Category: Refined Living

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the United States wants Russia and Ukraine to end the war by June, as Washington intensifies efforts to broker a settlement to the nearly four-year conflict. According to Zelensky, the administration of US President Donald Trump has been urging both Moscow and Kyiv to reach an agreement and recently mediated talks in Abu Dhabi. However, negotiations have stalled over key issues, particularly territorial control. Russia, which currently occupies about 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, is demanding full control of the eastern Donetsk region as part of any deal. Ukraine has rejected the demand, insisting it will not accept an agreement that fails to prevent future Russian aggression. Zelensky disclosed that the United States has, for the first time, proposed direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams on US soil, possibly in Miami, within the next week. “They say they want to do everything by June,” he told reporters in comments released early Saturday. The Ukrainian leader again voiced concern that Kyiv is being pressured to make greater concessions than Moscow. He warned that Ukraine would not accept any arrangement negotiated without its full participation, particularly on matters affecting its sovereignty. Zelensky also said there was no shared position on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian occupation since 2022, describing it as another major obstacle to reaching an agreement.

The Federal Government has approved an increase in the annual uniform allowance for nurses in its employment, raising it from N20,000 to N80,000. The approval was granted by the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission (NSIWC) and represents a 300 per cent increase from the previous allowance. The decision was contained in a memo sighted on Thursday. The memo, signed by the Chairman of the commission, Ekpo Nta, stated that the new allowance would take effect from January 1, 2026. It was addressed to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, with copies sent to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako. According to the memo, the N80,000 uniform allowance will apply to nurses in federal hospitals, medical centres and clinics across ministries, departments and agencies, and will be paid through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). As a result, the allowance will no longer be funded from overhead budgets. The review follows sustained agitation by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which in July 2025 described the N20,000 annual uniform allowance as grossly inadequate. The association also called for broader reforms, including the creation of a Directorate of Nursing Services at the Federal Ministry of Health to be headed by a registered nurse. The President of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, had criticised the earlier allowance, noting that it was introduced without consultation with the union despite its impact on a large segment of healthcare workers. On July 14, 2025, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a possible shutdown of healthcare services if its demands were not addressed. Among the demands were a review of shift and uniform allowances, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health. Union leaders said the N20,000 annual uniform budget per nurse was at the centre of the dispute, describing it as insulting. They also complained of long-standing shortages of essential tools and equipment, including gloves, which nurses were often forced to provide themselves.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said many Nigerian leaders are widely respected and honoured internationally but are frequently criticised, abused and undervalued by citizens at home, a situation she attributed to hate-fuelled narratives and political manipulation. Mrs Tinubu made the remarks in a Facebook post on Friday, days after US President Donald Trump publicly described her as a “very respected woman” during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. The annual event, attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders and international guests, saw Trump acknowledge the Nigerian First Lady while speaking on faith, leadership and global religious freedom. He praised her role as Nigeria’s First Lady and as an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the country’s largest Pentecostal denominations. “We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria,” Trump said. “A very respected woman… It’s a great honour.” Reacting to the recognition, Mrs Tinubu lamented what she described as a growing gap between the respect Nigerian leaders receive abroad and the hostility they face at home. She said many Nigerians have been influenced by persistent negative narratives driven by political interests, resulting in intolerance and public disdain for leaders. “Most of our leaders are highly respected and honoured abroad, yet many Nigerians fail to value what they have because of hatred and narratives planted by political paymasters,” she wrote. She also criticised the culture of ridicule and online abuse directed at public office holders, warning that such behaviour undermines national unity and national development. “They bully these leaders, speak ill of them, demean them, curse them, and seize upon their mistakes to drag them across social media, ridiculing and mocking them,” she added. The First Lady stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on unity, mutual respect and collective responsibility, urging citizens to support their leaders rather than tear them down. “Nigeria is built on love, unity and collective effort toward shared success. Let us support our respected leaders and work together to make our country great,” she said. Her comments come amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, following claims by Trump and some US lawmakers that Christians in the country face widespread violence. In late 2025, the United States designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians, a move strongly rejected by the Nigerian government. The Federal Government described the designation as inaccurate and divisive, insisting that Nigeria’s security problems stem from terrorism and criminality affecting citizens across religious and ethnic lines.

