Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Brazil hosts BRICS summit; Russia’s Putin China’s Xi skip Rio trip

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Leaders expected to decry US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh exchange gifts during a meeting at Fort Copacabana, in Rio deLeaders of the growing BRICS group are gathering in Brazil for a summit overshadowed by United States President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. The leaders, mainly from the developing world, will be discussing ways to increase cooperation amid what they say are serious concerns over Western dominance at their two-day summit that begins in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The BRICS acronym is derived from the initial letters of the founding member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc, which held its first summit in 2009, later added Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as full members. It also has 10 strategic partner countries, a category created last year, that includes Belarus, Cuba and Vietnam. But for the first time since taking power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending in person, instead sending Prime Minister Li Qiang. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also miss in-person attendance as he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would be required to enforce the arrest warrant. The notable absences are raising questions over the group’s cohesion and global clout. Now chaired by Brazil, leaders at the BRICS summit are expected to decry the Trump administration’s “indiscriminate” trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. Global health policies, artificial intelligence and climate change will also be on the agenda. The BRICS countries say they represent almost half of the world’s population, 36 percent of global land area, and a quarter of the global economic output. The bloc sees itself as a forum for cooperation between countries of the Global South and a counterweight to the Group of Seven (G7), comprised of leading Western economic powers. However, behind the scenes, divisions are evident. According to a source quoted by The Associated Press news agency, some member states are calling for a firmer stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and its recent strikes on Iran. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will be attending the Rio summit. But Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from Rio, said the group’s aim remains clear. “The BRICS goal is to exert pressure for a multipolar world with inclusive global governance to give a meaningful voice to the Global South, especially in the trading system,” she said. “It’s not super organised, nor does it have a radical global impact,” Newman added. “The real question is, can an expanded BRICS whose members have very different political systems and priorities form a sufficiently unified bloc to have any significant impact?”

Texas Flood Disaster: 50 Dead, 27 Children Still Missing From Summer Camp

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS — The search for survivors continues after devastating flash floods swept through central Texas, leaving at least 50 people dead, including 15 children, and 27 children still missing from a Christian summer camp in Kerr County. The floods, fueled by torrential overnight rains, caused the Guadalupe River to rise a staggering 26 feet in just 45 minutes, washing away homes, campsites, and vehicles before dawn on Friday. Authorities say 850 people have been rescued so far. The majority of fatalities were reported in Kerr County, located about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that many of the victims were children, including those staying at Camp Mystic, which housed 700 girls at the time of the disaster. Officials say the floodwaters struck suddenly and ferociously while most people were asleep, leading to fears that many were caught unaware. Another girls’ camp in the area, Heart O’ the Hills, reported the death of its co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, though no campers were present at the time. With questions mounting over the adequacy of early warnings, residents and families are demanding answers. “They knew there might be rain, they just didn’t know when or where it would hit,” said Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro. “Evacuations didn’t happen in time.” Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the number of missing, especially among unregistered visitors who were camping near the river for the Independence Day weekend. President Donald Trump responded Saturday, promising federal support and announcing that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would be deployed to the disaster area. “Our brave first responders are doing what they do best,” Trump said on Truth Social. Emergency officials vow to continue air, ground, and water-based search efforts until every missing person is found. The tragedy draws haunting parallels to a 1987 flood in the same region, which claimed the lives of 10 teenagers from a church camp. As the floodwaters recede, Texas faces tough questions—not only about climate resilience but about how many more lives might have been saved with better preparation.

Throwback: Reno Omokri Reignites Allegation of Drug Links Against President Tinubu

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

2027: Martha Agba South-South APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for Second Term

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Prominent political leader Martha Agba joined key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benin City for a high-level South-South Stakeholders Meeting, where the region formally reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. The strategic gathering brought together a formidable coalition of APC faithful, including Governors of Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River States, zonal party executives, and former governors—most notably Senator Ben Ayade of Cross River State. The President of the Senate led a robust delegation of National Assembly members from the region, underscoring growing internal unity and the APC’s preparedness to retain national leadership. Addressing the gathering, Martha Agba restated her unwavering support for President Tinubu and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, pledging to continue mobilizing grassroots support for their re-election efforts. She also used the platform to encourage young women across the South-South to take active roles in politics, urging them to prepare for elective positions in 2027. “Inclusive participation is essential for a truly representative democracy,” she said. The meeting concluded with the Senate President delivering the closing remarks and reading a communiqué in which the APC South-South leaders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their candidate for a second term. With this endorsement, the APC aims to consolidate its base across the South-South, rallying support amid a tightening race as opposition forces also mobilize nationwide.

