PRESS RELEASE

It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of His Royal Highness, Oba Idowu Adeleke Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu-Akesan-Land, who transitioned to join his ancestors on the 6th of February, 2025. The news of his departure has left a deep void in the hearts of the Basibo family, the Iperu-Akesan-Land in Council, the Ruling Houses, and the entire community of Iperu-Akesan-Land.

Oba Basibo was not just a monarch; he was a beacon of hope, a unifying force, and a tireless advocate for the progress and development of Iperu-Akesan-Land. His reign was marked by unwavering dedication to the welfare of his people, both at home and in the diaspora. Kabiyesi’s life was a testament to the virtues of integrity, compassion, and selfless service, leaving an indelible mark on the sands of time.

Though his passing is a stark reminder of the transient nature of our existence, we take solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Oba Basibo’s leadership was characterized by wisdom, grace, and an unyielding commitment to the advancement of his kingdom. His efforts to foster unity, promote education, and uplift the less privileged will forever be remembered and cherished.

As we mourn the loss of our beloved Royal Father, we also celebrate the gift of his life—a life well-lived in service to humanity and the Fatherland. We give thanks to the Almighty for the privilege of sharing in his journey and for the countless lives he touched with his kindness and vision.

In this moment of grief, we extend our deepest condolences to the Basibo family, the Iperu-Akesan-Land in Council, the Ruling Houses, and all sons and daughters of Iperu-Akesan-Land. May the soul of Oba Idowu Adeleke Basibo find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty, free from all earthly troubles. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Rest in peace, Kabiyesi. Amen.

Signed:

Sir Dr. Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, CFR, KJW, FISM, FGPS, FNIJ, FAmedS.*

The Pillar of Methodism in Nigeria, Baba-Oba of Iperu-Akesan-Land, and Odole-Oodua of The Source.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a 15% increase in its tariffs. The move, approved by relevant authorities, aims to address aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, and slow port capacity expansion.

Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA Managing Director, disclosed this during a maritime stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, as reported in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

Dantsoho, represented by Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director of Marine and Operations, emphasized that the tariff hike is necessary to fund critical upgrades, including infrastructure maintenance, dredging, automation, and the deployment of modern marine crafts. He also highlighted the need for Nigeria to regain its competitive edge in cargo handling amid global economic shifts and regional competition.

Stakeholders at the meeting supported the increase, citing the erosion of tariff value due to Nigeria’s soaring inflation rate, currently around 35%. Joshua Asanga, a former NPA General Manager, noted that operational costs, including wages and fuel, have risen significantly, while NPA charges have remained stagnant for over three decades. Demian Ukagu, another stakeholder, stressed the importance of investing in outer port facilities and jetties to ensure sustainable trade and a minimum return on investment.

The NPA warned that maintaining outdated tariffs would lead to poor services, inadequate infrastructure, and declining port efficiency, underscoring the urgency of the adjustment.

The NPA’s tariff increase comes just a day after the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced a new 4% levy on the free-on-board (FOB) value of imported goods. The NCS explained that the levy, mandated by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, is essential for funding its operations and ensuring effective service delivery. The customs levy, combined with the NPA’s tariff hike, is expected to significantly increase the cost of imported goods.

Implications for Import Costs and Inflation

The simultaneous rate increases by the NPA and NCS are likely to exacerbate the already high cost of imported goods in Nigeria. With inflation at a record 35% and a cost-of-living crisis gripping the nation, these adjustments could further strain consumers and businesses. Importers will face higher expenses due to the 4% FOB levy and the 15% NPA tariff, which may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods.

The combined impact of these measures could also hinder trade competitiveness, as neighboring countries with lower port charges and customs levies may attract more cargo traffic. While the NPA and NCS argue that the increases are necessary to improve infrastructure and service delivery, the timing raises concerns about their potential to worsen Nigeria’s economic challenges.

In conclusion, while the tariff and levy adjustments aim to modernize Nigeria’s ports and customs operations, their immediate effect on import costs and inflation could deepen the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. Policymakers must balance the need for revenue generation with the broader goal of stabilizing the economy and alleviating the cost-of-living crisis.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has instructed all affected police officers to disregard the recent directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC) mandating their immediate retirement.

