Canada has confirmed its decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods starting next week, following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump. This move comes in response to the U.S. government’s planned implementation of new tariffs on April 2, 2025. According to a statement from Carney’s office, the Prime Minister informed Trump that the Canadian government would take these measures to protect Canadian workers and the economy in the face of the upcoming U.S. trade actions.

While the exact timing and scope of the retaliatory tariffs were not disclosed, the statement hinted that the leaders also discussed the upcoming U.S. presidential election, scheduled for April 28. Both leaders expressed a desire to engage in comprehensive negotiations on a new economic and security relationship following the election. Carney’s office described the conversation as “very constructive,” while Trump characterized it as “extremely productive” in a social media post.

The announcement comes amidst growing concerns over the potential for higher prices on goods in both the U.S. and Canada, with President Trump referring to April 2 as “Liberation Day.” The retaliatory tariffs mark the latest development in a tense trade relationship between the two nations.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has strongly advocated for the immortalization of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), citing his pivotal role in conducting the June 12, 1993, Presidential election, which is widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. Adams argued that Nwosu’s dedication and integrity in ensuring the election’s fairness ultimately led to the recognition of the late MKO Abiola’s mandate, even though the government at the time failed to install him as president.

Adams called for Nwosu to be honored in the same way as Abiola, who was posthumously recognized by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. He suggested that a monument be named after Nwosu as a lasting tribute to his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process. According to Adams, this would set a positive example for future INEC chairmen, emphasizing honesty and transparency in organizing elections.

The Senate, however, rejected a motion to immortalize Nwosu for the second time, instead opting to observe a minute of silence in his honor. This decision sparked heated debates on the floor of the Upper Legislative Chamber, with Southeast senators staging a walkout in protest. Adams criticized the Senate’s stance, particularly pointing out that the refusal to immortalize Nwosu was unjust, and described it as an act of “self-centeredness” on the part of some Yoruba leaders. He emphasized that Nwosu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy should not be overlooked and that denying him the honor he deserved would be a disservice to the nation.

Adams further stressed that Nwosu’s spirit would not be pleased with how the country is handling the recognition of his contributions, highlighting the importance of acknowledging those who have played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.

The recent mass Russian drone attack on Dnipro, a central Ukrainian city, has resulted in tragic consequences, with at least four people killed and 21 others injured. The attack, which occurred late on Friday, led to significant damage, including fires in a restaurant complex and several residential buildings. The attack involved over 20 drones, although most were reportedly shot down. Images from the aftermath show extensive damage, including large fires and debris on the streets.

In addition to the Dnipro attack, overnight air sirens were heard across other Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv. It is unclear if there were further casualties from these alerts. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted or shot down three Ukrainian drones over its Belgorod region.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has again criticized Russia for targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, accusing Russia of violating a temporary moratorium on such attacks. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue, with various diplomatic developments. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested placing Ukraine under UN control to elect a “more competent” government, a proposal that has been widely condemned as an effort to challenge Ukraine’s sovereignty. Ukraine and its allies have also raised concerns about Russia’s possible attempts to derail peace efforts.

In parallel, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a “reassurance force” in Ukraine, involving French and UK forces. This proposal is part of ongoing efforts by Ukraine’s international allies to strengthen support for the country in its fight against Russian aggression. However, Russia has strongly opposed any foreign troop deployments in Ukraine, warning that such actions would be considered legitimate military targets.

The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to clash on multiple fronts, with no clear path to a lasting resolution in sight.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised significant concerns about the growing problem of drug abuse in Cross River State, with many young people falling victim to addiction. This issue has become so severe that even the federal psychiatric hospital is overcrowded with youths suffering from drug abuse, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

During a street walk organized by the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) in Calabar, Nandi Roselyn Ada, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics in the Drug Demand Reduction Department, expressed her deep concern over the rising drug abuse among the youth. She pointed out that, though specific arrest statistics were unavailable, the situation is overwhelming, with young people visibly suffering from the effects of drugs in various parts of the state.

