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

Nigeria's digital payment landscape achieved a milestone in 2024 as Point of Sale (PoS) transactions reached an unprecedented N18 trillion, according to data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). This marks a dramatic 69% increase from the N10.7 trillion recorded in 2023.

The surge in PoS usage was driven by two key factors: persistent ATM cash shortages and an ambitious expansion of PoS terminals by fintech companies. Transaction volume also saw modest growth, increasing 8% to reach 1.5 billion transactions in 2024, up from 1.4 billion the previous year.

While traditional banks historically dominated PoS terminal distribution, the landscape has transformed with fintech companies' entry into the market. Their aggressive deployment strategies have led to a significant expansion in the availability of PoS devices across Nigeria, making digital payments more accessible to the general population.

This growth reflects Nigeria's accelerating transition toward digital payment solutions and highlights the increasing role of financial technology in the country's banking sector.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

At least 17 students died in a fire in Zamfara state on Tuesday night, a state police spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The students at an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda town in Zamfara State, who were between seven and 17 years old, died in the blaze while around 12 others were taken to hospital with severe burns, the police said.

Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar said an investigation was ongoing to ascertain the cause of the blaze.

Hussaini Adamu, who lost two children to the inferno, said the fire started in a nearby house and spread to the Islamic school.

Reuters

Arab American, Muslim leaders decry Trump comments on Gaza

U.S. Arab American and Muslim leaders, including some who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election, criticized the president's proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians, but some of them said they still believed he was the best option for lasting peace in the region.

The leaders largely dismissed Trump's comments as unrealistic bluster and said he was unlikely to pay a big political price in the community.

"We believe that his ideas, as well-intentioned as they might be, rubbed a lot of people the wrong way," Bishara Bahbah, who founded Arab Americans for Trump and helped rally support for him in Michigan and other battleground states, told Reuters.

"We're opposed to any transfer of Palestinians, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, out of their homeland."

Bahbah said he still supports Trump, seeing him as the best option to avoid conflict in Gaza. He said his organization changed its name to Arab Americans for Peace two days ago, reflecting its shift in focus following Trump's election.

Trump outlined the idea for the U.S. to "take over" Gaza during a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. Trump also floated a proposal to relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries and redevelop the war-torn territory into a "Riviera of the Middle East," while not ruling out the deployment of U.S. troops.

The move by Arab Americans and Muslims away from the Democratic Party likely factored into Trump's victory, with the largest impact in the swing state of Michigan, home to the country's biggest population of Arabs, Muslims and Palestinians.

Many in the community voted against then-Vice President Kamala Harris to protest the Biden administration's support of Israel's war on Gaza in retaliation for the October 7, 2023 attacks. Some also credit Trump with orchestrating a ceasefire, even though it happened before he entered the White House.

A nationwide exit poll conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations advocacy group showed that 53% of Muslims voted for Green Party candidate Jill Stein in the 2024 election, with Trump and Harris picking up 21% and 20%, respectively. The poll, which surveyed 1,575 Muslim voters via text message, marked a sharp constrast with 2020, when 69% of Muslim Americans voted for Biden and only 17% went for Trump.

Rabiul Chowdhury, co-founder of Muslims for Trump, said that while he was frustrated that no viable long-term solution for peace and rebuilding was being discussed for Gaza, he does not regret backing Trump.

"Conflating Trump's rhetoric with the actions of Biden and Harris is not only disingenuous but outright dishonest," he said, criticizing the Biden administration's supply of weapons and other support for Israel while it bombed Gaza. "If we were to equate Trump's actions with those of Biden and Harris, the contrast would be undeniable — Trump is the better option."

Former President Joe Biden's administration stood firmly by Israel during its assault on Gaza despite repeatedly pushing Israel to do more to curb civilian casualties and allow humanitarian aid into the enclave. Biden also hailed a ceasefire deal that went into effect last month as largely mirroring the framework of a proposal he made last year.

Osama Siblani, publisher of Arab American News based in Dearborn, Michigan, said he didn't think many people in the community would regret their decision to either back Trump or withhold a vote for Harris due to her support of Israel.

But Siblani, a spokesperson for the Arab American Political Action Committee, which endorsed neither candidate in the 2024 election, likened Trump's rhetoric to that of a "crazy man" and said they would not advance the cause of peace.

"Instead of helping people to recover, he's trying to take advantage of their of their misery," he told Reuters. "I can't believe that a president of the United States is making such a suggestion."

Yahya Basha, a doctor and founder of Muslims for American Progress, said he was not surprised by Trump's comments, given earlier statements by his son-in-law Jared Kushner about Gaza being a good site for a future resort, but remained skeptical that the U.S. would execute those plans.

