RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Kursk Region fully liberated from Ukrainians – Putin

The Russian military has completely liberated the border Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces, President Vladimir Putin has said after being briefed on the battlefield situation by General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov.

In a video address shared by the Kremlin on Saturday, Putin thanked Russian service members “who took part in defeating the neo-Nazi groups” that invaded the region last summer.

“The Kiev regime’s adventure has completely failed, and the huge losses suffered by the enemy, including among the most combat-ready, trained and equipped, including by Western models of equipment… will certainly be reflected along the entire line of combat contact,” he said.

According to Putin, the Russian success sets the stage for further advances in other areas of the front, bringing final victory in the conflict closer.

The Russian president praised several units that took active part in first stalling the Ukrainian incursion and then pushing the enemy forces back. He particularly lauded volunteers from the 11th Airborne Assault Brigade, 30th Rifle Regiment and the Akhmat Special Forces unit who infiltrated deep into Kiev-controlled territory via an underground pipeline near the town of Sudzha.

The daring operation led to a complete crumbling of Ukrainian defenses. According to Gerasimov, total Ukrainian losses during the Kursk incursion amounted to more than 76,000 servicemen killed and wounded, as well as more than 7,700 units of military equipment lost, including 412 tanks, and 340 infantry fighting vehicles, and 314 armored personnel carriers.
The chief of the General Staff went on to confirm that Russia’s military effort in Kursk Region was supported by North Korean troops, whose assistance was provided under the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed last year. Ukraine launched its incursion into Kursk Region last August, initially gaining some ground and capturing numerous settlements before their advance was checked by Russian forces.
Putin has characterized the incursion as an attempt by Kiev to divert attention from Moscow’s offensive in Donbass, adding that this ploy has failed. Ukrainian officials described the operation as a way to gain leverage in potential peace talks with Russia.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russia says last Ukrainian troops expelled from Kursk region, Kyiv denies assertion

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed on Saturday what he said was the complete failure of an offensive by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region after Moscow said they had been expelled from the last village they had been holding.

Russia also confirmed for the first time that North Korean soldiers have been fighting alongside Russian troops in Kursk, with the chief of the military General Staff praising their "heroism" in helping to drive out the Ukrainians.

However, Kyiv denied that its forces had been expelled from Kursk and said they were also still operating in Belgorod, another Russian region bordering Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces seized a swathe of territory in Kursk region last August in a surprise incursion that embarrassed Putin. Russian forces, later reinforced by North Korean troops, have been trying ever since to drive them out.

Putin, speaking amid intensified diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to end the Ukraine conflict, said the expulsion of Ukrainian forces from Russian soil opened the way for further Russian successes inside Ukraine.

"The Kyiv regime's adventure has completely failed," Putin said in video footage released by the Kremlin that showed him receiving a report from the head of Russia's general staff, Valery Gerasimov.

"The full defeat of the enemy in the Kursk border region creates conditions for further successful actions by our forces on other important parts of the front," Putin added.

Gerasimov told Putin that the last occupied settlement in the Kursk region, the village of Gornal, had been "liberated from Ukrainian units" on Saturday.

"Thus the defeat of the armed formations of the Ukrainian armed forces that had invaded the Kursk region has been completed," Gerasimov said.

The Ukrainian military, in a statement later posted on social media platform Telegram, said its forces were continuing their operations in some districts of Kursk region.

Ukraine also denied Gerasimov's assertion that all Ukrainian "sabotage groups" had been "liquidated" in Belgorod region, where Kyiv's forces launched an incursion last month.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield assertions of either side.

Russia's Defence Ministry said the armed forces were now helping authorities in the Kursk region to restore "peaceful life" and to remove mines planted there.

NORTH KOREANS

Gerasimov praised the North Korean officers and soldiers' contribution in Kursk, saying they had shown "high professionalism, fortitude, courage and heroism", fulfilling combat tasks "shoulder to shoulder" with Russian servicemen.

North Korea sent an estimated total of 14,000 troops, including 3,000 reinforcements to replace its losses, Ukrainian officials said. Lacking armoured vehicles and drone warfare experience, they took heavy casualties but adapted quickly.

