Nigeria has established itself as the second-largest exporter of sesame in Africa and fourth globally, with exports valued at N700 billion in 2024, according to Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Speaking at the STDF 845 project meeting for Sesame and Cowpea in Abuja on Wednesday, Ayeni highlighted the project's importance in enhancing Nigerian agricultural exports. "This three-year initiative, co-funded by the International Trade Centre and NEPC, aims to ensure Nigerian sesame and cowpea exports comply with international pesticide residue standards, reducing rejection rates in global markets," she stated.

Ayeni noted that the international sesame market was valued at $7.67 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at an Annual Growth Rate (AGR) of 2.3% by 2030. "In 2024 alone, Nigeria exported sesame seeds worth $463.827 million, demonstrating the commodity's significant contribution to our non-oil export sector," she added.

The executive director emphasized that Nigerian sesame is primarily exported to Europe, North America, the Far East, and the Middle East, underscoring the importance of the STDF 845 project's baseline study in understanding current practices and regulations regarding sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole also addressed the gathering, pointing out that while Nigeria ranks as the fourth-largest sesame producer globally, with Japan representing 40% of its sesame export market, the country has faced recent challenges due to sanitary conditions of many products. "The ministry will focus on streamlining regulatory processes and sensitizing MSMEs to ensure their products meet proper sanitary requirements to prevent export rejections," Oduwole promised.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

On Thursday at 7:40 a.m., armed Nigerian Air Force personnel from the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, forcibly entered the headquarters of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), located opposite the MITV building. Led by a female officer, the military group blocked nearby roads and held staff and visitors inside, causing disruption and unease in the vicinity.

Reason Behind the Military Action

The incident stemmed from a two-week power outage at the Air Force base, triggered by IKEDC disconnecting supply due to an unpaid debt amounting to millions of naira. Sources revealed that the Air Force had a standing agreement with IKEDC to pay N60 million monthly for 10–12 hours of electricity daily. The blackout disrupted critical operations at the base, including medical services, water supply, and an armament storage facility requiring constant cooling to avoid overheating. A military insider, speaking off the record, referenced the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment bomb explosion as a grim warning of what poor maintenance could lead to, stating, “Another disaster like that would devastate Lagos.”

IKEDC’s Position

Kingsley Okotie, IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, responded by clarifying that the base operates under a Band A feeder and has only paid for the electricity supplied so far, yet a substantial debt remains. “The disconnection isn’t solely about money,” he said.

“We need to install equipment at the base to enhance supply, but we’ve been denied entry.”

Okotie added that IKEDC staff have faced aggression when attempting to work within the barracks, complicating efforts to address technical issues. He emphasized the company’s willingness to cooperate, provided the Air Force grants access for necessary upgrades.

Plea for a Solution

The anonymous military source demanded that IKEDC restore power within 48 hours, cautioning that prolonged disconnection could pose significant security risks. Meanwhile, Okotie stressed that payment for consumed energy is non-negotiable and urged both sides to engage in talks to settle the matter peacefully. The Nigerian Air Force has not yet issued an official statement on the standoff.

Hamas says Trump's threats spur Netanyahu to evade Gaza ceasefire deal

Hamas said on Thursday U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated threats against Palestinians constituted support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to back out of the Gaza ceasefire and intensify the siege of Gazans.

Trump demanded in a social media post on Wednesday that Hamas "release all of the hostages now, not later," including the remains of dead hostages, "or it is OVER for you".

Towards the end of that statement, Trump addressed the "people of Gaza" and said "you are DEAD" if hostages continued to be held in the Palestinian enclave.

Human rights advocates and United Nations Special Rapporteur on Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese condemned Trump's rhetoric on warnings to the population of Gaza, saying it amounted to encouraging collective punishment, which is illegal under international law.

Trump's threats coincided with news that a U.S. envoy had held secret talks with Hamas, apparently departing from a decades-old U.S. policy of not negotiating with the Islamist Palestinian faction deemed an extremist organisation by Washington.