The PSC had ordered officers who have completed 35 years of service or reached the age of 60 to retire without delay. However, a wireless message from the Force Secretary’s office stated that the IGP “strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further instruction.” Officers were instructed to comply strictly with this order.

Last week, PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani explained that the directive resulted from a review of the commission’s 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which had previously allowed officers to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date for service calculations. The PSC argued that this approach conflicted with Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.

However, the PSC clarified that it does not have the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the Inspector General of Police.

Maharazu Tsiga, retired Brigadier General, has been reportedly abducted in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was said to have been abducted alongside nine other residents.

Although details surrounding the abduction are still sketchy, sources told our correspondent that the incident occurred around midnight on Wednesday.

Residents, who spoke anonymously, said the former NYSC DG was among those taken by the bandits.

There are reports that two people were killed during the incident but Daily Trust hasn’t independently verified this.

Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, had not responded to inquiries sent to him regarding the incident as of the time this report was filed. Katsina is one of the North West States affected by banditry.

Daily Trust

President Donald Trump announced at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday that he will sign an executive order instructing the Justice Department to create a new task force to "eradicate anti-Christian bias." 

Trump praised new Attorney General Pam Bondi as a "great person," saying she would lead the new task force. 

"About time, right? Anti-Christian bias. Yeah, I never heard of that one before, right? But there is," Trump said. "The mission of this task force will be to immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government, including at the DOJ, which was absolutely terrible. The IRS, the FBI, terrible, and other agencies." 

The president said the task force will also "work to fully prosecute anti-Christian violence and vandalism in our society and to move heaven and earth to defend the rights of Christians and religious believers nationwide." 

"While I'm in the White House, we will protect Christians in our schools, in our military, in our government, in our workplaces, hospitals and in our public squares, and we will bring our country back together as one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all," Trump said. "Throughout history, those who have sought control and domination over others have always tried to cut the people off from the connection to their creator. At the same time, every nation with big dreams and great ambition has recognized that there is no recourse more precious than the faith in the hearts of our people. It's the thing that makes our nation great and makes other nations great. When you don't have it, you don't see great nations. Without God, we are isolated and alone, but with God, the Scripture tells us, all things are possible," Trump said. 

Fox News Digital is told that Trump will sign the executive order Thursday afternoon to "end the war on Christians" and protect Americans’ "fundamental right to religious freedom." 

The White House said what will be known as the "Task Force to End the War on Christians" will be comprised of members of the president’s Cabinet and key government agencies, and the order seeks to "end the anti-Christian weaponization of government." 

The White House told Fox News Digital that the task force will review activities of all departments and agencies to "identify and eliminate anti-Christian policies, practices, or conduct." The task force will also gather input from various stakeholders to ensure "broad perspectives are considered," including faith-based organizations and Americans affected by "anti-Christian conduct."

The task force is also directed to identify and address gaps in law enforcement that have "contributed" to that conduct.

The executive order will also ensure that federal law enforcement remedy any "failures" to fully enforce the law against acts of anti-Christian hostility, vandalism and violence.

"The previous administration engaged in an egregious pattern of targeting peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses," the White House said.

"President Trump will not tolerate this abuse of government and is taking action to ensure that any unlawful and improper anti-Christian conduct, policies or practices are identified, terminated, and rectified."

The executive order comes after nearly two dozen pro-life Christians were charged and sentenced for demonstrating outside abortion facilities during the Biden administration.

It also comes after an FBI memo asserted that traditional Catholics were domestic-terrorism threats and suggested infiltrating Catholic churches as "threat mitigation." The House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government first discovered and investigated that memo.

Speaking at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Trump invoked his own faith in discussing the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

"Well, look at me. I'm standing before you today. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be here. A lot of people said I shouldn't have been here," Trump said. 

"It was God that saved me," Trump added, garnering applause. 

Earlier, the president spoke at another prayer breakfast Thursday at the U.S. Capitol, where he announced that he would sign an executive order to create a new national park called the "National Garden of American Heroes." 