Russia had previously neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk.

Russia's military cooperation with North Korea has grown rapidly since Moscow became internationally isolated after invading Ukraine in February 2022.

Kyiv says North Korea has supplied Russia with vast amounts of artillery shells as well as rocket systems, thousands of troops and ballistic missiles, which Moscow began using for strikes against Ukraine at the end of 2023.

Russia and North Korea have denied weapons transfers, which would violate U.N. embargoes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had hoped his forces' seizure of Russian territory would give him a bargaining chip in any future talks to end the war in his country.

Zelenskiy held what the White House described as a "very productive" meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday in Rome, where both leaders were attending the funeral of Pope Francis.

Trump is pressuring Zelenskiy to agree to give up some Ukrainian territory to help end the three-year war that has caused large-scale casualties and devastation in cities, towns and villages across Ukraine.

RT/Reuters

The Hausa people (or Hausawa) are the original and indigenous people of Hausaland, traversing the North-West, and parts of North-East and North-Central (or Middle-Belt) of Nigeria. They are the largest ethnic group in West and Central Africa.

The Middle-Belt people (or Middle-Belters) are the indigenous non-Hausa, non-Yoruba and non-Igbo peoples of North-Central Nigeria. They are a conglomeration of different ethnic minorities, forming a transition zone between Northern and Southern Nigeria.

Unlike the Hausa, who are ethnically homogenous and largely Muslims, Middle-Belters are ethnically, culturally and religiously heterogeneous. Yet, Middle-Belters share a lot in common with Hausa people.

Both are very humble, modest, kind, respectful, receptive, hospitable, and accommodating, to the extent that if you are not one of them, but live among them, your children are likely to lose their identity, values, language and culture, and adopt those of Hausawa or Middle-Belters.

They are largely agrarian. Farming and agrarian-related businesses are integral to their lives, traditions and cultures. They are highly industrious and committed to whatever they believe, and whatever they do. For them, there are no half measures.

The Middle-Belters and Hausawa are a deeply religious and profoundly spiritual people. They take religion and spiritualism seriously. They fit into the people described in Chapter 2:219 of Quran; those who said, “We hear and we obey.” People who hear the words/verses of ALMIGHTY GOD, whether in the Quran or Bible, and accept the faith, and submit to GOD.

While the Middle-Belters are largely Christians, the Hausawa are predominantly Muslims. Both, however, have believers of the African Traditional Religions (ATRs).

Both peoples have been penetrated, deceived, misled, cheated, and made to do ungodly things, including engaging in violence, by all sorts of people who eat with, divide, dominate, oppress, exploit and dehumanise them, particularly through religion!

The Hausawa and Middle-Belters are politically subordinated people in Nigeria. The political subordination of the Middle-Belters arose from their small numerical strength; their ethnic, religious, and cultural diversities – which make political unity difficult; and the fact they do not occupy dominant positions in the country, the polity and the economy.

In contrast, the Hausawa are a dormant majority. They have a huge population, are ethnically, religiously and culturally homogeneous, and have electoral power. But all these go to serve, benefit, protect, defend and reinforce the interests of Fulani oligarchs.

Fulani oligarchs comprise Fulani aristocrats, politicians, clerics, serving and retired technocrats, bureaucrats, the upper echelon of serving and retired military and security officers, business tycoons, academics, journalists, and even lumpens, amongst others, who believe and fight for Fulani hegemony and dominance in Nigeria.

The Fulanis are, thus, a dominant minority. This is a dominance that arose from their conquest and colonisation of Hausaland and neigbouring states in 1805. This was consolidated by the reinforcement of Fulani colonialism by the British imperialist forces; the deliberate exclusion of Hausawa from acquiring Western education; the high restriction of their recruitment into the civil, military, and para-military services; and virtual exclusion in the affairs of the state and society.

Since the late 1980s, the Hausawa and Middle-Belters have fiercely fought “religious wars” between themselves. They have foolishly murdered themselves and others for the sake of their “religion”! In fact, the easiest weapon needed to deceive and mislead Middle-Belters and Hausawa is religion.