"I don't regret anything I did to get Trump elected and I hope we see positive signs in the future," said Basha, an early advocate for Trump in Michigan.

Instead, he said he believed Trump's comments were often provocative rather than the basis of policy, citing his comments on buying Greenland or to make Canada the 51st state of the U.S.

Yemeni-American Samra’a Luqman, a registered Democrat who voted for Trump in 2024 in the hopes he would bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, said she did not support Trump’s proposal for a U.S. takeover. But she said she still views Trump more favorably compared to the actions of the Biden administration.

"I'm not pleased that I'm hearing things about people being displaced from their homeland for good, but at least they are not being killed off by the thousands or hundreds per day as we have seen in the last year," said Luqman, a 42-year-old resident of Dearborn, Michigan.

** Trump aides defend Gaza takeover proposal but walk back some elements

President Donald Trump's top aides staunchly defended his push to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza and have the U.S. take over the war-ruined enclave, but they also backed away from elements of his proposal in the face of international condemnation.

A longtime New York property developer, Trump drew rebukes on Wednesday from world powers Russia, China and Germany, which said it would foster "new suffering and new hatred." Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia rejected the proposal outright.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Trump's proposal was "remarkable" and urged that it be explored, even as he was not specific about what he believed Trump was offering.

Barely two weeks in the job, Trump shattered decades of U.S. policy on Tuesday with a vaguely worded announcement saying he envisioned transforming Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East" where international communities could coexist after nearly 16 months of Israeli bombardment devastated the coastal strip and killed more than 47,000 people, according to Palestinian tallies.

At a White House briefing on Wednesday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt hailed his Gaza proposal as historic "outside of the box" thinking but stressed that the president had not committed to putting "boots on the ground" in the territory. She declined, however, to rule out the use of U.S. troops there.

At the same time, Leavitt walked back Trump's earlier assertion that Gazans needed to be permanently resettled in neighboring countries, saying instead that they should be "temporarily relocated" for the rebuilding process.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said the idea was for Gazans to leave the territory for an "interim" period of reconstruction and debris-clearing.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu only vaguely addressed Trump's proposal, saying he did not believe the president was suggesting sending U.S. troops to fight Hamas in Gaza or that the United States would finance rebuilding efforts there.

Netanyahu, who met with Trump at the White House on Tuesday, said he supports Trump's suggestion that Gazans be free to leave and return to the war-ravaged area.

"They can leave, they can then come back. They can relocate and come back," he said.

"It's a remarkable idea and I think it should be really pursued, examined, pursued and done, because I think it will create a different future for everyone," Netanyahu said without offering specifics.

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

Trump's son-in-law and former aide, Jared Kushner, last year described Gaza as valuable waterfront property, and on Tuesday Trump made similar claims as he called for the permanent resettlement of the more than 2 million Palestinians from there.

Some experts said the proposed actions could violate international law. Others described his ideas as unworkable. Human rights advocates said it would amount to "ethnic cleansing."

"Everybody loves it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office earlier on Wednesday, referring to his Gaza idea.

Trump's proposal, however, appears to run counter to U.S. public opinion, which polls have shown is overwhelmingly opposed to new entanglements in conflict zones following lengthy military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trump frequently asserted during the 2024 election campaign and since returning to office that he would end what he called "ridiculous" wars and prevent others from starting.

His Gaza proposal drew broad condemnation from Democratic lawmakers but confusion and skepticism from some fellow Republicans, while others praised the moves as bold.

[1/9]A Palestinian sits among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip February 4, 2025.... Purchase Licensing Rights Read more

"I thought we voted for America first," Republican Senator Rand Paul said on X. "We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers blood."

On a trip to Guatemala, Rubio, apparently seeking to counter the wave of global criticism, insisted Trump's proposal was not a hostile move but a generous one that expressed "the willingness of the United States to become responsible for the reconstruction of that area."

In contrast, Leavitt said U.S. taxpayers would not foot the bill and that Trump would strike a deal with regional partners.

'TRUMP CAN GO TO HELL'

Jordan's King Abdullah, who will meet Trump at the White House next week, said he rejected any moves to annex land and displace Palestinians. Egypt said it would back Gaza recovery plans, following a ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19, without Palestinians leaving the territory.

In Gaza, Palestinians living among the wreckage of their former homes said they would never accept the idea.

"Trump can go to hell, with his ideas, with his money, and with his beliefs. We are going nowhere. We are not some of his assets," said Samir Abu Basel, a father of five in Gaza City displaced from his house by the war.

Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has talked about a U.S. takeover of Greenland, warned of the possible seizure of the Panama Canal and declared that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.

Some critics have said his expansionist rhetoric echoes old-style imperialism, suggesting it could encourage Russia in its war in Ukraine and give China justification for invading self-ruled Taiwan.

World leaders said they remained supportive of the two-state solution that has formed the basis of U.S. policy in the region for decades, which has held that Gaza would be part of a future Palestinian state that includes the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, before a meeting with Netanyahu, that the Pentagon was "prepared to look at all options" related to Gaza. Experts say a major deployment of U.S. forces would be needed to secure Gaza if Trump implements his proposal.

'RIDICULOUS AND ABSURD'

An official from the Palestinian militant group Hamas called Trump's proposal "ridiculous and absurd." Hamas ruled the Gaza Strip before the war there, which was triggered by its October 7, 2023, cross-border attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted, according to Israeli tallies.

"Any ideas of this kind are capable of igniting the region," Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters, saying Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire accord with Israel and negotiating its next phase.

What impact Trump's proposals have on indirect talks over the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal was unclear. Hamas has adamantly insisted it wants to remain in Gaza while Netanyahu has vowed to destroy the group and never allow it to again rule the territory.

Trump's proposal raises questions about whether Saudi Arabia would be willing to join a renewed U.S.-brokered push for a historic normalisation of relations with Israel.

Saudi Arabia, a pivotal U.S. ally in the Middle East, said it would not establish ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state, contradicting Trump's claim that Riyadh was not demanding a Palestinian homeland.

Trump would like Saudi Arabia to follow in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates, a Middle East trade and business hub, and Bahrain, both of which signed the Abraham Accords in 2020 and normalised ties with Israel.

But on Wednesday, the kingdom's foreign ministry said Saudi Arabia rejected any attempts to remove Palestinians from their land and said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had affirmed this position in "a clear and explicit manner."

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

US defense companies making huge profits on Ukraine – Zelensky

The Ukraine conflict has been a bonanza for the US defense-industrial complex, which has benefited from massive contracts for weapons meant to supply Kiev and replenish domestic stockpiles, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has said.

In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan on Tuesday, Zelensky argued that a significant portion of the billions the US has allocated to Ukraine has in fact circulated back to boost US domestic arms production.

“Part of the money that people in the US talk about was actually financing production in the US,” the Ukrainian leader said. “The companies that were producing weapons [for Kiev] received this money… American companies now have contracts for these arms at the highest prices in the last 50 years because there is such huge demand due to the Russian offensive.”

A significant part of the funding went to “specific companies, specific plants, making profits for specific people. It went toward the salaries of US citizens working in those companies,” he added.

According to Zelensky, the campaign to support Ukraine has also helped the US renew its arsenal, as Washington has in many cases supplied Kiev with relatively obsolete weapons produced in the 1970s and 1980s. He added, however, that Ukraine is grateful for the help, despite earlier criticizing the West for delays and the amount of weaponry being sent.

On top of this, Zelensky argued, “the US received from Ukraine the experience of modern, large-scale land warfare. Americans and Europeans – but Americans in the first place – have all the information… on what in American weapons works and what does not.”

Russia has condemned Western military support for Ukraine, arguing that it only prolongs the conflict and has led to NATO’s direct involvement in the hostilities, resulting in escalating tensions.

In September, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that while the US is profiting from the Ukraine conflict, there are significant long-term consequences. “The path of total militarization of any economy is ultimately a dead end,”Zakharova said, adding that a post-conflict transition from a militarized economy to peacetime production is extremely difficult.

“Under these conditions, the American military-industrial complex will inevitably resort to a tried and tested method: It will try to ignite a new armed conflict under any pretext,” she warned.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine's Zelenskiy: U.S. military aid not cut, no talks on new packages yet

Ukraine continues to receive military aid from the U.S., but there's no discussion currently about any prospective packages, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday.

"There's no reduction in U.S. support today. It is not stopped, it continues," he told reporters in Kyiv after a meeting with British foreign minister David Lammy.

Washington has been one of the biggest suppliers of military aid to Kyiv since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion almost three years ago.

But re-elected President Donald Trump has regularly criticised the extent of U.S. help provided to Kyiv. Reuters sources said that U.S. shipments of weapons into Ukraine were briefly paused recently before resuming over the last weekend.

Zelenskiy said it was "too early" for discussion on new batches of military assistance to take place.

Asked about Ukraine's ability to fight without American aid, Zelenskiy said cutting supplies would hit hard on the country's defence capabilities.

"We will be weaker, and whether we would hold (the land) - I'm not sure," he added.

RT/Reuters