"Trump's repeated threats against our people represent support to Netanyahu to evade the agreement and tighten the siege and starvation against our people," Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua said in a text message to Reuters.

"The best track to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is by... going into the second phase (of the ceasefire) and compelling it (Israel) to adhere to the agreement signed under the sponsorship of mediators," he said.

The Gaza ceasefire deal that took effect in January calls for the remaining hostages to be freed in a second phase, during which final plans would be negotiated for an end to the war.

The first phase of the ceasefire ended on Saturday, and Israel has since imposed a total blockade on all goods entering the enclave, demanding that Hamas free remaining hostages without beginning the negotiations to end the Gaza war.

Palestinians say the blockade could lead to starvation among the 2.3 million people living in Gaza's ruins.

Trump made his new threats after a White House meeting on Wednesday with a group of hostages who had been released in the first phase of the ceasefire deal.

"I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say," he said in his social media post. "Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!"

Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have repeatedly called on Hamas to release hostages.

"It (Trump's statement) is implying or suggesting that using military force and punishing the entire population of Gaza would be permissible in light of the unlawful decision of armed groups to continue to hold Israeli civilians hostage," Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, told Reuters in an interview.

In a televised speech, Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Ubaida said Israel's threats to resume the fighting or tighten the Gaza blockade would not secure the release of hostages, adding that the group was "ready for all possibilities".

"The enemy's threats in war and blockade would only bring them disappointment and will not lead to the release of its prisoners (hostages)," said Abu Ubaida.

"We tell all those concerned that we have signs of life of all the remaining living hostages of the enemy and any escalation on Gaza will most likely result in the killing of some enemy prisoners (hostages) as in many previous cases."

Israel has accused Hamas of killing hostages the militant group said had died in Israeli military strikes on Gaza.

Fighting has been halted since January 19 and Hamas has released 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israeli authorities believe fewer than half of the remaining 59 hostages are still alive.

Showing the fragility of the ceasefire, Palestinian health officials said an Israeli airstrike killed one man in eastern Gaza City on Thursday. Israel's military said several suspects were identified planting a bomb in the ground near where the forces operated and they were struck to remove the threat.

Israel's assault on the enclave has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. It has also internally displaced nearly Gaza's entire population and led to accusations of genocide and war crimesthat Israel denies.

The assault began after Hamas-led Islamist fighters raided southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

TALKING TO HAMAS

In an open letter sent to the media, senior Hamas official Basem Naim urged Trump to consider meeting with freed Palestinian prisoners to show some balance after he had met with freed hostages.

Naim said there are currently around 9,500 Palestinians in 23 Israeli jails "deprived of basic rights, denial of family visits, and ongoing psychological and physical torture."

Israel also held the remains of 665 Palestinians, including some dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, Naim added.

On Thursday, Gazans criticised Trump's latest remarks, which followed his widely condemned call last month for Palestinian residents of the tiny coastal enclave to be displaced elsewhere and for the territory to be developed as a "Middle East Riviera."

"(Trump's) work (should be) more to spread peace... by exchanging hostages between the two parties, and not to throw around threats, blame and intimidation at the people of the Gaza Strip, who are suffering... as a result of this war," said Ahmed, a resident of Khan Younis in the Palestinian enclave.

Egyptian security officials told Reuters on Thursday that Egyptian and Qatari mediators attended talks between the Trump envoy and Hamas.

U.S. hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler has the authority to talk directly with Hamas, the White House said when asked about the discussions.

Boehler and Hamas officials met in Doha in recent weeks, two sources briefed on the negotiations said. It was not clear who represented Hamas.

Netanyahu's office said on Thursday it had nothing to add to a brief statement issued on Wednesday night that said Israel had "expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas".

The two Egyptian security officials who spoke to Reuters said Hamas had insisted during the talks on sticking to the original phased ceasefire agreement.

The Egyptian sources said the talks ended in a positive spirit, indicating the sides might soon move towards negotiating the second phase of the deal.

