Trump Urges Immediate End to Gaza War, Rejects Palestinian Statehood Recognition

Trump Urges Immediate End to Gaza War Rejects Palestinian Statehood Recognition

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, while dismissing the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations as a “reward” for Hamas. “We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately,” Trump told world leaders on Tuesday. “We have to negotiate peace. We have to get the hostages back. We want all 20 back.” Trump referred to the 20 captives still believed to be alive among the 48 held by Hamas and said those in support of peace should be united in demanding their release. However, he sharply criticized recent efforts by countries to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood, claiming such moves would embolden Hamas. “As if to encourage continued conflict, some in this body are seeking to unilaterally recognise the Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities,” he said. The remarks stand in contrast to comments made earlier this week by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who stated that Palestinian statehood is “a right, not a reward.” Trump placed responsibility for the failure of ceasefire negotiations squarely on Hamas, stating that the group has “repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace.” He offered minimal criticism of Israeli actions, despite mounting international outrage over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023. Human rights organizations and UN investigators have raised alarms over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave. Trump’s remarks follow reports of an Israeli ground assault on Gaza City this month, displacing thousands and resulting in hundreds of Palestinian deaths. Israel has also been accused of deliberately stalling ceasefire negotiations. In a statement Tuesday, Hamas denied being an obstacle to peace: “We have never been an obstacle to reaching an agreement. The U.S. administration, the mediators, and the world know that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is the sole obstructionist in all attempts to reach an agreement.” Hamas reiterated its readiness for a truce that includes the release of captives, an exchange of prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza — conditions Netanyahu has refused to accept. More than 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the conflict escalated in 2023, according to local health authorities. International condemnation has grown over the U.S.’s continued military support for Israel during the war. Trump also used his UN address to issue strong warnings toward Iran, calling it the “world’s number one sponsor of terror” and vowing that Tehran would never obtain nuclear weapons. “Three months ago in Operation Midnight Hammer, seven American B-2 bombers dropped 30,000-pound bombs on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, totally obliterating everything,” he said. While Trump claimed the operation “demolished” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity, U.S. defense officials have said the strikes only delayed Iran’s program by several months. Trump’s address included repeated references to his past foreign policy record, claiming he ended “seven different wars” and suggesting he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts — though he added he “didn’t care about awards.” He also took aim at the United Nations, accusing it of failing its core mission and enabling illegal immigration: “I had to end wars instead of the United Nations,” he said.“The UN is funding an assault on Western countries and their borders,” he added, alleging the organization is helping undocumented migrants enter the U.S. with food, shelter, and debit cards. Migration and climate change were recurring targets in the speech. Trump described immigration as an “invasion” and called climate policy “the greatest con job,” claiming renewable energy is “destroying” the West. “Some countries are going to hell over their border policies,” he said in closing remarks. Trump also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, arguing the conflict would have been avoided under his leadership. “Everyone thought Russia would win in three days, but it didn’t,” he said, describing his relationship with President Vladimir Putin as “a good one,” while admitting the invasion was “not making Russia look good.” He criticized European countries for continuing to buy Russian oil and gas despite sanctions and called on EU nations to impose tariffs on Moscow. Trump also blamed China and India for “funding” Russia’s war effort. Following his General Assembly address, Trump was scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Guterres and leaders from Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina, and a coalition of Middle Eastern and Asian nations. A reception with over 100 world leaders is expected before his return to Washington, D.C.

