Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Breaking: Tinubu Splashes $100,000 Each, 3-bed Flats on Super Falcons

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Members of the victorious Super Falcons have been rewarded with the sum of $100,000 ,00 each, 3-bed room flats and National award for emerging winners of the just concluded Women Africa Nations Cup in Morocco. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this announcement at the reception held at the banquet hall at the Presidential Villa on Monday. According to the President, each of the players and technical crew will pocket an naira equivalent of $100,000,00 and $50,000,00 respectively. In addition, the President awarded the players with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), just as they were gifted 3-bed room apartment each the Renewed Hope Agenda Estate at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In similar vein, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governor Forum showered the team with the sum of N10million each.

Trump Gives Russia 10–12 Days to End Ukraine War: “No Reason in Waiting”

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Turnberry, Scotland — July 28, 2025U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days — significantly reducing the 50-day deadline he initially set earlier this month. Speaking during a press conference alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s continued military offensive in Ukraine and signaled growing impatience with the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. “I’m going to make a new deadline of about … 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump said. “There’s no reason in waiting. We just don’t see any progress being made.” The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal response. Trump’s warning comes as Moscow intensifies airstrikes across Ukraine, despite several diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and its European allies. A recent ceasefire deal remains in limbo, with Russian forces reportedly escalating attacks in key areas including Kyiv and eastern border regions. The U.S. president, who returned to office this year with a promise to end the conflict within 24 hours, continues to present himself as a peacemaker, but has faced criticism for his mixed signals. Though he has repeatedly threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia and countries buying Russian exports, his administration has been cautious in implementing such measures. “I don’t want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people,” Trump said Monday.“But if you know what the answer is going to be, why wait?” Trump also expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he accused of stalling peace efforts. He referenced past conversations with Putin, saying: “We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever. And I say that’s not the way to do it.” With tensions rising and the international community watching closely, the next 10 days could prove critical for diplomatic relations — and for Ukraine’s war-ravaged future.

Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Immediate Ceasefire Following Deadly Border Clashes

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire to end days of intense border clashes that have killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement followed high-level mediation talks hosted at Anwar’s official residence in Putrajaya, where Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met face-to-face. The ceasefire, effective from 17:00 GMT on Monday, marks a significant breakthrough in the escalating conflict, which saw artillery exchanges and troop mobilizations along the disputed border area. “This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace,” Anwar stated during a joint press conference with both leaders. He noted that military commanders from both nations would meet Tuesday to implement the agreement. The mediation was observed by both US and Chinese ambassadors, with Malaysian officials confirming that US President Donald Trump and Chinese leaders had been in direct contact with all parties involved. Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the talks, saying: “We had a very good meeting with very good results that we hope will immediately stop the fighting.” He also acknowledged the “decisive role” of President Trump in encouraging both sides to the negotiation table, adding that the ceasefire could help “rebuild trust and confidence” between the two nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the outcome, urging all parties to uphold their commitments. Despite the ceasefire agreement, clashes reportedly continued on Monday morning. Thai army spokesperson Col. Richa Suksuwanon confirmed artillery fire and gunshots were heard along the border, including incidents near Samrong in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province and Sisaket in Thailand, where a Cambodian rocket killed one person on Sunday. Tensions have also flared around disputed ancient temples — Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai — with both sides trading accusations over troop movements and use of heavy weaponry. Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata accused Thailand of “aggressive troop deployment and air-based assaults,” while Thailand claimed Cambodian snipers were operating from within contested temple zones. Reporting from the Thai-Cambodian border, Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng described the ceasefire as “a huge relief” for tens of thousands of displaced civilians. “Many just want to go home,” he said. As the ceasefire takes effect, international observers are cautiously optimistic but stress the need for strict compliance and continuous dialogue to prevent a resurgence of violence.

Trump Issues Fresh Threat to Iran Over Nuclear Programme: We’ll Wipe It Out Faster

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern new warning to Iran over its continued nuclear enrichment activities, declaring the U.S. would “wipe it out faster” than before if Tehran resumes nuclear development following recent strikes. The comments came during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, where Trump accused Iran of sending “very bad, very nasty signals.” “We wiped out their nuclear possibilities. They can start again. If they do, we’ll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it,” Trump warned.“We will do that gladly, openly and gladly,” he added. The remarks follow U.S. airstrikes earlier this month on three Iranian nuclear sites, which Washington claimed were part of efforts to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment. The attacks came shortly after Israel launched a military offensive against Tehran in June, an event that shattered previous diplomatic progress. Iran has since reaffirmed its intention to continue enrichment for what it insists are civilian energy purposes. Speaking ahead of recent talks with the UK, France, and Germany, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended Tehran’s right to maintain its nuclear programme under international law. The latest round of diplomatic talks—the first since the U.S.-Israel strikes—were described by Iranian officials as “serious, frank and detailed,” though no breakthroughs were announced. In an interview with Al Jazeera last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his country’s stance: “We will not abandon our nuclear programme,” he said, while still expressing openness to negotiations.However, Pezeshkian also said he was “not very optimistic” about the ceasefire with Israel that ended the recent 12-day war. As global tensions remain high, European leaders are pushing for renewed diplomacy, but the Trump administration continues to take a hardline stance, insisting that Iran must fully dismantle its nuclear infrastructure or face further military action.

