Jide Kosoko, a veteran actor with over 60 years of experience in Nollywood, has shared insights into his career and the challenges faced by the Nigerian movie industry. Despite his fame and long-standing presence in the industry, Kosoko revealed that he doesn’t consider himself wealthy by Nigerian standards. While he is comfortable, he emphasized that fame does not always translate to significant financial success, noting that he is thankful for his ability to afford basic needs but does not see himself as a rich man.

Kosoko also highlighted the detrimental impact of piracy on Nollywood, stating that it has significantly hurt the industry’s financial growth. He argued that current penalties for piracy are insufficient, suggesting that hefty fines alone are not effective. He proposed that a 20-year jail sentence without an option for a fine would be a stronger deterrent for pirates who profit greatly from pirated works.

Kosoko’s career began in 1964 when he acted as a child in a television production called Makanjuola. Over the years, he has appeared in countless films in both English and Yoruba, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected figures in Nollywood. His comments underscore the ongoing struggle for filmmakers in Nigeria to receive fair compensation for their work, as piracy continues to be a major issue in the industry.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying match between North Macedonia and Wales on Tuesday, 25 March, at the National Arena Todor Proeski in Skopje is set to be an interesting fixture, with a bit of history tied to the venue. Wales will be aiming to continue their campaign for a spot in next year’s World Cup in North America.

The match is particularly memorable for the Welsh team due to the 2013 World Cup qualifier in Skopje, when then-manager Chris Coleman made headlines for missing his flight, resulting in him being absent for the game. It was an unfortunate moment for Coleman, who also lost his passport, and it seemed to set the stage for a tough match. Wales went on to lose that game, but it marked a pivotal point in the team’s journey, as they ultimately found their voice and began to forge a path that eventually led to qualification for major tournaments.

As Wales look to build on their past success and push for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, this match is not only a chance for them to get crucial points but also an opportunity to reflect on how far the team has come since that eventful evening in Skopje 12 years ago.

Fans can tune in to the match on BBC One Wales, iPlayer, and BBC Sport’s website and app, with live commentary available on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. Text commentary and highlights will also be available online.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to escalating violence, with significant casualties reported. Since the resumption of Israeli military operations in Gaza last Tuesday, health authorities have confirmed the deaths of nearly 700 Palestinians, including at least 400 women and children. The Israeli military states that its goal is to force Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza, emphasizing its efforts to minimize harm to civilians, though it has faced criticism over the high civilian toll.

The conflict reignited following Hamas’s deadly assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the taking of more than 250 hostages. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has condemned Hamas for fighting from civilian areas, which, according to him, endangers innocent lives. Hamas, however, denies using civilians or civilian properties for military purposes.

The situation in Rafah, a city in Gaza near the border with Egypt, has worsened, with thousands trapped in the Tel Al-Sultan area without access to essential resources like food, water, or medicine. The municipality has reported a complete communication blackout in the area, leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.

As the conflict continues to intensify, international concern over the humanitarian impact grows, with calls for both sides to prioritize the protection of civilians.

The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition figure, has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, leading to the largest unrest the country has seen in more than a decade. Imamoglu, who was poised to be the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) 2028 presidential candidate, was arrested and charged with a range of serious allegations, including corruption, bribery, and establishing a criminal organization. The arrest occurred shortly after Imamoglu had criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government, leading to claims that the charges against him were politically motivated.

The protests that erupted in response have been marked by significant confrontations with police, who used tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and pepper spray on demonstrators. Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, addressed the crowds outside Istanbul’s city hall, denouncing the “injustice” her husband faced, which she said had struck a chord with many people. These demonstrations have spread across at least 55 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the arrest.

Despite Imamoglu being in custody, the CHP party’s presidential candidate selection vote went ahead, and millions of people reportedly cast ballots in solidarity with him. However, if Imamoglu is convicted of the charges against him, his ability to run for president would be in jeopardy. Additionally, Imamoglu’s degree was recently revoked by Istanbul University, further complicating his eligibility under the Turkish constitution, which requires presidential candidates to have completed higher education.

The situation has drawn significant international attention, especially with social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) blocking over 700 accounts linked to political figures and journalists, which has been condemned by the platform as an unlawful action. Thousands of arrests have been made since the protests began, and the political crisis continues to unfold with uncertainty about the broader implications for Turkey’s future leadership.

