President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that Ukraine was responsible for Russia's invasion of the country three years ago, arguing Kyiv could have made a deal to avoid the conflict.

“You should have never started it,” Trump said of Ukraine while criticizing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had expressed concern that his country was not included in talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia.

"I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it's going very well. But today I heard, 'Oh, well, we weren't invited.' Well, you've been there for three years," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort. "You should have never started it. You could have made a deal."

Trump went on to say: "I could have made a deal for Ukraine that would have given them almost all of the land, everything, almost all of the land, and no people would have been killed, and no city would have been demolished, and not one dome would have been knocked down. But they chose not to do it that way."

The president's comments came after Zelenskyy said in a media conference on a visit to Turkey that "we don’t want anyone making decisions behind our backs and I think this is fair."

"Any country has bilateral relations with other countries; please, discuss whatever you want, but you cannot make decisions without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine, the terms, or other conditions," he said Tuesday. "And we weren’t invited to that Russo-American meeting in Saudi Arabia."

The Ukrainian Embassy in Washington and the Ukrainian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump's remarks.

Meanwhile, the reaction in Moscow to the change in direction of U.S. foreign policy has been more upbeat.

The U.S. president is "the first, and so far, apparently, the only Western leader who has publicly and loudly said that one of the root causes of the Ukrainian situation was the brazen path of the previous administration to draw Ukraine into NATO," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a speech to Russian lawmakers Wednesday. "No Western leader has ever said this,” 

"This is already a signal that he understands our position," Lavrov added in a speech that covered the broader second Trump administration rather than the president's specific remarks Tuesday.

The U.S. and Russia on Tuesday agreed to re-establish embassy staffing, diverging from previous American policy on the matter. Zelenskyy said earlier Tuesday that “Ukraine did not know anything about it.”

Trump, who said last week that he and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone about ending the war, has made several comments bolstering the Russian president. He said during an interview with Fox News last month that Ukraine should not have fought when it was invaded by Russia.

Trump also criticized Zelenskyy when asked by reporters if the U.S. would support Ukraine holding new elections as part of a potential peace deal with Russia.

“When they want a seat at the table, you could say the people have to, wouldn’t the people of Ukraine have to say, like, ‘You know, it’s been a long time since we’ve had an election.’ That’s not a Russia thing. That’s something coming from me and coming from many other countries also,” Trump said.

In doing so, the president echoed the criticisms of Putin, who has ruled Russia for all but four of the past 25 years, and has repeatedly questioned the electoral legitimacy of Zelenskyy’s continuing leadership.

Ukraine last held a presidential election in 2019 and was due to have held one last April, but Zelenskyy has said in the past that it is not possible for Ukrainians to go to the polls in wartime and that view is also backed up by the country's constitution.

According to an opinion poll released Wednesday by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology research organization, 57% of Ukrainians say they trust Zelenskyy.

[NBC News]

If you ever want to take the pulse of public opinion on trending issues in Nigeria, a commercial bus ride is your best bet. Conversations, often loud, unfiltered, and passionate, serve as a microcosm of how everyday Nigerians feel. My recent journey from Mowe, Ogun State, to Berger, Lagos, on Friday, February 14, 2025, was no exception. The hot topic of discussion? The widely publicized divorce of Nigerian music legend 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) and his actress wife, Annie Idibia, and his subsequent decision to pitch his matrimonial tent with Natasha Osawaru, a lawmaker and granddaughter of the business mogul, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

The discussion in the bus was as heated as the Lagos sun, but one voice consistently swallowed all others, that of a middle-aged woman who passionately, and rather loudly, kept repeating: “True, True, Wetin 2Baba Do Annie Nor Good!” She screamed it over and over, drowning out counterarguments and reinforcing her stance with emotional fervor. Initially, her voice seemed like noise, but as she pressed on with her points, it became clear that she was making valid arguments.

Without a doubt, the woman’s indignation was not misplaced. This is as 2Baba and Annie’s love story had been one of resilience, forgiveness, and emotional investment, at least from Annie’s end. She had stood by him through thick and thin, from his days as an up-and-coming artiste to his rise to African music royalty. Annie endured public humiliation when 2Baba fathered children with other women, yet she forgave and married him, holding firm to the love they shared. For this, many Nigerians saw her as the embodiment of perseverance in marriage.

One of the strongest points the woman in the bus made was about loyalty. “How you go stand by man all these years, fight all battles, only for him to leave you for another woman? Where dem dey do that kind thing?” she asked, her voice rising in indignation. Her frustration echoed a broader sentiment among Nigerian women who believe that marriage should be built on unwavering commitment, especially from men who have benefited from their partner’s sacrifices.