One of the most concerning aspects is the overwhelming number of youths in the psychiatric hospital due to drug addiction, with 90% of the inmates being young drug addicts. Ada also mentioned that less severe cases are often rejected to accommodate those facing more serious conditions, illustrating how dire the problem has become.

The abuse of substances like Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) is particularly prevalent in the region, and the narcotics officer warned that the issue is affecting not only the addicts but also the entire community. She highlighted the role of traffickers, who profit off these young people while keeping their own children safe from the same dangers. Ada urged everyone to take a stand against drug abuse, emphasizing that it is a societal problem, not just the responsibility of the NDLEA.

Comrade Scott Ogunsere, the National President of NIDSUG, pledged to continue the campaign against social vices, taking the message to other states in the Niger Delta region and across Nigeria. He called on students and youths to reject drugs, cultism, and other forms of crime.

Dr. Peter Odey, the Acting Governor of Cross River State, also expressed the government’s commitment to fighting cybercrime and providing opportunities for the youth to steer away from criminal activities. Through various initiatives, the government aims to engage the youth productively and deter them from drugs and crime.

This situation highlights the urgent need for continued awareness and intervention to address drug abuse and its devastating impact on the youth in Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.

The Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday targeted a drone storage unit used by Hezbollah, marking the first attack on the area since the ceasefire with the group was established in November. The airstrike followed a rocket attack from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel, which Israel intercepted. Hezbollah denied involvement in the rocket fire, and both Israel and Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, described the attack as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The situation reflects the ongoing challenges to maintaining the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which had been brokered with the support of France and the U.S. The Israeli military has conducted frequent airstrikes on Hezbollah-related targets, citing concerns over the group’s rearming efforts. Despite this, the ceasefire has largely held, though violations from both sides continue to strain the agreement.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday that there had been no activity justifying Israel’s recent strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. His remarks came after Israeli airstrikes targeted a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the first significant attack on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire in November. This ceasefire, brokered by France and the U.S., had ended a war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Macron emphasized that the framework agreed upon by Lebanon and Israel had been violated by Israel’s unilateral actions, noting that there was no information or evidence to justify the strikes. He had earlier met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris to discuss ongoing economic reforms and efforts to stabilize Lebanon.

In light of the situation, Macron indicated that he would call U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the attacks. His goal was to restore full observance of the ceasefire and to de-escalate tensions.

The November truce required Hezbollah to remove its weapons from southern Lebanon, Israeli forces to withdraw, and Lebanon to deploy its national army in the region. However, both sides have since accused each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire.

The Kano State Police Command has officially banned all Durbar activities during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations, citing security concerns and the importance of maintaining public order. The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, during a press briefing held at the Bompai Police Headquarters on Friday.

The decision aims to ensure a peaceful and secure environment throughout the festivities. CP Bakori highlighted that adequate security measures would be put in place to protect worshippers at designated Eid prayer grounds. He also emphasized the importance of peace during the celebrations, urging citizens to set aside their differences and work together as law-abiding members of society for the progress of both the state and the nation.

In addition to banning Durbar activities, Bakori also imposed restrictions on horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, and reckless driving during the festive period to further ensure public safety and prevent any disruptions.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Qalibaf, issued a strong warning on Friday, stating that Tehran would target US military bases in the region if the United States follows through on its threat of military action against Iran in the absence of a new nuclear deal. Qalibaf’s comments came during his live speech on Al-Quds Day, an annual event marking the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

Qalibaf’s remarks were a direct response to US President Donald Trump’s recent statement, in which Trump outlined two potential courses of action for dealing with Iran: military action or reaching a deal. Trump also mentioned that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, conveying this message. In his speech, Qalibaf emphasized that if the US attacks Iran, the entire region could erupt into chaos, and both US and allied bases in the region would be at risk.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, had already dismissed Trump’s letter as deceptive, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated that talks would only be possible if the US abandoned its “maximum pressure” policy. Araqchi also hinted that despite the threats in Trump’s letter, it left room for diplomacy.