Imamoglu is seen as a major rival to Erdogan, who has been in power for over two decades, and his arrest is likely to intensify tensions between the government and opposition. The developments in the coming weeks, including potential legal battles and political moves, could play a crucial role in shaping Turkey’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

The recent events in South Korea highlight a turbulent political situation, particularly surrounding the impeachment of key government figures like Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and President Yoon Suk Yeol. South Korea’s Constitutional Court, by dismissing the impeachment of Han, has signaled its intent to maintain stability in a time of significant political upheaval. This decision was seen as part of an effort to preserve impartiality and encourage national unity, especially considering the upcoming decision regarding President Yoon’s impeachment.

Yoon’s attempt to declare martial law last year set off a chain of events that led to his impeachment by lawmakers, creating a crisis that has divided the nation. Han Duck-soo briefly stepped in as acting president but was also impeached, largely due to political maneuvering, such as blocking the appointment of new judges to the Constitutional Court—an action perceived to protect Yoon’s position.

The situation is now heavily influenced by the court’s upcoming ruling on Yoon’s impeachment. The court’s recent dismissal of Han’s impeachment might be interpreted as a strategic move to project impartiality ahead of the more consequential decision regarding Yoon. If Yoon’s impeachment is upheld, South Korea would be forced to hold a presidential election. Conversely, if the court rules in Yoon’s favor, he would resume his presidency.

Political analyst Leif-Eric Easley suggests that the Constitutional Court’s actions are designed to ensure political stability, with its ruling on Han potentially setting the stage for its upcoming decision on Yoon. The South Korean public remains deeply divided on these issues, with massive protests in Seoul underscoring the ongoing tension. The outcomes of these decisions will significantly influence the country’s political landscape moving forward.

More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. This represents about 2.1% of Gaza’s pre-war population of 2.3 million people. Additionally, more than 113,000 individuals have been injured.

The exact numbers and the identities of those killed are difficult to verify independently, as international journalists are blocked from entering Gaza. Israel disputes the data provided by Gaza’s health authorities, and the figures do not differentiate between civilians and fighters.

The United Nations and other international institutions have expressed concerns about the accuracy of the numbers, with the UN’s Human Rights Office estimating that around 70% of the verified victims over a six-month period were women and children. Studies have suggested that the death toll could be even higher than the official figures reported by Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

The ongoing conflict began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to Israel’s massive military response, resulting in widespread destruction and a significant loss of life in Gaza.

Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent rival to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been formally arrested and charged with corruption. His detention, which occurred just days before he was set to be selected as the presidential candidate for 2028, has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, some of the largest in over a decade.

Imamoglu denies the corruption charges, and his arrest has led to demonstrations that have persisted for four nights, with thousands of people taking to the streets in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The protests have been met with heavy police response, including tear gas, water cannons, and arrests. Protesters, many of whom have expressed frustration with what they see as an unlawful detention, are calling for justice and defending democracy. Some individuals at the protests have voiced concerns about Turkey’s current political climate, including limitations on freedom of choice and a lack of true justice.

The Turkish government, including President Erdogan, has condemned the unrest, accusing Imamoglu’s political party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), of attempting to “disturb the peace and polarize” the nation. Imamoglu’s arrest came amid a broader investigation involving several politicians, journalists, and businessmen. His university degree was also revoked the day before his arrest, which could impact his ability to run for president in the future due to constitutional requirements.

Erdogan, who has been in power for over 22 years, is ineligible to run for re-election in 2028 due to term limits unless the constitution is changed. Opposition figures argue that Imamoglu’s arrest is politically motivated, though the Turkish Ministry of Justice defends the actions as being independent of political influence.

The situation remains tense, with protests continuing and many seeing Imamoglu’s arrest as part of an ongoing effort to stifle opposition ahead of future elections.

Pope Francis is set to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday after spending over five weeks being treated for a severe respiratory infection and double pneumonia. The 88-year-old Pope had experienced two critical episodes during his hospital stay, but he never required intubation and remained alert throughout the treatment. While his recovery is ongoing, he is now stable and no longer has pneumonia.

His doctors mentioned that he will need at least two months of rest at the Vatican. He is expected to make a public appearance on Sunday from the hospital window to offer a blessing, marking his first public appearance since his hospitalization.

Though his health is improving, Pope Francis still faces challenges, particularly with his voice, as double pneumonia often impacts vocal cords, especially in elderly patients. He has been receiving oxygen through a small tube under his nose and has been using less high-flow oxygen.

