The bus was going from Jerusalem to Jericho and highway robbers waylaid it. They got on the bus brandishing automatic weapons: “This is a stick-up,” declared the leader of the gang in a menacing tone designed for maximum effect. “Is there anybody here who has been paying his tithes? If you have been paying your tithes raise your hands.”  

A few passengers raised their hands sheepishly.  He told those who did to move to one side.  Then he declared: “Those of you who have not been paying your tithes are thieves and robbers.  You have been robbing God.  Therefore, we are going to rob you.”

The robbers then proceeded to cart away the money and valuables of those passengers who had not been paying their tithes.

You might not have heard this story before. But, in all probability, you might have heard a similar version of it.  Different versions are common in the churches. Those who tell it insist it really happened. But every time you hear such stories know it is a lie. It is surely no more than a figment of the deceitful imagination of pastors. 

You need to know that pastors specialise in preaching “another gospel” to con their church members into coming to church, staying in church, and giving them more and more money. That is why, in the story above, they even go as far as to use a thief to preach their own gospel. The intention is to frighten people into paying tithes by implying that if they do not, God will send armed robbers to rob them. But you need to recognise that only a thief would employ a thief to teach the way of righteousness. 

Thieves and Robbers

 Jesus warns believers to be wary of thieves and robbers.  He says:

 “I am the gate for the sheep.  All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.” (John 10:7-8). 

Who precisely are the thieves and robbers of whom Jesus speaks?  Is he talking about men who mug us in the streets?  Is he talking about highway robbers who snatch our cars?  Is he talking about those “yahoo thieves” who rob us blind with a keystroke of the computer on the internet?  Or is he talking about those who break into our houses in the dead of night? 

Listen and understand.  The thieves and robbers of primary concern to Jesus are the pastors of our churches. Jesus’ message is that pastors and other so-called “men of God” are thieves and robbers who “steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10). He re-echoes a lament that first found expression in Jeremiah:

“It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matthew 21:13).

In many respects, what holds today is no different from the falsehood popularised in the days of Martin Luther, when priests maintained a man could purchase forgiveness of sins for a dead relative by giving money to the Catholic Church.

The Dominican monk, Johann Tetzel, was one of the people sent out by the pope to preach this heresy. His message was straightforward: give money to the church and your sins will be forgiven. Like the pastors of today, he came up with a popular refrain:

“As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.”

Robbers of God

Today, the favourite scripture pastors use to fleece their flock is the one in Malachi about tithing.  In it, God asks:

“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. ‘But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse – the whole nation of you – because you are robbing me.” (Malachi 3:8-9). 

What pastors hide from unsuspecting Christians is the fact that God was not admonishing believers in this scripture in Malachi; he was admonishing pastors.  The thieves said to be robbing God were the Levites; the pastors of biblical Israel.  As is commonplace today, those pastors were stealing the tithes and offerings of the people, and converting them to their personal use. (1 Samuel 2:28-35).

All through Malachi, God is unambiguous about the objects of his angst:

“It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’ You place defiled food on my altar.” (Malachi 1:6-7). 

The Levites were replacing the animals brought by the people for sacrifices with crippled and diseased animals. (Malachi 1:8). 

God continues:

“This admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honour my name, I will send a curse upon you.” (Malachi 2:1-2). 

Unlike Levi, their ancestral father, the priests were fraudsters:

“The lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction- because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble.” (Malachi 2:7-8). 

Is this not what is still going on in the churches of today?

The Levites were monopolising the tithes and offerings; thereby denying the widows, the fatherless and the aliens the portions God expressly reserved for them. (Malachi 3:5).Therefore, God charged the pastors:

“Bring ALL the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” (Malachi 3:10). 

God’s people are not the pastors and the priests as today’s clergy would have you believe, but the poor and the dispossessed. Jesus says:

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sister of mine, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40).

So it was the pastors who were robbing God and not members of their congregation.  But today’s deceitful pastors have led Christians to believe they are the thieves.  The actual thieves were pastors stealing the gifts the people brought to God, and not those who were not bringing any or enough gifts. 