The tensions between the US and Iran stem from the US’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which was an agreement between Iran and world powers to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. After the US withdrawal, Iran exceeded the agreed limits on uranium enrichment, and the US reimposed sanctions, deepening the conflict.

While Western powers are concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. The ongoing standoff and these latest exchanges highlight the volatile situation between the two countries.

India has extended its support to the earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the region on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s readiness to provide assistance, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance” and that Indian authorities are on standby to respond.

The earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), had a magnitude of 7.7, though other sources reported slightly varying figures. The epicenter was located around 16 kilometers from Sagaing in north-western Myanmar. The tremors from the earthquake were felt in several neighboring regions, including parts of Bangladesh and India. In India, the tremors reached the northeastern state of Manipur, which borders Myanmar, leading to panic in the western district of the state capital, Imphal. However, no significant damage has been reported from the affected areas so far.

The tremors were also felt in larger cities like Kolkata in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh, though no major damage has been reported there either. The quick response from India, offering assistance, underscores the country’s commitment to supporting its neighbors in times of natural disasters.

Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has appointed Emmanuel Matatu, a former major general and veteran of the 1970s liberation war, as the new army chief. This appointment comes ahead of planned protests on Monday by a group of war veterans who are calling for Mnangagwa’s resignation. The protests are fueled by accusations of mismanagement and corruption, and the group has been vocal in demanding the president step down.

Matatu, who is reportedly 72 years old, has a history in the Zimbabwe People’s Republic Army (Zipra), which was one of the two main guerrilla forces that fought against white-minority rule in the former Rhodesia. Zipra, led by Joshua Nkomo, was the rival of the Zanu party, which Mnangagwa and Robert Mugabe were a part of. The two forces merged after independence to form the ruling party, Zanu-PF. Matatu’s appointment is seen as part of a broader effort by Mnangagwa to consolidate power within the military, particularly by aligning with his trusted allies in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), including ZDF commander Philip Valerio Sibanda, another former Zipra veteran.

This reshuffle comes after Mnangagwa abruptly retired Lt Gen Anselem Sanyatwe, the former army chief, appointing him as the new minister of sports, arts, and culture. Matatu’s promotion is viewed as a move to strengthen the leadership of Zimbabwe’s defense forces, with many speculating that it will help Mnangagwa solidify his control amid growing internal opposition.

The planned protests, called by a faction of war veterans, have called for Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga to take over the presidency. Chiwenga, who previously led the ZDF before becoming vice president, is reportedly supported by the protesting veterans. In response, the police have issued a four-day ban on carrying weapons or any instruments that could be used for violence in the capital, Harare, and the security minister has warned the public against participating in the protests.

Mnangagwa, nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his reputation as a ruthless political figure, became president in 2017 after a coup ousted Robert Mugabe. Despite serving his second and final term, which runs until 2028, there have been growing concerns within his party about his intentions to extend his time in power. Critics fear a repeat of the events leading up to the coup that removed Mugabe, especially after Mnangagwa recently denied rumors that he planned to remain in office beyond his term.

As the protests loom, the situation remains tense, with the government taking steps to limit the scope of any unrest. It remains uncertain how much public support the war veterans’ protests will have, but the military’s new leadership, under Matatu’s command, will likely play a key role in managing the unfolding crisis.

The governments of Nigeria and Germany have officially reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral defense cooperation by signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG). The signing ceremony took place in Abuja, with the Nigerian Ministry of Defence represented by Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary, who described the MoU as a “strategic counterpart funding arrangement” that underscores the strong defense ties between the two nations.