Israel wants to prolong the ceasefire, securing the release of hostages but without reaching a final agreement with Hamas on ending the war. Hamas wants to move to the second stage of the ceasefire where the sides would hash out an end to the fighting.

Egypt, according to the two Egyptian sources, stressed the need to uphold the agreement till the end of the war, saying this would facilitate implementation of a Cairo reconstruction plan for Gaza that Arab leaders endorsed at a summit on Tuesday.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

EU leaders agree on defence surge, support Zelenskiy after US aid freeze

European leaders on Thursday backed plans to spend more on defence and continue to stand by Ukraine in a world upended by Donald Trump's reversal of U.S. policies.

The European Union's defence summit in Brussels took place amid fears that Russia, emboldened by its war in Ukraine, may attack an EU country next and that Europe can no longer rely on the U.S. to come to its aid.

"Today we have shown that the European Union is rising to the challenge, building the Europe of defence and standing with Ukraine shoulder to shoulder," the chairman of the meeting Antonio Costa told reporters.

EU leaders hailed the European Commission's proposals this week to give them fiscal flexibility on defence spending, and to jointly borrow up to 150 billion euros ($160 billion) to lend to EU governments to spend on their militaries.

In a joint statement agreed by all 27 member states, the leaders called on their ministers to examine these proposals in detail urgently.

"Europe must take up this challenge, this arms race. And it must win it," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a special defence summit in Brussels.

"Europe as a whole is truly capable of winning any military, financial, economic confrontation with Russia - we are simply stronger," Tusk said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who on Wednesday had told French voters that Russia was a threat to France and Europe, said all this was just a first step.

"Whatever happens in Ukraine, we need to build autonomous defence capacities in Europe," he said after the EU summit.

SUPPORTING UKRAINE

The EU leaders also voiced support for Ukraine, but that statement was agreed without Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban, a Trump ally, who is also cultivating ties with Moscow.

In their statement, the 26 other EU leaders stressed that there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and vowed to continue to give it aid, according to a recent draft.

"We are here to defend Ukraine," Costa said as he and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, both smiling broadly, warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the summit, in sharp contrast with the clash between Trump and Zelenskiy in the Oval Office last week.

But decades of reliance on U.S. protection, divergences on funding and on how France's nuclear deterrence could be used for Europe showed how difficult it would be for the EU to fill the void left by Washington after it froze military aid to Ukraine.

Washington provided more than 40% of military aid to Ukraine last year, according to NATO, some of which Europe could not easily replace. Some leaders still held out hope, in public at least, that Washington could be coaxed back into the fold.

"We must ensure, with cool and wise heads, that U.S. support is also guaranteed in the coming months and years, because Ukraine is also dependent on their support for its defence," Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

Macron said that leaders backed Zelenskiy's call for them to support the idea of a truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the air and at sea. Zelenskiy told EU leaders such a truce would be a chance to test Moscow's will to end its three-year invasion.

NUCLEAR DETERRENCE?

In a sign of the gravity of the moment, Macron has said that France was open to discussing extending the protection offered by its nuclear arsenal to its European partners.

This was met with cautiously positive reactions. Some, like Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, said such a "nuclear umbrella would serve as really very serious deterrence toward Russia." Poland said the idea was worth discussing while some, like the Czechs, stressed the need to keep the U.S. involved.

Trump has said Europe must take more responsibility for its security. On Thursday he cast doubt on his willingness to defend Washington's NATO allies, saying that he would not do so if they are not paying enough for their own defense.

His decision to shift from staunch U.S. support for Ukraine to a more conciliatory stance towards Moscow has deeply alarmed Europeans who see Russia as the biggest threat.

Underlining the level of concern, the parties aiming to form Germany's next government on Tuesday agreed to lift constitutional limits on borrowing to fund defence spending.

Elsewhere in Europe, Norway will more than double its financial pledge to Ukraine this year while also hiking its own defence spending, the prime minister said.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russia strikes foreign mercenaries in Ukraine – defense ministry

Russian forces have struck a detachment of foreign mercenaries in the Ukrainian town of Krivoy Rog, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said in a statement on Thursday.