The Law of Moses did not pronounce curses on those who did not tithe.  However, since these same thieving Levites were the ones required to atone for the sins of Israel, their greed and avarice were in danger of putting the whole nation under a curse.

The Redemption

Therefore, God promises to send Jesus; His “Messenger of the Covenant, to:” “purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.” (Malachi 3:3). 

In that process, God replaced the Levitical priesthood after the order of Aaron, with a completely new priesthood after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 7:11-16).  This fulfilled His long-standing plan:  

“I will establish ONE Pastor over them, and He shall feed them- My servant David. He shall feed them and be their Pastor.” (Ezekiel 34:23-24).

This one true pastor is none other than Jesus Christ. With Him as High Priest:

“The Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.” (Malachi 3:3-4).

Thus when Jesus finally arrived, He declared:  

“All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the Good Pastor. The Good Pastor lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the pastor.” (John 10:8-12).

Can you see it now?  The hired hand and the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy is the pastor.  Jesus, on the other hand, is “the Good Pastor.” Thenceforth, says Jesus:

“There will be one flock and ONE PASTOR.” (John 10:16). 

That means all those still parading themselves as pastors today are impostors.  

With the end of the Levitical priesthood, there should be no pastors still pretending to be Levites; fraudulently collecting tithes. Thereby, Jesus disqualifies the pastorate:

“Do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.” (Matthew 23:8-10).

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Among all the people of the first-century Mediterranean world — from Praetorian guards to peasant farmers — the child was the most powerless, and this is the main reason that Jesus uses children as exemplary disciples.

No doubt childhood 2,000 years ago was very different from childhood today. (In truth, even the concept of childhood is a social and cultural development that varies across the world.) Nevertheless, amid all our modern developments, one aspect of childhood remains true across the years: vulnerability.

Children are extraordinarily vulnerable because they are weak, needy, and defenseless, and this is one of the major reasons why, even in the 21st century, children still occupy the lowest rung of the social ladder.

Of course, all human beings are vulnerable. Clad in fleshy bodies that can be fatigued, struck, and broken, sometimes beyond repair, humans are quite defenseless compared to other creatures. It’s not just our bodies, though. Our minds, hearts, and souls are delicate, too, able to withstand much, but also irreparably changed by what we are forced to endure. In truth, humans are perpetually needful. We need things like food and water, protection from the elements, sleep, physical touch, and intimacy with others.

After my oldest child was born, I bought a little sign for his room in a moment of sleep-deprived humor. In curling blue script on a white ceramic background, it read: “Bottomless pit of needs and wants.” I hung it over his crib and smiled wryly about it every day, but it’s a sign all of us could hang over our beds.

Infants aren’t the only needy, wanting ones. Whether we like it or not, human beings are born in neediness, live our lives in neediness, and die in neediness. It’s just who we are.

Whoever takes the path of the child is the greatest in the kingdom.

At the same time, there are few humans as naturally vulnerable as children. Their needs vary depending on their age and physical, neurological, or psychological makeup. While most will grow in independence over time, children often remain dependent on their families and other institutions well into what is now called emerging adulthood. If children find themselves victims of neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation in one or more of such settings, the consequences can be dire.

This is even more so if they find themselves living in perilous places: a country torn apart by war, a region hit by a tsunami, or a school targeted for a mass shooting.

While the treatment of children has generally improved over the centuries, their natural dependency means there is an unavoidable imbalance of power between children and adults.

I have a friend whose toddler son used to try to run out the front door when it was bath time. Stark naked and giggling mischievously, Malachi would race down the hall on his tiny legs and pull wildly at the doorknob. Once or twice, when the door was not bolted, he managed to get it open just before my friend caught him. Each time, she’d scoop him up laughing and carry him back to the waiting tub. Through his squeals of delight, she would say, “Where do you think you’re going? What exactly is your plan?” Malachi was blissfully unaware of the absurdity of his attempted escape or the danger he might be in if he made it out the door.