As much as there were dissenting opinions, a good number of passengers sided with the woman. A young man sitting beside me, perhaps in his late 20s, nodded in agreement and added, “Omo, I no go lie, Annie try. E nor easy to forgive person wey give other women belle make you come still marry am. TwoBaba supposed to respect the kind woman wey fit do for am, and now e come abandon am later.” His statement resonated with many in the bus, especially the women.

Another passenger, a woman in her early 40s, chimed in, “E pain me well, well! No be say Annie nor fine, no be say she nor support 2Baba. Which kind example 2Baba wan set for young men wey dey look up to am? E dey encourage dem make dem nor value the women wey suffer follow dem.”

A middle-aged man in a blue shirt, who initially seemed uninterested in the discussion, finally spoke up: “To be honest, I no too dey put mouth for celebrity matter, but wetin this woman talk make sense. No be say make marriage no get wahala, but na to respect the one wey don dey there since. 2Baba no try at all.” This comment sparked a round of nods and murmurs of agreement from fellow passengers.

One of the reasons why this saga has captured public interest is because of the emotional investment Nigerians have in Annie and 2Baba’s relationship. We all watched their wedding in 2012, a grand affair that symbolized hope that love could triumph over past mistakes. Annie had forgiven 2Baba for his indiscretions, and many believed that theirs would be a love story for the ages. But alas, love stories do not always follow the fairy tale script.

For Annie, the public humiliation must be unbearable. Unlike regular people, celebrities have their personal lives dissected under the public eye. Her pain is now a national discussion, a trend on social media, and the subject of heated debates in Lagos traffic. Many women sympathize with her because they see a reflection of their own struggles in her. The betrayal stings deeper when it happens in full view of the world.

Beyond the celebrity drama, this situation underscores the importance of faithfulness in marriage. Loyalty and commitment are the bedrock of any successful marriage, and both partners must strive to honor their vows. The Bible is clear on the sanctity of marriage: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). This verse serves as a reminder that marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be broken carelessly.

Another passage that reinforces faithfulness is Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” This verse warns against infidelity, emphasizing that breaking marital vows has consequences both morally and spiritually.

Faithfulness in marriage is not just about avoiding physical infidelity but also about being emotionally and mentally committed to one’s spouse. It requires communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to overcome challenges together. 2Baba’s decision to leave Annie for another woman sets a dangerous precedent, one that suggests that loyalty and sacrifices in marriage can be disregarded.

While 2Baba’s decision is his personal choice, its impact extends beyond his immediate family. As a public figure, he influences many young people who look up to him. His actions send a message, one that could reinforce the belief that women’s sacrifices in relationships are dispensable. If love, loyalty, and perseverance are not enough to keep a man, what then is the guarantee of stability in relationships?

Without a doubt, the bus ride from Mowe to Berger was long, but the discussion made it seem shorter. The passionate woman’s voice, though loud and sometimes overwhelming, was not baseless. Her arguments were rooted in logic, empathy, and a keen understanding of human relationships. 2Baba’s decision to end his marriage with Annie and remarry Natasha Osawaru has sparked an emotional reaction across Nigeria, and rightly so. While some may argue that love fades and people move on, there is also the moral responsibility to respect and honor those who stood by us in our most vulnerable moments.

As the bus approached Berger, the woman let out one final exclamation: “True, True, Wetin 2Baba Do Annie Nor Good!” By then, most of us, even those who initially disagreed with her, had to admit, she had a point. This story serves as a lesson that faithfulness in marriage is not just a social expectation but a moral and spiritual duty, one that both men and women should uphold.

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc demonstrated its commitment to fostering peace and stability across Africa with a landmark donation of $500,000 to the African Union (AU) Peace Fund.

This donation by the UBA Group supports the AU’s efforts towards promoting security, conflict resolution, sustainable development, and a unified Africa, as envisioned in the AU’s Africa Agenda 2063.

The AU Peace Fund plays a crucial role in financing mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts across Africa, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring rapid responses to emerging conflicts. UBA’s support underscores its dedication to the collective progress of African nations, reinforcing the UBA Group’s long-standing belief that economic growth and regional stability go hand in hand.

The Chairman of the Executive Management Committee AU Peace Fund; H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat stated that “peace is synonymous with resources, if we want development and stability, we must achieve peace, the United Bank for Africa has demonstrated their commitment to the development of our continent by this commitment, through sustainable resources. Together, we will continue to build a continent for the future.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who announced the donation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, highlighted the reasons behind the UBA Group’s support to the AU.

