2025 | Page 38 of 137 | Trendbrio.com

Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma after surgery

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester. Awoniyi had surgery on Monday evening and while there is no suggestion his condition is life-threatening, it could have been if left untreated. The coma has been induced to restrict his movement and regulate his heart rate in order to aid his recovery, with further treatment expected on Tuesday. The 27-year-old slid into the post late in Sunday’s match, in a passage of play after Anthony Elanga had been clearly offside, before continuing to play after several minutes of treatment. This injury has placed renewed scrutiny on the Premier League’s regulation to continue play in the case of goalscoring opportunities even if a player is noticeably offside in the build-up. Owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted head coach Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after the game, which the club have claimed was regarding the medical team’s treatment of Awoniyi. In a statement released on Monday, Forest said: “The seriousness of Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first. “This principle is not just policy for us, it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Marinakis, this isn’t just a club, it’s family, and he instils that message in all of us. “That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation. His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility and emotional investment in one of our own. “He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.” The club then went on to praise their owner’s character and behaviour, saying: “In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.“When he saw our player clearly in discomfort it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. “It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur. “There was no confrontation, with Nuno or others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.” The statement finished with a plea which appeared to target Gary Neville, who had called for Nuno to resign on Sunday after Marinakis’s on-pitch outburst. They said: “In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgment and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context. “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social-media traction serves no one, least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.”

Atlanta Through The UEFA Champions League As They Beat Roma

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Atalanta clinched a spot in the UEFA Champions League on Monday, defeating Roma 2-1 and securing their place in Serie A’s top four. The win, which moved Atalanta to third, came thanks to a 76th-minute goal from Ibrahim Sulemana. With two matches left in the season, Atalanta is now seven points ahead of fifth-placed Lazio. The match saw Ademola Lookman put Atalanta ahead early, before Bryan Cristante equalized for Roma in the 32nd minute. However, Sulemana’s late strike ended Roma’s 19-match unbeaten streak and dashed their hopes of catching Lazio and Juventus, who currently occupy the fourth spot. Roma will still fight for a Champions League spot, but face a tough challenge next weekend against AC Milan, while Juventus hosts Udinese. Reaching the Champions League would be a huge triumph for Ranieri as Roma looked like relegation candidates when he came out of retirement in November to take charge of his boyhood club for the third time. Gasperini has been tipped to take over Ranieri after nine hugely successful years in the Atalanta dugout, winning the Europa League last season.

New Jersey-Based Nigerian Woman Sentenced to 45 Months for Forced Labor and Human Trafficking

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

Camden, New Jersey – A Nigerian-born U.S. citizen residing in New Jersey, Bolaj Bolarinwa, has been sentenced to 45 months in federal prison for orchestrating a coercive forced labor scheme involving two women she brought into the United States to work in her home under abusive conditions. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the sentencing on Friday, May 9, 2025, following Bolarinwa’s conviction on multiple charges, including two counts of forced labor, alien harboring for financial gain, and two counts of document servitude. Bolarinwa, 51, of Moorestown, was found guilty after a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams, who also imposed three years of supervised release, a $35,000 fine, and $87,518.72 in restitution to the victims. Exploitation and Abuse According to court documents and trial evidence, Bolarinwa recruited two women from Nigeria between December 2015 and October 2016 and subjected them to forced domestic labor and childcare in her home. Once in the U.S., Bolarinwa confiscated the victims’ passports, isolated them, subjected them to constant surveillance, and threatened them with physical harm — including threats against the family of one victim. The first victim, brought to the U.S. in December 2015, was coerced into working around-the-clock for nearly a year, with no freedom of movement and under continual verbal and psychological abuse. The second victim, who arrived on a student visa in April 2016, was physically assaulted and similarly exploited until she managed to inform a college professor, who then alerted the FBI. Both women were held in Bolarinwa’s home until October 2016, when federal authorities intervened. Federal Response Officials condemned the case as a stark example of human trafficking and exploitation. “The defendant exploited her relationship with the victims to lure them to the United States with false promises,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “She subjected them to threats, physical force, and mental abuse to coerce them to work long hours for minimal pay.” “Today’s sentence vindicates the rights of two vulnerable women,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey. “Forced labor and human trafficking are atrocious crimes that have no place in our society.” “Bolarinwa lured women with false promises, held them captive, and physically abused them,” added Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Newark Field Office. “This case is a reminder that human trafficking can happen anywhere, even in plain sight.” Ongoing Efforts The case was prosecuted under the auspices of the District of New Jersey’s Human Trafficking Task Force, established in 2025. The task force comprises multiple federal and state agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, IRS, and the New Jersey Office of Attorney General, aimed at combating trafficking and supporting survivors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender and Trial Attorney Elizabeth Hutson of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit led the prosecution. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733 (BEFREE).