Compared to adults, children are quite defenseless, especially within private homes.

I am haunted by the image of 5-year-old Omran Daqneesh of Aleppo that was captured by photographer Mahmoud Raslan in 2016 after a Russian airstrike destroyed his home during the Syrian civil war. (The photo was ubiquitous online in 2016, but you can see it in one location here.) Slight in frame, Omran sits in a bright orange ambulance seat wearing a stunned, vacant expression. His hands rest forgotten on his thighs. He seems entirely dissociated from his body, which is covered head to toe in thick gray ash. His large black eyes stare blankly into space with one almost swollen shut. A deep red smear of blood runs down the length of his face, and one ear looks torn. His long dark hair, which you can imagine his parents tousling playfully, is a mess and covered with the gray powder of concrete debris.

Omran’s home was destroyed, and his life ruptured by a war waged by adults. Adults created the political and socioeconomic conditions that led to the violent conflict. Adults designed, manufactured, distributed, and deployed the weaponry that enabled the war. Adults recruited, signed up for, and served as soldiers to wage and perpetuate the war, and adults launched the missile that annihilated Omran’s neighborhood. He has his own personhood and story, which I won’t presume to tell, but I think of him now because he illustrates vividly the vulnerability of children whose lives are determined almost entirely by the decisions of people bigger, stronger, and more powerful than they. Omran is one of 2.3 billion children worldwide.

I think Jesus understood children’s vulnerability and the multitude of ways families and organizations fail them, which is one reason why he has dire words for those who would hurt children: “If anyone causes one of these little ones — those who believe in me — to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

But there’s more.

It’s not just that Jesus knows about the vulnerability of children. Jesus identifies with their vulnerability in a personal, sacramental way: “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5). When you receive the vulnerable, socially marginalized, and politically disempowered child, he says, you also receive me.

The only other place Jesus speaks like this is in the parable of the final judgment where he says that those who minister to “the least of these” are, in fact, ministering to him (Matthew 25:31‑46).

The eternal Son of God took upon himself the helplessness, ignorance, and vulnerability of children. Our conduct with children — how we think of them, speak of them, and work with them — must be informed not only by Jesus’ teaching but also by his own life as a child. By joining divinity to humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, God has blessed infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood with their own meaning and dignity.

At the very least, Jesus the child helps us to see that children have their own agency and purpose before God.

One of the challenges is that there’s profound disparity of power between children and adults, especially within private homes. The child’s vulnerability calls for adult protection, but not everyone heeds, or is capable of heeding, that call. And when families are severely stressed, under resourced, or isolated, they can become malignant places.

Still, amid the chaos and confusion, the struggle and hypocrisy, Jesus comes to us, his baffled and bickering disciples, and he comes to us with the child. He places the child in our midst and offers us an invitation. Unless you change and become like children, you won’t enter the kingdom.

Whoever takes the path of the child is the greatest in the kingdom, and whoever welcomes one such child in Jesus’ name welcomes Jesus himself. In fact, as Mark’s Gospel says, “The kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).

** Adapted from "Households of Faith" by Emily Hunter McGowin.

The Nigerian nation is in mourning following the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the revered leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, who transitioned peacefully at his Lekki residence on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96. A towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, Adebanjo’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the country, with leaders and citizens alike reflecting on his lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and true federalism.

Afenifere’s Formal Announcement: A Call to Continue the Struggle

In a solemn statement, Afenifere formally announced the passing of its leader, describing him as an “avowed Awoist” and a relentless advocate for restructuring, true federalism, and a Nigeria built on equity and fairness. The group recalled Adebanjo’s frequent reminders in his later years that he was in the “departure lounge,” urging his followers to remain steadfast in the struggle for a better Nigeria. “We will undauntedly keep the banner afloat,” the statement read, signed by Secretary General Sola Ebiseni.