Notwithstanding, their religious hostilities, economic necessities and the realities on ground, including poverty, hunger, suffering and diseases, keep uniting them more than religions divide them. The Hausawa and Middle-Belters are progressively realising that religion does not feed, shelter, cloth or pay school fees. Therefore, that enough is enough; and peace must reign between them!

But since 2015, the Hausawa and Middle-Belters have been increasingly threatened by Fulani terrorists. Terrorism is defined here as a deliberately calculated, highly insidious, and extremely ferocious violence directed against innocent people. It is violence conceived, designed, and executed to spread fear, harass and intimidate innocent people into total submission, and to secure material, financial, economic, political, physical and psychological benefits, as well as sexual satisfaction through rape.

Examples of the activities of Fulani terrorists include, but are not limited to, kidnapping for huge ransoms; the destruction of farms with their herds; the injury, maiming, and massacring of indigenous peoples of Nigeria; the sacking of towns and villages; and occupation of same by Fulani people. It also includes the desecration and invasion of mosques and churches by Fulani terrorists; indiscriminate shooting and killing of people, including religious clerics; and the raping of women, children, and even men.

Fulani terrorism began in Zamfara State, systematically spread to the entire North-West geopolitical zone, gradually moved to the Middle-Belt area, and is now spreading southward, like bush fire in harmattan. It is much more ferocious, deadlier, and destructive than Boko Haram (BH) terrorism, which is mainly restricted to Borno and Yobe states, and northern parts of Adamawa State.

The Hausawa have noted the statement of a Fulani terrorist leader that they are not active in the south of Nigeria because the Fulanis in position of power have not authorised them to terrorise that part of the country.

Middle-Belters have drawn attention to the fact that they have virtually stopped farming due to the activities of Fulani terrorists; that their lands are increasingly being taken over and occupied by Fulanis; and that they are helpless because when they defend themselves, the police compel them to pay heavy compensation to the families of the Fulanis.

Middle-Belters give the example of one Sunday Jackson in Adamawa State, who in the process of defending himself, in his farm, from a Fulani herder’s attack, killed the herder, but was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of Nigeria!

Both the Middle-Belters and Hausawa are beginning to posit that, whether in the past or present, they have all suffered from Fulani exploitation, oppression, and dehumanisation. That, as a matter of fact, the Fulani oligarchs have succeeded in dividing and ruling them. That Fulanis are responsible for their underdevelopment as a people.

The Hausawa are progressively disassociating themselves from the Fulanis. They are forcefully condemning and logically insisting that they are not “Hausa-Fulani”, describing the term as illogical, un-Islamic, and deceptive. They are forcefully proclaiming that “Hausa daban, Fulani daban” – meaning the Hausawa are different from Fulanis, whether physiologically, historically, ethnically, linguistically or culturally.

The Middle-Belters, in turn, are asserting that they are not “Northerners” but “Middle-Belters”, with distinct ethnicities, languages, cultures, histories, and interests.

Both peoples recognise and insist that they are closer to one another because they are indigenous to Nigeria; and have been, and are still, historically exploited, oppressed, and dehumanised by the Fulani oligarchs.

Now, Hausa and Middle-Belters are forming mass-based movements at all levels of society to confront what they term as Fulani domination, oppression, and dehumanisation. The most popular, powerful and assertive Hausawa movement is the “Hausawa Tsantsa Development Association (HTDA)”, led by a fiery woman, Hajiya Kaltum Alumbe Jitami. The future beckons.

** Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God ~ 1Corinthians 1:23-24.

Introduction

In life, we all have to deal with the unexpected once in a while. See, it is one thing to boast of faith when all things are going great and wonderful, but it’s an entirely different ballgame when all vital indices are looking desperate, and one can only walk in the triumph of trust (Psalm 55:23).

Remember Job! For as long as the ugly situations around him lasted, it was like he was stuck in a bad deal, and his condition was only getting worse by the day.

