Russia’s Foreign Ministry has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent trip to Washington, calling it a political and diplomatic failure. The visit, which took place on February 28, 2025, saw Zelenskiy clashing with US President Donald Trump, worsening relations between Ukraine and the United States—Ukraine’s primary military ally.

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, described Zelenskiy’s behavior during the White House meeting as “outrageously boorish” and accused him of being an “unabashed cynic” with a primary goal of holding onto power. Zakharova claimed that Zelenskiy has created a “totalitarian state” in Ukraine, silencing opposition and sending millions of citizens to their deaths, all in pursuit of preserving his own authority.

Despite these accusations, Ukrainian officials, including Zelenskiy’s administration, have dismissed such criticisms. Zelenskiy reportedly used the Washington visit to challenge Trump on his approach to Russia, urging the US to not side with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting marked a significant diplomatic moment, as it revealed the tensions not only between Ukraine and Russia but also within the broader dynamics of international support for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.

The ongoing conflict between Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated, with Akpoti-Uduaghan asserting that she has solid evidence to back up her sexual harassment claims against Akpabio. In a legal move, Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, to distance herself from the matter in order to protect her own well-being and that of her family.

The conflict first emerged after Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly refused a reassigned seating arrangement in the Senate, which she claims led to Akpabio’s victimization of her. She alleged that after rejecting his sexual advances, Akpabio began to disregard her motions and subjected her to intimidation.

In response, Unoma Akpabio accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of fabricating stories for personal gain and rejected the claims as false. However, the situation has taken a more legal turn, with Unoma filing a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan for N350 billion in damages.

The legal letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp to Unoma underscores the seriousness of the allegations, reiterating that the matter should be left to Akpabio to address, and advised Unoma to avoid further involvement.

This legal back-and-forth intensifies the already volatile situation between the two figures, drawing attention to the broader issues of sexual harassment, power dynamics, and the role of public figures in handling such allegations.

In a tense meeting at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump clashed over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky, who had traveled to the United States to sign a minerals deal, was confronted with the news that the formal agreement would be delayed for now. The meeting turned heated, with both sides engaging in a shouting match.

Zelensky strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that he could not be trusted, referencing Putin’s broken promise not to invade Ukraine after the 2014 attack. He pointed out that European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, were present when Putin made the assurances.

Trump, however, responded by acknowledging Zelensky’s hatred for Putin but warned that such emotions would complicate negotiations. He argued that Zelensky’s current stance would make a deal difficult and emphasized that Zelensky did not hold the upper hand in the negotiations. Trump further clarified that his allegiance was not with any individual party, but rather with the interests of the United States, Europe, and the global community.

Vice President JD Vance also took issue with Zelensky, criticizing him for not thanking the U.S. for its diplomatic efforts and support, which Vance argued was crucial in preventing further destruction of Ukraine. He expressed frustration that Zelensky appeared to be engaging in a public dispute during the meeting, especially in front of the American media.

Zelensky, in his defense, acknowledged that war brings challenges for all sides, and reminded Vance that while the U.S. might be safe now, the impacts of the conflict could eventually affect America as well. This prompted a sharp retort from Trump, who told Zelensky not to dictate what the U.S. would “feel,” insisting that the focus should be on solving the problem at hand. The meeting ended with tensions still high, leaving the future of the minerals deal uncertain.

President Bola Tinubu has shared an optimistic message about the state of the Nigerian economy, noting the positive results of his administration’s policies. In his message to Nigerians on the commencement of Ramadan fasting, he highlighted key improvements in the country’s economic situation, such as a rise in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. He also pointed out the reduction in food prices and fuel costs, and the stabilizing exchange rate, all of which offer relief to citizens, especially those fasting during Ramadan.

Tinubu emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, promising continued efforts to boost food security, self-sufficiency, and sustainable farming practices.

Regarding Ramadan, he expressed that this sacred month should inspire reflection, prayer, and unity among Nigerians. He called on all citizens to pray for the country’s growth and development and urged Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, humility, and empathy. Tinubu extended his heartfelt wishes for a peaceful, joyful, and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan to all Muslims, reaffirming that the nation is on a path of progress and hope.

He concluded with a message of Ramadan blessings, encouraging everyone to use the month to foster stronger community bonds, both with Allah and each other, and to contribute to national unity and peace.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has threatened to withhold approval for the summer flight schedules of foreign airlines that fail to partner with local caterers for onboard meals. Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on “Transforming the Aviation Industry” in Lagos on Friday, Keyamo emphasized that international airlines flying to and from Nigeria must have agreements in place with local caterers, or they will not receive approval for their summer schedules.

Keyamo made it clear that foreign airlines could choose to stop flying into Nigeria if they were unwilling to support local caterers, suggesting that Nigerian airlines, like Air Peace, could take over those routes if necessary.

In addition to this, Keyamo shared some positive news about Nigeria’s aviation development, revealing that Maiduguri Airport is being upgraded to become the first international airport in the North East.

Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in the Kingdom. The Saudi Royal Court also stated that Taraweeh prayers will be held this evening at Masjid Bin Bāz after the Isha Prayer.

Additionally, other countries including Qatar and Oman have also confirmed that Ramadan will begin on March 1.

However, as of the time of the announcement, the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has not yet confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon in Nigeria.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a significant period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is obligatory for all healthy Muslims, with exemptions for young children, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.

During Ramadan, working hours for public and private employees, as well as school schedules, are typically reduced in many Muslim-majority countries.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged the Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the legitimacy of Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers as valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The ruling has reinstated the lawmakers, but the governor emphasized that the core issue of their defection, which led to their disputed status, is still pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, on Friday, Governor Fubara expressed that his administration is carefully reviewing the implications of the Supreme Court judgment, particularly concerning state funds and local government administration. He noted that the government is awaiting a detailed briefing to assess the situation and determine the next steps in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.