President Tinubu: A Father Figure and Democratic Icon

President Bola Tinubu, in a heartfelt condolence message, mourned the loss of a man he described as a father figure and a pillar of Nigeria’s democracy. Tinubu recounted Adebanjo’s instrumental role in his political journey, particularly during his 1999 governorship campaign in Lagos State. “His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed,” Tinubu said, adding that Adebanjo’s courage during the struggle against military dictatorship after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, was a defining moment in Nigeria’s history. “May his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country,” the President concluded.

Obasanjo’s Personal Tribute: A Great Man and Unpretentious Patriot

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, currently attending the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, shared a deeply personal tribute, recalling his last visit to Adebanjo on February 3, 2025. “Though he was in a fragile state, I had no inkling he would leave us so soon,” Obasanjo said, describing Adebanjo as a “great man, a committed nationalist, and an effective representative of his people.” He reflected on their occasional disagreements during his presidency but praised Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to restructuring Nigeria. “His dream to see a restructured Nigeria may not have been realized in his lifetime, but his contributions to our democracy will never be forgotten,” Obasanjo stated.

Atiku Abubakar: A Fearless Freedom Fighter and Statesman

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hailed Adebanjo as a “fearless freedom fighter, patriot, and statesman” whose life was a testament to selfless service. Atiku highlighted Adebanjo’s heroic role in the fight against military dictatorship and his lifelong advocacy for justice and equity. “Pa Adebanjo was a golden example of how to live and die for the good of the country,” Atiku said, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from his legacy. “He taught us how to be statesmen of distinction.”

Peter Obi: A Steadfast Advocate for Justice

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, paid tribute to Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to justice and equity. Reflecting on their last conversation, Obi shared Adebanjo’s poignant final words: “Always stand on the path of justice.” He described Adebanjo as a mentor and a quintessential leader whose endorsement during his presidential campaign was a testament to his belief in inclusivity. “May his death not be in vain,” Obi urged, calling on Nigerians to uphold Adebanjo’s values.

Afenifere UK: A Legacy of Courage and Integrity

Afenifere UK, in a moving statement, described Adebanjo as a “towering statesman” whose life was defined by selfless service and moral courage. The group praised his unwavering advocacy for restructuring and true federalism, noting that his principles were never compromised for personal gain. “Though we grieve, we take solace in the rich legacy he left behind—a blueprint of courage, dedication, and principled leadership,” the statement read.

CUPP: An Exemplary Patriot and Champion of Good Governance

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) mourned Adebanjo as an “exemplary patriot” and a champion of justice and good governance. In a statement signed by National Spokesperson Mark Adebayo, CUPP hailed Adebanjo’s “uncommon courage and unwavering dedication” to Nigeria’s unity and progress. “He came, he saw, he fought, and he conquered,” the coalition declared, urging Nigerians to honor his memory by continuing the struggle for a just and equitable society.

A Nation Reflects on a Life Well-Lived

As Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most iconic leaders, the tributes pouring in underscore the profound impact of Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s life and work. A fearless advocate for justice, a mentor to generations, and a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s potential, Adebanjo’s legacy will continue to inspire the nation. His dream of a restructured, equitable Nigeria remains a guiding light for all who cherish democracy and unity.

In the words of President Tinubu, “May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country.” Adieu, Baba Ayo Adebanjo. Your fight lives on in the hearts of millions.

In a series of explosive allegations following his release from Nigerian custody, Binance's head of financial crime, Tigran Gambaryan, has accused Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe and claimed the government sought to misuse customer data to target opposition members.

Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024, named three lawmakers - Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and Ginger Onwusibe - as participants in what he described as a "Mickey Mouse operation" involving fake cameras and media setups. According to Gambaryan, the lawmakers demanded the bribe be paid in cryptocurrency to their personal wallets during a January 5, 2024 meeting.

The accusations have been met with denials from multiple parties. Philip Agbese acknowledged attending the meeting but insisted he was there briefly and made no demands, emphasizing he is not a member of the Financial Crimes Committee. Agbese has threatened legal action unless Gambaryan provides evidence or retracts his claims within seven days. Committee chairman Ginger Onwusibe has already initiated legal action against Binance.

