2025 | Page 35 of 263 | Trendbrio.com

Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting: US President Suggests No Need for Ceasefire

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

US President Donald Trump has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House for high-stakes talks on the future of the war in Ukraine. The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes before a press briefing, is expected to be followed by discussions with seven European leaders and a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the summit, Trump urged Ukraine to abandon its NATO membership ambitions and its hopes of regaining Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The United States and most of the international community still regard the annexation as illegal. Key developments from the White House meeting: The talks mark Trump’s most direct engagement on Ukraine since returning to office. Analysts say the emphasis on negotiations, rather than continued battlefield support, could signal a significant shift in US policy — one that places Trump at the center of a possible deal involving Kyiv and Moscow.

Police Arrest Notorious ‘One Chance’ Kingpin, Bust Gang, Recover Operational Vehicle, Weapons

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Operatives of Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a notorious ‘one chance’ kingpin and two members of his gang after responding to a distress call while unmarked or suspicious vehicles, and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08063299264, 09168631003. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers for their swift response which led to the arrest of the wanted kingpin and the disruption of the gang’s operations. He urges members of the public to be extra cautious, avoid boarding them to unknown locations, where victims were robbed under threats, violence, and intimidation. Following the breakthrough arrest, the Command’s Special Squad 1 has taken over the case to arrest other fleeing members and dismantle the criminal network. Investigations revealed that the gang operated using commercial minibuses, commonly known as Korope, pretending to be ordinary passengers. They often picked up unsuspecting commuters from locations such as Oshodi and then divert. Recovered items from the suspects include a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone belonging to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, several heavy stones suspected to have been used to assault past victims, and a broken bottle; all of which One of the suspects was positively identified as a wanted gang leader linked to a series of violent ‘one chance’ robberies across Lagos. Responding swiftly to the distress, the operatives intercepted the suspects inside an unregistered commercial minibus, which has now been on routine patrol along Agege Motor Road in Ikeja. The suspects: Bode Oludayisin aged 53, Michael Sowunmi ‘m’ aged 22, and David Olawaye ‘m’ aged 20 were apprehended following an alarm raised by a victim who was being robbed by the syndicate in their minibus.

UNILAG First-Class Graduate Samuel Badekale Wins Prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Samuel Badekale, the University of Lagos prodigy who made headlines for graduating with a perfect 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics, has secured the highly competitive Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Bio-membranes scholarship. The award, funded by the European Union, will allow Badekale—UNILAG’s 2023/2024 Overall Best Graduating Student and Best in Sciences—to study across three leading European universities over the next two years: Université Côte d’Azur in France, University of Genoa in Italy, and University of Osnabrück in Germany. The programme’s curriculum covers advanced fields such as Membrane Biology, Neuroscience, and Experimental Medicine, equipping scholars with cutting-edge expertise for global careers in research and medicine. “Education isn’t a scam” Announcing the achievement on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Badekale described 2025 as “amazing in every way,” sharing his excitement about being the only Nigerian and West African recipient of the award. “As I look back, I see a young boy from Mushin, with a big dream: to explore the world and make a positive impact,” he wrote. “And today, by God’s faithfulness, that dream is gradually becoming a reality. Truly, with God, every dream is achievable, even those that seem impossible.” He also encouraged young Nigerians to embrace education as a pathway to global opportunities: “Hold your education tightly. Come out with the best grades possible, strive for excellence. Education isn’t a scam. It’s a weapon. Use it.” About the Erasmus Mundus Programme The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Plus initiative is an EU-funded scholarship designed to prepare outstanding scholars for careers as practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in biomedical and related fields. Its interdisciplinary approach provides students with international exposure and hands-on research opportunities across multiple institutions. For Badekale, the scholarship marks another milestone in an already trailblazing academic journey—and a beacon of inspiration for Nigerian students aspiring to global excellence.