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Khamenei Rules Out Talks with US Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Khamenei Rules Out Talks with US Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out any direct negotiations with the United States over the country’s nuclear programme, calling such talks a “sheer dead end” and accusing Washington of attempting to dictate terms rather than engage in genuine diplomacy. Khamenei’s remarks, broadcast on Iranian state television, came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with diplomats from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom — known as the E3 — along with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The talks, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, focused on the looming reimposition of sanctions, expected to take effect within days. “The US has announced the result of the talks in advance,” Khamenei said. “The result is the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation. It is a diktat, an imposition.” His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s speech at the UNGA, in which he vowed that Iran would “never possess a nuclear weapon” and labeled the Islamic Republic the “world’s number one sponsor of terror.” Trump has continued to push a hardline stance, despite mounting tensions in the region and global calls for diplomacy. The diplomatic impasse comes in the wake of a failed UN Security Council resolution that would have extended sanctions relief for Iran. The E3 accuse Tehran of stockpiling enriched uranium well beyond limits set by the 2015 nuclear agreement — the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — which Trump unilaterally withdrew from in 2018 during his first term. That agreement, signed between Iran and six world powers, aimed to lift economic sanctions in exchange for strict limits on Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, Trump reimposed sanctions under his “maximum pressure” campaign, a strategy that President Joe Biden continued despite initially opposing it. European nations have signaled willingness to delay the return of sanctions — if Iran resumes direct talks with the US, allows full access to its nuclear sites by UN inspectors, and provides a clear account of the more than 400kg of highly enriched uranium the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it is holding. But progress has been limited. According to Al Jazeera’s James Bays, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the Tuesday meeting “didn’t go particularly well.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added, “Diplomacy has a chance. The deadlines are running, and let’s see. We need to see some real action also on the Iranian side.” Iran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and insists on its right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Khamenei reiterated this in his speech, affirming that Tehran would not yield to international coercion. Tensions escalated dramatically in June after Israel, with support from the US, launched a 12-day military operation against Iran, targeting several nuclear sites. The strikes followed a ruling by the IAEA’s board that Iran was failing to comply with international nuclear safeguards. Iran responded by accusing Israel and the US of violating international law and ramping up regional instability. Last week, the UNSC voted against permanently lifting economic sanctions on Iran, a decision Tehran slammed as “politically biased.” That vote followed a 30-day ultimatum issued in August by the E3, warning of renewed sanctions unless Tehran met its nuclear obligations. Iran has threatened to suspend cooperation with the IAEA if sanctions are reinstated. On Monday, several hardline Iranian lawmakers called for the country to start developing a nuclear bomb, citing fears that sanctions could reignite conflict with Israel. If no agreement is reached by Saturday evening, the so-called “snapback” mechanism will automatically trigger the return of wide-ranging international sanctions, freezing Iranian assets abroad, halting arms sales, and targeting Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Still, there may be a narrow path forward. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told reporters on Tuesday that a team of inspectors is en route to Iran, prepared to resume monitoring activities if a last-minute deal is struck. “Everything is possible. Where there is a will, there is a way,” Grossi said. “We have our inspectors, and inspectors are on the way, and there is the possibility to start on this work, depending on the political will of Iran.”

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Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sharply condemned Israel for a “treacherous attack” on Hamas leaders in Doha, accusing it of derailing ceasefire efforts and violating international norms during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The emir warned that the September 9 attack “undermines any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza” and said it demonstrated that Israel has become a “rogue” state. The strike, which targeted Hamas officials in Qatar’s capital while they were meeting to discuss a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, was described by Doha as “state terrorism.” Although top Hamas leaders survived, six people were killed in what was seen as an unprecedented escalation. The attack took place in a residential neighborhood near diplomatic missions and schools. Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza negotiations, said the bombing amounted to a political assassination. The emir said, “It is difficult to cooperate with such a mentality that does not respect the most minimum standards of cooperation,” adding that Israel simultaneously “negotiates with delegations” while plotting to assassinate members of negotiation teams. He accused Israel of attempting to render Gaza unlivable, “where no one can study or receive treatment.” Labeling Israel as a state “engaged in genocide,” Sheikh Tamim criticized it for branding all critics as either antisemitic or terrorists, a tactic he said “even Israel’s allies realise … and reject.” Drawing parallels to past global struggles, the emir likened the growing solidarity with Palestinians to the global movement against apartheid in the 20th century. His remarks came amid growing international backlash over the war in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023. Speaking earlier on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump called for the war to stop “immediately,” while Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said silence in the face of the war amounted to complicity in “barbarity.” Jordan’s King Abdullah II described the Gaza war as “one of the darkest moments in this institution’s history,” urging world leaders to move beyond repeated condemnations and toward concrete action. “How long will we be satisfied with condemnation after condemnation without concrete action?” he asked. France and Saudi Arabia jointly convened dozens of leaders earlier this week to revive talks on a two-state solution, while several European nations—including France, Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg—formally recognized Palestinian statehood. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also spoke, defending international human rights standards and referencing a landmark UN Human Rights Council report that found Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. The U.S. and Israel have both rejected the report. Guterres stated, “We must choose human dignity and human rights. Human rights are not an ornament of peace, they are its bedrock.” He emphasized that respecting rights must go beyond rhetoric, calling for “justice over silence.” Sheikh Tamim concluded his speech by tying the September 9 attack to broader violations of the international order, warning that tolerating such behavior would erode global norms. “These rules are based on the maintenance of international peace and security and the respect for human dignity and state sovereignty,” he said. “If we allow violations to continue, it means allowing the rule of the jungle, where perpetrators and violators enjoy benefits just because they can.”