A detachment for foreign fighters was reportedly staying in Krivoy Rog, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s home town, on Wednesday night when an overnight strike hit a local hotel, according to the Telegram channel RVvoenkor.

The channel, which is run by Russian volunteers and military correspondents, claimed that hotels in the city have reportedly been systematically used by Kiev to house military units, and have been regularly targeted by Moscow’s forces.

In video footage of Ukrainian rescue operations posted by the channel, blown out floors and concrete debris can be seen.

In an X post on Thursday morning Zelensky confirmed that members of a foreign organization, including US and UK citizens, had checked into the hotel before the strike.

Last month, Russia struck foreign and Ukrainian troops in the high-end Bristol Hotel in Odessa. The establishment was being used by “Ukrainian commanding officers” and “foreign mercenaries,” co-chairman of the council on integrating Russia’s new territories, Vladimir Rogov told RIA, citing local sources.

The Russian Defense Ministry regularly reports on successful strikes against foreign mercenaries and military advisors in Ukraine.

In early 2024 the ministry said that nearly 6,000 foreign mercenaries had been confirmed killed fighting for Kiev since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

Reuters/RT

Melody J. Wilding

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you carefully laid out all the context for your manager, only to have them cut you off? Or maybe you’ve found you’re eager to dive into the tactical details of a project while they keep steering the conversation back to vision.

These moments can leave you frustrated and confused. You’re doing what seems logical, yet somehow it’s not landing. The good news is that these disconnects usually aren’t about your competency or the quality of your ideas— they’re about different styles.

Studies have found that two primary dimensions shape how people communicate and approach their interactions at work. The first is dominance, which refers to the degree a person attempts to control situations or the thoughts and actions of others, and the second is sociability, which measures how readily someone expresses emo­tions and prioritizes relationships and emotional connection with others. The intersection of these two dimensions leads to four dif­ferent styles, which I call the 4Cs.

THE COMMANDER

Commanders can be so quick to take action that they may steamroll you or others. They care more about what needs to be done than how everyone feels about it. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re uncaring (although they sometimes neglect their team’s need for emotional support), but they show their commitment to others by setting clear, ambitious targets rather than through praise or acknowledgment.

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY IF A COMMANDER:

• Nitpicks your work. When Commanders challenge your ideas, it’s more about stress-testing them to avoid mistakes and make them stronger rather than dissatisfaction with you or your performance. Acknowledge their input without getting defensive and refute with solid data: “I see what you mean about the message lacking urgency. We approached it that way because our feedback survey showed . . . ”
• Skips pleasantries and small talk. Commanders see time as a valuable resource not to be wasted, so respect their desire for efficiency with phrases like, “I know you’re busy, so let’s get right to it” or, “I’ll dive straight in—here are the key points I’d like to cover.” And don’t be offended when they send you two-word email replies without asking how your weekend was.
• Overlooks your opinion. Commanders appreciate assertiveness, so have a point of view and present it clearly. Start your pitch with something like, “I believe . . . ,” “My recommendation is . . . ,” “From my perspective, it seems that . . . ,” or “Here are my initial thoughts.”

THE CHEERLEADER

Cheerleaders are expressive and tend to be energetic, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Like Commanders, Cheerleaders value moving fast and aiming high, but they love building relationships and playing connector. Their focus on team spirit makes for an environment that’s positive and fun, but some might find their high-energy, group-oriented style overwhelming and you might not always get the nitty-gritty feedback or specific direction you want.

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY IF A CHEERLEADER:

• Cancels meetings at the last minute. Take the lead to reschedule, or you’ll be forgotten as they chase the next shiny object. Try this: “I understand your schedule is tight, but we’re running out of time to plan for X. So I’ll grab 20 minutes on your calendar to connect about that tomorrow unless you let me know otherwise.”
• Changes priorities frequently. Their flightiness can be frustrating, but when the Cheerleader thinks of yet another new idea or veers off topic, gently steer them back: “That’s fascinating. I’ll make a note so we don’t lose sight of this and can revisit it at a better time.” Be clear about what’s achievable, tying it back to team capacity and timelines: “To meet our deadlines and keep the quality of work you’re used to, we should stay focused on X.”
• Gives you vague feedback and direction. Cheerleaders prefer to inspire and motivate rather than provide step-by-step instructions. When given vague feedback, drill deeper: “Can you share what success looks like for this project?” Provide options since Cheerleaders sometimes struggle to come up with specifics on their own: “Here are a few ideas I’ve come up with. Which one do you feel fits best?”