The controversy extends beyond the bribery allegations. Gambaryan claims the Nigerian government attempted to use Binance to access citizens' data for targeting opposition members and scapegoated the company for the naira's devaluation, which he attributes to President Bola Tinubu's monetary policy of depegging the currency from the dollar.

The Nigerian government has rejected these accusations. In a statement, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris called Gambaryan's allegations "unsubstantiated" and lacking credibility, suggesting they were motivated by a desire to "discredit and intimidate those who ensured he faced justice." The government revealed it had declined a $5 million settlement offer from Binance, instead reaching an agreement with the American government that led to Gambaryan's release on humanitarian grounds in October 2024.

The case has broader implications for cryptocurrency regulation in Nigeria and international business relations. It began with Gambaryan's arrest alongside another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, over allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. Anjarwalla later escaped custody under disputed circumstances, leaving Gambaryan to face charges alone until his release following U.S. government intervention.

Both the Nigerian and American judicial systems are expected to provide venues for these allegations to be tested, as multiple parties have indicated their intention to pursue legal action.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called for the arming of local communities to serve as the first line of defense against insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking on Thursday at the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ajayi emphasized the need for community-based security measures before the intervention of law enforcement agencies such as the police and military.

Citing an example from Azare, Bauchi State, where residents successfully repelled a Boko Haram attack, Ajayi argued that empowering communities to defend themselves is a practical approach to tackling insecurity.

“You do not expect the Nigerian Army, police, and SSS to protect every Nigerian—it is not going to work,” he said, stressing that security agencies should focus on larger threats like organized crime.

Ajayi proposed that the country should explore ways to enable communities to take charge of their own security, including limited armament, to strengthen local defenses. He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take concrete actions to address insecurity.

Defence Chief Calls for Holistic Approach to Security

The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, who also spoke at the event, underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat Nigeria’s security challenges. He highlighted the complexity of threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to transnational organized crime and climate-induced conflicts.

Musa called for enhanced collaboration among security agencies and the adoption of technology, intelligence gathering, and strategic partnerships to stay ahead of security threats.

Three Israeli hostages set to return from Gaza as ceasefire holds

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Sasha Troufanov are expected to return from Gaza on Saturday after Egyptian and Qatari mediators helped avert a standoff that threatened to sink a fragile ceasefire that has halted fighting for almost a month.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said the three would be returned, in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, easing fears that the agreement could collapse before the end of a 42-day ceasefire.

Dekel-Chen, a U.S.-Israeli, Troufanov, a Russian Israeli, and Horn, whose brother Eitan was also abducted, were seized in Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the communities around the Gaza Strip that was overrun by Hamas gunmen on October 7, 2023.

Hamas had earlier threatened not to release more hostages after it accused Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire by blocking aid from entering Gaza, drawing counterthreats of a resumption of fighting from Israel, which called up reservists and placed its forces on high alert.

Israelis were angered by the emaciated appearance and accounts of mistreatment of three hostages released last week but there were also large protests demanding that the government keep going with the deal to bring all the hostages home.

Prospects for the ceasefire surviving were also clouded by U.S. President Donald Trump's call for Palestinians to be moved permanently out of Gaza, and for the enclave to be turned over to the United States to be redeveloped, a call that was strongly rejected by Palestinian groups and Arab states.

Hamas agreed last month to hand over 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children and older men, in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, during a six-week truce during which Israeli forces would pull back from some of their positions in Gaza.

Before Saturday, 16 of the 33 Israeli hostages had been returned, along with five Thais who were handed over in an unscheduled release. That left 76 hostages still in Gaza, only around half of whom are thought to be alive.

GAZA LARGELY IN RUINS

The truce was intended to open the way for a second phase of negotiations to return remaining hostages and complete the withdrawal of Israeli forces before a final end to the war and the rebuilding of Gaza, which now lies largely in ruins, facing shortages of food, running water and electricity.