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Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Following Suspension Over Controversial Comments

Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Following Suspension Over Controversial Comments

After a week-long suspension that sparked a nationwide debate over government interference and free speech, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air on Tuesday night. The decision follows days of backlash against Disney and allegations that the show’s suspension was politically motivated. Kimmel’s show had been abruptly pulled from the schedule after several local ABC affiliates preempted it in protest, following comments made by Kimmel that were widely interpreted as critical of the Trump administration. ABC then suspended the program altogether—a move that ignited fierce criticism from media watchdogs, Hollywood figures, and civil rights groups. In a statement on Monday afternoon, Disney explained its initial decision and the rationale for reinstating the late-night host.“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” Disney said. “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.” A source familiar with Kimmel’s plans told CNN that he will address the controversy in his Tuesday night monologue. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weekdays at 11:35 p.m. ET. Media analysts have been closely watching Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden as they navigate political and commercial pressures. ABC’s station affiliates, as well as ongoing deals like ESPN’s pending pact with the NFL, require government approvals that some see as vulnerable to political influence. Complicating matters, Kimmel’s contract expires in May, and the late-night TV space has seen consistent declines in viewership and advertising revenue. Kimmel’s suspension stunned the entertainment industry, where the longtime host is seen as a respected and influential figure. The show employs between 200 and 250 people, and its sudden pause led to protests at Disney’s offices in New York and Burbank, California, as well as outside the Hollywood theater where the show is filmed. Public support for Kimmel swelled in the days following the suspension. Over 400 prominent artists, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston, signed an open letter organized by the ACLU demanding his reinstatement. Following ABC’s reversal, ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero said the company “made the right call” by allowing Kimmel to return. “It should never have suspended him to begin with and resisted the government’s desire to control what people say,” Romero said. “Hopefully, other media outlets will also find their spines and resist the Trump administration’s efforts to cudgel them into obeisance.” Democratic lawmakers also praised the move.“Thank you to everyone but @BrendanCarrFCC,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X. “This is a win for free speech everywhere.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed the sentiment, writing, “This is big: Jimmy Kimmel is coming back! This is about fighting for free speech and against these abuses by Donald Trump and Brendan Carr.” Carr, a Republican FCC commissioner, has faced criticism for what many see as political pressure on media outlets. He did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment. However, his FCC colleague, Commissioner Anna M. Gomez—the commission’s lone Democrat—voiced strong support for Kimmel’s return. “I am glad to see Disney find its courage in the face of clear government intimidation,” Gomez said in a statement. “More importantly, I want to thank those Americans from across the ideological spectrum who spoke loudly and courageously against this blatant attempt to silence free speech.” “It will continue to be up to us as citizens to push back against this administration’s growing campaign of censorship and control,” she added. PEN America, one of several free expression organizations that condemned Disney’s initial decision, called Kimmel’s reinstatement “a vindication for free speech.”“This is about remedying his unjustifiable suspension, and reminding us that when people speak out to hold the powerful to account—it matters,” said Summer Lopez, interim co-CEO of PEN America. “We must all channel the same energy to fight the many assaults on free speech underway, including against those with less reach and resources.”