"The stories of legends like Washington, Winthrop, and Williams remind us that without faith in God, there would be no American story," Trump said. "Every citizen should be proud of this exceptional heritage. We have an unbuilt, livable heritage, and we have to use that and make life better for everyone." 

As the United States approached the 250th anniversary of its founding next year, Trump said he would sign an executive order to "resume the process of creating a new national park full of statues of the greatest Americans who ever lived." 

"We're going to be honoring our heroes, honoring the greatest people from our country," Trump said. "We're not going to be tearing down. We're going to be building up." 

Trump also remembered the 67 lives lost during the fatal midair collisionbetween a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet landing at Reagan airport in D.C. last week. The president said he would be speaking with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to come together on a "single bill" to upgrade U.S. air traffic control systems in the wake of the disaster.

"It would have just never happened if we had the right equipment," Trump said. "When I land in my plane privately, I use a system from another country because my captain tells me – I'm landing in New York and I'm using a system. I won't tell you what country, but I use a system from another country – because the captain says, 'This thing is so bad, it's so obsolete,' and we can't have that. So we're going to have the best system."

Fox News

Trump says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting is over, no US troops needed

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday Israel would hand over Gaza to the United States after fighting was over and the enclave's population was already resettled elsewhere, which he said meant no U.S. troops would be needed on the ground.

A day after worldwide condemnation of Trump's announcement that he aimed to take over and develop the Gaza Strip into the "Riviera of the Middle East", Israel ordered its army to prepare to allow the "voluntary departure" of Gaza Palestinians.

Trump, who had previously declined to rule out deploying U.S. troops to the small coastal territory, clarified his idea in comments on his Truth Social web platform.

"The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting," he said. Palestinians "would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region." He added: "No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed!"

Earlier, amid a tide of support in Israel for what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Trump's "remarkable" proposal, Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the army to prepare a plan to allow Gaza residents who wished to leave to exit the enclave voluntarily.

"I welcome President Trump's bold plan. Gaza residents should be allowed the freedom to leave and emigrate, as is the norm around the world," Katz said on X.

He said his plan would include exit options via land crossings, as well as special arrangements for departure by sea and air.

Trump, a real-estate-developer-turned-politician, sparked anger around the Middle East with his unexpected announcement on Tuesday, just as Israel and Hamas were expected to begin talks in Doha on the second stage of a ceasefire deal for Gaza, intended to open the way for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, a further release of hostages and an end to a nearly 16-month-old war.

Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia rebuffed the proposal outright and Jordan's King Abdullah, who will meet Trump at the White House next week, said on Wednesday he rejected any attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians.

Egypt also weighed in, saying it would not be part of any proposal to displace Palestinians from neighbouring Gaza, where residents reacted with fury to the suggestion.

"We will not sell our land for you, real estate developer. We are hungry, homeless, and desperate but we are not collaborators," said Abdel Ghani, a father of four living with his family in the ruins of their Gaza City home. "If (Trump) wants to help, let him come and rebuild for us here."

It was unclear whether Trump would go ahead with his proposal or, in keeping with his self-image as a shrewd dealmaker, has simply laid out an extreme position as a bargaining tactic. His first term in 2017-21 was replete with what critics said were over-the-top foreign policy pronouncements, many of which were never implemented.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Thursday that people would have to live elsewhere while Gaza was rebuilt. He did not say whether they would be able to return under Trump's plan to develop the enclave, home to more than 2 million Palestinians.

Axios reported Rubio planned to visit the Middle East in mid-February with an itinerary that includes Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

DISPLACEMENT

What effect Trump's shock proposal may have on the ceasefire talks remains unclear. Only 13 of a group of 33 Israeli hostages due for release in the first phase have so far been returned, with three more due to come out on Saturday. Five Thai hostages have also been released.

Hamas official Basem Naim accused Israel's defence minister of trying to cover up "for a state that has failed to achieve any of its objectives in the war on Gaza", and said Palestinians are too attached to their land to ever leave.

Displacement of Palestinians has been one of the most sensitive issues in the Middle East for decades. Forced or coerced displacement of a population under military occupation is a war crime, banned under the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

Details of how any such plan might work have been vague. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said different thinking was needed on Gaza's future but that any departures would have to be voluntary and states would have to be willing to take them.