The Hamas threat to hold off from releasing more hostages followed its accusation that Israel had blocked tents and temporary shelter materials from entering into Gaza, leaving tens of thousands exposed to the winter cold.

Israel rejected the accusation, saying it had allowed thousands of aid trucks in, and accusing Hamas in its turn of reneging on the agreement.

International aid groups say that more truckloads of aid have been entering Gaza since the start of the ceasefire but aid officials say the amounts are insufficient to meet the needs of the population.

Israel invaded the coastal enclave after the Hamas-led attack on communities in Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and taking more than 250 as hostages.

The Israeli military campaign that followed has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Palestinian health ministry figures, destroyed many of its buildings and left most of the population homeless.

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Putin discusses with Security Council his conversation with Trump — spokesman

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a closed-door discussion with the Security Council regarding his recent conversation with US President Donald Trump, as well as the broader context of ongoing contacts with the United States, Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS.

"Of course, [he discussed it]," Peskov responded to a related question.

Putin's conversation with Trump occurred on Wednesday and marked their first communication in three years. The last official dialogue between the two leaders took place in July 2020, during Trump's previous term in office.

During their discussion, Putin and Trump advocated for a negotiated resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, promoted the development of cooperation between their nations, and agreed to maintain personal communication, including the organization of in-person meetings.

Putin's meetings with the Security Council are regular occurrences, typically held on a weekly basis. In today's open part of the session, participants discussed preparations for the upcoming season of spring fires and floods.

Generally, these meetings focus on strategic issues concerning national security. Additionally, Putin maintains daily contact with the permanent members of the Security Council to address current matters. This group includes the country's top leadership, such as the prime minister, the speakers of both houses of parliament, heads of specialized ministries and agencies, and other key officials.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Zelenskiy says Ukraine has 'low chance' of survival without US backing

Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia's assault without U.S. support, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday after phone calls this week by U.S. President Donald Trump with Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Probably it will be very, very, very difficult. And of course, in all the difficult situations, you have a chance. But we will have low chance - low chance to survive without support of the United States," Zelenskiy said in an interview on the NBC News program "Meet the Press."

An excerpt was released on Friday from the interview, which will be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump discussed the war on Wednesday in separate calls with Putin and Zelenskiy, in the U.S. president's first big step toward diplomacy in a conflict he has promised to end quickly.

Trump later said he did not think it was practical for Kyiv to join NATO and that it was unlikely Ukraine would get back all its land. Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine demands Russia withdraw from captured territory and says it must receive NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees to prevent Moscow from attacking again.

Zelenskiy said in the interview that Putin wanted to come to the negotiating table not to end the war but to get a ceasefire deal to lift some global sanctions on Russia and allow Moscow's military to regroup.

"This is really what he wants. He wants pause, prepare, train, take off some sanctions, because of ceasefire," Zelenskiy said.

Trump said his call with Putin was a good conversation that lasted over an hour, while the Kremlin said it lasted nearly an hour and a half. Zelenskiy's office said Trump and Zelenskiy spoke for about an hour. Trump said the call "went very well."

Tass/Reuters

Unable to offer attractive wages, a Japanese tech company has been trying to attract new talent by offering ingenious benefits such as free alcoholic drinks at work and hangover leaves.

Since the burst of the Japanese economic bubble in the early 1990s, the Japanese economy has been stagnating along with employee salaries. Even though some corporations have announced plans to increase starting wages in hopes of attracting new talent, small and medium-sized companies simply don’t have that option because their budgets don’t allow it. In order to compete with big players, they have to think outside the box and offer appealing and sometimes unorthodox benefits to potential employees. One small technology company in Osaka recently went viral in the Land of the Rising Sun by offering its staff free alcoholic drinks during work hours and hangover leaves to clear their heads.

Drinking on the job is usually frowned upon, but not at Trust Ring Co., Ltd., a small technology company in Midoribashi, Osaka. Here, the boss himself brings the booze and happily toasts with his employees as part of a special benefit meant to attract young talent. And if some of them have one or two drinks too many, they can use their “hangover leaves” to come in late at work, no questions asked.