Boko Haram Kills Over 300 in Five Weeks Report Warns of Failing Counterinsurgency Strategy

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – Over 300 people, including more than 100 military personnel and 200 civilians, have been killed in renewed Boko Haram attacks over a five-week period, according to a new report by security research firm Nextier SPD. The report, titled “Re-thinking Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Strategy: The Aftermath of the Boko Haram Resurgence”, highlights a troubling increase in both the frequency and lethality of terrorist attacks in northeastern Nigeria between November 2024 and April 2025. Authored by Dr. Ndu Nwokolo and Dr. Chibuike Njoku, the findings reveal that 252 terrorist incidents were recorded during the six-month span. January 2025 alone saw 92 deaths, despite a relatively average number of attacks that month. “Military victories do not necessarily translate to improved community security and stabilisation,” the report notes. The report links the resurgence of violence to the two main Boko Haram factions — Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) — which have ramped up their operations with more sophisticated tactics including ambushes on military convoys, use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and raids on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. In a worrying development, the insurgents have reportedly seized control of three local government areas in Borno State, further undermining state authority and disrupting humanitarian operations. The report also raised alarm over growing military fatigue, deteriorating civil-military relations, and a surge in kidnappings, particularly in April 2025. Despite continued military offensives, Nextier SPD argues that Nigeria’s current approach — heavily focused on military operations — has failed to address the underlying drivers of insurgency, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education. The authors call for a comprehensive, people-centred counterinsurgency strategy, combining military efforts with socioeconomic reforms, inclusive dialogue, and community-based interventions. “The current strategy is reactive rather than preventative,” the report warns. “Without urgent reforms, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism may continue to flounder, leaving millions vulnerable to extremist violence.” The resurgence of Boko Haram comes as Nigeria faces mounting security challenges across several regions, with many analysts now urging a fundamental rethink of national security policy to address the root causes of violence rather than its symptoms.

CBN Launches Non-Resident BVN Opens Nigeria’s Financial System to Diaspora

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago06 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – May 13, 2025The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken a major leap toward bridging the financial gap between Nigeria and its diaspora population with the official launch of the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN). The initiative, unveiled yesterday in Abuja, is being hailed as a historic move that will allow millions of Nigerians abroad to access and participate in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem without the previous bureaucratic and logistical barriers. Speaking at the launch, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso described the program as a “transformational milestone” that reflects the Bank’s commitment to full financial inclusion for Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location. “This is not the final destination, but the beginning of a broader journey,” Cardoso stated. “Every Nigerian, no matter their location, remains connected and empowered to contribute to Nigeria’s vibrant future.” Eliminating Key Barriers for the Diaspora The NRBVN initiative tackles several longstanding obstacles that have hindered the financial participation of Nigerians living overseas. Here’s how it addresses seven critical pain points: 1. Mandatory Physical Presence for Banking Services Before: Nigerians abroad had to travel home to open or manage accounts.Now: With NRBVN, digital verification replaces the need for physical presence, saving time and money.Impact: “Considerable costs in terms of time and financial resources” are now eliminated, Cardoso said. 2. Limited Access to Financial Institutions Before: Distance restricted diaspora Nigerians from accessing banking services.Now: A new digital platform connects users to Nigeria’s entire banking ecosystem from anywhere in the world.Impact: A “single digital gateway” now ensures seamless service delivery to all Nigerians, according to the CBN. 3. Restricted Investment Opportunities Before: Bureaucratic bottlenecks locked diaspora Nigerians out of investment markets.Now: With the NRBVN and the complementary Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account (NRNIA), full access to stocks, bonds, real estate, and pension products is unlocked.Impact: Investors can now participate with ease—and repatriate profits freely. 4. High-Cost, Insecure Remittance Channels Before: Fees as high as 7% and unreliable channels made remittances costly and risky.Now: Formal, regulated remittance pathways now ensure lower costs and higher security.Impact: Remittance inflows are expected to surge, supporting the CBN’s $1 billion monthly target. 5. One-Size-Fits-All Banking Products Before: Few financial products were designed with diaspora lifestyles in mind.Now: Banks have been directed to develop customized products like diaspora mortgages, savings, and investment bundles.Impact: Financial offerings now reflect the unique needs of cross-border customers. 6. Inconsistent Regulatory Framework Before: Unclear rules discouraged long-term diaspora engagement.Now: A stable regulatory model inspired by India and Pakistan ensures consistency and clarity.Impact: Greater confidence among diaspora investors, with Nigeria aiming to replicate India’s $160 billion diaspora deposits. 7. Disconnection from Nation-Building Before: Lack of formal mechanisms limited diaspora contributions to development.Now: New investment channels allow Nigerians abroad to support local infrastructure and job creation.Impact: Strengthened economic ties and social impact, even from thousands of miles away. A Global Vision with Local Impact The launch of the NRBVN represents a strategic pivot in Nigeria’s efforts to unlock diaspora capital and involvement. With over 15 million Nigerians living abroad, the CBN sees enormous potential for boosting the economy through improved remittances, investment flows, and community development. Governor Cardoso emphasized that the initiative would be refined based on ongoing feedback, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to a dynamic, inclusive financial system. “Your financial connection to Nigeria should be as strong as your cultural one,” he said.