"We don't have details yet, but we can talk about principles," Saar told a press conference with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani. "Everything must be based on the free will of (the) individual and, on the other hand, of a will of a state that is ready to absorb," he said.

A number of far-right Israeli politicians have openly called for Palestinians to be moved from Gaza and there was strong support for Trump's push among both security hawks and the Jewish settler movement, which wants to reclaim land in Gaza used for Jewish settlements until 2005.

Giora Eiland, an Israeli former general who attracted wide attention in an earlier stage of the war with his "Generals' Plan" for a forced displacement of people from northern Gaza, said Trump's plan was logical and aid should not be allowed to reach displaced people returning to northern Gaza.

Israel's military campaign has killed tens of thousands of people since Hamas' October 7, 2023, cross-border attack on Israel touched off the war, and has forced Palestinians to repeatedly move around within Gaza in search of safety.

But many say they will never leave the enclave because they fear permanent displacement, like the "Nakba", or catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands were dispossessed from homes in the war at the birth of the state of Israel in 1948.

Katz said countries that have opposed Israel's military operations in Gaza should take in the Palestinians.

"Countries like Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others, which have levelled accusations and false claims against Israel over its actions in Gaza, are legally obligated to allow any Gaza resident to enter their territories," he said.

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Temporary Ukraine ceasefire unacceptable – Moscow

Russia will not accept a “temporary ceasefire”as a solution for the Ukraine conflict, since it will only be used by the collective West to reinforce the “Kiev regime” and its military before the hostilities break out again, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said.

Moscow is seeking only a lasting solution to end the ongoing crisis for good, Zakharova said on Thursday during a regular press briefing.

“A temporary ceasefire or, as many say, freezing the conflict, is unacceptable,” she stressed. “We need reliable, legally binding agreements and mechanisms that would guarantee that the crisis will not recur.”

Putting the hostilities on hold, one way or another, will only enable the “Kiev regime” to rearm and get ready to resume the conflict at a later date, Zakharova warned. The pause in the fighting “will be used by the West—the collective West as a whole or its individual representatives - to strengthen the military potential of the Kiev regime and, of course, to attempt an armed revanche,” she warned.

Moscow maintains a reserved position on the repeated pledges by the new US administration to bring the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to its end, Zakharova signaled. Thus far, US President Donald Trump and his team made a lot of statements, yet took little to no practical steps, she said.

“Everything will depend on specific actions and on the plans of the new administration, embodied in these very actions. Right now there are a lot of words, a lot of statements. There is no clarity or precision regarding the steps being taken,” Zakharova explained.

Earlier this week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said engagement with Washington has increased since Trump took office. There have been contacts between “certain departments”of the two countries, he said without providing any further detail.

Last Friday, Trump said that communication is ongoing between his administration and the Russian government and reiterated his goal of putting a swift end to the nearly three years-long hostilities.

Moscow has repeatedly signaled its willingness to settle the conflict through diplomacy, rather than on the battlefield, stating the potential negotiations must accept the “reality on the ground.” Russia’s readiness for “tough”negotiations with the US was reaffirmed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, who said the first step should be taken by Washington.

“The first step toward normalizing bilateral relations – based on the principles of mutual respect and equality – should be taken by the United States,” Ryabkov said, adding that the plans hatched by the administration of previous US President Joe Biden to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia have been foiled.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Trump's Ukraine, Russia envoy meets Ukrainian ambassador

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, had a "thorough discussion" with Ukraine's ambassador to Washington in their first official meeting on Thursday, the ambassador said.

Ambassador Oksana Markarova, writing on Facebook, said this was her first meeting with Kellogg since his appointment, though the two had met before.

"We held a thorough discussion with the special envoy and his team and my colleagues," Markarova wrote.

Ukraine has been trying to establish close relations with the new administration under Trump, who has said he wants to bring a quick end to the nearly three-year-old war with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, had spoken with Trump's National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and that his team had spoken to Kellogg.