Elumelu explained the requirement that corporate institutions shape Africa’s future cannot be over-emphasised, and by investing in peace and security, UBA is contributing to an environment where businesses, communities, and nations can thrive, driving sustainable development and economic prosperity for all.

“UBA is committed to advancing sustainable development, uplifting the quality of life across Africa and the vital connection between economic growth for Africans and African businesses and the stability provided by peace and security,” Elumelu said.

With presence in over 20 countries in Africa, UBA strongly believes in the continent’s potential, as he added that “Development will come with peace, and every individual, organisation and business should be committed towards achieving this.”

The UBA Chairman took time to commend the African Union for its steadfast dedication to promoting peace and security across Africa, saying that UBA Group is honoured to partner with the AU in this noble endeavour, while seeking deeper collaboration between the two institutions.

Over the years, UBA Group’s commitment to the growth and stability of the continent has been unwavering, including the UBA Foundation’s contribution of $14m to catalyse a comprehensive Pan-African response to the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

The donation provided significant and much needed support to Nigeria and 19 other African countries by supplying relief materials, critical care facilities, and financial support to governments.

The African Union Peace Fund (AUPF) is a financial mechanism established by the African Union to support peace and security initiatives across the continent, primarily focused on conflict prevention, mediation, and peace-building operations through funding allocated to various peace support activities across Africa, including institutional capacity building and peace support operations; it is considered a key pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).

Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

President Bola Tinubu extends warm congratulations to Azubuike Ishiekwene, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Interview, on his 60th birthday.

A Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Azu as he is fondly known, has had a distinguished career in journalism spanning over three decades.

He has worked with several reputable media organisations, including The Punch, where he was a columnist and editorial board member; ThisDay as Editor and later the Deputy Managing Director; and Leadership, where he currently serves as the Group Managing Director.

President Tinubu appreciates Ishiekwene's brilliant and incisive commentary and analysis on Nigeria's politics, the economy, and society.

He notes that his insightful contributions and recent writings on digital media have earned him wide recognition and admiration, even from those who may not readily agree with his views.

Commending his contributions to developing the Nigerian media landscape, the President trusts that the dawn of a new age will bring more fantastic inspiration and wisdom.

He prays God almighty to grant the journalist good health and fulfilment in all his endeavours.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)

I arrived in Abuja with my friend Jeff Okoli at about 8 p.m. on the last night of NYSC registration. We arrived at Kubwa camp for registration barely two hours before closing time. With just ₦20 in my pocket—my last card, as they say—I stepped into Kubwa camp with a cloud of uncertainty about how I would survive. I looked around the NYSC camp and decided there was no going back. This was my dream, and I had made it this far. Our chief host host in the capital was General Jeremiah Useni, who was then Minister of the FCT.

I arrived in Abuja, my dream NYSC location (I was posted to Abuja without any man know man) full of hope. My hope was to be a public servant, and my ambition was to retire as a Permanent Secretary. Fueled by this ambition, I started inquiring about how to join the public service. I learnt that Gen Abacha, then Head of State, had placed an embargo on employment. Undeterred, I made further enquiries and learnt of a small window; the NYSC Award led to automatic employment.

I became obsessed with the goal. If the NYSC Award was the only guaranteed way into public service, I would earn it. There were no shortcuts, no favours—just sheer determination.

I launched my personal Community Development Service (CDS) project, the Campaign for Exam Ethics. I mobilised my fellow Corps members, and together, we went from school to school, speaking against exam malpractice, staging plays, and instilling a culture of integrity in young minds.

There were no weekend getaways and no time for travel. While others left Abuja to visit home, I stayed back, laser-focused. I did not miss a single day of my CDS work.

I wrote letters to many agencies to sponsor a conference on examination ethics and received numerous rejections. I persisted. Some days, exhaustion gnawed at me. The Abuja sun was unforgiving, and transport costs for my drama crew and me were a constant challenge. But every morning, I rose, dusted myself off, and marched to yet another school, determined to spread the message of examination and personal integrity.

I lost count of how many times I was turned away. Secretaries gave me tired glances, some agencies didn’t even open my letters. But after every rejection, I allowed myself only a minute of disappointment, squared my shoulders, and knocked on the next door. I had a dream too strong to be buried by rejection.

On one of my routine visits to the agencies to check if I had any luck, the Secretary of the Director General of the National Orientation Agency told me the DG had sent my letter to a department and that I should follow up. I did.

After one month of daily visits and sometimes trekking from the Area 1 Federal Secretariat to my Aunty’s residence, the DG approved ₦25,000 for the conference. Prof Elochukwu Amucheazi approved it without meeting me and sent a director to represent the agency.

