The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has officially endorsed the Arab League’s counter-proposal to President Donald Trump’s controversial bid for the United States to take control of Gaza. This decision came after an emergency meeting of the 57-member group in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday. The OIC backed an alternative plan that was ratified by Arab leaders earlier in Cairo. The Egyptian-drafted proposal calls for Gaza to be temporarily governed by an independent committee of experts, with protection provided by international peacekeeping forces.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed that the plan, now accepted by the OIC, has become an official Arab-Islamic plan. The proposal also strongly rejects any form of displacement of the Palestinian people, labeling it a violation of international law, a crime against humanity, and ethnic cleansing.

In addition to the governance plan, the Arab League has agreed on a $53 billion trust fund to rebuild Gaza, under a new Palestinian Authority administration. The reconstruction effort is set to unfold in three phases over five years, aiming to resettle 1.5 million displaced Gazans into new housing units and repaired homes.

Trump’s proposal, which suggested that the U.S. take control of Gaza and resettle over 2 million people in Egypt, Jordan, and other countries, faced significant backlash. Many nations opposed the idea, viewing it as an infringement on Palestinian sovereignty, and instead called on the U.S. to focus on providing humanitarian aid for reconstruction efforts.

The OIC’s stance further solidifies the Arab world’s rejection of any proposal that could potentially undermine Palestinian rights, reaffirming their commitment to a solution that respects Palestinian self-determination.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has firmly distanced his administration from the ongoing investigation into a N700 billion fraud allegation against his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel. During a town hall meeting in Abak, Eno rejected the claims, stating that such figures were not from the state government and that Akwa Ibom did not have those kinds of financial figures. He expressed concern over the treatment of past governors, pointing out that the state has consistently vilified its leaders after they’ve left office, citing the cases of Obong Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and now Udom Emmanuel.

Eno’s remarks came in the wake of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arresting Emmanuel on Tuesday. Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, faces allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and financial mismanagement. The petition claims Emmanuel was unable to account for N700 billion despite receiving significant funds from the Federation Account during his tenure, alongside leaving a N500 billion debt and N300 billion in unpaid ongoing projects.

Governor Eno’s comments reflect a broader concern about the political and public fallout for leaders who are subjected to such investigations after serving in office, suggesting that it could dissuade current leaders from giving their best while in power. The ongoing probe into Emmanuel’s tenure continues to stir political debates in the state, highlighting the complex relationship between governance, accountability, and public perception.

Suspected bandits, reportedly known as Lakurawa terrorists, launched coordinated attacks on five villages in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State on the evening of March 9, 2025. The attacks resulted in at least 10 deaths and several injuries, with the affected villages identified as Birnin Debi, Garin Nagoro, Yar Goru, Dan Marke, and Tambo. According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the attackers arrived around 8:48 p.m., setting homes ablaze and firing indiscriminately on residents.

One of the victims identified in the attack was Garba Maigari, aged 50, while the other victims remain unnamed. The injured have been taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi for treatment, and the bodies of the deceased have been deposited for autopsy.

In response to the attacks, Nigerian troops, police forces, and local vigilantes were quickly deployed to the affected areas. Reports indicate that normalcy has since been restored in the villages. However, the attack underscores the ongoing insecurity issues faced by many communities in northern Nigeria, particularly from bandit groups operating in the region.

The decision by the federal government to take over Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State, and elevate it to a federal institution has been met with widespread enthusiasm from both the alumni and student communities. Mr. Bolaji Oladeji, the National President of the TASUED Alumni Association, described the move as a significant and positive development that will open new avenues for rapid growth and enhancement of the university. He expressed hope for improved funding, infrastructure, staff welfare, and global recognition, particularly in the field of teacher education.

Similarly, Akinbodunse Praise, the Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Students on Inter-Campus Affairs, praised President Bola Tinubu’s gesture as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s education sector. Praise also acknowledged Governor Dapo Abiodun’s role in ensuring the university’s survival, especially during a previous period when efforts were made to scrap the institution.