Governor Fubara pointed out that while the Supreme Court ruling recognizes the 27 lawmakers, the defection issue was not addressed by the Court in its decision, as it remains unresolved in the lower court. He assured the public that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of the state.

He also urged the residents of Rivers State to remain calm and law-abiding as the government seeks further legal clarity on the ruling and its broader implications.

The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Francis, who is currently battling double pneumonia, is showing signs of improvement but will not lead the annual Ash Wednesday service on March 5 to open the Christian season of Lent. The 88-year-old pope has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14, being treated for a severe respiratory infection that led to additional complications.

Although the Vatican has not provided a timeline for his release, it confirmed that a senior Vatican official would lead the Ash Wednesday service in place of the pope. The service marks the start of the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday.

In a medical update, the Vatican stated that while the pope’s condition has improved, his prognosis remains cautious due to the complexity of the infection. Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis, who has been leading the Church since 2013, has continued to manage Vatican affairs from the hospital.

The city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently experiencing an unprecedented economic and financial crisis following the takeover of the city by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels last month. The once-bustling streets of Goma are now eerily silent as businesses struggle to survive, and financial transactions have come to a near halt due to the closure of banks and cooperatives. This has led to extreme hardships for the city’s two million residents, with many unable to meet their basic needs.

Residents, such as Gaston Mumbere, are deeply concerned about how they will manage to pay their bills, with banks no longer functioning and money circulation grinding to a standstill. Mumbere expressed the grave reality, noting that while weapons may kill people, hunger will also claim lives due to the lack of economic activity.

Local markets, like Virunga, are facing a severe downturn. Sellers, such as Collette Musumba, are struggling to make sales. Previously able to earn up to 100,000 Congolese francs ($36) a day, she now barely makes 30,000 francs ($11), and often returns home empty-handed after a long day. The economic collapse has also affected government and business employees, who have not received their salaries since the M23 took control.

Experts, like Deogracias Bengehya, a professor of economics at Goma University, fear that the economic system could collapse entirely. With customers losing trust in both banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs), there is little hope for recovery in the short term.

The M23-appointed governor of North Kivu held talks with banking officials in mid-February, aiming to reopen the banks under secure conditions. However, no solution has been found yet. The ongoing crisis highlights the fragility of Goma’s economic system and underscores the need for urgent intervention to prevent further humanitarian suffering in the region.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was warmly welcomed in Mogadishu on Thursday by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for talks aimed at reinforcing the two nations’ bilateral ties. The visit came after tensions arose last year when Ethiopia struck a deal with Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland, to lease a stretch of coastline for a naval base and commercial port, which led to accusations from Somalia that Ethiopia was undermining its territorial integrity.

The two leaders, with the mediation of Turkey, discussed measures to allow Ethiopia access to the sea, with the goal of normalizing relations. The talks also covered important bilateral issues such as trade and security.

However, moments before Abiy’s arrival, shells were fired in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, though it remains unclear if the attack was related to the visit. Somalia’s security situation remains unstable due to the presence of the Islamist al-Shabaab group.

President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the N54.99 trillion ($36.6 billion) 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal planning. The budget was passed by the National Assembly on February 13, 2025, after an increase was made from the initially proposed N49.7 trillion, reflecting higher anticipated revenues from key agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigeria Customs Service.

The budget targets several critical sectors including security, infrastructure, education, and health. A key allocation of $200 million is set aside to mitigate the impact of recent reductions in U.S. health aid. With ambitious economic assumptions, the government is aiming for a crude oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day at a benchmark price of $75 per barrel. The exchange rate is projected at ₦1,500 to the U.S. dollar, and the government is targeting a reduction in inflation from 34.8% to 15% within the year.

A major aspect of the fiscal strategy is tax reform, with plans to increase VAT to 12.5% by 2026, while exempting essential goods like food and medicine to ease household burdens. The reform also includes reallocating VAT revenues to favor states that generate more, which has sparked debates over the potential for regional economic disparities.

The 2025 budget represents a 99.96% increase from the 2024 Budget of N27.5 trillion, reflecting a significant scale-up in spending and investment, albeit with an ambitious set of economic assumptions. This budget is seen as a crucial tool to address the nation’s ongoing challenges, but its effectiveness will depend largely on the government’s ability to meet revenue targets and manage the expected inflationary pressures.

The ambitious fiscal outlook raises questions about Nigeria’s ability to balance these goals while avoiding further economic strain. Do you think this budget is realistic, or could it face challenges due to the country’s complex economic environment?

The unveiling of the Nigeria Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to overhaul its electricity sector. The policy, developed through a collaboration of local and international stakeholders, is designed to establish a more sustainable and inclusive electricity system for Nigeria. This initiative is also closely tied to the Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) 2024, which outlines strategies for long-term energy planning.

The event, supported by international partners like the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), as well as organizations like the World Bank and African Development Bank, highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s longstanding energy challenges. According to Adelabu, the NIEP and NIRP represent critical milestones in Nigeria’s electricity reform journey, setting the stage for transformative investments in the country’s power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors.

The emphasis on creating a conducive legal and regulatory environment for both local and international private sector participation is crucial. It signals that the Nigerian government is not only looking for a top-down approach but also actively encouraging private investment to ensure the success of the reforms.

This policy announcement could potentially have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s energy landscape, which has faced chronic issues with power supply and infrastructure. Do you think the integration of international expertise and investment will help resolve these challenges, or are there still significant hurdles to overcome for sustainable energy reform in Nigeria?