THE CARETAKER

Caretakers are patient peacekeepers who listen carefully and make sure everyone feels seen and heard. While they’re high on sociability like the Cheerleader, Caretakers are more subdued and nurturing. They want you to feel safe voic­ing your thoughts and struggles. But at the same time, their indecisiveness can be a drag, particularly in fast-paced or high-stakes environ­ments where quick action and risk-taking are crucial.

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY IF A CARETAKER:

• Constantly checks in. Caretakers sometimes “helicopter” manage or, worse, make you feel like you have to reassure them instead of the other way around. Gently make it clear you can handle tasks on your own without them hovering: “I’ve got this under control, but I’ll definitely let you know if I need any help.”
• Hoards work and stretch projects. Your boss may believe taking on the burden of extra work safeguards you from stress—or they’re convinced that they’re best suited to handle tasks. To overcome their control issues, propose a gradual transition (“Let’s start with me handling part of [project], and we can go from there”) or suggest working together initially (“How about we tag-team on [project] at first? That way, you can see my approach and make sure it’s on track”).
• Drops news on you at the eleventh hour. In a misdirected effort to keep things calm and stable, your boss may hold back important information, so regularly ask for insight on potential shifts: “Are there any developments we should be aware of? It would help us plan and adjust accordingly” or “Knowing about changes ahead of time helps me prepare, so any heads-up would be helpful.”

THE CONTROLLER

Controllers excel through their meticulous attention to detail, reli­ance on data, and a preference for working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs like clockwork. They tend to be serious and reserved leaders who worry less about social con­nections and more about optimizing existing standards, rules, and processes.

This can be a dream for those who love clear instructions, but Controllers can also come off as rigid and restrictive, especially when quick pivots or innovative leaps are needed to stay ahead.

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY IF A CONTROLLER:

• Rejects your ideas without consideration. Controllers are wary of new ideas because they see them as risks that could lead to mistakes. So frame ideas as enhancements to existing processes, not as net new changes: “[Idea] builds on our current system . . .” or “We can take what we’re already doing and make it even better by . . .”
• Requires multiple approvals or reviews. It’s not that they don’t trust you; rather, they believe that having multiple sets of eyes means standards will be met. Before starting work ask, “What are the key criteria you’re looking for in this project? I want to make sure I meet your expectations from the outset.” Suggest a quick pre-mortem session to catch any issues early: “Can we check in before I finalize this? I want to address any concerns you might have.”
• Expects you to be an expert in everything. If your boss overloads you with dense information or complex documentation, turn it back around and ask for guidance on what’s most critical: “I appreciate all the details. What would you say are the key points I should prioritize to make sure we’re compliant?”

You might not always like or agree with your boss’s approach—that’s normal—but if there comes a point where their actions become disruptive to you or others, it’s not enough to say, “Oh, that’s just how they are!” Ultimately, per­sonal style doesn’t give anyone a pass to be a jerk. The key is to stay flexible and observant, adjusting your strate­gies as you learn more about your boss’s preferences and behaviors. Because even if your relationships are strong, they can always be better.

Fast Company

As Nigeria grapples with a failing public power supply, skyrocketing electricity tariffs, and the looming threat of further tariff hikes, solar energy adoption has surged, driven by the urgent need for reliable and affordable energy solutions. Experts in the renewable energy sector have highlighted a significant increase in solar adoption over the past two years, attributing the trend to the deteriorating state of the national grid, rising fuel costs, and shifting public perception toward sustainable energy.