The decision is seen as a victory for the students and staff of TASUED, especially considering the historical struggles they faced, such as the loss of colleagues during protests in 2012. The elevation of TASUED to a federal university is seen as a fulfillment of their dedication to preserving the institution.

The support of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and other influential figures was also highlighted as crucial in ensuring the university’s continuity. The overall sentiment is one of optimism, with stakeholders hoping that the transformation into a federal university will lead to tangible improvements in education quality and opportunities at TASUED.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signals a strategic shift in Ukraine’s approach to the ongoing war with Russia. With the United States adjusting its wartime policies, including direct engagement with Moscow and halting military aid to Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s meeting with Saudi officials could play a crucial role in navigating the increasingly complex geopolitical situation. Saudi Arabia has already demonstrated a willingness to mediate, having previously facilitated prisoner exchanges and hosted talks between Russia and the U.S.

Zelenskyy’s absence from Tuesday’s talks with U.S. officials, while sending a high-level delegation, suggests ongoing tensions between Ukraine and its key ally. The meeting is set to focus on a bilateral minerals deal and exploring potential steps toward ending the war. The shift in U.S. policy, especially under pressure from former President Trump, underscores the growing urgency to resolve the conflict, but without offering the security guarantees Ukraine believes are essential for a lasting peace deal.

This complex web of diplomacy highlights the delicate balancing act Zelenskyy faces, trying to maintain support from key allies like the U.S. while seeking alternatives for Ukraine’s survival and security. His engagement with Saudi Arabia may represent a broader attempt to forge new alliances and avenues for peace, especially as the war reaches a critical and increasingly precarious stage for Ukraine.

Mark Carney’s remarks following his election victory as Canada’s next Prime Minister reflect a strong stance against the U.S. under President Trump, particularly in the context of the trade war. By emphasizing that Canada will “win” in trade disputes, Carney is positioning himself as a leader who will stand up for Canadian workers, businesses, and families, pushing back against what he sees as unfair actions from the U.S. government.

His comparison to hockey, a beloved sport in Canada, is likely intended to resonate with Canadians, conveying confidence and national pride. Carney’s message of unity and resilience in the face of what he calls “dark days” highlights the challenges his administration anticipates but also signals his readiness to confront them head-on.

As the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney brings substantial experience in global finance and diplomacy, which may play a crucial role in navigating these trade tensions. His approach contrasts with that of Justin Trudeau, his predecessor, though Carney has also expressed admiration for Trudeau’s leadership.

Given his overwhelming win with 85.9% of the vote, Carney seems to have a strong mandate to take on these challenges. His leadership will likely focus on strengthening Canada’s economy while protecting it from what he sees as harmful trade policies from the U.S. It will be interesting to see how his administration handles the ongoing trade war and its broader implications on international relations.

Donald Trump’s claim that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine would never have occurred if he were president taps into his ongoing criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. By emphasizing the idea that he would have prevented the invasion, Trump is positioning himself as a stronger leader on the global stage, one who could have deterred Russian aggression.

His comments also align with his recent actions, such as pausing military aid to Ukraine, which signals a more isolationist or America-first stance. The claim that “hundreds of people died” in the past week in Ukraine underscores the devastating toll of the war and the urgency he feels about resolving the conflict.

This statement highlights Trump’s broader foreign policy philosophy, which often focuses on negotiation and the belief that strong leadership can prevent conflicts before they escalate. However, this assertion remains speculative, as the conflict’s complexities involve many geopolitical factors beyond any one leader’s control.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia is a significant diplomatic move, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Rubio’s discussions with Ukrainian officials and his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could be key to shaping the future of international engagement in the conflict. The timing of this visit is crucial, given the ongoing tensions between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as the broader geopolitical ramifications.

Rubio’s meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his reference to President Donald Trump’s desire to end the Russia-Ukraine war as soon as possible suggests that the U.S. may be shifting its approach. Trump’s suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine—following his clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—has created some uncertainty about U.S. support for Ukraine. The upcoming meetings could clarify whether the U.S. intends to further support Ukraine or pivot toward a new approach to resolving the conflict.