Pope Francis has had health struggles in the past, including having part of a lung removed when he was 21, which makes him more vulnerable to infections. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to returning to work as soon as his health allows.

The Israeli airstrike that killed Hamas leader Salah al-Bardaweel in Khan Younis is part of the ongoing military operations between Israel and Hamas. Bardaweel, a senior member of Hamas’ political office, was reportedly killed along with his wife when an Israeli missile struck their location while they were praying. This attack is part of Israel’s broader military campaign to dismantle Hamas following the deadly cross-border attack on October 7, 2023.

Since Israel resumed strikes on Gaza earlier this week, Hamas has accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, while Israel blames Hamas for refusing to extend the ceasefire.

As of the latest reports, over 49,500 Palestinians have been killed, and the region has seen large-scale destruction since the conflict escalated.

This article discusses the resumption of deportation flights from the United States to Venezuela, which had been paused in March due to a dispute between the U.S. and Venezuela.

Venezuela had initially agreed to accept its nationals deported by the U.S. in February, but tensions arose when President Nicolás Maduro halted the flights in March. The suspension followed actions by the U.S. Treasury Department, which had suspended Chevron’s permission to export oil from Venezuela, angering the Venezuelan government.

In a recent televised address, Maduro announced that flights would resume, with the goal of “rescuing and freeing migrants from prisons in the United States.” He also emphasized that Venezuela was committed to protecting the human rights of its nationals.

A key part of the dispute involved the Trump administration’s handling of deportees, particularly those suspected of being part of the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal group. The U.S. deported several individuals to El Salvador, where they were detained in a mega-prison. This action led to legal challenges, as a federal judge in Washington, DC attempted to block the deportation flights. Despite this, the flights proceeded, with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele commenting on the issue.

The situation highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly around issues of migration and criminal deportations.

The fire at Heathrow Airport’s power station caused significant disruption, with about 1,350 flights affected on Friday, and the chaos highlighted the vulnerability of such a critical piece of infrastructure. Thankfully, the airport has now resumed operations and is “fully operational,” as confirmed by a spokesperson on Saturday morning.

Although flights are back up and running, there are still expected delays and cancellations due to the backlog caused by the closure. Heathrow has deployed extra staff and added flights to accommodate the thousands of passengers who were affected, which is a positive step toward managing the fallout from this event.

The scale of the disruption has raised concerns about the reliability of airport infrastructure, especially given Heathrow’s importance as Europe’s busiest air hub. The fire, which was deemed “non-suspicious,” has prompted an investigation into the electrical distribution equipment, though there’s currently no indication of foul play.

The UK’s transport department has taken steps to ease congestion by temporarily lifting restrictions on overnight flights, which should help clear some of the backlog. However, with hundreds of additional colleagues on hand and a reduced capacity for British Airways (operating about 85% of flights), the airport is still working hard to get back to normal.

It’s a reminder of how dependent modern travel is on stable infrastructure, and how quickly things can be thrown into disarray by something as seemingly isolated as a power failure.

What are your thoughts on how Heathrow and the authorities have managed this crisis? Do you think there are other steps they could take to prevent something like this from causing such widespread disruption in the future?

The House of Representatives’ strong denial of the allegations surrounding the $5,000 inducement is significant, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s complex political environment. Deputy spokesman Hon. Philip Agbese’s response appears aimed at defending both the integrity of the House and the legitimacy of their actions in approving President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

Agbese emphasizes that the decision was made out of patriotism and a commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Rivers, rather than any financial incentive. His invocation of “King Solomon’s wisdom” seems to suggest that the resolution was made after careful deliberation on the best interests of the state, with the ultimate goal of fostering reconciliation between the conflicting parties.

Additionally, Agbese’s remarks highlight the constitutional responsibilities of the parliament in maintaining national stability, underscoring that the approval process involved substantial adjustments to the President’s initial proclamation, such as reducing the period of emergency if progress is made quicker.

The allegations of bribery, dismissed as “lies from the pit of hell,” are attributed to “fifth columnists” and opposition forces, who, according to Agbese, are seeking to tarnish the reputation of the Parliament and disrupt the democratic process.

