The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) marked the 2025 International Civil Defence Day Organisation (ICDO) by emphasizing the need for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement to strengthen civil defense and disaster risk reduction efforts. The event, held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, featured a keynote address by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who highlighted the increasing threats to security worldwide and the growing importance of civil defense in protecting human lives and national assets.

Tunji-Ojo, represented by Abdulmalik Jibrin, stressed the need for preparedness, prevention, and swift responses to disasters, underlining the importance of global and local collaboration in promoting civil defense.

In his remarks, the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, focused on the significance of cooperation among security agencies and stakeholders in ensuring security. He also provided updates on the Corps’ achievements, such as the establishment of specialized squads like the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Mining Marshall, Agro Rangers, and Special Female Squad. These units have successfully thwarted criminal activities such as kidnappings, illegal refineries, and illegal mining operations.

Audi also highlighted the NSCDC’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel, presenting cheques totaling over N188 million to the families of deceased officers as part of their insurance benefits.

The International Civil Defence Day, celebrated on March 1 each year, is a global event that raises awareness about the vital role civil defense organizations play in safeguarding communities from natural and man-made disasters. The NSCDC’s efforts in disaster risk management, crisis response, and the protection of critical infrastructure are crucial in this ongoing mission.

This day serves as an important reminder of the need for constant vigilance, cooperation, and proactive measures in disaster management and national security.

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President Bola Tinubu, through Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made a heartfelt call for Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan as a time for deep reflection, self-purification, and embracing the true values of Islam. Speaking at the opening of the Qur’an Tafseer for 2025 Ramadan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that Ramadan is not just about fasting but also a journey of the soul. He highlighted the importance of peace, patience, sacrifice, and service to humanity as essential aspects of the holy month.

Tinubu also praised the nation’s religious leaders for their crucial role in shaping the ethical and spiritual foundation of the country. He called on Nigerians to practice goodwill, kindness, and justice, particularly during Ramadan, and to pray for the nation’s peace, stability, and progress. He reminded the citizens of the shared responsibility of nation-building and urged everyone to reject division and strengthen unity.

Furthermore, the President prayed for the guidance and strength of leaders, including his own leadership, asking for wisdom to guide Nigeria toward greater prosperity and unity. His remarks reflect the significance of Ramadan as a time not just for personal devotion but for collective compassion and the well-being of the nation.

Would you like to explore more about the significance of Ramadan or any specific part of the President’s message?

Pope Francis is facing a serious health challenge as he continues to recover from pneumonia. The Vatican announced that the 88-year-old pontiff experienced two acute respiratory failures on Monday, requiring separate bronchoscopies to help clear mucus and relieve bronchospasm. These incidents occurred on the 18th day of his hospitalization, marking the longest stay in the hospital during his papacy.

Pope Francis, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis that developed into pneumonia, is now being treated with “non-invasive mechanical ventilation” through an oxygen mask. The Vatican reports that his condition remains “reserved,” meaning that doctors are unable to predict the outcome of his illness.

Despite these health challenges, the pope remains alert, focused, and cooperative with his treatment. On Sunday, he was able to participate in mass and engage in prayer, although he missed his usual Angelus prayer for the third consecutive Sunday.

This situation has drawn global attention, as Pope Francis’ health is a significant concern for the nearly 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.

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The Niger State Police Command has refuted reports that 10 hotel guests were abducted by bandits posing as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Initial reports claimed that armed men stormed White Hill Hotel on Shiroro Road in Chanchaga Local Government Area, posing as EFCC agents, disabled the hotel’s CCTV cameras, and forcibly took 10 individuals to an unknown location.

However, the police clarified that the operation was conducted by actual EFCC operatives, not bandits. Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson, dismissed the abduction claims, confirming that it was a professional operation led by the EFCC.

The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, also addressed the incident, confirming that the commission’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate had arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters at White Hill Hotel on February 27, 2025, after receiving credible intelligence about their involvement in fraudulent online activities. During the operation, two vehicles and 13 mobile phones were recovered. Oyewale emphasized that the operation was carried out professionally, with no abduction involved, and assured that the suspects would face legal action once investigations were complete.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed fears of impeachment following a Supreme Court judgment on Friday that sided with 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. The Supreme Court’s ruling has significant implications, including halting the federal financial allocation to Rivers State and nullifying the local government elections conducted by Fubara’s administration.

Fubara’s spokesperson, Joseph Johnson, reassured the public that the governor remains committed to his mandate and has no fears of impeachment. Johnson emphasized that while the state government is awaiting the certified true copy of the judgment to fully review its implications, they will comply with the law without jeopardizing the interests of Rivers State. He also stated that the governor plans to continue with development projects and will respect the law, despite disagreeing with the judgment.

Additionally, Fubara has instructed that the 23 local government chairmen who were elected last year, whose elections were annulled by the Supreme Court, hand over their offices to the Heads of Local Government Administration pending a fresh election.

