Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

Ecuadorian and US forces have launched coordinated operations in Ecuador targeting groups involved in drug trafficking and related criminal activities, the US Southern Command announced on Tuesday. The operation is part of efforts to combat illicit drug flows, with details of the missions not immediately disclosed. The move comes after Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa said the US and other regional partners are participating in a “new phase” of the country’s campaign against drug cartels. Noboa noted that Ecuador’s major ports handle roughly 70% of the world’s cocaine shipments, making the country a key hub for trafficking networks. The operations follow discussions in Quito between Noboa and senior US military officials on improving information sharing and coordination at airports and seaports. The US Southern Command said the collaboration is aimed at confronting narco-terrorist groups that have long contributed to violence and corruption across the region This initiative also follows a temporary US deployment to the former base in Manta earlier this year, as part of broader efforts to tackle organized crime and reduce drug trafficking in the region.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has firmly responded to US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut trade with Spain, reiterating his opposition to war and his commitment to upholding international law. In a 10-minute televised address, Sánchez referenced conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and the 2003 Iraq War, summarising Spain’s stance as “no to war.” Trump had threatened a full trade embargo after Spain refused to allow the US to use jointly-run bases at Morón and Rota for potential strikes on Iran. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump described Spain as “terrible” and said, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” Merz later clarified that a separate trade agreement with Germany or the rest of Europe could not exclude Spain. Trump has also criticised Spain for not meeting NATO defence spending targets and labelled it a “poor partner.” Earlier this year, Sánchez had drawn Trump’s ire by opposing the US military presence in Venezuela. From his residence at La Moncloa in Madrid on Wednesday, Sánchez said the government was reviewing measures to mitigate the economic impact of global conflicts on Spanish citizens, without directly referencing Trump’s trade threat. “The question is not if we are on the side of the ayatollahs nobody is. The question is whether we are in favour of peace and international legality,” he said. Sánchez emphasised that Spain’s position on Iran aligns with its approach to Ukraine and Gaza. He has openly criticised Israel’s response to Hamas attacks in 2023 and has described the situation in Gaza as “genocide,” recognising Palestinian statehood ahead of many EU members. Looking back at the 2003 Iraq invasion, Sánchez warned that strikes on Iran could have similarly serious economic consequences. He recalled the “Azores trio” George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and Spain’s José María Aznar whose pre-Iraq summit he said left Europe in a “more insecure world and worse life.” Unlike other NATO allies such as the UK, France, and Greece, Spain has not committed to military action in response to the conflict in Iran. Sánchez stressed that Spain supports countries that have been “illegally attacked by the Iranian regime.” Domestically, Sánchez faces political pressure from a fragmented coalition and allegations of corruption within his party, but standing up to the US president may bolster his public support. A recent CIS poll found that 77% of Spaniards hold a “bad” or “very bad” opinion of Trump, suggesting broad backing for Sánchez’s position, even among some right-wing voters. Despite this, uncertainty remains over whether Trump will follow through on economic threats, leaving Spaniards watching developments with concern.

France will convene a meeting of G7 finance ministers and central bank governors to address the Middle East crisis, Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure announced on Wednesday. Speaking to Franceinfo radio, Lescure said he had discussed the initiative with several counterparts, including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and that they agreed to hold the meeting early next week. He explained that the delay would allow time to observe how the conflict and financial markets evolve. The gathering will bring together finance ministers and central bank governors for what he described as an exchange of views. France currently holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven, whose members are Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The first finance ministers’ meeting under France’s presidency took place on January 27. According to Lescure, the upcoming talks will focus on assessing developments on the ground, including feedback from businesses and economists across affected regions. The aim is to evaluate the broader situation and determine whether coordinated action may be required. He emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that although the conflict is geographically contained, it carries global economic implications. Recent hostilities in the Middle East have unsettled financial markets, triggering notable declines across major indices. Since the start of the week, France’s CAC 40 has dropped by more than five percent, Germany’s DAX has fallen by nearly six percent, and London’s FTSE 100 has shed close to four percent. Investor concerns have centred on rising energy prices and potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed control of the waterway, warning that vessels could face risks, while US President Donald Trump stated that the US Navy stood ready to escort tankers through the passage. French authorities are closely monitoring the potential impact on domestic fuel prices. Junior Energy Minister and government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said a modest short-term rise of a few centimes was expected, though she stressed there was no threat to fuel supplies due to existing reserves and diversified import sources. When asked about possible government measures to cushion any price increases, Bregeon said it was premature to discuss such steps, adding that priority should be given to restoring secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Lescure added that checks would be carried out to ensure that any increases in fuel prices remain justified and proportionate.