Additionally, the fact that both Rubio and Zelenskyy will be in Saudi Arabia at the same time suggests that the Kingdom is playing a crucial role in facilitating dialogue, possibly as a neutral party. Saudi Arabia’s involvement could offer a unique opportunity for de-escalation and diplomacy, as it has often positioned itself as a mediator in regional and international conflicts.

Meanwhile, Rubio’s trip to Canada for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting is also worth noting, as it will likely provide a platform for broader discussions on the global response to the war and the role of major powers in shaping the outcome.

What are your thoughts on this diplomatic development? Do you think this meeting in Saudi Arabia will lead to any significant breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? And how do you view Trump’s pause on military aid to Ukraine?

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to have a devastating impact on the region, with the government offering significant rewards for information leading to the capture of rebel leaders involved in the violence. The bounty on Corneille Nangaa, Sultani Makenga, and Bertrand Bisimwa underscores the gravity of the situation, as these figures lead the M23 rebel group, which has captured large parts of eastern DRC, including key cities like Goma and Bukavu.

Despite the rewards, however, the task of apprehending these rebel leaders remains challenging, as the Congolese military continues to struggle against the well-armed and well-supported M23 group. The involvement of Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the rebels, adds further complexity to the situation. Rwanda’s denial of looting resources in DRC, while acknowledging support for M23 to prevent the conflict from spilling over into its own borders, creates a delicate diplomatic situation, especially with the DRC accusing Rwanda of attempting to seize control of valuable mineral resources in the region.

The human toll of this conflict is staggering, with thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced. The DRC’s government has escalated diplomatic efforts, urging the international community, particularly the United States, to impose sanctions on Rwanda and to direct trade for minerals like gold and coltan directly to the DRC, instead of allowing Rwanda to benefit from the mineral trade. However, the situation remains highly tense and unresolved.

The accusations from both sides—DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting rebels and Rwanda accusing DRC of working with the FDLR—reflect the deep-rooted animosities and complex historical grievances that fuel this conflict. As both nations face internal and external pressures, the risk of the conflict escalating further remains high, and finding a resolution will require significant international cooperation and mediation.

What do you think about the international community’s role in resolving this conflict? Should more be done to pressure Rwanda and provide support to the DRC, or is there a more nuanced approach needed to address the complex regional dynamics?

The ongoing exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a complex and highly charged political drama, reflecting deep divisions within Nigeria’s Senate. The issue has sparked intense public interest and controversy, particularly regarding the allegations of sexual harassment leveled by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio. Both figures have made serious accusations, with Akpabio accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of making “useless” allegations, while Akpoti-Uduaghan has challenged Akpabio to undergo an investigation, citing previous allegations against him.

The situation escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups and activists. Akpabio and his supporters have argued that her suspension was due to misconduct, including defying Senate rules and engaging in disruptive behavior, rather than the harassment allegations. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters claim that the suspension is politically motivated, particularly in light of her accusations against the Senate President.

The Senate’s suspension decision has led to further accusations of impunity, with legal experts like Funmi Falana threatening legal action against those responsible for the suspension. Additionally, there are calls for reform in how suspensions in the National Assembly are handled, with some proposing changes to the constitution to ensure that such actions are transparent and fair. The controversy has exposed tensions over accountability, leadership, and the protection of members’ rights within the Senate.

Given the gravity of the situation, the involvement of figures like the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in mediating the issue highlights the importance of addressing gender-based concerns and harassment within political institutions. However, the issue is far from resolved, with both sides standing firm in their positions, and the broader question of accountability in the Senate remaining a focal point of national discussion.

The proposed amendments to the constitution regarding suspension processes in the National Assembly reflect concerns about the abuse of power in the suspension of lawmakers. These developments point to a larger debate about the balance of power, the integrity of parliamentary processes, and the protection of lawmakers’ rights.

What do you think about the ongoing dispute? Do you believe that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was fair, or is it a case of political victimization? And do you think there will be any lasting changes to the suspension process in the National Assembly following these events?

