Category: Refined Living

US President Donald Trump is set to present his newly created “Board of Peace” and meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, reinforcing his self-styled image as a global peacemaker. This comes a day after he eased tensions by withdrawing earlier threats over Greenland. On Wednesday, Trump announced he would abandon proposed tariffs on Europe and rule out the use of military force to take Greenland from Denmark, moves that helped calm a dispute that had unsettled the gathering of world leaders and business elites. During his second day in the Swiss resort, Trump plans to promote the “Board of Peace,” a controversial initiative aimed at resolving international conflicts, with a formal signing of its charter. The body reportedly requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership, and Trump has invited leaders such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban to participate. Calling it “the greatest board ever formed,” Trump made the remarks while meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, one of the leaders who has agreed to join. The board’s launch follows Trump’s long-standing frustration at not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having ended multiple conflicts. Although initially conceived to oversee post-war reconstruction in Gaza, the board’s mandate extends beyond the territory, raising concerns among some countries that it could rival the United Nations. Allies such as France and Britain have voiced doubts, while several Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have signaled support. According to a senior administration official, about 35 leaders have committed so far from roughly 50 invitations issued. Trump also said Putin had agreed to join, though the Kremlin has indicated it is still reviewing the proposal. Putin’s possible inclusion has heightened unease among US allies, particularly Ukraine, which remains locked in a nearly four-year conflict with Russia. Trump said he would meet Zelensky after the Board of Peace session as negotiations toward a ceasefire continue. Speaking in Davos, Trump argued that both Russia and Ukraine would be “stupid” not to reach an agreement, reiterating his belief that a deal is within reach, even as he alternates between blaming both sides for the lack of progress. He has consistently maintained that Europe and NATO should shoulder more responsibility for supporting Kyiv. Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel from Davos to Moscow alongside Jared Kushner for talks with Putin. Zelensky has expressed concern that Trump’s earlier Greenland ambitions could distract from Ukraine’s war effort. Late Wednesday, Trump said he had reached a “framework of a future deal” following talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, prompting him to suspend tariffs that were due to affect European allies from February 1. Rutte described the meeting as productive, though he noted that significant work remains regarding Greenland, which Trump argues is strategically vital for US and NATO security amid competition with Russia and China.

Major listed brewers in Nigeria earned a combined revenue of over N1.54 trillion from beer and other non-alcoholic beverages in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting the estimated spending of Nigerians on brewery products during this period, according to an analysis of company financial reports. Unaudited statements for Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, show strong top-line growth, driven largely by beer sales. Nigerian Breweries Plc, the country’s largest brewer, posted net revenue of N1.05 trillion, up from N710.87 billion in the same period of 2024. With a cost of sales of N631.23 billion, the company recorded a gross profit of N415.15 billion. After accounting for selling and distribution expenses of N193.85 billion, administrative expenses of N59.58 billion, finance costs of N39.15 billion, and other charges, Nigerian Breweries reported a profit after tax of N85.51 billion, reversing a loss of N149.50 billion in 2024. Basic earnings per share rose to 275 kobo from a loss of 1,455 kobo in the previous year. In March, Nigerian Breweries had reported a 186% increase in net profit for Q1 2025, with revenue rising to N383.6 billion from N227.1 billion in Q1 2024. International Breweries Plc, operating in Nigeria and other West African markets, generated N472.57 billion in revenue for the nine months, up from N343.45 billion in the same period of 2024. The company posted a profit after tax of N57.83 billion, reversing a loss of N112.81 billion in 2024. Cost of sales increased to N311.64 billion, while administrative, marketing, and distribution expenses rose to N92.09 billion from N72.68 billion. Earlier, International Breweries had reported a Q2 2025 profit of N11.9 billion, up from a loss of N47.3 billion in Q2 2024, with revenue increasing to N167.4 billion from N120 billion. Champion Breweries Plc recorded revenue of N21.44 billion for the nine-month period, up from N14.02 billion in 2024, and posted a profit after tax of N2.05 billion, compared with N21.50 million the previous year. Cost of sales rose to N11.14 billion, while selling and distribution expenses increased to N4.24 billion from N3.25 billion. Together, the three companies generated total revenue of N1.54 trillion, with Nigerian Breweries accounting for the largest share. Analysts note that these figures highlight the resilience of Nigeria’s beer market, which continues to benefit from strong brand loyalty and extensive distribution networks despite rising production costs and economic pressures. Ayokunle Olubunmi, Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co., said consumer spending patterns are gradually shifting, with some Nigerians reducing beer consumption, prompting breweries to adjust strategies. He added that following AB InBev’s acquisition of International Breweries, the company invested in new breweries and production facilities to expand capacity, prioritising operational efficiency to meet demand. Ayo Teriba, CEO of Economic Associates, cautioned that high sales do not necessarily equate to greater economic contribution. “Sales figures may be large, but what matters is the net value added to the economy. GDP reflects value created, not just total revenue,” he said.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, has provided cash, food items, and household essentials to 300 widows and elderly women in Ifedore Local Government Area. The distribution took place on Tuesday at Igbara-Oke, the council headquarters, as part of the 2026 edition of Osamaye’s personal empowerment programme, Give Back A Portion. Speaking to the beneficiaries, the commissioner said the outreach, which began as a family initiative, has been running for over 10 years and has empowered hundreds of people. She noted that this year’s edition is the seventh specifically targeting widows and vulnerable women in Ifedore. Osamaye assured that the programme will continue to expand and impact more lives in future editions. “No fewer than 300 widows and elderly women from Ijare, Igbara-Oke, and Ilara-Mokin communities have received food packs and cash support,” she said. “This initiative stems from my passion to give back to society and support women facing economic and social challenges. I am grateful to God and to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing the platform to serve humanity. By God’s grace, this programme will keep growing and reach more vulnerable women across our communities.” The commissioner also expressed appreciation to the governor for creating a supportive working environment, which she said has enabled her to extend assistance to more people. She added that the current administration remains committed to the social welfare of residents. In his remarks, Pastor Gideon Adegboye urged the beneficiaries to stay hopeful and remain thankful to God despite life’s challenges.