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended nine students over alleged examination malpractice and forgery of academic results. The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Chukwuka Icha, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Icha explained that the disciplinary action was approved during the university’s 252nd Senate meeting after the consideration of reports submitted by the Ad-Hoc Senate Committee on Examination Malpractice and the Senate Students’ Disciplinary Committee. He stated that five of the affected students were found guilty of examination malpractice, while four others were discovered to have submitted forged results to the university. “After reviewing the reports and recommendations of the committees, the management resolved that the affected students should be suspended for two academic sessions, and the suspension will take effect from the 2024/2025 academic year,” Icha said. Those suspended for examination malpractice are Akwuba Enestina (300 Level, Pharmacy), Udom Iboro (300 Level, Pharmacy), Nwankwo Daniel (200 Level, Pharmacy), Ore Israel (500 Level, Pharmacy), and Chisom Ejafa (500 Level, Pharmacy). The other students sanctioned include Lazarus Ebogo (Home Economics), Ele Godwin (Zoology), Ofem Patrick (Science Laboratory Technology), and Makailu Pamilo (Linguistics and Communication Studies). The university directed heads of departments, deans of the affected faculties, and the Acting Chief Security Officer to ensure strict compliance with the suspension order. Meanwhile, University of Abuja recently approved the expulsion of 28 students over various offences. In a statement issued on February 22, the institution said the students were found guilty of serious misconduct, including assault, conspiracy, burglary, theft, falsification of O’Level results uploaded on the university portal for admission, as well as possession and use of hard drugs. (NAN)

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has raised alarm over a surge in impersonation and fraudulent schemes involving individuals falsely posing as representatives of the company, its executives, and members of the Dangote family. In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the company said it had observed a growing number of cases where scammers claim to act on behalf of the organisation, its leadership, and the Dangote family. According to the statement, the impostors are using fake investment opportunities, business proposals, charity requests, employment offers, and other deceptive tactics to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. “For the avoidance of doubt, neither Dangote Industries Limited nor its Group President, Aliko Dangote, nor any executive including the Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations (Oil & Gas), nor members of the Dangote family Fatima Aliko Dangote, Mariya Aliko Dangote, and Halima Aliko Dangote solicit funds, investments, contracts, or personal information via WhatsApp, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform,” the statement read. The company further clarified that its executives do not maintain Facebook or TikTok accounts and never initiate direct contact with private individuals on social media for financial transactions, business dealings, or personal requests. DIL urged members of the public to ignore unsolicited messages, calls, or social media accounts claiming to be affiliated with the company or its executives. It stressed that all official communications are issued strictly through verified corporate channels and recognised media platforms. The conglomerate also assured Nigerians that it is collaborating with security and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the fraudulent activities. “Dangote Industries Limited remains committed to protecting its brand integrity and the safety of Nigerians,” the statement added. The company advised anyone who receives suspicious communications to promptly report the matter to the appropriate authorities.

China on Monday urged a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations to bring an end to the Middle East conflict, which has now entered its third day. “The most urgent task is to halt military operations and prevent the conflict from spreading,” said Mao Ning at a news briefing, emphasizing the need for a “resolution through dialogue and negotiation.” She also confirmed that one Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran, where Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted the country in an operation that resulted in the death of the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader.

Oil and gas prices surged while stock markets declined across Asia on Monday after U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran heightened fears of a prolonged conflict in the energy-rich Middle East. Benchmark crude prices jumped sharply at the start of trading, with Brent crude briefly rising nearly 14 per cent and West Texas Intermediate gaining close to 12 per cent. The surge followed strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Market anxiety was further fuelled by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that carries about 20 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil. The strait was effectively rendered inaccessible, with reports of multiple vessels coming under attack, intensifying concerns over global energy supply. Asian equity markets fell broadly, with sharp losses recorded in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangkok, Wellington and Taipei. U.S. futures dropped more than one per cent, while Shanghai bucked the trend with modest gains and Sydney traded flat. European markets also opened lower, with London down one per cent and Frankfurt and Paris shedding more than two per cent each. Airline stocks were among the hardest hit as carriers cancelled flights to the region. Shares in Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Singapore Airlines fell sharply, while Japan’s ANA and JAL declined by more than five per cent. In contrast, energy stocks rallied strongly. Shares of Australia’s Woodside Energy and Santos climbed more than six per cent, while PetroChina advanced in Hong Kong and Japan’s Inpex posted solid gains. Safe-haven assets benefited from the turmoil, with gold rising about two per cent and the U.S. dollar strengthening. Although crude prices later eased from their intraday highs, they remained more than nine per cent higher, while European gas prices surged by over 20 per cent. Oil markets had already been on edge in recent days amid speculation that Donald Trump might authorize military action after talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme stalled. Analysts warned that sustained high oil prices could complicate global inflation dynamics. Saxo Markets strategist Charu Chanana said persistently elevated energy costs could slow progress on inflation and make central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, more cautious about cutting interest rates. Trump later urged Iranians to oppose their government and said the conflict could last several weeks. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, however, said the country would not enter negotiations with the United States and denied reports that talks had been sought. Meanwhile, Iran continued missile and drone operations in the Gulf, raising fears of a wider regional escalation. Israeli strikes were reported in Lebanon after Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in response to Khamenei’s death. Although Tehran has not formally closed the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned vessels against transiting the route. British maritime authorities said at least two ships were hit near the coasts of Oman and the UAE, while Iranian state television reported that an oil tanker had been struck and was sinking after attempting to pass through the strait. Energy analysts cautioned that shipping disruptions could push crude prices significantly higher. Amena Bakr of Kpler said insurance costs would likely become prohibitive, potentially driving oil prices toward $90 per barrel, with prices above $100 not ruled out if disruptions persist. Major shipping companies have already begun suspending transit through the strait. While oil-importing nations hold strategic reserves, analysts warned that prolonged disruption would overwhelm available. Gas prices also spiked, adding to economic pressure, as Qatar plays a key role in global liquefied natural gas supply. Economists warned that rising energy and transport costs could weigh heavily on global growth if the crisis drags on.

The founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche, and his wife, Becky Enenche, on Sunday donated a brand-new patrol vehicle to the Federal Road Safety Corps to support its operations. In a statement released on Monday, Enenche said the donation was aimed at strengthening road safety enforcement, particularly along the busy Abuja Airport Road corridor. The presentation took place at the church’s Abuja premises shortly after the service. The event also featured the decoration of the couple as Honorary Special Corps Marshals of the FRSC. Speaking during the handover, Enenche said the gesture reflected the ministry’s commitment to service. He explained that the goal was to support efforts that would help save lives and ease the operational burden on road safety personnel. He expressed concern over the recent rise in road traffic accidents, noting that the church decided to collaborate with the FRSC, the agency responsible for road safety, to help reduce preventable tragedies. “We believe that while prayer is important, action is also necessary. When there is a burden to serve God, it naturally extends to caring for humanity,” he said. In her remarks, Becky Enenche assured that the ministry would continue to support initiatives that promote public welfare, adding that the church has a long-standing tradition of outreach across various sectors within and outside Nigeria. Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the Corps Marshal, Assistant Corps Marshal Godwin Omiko, who represented Shehu Mohammed, described the donation as commendable and called on other Nigerians to support road safety efforts. He stressed that road safety is a collective responsibility and welcomed the partnership, while cautioning that the donation would not exempt anyone from compliance with traffic regulations. Also speaking, the Federal Capital Territory Sector Commander of the FRSC, Felix Theman, revealed that hundreds of lives were lost to road crashes nationwide between mid-December and mid-January, with significant fatalities recorded along the Airport Road. He said the patrol vehicle would enhance enforcement efforts and reaffirmed that the donation would not weaken but rather strengthen strict adherence to traffic laws. The National Coordinator of Special Marshals, Adaji Usman, noted that Enenche’s support for the corps spans more than three decades, dating back to the church’s early days in Area 1, Abuja. Similarly, the Lugbe Unit Commander, Muktar Garga, expressed appreciation, stating that the cleric fulfilled the promise of the vehicle within two weeks of a formal request.

Pope Leo XIV has urged countries involved in the escalating Middle East conflict to embrace dialogue and peace, following reported airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Speaking during his Angelus address on Sunday, the Pontiff expressed deep concern over the worsening situation, particularly developments affecting Iran. He emphasized that lasting stability cannot be achieved through threats or military action. “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats or weapons that bring destruction, suffering, and death, but through sincere, responsible, and meaningful dialogue,” he said. Warning Against Further Escalation The Pope cautioned that continued escalation could lead to devastating consequences and called on all parties to act responsibly to prevent the conflict from worsening. He appealed to leaders involved in the crisis to recognise their moral duty to halt the cycle of violence before it leads to irreversible tragedy. Call for Diplomacy and Peace Pope Leo XIV also called for diplomacy to take center stage in resolving the crisis, expressing hope that nations would prioritize peaceful coexistence built on justice. He urged continued prayers for peace, stressing the importance of diplomatic solutions over military confrontation. Background to the Crisis The appeal comes after reported joint airstrikes by Israel and the United States targeted Tehran and other locations in Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iranian forces against Israel and Gulf nations hosting American military bases. The situation has raised global concerns, with fears that further escalation could destabilize the region and impact international security.