Aduda highlighted that the renewed agreement aligns with both countries’ shared objectives of fostering long-term security collaboration and developmental goals. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring accountability and efficiency in implementing the agreement, with a focus on adhering to strict timelines and rigorous monitoring to ensure successful execution of all engagements. He also assured that all procurement aspects would be thoroughly evaluated to ensure value for money.

The German Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Boris Bovekemp, reiterated Germany’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key areas, particularly defense, security, and capacity-building initiatives. He praised the enduring partnership between Nigeria and Germany and stressed the importance of strengthening these agreements to address evolving security challenges.

This renewed MoU represents a significant milestone in the Nigeria-Germany defense partnership, reinforcing mutual efforts to enhance security, develop capacity, and promote technical cooperation between the two nations.

British carmakers are set to meet with ministers on Friday morning to discuss their response to the upcoming 25% tariffs on car imports announced by US President Donald Trump, which are set to take effect on April 3. The UK government is working to secure exemptions from these tariffs, though some car companies fear it may now be too late to delay the measure and are instead focusing on exploring support options.

The potential impact of these tariffs on the UK economy is significant. The government’s official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), has warned that such trade taxes could reduce economic growth by as much as 1% in the worst-case scenario, potentially wiping out £9.9 billion of the UK government’s fiscal headroom.

The UK government’s response has been cautious. Treasury minister Darren Jones stated that the UK would not engage in a “trade war” with the US and would take a “different approach” compared to other nations. This contrasts with countries like Germany, which has taken a firmer stance against the tariffs, urging Europe to “respond firmly.”

For the automotive industry, the tariffs represent a significant threat. The UK’s car exports to the US, worth £9 billion, would be heavily affected. Companies like Ineos Automotive, whose biggest market is the US, are particularly vulnerable, as their manufacturing is based in the EU. Ineos CEO Lynn Calder expressed frustration with the EU’s failure to negotiate with Trump and warned that the EU must decide whether it wants to maintain a viable automotive industry.

The tariffs are set to hit the car sector in two stages: the first on April 3 for vehicles, followed by tariffs on parts a month later. This could disrupt UK carmakers, particularly as UK car production was already down by 12% in February compared to the previous year. The industry is likely to ask for government support to help mitigate the economic impact.

The broader global context includes other countries, such as France and Canada, vowing to retaliate against the US tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a former Bank of England governor, has expressed his country’s intent to “fight” these trade measures, signaling a potential breakdown in long-standing Canada-US relations.

The UK is still negotiating with the US over the full range of tariffs, not just those affecting the car industry. However, much of the outcome will depend on the stance taken by President Trump, who has made it clear that he does not intend to offer carve-outs for car imports, despite ongoing global discussions on “reciprocal tariffs.”

A powerful earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, causing significant damage in both Thailand and Myanmar. The quake, with a magnitude of 7.7, hit at lunchtime and originated at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Its epicenter was located around 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. This earthquake caused a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok to collapse, leading to the death of at least one person and dozens of workers being rescued from the rubble.

In Bangkok, the earthquake caused panic, with people rushing into the streets in a state of distress. Many were hotel guests who had been caught off guard, some still in bathrobes or swimming costumes as water cascaded down from an elevated pool at a luxury hotel due to the tremor.

In Myanmar, the quake also impacted the city of Mandalay and other areas, although there was no immediate confirmation of casualties. Myanmar’s Fire Services Department has begun conducting checks in Yangon for casualties and damage, but no detailed reports have come out yet.

The earthquake was followed by a strong aftershock, adding to the devastation. At the time of reporting, the situation was still developing, and authorities in both countries were working to assess the full scale of the damage.

King Charles III is undergoing treatment for cancer, which was publicly acknowledged by Buckingham Palace in February 2024. He recently experienced some temporary side effects from his treatment, leading to a brief hospital stay on Thursday. Despite this, the King is reported to be in good spirits, continuing his work at Clarence House, including handling state papers and making calls from his study. He has canceled a tour of Birmingham, which was scheduled for Friday, on medical advice.

