2025 | Page 26 of 136 | Trendbrio.com

Netanyahu Slams UK Canada France Over Threats of Sanctions Amid Gaza Offensive

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

By: Kamal Yalwa Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France following their threats to impose targeted sanctions over Israel’s renewed military offensive in Gaza, known as Operation Gideon’s Chariots. In a fiery statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu accused the Western leaders of effectively rewarding Hamas by calling for an end to Israel’s military operations. “By demanding that Israel end an existential defensive war before Hamas terrorists are eliminated on our borders, and by demanding the establishment of a Palestinian state – leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are placing a huge reward for the October 7 annihilation attack on Israel and inviting further atrocities,” Netanyahu wrote. He reiterated Israel’s stance that the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas-led incursion that killed over 1,200 people and led to the abduction of more than 250 hostages, cannot end until Hamas is completely dismantled. “The war could end tomorrow – if all the hostages are returned, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and the Gaza Strip is demobilized. No country can expect less – and certainly not Israel.” Netanyahu described the conflict as a battle between “civilisation and barbarism,” vowing that Israel would continue its operations in Gaza “by just means – until complete victory is achieved.” He also expressed support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for peace in the region and called on European leaders to adopt the same position. The sharp rebuke comes amid rising international criticism of Israel’s latest offensive, which has led to significant casualties and humanitarian concerns in Gaza. The UK, Canada, and France have warned of potential sanctions if the operation continues without regard for civilian lives. Despite growing global pressure, Netanyahu has remained steadfast, asserting Israel’s right to self-defense and the need to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip completely.

Africa Records $13 Billion Cereal Trade Deficit — World Bank Raises Alarm Over Poor Transport, Food Supply Chains

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

A new World Bank report has revealed that Africa recorded a staggering $13 billion cereal trade deficit in 2023, warning that strained transport infrastructure and weak supply chains are hampering food security across the continent. The report, titled “Transport Connectivity for Food Security in Africa: Strengthening Supply Chains,” analyzed the movement of four major staples—cassava, maize, rice, and wheat—across national and regional borders. It found that most African countries remain heavily dependent on cereal imports, despite local production efforts. According to the World Bank, Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, had a negative trade balance of $2 billion on cereals in 2023—the highest on the continent. In contrast, South Africa recorded a positive trade balance of $170 million. “Seven countries had negative cereal balances of more than $500 million, 24 had deficits between $100 million and $500 million, while 17 others had negative balances of up to $100 million,” the report stated. The report also pointed out a “spatial mismatch” in countries like Nigeria, where rice production in central regions outpaces local consumption, requiring improved transport systems to distribute surplus to deficit areas in the north and south. “Although countries like Nigeria, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are technically self-sufficient in rice, inefficient transport networks hinder effective distribution,” it added. The World Bank emphasized that about 50% of rice consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa is produced locally, but poor logistics, infrastructure gaps, and weak inter-regional links are undermining the full potential of local agricultural systems. The findings call for urgent investment in transport infrastructure, regional integration, and policy reform to strengthen food security and reduce import dependence across Africa.

Real Madrid Beat Premier League Rivals to £50m Signing of Bournemouth Star Dean Huijsen