The recent announcement by Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, regarding plans to increase electricity tariffs for Band B, C, D, and E customers has further intensified the demand for alternative energy sources. This comes on the heels of the massive tariff hike for Band A customers, which saw electricity costs rise to between N220 and N250 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Against this backdrop, solar energy has emerged as a cost-effective and reliable alternative for households and businesses alike.

Felix Adekunjo, Chief Executive Officer of Excellent-Glory Solar System, explained that frequent blackouts and grid failures have made solar energy indispensable for many Nigerians. “The instability of the national grid, coupled with the removal of fuel subsidies and soaring diesel prices, has made generators increasingly expensive to operate. Solar energy, on the other hand, offers a cheaper and more sustainable solution,” he said.

Adekunjo noted that the global decline in the cost of solar panels, batteries, inverters, and other components has made solar systems more accessible to average households and small businesses. “Compared to two years ago, the prices of solar components have dropped significantly due to technological advancements and economies of scale. This, combined with growing institutional support, such as Access Bank’s Switch to Solar project and international partnerships, has encouraged more Nigerians to embrace solar energy,” he added.

Despite these advancements, Adekunjo acknowledged that upfront installation costs remain a barrier for many Nigerians. “While solar energy offers long-term savings, the initial investment can be prohibitive. Additionally, the lack of skilled technicians, poor installations, and inadequate maintenance by untrained personnel continue to hinder widespread adoption,” he said. He also emphasized the need for flexible payment plans to make solar systems more affordable for low-income households.

Adewale Odugbesan, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Power and Energy Limited, echoed these sentiments, noting that solar energy has become increasingly competitive with grid power and diesel generators. “When we started eight years ago, solar energy cost about $3 per kilowatt. Today, it’s down to approximately $0.1 per kilowatt. Compared to the current Band A tariff of N220 to N250/kWh and the cost of diesel generators at N400 to N450/kWh, solar is now the most cost-efficient option for powering businesses,” he said.

Odugbesan also highlighted the role of word-of-mouth referrals in driving solar adoption. “Nigerians who have adopted solar energy in the past two years have become advocates for its reliability, especially during grid failures or fuel scarcity. This has encouraged more individuals and organizations to make the switch,” he explained.

As the Nigerian government continues to grapple with the challenges of the power sector, the surge in solar adoption underscores the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy solutions. With the threat of further tariff increases looming, solar energy is poised to play an even greater role in Nigeria’s energy future.

“The growth of solar is driven by the rising need for reliable energy, affordability, and a shift in public perception. While challenges persist, the trajectory shows that solar energy is fast becoming the future of energy in Nigeria, with even greater potential for expansion in the coming years,” Adekunjo said.

The ongoing trade war between the United States and China has intensified, with both nations issuing strong warnings and affirming their preparedness for any form of confrontation.

China’s warning came in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on all Chinese imports, doubling some levies from 10% to 20%. Beijing retaliated swiftly, imposing tariffs of 10%-15% on US agricultural products and placing 25 American companies under export and investment restrictions. In a statement echoed by the Chinese embassy in Washington, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian declared, “If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.”

The strong rhetoric from Beijing comes as China’s leaders convene for the annual National People’s Congress. Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s economic resilience, announcing a 7.2% increase in defense spending and warning that “changes unseen in a century are unfolding across the world at a faster pace.” While emphasizing China’s intent to remain open to foreign investment, Li’s speech also sought to reassure the domestic audience that the country could weather economic pressures from Washington’s aggressive trade policies.

The US has responded in kind, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth making it clear that Washington is equally prepared for escalation. Speaking on Fox News, Hegseth stated, “We are prepared. Those who long for peace must prepare for war.” He emphasized the importance of military readiness and deterrence, accusing China of attempting to challenge US global dominance. “They’re rapidly increasing their defense spending and modernizing technology—they want to supplant the United States,” he warned.

Despite the growing tensions, Hegseth insisted that President Trump maintains a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that the US remains open to cooperation where possible. However, Beijing’s latest move to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against US tariffs signals that diplomatic resolution remains uncertain.