Until God intervened to give him an historic turnaround, he was only painfully aware of his own grim powerlessness! He didn’t even have the option of running away, or hiding somewhere, though he wanted to, badly (Job 14:13-14).

The stark and shocking reality of life is that being holy, doing the right thing, serving God or even having faith doesn’t always exempt you from such challenging and disgusting scenarios. Paul & Silas were even jailed for being active in their kingdom duty posts, preaching the Word, casting out devils and leading people to Christ.

Meanwhile, oftentimes, whatever we see as an unexpected crisis is really never a surprise to God. Nothing surprises God, not even your present challenges. He knows it all from the beginning, and He has the Wonderful Solution, a divine “joker” so to say, suited for all challenges and situations of life, no matter the forms they may take.

Now, whenever challenges show up, anyhow and from anywhere, the wisest route out of the downward spiral situations of anguish is to know and to fully embrace the Lord Jesus Christ. And, it is crucial that we understand that!

All in all and in it all, Jesus Christ is our everything! He is the most important person in all our life-spaces, and He’s extremely pertinent to our lives and godliness, now, here and hereafter. Please hold that fact tight!

He is our Saviour, our Healer, our Deliverer, our Baptizer, our Provider, our Guide, our Guard, our Source of joy, our Fountain of inspiration, our Coming King: He’s our Everything (Isaiah 9:6). Indisputably, He’s Emmanuel, the only true and lasting peace in our world (Luke 2:14; John 17:13).

Consequent upon Christ’s finished work of redemption on Calvary’s Cross, one of the irreversible verdicts of scripture is that the believers’ perpetual triumph is now a forgone conclusion (2Corinthians 2:14). Nevertheless, the real secret here is in the valiant Spirit of God’s power and wisdom, which is summed up in Christ Jesus.

Yes, Jesus Christ is clearly set forth as the Wisdom and the Power of God (1Corinthians 1:24). In other words, both the logos and the logics of heaven are lumped together in Jesus Christ! Isn’t that absolutely thrilling?

Nevertheless, the most dizzying and clearly mind-boggling thing here is that this same Christ — the Power and the Wisdom of God — is actually domiciled in us, now!

Thus, whenever the unexpected happens, or you find yourself facing a crisis moment, you shouldn’t automatically go into panic mode or become emotionally wrecked, because you’re equipped with the ultimate solution.

If you are a believer in Christ, both the power and the wisdom of God dwell within you, now! The devil cannot gain the upper hand against you, and his weapons shall never prosper in your life again (Isaiah 54:17). Alleluia!

No matter the situation, like He did unto David, the One who is called “Wonderful” shall surely make you a wonder unto many, and you shall enjoy His tangible goodness within and all around you, in Jesus name (Psalm 71:7)! But, we must know this for real to fully enjoy it!

Maturing Ourselves In the Use of the Name of Jesus Christ!

I believe Job was making very clear allusions to the wonderfulness of Jesus Christ, even in the days of his trials, when he said: “I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number” (Job 5:8-9).

Yes indeed, Jesus Christ is capable and ever ready to do for us and through us incredible things and wonders without number (Job 9:10).

However, the greatest joy here is that the believers everywhere are His authorized representatives and ambassadors of goodwill on the earth today. He dwells within us to restore man back to the image of God and to the platform of wonders in the world.(Colossians 1:27; 1John 4:4).

Meanwhile, as members of God’s great family, we must never lose sight of our most precious possession and choicest treasure: the Name of Jesus Christ. We must rather give it all it takes to firmly mature ourselves in using it to glorify God on earth!

With the name of Jesus Christ, God has equipped the believers for victory in every battle of life, granted us access to His treasure house of answers when we pray, and He goes before us to make our crooked places straight!

Friends and beloved brethren, instead of focusing on your problem, focus on the Almighty God in Christ Jesus. He is with you, and He wants to walk with you, leading and guiding you to a place of peace and victory.

Happily, as He is, so are we in this world (1John 4:17). Since Jesus never failed, you shall not fail again. He knew no sin, sin shall not dominate you again! He was never sick, believe God that sicknesses shall no longer exact upon your health again!

