June 2025 | Trendbrio.com

World Fencing Federation Promises More Tournaments for Nigeria

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has lauded the Nigerian Fencing Federation for its outstanding organization of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, held at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29. The FIE also announced its intention to consider Nigeria as a host for future international fencing tournaments. During her first official visit to Africa, FIE Secretary General Gulnora Saidova praised the high standards of the facilities and the warm hospitality extended throughout the event. She noted that the impressive atmosphere and organizational excellence have positioned Nigeria as a strong candidate for hosting more global fencing competitions. “This is my first time in Nigeria, and I was truly impressed by the quality of the facilities and the professionalism of the organizers,” said Saidova. “It has given us confidence that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international competitions. The Deputy Governor’s commitment to supporting fencing in a country with such potential was particularly encouraging.” Saidova was part of a high-level FIE delegation that paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, where she expressed optimism about the future of fencing in Nigeria. She emphasized that the enthusiasm shown by the Lagos State Government is a promising sign of institutional support for the sport. “The facilities here show that Nigeria can host even larger tournaments in the future. Based on my experience over the past few days, I am confident that the FIE will seriously consider Nigeria for major fencing events,” she added. Saidova also stressed the importance of government involvement in the sport’s development: “Nigeria is on the right path, but sustained government backing is crucial. Without it, the sport cannot thrive. There must be a genuine commitment to developing fencing, and this is vital for its success.” During the visit, she formally requested that fencing be recognized as a priority sport in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. She highlighted the sport’s potential to contribute to youth development and the broader progress of the state. “Fencing is an Olympic sport, and it presents a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its presence at future Olympic Games. I kindly urge the government to grant formal recognition to fencing as a priority sport in Lagos State.” Saidova concluded by calling for government support in hosting an international fencing competition in Nigeria. She noted that the FIE aims to position Nigeria as a continental leader in the development of fencing, which could bring substantial economic benefits and promote long-term sustainability.

Norway’s Largest Pension Fund Divests from U.S. German Firms Over Sales to Israeli Military

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Norway’s biggest public pension fund, KLP, has announced it is divesting from two major international companies—Oshkosh Corporation of the United States and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp—due to their sales of military equipment to the Israeli army, which may be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a statement released Monday, Kiran Aziz, Head of Responsible Investments at KLP Kapitalforvaltning, said the fund made the decision after reviewing UN reports indicating both companies were supplying weapons or equipment potentially involved in hostilities in the Gaza Strip. “Our conclusion is that the companies Oshkosh and ThyssenKrupp are contravening our responsible investment guidelines,” Aziz stated, adding, “We have therefore decided to exclude them from our investment universe.” According to KLP, it held $1.8 million in Oshkosh and nearly $1 million in ThyssenKrupp shares until June 2025. The fund manages about $114 billion in assets and provides pensions to nearly 900,000 Norwegians, mostly municipal workers. Warships and Vehicles KLP’s engagement with the two companies revealed that Oshkosh had confirmed ongoing sales of military vehicles and parts to Israel. ThyssenKrupp acknowledged a long-standing relationship with the Israeli military, having delivered four Sa’ar 6 warships between 2020 and 2021 and preparing to supply a submarine later this year. The fund noted that both companies failed to show sufficient due diligence in ensuring their products were not being used in violations of humanitarian law, a core requirement under KLP’s ethical investment policy. Track Record of Ethical Divestment KLP’s latest move continues a trend of ethical divestment. In 2021, the fund pulled out of 16 companies, including Motorola, over ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing “an unacceptable risk” of contributing to human rights abuses. That same year, it also divested from India’s Adani Ports due to links with Myanmar’s military and, in 2023, from U.S.-based Caterpillar, whose modified bulldozers are widely used in demolitions within Palestinian territories. In May 2025, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund also cut ties with Israeli firm Paz Retail and Energy for its role in supplying infrastructure to illegal settlements, followed by a complete sell-off of shares in Bezeq in December 2024 for similar reasons. Other European funds, including Denmark’s largest pension fund and the UK’s Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), have also reduced or eliminated investments linked to Israeli military actions or settlement activities, marking a growing shift in institutional investment strategies amid international scrutiny. KLP emphasized its commitment to human rights compliance and responsible finance, calling on all corporations to conduct thorough due diligence to avoid complicity in war and occupation-related violations.

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Ali Bukar Dalori Assumes Office as Acting APC National Chairman, Presides Over NWC Meeting

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

The new acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, officially assumed office on Monday, taking charge at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. Dalori, who is stepping in as acting chairman, immediately presided over a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), signaling the beginning of his leadership responsibilities. The transition comes amid internal party realignments and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party sources say Dalori’s assumption of office is expected to bring renewed focus and cohesion to the APC’s national leadership. Further updates from the NWC meeting are expected later today.