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Real Madrid have pulled off a major transfer coup by securing the signing of AFC Bournemouth’s breakout star Dean Huijsen, beating strong interest from Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. The 20-year-old defender, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12 million just last summer, has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants. The deal, reportedly worth £50 million, will see Huijsen join Los Blancos following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. Sky Sports confirmed on Saturday morning that the contract was formally signed overnight, with Huijsen set to be available for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Bournemouth later confirmed the news, revealing that Real Madrid activated the centre-back’s release clause. “AFC Bournemouth can confirm that defender Dean Huijsen will join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season,” a club statement read. “The Spanish side have activated a £50 million release clause.” Huijsen has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s record-breaking Premier League campaign under manager Andoni Iraola, making 30 top-flight appearances and scoring crucial goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Arsenal. His standout performances also earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team in March. The highly rated youngster’s calm and composed style has drawn praise from pundits and former players alike. Speaking after Bournemouth’s victory at Arsenal—where Huijsen scored and was named Player of the Match—Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said:“Everybody looks up to this young man. He’s so cool, so composed. For a 20-year-old to be playing at this level and doing what he is— that’s why he’s coveted by pretty much everybody in Europe.” Despite heavy interest from Arsenal, whose technical director Andrea Berta has been active in the market pursuing midfield targets like Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres, the Gunners have lost out to Real Madrid in the race for Huijsen. The defender, speaking to Sky Sports amid the speculation, kept a level head:“I think I’m pretty relaxed. I’m just a chill guy. I don’t really think about it too much. I enjoy my football and enjoy myself. At the moment I’m just having fun playing football and it’s going well, so I’m really happy.” Huijsen will complete the final two games of the season with Bournemouth before making his high-profile switch to the Santiago Bernabéu, marking a remarkable rise for the young Spaniard and a major windfall for the Cherries.

Champion League War As Manchester United Face Tottenham in Europa Final

Our Reporters3 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

May 20 , 2025 – Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet in an all-English UEFA Europa League final on May 21, after both clubs sealed commanding semifinal victories on Thursday night. United overturned an early deficit to defeat Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford, securing a 7-2 aggregate triumph. Meanwhile, Spurs delivered a professional 2-0 win away to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, finishing 5-1 over two legs. The results set up the third all-English final in Europa League and UEFA Cup history. Tottenham previously featured in the inaugural UEFA Cup final in 1972, beating Wolves across two legs. In 2019, Chelsea defeated Arsenal in an all-Premier League showdown in Baku. The 2025 final will be played at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao — the home ground of Athletic Club, adding a dramatic twist for United, who just eliminated the Basque side in the semifinals. This showdown promises a gripping conclusion to the European campaign, with both clubs eyeing continental silverware and a guaranteed spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

CJN Warns Lawyers on AI Integration in Legal System, Urges Safeguard of Religious and Cultural Values

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

ILORIN, NIGERIA — The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned legal practitioners against the unchecked integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Nigeria’s legal framework, stressing the need to protect the country’s cultural values, religious beliefs, and established legal systems. Speaking through Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, at the 16th Annual General Conference of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) held over the weekend in Ilorin, Kwara State, the CJN described the theme of the conference — “Artificial Intelligence, Law and Religion in Nigeria” — as both timely and critical. “AI must be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure it does not distort our religious principles or interfere with our cultural heritage,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said. She warned that while AI offers promising benefits, it lacks empathy and the contextual understanding required in legal matters, particularly those involving personal and communal relationships. The CJN emphasised that Islamic legal principles could be compromised if AI is deployed without caution, highlighting the responsibility of Muslim legal professionals to ensure AI’s ethical use. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulaiman, officially opened the conference, which drew top jurists, legal scholars, and policy experts from across the country. MULAN National President, Saidu Muhammed Tudun-Wada, acknowledged the potential of AI in enhancing legal practice, including tools like predictive case analytics and automated legal research. However, he raised concerns about AI’s ability to understand and apply the nuanced judgment often required in Islamic jurisprudence and complex human legal matters. In a keynote address, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, advocated for the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Development and Deployment Act, alongside a National Accountability and Liability Act to regulate the actions of AI developers and users, especially in cases involving criminal misuse. 🔗 Read Full Story

Soldier Killed by Suspected IPOB Fighters After Attending Party in Uniform in Anambra

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

A Nigerian Army soldier deployed under Operation Udoka has been killed by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after allegedly sneaking out of his duty post to attend a party in Anambra State. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2025, at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area. According to security sources, the soldier left his base without authorization to attend a strippers’ event dubbed “Ladies’ Jamboree” at a nearby hotel — all while dressed in full military camouflage. He was subsequently accosted and fatally shot by individuals believed to be members of IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). A source familiar with the situation disclosed: “It was during a tactical operation that it was discovered the soldier was missing. He had sneaked out to attend a strippers’ party in uniform. He was ambushed and killed by suspected IPOB/ESN fighters. His lifeless body, along with that of a baby, was later recovered at the scene. His weapon was retrieved and is now in military custody.” Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, for an official statement were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off and he had not responded to messages as of the time of reporting. Operation Udoka is a Defence Headquarters-led operation aimed at tackling separatist and insurgent threats in the South-East region. The incident marks the latest in a string of targeted attacks on security personnel in the zone, where IPOB and ESN have been accused of carrying out violent campaigns against state forces.