In a broader sense, the controversy touches on the tension between political authority and public trust, particularly in a volatile region like Rivers State, where political and security issues are heightened. Whether or not the claims of inducement hold any weight, it’s clear that the House is working to protect its credibility while responding to the serious concerns in Rivers.

How do you feel about the actions taken by the House of Representatives? Do you think the response to the state of emergency in Rivers is justified, or do you believe there could be underlying issues influencing these decisions?

Pope Francis’ public appearance this Sunday marks a significant moment in his recovery, as it will be the first time in five weeks that he addresses the faithful. It’s heartening that, despite the health challenges he’s faced, his condition is reportedly improving, with some recovery in both his breathing and mobility.

The mention of him needing to “relearn to speak” due to the prolonged use of high-flow oxygen highlights how seriously his health has been impacted. Given his past health issues, including the removal of part of a lung at a young age, this prolonged recovery period isn’t entirely surprising, but it’s a relief that his overall physical condition remains stable.

The possibility of Pope Francis making a full recovery in time for Easter is still uncertain, as the Vatican has not indicated when he might be discharged. It’s also notable that speculation around him stepping down, as Pope Benedict XVI did, is being dismissed. Despite his health struggles, it seems the Vatican is focused on his recovery and continued leadership.

The emotional audio recording of him thanking the faithful for their prayers demonstrates the connection he still maintains with his supporters. His resilience over the years, especially in the face of ongoing health issues, has only reinforced his image as a pope who truly embodies the spirit of service, despite personal hardship.

What do you think about the Vatican’s approach to this situation, and how do you see Pope Francis’ leadership evolving as he continues to recover?

The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition figure, has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, drawing attention to growing tensions between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government and the opposition. Imamoglu, who was detained on charges of corruption and aiding terrorist groups, was seen as a strong political rival to Erdogan, especially with his expected candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. The timing of his arrest, just days before the selection of a presidential candidate by his party, the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), has intensified suspicions of politically motivated actions.

The protests have been met with heavy resistance from Turkish authorities, including riot police using rubber bullets and pepper gas to disperse crowds. Despite a four-day ban on public gatherings in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, thousands of demonstrators have defied these restrictions, with violent clashes breaking out, particularly in Istanbul.

Imamoglu’s arrest follows a broader crackdown on opposition figures in Turkey, including politicians, journalists, and even individuals in the entertainment industry. The government, however, insists that the arrests are based on legal processes and are not politically motivated, with the Ministry of Justice defending the independence of the judiciary.

The situation is evolving, with more protests expected as Imamoglu is set to appear in court soon. The CHP has also planned a symbolic election to show public support for Imamoglu, with ballot boxes being placed across the country.

The tension between Erdogan’s government and opposition factions continues to grow, as Imamoglu’s detention appears to be a significant flashpoint in the ongoing political struggles in Turkey. With the arrest disrupting the opposition’s ability to field strong candidates in the upcoming elections, it remains to be seen how these protests and the broader political climate will affect Turkey’s democratic processes in the coming years.

Do you think the protests will lead to significant political change in Turkey, or do you think the government’s crackdown will successfully suppress dissent?

The statement from the Coalition for Democracy and Development (CDD) highlights the deepening political crisis in Rivers State and the urgent need for resolution. The coalition’s call for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike to prioritize the people’s interests over personal gains is a crucial one. Their failure to do so has evidently led to a situation where the state’s political and governance structure has been severely undermined, culminating in the suspension of key state officials by President Bola Tinubu.

The suggestion of a 90-day deadline for a new peace pact is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation. Given the ongoing tension, the CDD’s plea for both leaders to put aside their differences and work for the good of Rivers State speaks to the broader challenge of political leadership in Nigeria, where personal interests often overshadow the needs of the public.

It’s also noteworthy that the coalition calls on President Tinubu to play a decisive role in addressing the crisis. His leadership will be pivotal in navigating this issue and ensuring that any resolution is democratic, sustainable, and in the best interest of the people of Rivers State. The statement’s emphasis on bold and visionary leadership suggests that this crisis could serve as a defining moment for the current administration.

The political turmoil in Rivers State also raises questions about the broader implications for governance in Nigeria, particularly in how political disagreements and personal ambitions can destabilize local governance, affecting the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Do you think the 90-day deadline will be enough to resolve such a complex political crisis, or do you think the situation might require a longer-term approach to heal the divisions in Rivers State?

