2025 | Page 37 of 263 | Trendbrio.com

Trump-Putin summit live: Leaders arrive in Alaska for Russia-Ukraine talks

Trump Putin Meet in Alaska for High-Stakes Russia-Ukraine Talks

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for a landmark summit aimed at seeking an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This marks Putin’s first visit to a Western country since ordering the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The meeting is their first standalone summit since their 2018 encounter in Helsinki. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the talks are expected to last at least six to seven hours, with a packed agenda focused on possible pathways to peace and broader geopolitical issues. Trump has indicated he hopes the Alaska summit will pave the way for a follow-up meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Zelenskyy was not invited to the current talks, a decision that has sparked debate over the inclusiveness of the negotiations. The outcome of this summit could significantly shape the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both leaders under pressure to deliver tangible progress. Observers are closely watching for signs of compromise, potential ceasefire frameworks, and future diplomatic engagements.

Trump: No Business With Putin Until War Settled Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Is Counting on US

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

As President Donald Trump heads to Alaska for a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he underscored that no business dealings between the U.S. and Russia will take place until the war in Ukraine is “settled”—a clear signal of linkage between economic engagement and progress on peace. On board Air Force One, Trump conveyed his hope that the Alaska meeting could pave the way for broader diplomacy, with potential follow-up talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” he stated, emphasizing that any territorial discussions must be decided by Kyiv. President Zelenskyy—excluded from the summit—stressed Ukraine’s reliance on American leadership. He called for genuine engagement that leads to a “just peace” and urged inclusion in future negotiations, asserting that without Ukraine’s input, any decision would be meaningless. The meeting takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions and persistent skepticism. Trump’s linkage of business engagement to conflict resolution reflects his approach, while critics remain wary that sidelining Ukraine undermines both the peace process and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Bauchi Governor Appoints Chinese Economic Adviser, Signs Landmark Cooperation Deal

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as Economic Adviser to the state government. The announcement came during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi on Thursday. Governor Mohammed said the move would position Bauchi as an emerging hub for international cooperation, with the partnership expected to boost investments and drive infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation. He revealed that a Bauchi State Representative Office will be established in China to coordinate project implementation and ensure timely delivery. He noted that the agreement aligns with the diplomatic framework between Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, aimed at deepening relations at both national and subnational levels. The MoU provides a broad cooperation framework, with individual project agreements to be developed in due course. Mr. Zhensheng, who chairs the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged the Centre’s commitment to mobilising global resources to support Bauchi’s economic transformation. He said the collaboration would deliver modern infrastructure, create jobs, enhance skills, and improve livelihoods in the state.

PSC Acquires Portal to Decentralise Police Recruitment

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has introduced a new recruitment portal to decentralise police hiring and improve transparency in the process. The initiative was announced after a consultative meeting in Abuja with recruitment desk officers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Commission resolved to give state representatives a greater role in the 2025 recruitment exercise. The portal—also to be used for PSC staff recruitment—will be accessible to the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Character Commission. According to the PSC, this inclusiveness will help curb corruption and nepotism. For the first time, recruitment officers from all states will be formally engaged in planning and executing the exercise. The platform will go live once the 2025 recruitment process begins. PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu, said the collaboration with state desk officers would protect the interests of all stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a police force the nation can be proud of, while ensuring recruitment remains efficient, transparent, accountable, and equitable.

FDI to Nigeria Plummets Amid Poor Governance and Uncoordinated Reforms

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Despite frequent international trips by the President, ministers, and other government officials in search of foreign direct investment (FDI), Nigeria’s weak governance continues to undermine investor confidence. Persistent shortcomings in the rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and accountability are proving that sustainable investment cannot be built on poor leadership. Latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show that FDI collapsed by nearly 70% in Q1 2025, falling to just $126.29 million from $421.8 million in the preceding quarter. Of the total $5.64 billion in capital inflows during the period, FDI accounted for only 2.24%, down sharply from 8.2% in Q4 2024. Alarmingly, around 90% of these inflows were channelled into short-term, speculative money market instruments, offering negligible benefits for industrial growth or job creation. The manufacturing sector was hit hard, with capital inflows dropping 32.1% year-on-year to $129.92 million in Q1 2025, down from $191.92 million in the same period of 2023. This decline reflects a deepening lack of trust in a government whose reforms appear reactive and disjointed. While global FDI flows dipped in 2024, Africa bucked the trend, recording a 75% surge to $97 billion. Egypt led the continent with $46.58 billion, followed by Ethiopia ($3.98 billion), Côte d’Ivoire ($3.80 billion), and Mozambique ($3.55 billion). Nigeria, despite its size and resources, managed just $1.08 billion—about 1% of Africa’s total—representing a 42% drop from 2023. The situation has worsened in 2025, with FDI plunging a further 75% between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. These figures send a clear message: without effective leadership, strong governance, and coherent economic reforms, Nigeria will continue to fall behind its peers in attracting meaningful, long-term investment.