Meet the Artist Managers Behind Afrobeats $2B Global Takeover (2023–2025)

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago08 mins

Nigeria’s music industry has grown into a $2 billion powerhouse, and Afrobeats is at the center of that success. The genre’s global domination—from Grammy wins to streaming milestones and sold-out stadiums—hasn’t happened by chance. Behind the spotlight are artist managers who negotiate contracts, build international partnerships, and create strategies that transform local stars into global icons. Streaming platforms have played a huge role: Spotify reported that Nigerian artists earned 25% more in royalties in 2023 than the year before, with Afrobeats among the top streamed genres worldwide. But while fans see the stars, the real architects of this growth are the managers who understand both the music and the business. Here are the key figures shaping Afrobeats between 2023 and 2025: Asa Asika (Davido) Co-founder of The Plug, Asa Asika has been instrumental in Davido’s career for over a decade. Under his guidance, Davido dropped Timeless in 2023, an album that shattered streaming records, earning over 1 billion plays across platforms. Asika has expanded Davido’s reach into the Middle East and Asia, while also negotiating brand deals with Puma and Martell, proving his sharp business instincts. Bose Ogulu “Mama Burna” (Burna Boy) Bose Ogulu has redefined what it means to be a music manager in Africa. As Burna Boy’s mother and manager, she’s overseen his journey from Port Harcourt to global superstardom. With albums like Love, Damini, she secured Grammy wins, sold-out tours at London Stadium and Madison Square Garden, and festival headliner slots at Coachella and Glastonbury. She’s also built Spaceship Collective, giving Burna more creative independence. Sean Okeke (Rema) Sean Okeke of Mavin Global is the strategist behind Rema’s rise. In 2023, Calm Down (Remix) with Selena Gomez became the first Afrobeats song to hit the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Top 5, racking up more than 1.6 billion streams on Spotify alone. Okeke has positioned Rema as a Gen-Z superstar, bridging Afrobeats, trap, and pop, while locking in collaborations with American and Indian markets. Muyiwa Awoniyi & Wale Davies (Tems) Tems’ managers have orchestrated one of the most carefully curated careers in Afrobeats. From her Grammy win for Wait for U with Future and Drake to Oscar nominations for Lift Me Up with Rihanna, Tems has become a global force. Awoniyi and Davies are ensuring she isn’t overexposed, choosing high-value collaborations and global stages like Coachella and Afropunk. Jada Pollock & Sunday Are (Wizkid) Wizkid’s career longevity is thanks to Jada Pollock and veteran manager Sunday Are. Jada, who also co-parents with Wizkid, brings an international marketing edge, securing deals with Nike, Cîroc, and Puma, while Sunday Are handles logistics for Wizkid’s expansive tours. Together, they helped Made in Lagos become a global phenomenon, with “Essence” becoming the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Alexander Okeke (Fireboy DML) Alexander Okeke has helped Fireboy transition from a YBNL breakout star to an international Afrobeats sensation. Peru, Fireboy’s collaboration with Ed Sheeran, became a global smash in 2022 and maintained heavy rotations through 2023. Okeke continues to expand Fireboy’s global touring presence, ensuring he isn’t overshadowed in Olamide’s YBNL empire. Elizabeth Sobowale (Adekunle Gold) Elizabeth Sobowale has positioned Adekunle Gold as a crossover artist. By blending Afropop with funk, R&B, and global pop sounds, Adekunle has gained traction in Europe and the U.S. Sobowale masterminded his rebrand into “AG Baby”, which boosted his international collaborations with the likes of Ty Dolla $ign and Khalid. Vanessa Amadi (Tiwa Savage) Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna is a powerhouse in PR and management. She’s managed Tiwa Savage’s international image, landing her a feature on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift, a performance at King Charles’ coronation, and global brand endorsements. Under her guidance, Tiwa has become the undisputed Queen of Afrobeats. Taiye Aliyu (Yemi Alade) Founder of Effyzzie Music, Taiye Aliyu has successfully marketed Yemi Alade beyond Nigeria, focusing on Francophone Africa, Europe, and even Latin America. With her hit Johnny and subsequent world tours, Yemi has become one of the most-traveled Nigerian artists, performing in over 80 countries. Alexa Rae Perkins (Asake) Asake’s meteoric rise has been guided by Alexa Rae Perkins, who works alongside Olamide’s YBNL management. From Mr. Money With The Vibe to his O2 Arena sellout in London, Asake’s street-to-stadium success has been carefully choreographed, with Perkins ensuring he penetrates Western markets without losing his Lagos street authenticity. The Bigger Picture These managers are not just handling artists; they’re building a global industry. They negotiate licensing, manage billion-streaming catalogues, and bridge collaborations with Western stars, ensuring Afrobeats isn’t a passing trend but a permanent fixture on the global stage. As Afrobeats cements itself as Africa’s biggest cultural export, the managers pulling the strings behind the scenes will continue to shape the sound, business, and image of Nigeria’s biggest stars—proving that true power in music often lies offstage.