Zelenskiy said working dates for the visit of a U.S. delegation to Ukraine had already been established.

Trump has said little about how he will seek to settle the war in Ukraine.

Kellogg told Reuters last week that the United States wanted Ukraine to hold elections, potentially by the end of the year, especially if Kyiv and Moscow can agree on a truce.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned Zelenskiy's legitimacy as a negotiator on grounds he has remained in power beyond his mandate. Zelenskiy dismisses that notion, saying no election can be held while martial law remains in place.

A senior Russian parliamentarian, Leonid Slutsky, was quoted by Russian state news agency RIA as saying preparations for a meeting between Putin and Trump were at an "advanced stage".

Slutsky, head of the State Duma's international affairs committee, was quoted as saying the meeting could take place in February or March.

RT/Reuters

Introduction

As we navigate the complexities of life, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. However, there's a profound truth that can anchor us during life's storms: embracing the congeniality of life is rooted in self-assurance and self-acceptance. In this article, we'll explore the importance of self-assurance and self-acceptance in cultivating a more authentic, joyful, and fulfilling life.

Easy to Do Business With

Life is a complex tapestry of experiences, relationships, and choices. Amidst the chaos, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. However, there's a profound truth that can anchor us during life's storms: congeniality, the confidence of life is rooted in self-assurance and self-acceptance. Becoming easy to do business with.

Self-Assurance: The Foundation of Inner Peace: Self-assurance is the unwavering trust in oneself, one's abilities, and one's worth. It's the confidence that comes from knowing who you are, what you stand for, and what you want out of life. When you're self-assured, you're not easily swayed by the opinions of others or the whims of circumstance. You're grounded in your own identity and purpose.

Self-Acceptance: The Key to Emotional Freedom: Self-acceptance is the unconditional love and acceptance of oneself, flaws and all. It's the recognition that you're imperfect, and that's okay. When you accept yourself, you're free from the need for external validation. You're no longer held hostage by the fear of rejection or the desire for approval.

Embracing the Impermanence of Relationships: One of the most significant challenges to self-assurance and self-acceptance is the impermanence of relationships. Not everyone you love will stay, and not everyone you trust will be loyal. However, this doesn't have to be a source of pain or anxiety. Instead, it can be an opportunity to practice self-assurance and self-acceptance.

When someone chooses to leave your life, it's essential to accept their decision and let it go. Begging someone to stay or trying to convince them to love you can be damaging to your self-worth and emotional well-being. Instead, focus on nurturing your own self-assurance and self-acceptance.

Trusting Your Intuition and Energy: Another crucial aspect of self-assurance and self-acceptance is trusting your intuition and energy. When someone is not beingreal or genuine, you can feel it. Energy never lies, and your intuition is a powerful guide. Don't be afraid to trust your instincts and speak your truth.

Following the Right Way, Not the Majority: In a world where conformity and people-pleasing are often encouraged, it's essential to remember that following the majority is not always the right way. Instead, focus on following your heart, your intuition, and your values. When you stay true to yourself, you'll attract people and experiences that align with your authentic self.

Conclusion: Embracing the congenital confidence of life requires self-assurance and self-acceptance. By trusting yourself, accepting your imperfections, and following your intuition, you'll be able to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and confidence. Remember, not everyone you love will stay, but that's okay. You are enough, just as you are.

Maintaining Self-Assurance in Challenging Situations

Maintaining self-assurance in challenging situations requires a combination of mindset shifts, self-care practices, and intentional actions. Here are some strategies to help you cultivate and maintain self-assurance:

Mindset Shifts

1. Reframe negative self-talk: Challenge negative inner voices by reframing negative thoughts into positive, empowering ones.

2. Focus on strengths: Emphasize your strengths and accomplishments to boost confidence.

3. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience, just as you would a close friend.

Self-Care Practices

1. Get enough sleep: Adequate rest helps regulate emotions and maintain confidence.

2. Exercise regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which enhance mood and self-assurance.

3. Meditate and practice mindfulness: Regular mindfulness practice helps calm the mind, reducing self-doubt and increasing self-awareness.