Politicians Who Break Promises Should Be Jailed—Not Citizens Who Don’t Vote

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

The recent proposal by the National Assembly to mandate compulsory voting in Nigeria is not only tone-deaf but dangerously misguided. While high voter turnout is a noble goal in any democracy, attempting to achieve it through coercion rather than trust undermines the very essence of democratic freedom. Instead of punishing citizens for voter apathy, lawmakers should be asking why Nigerians are disengaging from the political process. The answer is simple: decades of broken promises, failed leadership, and rampant corruption have eroded public trust. Nigerians are not refusing to vote because they are unpatriotic—they are refusing because they are tired of being lied to. Voting is a right, not an obligation. And that right includes the freedom not to vote—especially when abstention becomes a powerful act of protest against a political system that consistently fails its people. If the National Assembly is truly committed to rescuing Nigeria’s democracy, it should start by holding elected officials accountable. Instead of proposing a law that criminalizes citizens for staying away from the ballot box, lawmakers should be pushing a bill that jails politicians who willfully abandon their campaign promises. A politician’s manifesto is not a poetic suggestion—it is a binding social contract. When candidates promise jobs, security, infrastructure, and reforms, they are making commitments that must have consequences when deliberately unfulfilled. Introducing legal penalties for serially broken promises would do more to inspire voter participation than any form of mandatory voting ever could. Imagine a Nigeria where public office comes with measurable expectations and enforceable accountability. Where politicians knew that failure to deliver—not due to unforeseen challenges, but due to neglect or deceit—could land them in prison. Such a reform would restore integrity to our elections and separate true public servants from political opportunists. More importantly, it would reignite faith in the system. Citizens are far more likely to vote when they believe their participation leads to real change. Hope, not compulsion, is the foundation of democratic engagement. If Nigerians knew that their votes would lead to real consequences for leaders, apathy would fade—not by force, but by renewed belief in the power of the ballot. Compulsory voting, on the other hand, addresses none of these root causes. It treats the symptom while ignoring the disease. It is a distraction from the real crisis of leadership and accountability. It is not the Nigerian voter who is failing democracy—it is the political class that campaigns on transformation and delivers excuses. Until this trend is reversed, no amount of forced participation will restore legitimacy to our electoral process. Let us stop punishing victims of bad governance, and instead punish those who exploit public trust for personal gain. Let us use our legislative energy not to force votes, but to build a system where votes truly count—and where broken promises come at a cost. Only then will we begin to rebuild the kind of democracy Nigerians not only need—but deserve.

Nigerian Footballer Arrested in Erode with Meth Worth ₹15 Lakh, Lacked Valid Visa

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

A 32-year-old Nigerian national, identified as Jones Duro Michael, was arrested by the Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) on Saturday night near the Vijayamangalam toll gate in Erode, Tamil Nadu, for possession of methamphetamine valued at ₹15 lakh. Michael, reportedly a footballer, was apprehended by a PEW team led by Inspector S. Sivahami Rani following a tip-off. During interrogation, it was discovered that he lacked valid travel and residency documents, raising concerns about his legal status in the country. “His passport expired in 2023, and preliminary findings suggest he may have illegally entered India via sea. Further investigations are ongoing,” said Inspector Rani. Michael has been remanded to judicial custody at the Coimbatore Central Prison and faces charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Foreigners Act. In a related development, police also arrested Melvin (49), a resident of Perundurai, for renting his property to Michael without verifying his identity or documentation, a violation under housing and foreigner registration regulations. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns regarding drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and authorities have vowed to intensify surveillance and community awareness efforts in the region. By Kamal Yalwa