US President Donald Trump said talks between Washington and Tehran were “very good” following indirect negotiations held in Oman, with both sides signalling plans for further discussions next week. The talks, mediated by Oman in Muscat, marked the first dialogue between the two adversaries since the United States joined Israel’s conflict with Iran in June by striking Iranian nuclear sites. While US and Iranian delegations did not meet face-to-face, messages were exchanged through Omani officials. “We likewise had very good talks on Iran,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Florida. “We’re going to meet again early next week.” Iran also described the discussions as constructive, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying they took place in a “positive atmosphere” and focused exclusively on Tehran’s nuclear programme. He confirmed that both sides had agreed to continue negotiations and expressed hope that Washington would avoid “threats and pressure” going forward. Despite the diplomatic tone, Washington announced new sanctions shortly after the talks, targeting shipping entities and vessels linked to Iran’s oil exports. Trump also signed an executive order enabling tariffs on goods from countries doing business with Iran, a move that could affect trade with nations including China, Germany and the UAE. Trump warned that failure to reach a deal would carry “very steep” consequences, while Iran cautioned against renewed military threats. The US has positioned an aircraft carrier-led naval group in the region, and Iran has vowed retaliation if attacked. Multiple rounds of talks were held throughout the day, with delegations shuttling between locations hosted by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Regional and international actors, including Qatar and France, called for restraint and urged progress toward a comprehensive agreement to enhance regional stability. AFP

China’s President Xi Jinping has described Taiwan as “the most important issue” in China-US relations during a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Xi reportedly urged Trump to exercise caution when supplying weapons to the island, emphasising that he attached “great importance” to China-US ties and hoped both sides could find ways to resolve their differences. Trump described Wednesday’s call as “excellent” and “long and thorough.” The conversation follows a series of visits by Western leaders to China in recent months, aimed at resetting relations with the world’s second-largest economy. Trump is also scheduled to visit China in April, a trip he said he is “very much” looking forward to. He added that Beijing is considering purchasing 20 million tonnes of US soybeans, up from the current 12 million tonnes. “The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. In addition to Taiwan and soybeans, the two leaders discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in Iran, and China’s purchases of US oil and gas. On Taiwan, Xi reiterated that the self-governed island is “China’s territory” and said Beijing “must safeguard [Taiwan’s] sovereignty and territorial integrity.” “The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence,” he warned. China has long vowed to “reunify” with Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force. The US maintains formal diplomatic ties with Beijing but remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier. In December, the Trump administration announced an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, including advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and various missiles. China condemned the sale as supporting Taiwan’s independence, warning it could escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Xi told Trump, “Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other’s concerns.” Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, said Thursday that relations with the US remain “rock solid” and that all ongoing cooperation projects are continuing. Xi and Trump previously spoke in November, when the Chinese leader invited his US counterpart to visit. Relations between the countries have improved in recent months following last year’s tariff disputes and tensions over chips and rare earths. Although these issues remain points of contention, tensions eased after the leaders met in South Korea in October and agreed to de-escalate some tariffs and export controls. Negotiators also established frameworks for deals on US soybean exports to China and on TikTok, which was finalised last month. Hours before speaking with Trump, Xi held a virtual meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, in which both leaders praised growing China-Russia ties. Putin reportedly accepted Xi’s invitation to visit China in the first half of the year. Chinese state media framed Xi’s discussions with both leaders as a signal of China’s commitment to being a responsible and stabilising global power. A China Daily editorial said the calls demonstrate Beijing’s willingness to promote dialogue, coordination, and world peace at a time when “confrontation and unilateralism are on the rise.” “In doing so, China is showing other major players the importance of refocusing on dialogue and cooperation,” the editorial added.

Nigeria should leverage its cultural assets to enhance its global reputation, stimulate economic growth, and attract foreign investment. This was the call made by Olateju Philips, Chairman of LASACO Assurance Plc, during her keynote address at the inaugural Cultural Diplomacy Conference in Lagos. The event brought together traditional rulers, policymakers, senior government officials, business leaders, cultural practitioners, development partners, academics, and university students from across the country. Philips described culture as “reputation capital” that reduces investor risk, attracts tourism, and builds diplomatic trust. She emphasised that Nigeria’s music, film, fashion, and art sectors are more than entertainment—they serve as strategic ambassadors capable of projecting national creativity, standards, and economic opportunities to the world. She called for stronger national institutions, greater investment in cultural infrastructure, and robust protection of intellectual property, warning that Africa risks losing billions annually due to piracy and weak regulatory frameworks. Philips also noted that cultural diplomacy extends beyond soft power, advocating for collaboration between government, private sector players, and cultural stakeholders to unlock the full economic potential of the creative industries. Zainab Mohammed, convener of the conference, said the initiative aims to elevate Africa’s cultural voice on the global stage while developing a new generation of cultural diplomats. She revealed that selected students from participating universities would benefit from mentorship programmes, international exposure, and capacity-building workshops to help them tell African stories, shape global narratives, and represent the continent with professionalism and confidence. Dr Ebiekure Eradiri, President of the All-African Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, represented by Dr Anire Okogun, highlighted that Africa’s SMEs are the backbone of cultural trade, with entrepreneurs practising cultural diplomacy through cross-border commerce, innovation, fashion exports, digital content, and creative services. The Royal Father of the Day, Emperor J.D. Nkpe II, Paramount Ruler of Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State, stressed the ongoing relevance of traditional institutions in modern diplomacy. He noted that traditional rulers remain key custodians of African heritage, preserving values, mediating conflicts, and promoting unity in rapidly changing societies. Other notable attendees included Sinatu Ojikutu, Nigeria’s first elected female Deputy Governor, who urged political leaders to integrate cultural awareness into governance. Speakers such as Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in bridging nations, while Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, founder of the Nigeria Network of NGOs, discussed the impact of civil society in shaping cultural narratives. Mrs Yekeene-Ajani, President of Women in Fashion Tech, encouraged young people to view culture as a tool for entrepreneurship, innovation, and global relevance. The conference underscored the importance of culture as both an economic driver and a strategic asset for positioning Nigeria and Africa on the world stage.