The palace emphasized that the King’s health is on track, describing the hospital visit as a “most minor bump” in his recovery. They also reassured the public that this is not a serious setback, and while the King’s cancer treatment is ongoing, he remains committed to his duties, with engagements planned for the future. His health issues, however, serve as a reminder of his personal challenges as he continues with his public responsibilities.

Additionally, the Queen Camilla attended a reception in Wembley on Thursday but did not join the King during his brief hospital visit. The royal family and officials, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have wished the King well during this time. While no specifics about the side effects were disclosed, the palace appears focused on reassuring the public about the King’s recovery and ongoing commitment to his royal duties.

The stabbing incident in central Amsterdam, particularly near Dam Square, is a developing story, and it’s concerning that five people have been injured. The deployment of an emergency helicopter and the cordoning off of the area indicate the seriousness of the situation. While the motive remains unclear, the police have already arrested a suspect, which could potentially lead to further details once investigations progress.

The situation also highlights the importance of public cooperation, as authorities are encouraging anyone with footage or images of the incident to come forward. Hopefully, the injured individuals receive the medical attention they need, and more information will be available soon.

Do you have any more updates on the situation, or would you like to follow the developments further?

The ongoing discussions about sanctions on Russia and the potential for peace talks are shaping up to be a crucial moment in the war. The coordinated stance from European leaders—particularly from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—against lifting sanctions on Russia is a clear signal that Europe remains firm in its approach to applying pressure on Moscow until peace is achieved. This unified message contrasts with the more cautious tone of the U.S., where officials are still evaluating Russia’s demands and conditions, especially regarding the Black Sea ceasefire.

Zelensky’s position, which calls for continued and even increased sanctions on Russia, underscores his belief that economic pressure is one of the few effective tools to force Russia into meaningful negotiations. His concerns that Russia is trying to delay the process with unrealistic conditions show his frustration with the lack of concrete progress, and he rightly points out that lifting sanctions could embolden Russia to press on with its territorial ambitions.

The mention of potential “reassurance forces” by France and the United Kingdom is also significant. While these forces would not replace Ukrainian troops, their presence would act as a deterrent to further Russian aggression and provide some security assurance should a ceasefire be established. This idea of a “reassurance force” suggests that even as talks about a peace deal continue, Western allies are already thinking about long-term commitments to Ukraine’s security—especially in the event that U.S. involvement remains uncertain.

The overall situation remains very delicate. The sanctions continue to be a critical tool in limiting Russia’s ability to prosecute the war, but there is concern that without diplomatic breakthroughs, the war could drag on indefinitely. How long do you think sanctions alone can effectively pressure Russia, and do you see the idea of reassurance forces as a viable path forward if a ceasefire is reached?

President Zelensky’s statement highlights the ongoing tension in Ukraine’s fight against Russia and the broader international diplomatic struggle. He is right to emphasize that lifting sanctions on Russia at this stage would send the wrong message and undermine the leverage the international community currently has to push for a serious peace agreement.

Zelensky’s criticism of Russia’s demands for unrealistic conditions—such as for a ceasefire in the Black Sea—underscores the complexity of the negotiations. Russia’s insistence on unreasonable terms, while rejecting proposals for peace, continues to delay any meaningful diplomatic solution. Zelensky makes a crucial point in arguing that sanctions are one of the few effective tools to pressure Russia into genuine talks, and without them, the risk of a breakdown in future negotiations becomes even more significant.

His call for continued support from international partners and for sanctions to remain until Russia’s aggression stops is a stance that aligns with Ukraine’s need for long-term pressure on Russia to cease its military actions and respect territorial integrity. The prospect of lifting sanctions prematurely could indeed have serious consequences, both in terms of diplomacy and the integrity of future peace agreements.

Do you think international pressure, particularly through sanctions, will ultimately succeed in forcing Russia to engage in meaningful peace talks, or is there a risk that it could backfire and prolong the conflict?