Despite the tensions, including speculation over whether the ousted local government chairmen might return, the Rivers State Elders Forum has advised Fubara not to beg Wike or the pro-Wike lawmakers in light of the judgment. They reaffirmed their support for Fubara while rejecting any undue pressure regarding the ruling.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan recently addressed why his administration did not implement the recommendations from the 2014 National Conference during a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo. Jonathan explained that the political environment at the time was too volatile to accommodate presenting such a significant document. He pointed out that there were political challenges, including opposition within his own party, that made it difficult to pursue those recommendations. According to him, some forces were actively trying to destabilize his government, which hindered the timely introduction of the conference’s outcomes.

Despite the turbulence, Jonathan emphasized that the 2014 National Conference produced credible recommendations from respected Nigerians, many of which remain highly relevant today. He expressed hope that one day, a future government would review and implement those proposals.

Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with other political leaders, paid their respects to Adebanjo’s family, recognizing his leadership and the profound wisdom he imparted to Nigeria. Jonathan praised Adebanjo as not just a leader of Afenifere but as a national figure whose commitment to truth, justice, and the betterment of the country left a lasting impact. Similarly, Atiku spoke of Adebanjo’s role as a father figure and a guide to many, particularly in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence within Nigeria.

The visits to Adebanjo’s family were followed by a dinner hosted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where several prominent political figures gathered to further honor the late leader.

The recent Russian drone strike in Kharkiv late Sunday night has once again brought the ongoing conflict to the forefront, as it resulted in a fire that severely damaged a multi-storey apartment building and left eight people injured. The city, which notably resisted Russian capture early in the invasion, has been a frequent target for air attacks throughout the war. Kharkiv’s resilience has been matched by the consistent threat it faces from drone and missile strikes.

Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, provided details on the aftermath of the attack, including the spread of the fire to the top floor of the apartment building, and the extensive damage to several other residential buildings. While the injuries were reported as not requiring hospital treatment, the strike caused significant material damage, with over 100 windows shattered. In addition, a medical center was also hit earlier in the week during a series of drone attacks.

This attack is another painful reminder of the heavy toll the conflict continues to take on civilians, especially in cities like Kharkiv, which are caught in the crossfire. Emergency teams are on the ground, working to manage the aftermath of the attack and provide assistance where needed. The ongoing targeting of residential areas highlights the destructive impact of the war on everyday life in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for a partial one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine focuses on limiting attacks on air, sea, and energy infrastructure but excluding ground fighting. This idea suggests a narrow approach to de-escalating hostilities while not entirely halting the broader conflict. Macron acknowledged the challenges of enforcing such a truce, especially along the extensive front line, which stretches over significant distances (comparable to the distance between Paris and Budapest).

The timing of Macron’s comments coincides with a summit in London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted European leaders to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine, following the tense breakdown of talks between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US President Trump. Macron’s remarks reinforce Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, both diplomatically and militarily, but with an emphasis on phased action—first a truce, then potential deployment of European ground troops as a second phase if necessary.

Additionally, Macron highlighted the need for increased defense spending across European nations and more innovation in financing defense efforts. This not only underscores the importance of supporting Ukraine but also signals a broader push to strengthen Europe’s own defense capabilities, particularly as the geopolitical landscape shifts. This combination of diplomatic proposals and calls for military preparedness reflects the complex balancing act facing European leaders as they navigate the Ukraine crisis.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments emphasize the centrality of Canadian sovereignty in his upcoming discussions with King Charles. His statement comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st US state, a provocative idea that Trudeau has strongly opposed. By stressing the importance of protecting Canada’s independence and sovereignty, Trudeau is signaling his commitment to upholding national autonomy, particularly in the face of external pressures and controversial statements from the former US president.

Trudeau’s remarks about the significance of Canada’s natural resources reflect the underlying geopolitical dynamics, where some see economic and resource wealth as a driving factor behind such ideas. This highlights the tension between the US and Canada, with some American figures suggesting closer integration, while Trudeau insists on the need to preserve Canada’s identity as an independent nation.

Trudeau also reiterated his strong support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aligning himself with the international stance of backing Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The timing of these statements, with the discussions scheduled with King Charles, points to a broader effort to reaffirm Canada’s position on key issues of sovereignty and global alliances.

key Russian political figures are highly critical of the recent European leaders’ summit in London, particularly with regard to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Konstantin Kosachev’s statement highlights a perceived lack of a clear plan or resolution from the summit, framing the event as a failed attempt to cover up what he sees as the failure of a decade-long policy. He suggests that Ukraine can only hope for potential improvements in Russian-American relations, rather than any real resolution to the war.

Leonid Slutsky’s remarks point to a significant blow to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, labeling the summit as ineffective and linking it to his earlier unsuccessful talks with President Trump. Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, with his strongly worded dismissal of the gathering, further underscores the Russian government’s contempt for the summit’s outcome, emphasizing their disdain for the Ukrainian leadership and framing the summit as a failure.

These comments reveal the ongoing friction between Russia and the West over the situation in Ukraine, with Russian officials portraying the international diplomatic efforts as futile while reinforcing their narrative about Ukraine’s leadership and the geopolitical struggle.