2027: ADC Coalition Leaders Begin Grassroots Mobilisation Nationwide

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Published: July 6, 2025 | By Kamal Yalwa As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections draw closer, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition has officially begun grassroots mobilisation efforts across the country. The coalition’s interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, and national secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have returned to their respective states—Benue and Osun—to galvanise support from local political bases. According to sources within the party, each coalition leader has been assigned a geo-political zone for mobilisation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will lead mobilisation efforts in the North East, Mark in the North Central, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai in the North West. In the southern regions, Peter Obi will coordinate activities in the South East, Rotimi Amaechi in the South-South, and Aregbesola in the South West. While Mark’s presence in Benue coincided with a family event, insiders say he is expected to meet local political stakeholders. Aregbesola, meanwhile, was welcomed by loyalists as he transited through Lagos to Osun State. Atiku reportedly met with ADC leaders from Gombe State in Abuja last Friday, indicating an intensifying momentum. Confirming the developments, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said coalition leaders had been directed to consult widely within their zones and would reconvene in Abuja in two weeks to assess progress. Other key politicians such as Maina Waziri in Yobe and Emeka Ihedioha in Imo have also begun rallying support in their respective states. The official unveiling of the ADC-led coalition in Abuja last Wednesday sent ripples across Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as the PDP and Labour Party remain entangled in internal leadership crises. Prominent political figures—including Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, and Senator David Mark—attended the coalition’s unveiling, signalling a serious opposition challenge to the ruling APC. While APC officials have downplayed the coalition, Senator Mark declared that the ADC alliance is committed to rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges. Political watchers are divided. While some believe the coalition’s political heavyweights still wield considerable influence, others warn the ruling party not to underestimate the opposition’s grassroots potential. Former APC Abuja chairman Sunny Moniedafe noted that widespread hardship could make the 2027 elections unpredictable, while Senator Abubakar Girei dismissed the coalition as a group of “disgruntled politicians” with no clear ideology. Still, groups like the Arewa Youths for the Sustenance of Democracy caution the APC against complacency, describing the coalition as politically savvy with nationwide reach. Responding to critics, Atiku’s aide Hon. Oladimeji Fabiyi maintained that the coalition has strong grassroots appeal and national credibility, backed by the political clout of its members. As mobilisation accelerates, one thing is clear—Nigeria’s political scene is heating up fast, and the ADC coalition is shaping up to be a formidable force in the 2027 race.

Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices

NNPCL Slashes Petrol Price to N910 per Litre in Abuja Following Dangote Refinery’s Adjustment

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across its retail outlets in Abuja. News360 Nigeria reports that NNPCL stations at locations such as Zone 6, Kubwa Expressway, and Wuse Zone 4, on Saturday, lowered their pump price from N945 to N910 per litre — a N35 decrease. The move brings significant relief to motorists grappling with high fuel costs in recent weeks. This reduction comes just four days after Dangote Refinery cut its petrol ex-depot price from N880 to N840 per litre, citing a drop in global crude oil prices. Independent marketers have also responded, adjusting their pump prices accordingly. In Abuja, prices have dropped to between N930 and N940 per litre, down from N945–N975, while Lagos motorists now pay around N890, a reduction from the previous N925 per litre. Industry watchers see the development as a potential signal of further fuel price stabilisation, depending on global market trends and domestic supply improvements.

Landlord’s Son Impregnates 3 Tenants Daughters Flees Home

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Landlord’s Son Impregnates 3 Tenants’ Daughters – Flees Home After Shocking Revelation” A shocking story has gone viral on TikTok after a young Nigerian man confessed to impregnating the daughters of three different tenants living in his father’s compound. Eyes Of Lagos reports, The man, who chose to remain anonymous during an interview with a content creator, admitted that he was romantically involved with all three girls at the same time—without any of them knowing about each other. According to him, the relationships escalated quickly, and within a short period, each of the young women became pregnant. When the reality started to surface and suspicions grew, the young man reportedly fled his father’s home to avoid confrontation and the inevitable family backlash. He is currently hiding out at a friend’s place. When asked how he managed to keep the three relationships under wraps, he claimed that he was very strategic in managing time and encounters with each girl, ensuring that they never crossed paths in a way that could raise suspicions. The story has triggered massive reactions online, especially after the video surfaced on social media. Users have flooded the comment section with mixed emotions ranging from disbelief to mockery.

Tinubu Appoints Oladele as Acting Chairman of Federal Character Commission as Dankaka’s Tenure Ends

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Hon. Kayode Oladele, the Federal Commissioner representing Ogun State, as the Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) following the expiration of Dr. Muheebah Dankaka’s five-year tenure. The development was confirmed on Friday and has already drawn commendation from staff members under the banner of the FCC Liberation Group, who had actively protested against the potential reappointment of Dr. Dankaka, citing allegations of mismanagement and poor leadership. Oladele, a respected legal practitioner and former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, is seen by many within the Commission as a symbol of integrity and reform. “His appointment is a welcome relief. He brings a wealth of experience, a legacy of principled leadership, and a clear understanding of constitutional governance,” said a spokesperson for the FCC Liberation Group. Staff Protests and Internal Crisis In late June, staff members from both the FCC headquarters and state offices staged coordinated protests, urging President Tinubu not to reappoint Dr. Dankaka. They accused her of presiding over a dysfunctional administration and claimed her leadership had contributed to the erosion of professionalism and morale within the Commission. Amid rising tensions, a counter-protest was staged less than 24 hours before the expiration of Dankaka’s tenure, allegedly sponsored by her loyalists. Protesters, some of whom were described by staff as thugs, gathered outside the FCC office in Abuja in a show of support for her reappointment. The situation reportedly prompted urgent appeals from staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, alleging attempts to influence Dankaka’s return through financial inducements. “Allegations are rife that she has paid the sum of N500 million, and this money will be shared among all the offices for her reappointment,” a letter from protesting workers claimed. Swift Police Intervention According to sources at the Commission, police were deployed to prevent the escalation of tensions at the FCC headquarters during the demonstrations. A staff member confirmed that the intervention averted what could have become a violent clash between opposing groups. What’s Next? Hon. Oladele’s appointment is being seen as a fresh start for the FCC, an agency tasked with ensuring equity and fairness in federal appointments and public service recruitment. Many observers expect that his leadership will focus on restoring credibility and effectiveness to the commission’s operations. President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Oladele is viewed by analysts as a calculated move to stabilize the agency and respond to internal staff discontent. Further updates are expected as the Commission transitions to new leadership under Oladele.