Jesus Christ lives in majesty, we should not live in poverty and lack. He dominated situations and circumstances, even nature; we should not be overruled by any situation or circumstances anymore.

This is your day: you shall rule and reign by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17). No matter what happened before, trust in God evermore. He could still take whatever the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for your good.

Contrary winds may be howling, and demons may be growling, just keep in mind that God never runs out of supernatural supplies (Philippians 4:19). He always leads His own forward in victory! So keep moving in faith, knowing that He has a good plan for you! You won’t miss it, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy Sunday!

____________________

Archbishop Taiwo Akinola,

Rhema Christian Church,

Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Connect with Bishop Akinola via these channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bishopakinola

SMS/WhatsApp: +234 802 318 4987

Paul is the chief exponent in the scriptures of the imperative to have the mind of Christ. He taught what he lived, so we have him as our chief example.

Paul teaches that:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This new creation is new and will become new. He comes fully loaded but starts like a child, with everything needed to become a man already in place. In effect, if anyone is in Christ, he has the potential to become like Christ. But he must grow in Christ. He has put on Christ and must put on Christ.

“For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27).

He must work out what God has worked in him. (Philippians 2:13). So, Paul tells us to put on what God has given to us.

“Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”(Ephesians 4:24).

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts.” (Romans 13:14).

The Future Is Now

Jesus says:

“The hour is coming, and now is.” (John 4:23).

One new thing that is coming, and now is, refers to our mind. Paul affirms that:

“We have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

But this mind must be developed.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5-6).

Allow the mind of Christ to be in you. Do not impede it. God is at work in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.

Therefore, we have to jettison the old and put on the new.

“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” (Ephesians 4:23).  

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2).

Single-mindedness 

Paul was single-minded. He says:

“I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

James says:

“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8).

Paul was pre-eminently Christ-centred. This single-mindedness was the source of his stability in affliction and adversity. Paul’s concerns were never about himself. His concerns and preoccupations were always about Christ and the gospel.

Can you forget about yourself for some time? After all, you are supposed to be dead. A dead man is no longer concerned about himself.

Paul says:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

Paul’s body was not his own. His future was not his own. His reputation was not his own. He tried to put himself last in every situation.

He regarded everything that happened to him as circumstances sent by God to exalt Christ and promote the gospel. If he is jailed, it is to Christ’s advantage.  

“I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.” (Philippians 1:12-13). 

Nothing can happen to Paul that he would not see from Christ’s vantage point. Whatever happened to him, he regarded it as being to Christ’s advantage. This meant he would not grumble or complain about anything.

“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20).

Fellowship of Suffering

Paul considered it to be a privilege to suffer for Christ.

“For to you has been given the privilege not only of trusting him but also of suffering for him.” (Philippians 1:29).

In Philippians 3:10, he calls it the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. Similarly, in the book of Acts, the apostles were excited when they were beaten for Christ’s sake.

“When they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:40-41).

Jesus prescribes this fellowship in adversity:

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12).

Paul understood that the purpose of God was in every situation and circumstance of the life of a believer. Therefore, he prescribes that in everything, give thanks.

Self-abnegation

Paul made it a habit not to think of himself, but to think of others. He also made a point of praying for others. He sought to encourage others. His heaven on earth was helping others.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.” (Philippians 1:3-4).

“Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:7-8).

If there were chains on Paul’s wrists, he re-conceptualised them as his “bonds in Christ.” If his adversaries were causing trouble in his absence while he was under house arrest, he rejoiced that they were preaching Christ.

If his friends were worried about his incarceration and were praying for him, he became excited that this would exalt Christ. If there was a possibility that he might be killed, then he believed that Christ would be magnified in his death.

In his single-mindedness, Paul put Christ and the furtherance of the gospel ahead of everything else.

In effect, nothing that man can do can take away Paul’s joy in Christ. Imprison him, and Paul simply tells you he is a prisoner of Christ. Chain him to a guard, and Paul is convinced that the whole design was to give him a captive audience who is to be won over to the gospel.

Confidence in Christ

As a single-minded Christian, Paul refused to allow circumstances to overcome him. On the contrary, he turned every circumstance into an opportunity to magnify Christ and to win souls.