The situation surrounding the Ukraine conflict and Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate a peace deal underscores the complexity of diplomacy, especially in such a high-stakes and deeply entrenched conflict. Trump’s initial promise to end the war quickly, even within his first 24 hours as president, has clearly encountered significant obstacles, as both his approach and the dynamics between key players—Russia, Ukraine, and the United States—have proven far more complicated than anticipated.

Key challenges in Trump’s approach:

1. Diplomatic Missteps: Trump’s personal diplomacy, particularly his phone calls with Putin, appears to have failed to achieve the swift ceasefire he envisioned. Putin’s reluctance to engage in a two-stage process, instead insisting on addressing the deeper issues at the root of the war, suggests that personal talks may not be enough to resolve such a high-stakes geopolitical issue.
2. Ukraine’s Role: The focus on Ukraine as an obstacle to peace, including the confrontation with Zelensky, seems to have backfired. Zelensky’s determination to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and any pressure from the US to get him to compromise too early has led to tension with European allies and undermined broader diplomatic efforts.
3. Logistical Challenges: The complexities of negotiating a ceasefire, particularly with the vast front lines, highlight the technical difficulties involved. It’s not just a matter of getting two sides to agree; there are immense logistical and verification challenges in any ceasefire, especially one involving critical infrastructure like energy facilities.
4. Economic Focus: The emphasis on the economic aspects of a ceasefire, such as access to Ukrainian minerals, while important, seems to have distracted from the immediate priority—ending the fighting. Zelensky’s initial demand for security guarantees underscores the difficult balance between ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security while addressing economic concerns.

In short, Trump’s initial optimism about resolving the conflict quickly has given way to the realization that peace deals, especially in situations as complex as this, rarely happen overnight. His push for a rapid resolution has made some progress, but it has also exposed the limitations of his approach in the face of a multifaceted conflict. The process is clearly more nuanced than he originally anticipated, and achieving a lasting peace will take time, patience, and broader international cooperation.

What’s your take on Trump’s handling of the situation—do you think his style of diplomacy could eventually work, or do you think a different approach is needed?

The passing of George Foreman marks the end of an era for the boxing world and beyond. Known as Big George, he was not only a legendary boxer but also a resilient and multi-faceted individual who left an indelible mark on the sport and society.

Foreman’s career was nothing short of remarkable, from winning Olympic gold at just 19 years old to becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history at 45. His legacy in the ring is built on remarkable wins, such as his famous victory over Joe Frazier in 1973 and his unforgettable loss to Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, which has since become a defining moment in boxing history. The loss to Ali, however, he later called the “best thing that ever happened” to him, as it led him to a spiritual awakening and a life of preaching.

Foreman’s comeback in 1987, and particularly his 1994 victory over Michael Moorer, made him the oldest heavyweight champion, cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest figures. But his impact extended beyond the ring, as he became a successful entrepreneur, most notably with the George Foreman Grill, a product that earned him far more wealth than his boxing career.

His life is a story of redemption, perseverance, and reinvention. He wasn’t just a sports icon; he was also a man of faith, a devoted family man, and a humanitarian. His decision to name all his sons George is a touching testament to his desire to bind his family together and create a lasting legacy.

The tributes pouring in from fellow sports figures, including Mike Tyson, reflect the deep respect Foreman earned during his life. He will surely be remembered as a man who overcame his past and went on to inspire millions, both inside and outside the ring.

What stands out to you most about George Foreman’s journey—his boxing achievements or his life after the ring?

The situation between Israel and Hezbollah is highly tense, and the recent developments indicate that the ceasefire remains fragile. Israel’s airstrikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center in southern Lebanon, in response to rockets fired into Israel, show how quickly tensions can escalate. Despite the fragile truce, there have been nearly daily Israeli airstrikes, and Israel is continuing its occupation of several areas in southern Lebanon, which Lebanon’s government sees as a violation of sovereignty.

Regarding Hezbollah’s role, it remains a powerful, militant group backed by Iran and is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including Israel, the U.S., and others, due to its involvement in acts of terrorism, including attacks on civilians and military targets. The group’s continued presence in Lebanon and its arsenal of weapons complicate the situation, especially as Lebanon’s government faces pressure to limit Hezbollah’s influence.

As for the rockets fired into Israel, although no group has claimed responsibility yet, this incident will likely heighten tensions and put additional pressure on the Lebanese government, which is already dealing with internal challenges.