Human resource professionals and health experts are set to gather in Lagos on Thursday for a one-day conference on Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), focusing on workplace wellness, employee wellbeing, and staff welfare. The event is being organised by Chevron Nigeria Limited in partnership with Sages and Scribes Consultants. Organisers said the conference will explore how EAPs can be used to enhance employee wellbeing and boost productivity in modern workplaces. A statement released on Tuesday noted that the mini-conference will bring together HR professionals, workplace counsellors, and wellness specialists to examine the role of EAPs in promoting employee health, welfare, and overall workplace satisfaction. Dr. Laila St Matthew Daniels, a psychologist, executive coach, and workplace counsellor, is expected to deliver the keynote address titled “The EAP Ecosystem: The Values and Benefits.” Speaking ahead of the event, the Managing Director of Sages and Scribes Consultants, Venerable Adelowo Adesina, described EAPs as essential tools for improving employee performance and organisational productivity. “Employee assistance is about employees’ wellness, wellbeing, and welfare. At its core, EAPs enhance wellness to drive productivity and performance,” he said. “This conference will explore the full EAP ecosystem, including prevention, early intervention, counselling, crisis response, and integration with organisational policies.” Adesina added that the conference will expose participants to best practices for implementing EAPs to achieve measurable outcomes, highlighting benefits for employees, employers, and the wider community. Participation is free, and the programme will be held in both physical and virtual formats. “We encourage HR professionals, EAP practitioners, workplace counsellors, wellness specialists, occupational health workers, and anyone interested in employee wellbeing to register online,” he said. The conference will feature expert presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and stakeholder sessions designed to translate EAP concepts into actionable strategies. Key focus areas include demonstrating the business case for EAPs through improved productivity and reduced absenteeism; maintaining clinical and ethical standards; integrating EAPs with HR strategy and company culture; leveraging digital tools and tele-counselling; crisis preparedness; and case studies from local and international organisations. A stakeholders’ meeting will also be held to discuss ways to advance EAP practice, workplace wellness, employee wellbeing, and staff welfare across Nigeria.

