SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7

SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index on July 7, following confirmation by exchange operator Nasdaq, a move expected to trigger a surge in passive investment into the aerospace and artificial intelligence company.

The inclusion means exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that track the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index will be required to purchase SpaceX shares, a development that typically boosts demand and supports a company’s stock price.

SpaceX, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made its Nasdaq debut on June 12 and has experienced volatile financial performance in recent years, alternating between periods of losses and modest profits.

The company reported a net loss of $4.9bn in its most recent financial year, underscoring the challenges it continues to face despite strong investor interest in its space technology and artificial intelligence businesses.

The company’s addition to the index comes after Nasdaq, alongside other major index providers including FTSE Russell and MSCI, eased some of its listing eligibility requirements in an effort to attract more companies seeking to list on U.S. exchanges.

The revised criteria include changes to profitability requirements, the waiting period after a company’s initial public offering and the number of publicly traded shares required for inclusion in certain indices.

Meanwhile, S&P Global has maintained a more cautious approach.

The index provider said earlier this month that it would not alter its eligibility requirements for SpaceX to join its flagship indices, including the benchmark S&P 500.

According to S&P Global, the company will not be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 until it has been publicly listed for at least 12 months.

The development comes as other leading artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings either later this year or in 2027, with analysts projecting valuations exceeding $1tn.

Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer 

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer, FLAC Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to join efforts to combat cancer through increased awareness, early detection and sustained advocacy.

The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by members of FLAC and later at a gala night organised in their honour at the Government House in Owerri.

Speaking at the event, Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving cancer prevention, treatment and care across the country.

“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his administration’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.

He described Imo as the hospitality capital of the South-East and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state government and people, assuring them of their safety during their stay.

The event also featured emotional testimonies from cancer survivors, including men, women and children, who recounted their experiences with the disease while encouraging Nigerians to embrace early screening and treatment.

Addressing guests at the gala night, Uzodimma stressed that the fight against cancer requires collective action, public education and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.

He also lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for its investments in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the health sector.

“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” the governor said, adding that early detection remains critical to improving survival rates among cancer patients.

Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate the governor for his consistent support for the organisation’s advocacy and activities.

She explained that FLAC, whose membership comprises serving and former first ladies across the country, marks Cancer Survivors Month every June to celebrate survivors, inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease.

She described the governor as “a special friend of FLAC” and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation in recognition of his support for its mission.

The gala night featured musical performances, a fashion parade by cancer survivors, comedy, cake cutting, presentation of gifts to survivors and a fundraising session to support the organisation’s advocacy programmes.

Mrs Uzodimma disclosed that more than N100m was raised during the fundraising to support FLAC’s ongoing cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.

The delegation included the wives of the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun states, Hajia Lami Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Lawal and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar; and former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, Dr Florence Ajumobi, among other dignitaries.

America@250: Trump Unveils Special US Passport

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has unveiled a limited edition passport featuring the president’s image as part of activities marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Trump disclosed the new design in a post on Truth Social, sharing images of the commemorative passport pages, including one bearing his photograph seated behind the Resolute Desk with the Declaration of Independence in the background and his signature beneath it.

Diaspora Watch Newspaper reports that the US State Department said the special edition passport would be available from July 6 while supplies last.

According to the department, access to the commemorative passport will initially be restricted, as interested applicants must book in-person appointments at the Washington Passport Agency.

The department added that the document would also be available at selected passport acceptance events, with only two such events currently scheduled in Washington, DC.

The White House also shared images of the passport on its X account, describing it as a “Patriot Passport.”

The commemorative passport marks a departure from the traditional US passport design, which features iconic moments in American history, including the Moon landing, alongside national symbols such as the Statue of Liberty.

It is also the first time a serving US president has been featured on an American passport.

The latest design follows an earlier version announced in April, which displayed only Trump’s portrait with a gold-coloured signature and did not include the “250” anniversary inscription.

The passport initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.

The US Mint has also announced plans to issue a commemorative gold coin bearing the president’s image, while Trump is expected to become the first sitting US president to have his signature appear on American banknotes.

The president has also sought to leave a lasting mark on federal institutions and landmarks, including proposals to associate his name with major public projects in Washington, DC.