Boko Haram Deploying Armed Drones Nigerian Army Warns

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago06 mins

Maiduguri, Nigeria – May 14, 2025 The Nigerian Army has raised concerns over the increasing use of armed drones by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, describing it as a dangerous shift in tactics that poses significant challenges to national security. Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), disclosed this development during a press briefing on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Borno State. According to the commander, the terrorist group has begun deploying drones similar to those used in conflict zones such as Israel and Ukraine, which are difficult to detect using conventional radar systems. “The terrorists have changed tactics, resorting to multi-pronged attacks on isolated and vulnerable deployments. They use these attacks as propaganda,” General Abubakar said. “This is why we are reviewing our deployments to counter their evolving strategies.” The army chief warned that insurgents who continue to resist and engage in violence face “certain elimination,” urging them to surrender and emulate those who have already laid down their arms and are being treated humanely. Despite the new threat posed by drone warfare, General Abubakar reassured Nigerians that the troops remain highly motivated, attributing improved morale to enhanced welfare packages instituted by the military leadership. “This shows the seriousness with which the government is tackling this conflict,” he said. “We are confident that in due time, we will achieve complete victory over terrorism.” The Theatre Commander highlighted significant progress in the fight against insurgency, noting that normalcy has largely returned to many parts of the North East compared to five or ten years ago. “In just the past week, over 20 terrorists have been neutralised and several weapons recovered. Operations are ongoing on multiple fronts,” he said, adding that thousands of displaced residents have returned to their communities. “Malam Fatori and Kukawa are recent success stories, with nearly 20,000 IDPs returning to their ancestral homes.” However, General Abubakar acknowledged that insecurity across the wider Sahel region is impacting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. He noted that arms looted from overrun military barracks in neighboring countries are often smuggled into Nigeria through porous borders. “Two years ago, we were on the verge of declaring the conflict over,” he revealed. “But the deterioration in the Sahel has had a direct impact on us. The terrorists have also adapted—thanks in part to the ease with which they access new technology.” He cited the deployment of weaponised drones since November 2024 as a major concern, prompting the military to reassess and reorganize its strategy. “The Chief of Army Staff visited last week and major changes have been implemented. I assumed command just three weeks ago as part of those changes,” he said. General Abubakar confirmed that coordinated attacks were recently launched in Rann, Dikwa, and Gajiram. While most were repelled, the attack on Rann breached military defenses, resulting in the loss of four personnel. Despite the setback, he reaffirmed the military’s determination to end terrorism. “Our resolve remains firm. We will defeat terrorism and restore peace to this region as swiftly as possible. But we need the full support of the nation,” he said. The commander urged Nigerians to grasp the complexity of the mission, noting that the OPHK theatre covers over 150,000 square kilometers—larger than several countries combined. “In asymmetric warfare, as Sun Tzu said, you must separate the fish from the water. Security is a collective responsibility,” he added. As a sign of growing community collaboration, he cited the recent interception of 13,000 litres of petrol being smuggled to terrorist enclaves—a cache capable of powering insurgent operations for a year. “The fight against terrorism cannot be won by the armed forces alone,” he concluded. “We need the cooperation and vigilance of every citizen to overcome this challenge.”