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has begun training 100 Ogoni youths in mechatronics to provide alternative livelihoods, in line with the United Nations Environment Programme’s report on Ogoniland. HYPREP said the initiative aims to equip youths with high-demand technical skills, particularly in the oil and gas sector, ahead of the planned resumption of oil exploration in the region. Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey shared this on Tuesday during the orientation and flag-off ceremony at the Onshore and Offshore Institute, Department of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt. Represented by the Director of Technical Services, Prof. Damian Paul-Aguinyi, Zabbey explained that the training is part of HYPREP’s commitment to move Ogoni youths from basic skills acquisition to advanced, industry-relevant competencies. “We promised to transition from low-level to high-end skills for our people, and we are delivering on that promise,” he said. “The world is moving toward innovation, technology, digital profiling, and leadership. This programme ensures our people receive top-quality training through a carefully selected contractor in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt.” Zabbey emphasised that the programme combines academic instruction with hands-on industry exposure and encouraged participants to fully engage with the opportunity. “This is the perfect time to gain industry-specific skills aligned with the renewed oil and gas activities in Ogoniland under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Opportunities will arise, but your dedication to learning and practical sessions is key,” he said. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, praised President Tinubu for supporting HYPREP and ensuring tangible benefits for Ogoni communities, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole. He urged trainees to leverage the programme to strengthen their technical capabilities and prepare for future opportunities. “This training is a strategic investment in both your future and the sustainable development of Ogoniland. Mechatronics is at the forefront of modern engineering and manufacturing, providing skills that are globally relevant and economically empowering,” Georgewill said. He encouraged the youths to approach the programme with discipline, seriousness, and curiosity. The training facilitator, Mr. Makozi Samuel, Managing Director of Competent Samco Technical Nigeria Limited, said the four-week programme combines theory and practical sessions. Trainees will spend two weeks in classroom and laboratory learning before moving to the company’s facility at the Trans Amadi Industrial Layout for hands-on industrial exposure. Samuel noted that the programme is designed to enhance the youths’ ability to develop creative solutions for engineering challenges, manage team projects in a digital oil and gas environment, and adhere to safety, environmental, and ethical standards. “The industrial exposure bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, improving operational efficiency and preparing you for future roles in the sector,” he said.

A human rights group, Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy (ARRA), has sounded the alarm over the alleged enslavement of Nigerians in human trafficking and cyber-scam camps in Myanmar, urging the Federal Government to intervene and bring the victims home. In a statement on Tuesday, signed by ARRA’s founder and Executive Director, Dr. Okey James Ezugwu, a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, the organisation said hundreds of Nigerians are being held in captivity in volatile regions of Myanmar, including Myawaddy, after being lured abroad with promises of well-paying white-collar jobs. “We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of desperate jobseekers, including Nigerian citizens, who have fallen prey to transnational human trafficking syndicates operating across Southeast Asia,” the group said. According to ARRA, the victims were recruited under the pretext of legitimate employment in ICT, customer service, and related sectors but were trafficked into Myanmar, where they are forced to work in cyber-scam compounds under inhumane conditions. “Upon arrival, their passports are confiscated, their movements restricted, and they are subjected to threats, coercion, physical abuse, and forced labour, often under armed surveillance,” the organisation said. ARRA added that victims who fail to meet strict work quotas face severe punishment. “Those who resist or cannot meet targets are brutalised, detained, or handed over to local authorities, leading to imprisonment under harsh and degrading conditions,” it stated. The group cited a voice note from a stranded Nigerian in Myanmar: “We were promised real jobs, but it was all a lie. When we got here, they seized our documents and told us we must work for them. There is no freedom here.” The victim noted that several Nigerians are currently imprisoned. “Some are in detention because their visas expired after traffickers abandoned them. Others are in hiding. We have no jobs, no money, and no way to return home,” he said. ARRA highlighted that many victims are surviving through charity. “With no access to consular protection, some Nigerians rely on churches and sympathetic locals just to eat and stay alive,” the statement read. The organisation described the situation as critical, with victims trapped in a country facing political instability and armed conflict. “They live in constant fear of arrest, abuse, and death. They cannot move freely, work legally, or return home,” ARRA said. The group called on the Federal Government to act immediately. “We demand the activation of diplomatic channels to identify, secure, and evacuate all stranded and detained Nigerians in Myanmar,” it stated. ARRA also urged the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to coordinate a comprehensive rescue, documentation, and repatriation effort in partnership with Nigerian missions, neighbouring countries, and international organisations. ARRA appealed to international bodies, including the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to intervene. Beyond rescue, the organisation called for accountability: “Trafficking networks, recruiters, and collaborators, both within and outside Nigeria, must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.” Warning of the urgency, ARRA said, “These are not statistics; they are Nigerian sons and daughters whose only mistake was seeking a better life. Every day of delay puts more lives at risk.”