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Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

In Major Policy Shift, Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

In a dramatic change of stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Ukraine can recover all of its territory seized by Russia since the 2022 invasion — a departure from his previous suggestions that both sides would need to compromise to end the war. Trump made the statement in a post on his Truth Social platform following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. “With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and NATO, returning to Ukraine’s original borders is very much an option,” Trump wrote. The statement marks a significant reversal from Trump’s earlier position, in which he suggested both Kyiv and Moscow would need to cede land to secure peace. That approach had been sharply rejected by Zelenskyy and most of Europe’s leaders. Criticism of Russia and Praise for Ukraine Trump appeared to take aim at Russia’s military effectiveness, stating that the war had been fought “aimlessly,” and claiming a “real military power” would have won in less than a week. He also called Russia a “paper tiger,” adding that President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy are in “big trouble,” and urged Ukraine to take advantage of the moment. Despite previous skepticism about Ukraine’s chances and a public clash with Zelenskyy earlier this year, Trump struck a more supportive tone this week. “I have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It’s pretty amazing, actually,” he said after the meeting. Zelenskyy: Trump Could Be a ‘Game-Changer’ Zelenskyy thanked Trump for what he called his “personal efforts to stop this war” and said the two had discussed post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. “We all understand that President Trump is ready to give Ukraine security guarantees after this war is finished,” Zelenskyy told reporters, adding that Trump’s leadership could be a “game-changer” in the conflict. Trump had previously opposed Ukraine’s membership in NATO and had insisted that Europe should play a larger role in arming Kyiv. But since taking office in January, he has positioned himself as a potential broker of peace — even promising during his campaign to end the war within 24 hours of becoming president. From Diplomacy to Deterrence Trump’s comments come amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO. When asked if NATO allies should shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace, Trump responded, “Yes, I do,” signaling support for a more assertive military posture. Earlier this week, Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting Estonia to call for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and to consult NATO allies. Similar incidents involving Russian drones have been reported by Poland. NATO issued a firm warning Tuesday, pledging to use “all necessary military and nonmilitary tools” to defend member states and calling the airspace breaches “a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behaviour” by Moscow. Uncertainty Remains Around Putin Asked whether he still considered Putin a reliable negotiating partner, Trump was vague. “I’ll let you know in about a month from now, OK?” he said. Trump has frequently delayed decisions related to sanctions or new steps against Moscow, often citing personal diplomacy as a better path forward. Backdrop: A War in Stalemate Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has seized nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The war has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, with both sides locked in a prolonged and grinding battle. Trump’s newly declared support for Ukraine’s full territorial recovery introduces a major shift in the U.S. position and could realign Western diplomatic and military strategies — depending on whether the administration backs rhetoric with action.

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Arteta Defends Tactics After Arsenal’s Draw with Man City

Arteta Defends Tactics After Arsenal’s Draw with Man City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has pushed back against criticism following his side’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, responding to claims that his approach was too cautious. Following Sunday’s clash at the Emirates, pundits and fans questioned Arteta’s game plan, accusing the Gunners of playing with the “handbrake on” and being overly conservative in the opening half. Despite a sluggish start that saw Arsenal go over 30 minutes without a shot and not register one on target until first-half stoppage time, the home side battled back to earn a point thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time equaliser. However, Arteta highlighted Arsenal’s dominance in possession and control, noting that City had just 33.2% of the ball — the lowest for a Pep Guardiola team in a top-flight match. “How can you dominate against Manchester City by playing with a handbrake?” Arteta said. “Dominance and handbrake — they are two different words. I was surprised by that criticism.” Midfield Choices Under the Microscope Much of the scrutiny centered around Arteta’s midfield setup, particularly his decision to start Mikel Merino in an advanced role ahead of Eberechi Eze. The switch to bring Eze on at halftime shifted momentum, leading to the late equaliser. Still, Arteta stood by his initial selection. “One player doesn’t define the behaviour of a team,” he said. “Eze played two games in a row and had never featured as a right-sided attacking midfielder. It’s easy to say he should have started, but maybe he couldn’t have played 90 minutes.” Arteta also pointed out that tactical decisions aren’t always visible to the outside world, especially when it comes to managing player fitness and adapting to new roles. Calls for More Risk in Big Matches Several high-profile pundits called for Arteta to show more ambition in key fixtures, suggesting his tactical caution could hold Arsenal back in the title race. One former Premier League star said Arsenal “gave away 45 minutes” by setting up conservatively, while another warned that a pattern of cautious starts could hurt the club in tight competitions. Another ex-player, reflecting on his time under iconic managers, added: “The great ones were gamblers — they played to win. Arteta needs to take more calculated risks if Arsenal are to seriously challenge for the top.”