“Because I used the ‘hangover leave’ system, I can go back to work at 12 o’clock,” one female employee recently told Kansai TV. “You can sleep for 2 or 3 more hours and come back to work with a clear mind. I feel like I will be more efficient.”

The CEO of Trust Ring Co., Ltd. explained that he came up with these unusual benefits because he couldn’t afford to pay his employees more. Trying to compete with large corporations in terms of salary was a losing battle, so he had to offer people something they valued more than money.

“The starting salary at our company is 222,000 yen, which already includes 20 hours of overtime pay, so it’s almost the minimum wage,” the boss said. “We really can’t raise the starting salary, so I think that small and medium-sized enterprises should focus on attracting talent with similar ideas.”

Oddity Central

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the revered leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has passed away at the age of 96. He died peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State. His family confirmed his passing in a statement released to the press, describing him as a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth, equity, and justice.

Adebanjo, a distinguished lawyer and former organizing secretary of the Action Group, was a towering figure in Nigerian politics and a steadfast disciple of the late Obafemi Awolowo, Nigeria’s iconic nationalist and statesman.

Throughout his life, Adebanjo upheld the values and principles that Awolowo championed, earning him recognition as one of the most prominent Awoists of his generation. His unwavering commitment to Awolowo’s vision of a progressive, equitable, and independent Nigeria defined his legacy.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath,” the family’s statement read.

Adebanjo’s life was a testament to the enduring influence of Awolowo’s ideals. As a key figure in Afenifere, he played a pivotal role in advancing the socio-political agenda of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole. His advocacy for federalism, good governance, and social justice resonated deeply with many Nigerians, earning him widespread respect and admiration.

He is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family has announced that consultations are ongoing with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across Nigeria and beyond to finalize plans for a befitting funeral. Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

A condolence register has been opened at his residence at 8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as well as his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The statement was signed on behalf of the family by Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.

As Nigeria mourns the loss of this iconic leader, Adebanjo’s legacy as a devoted Awoist and tireless advocate for justice will continue to inspire generations to come. His life serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of Awolowo’s vision and the importance of steadfast leadership in the pursuit of a better Nigeria.

Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), has just had his first taste of what ordinary Nigerians endure daily at foreign embassies. And, oh, how it stings!

His outburst yesterday—“They can go to hell!”—after Canada denied visas to Nigeria’s defence chief, Christopher Musa, and other top military officers, is nothing short of poetic justice. Welcome, dear sir, to the world of humiliation, endless rejections, and embassy-induced heartbreaks that regular Nigerians face while trying to escape the mess your ruling class has turned the country into.

For years, ordinary citizens have been treated like unwanted visitors by embassies worldwide, all thanks to the woeful state of the nation. From students seeking education abroad, to professionals looking for greener pastures, and even sick Nigerians desperate for medical treatment—the visa process is a game of dice, with rejection the default outcome. Why? Because Nigeria, under the stewardship of its political and military elite, has been reduced to a global punchline.

Yet, here we are, watching top government officials, who have long enjoyed their privileged access to the world, suddenly getting a taste of reality. How does it feel, sir? Does it burn? Does it frustrate? Perhaps, next time, instead of railing against Canada, you could channel that anger into fixing Nigeria—so that its passport means something, and our people aren’t treated like international orphans.

That said, Canada, calm down!This isn’t the moment for excessive arrogance. After all, your own international reputation isn’t exactly soaring at this time. The Americans mock you at every turn, and Donald Trump, the current U.S. president, routinely ridicules you as nothing more than a glorified northern outpost of America. Several times, he jibbed that Canada should be incorporated as the 51st state of the U.S. Maybe you should focus on that humiliation before flexing unnecessary muscle over visa decisions.

Still, for Ribadu and his ilk, this should be a wake-up call. The world sees Nigeria as a failing state because those in power have made it one. If you don’t want to suffer further indignities, then fix the country.