The US-China trade war, which began in 2018 during Trump’s first term, has had widespread economic consequences, disrupting global markets and supply chains. While both sides continue to escalate rhetoric and economic countermeasures, the question remains whether this trade dispute will remain economic or spill over into broader geopolitical conflict.

Two people have been confirmed dead, and six others sustained injuries after a two-storey building collapsed on Wednesday in the Lekki area of Lagos. This latest incident adds to the litany of building collapses that have plagued Lagos State in recent years, raising serious concerns about the structural integrity of buildings and the enforcement of construction regulations in Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were able to rescue six individuals, who were rushed to Marina General Hospital for treatment. Earlier reports from the police indicated that about 14 people had been rescued from the site before the recovery of the two bodies.

Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the collapse. “So far, two adult males have been extricated from the rubble of the collapsed building. Six seriously injured adult males were rescued and were administered immediate medical care by the LRU Pre-Hospital Care Unit before being transported to Marina General Hospital for further treatment,” he said.

He added that the LASEMA Response Team, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has commenced search and rescue operations. “The teams have rescued six victims and extricated two dead bodies. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing as of the time of filing this report,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

This incident is the latest in a series of building collapses that have occurred in Lagos, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations. In recent years, Lagos has witnessed multiple tragic building collapses, often attributed to poor construction practices, the use of substandard materials, and a lack of proper oversight by regulatory authorities.

The frequency of these incidents has sparked public outrage and calls for accountability. Many have criticized the Lagos State government for failing to address the root causes of these collapses, including corruption, inadequate inspections, and the proliferation of illegal structures. In response to previous incidents, the government has pledged to demolish unsafe buildings and prosecute those responsible for violating construction standards. However, the continued occurrence of such tragedies suggests that more needs to be done to ensure compliance and protect lives.

Building collapses in Lagos have not only resulted in loss of life and injuries but have also displaced families and disrupted communities. The Lekki collapse, in particular, has drawn attention to the rapid and often unregulated development in the area, which has become a hotspot for real estate investments due to its proximity to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the upcoming Lekki Deep Sea Port.

As search and rescue operations continue at the site, questions remain about whether this latest incident will prompt meaningful action from authorities to prevent future tragedies. For now, the families of the victims and survivors are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of yet another avoidable disaster.

The Lagos State government has yet to issue a detailed statement on the cause of the collapse or outline specific measures to address the systemic issues contributing to the crisis. However, stakeholders and residents alike are urging the government to prioritize public safety by enforcing stricter building regulations, conducting regular inspections, and holding accountable those who flout the law.

Until these measures are implemented, the threat of more building collapses looms large over Lagos, leaving its residents vulnerable to further loss of life and property.

Trump issues 'last warning' to Hamas terrorists, demands release of hostages: 'HELL TO PAY'

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas in a Truth Social post Wednesday, calling for the terrorist group to release all hostages immediately.

The post came after Trump met with several former Hamas hostages who traveled to Washington, D.C., this week. The group included Eli Sharabi, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov, Iair Horn and Noa Argamani, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose," the president's post began. "Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.

"Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!"

Trump added that he is "sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job," and that "not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.

"I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed," Trump added. "This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance."

"Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!"

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., an unflinching supporter of Israel, offered his approval of Trump's post.

"Free all the hostages or start killing Hamas members again. I fully agree with @POTUS," Fetterman posted on X. 

Trump's post came hours after the White House was challenged by Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy on its decision to negotiate with the Palestinian terrorist group.

"If the U.S. has a long-standing policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists, then why is the U.S. now negotiating directly and for the first time ever with Hamas?" Doocy asked.

"Well, when it comes to the negotiations that you're referring to, first of all, the special envoy who's engaged in these negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone," White House press secretary Karoline Leavittresponded.

Leavitt added that Israel was "consulted on this matter," and that Trump believes in putting forth "good-faith effort[s] to do what's right for the American people."

"These are ongoing talks and discussions. I'm not going to detail them here," she continued. "There are American lives at stake."

Fox News