Above all, Paul was confident about the supremacy of God. He was confident that the Philippians would continue in their Christian walk, not because of any diligence on the part of the church, but because of the power of God.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6).

He was confident that his trials had given believers in Rome new confidence in the gospel.  

“Most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” (Philippians 1:14).

He was confident that he would soon come through the trials and be restored to his friends.  

“And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith.” (Philippians 1:25).

This is the blessing of being single-minded. The single-minded believer has joyful confidence in the Lord, knowing that Jesus controls all situations and circumstances.

One Mind 

Christian single-mindedness leads to submissiveness. Submissiveness to God yields sacrifice and service. The mind of Christ is submissive, meek, and lowly. Humility is not thinking of ourselves at all. But exaltation always follows humiliation. 

Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6).

With Christ at the centre and as the glue, Christians are supposed to be like-minded, having the same love, of one spirit, and of the same purpose.

“Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2).

Nothing is to be done out of selfish ambition and each believer is enjoined to consider others better than himself and to be concerned about the interests of others.

Jesus is the prime example of this selfless humility.

“Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.’” (Romans 15:2-3).

“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6).

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; www.femiaribisala.com

The first generation that has been exposed consistently to digital technology has reached the age where symptoms of dementia tend to emerge. 

Some have claimed that digital technology could negatively impact cognitive abilities, but researchers from Baylor University have discovered just the opposite.

"You can flip on the news on just about any day and you’ll see people talking about how technologies are harming us," said study co-author Michael Scullin in a press release.

"People often use the terms ‘brain drain’ and ‘brain rot,’ and now ‘digital dementia’ is an emerging phrase. As researchers, we wanted to know if this was true," Scullin said.

The researchers analyzed past studies to determine the impact of technology on mental aging. Their findings, which were published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, suggest that digital technologies can actually preserve cognitive abilities.

For the meta-review, researchers analyzed more than 136 studies that included 400,000 adults, with an average of six years of follow-up data.

The team concluded that the use of digital technology correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment, even after adjusting for gender, age and education level.

One contributing factor, according to Scullin, could be the cognitive challenges that older adults face when interacting with technology.

"One of the first things that middle-aged and older adults were saying is that ‘I’m so frustrated by this computer. This is hard to learn,'" he said in the release. 

"That's actually a reflection of the cognitive challenge, which may be beneficial for the brain even if it doesn’t feel great in the moment."

Technology can be cognitively challenging because it is always changing, forcing users to learn and adapt, the researchers noted. This "exercises" the brain and helps keep it sharp.

Dementia diagnoses often involve loss of ability to independently perform daily tasks, such as taking pills, keeping track of appointments and navigating directions, per the Alzheimer’s Research UK website.

Digital tools like web calendars, phone reminders and navigation apps can allow for greater independence in older adults.

The study found that "digital scaffolding" – the process of using these tools to perform daily tasks – "facilitates better functional outcomes in older adults while general cognitive functioning declines."

One highly debated aspect of digital technology’s effect on our brains is the use of social media, but according to the researchers, it’s not all bad.

Another benefit of digital technology, according to experts, is the ability for aging adults to maintain social connections, which has been linked to a decreased dementia risk.

"Now you can connect with families across generations," Scullin said.

"You can not only talk to them, you can see them. You can share pictures. You can exchange emails — and it's all within a second or less. So that means there's a greater opportunity for decreasing loneliness."

Fox News

Nigeria's security crisis deepened this week as armed groups carried out deadly attacks across multiple regions, leaving dozens dead or abducted and highlighting the government's struggle to contain escalating violence.

Massacre in Zamfara Mining Village

In the latest bloodshed, gunmen killed at least 20 people in a brutal assault on the gold mining village of Gobirawa Chali in Zamfara state, northwestern Nigeria. Witnesses reported that hundreds of attackers opened fire on miners on Thursday, leading to a fierce gunfight. Residents recovered 21 bodies, with many more injured.