The conference, which had JAMB and WAEC staff, principals, and teachers present, was a huge success. It was made possible by a woman I only met once and pitched the idea to—Ms Agatha Chukwueke, then a senior staff member of Sheraton Abuja, now Mrs Nnaji, wife of Prof Barth Nnaji. She facilitated the donation of a section of Ladi Kwali Hall by Sheraton Hotel Abuja for the conference free of charge.

At my place of primary assignment—the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)—I didn’t just do my job; I made myself indispensable. Every day, after finishing my duties in the personnel department, I would go upstairs to Dr. Babangida Aliyu, the Special Assistant to the SGF, and ask:

“Is there anything I can do?”

Dr. Aliyu would later become a Permanent Secretary and Governor of Niger State. His career trajectory fascinated me. More than that, his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh gave him a certain swag and confidence that I admired. I didn’t just want to rise in the civil service—I wanted to do it with substance.

At the end of my NYSC year, Dr. Aliyu wrote a glowing commendation letter to NYSC, acknowledging my contributions as a speechwriter and my willingness to take on extra assignments. That letter became part of my arsenal as I approached the defining moment of my service year.

In the end, I was one of the winners of the NYSC Award in Abuja. Then, another hurdle. The NYSC FCT Director told us that automatic employment would only happen if the FCT(Abuja) Minister, General Useni, attended the Passing out Parade. Those who won the award in the past two years were not automatically employed because the Minister Useni did not attend. I was taken aback and disappointed that no one said this part.

I wondered what trajectory my life would take as I had nobody to give me a note to the military men of power in Abuja. My fear heightened as I recalled that all my applications to federal parastatals and the Federal Civil Service Commission had not elicited an acknowledgement or reply.

I had no influential uncle or godfather. My only plan B was to return to journalism—back to The Guardian, where I had interned during university breaks and ASUU strikes.

The night before, sleep eluded me. My dream of serving in the civil service hung on a thread, dependent on whether a man I had never met would show up. Would my hard work be rewarded, or would I walk away with nothing but memories?

All these thoughts filled my head as I arrived at Area 10 Old Parade Ground, Abuja, for the Passing Out Parade in the Harmattan haze of November 1996.

Gen J T Useni arrived at the parade ground at 10 a.m. My fear gave way to renewed optimism as I marched to Dais to receive my first Ministerial Handshake and certificate of award. After the ceremonies, he announced automatic employment. My one year of hard work paid off. My dream was validated, and my ambition to become a Permanent Secretary one day appeared to be on course.

Interestingly, nobody from Plateau state (where General Useni hailed from) or child of a General was among the award winners, we were all ‘plebians’ hustling for survival in a harsh environment. He simply rewarded hard work and commitment.

That was the first day I saw General Useni in person, and I thought it would be the last. As I walked off that parade ground, I thought my story had reached its climax. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of a journey. What happened next would change the course of my life in ways I never saw coming… Watch out for Part 2.

Osita Chidoka

This significant increase, up from ₦4.88 trillion in December 2024, represents a ₦1.22 trillion rise from the ₦3.65 trillion reported in January 2024.

Analysts attribute the rise to sustained printing of the local currency by the CBN and the escalating inflation rate in the country.

The surge also reflects growing public distrust in the banking system, with many Nigerians opting for cash transactions amid economic uncertainty.

When CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso assumed office in September 2023, currency in circulation stood at ₦2.76 trillion.

Despite the increase in currency circulation, Nigeria’s economic growth remains sluggish, with the 2024 growth rate projected at 2.9% to 3.1%, one of the slowest in West Africa.

In response to inflationary pressures, the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to a record 27.25%, signaling a strong monetary tightening stance aimed at stabilizing the economy.

Analysts believe the rise in currency circulation indicates increased government spending to mitigate economic hardship, which has fueled inflation.

Vice President of Highcap Securities Limited, David Adnori, noted that increased government spending injects more money into the economy, leading to higher inflation due to the economic trade-off between money supply and price stability.

[NaijaNews]

Nigeria’s transport sector is set for a revolution as the Lagos-Abuja High-Speed Bullet Train gains momentum, reducing travel time between both cities from 12 hours to just 2–3 hours.

The Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, Engineer Yinka Idris, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, described the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s development.

Idris lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising infrastructure and fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to drive economic growth.

According to Idris, the bullet train will provide a faster, safer, and more efficient alternative to road travel.

Idris said that the initiative aligned with Tinubu’s vision of leveraging private sector expertise to deliver world-class infrastructure without overburdening public finances.