Intentional Actions

1. Set realistic goals and achieve them: Celebrate small wins to build momentum and confidence.

2. Seek supportive relationships: Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who believe in you.

3. Take calculated risks: Step out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself and build resilience.

4. Practice assertive communication: Express your needs, wants, and boundaries clearly and respectfully.

5. Learn from failures and setbacks: Use mistakes as opportunities for growth, learning, and self-improvement.

6. Focus on the present moment: Concentrate on what you can control in the present, rather than worrying about the past or future.

Additional Tips

1. Develop a growth mindset: Believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

2. Stay positive and focus on solutions: Concentrate on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

3. Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements to reinforce self-assurance.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you'll be better equipped to maintain self-assurance in challenging situations. Remember that self-assurance is a journey, and it's okay to encounter setbacks along the way. With persistence, patience, and practice, you can develop the self-assurance needed to navigate life's challenges with confidence.

Benefits of Self-Acceptance

The benefits of self-acceptance are numerous and transformative. Here are some of the most significant advantages of cultivating self-acceptance:

Emotional Benefits

1. Reduced self-criticism: Self-acceptance helps you develop a more compassionate and gentle relationship with yourself.

2. Increased self-esteem: Accepting yourself as you are boosts your confidence and self-worth.

3. Improved mental health: Self-acceptance is linked to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Relational Benefits

1. Healthier relationships: When you accept yourself, you're more likely to attract and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships.

2. Improved communication: Self-acceptance helps you communicate more authentically and assertively.

3. Increased empathy: Accepting yourself allows you to be more understanding and compassionate towards others.

Personal Growth Benefits

1. Increased self-awareness: Self-acceptance helps you develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

2. Improved self-care: When you accept yourself, you're more likely to prioritize your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

3. Enhanced creativity: Self-acceptance can foster a more creative and innovative mindset.

Spiritual Benefits

1. Deeper connection with oneself: Self-acceptance can lead to a greater sense of connection with your inner self and your spiritual nature.

2. Increased sense of purpose: Accepting yourself can help you discover your passions and values, leading to a greater sense of purpose.

3. Greater sense of compassion: Self-acceptance can cultivate a more compassionate and loving attitude towards yourself and others.

Practical Benefits

1. Reduced people-pleasing: Self-acceptance helps you set healthy boundaries and prioritize your own needs.

2. Increased resilience: Accepting yourself can help you develop coping strategies and bounce back from adversity.

3. Improved decision-making: Self-acceptance can lead to more informed and authentic decision-making.

By embracing self-acceptance, you can experience these benefits and more, leading to a more fulfilling, authentic, and joyful life.

Developing Self-Awareness for Self-Acceptance

Developing self-awareness is a crucial step towards self-acceptance. Here are some strategies to help you cultivate self-awareness:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation

Practice mindfulness meditation to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Regular mindfulness practice helps you develop a non-judgmental awareness of yourself.

2. Journaling

Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal. Reflecting on your journal entries can help you identify patterns, gain insights, and develop a better understanding of yourself.

3. Self-Reflection

Schedule regular time for self-reflection, asking yourself questions like:

- What are my strengths and weaknesses?

- What are my values and goals?

- What triggers my emotions, and how do I respond to them?

- What are my thought patterns, and how do they impact my behavior?

4. Seek Feedback

Ask trusted friends, family, or a therapist for their honest feedback about you. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that it's okay not to be perfect.

6. Engage in Self-Care

Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

7. Learn to Recognize and Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Notice when you're engaging in negative self-talk and challenge those thoughts by reframing them in a more positive and realistic light.

8. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Learn to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions. This will help you develop better relationships with yourself and others.

9. Practice Gratitude

Focus on the things you're grateful for, rather than dwelling on negative thoughts or emotions. Practicing gratitude can help shift your perspective and increase self-awareness.

10. Seek Professional Help

If you're struggling with self-awareness or self-acceptance, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with personalized guidance, support, and tools to help you develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you'll be well on your way to developing greater self-awareness, which is essential for cultivating self-acceptance.