Amnesty International confirmed the massacre, stating that the assailants went house-to-house during the attack. While no motive was immediately confirmed, Zamfara has long been a hotspot for kidnappings and banditry, with armed gangs operating from remote forests and frequently targeting civilians and security forces.

The Nigerian military, already stretched thin by insurgencies in the northeast, farmer-herder clashes in Northcentral states, and separatist unrest in the southeast, has failed to secure vast rural areas, leaving communities vulnerable to relentless violence.

Pirates Abduct 20 Passengers in Akwa Ibom-Cross River Waterways

In the south-south region, gunmen suspected to be pirates kidnapped 20 passengers traveling by boat from Oron in Akwa Ibom to Cross River on April 18. The victims were aboard a vessel owned by Akwa Cross Boat Management Ltd., a private transport company.

Police responses were conflicting, with Akwa Ibom authorities claiming the abduction occurred in Cross River, while Cross River police denied the incident outright. The lack of coordination underscores the challenges in tackling maritime crime.

Piracy along the Oron-Calabar route has disrupted trade and travel, with fishermen and traders repeatedly targeted. A 2023 report revealed how pirates have crippled livelihoods, with boat owners losing millions to attacks. Akwa Ibom’s governor has appealed for military reinforcement, but kidnappings persist.

15 Passengers Kidnapped in Benue Road Ambush

Meanwhile, in Benue state, gunmen abducted 15 passengers along the Adoka-Naka road on Thursday. Two commercial vehicles were ambushed, with victims taken into the bush. Local officials confirmed the attack occurred just three kilometers from Naka town, yet police claimed they had not been briefed.

Benue has suffered a surge in violence, with over 200 killed in recent weeks. Governor Hyacinth Alia blamed "foreign elements" for the attacks, warning that the threat surpasses the traditional farmer-herder clashes. Homes have been burned, and survivors remain traumatized as federal forces struggle to restore order.

A Nation Under Siege

These incidents underscore Nigeria’s spiraling insecurity, with armed groups exploiting weak governance and under-resourced security forces. From banditry in the northwest to piracy in the south and kidnappings in the central region, civilians face mounting dangers.

Despite pledges from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis, the government’s efforts remain inadequate. As violence spreads, Nigerians are left questioning whether authorities can regain control before the situation deteriorates further.

—Reports from Reuters, PREMIUM TIMES, and Channels Television

In Gombe state, there is a disturbing trend: vehicles crashing into processions of Christians during major religious celebrations. The first happened, and it seemed as though it was just an accident, possibly from a brake failure. Then it happened again and again. 

Over the past six years, three incidents — April 2019, December 2024, and April 2025 — have left communities in the state reeling, with dozens dead and others injured.

Official reports from security agencies often cite accidents, but eyewitnesses and local leaders cry foul, alleging deliberate attacks.

Is this mere coincidence or something more unfathomably sinister? Let’s dig into the tragedy, exploring the human toll, conflicting narratives, and unanswered questions fueling distrust.

EASTER 2019: A NIGHT OF CARNAGE 

On April 21, 2019, at 11:30 pm, a vehicle driven by an off-duty Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer ploughed into an Easter procession of Boys’ Brigade members along Gombe-Biu Road.

The crash killed 8 to 11 people, mostly children under 15, and injured 31 others.

Witnesses, including Adams Borkono, state chairman of the Boys Brigade, said that after arguing with the procession of youth, the driver made a U-turn, switched off his headlights, and rammed into the crowd deliberately.

No mechanical failure was reported, and the act was widely accepted as intentional.

The aftermath was chaotic. An enraged mob killed the driver and a policeman, burning the vehicle.

The tragedy sparked unrest, prompting a curfew in Gombe. Despite police promises of justice, public updates on the investigation were scarce, leaving families without closure. This incident set a grim precedent, planting seeds of suspicion that linger today.

CHRISTMAS 2024: A PROCESSION MARRED BY CHAOS 

On December 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm, a Volkswagen Sharon mini-bus loaded with rice bags crashed into a Christmas procession in Tumfure, near Gombe, en route to the emir’s palace and government house.

The collision injured 22 to 65 people, but no fatalities were reported, though the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) claimed higher injury counts than police estimates.