Reps Reject Bill Seeking Six-Year Single Term and Rotational Presidency Across Nigeria’s Geopolitical Zones

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to amend Nigeria’s constitution to provide for a single six-year term for the President, state governors, and local government chairpersons, as well as rotational presidency among the country’s geopolitical zones. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and 33 other lawmakers, was debated on the floor of the House on November 21, 2024. It failed to scale through second reading following strong opposition during a voice vote. Key provisions of the bill included: However, the proposal was met with resistance from several lawmakers who argued that enforcing a rotational presidency through the constitution could fuel regional division, undermine democratic rights, and trigger political instability. Critics warned that the amendment could also infringe on the right of every Nigerian to contest elective offices and might complicate leadership selection based on merit. Despite the setback, the bill’s proponents have vowed to continue pushing for the reforms. Ugochinyere described the rejection as a temporary roadblock and expressed the intention to reintroduce the bill after further consultations and legislative engagement. He maintained that the proposed reforms are aimed at promoting inclusion, cutting governance costs, and ensuring that leaders focus on service delivery rather than re-election campaigns. The debate underscores the broader national conversation about constitutional restructuring, power rotation, and equitable representation in Nigeria’s complex multi-ethnic and multi-regional political landscape.

AMMC partners NUJ FCT On Infrastructural Development

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago07 mins

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has expressed commitment to partner the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council on infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This was disclosed when the NUJ FCT Chairperson, Ms Grace Ike, led her executive team on a courtesy visit to the AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, on Tuesday. Chief Obuah while welcoming members of the NUJ FCT, expressed his readiness to collaborate with the council having recognised the vital role the media play in informing the public in activities of the AMMC which is helping the agency to ensure full compliance of the FCT master plan. “I welcome you and your team to our corporate office today. I have listened to you and I just have to say that, I am indeed very happy to partner with the NUJ FCT. We need to partner together to be able to achieve our core and corporate mandate. And in partnering together we support each other and grow together and educate the public so as to attain infrastructural development in the FCT in line with the master plan of the nation’s capital city,” he said. While expressing his willingness to support the NUJ FCT Council, Chief Obuah explained that current financial constraints make it difficult to make any immediate commitment but hope to accommodate the unions needs in the next budget “Even though I am a bit handicapped to make any promises because of budgetary constraints. But in the subsequent budget, I assure you that whatever we can do to help your dream come true for NUJ and your members, the agency will do everything humanly possible to contribute their quota to the growth of the union in line with the FCT master plan He also added, “You can write my office on what you feel we can do officially. I will also present it in the next budget and I will go to my superior, the Honourable Minister of FCT, and say these people visited me and came with a very solid, verified programme—how do we assist? Because whatever we are doing, with the media, the public would not know and be able to key into it. He said the media play a very vital role in the growth and development of any organisation.” Dr Obuah used the occasion to congratulate the first female chairperson of the union after four years of its existence and pray for a successful tenure. Earlier, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Ms Ike thanked Chief Obuah for receiving her team and commended the AMMC Coordinator for the effective management and coordination of municipal services as well as infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She used the occasion to commend his support for workers welfare which earned him the employee’s advocate award of the year award She said “ I must commend your leadership efforts in ensuring proper maintenance and sustainable management of the city’s infrastructure, utilities, and services” She highlighted major infrastructural challenges currently facing the NUJ FCT Council and requested support to improve their facilities such as the completion of the pentagon building, and a hall that cannot house more than 2, 000 journalists during her monthly congress. She also made a strong case for the NUJ FCT “Journalists’ Village”, which would offer journalists affordable housing and a suitable environment to carry out their work. She said, “On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, I express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers, including media professionals. Your kind gestures and support have not gone unnoticed and have greatly encouraged us in our mission. “Today, we come with a sincere appeal for your support towards the establishment of a Journalists’ Village here in the FCT. This initiative is vital for providing affordable housing, professional facilities, and a conducive environment that will enhance the welfare and productivity of journalists who play a critical role in our democracy. “We believe that with the AMMC’s collaboration, we can secure the necessary resources, land, and policy backing to bring this vision to fruition. Such a village will not only improve the living standards of journalists but also serve as a hub for capacity building, relaxation, and professional growth. “We appreciate your past efforts and hope to count on your continued partnership to make this project a reality, thereby restoring dignity and stability to journajlists who tirelessly serve the public interest” she added