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Boko Haram Attack Claims Four Lives in Adamawa Community

At least four people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Wagga Mongoro community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. According to local residents, the insurgents stormed the village in the early hours of Wednesday, September 24, launching a coordinated assault that left several homes destroyed and forced dozens of families to flee into surrounding areas. Eyewitnesses say the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelming the local community before security reinforcements could arrive. “They came heavily armed and started shooting. People ran for their lives. By the time help came, it was too late,” a resident told TVC News under anonymity. At the time of filing this report, the military and other security agencies had not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack. Madagali, located near the border with Borno State, remains a hotspot for insurgent activity. The region has been repeatedly targeted in recent years due to its proximity to areas known to harbor Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. Local authorities have called for increased military presence and enhanced surveillance in the region to prevent further attacks.

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SWAN @60: LOC, Special Awards Committees Take-off Ahead Of Epoch Anniversary

The National Leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has formally inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming SWAN @60 Diamond Jubilee Celebration. The inauguration, which took place at the Association’s national secretariat in Abuja, marks the beginning of activities towards commemorating six decades of excellence in sports journalism in Nigeria. Inaugurating the committee, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, charged its members to deliver on their mandate with dedication and unity of purpose. He emphasised that the success of the Diamond Jubilee rests largely on the LOC’s shoulders, assuring them of maximum support from the national secretariat. “The LOC carries the bigger responsibility in this Diamond Jubilee. The National Secretariat will provide the necessary support—logistics, mobility, and access—to ensure your work is seamless. Your selection is based on your track record, ability to perform, and proven capacity to deliver. Be assured, your efforts will be handsomely rewarded and remembered for generations,” he said. Mr. Benjamin further revealed that the Secretariat together with the Main Organising Committee (MOC) has already commenced stakeholder engagements and courtesy visits, while urging the LOC to hit the ground running. In his acceptance remarks, the LOC Chairman, Mr. Ben Ogbemudia, a Sports and Politics Editor with the New National Star expressed gratitude to the national leadership for the confidence reposed on the committee, pledging full commitment to deliver a memorable 60th anniversary celebration. “When I saw the caliber of people in this committee, I became confident that even if I slack, they will push me forward. We understand the gravity of this task—if we fail, we fail Nigerians, we fail the sports sector, and we fail ourselves. But by God’s grace, we will not fail,” he assured. The LOC also has veteran broadcaster Ms Anietie Patrick as Secretary. Other members include On Air Personality Sylvanus Ofekun, Assistant News Director with Arise News Ferdinand Duruoha, Sports writing Guru/Online Publisher Niyi Busari and Ace Media Strategist/ Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi. The Committee also includes Top Broadcast Official with Radio Nigeria Ndubueze Chidoka, SWAN Chairman FCT/Ace Broadcater Kelechi Onwudiwe, and Chukwunonso Arinzechi of Democracy Radio. Meanwhile, SWAN has also activated article 19 of its statutes to set-up a Special Awards Committee headed by Sports Wirting Guru and former Secretary of SWAN in Kano State Chapter Mr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji. The seven-man committee which has former SWAN Vice President, South-east, Ms Chigozie Chukwuleta as Secretary has mandate to galvanize and scrutinise deserving would-be awardees for the 60th anniversary. Other members of the Committee include former SWAN Vice President, North-east Mr. Jibo Zakari, Veteran Sports Journalist Mr. Eche Amos, SWAN Chairman Edo State Chapter Mr. Kehinde Osagiede, Ace Sports Journalist Mr Akintunde Akinsemola and SWAN Vice Chairman of FCT Mr. Victor Okoye. The SWAN @60 Diamond Jubilee, is set to celebrate the Association’s legacy, honour its past heroes, and project its vision for the future. The two-day event is scheduled for October 30 and 31, 2025 in Abuja.

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