Buhari Abdullahi, police spokesperson, attributed the crash to the driver losing control. The driver fled and the vehicle was torched by an angry mob.

Shamsuddeen Kachalla, procession leader, and eyewitnesses disputed the official account, alleging the driver deliberately ignored attempts to stop the vehicle.

The higher injury estimates from CAN (65 vs. police’s 22) fueled perceptions of underreporting.

Inuwa Yahaya, governor of the state, covered medical costs and urged calm, but the incident deepened community tensions.

EASTER 2025: BRAKE FAILURE OR TARGETED ATTACK?

On April 21, at about 7am, a grain-laden truck rammed into an Easter procession in Billiri, along Gombe-Yola Road, killing five (two men, three women) and injuring 8 to 13 people.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) blamed excessive speeding, while police cited brake failure, and the driver was apprehended for prosecution.

However, eyewitnesses, including Yusuff Haskee, former CAN youth wing chairman, rejected claims of brake failure or excessive speeding; he alleged a terror attack.

They noted the truck’s silent approach and abrupt stop post-crash, with a viral video intensifying suspicions.

The community’s response was visceral; youths burned the truck, looted shops, and attacked the Billiri police headquarters, injuring officers.

The governor ordered a probe, vowing accountability — but distrust persists.

Three crashes in six years, all during Christian processions, have left Gombe’s faithful shaken. The 2019 incident appeared overtly intentional, but 2024 and 2025 remain contested, with official “accident” claims clashing against eyewitness accounts of deliberate acts.

In a broad context, 62,000 Christians have reportedly been killed in Nigeria since the year 2000. Each incident follows a grim cycle: a vehicle strikes, mobs retaliate, and investigations are stalled.

The Cable

The Nigerian stock market ended its three-day bullish streak on Friday with a 0.3% decline in key performance indicators. The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) saw its market capitalization decrease by N202 billion, falling from Thursday's N66.667 trillion to N66.465 trillion. Similarly, the All-Share Index dropped by 321.65 points to close at 105,752.61.

This downturn was primarily attributed to share price depreciation in major stocks including Dangote Cement and Transcorp. Despite the overall decline, market sentiment remained positive with gainers outnumbering losers 41 to 15.

Among the top performers, Ikeja Hotel led with a 10% increase, closing at N12.10 per share. International Breweries and Legend Internet Plc also posted 10% gains, closing at N7.70 and N6.82 respectively. Vitafoam rose by 9.93% to N44.85, while Cadbury gained 9.92% to close at N26.60 per share.

On the losing side, Dangote Cement experienced the steepest decline of 10%, closing at N432.00 per share. Other notable losers included Regency Alliance Insurance (down 8.06% to 57k), VFD Group (down 7.57% to N17.10), CHAMS (down 7.27% to N2.04), and Sovereign Trust Insurance (down 6.12% to 92k).

Trading volume increased significantly, with investors exchanging 428.08 million shares worth N20.174 billion across 14,284 transactions, compared to Thursday's 328.26 million shares valued at N10.370 billion in 12,142 deals.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company led the activity chart with 60.735 million shares valued at N3.807 billion. Fidelity Bank followed with 41.407 million shares worth N829 million, while Access Corporation, MTN, and Zenith Bank rounded out the top five most active stocks with transactions valued at N968.26 million, N8.240 billion, and N1.054 billion respectively.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

A $220 million fine against Meta Platforms by Nigeria's competition watchdog for violating local consumer, data protection and privacy laws has been upheld following an unsuccessful appeal, Nigeria's Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal said on Friday.

Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined Meta last July for discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers, compared with other jurisdictions with similar regulations.

Reuters

Missile launched from Yemen into Israel intercepted, Israeli army says

The Israeli army said in the early hours of Saturday that a missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory.

Sirens sounded in a number of areas in Israel following the launch, the Israeli army added in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, who have been launching attacks against Israel as well as ships they perceive as affiliated to Israel, in what they say is to support the Palestinians in Gaza against the Israeli offensive on the enclave.

Reuters