Elon Musk’s comments have certainly stirred controversy, highlighting his complex relationship with the ongoing war in Ukraine. His claim that Ukraine’s entire defense system would collapse without Starlink is a stark reminder of how dependent the Ukrainian military is on satellite communications for everything from coordination to intelligence. While Starlink has been essential for Ukraine’s defense strategy, Musk’s recent remarks, calling for peace and criticizing the continued war, have drawn mixed reactions.

His statement about being “sickened by the years of slaughter” and predicting an inevitable loss for Ukraine if the conflict continues reflects a very bleak view of the situation. Musk’s call for peace, particularly through his mention of a “meat grinder,” is a poignant reminder of the immense human cost of the war, but his framing of the issue could be interpreted as oversimplified or dismissive of Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty.

Additionally, his earlier comments about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the “forever war” label show Musk’s frustration with the prolonged nature of the conflict. While it’s clear that Musk believes the war is unsustainable, his position could be seen as overlooking the geopolitical dynamics at play, as well as the fact that Ukraine is fighting not only for territorial integrity but also against an aggressive invasion by Russia.

The idea that Musk could potentially turn off Starlink, which has become a crucial tool for Ukraine’s military, adds a layer of tension, as it would place Ukraine in a vulnerable position. The role of private corporations in conflicts like this raises difficult questions about the intersection of business interests, international politics, and human rights.

What do you think about Musk’s statements? Do you believe his call for peace is coming from a place of genuine concern, or does it reflect a more self-interested view of the conflict?

Ukraine is making a significant effort to engage in productive diplomacy, especially with the U.S. and other key stakeholders, as it seeks to find a path toward ending the war with Russia. The upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia, involving high-level representatives from Ukraine and the U.S., indicates a shift towards trying to have constructive dialogue, despite some tensions with the U.S. after Zelenskyy’s meeting with President Trump and Vice President Vance.

Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace is clear, as he emphasized that Ukraine has been seeking peace from the beginning of the war. His remarks on the importance of acting “quickly and effectively” highlight the urgency of finding a resolution, as the situation continues to impact both Ukraine and the broader international community.

This dialogue with U.S. representatives, alongside the discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, could play a pivotal role in shaping future international support for Ukraine. The presence of key Ukrainian figures such as Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the meeting also shows Ukraine’s commitment to high-level, organized negotiations.

What are your thoughts on the approach Zelenskyy is taking with the U.S. after the meeting with Trump and Vance? Do you think these diplomatic efforts will help mend relations and move closer to a peaceful resolution?

The escalation of violence in Ukraine’s eastern region is tragic, with at least 14 people reported dead due to the overnight Russian attacks. The strikes in Dobropillia, a town in the Donetsk region, are especially devastating, as they not only caused multiple fatalities but also left many others injured and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The ongoing conflict in towns like Dobropillia and the nearby Porkovsk highlights the intense and brutal nature of the fighting, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.

The attacks in other regions, such as Kharkiv and Odesa, further illustrate the widespread devastation caused by the conflict. The civilian casualties in Bogodukhiv and the damage in Odesa, including fires affecting critical infrastructure, only add to the human suffering and hardship faced by Ukrainians.

It’s also significant that a Ukrainian drone struck a Russian refinery, showing the continued cycle of cross-border attacks. This kind of escalation creates further uncertainty and hardship for both civilians and the broader geopolitical situation.

Given the intense situation, do you think there will be any immediate steps taken by the international community to de-escalate the violence, or are we likely to see continued tensions?

It’s wonderful to hear that thousands of women in Lagos came together to celebrate International Women’s Day with such energy and joy! The purple clothing and banners, combined with the theme “Accelerate Action,” highlight not only the achievements of women but also the ongoing need for greater progress in various areas, including political participation.

Fabayo Temiloluwa’s reflection about the challenges women face in Nigerian politics is a powerful reminder of the work still to be done. It’s true that women are often sidelined in political spaces, and her call for women to be more intentional, informed, and active in politics is crucial for changing that narrative.

International Women’s Day offers an opportunity for celebration, but also for critical conversations like these that can lead to real change. What steps do you think can be taken to encourage more women to get involved in politics in Nigeria?