Crunch Time in Alaska: Trump and Putin Meet in Bid for Ukraine Peace

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

US and Russian officials are gathering in Alaska ahead of a pivotal Friday meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin — their first in six years. Trump hopes the talks will deliver on his campaign promise to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, leveraging what he describes as a personal rapport with Putin to secure a ceasefire. Despite his optimism, Trump has estimated only a “25% chance” of success. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has been excluded from the talks, warning that any deal struck without Kyiv’s participation will be meaningless. Anchorage remains largely business-as-usual, aside from the influx of international media. The meeting will take place on a US military base, reflecting both heightened security and the brief nature of the talks, expected to last just a few hours. The summit comes a week after Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face new sanctions. That countdown was effectively paused after the meeting was announced, buying both sides more time. Washington’s tone over the week has swung between optimism, caution, and threats of “very severe consequences” if Putin refuses to end the war. Kyiv grew uneasy when Trump floated the idea of “territory swaps,” while the White House hinted the president might adopt a “listening” approach. Russia has remained publicly silent, reiterating only that peace is possible if it gains full control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, and if Ukraine pledges not to join NATO. For Trump, success in Alaska could reinforce his image as a global dealmaker and deliver on his promise to disengage the US from costly foreign conflicts. He claims he will know “in the first two minutes” whether a deal is possible. European leaders, also excluded from the talks, emerged cautiously hopeful after a last-minute call with Trump. Zelensky, however, has been firm: Ukraine will not cede the Donbas, calling such concessions a “pathway to further conflict.” Trump has promised to brief Zelensky after the summit and floated the idea of a quick three-way meeting. The Kremlin, however, insists a direct Putin–Zelensky encounter is premature. Analysts warn Putin’s central goal remains Ukraine’s “geopolitical neutralisation” — an objective he is unlikely to abandon. As both leaders head into the Alaska talks, the venue may offer common ground geographically, but politically, the divide appears as wide as ever.

NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over NSITF PENCOM Edo Crisis

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to return allegedly diverted workers’ funds and constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), warning it will not guarantee industrial peace if ignored. In a communiqué after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the NLC ratified the dissolution of its Edo State Council leadership over alleged unethical conduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional breaches. A caretaker committee will oversee the council until fresh elections are held. The CWC accused the government of diverting 40% of workers’ contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) into national revenue, in violation of the law, and of making false ownership claims to the NLC headquarters. It also condemned cyber and media bullying of unions and moves to amend the NSITF Act to give the government full control. On PENCOM, the NLC decried the prolonged absence of its Governing Board, saying it undermines oversight of pension funds. It demanded that diverted NSITF funds be returned, PENCOM’s Board constituted, and a full pension fund report issued within seven working days, or face nationwide action.

EFCC to Arraign 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Arrested Near Obasanjo Library

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign 23 of the 93 suspected internet fraudsters recently arrested at a hotel located near the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The suspects are scheduled to appear before Justice D. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges including impersonation, identity theft, and other cybercrime offences. According to the EFCC, the arraignment will be conducted in batches after profiling the individuals arrested during a pool party allegedly organised to celebrate proceeds of online fraud. Investigations indicate that the party was initially planned for two other venues before being moved to the hotel close to the OOPL in an apparent bid to avoid detection. Intelligence operatives reportedly trailed the suspects to the location. The anti-graft agency clarified that the operation did not target the former president’s facility, but focused solely on the suspects, many of whom have allegedly confessed to engaging in internet fraud. The EFCC added that the remaining suspects will be arraigned once ongoing investigations and profiling are concluded.