Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Federal Retirees to Get N32,000 Monthly Increase Under CPS

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Retired federal employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) are set to enjoy a significant relief, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦758 billion bond to offset outstanding pension liabilities and implement long-delayed increments. Under the new arrangement, retirees will receive an additional ₦32,000 monthly pension, ensuring compliance with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 and its consequential adjustments. The increment applies across key sectors—including education, health, security, and the Armed Forces—irrespective of individual retirement savings. According to the directive issued on August 6, President Tinubu ordered the “prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee” to provide a safety net for vulnerable retirees. The National Pension Commission (PenCom) confirmed that, once the National Assembly concurs, proceeds from the bond will be released to settle beneficiaries. PenCom’s Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, explained that the ₦758 billion allocation would be shared across three categories: ₦253 billion for accrued rights of workers employed before the CPS began in 2004 or near retirement at the time; ₦387.5 billion to clear pension arrears dating back to 2007; and ₦107 billion for the Pension Protection Fund, designed to boost pensions for low-income earners. She described the intervention as a “long-overdue step” to restore confidence in the CPS and address nearly two decades of unpaid pension adjustments. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had previously confirmed that the adjustment would translate to an extra ₦32,000 monthly for retirees, bringing relief to thousands of pensioners struggling under the weight of inflation and rising living costs.

Troops Recover Weapons Cache in Mafa Border Operation

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have recovered a cache of weapons during an intelligence-led clearance operation along the Mafa border corridor in Borno State. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the operation was a follow-up to an earlier clash with terrorists on 7 August, in which one insurgent was neutralised. Acting on actionable intelligence, troops conducted a search of suspected terrorist hideouts in the area, leading to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and five magazines. Military sources confirmed that the weapons were likely concealed by fleeing terrorists after sustaining losses in recent engagements. In a statement, the DHQ commended the gallant troops for their vigilance and resilience, stressing that the recovery underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in the fight against insurgency. “The troops are encouraged to maintain the momentum and continue to deny terrorists the freedom of action across the North-East theatre of operations,” the military high command said. The operation in Mafa is the latest in a series of intensified counter-insurgency efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and weapons supply chains along Nigeria’s volatile border communities.

Nigeria, Brazil Set to Sign Bilateral Air Service Agreement for Direct Flights

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Nigeria is preparing to sign a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, a move expected to unlock direct flights between the two nations. The agreement, which has completed all statutory processes including Federal Executive Council approval, is set to be executed during President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to Brasilia at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The agreement paves the way for four to five weekly direct flights, likely to be operated by Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and Caverton. Officials say the move will cut travel time, lower logistics costs, and expand trade corridors for agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services. Beyond commerce, the BASA is also expected to deepen cultural exchanges, especially given Brazil’s strong Yoruba heritage, which ties back centuries to Nigeria. The journey toward this milestone began in May 2025 when Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development led a delegation to Brazil for bilateral talks. Those discussions established a technical working group that worked swiftly to harmonize the agreement, ensuring that bureaucratic bottlenecks did not delay progress. In addition to direct flights, both countries are exploring broader cooperation in aviation, including pilot training and airport infrastructure upgrades. Officials describe the partnership as more than an air agreement, but a bridge of opportunity—one that connects Africa and South America through trade, tourism, and shared cultural heritage.

Vote Buying Allegedly Mars Onitsha North 1 By-Election

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election in Anambra State has been overshadowed by allegations of widespread vote buying, with the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused of openly distributing cash to sway voters. APGA is reportedly backing a candidate to succeed the late lawmaker, Hon. Justice Azuka, while ADC is pushing for his widow, Mrs. Justina Azuka, to take over the seat. Despite being a relatively small election, the contest has drawn significant attention, with Governor Chukwuma Soludo said to be keen on proving his popularity ahead of the November governorship poll, while ADC’s support is boosted by Peter Obi’s influence. In Omagba and Osuma wards, party agents were allegedly seen handing out cash to voters. Reports suggest that APGA offered as much as ₦10,000 per voter, while ADC distributed ₦5,000. Witnesses described the exercise as open and brazen, with agents directly canvassing support at polling areas. Some observers insist the funds fueling the vote buying are being driven by the political heavyweights behind the parties, rather than the candidates themselves. While the election has so far been free of violence, the credibility of the process has come under scrutiny as financial inducement overshadows the ballot.

Liverpool Edge Bournemouth 4-2 in Emotional Premier League Opener

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, in a match filled with emotional tributes to the late Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward, who died in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva in July, was remembered before, during, and after the game, with players wearing black armbands and fans singing his name throughout. New signing Hugo Ekitike starred on his league debut, scoring one and setting up Cody Gakpo for another as Liverpool took control. However, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo struck twice in quick succession to level the score, exploiting defensive lapses and unsettling the champions. The game was briefly overshadowed by reports of racist abuse directed at Semenyo, which drew condemnation from pundits. Liverpool regained their composure late on, with substitute Federico Chiesa volleying home in the 88th minute to restore the lead. Mohamed Salah sealed the win in stoppage time, visibly emotional as he applauded the Kop’s tribute to Jota. The victory not only secured three opening-day points but also provided a poignant reminder of Jota’s lasting impact on the club and its supporters, setting the tone for an emotional yet determined title defence.Liverpool Edge Bournemouth 4-2 in Emotional Premier League Opener Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, in a match filled with emotional tributes to the late Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward, who died in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva in July, was remembered before, during, and after the game, with players wearing black armbands and fans singing his name throughout. New signing Hugo Ekitike starred on his league debut, scoring one and setting up Cody Gakpo for another as Liverpool took control. However, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo struck twice in quick succession to level the score, exploiting defensive lapses and unsettling the champions. The game was briefly overshadowed by reports of racist abuse directed at Semenyo, which drew condemnation from pundits. Liverpool regained their composure late on, with substitute Federico Chiesa volleying home in the 88th minute to restore the lead. Mohamed Salah sealed the win in stoppage time, visibly emotional as he applauded the Kop’s tribute to Jota. The victory not only secured three opening-day points but also provided a poignant reminder of Jota’s lasting impact on the club and its supporters, setting the tone for an emotional yet determined title defence.

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.