The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) has warned the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) against interfering in what it described as a settled union jurisdiction dispute at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). In a statement on Sunday, its acting General Secretary, Akin Okudero, expressed concern over what the association called persistent and unlawful labour practices allegedly promoted by the NLC on behalf of its affiliate, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE). SSASCGOC explained that the dispute revolves around union jurisdiction at the ITF, which has been conclusively resolved by the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, most recently in July 2023. The Court of Appeal affirmed that officers at grade level 07 and above in statutory corporations and government-owned companies fall exclusively under SSASCGOC, while AUPCTRE’s jurisdiction is limited to junior staff at grade level 06 and below. The union said ITF management has complied with the court ruling by adopting a neutral position—neither coercing grade level 07 officers to join SSASCGOC nor remitting check-off dues for such officers to either union. The statement read in part: “SSASCGOC views with grave concern the disturbing, incessant, and unlawful labour practices being promoted by the Nigerian Labour Congress on behalf of its affiliate unions, particularly the current issue at ITF involving AUPCTRE. Our member organisation ITF, in compliance with the Court of Appeal Judgment of 2023, has chosen to remain neutral, not coercing any level 7 officer to join SSASCGOC while refraining from remitting check-off dues to either union, thereby respecting the court order. SSASCGOC’s operations are legally backed by its registration under the Trade Union Act of Nigeria.” The association commended ITF management for its responsible and law-abiding conduct, noting that check-off dues continue to be remitted to AUPCTRE for legitimate members at grade level 06 and below. It also criticised AUPCTRE for lobbying the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, insisting that only the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has statutory authority over union matters and that no ministry or department can review or overturn court judgments. The statement added: “We condemn the attempts by AUPCTRE to involve the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in a matter that falls solely under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. No ministry or department has the authority to review court rulings.” Responding to claims that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees an absolute right for workers to join any union, SSASCGOC noted that freedom of association is a qualified right, subject to existing labour laws and established union jurisdictions. The association urged the NLC to operate within constitutional and legal frameworks, warning against actions that could cause discord among labour centres or disrupt economic activities. It also called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to caution the NLC against threatening its member organisations over what it described as a “rested case” regarding the unionisation of senior staff in statutory corporations and government-owned companies. SSASCGOC expressed confidence that the matter will continue to be resolved in accordance with existing court judgments.

Bill Gates has expressed regret over “every minute” he spent with Jeffrey Epstein, even as his former wife, Melinda French Gates, said questions remain about his interactions with the convicted sex offender. Recently released US Justice Department documents included emails between Epstein and several prominent figures, revealing close ties, financial dealings, and private communications. One draft email from Epstein claimed Gates was involved in extramarital affairs, alleging that their interactions included “helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls, to facilitating his illicit trysts with married women.” “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize,” Gates told 9News Australia in an interview aired Wednesday. “That email was never sent. The email is false. I don’t know what his thinking was there—was he trying to attack me in some way?” A Gates spokesperson echoed this denial, stating that the documents merely show Epstein’s frustration over not maintaining a relationship with Gates and his attempts to entrap or defame him. Melinda French Gates told NPR that the release of the documents brought back “memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage.” She added, “Whatever questions remain… those questions are for those people and for my ex-husband to answer, not me.” The couple divorced in 2021. Gates explained that he first met Epstein in 2011 and attended several dinners with him over three years, but never visited Epstein’s Caribbean island nor engaged in any sexual activity. “The focus was always, he knew a lot of very rich people, and he was saying he could get them to give money to global health. In retrospect, that was a dead end,” he said. While the documents highlight Epstein’s connections to public figures, inclusion of someone’s name does not imply wrongdoing, though it has raised scrutiny over previously downplayed or denied ties.