UN Development Aid Conference Opens in Spain Amid Global Funding Crisis

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The United Nations Conference on Financing for Development opened on Monday in Seville, Spain, bringing together at least 50 world leaders to address urgent global challenges such as poverty, hunger, climate change, healthcare, and peace—despite mounting concern over declining international development aid. This once-in-a-decade summit, scheduled to run through Thursday, comes at a time of historic cuts to development assistance, most notably by the United States under President Donald Trump, who withdrew more than 80% of USAID programmes shortly after taking office in January. The US is absent from the conference, a move that has drawn criticism from several quarters. Key figures attending the summit include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Kenyan President William Ruto, alongside over 4,000 participants from civil society, the private sector, and global financial institutions. Adding to the funding shortfall, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France have also reduced their aid budgets, reallocating resources to meet rising NATO defence obligations driven by pressure from Washington. Global humanitarian organisation Oxfam International warns that the current wave of aid reductions represents the largest since 1960, and the UN estimates a staggering $4 trillion annual gap in development finance needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The conference aims to restructure global financing in line with the 17 SDGs, adopted in 2015, but the withdrawal of major donors and shrinking budgets have cast doubt on the feasibility of achieving those targets within the remaining five-year window. A common declaration, negotiated earlier this month in New York, is expected to be signed during the conference. The document reaffirms commitments to gender equality, global cooperation, and reform of international financial institutions. While some, like Zambia’s UN ambassador Chola Milambo, hailed the declaration as a sign that multilateralism remains viable, Oxfam criticised the text for “lacking ambition,” arguing it prioritises the interests of the wealthy over the needs of the world’s poor. The conference continues amid street demonstrations in Seville, where activists are demanding a UN-led framework for sovereign debt resolution and greater accountability in international aid commitments.

Nigeria Saint Lucia Establish Diplomatic Ties as Tinubu, Pierre Chart New Path for Cooperation

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia have officially agreed to establish diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean island nation, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean. The agreement was reached during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s official residence in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, on the second day of his state visit to the island country. President Tinubu described Saint Lucia as a valued friend and brother to Nigeria, emphasizing shared historical and cultural connections between the two regions. “Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” Tinubu said in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu highlighted opportunities for bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and culture, pledging Nigeria’s support on global issues such as climate change, disaster response, and sustainable development. He also voiced Nigeria’s strong support for the concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on the international stage. Prime Minister Pierre expressed optimism about the new diplomatic ties, pointing to historic links, including Saint Lucian-born Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. He identified tourism, health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development as key areas for partnership. “There is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange,” Pierre said, praising Nigeria’s global impact in entertainment and education and inviting collaboration on cultural events like the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. President Tinubu also met with Governor-General Cyril Charles at Government House, where discussions focused on Commonwealth cooperation and joint efforts to tackle global challenges. The diplomatic milestone is part of President Tinubu’s broader Caribbean and South American tour aimed at expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and South-South cooperation.

Youths Protest Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Set NDLEA Office, Emir’s Palace Ablaze

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Youths in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, staged a massive protest on Monday, decrying the worsening insecurity plaguing their communities. The demonstration turned violent as the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was set on fire, and the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi was vandalized by irate protesters. The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting protest songs, accused the government and local authorities of neglecting their duty to protect lives and property. They cited repeated kidnappings, killings, and terrorist attacks that have left residents living in fear. “We have been crying and dying in silence,” one protester said in a widely circulated video clip. “People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore.” The situation reportedly escalated as protesters targeted key public structures. Witnesses confirmed that windows were smashed and parts of the Emir’s palace were damaged, while the NDLEA building was completely engulfed in flames. Local sources said the protest was the result of accumulated frustration over the government’s failure to respond to the frequent abductions and violent attacks in the area. In recent weeks, multiple residents have been kidnapped, with some families paying huge ransoms for their release. As of press time, there has been no official response from the Kwara State Government or security agencies regarding the incident. Tensions remain high in the area.

Mission X: Madugu Assures Super Falcons Will Continue to Improve After Win Over Ghana

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Justine Madugu insisted on Monday that Nigeria’s Super Falcons must continue to improve in several areas, despite an emphatic 3-1 win over Ghana’s Black Queens in a friendly in Casablanca on Sunday evening. Goals by Mexico-based Chinwendu Ihezuo, Asisat Oshoala and captain Rasheedat Ajibade affirmed the Falcons’ supremacy over the Queens, at a closed-door game played at the Ziaida Palace Benslimane field. “The match gave us the opportunity of having the full squad together to really assess our strength as a team, and build on team cohesion, coordination and on various combinations. “It will always be work in progress, but we are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.” The victory over Ghana’s Black Queens extended Madugu’s stellar record with the Super Falcons. He was in charge when the Falcons easily surged past Ethiopia in the qualifying race for the 2024 Olympics, and also led the team to crush Cape Verde to secure qualification for the 13th Women AFCON, which kicks off on Saturday. Last year, Madugu led the Falcons to rout Algeria’s senior girls in two friendly matches in Ikenne and Lagos, and restricted France to an odd-goal victory in another friendly match in France in November. This year, Madugu has led the Super Falcons to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in a friendly game in Cameroon, and on Monday last week, picked a team that fought hard against Portugal in a 0-0 draw in Lisbon. “We will continue to work on our weak areas, and I believe that by the time of our first match, we will be ready,” Madugu added.

UK court rejects bid to halt transfer of F-35 parts to Israel

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

A London court has ruled the UK government’s decision to allow the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel during its war on Gaza is lawful. The human rights group Al-Haq argued at a hearing last month that the decision was unlawful because it was in breach of Britain’s obligations under international law, including the Geneva Conventions. Tens of thousands of Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been killed by Israel in its bombardments of Gaza. But the High Court dismissed the group’s challenge in a written ruling. The United Kingdom contributes components to an international defence programme that produces and maintains the F-35s. Defence Secretary John Healey said a suspension would impact the “whole F-35 programme” and have a “profound impact on international peace and security”.