.
“As part of our strategic response, we will continue working with individuals, communities, businesses, and international partners to raise awareness and promote climate action,” he added.
Elanza News reports that, the workshop focused on strengthening disaster resilience in vulnerable communities by enhancing their capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and man-made disasters.
” The Ministry of Environment reaffirmed its commitment to supporting research, enforcing regulations, and providing policy direction to combat climate change.
He urged state governments to align with the federal vision, emphasizing that effective collaboration is crucial for achieving climate resilience.
“If we achieve the objectives outlined in this workshop, climate change will become a priority issue in Nigeria’s policy landscape,” he concluded.
The workshop participants were encouraged to share knowledge and propose innovative solutions to help the government take proactive measures in environmental management.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In recognition of the outstanding leadership and dedication of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, the Chairperson of Jaba Local Government, Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku, has expressed heartfelt appreciation for his continuous support during Ramadan.
Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku publicly acknowledged Governor Uba Sani’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Kaduna State residents, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Vice Chairman Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi conveyed deep appreciation for the governor’s provision of essential palliatives and financial aid throughout the fasting period.
“The generosity and care demonstrated by Governor Uba Sani have significantly alleviated hardship among the people. His dedication to the well-being of the masses is truly commendable,” Hon. Mustapha stated.
Hon. Mustapha extended his sincere prayers for Governor Uba Sani, hoping for divine blessings and continued success in his leadership journey.
“We extend our profound gratitude for the governor’s steadfast support. May Almighty Allah bless him abundantly and grant him success in all his future endeavours,” he added.
As the Sallah festivities approach, Hon. Mustapha took the opportunity to encourage Muslim brothers and sisters within Jaba Local Government and across Kaduna State to embrace peace and unity. He emphasised the significance of fostering harmony among communities and strengthening communal ties during this period of celebration.
“The Sallah celebration is a time of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. Let us use this opportunity to promote peace and solidarity within our communities, ensuring progress and stability for all,” he urged.
Hon. Mustapha further contribute that under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, various local governments, including Jaba, have experienced improvements in governance, infrastructure, and public welfare. The administration’s policies continue to foster sustainable development, enhance social cohesion, and address pressing challenges faced by residents.
Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku and Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the governor’s vision for Kaduna State. They encouraged residents to actively participate in initiatives that promote development and unity.
“Our collective efforts as a community will drive progress and prosperity. We must remain steadfast in supporting good governance and ensuring that the positive impact of leadership reaches every individual,” Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku remarked.
Governor Uba Sani has consistently prioritised the welfare of Kaduna State residents through various social initiatives and economic empowerment programmes. His dedication to providing assistance to vulnerable groups has solidified his reputation as a leader who genuinely cares for his people.
The recent Ramadan palliative initiative underscores his commitment to easing the economic burden on citizens, demonstrating his administration’s resolve to support the masses during crucial periods.