Some Self-Care Practices for Self-Acceptance

Here are some self-care practices that can help cultivate self-acceptance:

Mindfulness and Meditation

1. Loving-kindness meditation: Focus on sending kindness and compassion to yourself and others.

2. Body scan meditation: Practice accepting and loving your body as it is.

3. Mindful breathing: Focus on the present moment and let go of self-criticism.

Self-Reflection and Journaling

1. Gratitude journaling: Write down things you're thankful for about yourself and your life.

2. Self-reflection prompts: Use guided questions to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

3. Letter to yourself: Write a kind and compassionate letter to yourself, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses.

Physical Self-Care

1. Self-care rituals: Establish routines that promote relaxation and self-love, such as baths, massages, or yoga.

2. Physical activity: Engage in exercise that brings you joy and helps you appreciate your body's capabilities.

3. Healthy eating: Nourish your body with wholesome foods that promote well-being.

Creative Expression

1. Art therapy: Use creative expression to process emotions and promote self-acceptance.

2. Writing: Write poetry, stories, or affirmations that celebrate your uniqueness.

3. Music: Listen to or create music that uplifts and inspires you.

Social Connections

1. Supportive relationships: Surround yourself with people who accept and support you.

2. Self-acceptance groups: Join communities that focus on self-acceptance and self-love.

3. Therapy: Work with a therapist who can help you develop self-acceptance and self-compassion.

Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk

1. Daily affirmations: Repeat positive statements that promote self-acceptance and self-love.

2. Positive self-talk: Practice using kind and supportive language when speaking to yourself.

3. Mirror work: Use affirmations and positive self-talk while looking in the mirror to promote self-acceptance.

Remember, self-acceptance is a journey, and it's essential to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you explore these practices.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, embracing the congeniality of life requires self-assurance and self-acceptance. By trusting yourself, accepting your imperfections, and following your intuition, you'll be able to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and confidence. Remember, self-assurance and self-acceptance are journeys, not destinations. Be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself as you cultivate these essential qualities. As you embark on this transformative journey, may you discover a deeper sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life.

** Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the introduction of a 4 percent levy on the free-on-board (FOB) value of imported goods. The FOB value refers to the cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the point of loading the goods onto the vessel at the port of departure. Under FOB terms, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port, clearing them for export, and loading them onto the vessel. Once the goods are on board, the risk and associated costs transfer to the buyer.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, explained that the new levy is in line with Section 18 (1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023. He emphasized that the 4 percent FOB charge is crucial for ensuring the effective operation of the customs service.

Maiwada also addressed concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the continued collection of a 1 percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee. He clarified that the CISS fee is a regulatory charge designed to fund Nigeria’s Destination Inspection Scheme, which operates alongside the new 4 percent FOB levy.

Assuring the public of the NCS’s commitment to addressing stakeholder concerns, Maiwada stated that the service is actively engaging in consultations with the Federal Ministry of Finance to resolve any issues. He urged all stakeholders to comply with the new directive, which was developed following extensive consultations with industry players, importers, and regulatory bodies.

International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation, an American multinational technology company, has announced plans to exit Nigeria, Ghana, and other key African markets.

According to TechCabal, IBM revealed in a statement that it is transferring the company’s regional operations to MIBB, a subsidiary of Midis Group, a multinational information technology (IT) and telecommunications conglomerate.

The exit is part of a new operating model IBM is implementing in select African countries, effective April 1, 2025.

IBM did not respond to TheCable’s enquiry on the exit and transfer of operations to MIBB.

Under the new model, MIBB will market and sell IBM’s products and services across 36 African countries while also taking over operations, customer support, and local relationships.

“MIBB will market and sell IBM products and services in 36 African countries, thereby giving MIBB’s sales network direct access to IBM products, services, and support, further boosting innovation and growth in the region,” the company said.

IBM has played a significant role in Africa’s tech industry for decades, providing infrastructure for banking, telecom, oil and gas, and government services.

The company’s exit comes a month after Holcim, a Swiss building materials company, announced plans to exit Nigeria by selling an 83 percent stake in Lafarge to a Chinese firm.

Also, in October 2024, Pick n Pay, a South African grocery retailer, announced it will exit Nigeria by selling its 51 percent stake in a joint venture.

The Cable