RMAFC Commences Review of Revenue Allocation Formula After Three Decades

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has officially begun a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s Revenue Allocation Formula (RAF), more than three decades after the last adjustment. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, explained that the review was necessary to reflect Nigeria’s evolving economic and constitutional realities. The current formula, introduced in 1992, allocates 52.6% of federally collected revenue to the Federal Government, 26.7% to states, and 20.6% to local governments, with one per cent each reserved for the Federal Capital Territory, ecological fund, natural resources, and stabilisation fund. Shehu noted that since the last review, Nigeria has undergone profound demographic and economic changes. He cited constitutional amendments by the Ninth National Assembly that devolved key responsibilities—such as power generation, railways, and correctional services—from the federal to the state level. This, he said, had created new financial and administrative burdens on state governments, making a fresh formula urgently needed to ensure fairness, equity, and sustainability across all tiers of government. The RMAFC boss assured that the review would be inclusive, transparent, and data-driven, incorporating empirical research, fiscal performance analysis, and global best practices. Broad-based consultations will be held with stakeholders including the Presidency, National Assembly, state governors, the judiciary, local government councils (ALGON), civil society groups, traditional rulers, the private sector, and development partners. According to Shehu, the ultimate goal is to produce a just and equitable revenue-sharing arrangement that promotes economic growth, strengthens sub-national independence, and ensures efficient service delivery across the federation.

Gaza Famine Deepens: 263 Dead from Starvation, Including 112 Children

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Starvation deaths in Gaza are rising sharply as Israel’s blockade and bombardment fuel a man-made famine that has left families without food, clean water, or medical care. According to health officials in Gaza, at least 263 people have now died from starvation, including 112 children, as of August 17. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the growing number of malnourished patients, many of them infants and toddlers in critical condition. Children Among the Most Vulnerable One of the most harrowing cases is that of seven-month-old Hasan Ahmed Felfel, whose worsening malnutrition has put his life at serious risk. Doctors in Gaza City say they are treating him and dozens of other children under dire conditions, with shortages of medicine, baby formula, and therapeutic food supplies. Malnutrition strikes children hardest, especially within the first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy through age two. Without treatment, starvation causes organ failure, brain damage, stunted growth, and in many cases, death. Blockade and Aid Restrictions The famine crisis is rooted in Israel’s near-total blockade of Gaza’s crossings. Between March and mid-May, food, water, and humanitarian aid were completely sealed off, creating catastrophic shortages. Relief groups report that hundreds of aid trucks—once supplying 500 truckloads a day before October 2023—now sit idle in Egypt and Jordan, barred from entering Gaza. More than 100 humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, have accused Israel of deliberately weaponising aid by blocking life-saving supplies. On August 14, Amnesty International stated that Israel’s policies amount to a “deliberate strategy of starvation”, describing the conditions imposed on Palestinians as part of an ongoing campaign of destruction. Measuring Famine International experts warn that Gaza is moving deeper into famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) defines famine as a situation where: Humanitarian agencies say all three thresholds are either already being met or dangerously close. Visible Signs of Crisis Images emerging from Gaza show children with swollen bellies caused by severe protein deficiency, sunken eyes, and skeletal frames—many measuring below the 11.5cm threshold on MUAC malnutrition tapes, which signals severe acute malnutrition. Without immediate intervention, these children face a high risk of death. Doctors say the famine is “entirely man-made” and preventable, but without access to food and medical supplies, the death toll will continue to climb daily.

