Ukraine War: Trump Says Zelenskyy Can End War as Russian Strike in Kharkiv Kills Seven

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Donald Trump at the White House today, with discussions expected to focus on possible ceasefire arrangements and the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. The talks come amid heightened tensions following a deadly overnight Russian missile strike on the eastern city of Kharkiv, which killed at least seven civilians and injured dozens more. Trump’s Remarks Ahead of Talks Speaking to reporters en route to Washington, Trump said he believed Zelenskyy had the ability to “end the war,” though he did not clarify whether he envisioned concessions to Russia as part of a potential settlement. He reiterated his stance that the U.S. would not pursue new business or diplomatic openings with Moscow until the conflict was “settled,” suggesting a possible shift in tone while maintaining pressure on the Kremlin. European Support for Zelenskyy Ahead of the White House meeting, several European leaders pledged continued backing for Ukraine. Officials in Brussels and Berlin emphasized that any negotiations should not compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Zelenskyy is expected to present a renewed appeal for sustained U.S. military and financial aid, particularly as concerns grow over battlefield losses and Russia’s intensified air campaign. Kharkiv Under Fire In the early hours of this morning, Russian forces launched missile strikes on residential districts in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Local authorities confirmed seven deaths and said rescue workers were still searching for survivors in the rubble. The strike is the latest in a series of escalations targeting civilian areas, which Kyiv has denounced as acts of terror designed to weaken public morale. What’s Next The outcome of today’s White House talks could prove pivotal. If Trump signals willingness to broker a ceasefire or peace talks, it may open a new phase in the nearly four-year conflict. However, Ukraine’s leadership continues to insist that any agreement must ensure sovereignty and security guarantees, while Russia shows no sign of backing down militarily.

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Federal Retirees To Get N32,000 Monthly Increase Under CPS

Federal Retirees to Get N32,000 Monthly Increase Under CPS

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.

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Troops Recover Weapons Cache in Mafa Border Operation

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.

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

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.

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Bauchi Governor Appoints Chinese Economic Adviser, Signs Landmark Cooperation Deal

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.

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PSC Acquires Portal to Decentralise Police Recruitment

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.

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FDI to Nigeria Plummets Amid Poor Governance and Uncoordinated Reforms

FDI to Nigeria Plummets Amid Poor Governance and Uncoordinated Reforms

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.

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

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

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.

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