International Drug Syndicate Busted in India: Nigerians Among Three Foreign Nationals Arrested

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

In a significant crackdown on transnational narcotics trafficking, the UT Police Crime Branch has dismantled a major international drug syndicate operating across the Tricity region of India, arresting three foreign nationals in a coordinated sting operation. The suspects — Imoru Damian (31) and Okoye Nnamdi (31), both Nigerian nationals, and Toufe Yousouf (30) from Cape Town, South Africa — were apprehended while attempting to smuggle narcotics into the city. Substantial quantities of cocaine and amphetamine were seized during the bust, along with a Honda City vehicle allegedly used in the drug trade. All three were presented before a local court and have been remanded into police custody for further investigation. According to SP Jasbir Singh of the Crime Branch, the operation began on July 22, when Damian was arrested in possession of 62.6 grams of amphetamine. Investigations revealed that he had overstayed his medical visa, which was issued in 2021. His arrest led authorities to Okoye and Toufe, who were subsequently found with additional quantities of narcotics: 35.8 grams of cocaine and 5.73 grams of amphetamine (Okoye) and 34.85 grams of cocaine (Toufe). Damian and Toufe were residing in a rented apartment in Kharar, Mohali, while Okoye was based in Delhi. Authorities say the suspects operated in isolation, directed remotely by handlers based abroad, making it difficult to detect the full scope of the operation. The syndicate reportedly sourced narcotics from Delhi and distributed them to youth in the Tricity region, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. Investigators also uncovered a concerning link to a wider network of Nigerian students in Kharar, who may have been exploited as drug couriers or low-level distributors. Further inquiries are underway to unravel the extent of this international network. The arrests mark a major win for Indian law enforcement as they continue efforts to curb the rising threat of cross-border narcotics trafficking.

Inside Africa

VP Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Food Security at UN Summit

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – July 28, 2025Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the country’s strong commitment to food and nutrition security while addressing global leaders at the United Nations Food Systems Summit held at the iconic African Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking at the summit, Shettima emphasized that food insecurity is a global challenge that “knows no borders” and called for collective international action. He outlined Nigeria’s strategic approach, highlighting the Presidential Initiative on Food Security, which aims to scale up the production of maize, rice, cassava, and wheat using climate-smart solutions. “Nutrition is at the heart of Nigeria’s vision,” he stated, citing the integration of food and nutrition targets into national frameworks such as the National Development Plan and Agenda 2050. The Vice President also spotlighted the Nutrition 774 initiative, designed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level by reaching all 774 local government areas in Nigeria — turning “pledges into meals,” he said. Shettima noted that Nigeria is embracing innovation to transform its agricultural sector. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving our agricultural systems, through the use of artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, and satellite-driven climate intelligence,” he said. These technologies, he added, are enhancing transparency, boosting production, improving market access, and reducing food waste. Highlighting strategic partnerships, the Vice President pointed to collaborations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. These zones, he said, are creating jobs, attracting investment, and linking local farmers to global markets. He concluded by emphasizing the role of nutrition education and school feeding programs in securing long-term outcomes, stating that they are essential for “building healthier futures” for Nigerian children.

SDP Expels El-Rufai, Bans Him from Party Activities for 30 Years

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Kaduna, Nigeria – July 28, 2025The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and banned him from all party-related activities and membership rights for the next 30 years. The announcement was made on Monday in a statement issued by the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba. The party accused El-Rufai of falsely presenting himself as a member without undergoing proper registration processes, a violation of party protocols and Nigeria’s electoral regulations. According to the statement, El-Rufai allegedly forged documents to claim membership in Unguwar Sarki Ward of Kaduna North LGA and assigned himself membership number “001”. Despite making public declarations on social media that he had joined the SDP, investigations by the party revealed that he never completed the required registration at the ward level. The SDP also accused the former governor of using the party’s name in unauthorized political dealings, attempting to pull the SDP into coalition arrangements without the consent of its leadership, and destabilizing party structures with “obscene inducements, misinformation, and manipulation.” “Effective immediately, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is excommunicated from the Social Democratic Party, with a 30-year ban from applying for membership or associating with the party in any capacity,” the statement read. The party said it has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies of the decision. The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal discipline, ideological clarity, and ethical political engagement, urging all prospective members to adhere strictly to its constitutional procedures.

NDLEA Arrests 80-Year-Old Woman in Calabar, Uncovers Drugs Hidden in Moimoi Sachets and Canned Foods

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

In a startling operation that has drawn national attention, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 80-year-old woman, Mrs. Grace Ekpeme, in Calabar, Cross River State, for her alleged involvement in a drug trafficking network that spans multiple states across Nigeria. The arrest was made on Saturday, July 26, 2025, following actionable intelligence gathered by the agency. Operatives stormed her residence on Edet-Nsa Street, Base Site, Calabar South, where she was taken into custody. Drugs Hidden Inside Moimoi Sachets and Canned Goods During the raid, NDLEA operatives uncovered over three kilograms of skunk, a highly potent form of cannabis, hidden in food packaging. The agency revealed that narcotics were cleverly concealed in moimoi sachets and canned foods, part of a growing trend among traffickers to use household items to smuggle drugs past checkpoints and law enforcement. Seized items included: According to officials, the discovery is part of a broader crackdown on sophisticated drug syndicates that exploit food packaging to evade detection and prosecution. NDLEA: No One Is Above the Law An NDLEA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy, stating that age or status will not shield anyone from facing the full force of the law. “This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to fight drug trafficking across all levels,” the spokesperson said. “Age, gender, or social standing is no barrier to prosecution.” Mrs. Ekpeme remains in custody and is expected to face charges after investigations are concluded. Authorities confirmed she will be tried alongside others arrested during the coordinated national operation. Nationwide Crackdown Intensifies The arrest comes amid an ongoing nationwide offensive by the NDLEA to dismantle drug trafficking rings and disrupt distribution channels. The agency has made a series of high-profile arrests in recent months and continues to call on the public to report suspicious activities. “We urge all citizens to stay alert and help protect our communities. Together, we can weaken these criminal networks,” the NDLEA added.