World Leaders Court Unpredictable Trump as White House Talks on Ukraine Begin

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

In an unprecedented show of urgency, world leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have gathered at the White House for hastily arranged talks on the war in Ukraine. The meeting, called just days after Donald Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, underscores the pivotal role the U.S. president now plays in determining the future of the conflict. A High-Stakes Meeting Diplomatic sources described the gathering as an “organic” next step after Trump’s discussions with Putin. Unlike in Alaska, where Europeans were absent, today they will dominate the room. For Trump, often at ease in the spotlight, the gathering serves as a platform to showcase his influence as a global convener. For the Europeans, it is a critical opportunity to pin down exactly what Trump is willing to guarantee in terms of Ukraine’s security—and what, if anything, he may have already discussed with Putin on land or territorial control swaps. Lessons From February The urgency is shaped by the memory of a disastrous Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a tense exchange that rattled European capitals. Since then, leaders across Europe have recalibrated—boosting their own defense spending and pursuing personal ties with Trump. Whether through Starmer’s state visit, Finland’s Alexander Stubb joining Trump on the golf course, or Italy’s Giorgia Meloni aligning her rhetoric with his, each leader has sought to stay on Trump’s good side for precisely this kind of moment. What’s at Stake European leaders are expected to flatter Trump while issuing subtle warnings. They will frame him as the architect of a potential peace deal—an achievement that could cement his legacy—while stressing the need for continued U.S. commitment to Europe and resistance against Russian demands. Central to the talks will be whether Trump is prepared to offer Ukraine binding security guarantees and whether Putin might accept a U.S.-European pact short of NATO membership. Yet ambiguity looms large: vague agreements might yield a quick fix but could prove unsustainable in the long run. Optics and Outcomes Much will hinge not only on the substance of discussions but also on optics. Analysts note Trump often blurs the line between detail and spectacle, with even minor gestures—such as Zelenskyy’s choice of attire—becoming symbolic flashpoints. Beyond the closed doors, the world will watch for signs of whether today’s meeting produces a genuine framework for peace or simply another dramatic episode in an unpredictable diplomatic process.

Ukraine War: Trump Says Zelenskyy Can End War as Russian Strike in Kharkiv Kills Seven

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Donald Trump at the White House today, with discussions expected to focus on possible ceasefire arrangements and the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. The talks come amid heightened tensions following a deadly overnight Russian missile strike on the eastern city of Kharkiv, which killed at least seven civilians and injured dozens more. Trump’s Remarks Ahead of Talks Speaking to reporters en route to Washington, Trump said he believed Zelenskyy had the ability to “end the war,” though he did not clarify whether he envisioned concessions to Russia as part of a potential settlement. He reiterated his stance that the U.S. would not pursue new business or diplomatic openings with Moscow until the conflict was “settled,” suggesting a possible shift in tone while maintaining pressure on the Kremlin. European Support for Zelenskyy Ahead of the White House meeting, several European leaders pledged continued backing for Ukraine. Officials in Brussels and Berlin emphasized that any negotiations should not compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Zelenskyy is expected to present a renewed appeal for sustained U.S. military and financial aid, particularly as concerns grow over battlefield losses and Russia’s intensified air campaign. Kharkiv Under Fire In the early hours of this morning, Russian forces launched missile strikes on residential districts in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Local authorities confirmed seven deaths and said rescue workers were still searching for survivors in the rubble. The strike is the latest in a series of escalations targeting civilian areas, which Kyiv has denounced as acts of terror designed to weaken public morale. What’s Next The outcome of today’s White House talks could prove pivotal. If Trump signals willingness to broker a ceasefire or peace talks, it may open a new phase in the nearly four-year conflict. However, Ukraine’s leadership continues to insist that any agreement must ensure sovereignty and security guarantees, while Russia shows no sign of backing down militarily.