“Currently, travelers between Lagos and Abuja face long hours in traffic, safety concerns, and reduced productivity,” he said.

He said that the project would significantly ease movement, enhance trade, and improve the overall business environment.

“As part of the development, ten smart cities with 10,000 housing units each will be built along the rail corridor.

“An independent power plant will also be constructed to support the train and surrounding infrastructure,” he said.

Idris said that the Lagos-Abuja bullet train is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and after completion.

He said that the initiative aligned with Tinubu’s commitment to reducing unemployment and fostering economic prosperity through major infrastructure projects.

“With feasibility studies completed and proof of funds secured, the project now awaits approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before construction begins,” he said.

Idris said that the construction phase is expected to last between 48 and 52 months.

He said its completion would promote the project as Nigeria’s largest-ever PPP-driven initiative and a benchmark for transport infrastructure across Africa.

Beyond transportation, Idris said the bullet train would reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and extend the lifespan of highways.

He said that such would represent a major step toward sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure development.

“As Nigeria moves closer to realizing this dream, citizens can anticipate a future of seamless travel, improved quality of life, and enhanced economic opportunities under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he added.

[Leadership]

The Nigerian Army has set up a General Court Martial for the trial of five officers and 20 soldiers for different offences in the jurisdiction of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu State.

Inaugurating the court martial, President of the General Court Martial (GCM), Brig.-Gen. Buhari Sadisu, said that the court martial was convened by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye.

Sadisu said that it was pertinent to note that, “Court Martial is one of the instruments used in the Armed Forces to maintain discipline.”

He said, “In Court Martial, military personnel alleged to have committed offences known to laws applicable to them are tried and if found guilty, punished in accordance to the laws criminalising such offences.

“However, where the prosecution failed to establish the allegations against them, the Court will discharge and acquit the accused personnel.

“For the accused personnel present for today’s inauguration, let me assure you that this Court Martial will be guided throughout the trial by the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.

“It will also be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws and procedures related to your trial.”

The President said that the Court Martial would be free from any external influence and would afford the personnel accused adequate time and facility to defend themselves.

He noted that the court martial was fully aware of the cardinal principle of the criminal justice system that an accused person is presumed innocent until the contrary is proven.

“Under our criminal justice system, it is better for 99 guilty persons to be set free than for one innocent person to be convicted.

“Accordingly, I hereby assure you that the Court Martial will strive to do justice in your cases by ensuring that evidence presented before her are judiciously and fairly evaluated.

“This is in order to avoid a situation where an innocent person is made to suffer unjustly,” he said.

The Court Martial has the same power and concurrent mandate as the Federal and State High Courts as its decisions can only be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

[Leadership]

Oil mogul and billionaire Businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has opened up on his determination to see his $23bn refinery succeed despite all odds.

The 650,000 barrels per day capacity is Africa’s largest.

According to the Kano-born richest black man on earth, “I’ve been fighting battles all my life and I have not lost one yet.

His comment is seen as a pointer to the struggles he had faced from the government and oil mafia since the project came on stream.

At an investment conference last year, Dangote also lamented about the oil mafia, saying, “I knew there would be a fight. But I didn’t know that the mafia in oil, they are stronger than the mafia in drugs.”

Speaking exclusively with Forbes on Monday, Dangote opened up about the risk he faced completing the ambitious project despite obstacles from regulators and marketers.

He said he would have been finished if the projects failed.

He described Refinery project as the “biggest risk” of his life yet

He said: “It was the biggest risk of my life. If this didn’t work, I was dead.”

He revealed that the journey to completion was fraught with uncertainties.

However, despite hurdles faced in financing the project, the regulatory challenges, and securing suppliers, Dangote said he is committed to providing a blueprint for industrialisation across Africa.

“We have to build our own nation by ourselves. We have to build our own continent by ourselves, not [rely on] foreign investment”, he noted.

He added that Africa has been “a mere dumping ground for finished products,” and his refinery represents “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa has the capacity to refine its own crude oil.

This, he added, will create wealth and prosperity for its vast population.

According to the Forbes report, despite establishing a family office in Dubai and involving his three daughters in various roles within the family business, his focus remains firmly on Nigeria.

He continues to dedicate much of his time to the refinery, regularly meeting with engineers and managers to oversee progress.

Dangote is also working on other ambitious projects such as building a subsea pipeline to transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Lagos and expanding the capacity of the refinery’s fertiliser plant.

Looking ahead, he said he plans to take the refinery public within the next year or two.

“I’ve been fighting battles all my life and I have not lost one yet,” he said.

[DailyTrust]