The House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee investigating agricultural subsidies, intervention funds, aids, and grants from 2015 to 2025 has raised concerns over the continued failure of government agencies and financial institutions to respond to parliamentary invitations. During a hearing on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the committee expressed frustration over the repeated absence of several invited institutions, warning that non-compliance would no longer be tolerated. The committee directed NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, SunTrust Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and the National Bureau of Statistics to appear without fail, cautioning that further defiance would force the panel to invoke relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to ensure attendance. Chairman Jamo Aminu issued the directive following multiple absences despite repeated invitations. “It is disheartening that some agencies continue to ignore repeated summons from the House of Representatives, refusing to participate in this investigative process. On this basis, I am compelled to move a motion to compel NIRSAL MFB, the Central Bank of Nigeria, SunTrust Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and the National Bureau of Statistics to appear before this committee,” he said. The committee is reviewing the implementation of key agricultural intervention programmes, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Agribusiness/SME Investment Scheme, the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, and the Nigerian Electricity Stabilisation Fund. While condemning non-compliance, the panel also criticised the quality of submissions from Jaiz Bank, Unity Bank, and Access Bank, noting that their representatives failed to provide complete and satisfactory information. The committee has now ordered that the heads of all concerned institutions appear in person and submit detailed documentation in strict accordance with its guidelines. “This committee will not accept half-truths, cosmetic compliance, or administrative evasions,” Aminu warned, noting that misleading or falsified records would attract sanctions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Explaining the aim of the probe, Aminu said, “Our focus is not only on the amounts released but also on how funds were applied, who benefited, what was achieved, and the value delivered to Nigerians.” He added that the committee would conduct forensic reviews and on-site inspections of ministries, agencies, banks, and project sites to verify claims and confirm the actual impact of funded initiatives. Deputy Chairman Sunday Umeha emphasised the importance of the investigation, stating, “There can be no national security without food security. It is unacceptable that trillions of naira were allocated to agriculture with minimal impact on food security, rural livelihoods, and import dependence.” He urged all invited agencies to provide relevant documents to assist the committee, warning that defiance would carry legal consequences. “No institution is above the law. No agency is immune from oversight,” he added. The ad hoc committee was established amid growing public concern over the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of federally funded agricultural intervention programmes. Between 2015 and 2025, the Federal Government channelled significant funds through the Central Bank, deposit money banks, and development finance institutions to boost food production, support smallholder farmers, reduce import dependence, and stabilise the economy. However, rising food inflation, worsening food insecurity, and continued reliance on imports have raised questions about fund utilisation. The ongoing investigation aims to assess compliance with programme guidelines, track beneficiaries, evaluate project outcomes, and recommend sanctions or policy reforms where mismanagement, abuse, or inefficiency is identified.

Nigerian families will have the opportunity to meet representatives of leading United Kingdom boarding schools and gain detailed insights into academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and student opportunities. As part of this initiative, top British boarding schools will visit Abuja and Lagos in March for UK Boarding Schools Week 2026, allowing parents and students to engage directly with school leaders and learn more about the educational pathways and experiences available in the UK. The exhibitions are organised by Mark Brooks Education, led by its founder, Mark Brooks, a UK Department for Business and Trade Export Champion who has been advising Nigerian families on British education for more than 17 years. In a press release issued on Wednesday, Brooks explained that the programme gives parents and students the chance to meet school heads, explore academic options, and gain firsthand knowledge of British boarding education. He noted that attending families would interact directly with schools known for strong academic performance, robust pastoral support, and diverse co-curricular programmes within inclusive international communities. Brooks added that the events offer Nigerian families a valuable opportunity to understand how a UK boarding education promotes well-rounded development, preparing students academically, socially, and personally, while opening doors to leading universities, global connections, and long-term personal growth. Confirmed participating schools include Bromsgrove School, Canford School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Dean Close School, Downside School, Lancing College, Milton Abbey School, Stamford School, and Wellington School. School leaders also highlighted the long-standing ties between UK boarding schools and Nigerian families. Alex Battison, Head of Wellington School in Somerset, said the school has a proud history of welcoming Nigerian families and places strong emphasis on supporting each student to reach their full potential. Michael Punt, Head of Bromsgrove School, noted that the school appeals to West African students due to its wide range of opportunities, combining high-quality teaching and strong examination results with sports, music, drama, outdoor activities, and other enrichment programmes. Henrietta Lightwood, Global Director at Cardiff Sixth Form College, pointed to the strong academic drive of Nigerian students and their families, noting that outstanding results and access to top universities are key attractions for many. Attendance at the exhibitions is free, though advance registration is advised. The Abuja event will hold at the Transcorp Hilton on Wednesday, March 4, while the Lagos exhibition is scheduled for The George Hotel, Ikoyi, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Some schools will also offer pre-booked meetings and a smaller follow-up exhibition on Sunday, March 8. The public exhibitions are part of a broader week-long programme featuring school visits, student presentations, leadership workshops, and parent receptions in both cities. Recent figures indicate that over 1,500 Nigerian students were enrolled in preparatory, senior, and sixth-form schools across the UK in 2024.