After decades of neglect and unsuccessful attempts at repair, the Federal Government has set April 28 as the completion date for major sections of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, expressing satisfaction with the progress and quality of work carried out by MTN Nigeria and its subcontractors. Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the announcement on Saturday after inspecting the project, describing the highway as one of the most challenging roads in the South-East and a long-standing symbol of infrastructure neglect. “We inherited a very problematic road, but under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the South-East, this prolonged neglect is finally being addressed. Previous administrations—eight governments in total—never undertook meaningful work on this road,” Umahi said. The 107-kilometre expressway, connecting Enugu and Anambra states, is being rebuilt under the Federal Government’s tax-credit scheme, with MTN Nigeria initially awarded the full project at a cost of N202 billion. Umahi noted that MTN had already completed work valued at approximately N50 billion before economic changes, including the naira’s float and subsidy removal, required adjustments to the project plan. The minister explained that MTN is executing the project in collaboration with subcontractors Nigercat and RCC, while SKC is handling specific sections. “We are satisfied with their work. Where there are issues, they have been identified, and corrections will be made,” Umahi said. Currently, around 72 kilometres of the road are under construction across four sections. Two sections—15 kilometres and 18 kilometres—are being built with reinforced concrete, while the remaining stretches will be paved with asphalt. “I want to announce that within the next two weeks, the 15-kilometre carriageway will be completed, leaving only the shoulders,” he added. Umahi also revealed that the Federal Government is considering awarding SKC a separate contract to install solar streetlights along the entire 107-kilometre corridor, except in areas already covered by the Anambra State Government. “That project will be remarkable, and all credit goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the people of the South-East,” the minister said. He expressed confidence that the rehabilitation of the expressway will permanently end the hardship that motorists and residents have faced for years.

The traditional ruler of Oriendu Autonomous Community in Ohuhu clan, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Phillip Ajomiwe, has urged the Abia State Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of Oriendu Community Primary School, Ubaha, warning that its current condition undermines quality education in the rural area. Speaking at his palace in Ubaha during the annual Iri Egwu/Igba Ekpe festival, the monarch said the school, established in the 1940s, has fallen into disrepair, with crumbling classrooms and a lack of basic facilities, including sanitation. He noted that the school’s poor state has persisted for decades, despite its critical role in the educational development of the community. Eze Ajomiwe recalled that the last major intervention occurred during the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji and expressed disappointment that a planned junior secondary school for the community was never realised, leaving many pupils without access to local secondary education. “I recognise the ongoing reforms under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, and I am confident the government will include the rehabilitation of the primary school and the revival of the long-delayed junior secondary school project in its development agenda,” he said. “Such intervention would improve learning conditions, reduce school dropouts, and support human capital development in the area.” The monarch also called attention to other infrastructural needs, including the community’s main market, a key commercial hub for neighbouring areas. He urged government support to upgrade the market and improve sanitation and safety for traders and visitors. In the health sector, Eze Ajomiwe appealed for the equipping of the community health centre, stressing that accessible and functional healthcare is vital for rural populations, particularly women, children, and the elderly. Describing Oriendu as an agrarian community that serves as a gateway between Abia and Imo states, he further called for enhanced security patrols and surveillance around border areas to protect farmers, traders, and residents. Beyond infrastructure, the monarch highlighted the cultural significance of the Ekpe festival in Igbo land, noting its role in promoting discipline, unity, and shared values. He emphasised the importance of preserving cultural practices and connecting younger generations with their heritage. Eze Ajomiwe added that Abia State could generate revenue through properly developed cultural and recreational activities.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 25 to deliver a ruling on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking the final forfeiture of $13 million allegedly linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, a firm associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter for ruling after the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions and EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alongside counsel to Oceangate, Darlington Ozurumba, adopted their written submissions and presented arguments for and against the application. The EFCC is asking the court to permanently forfeit the funds to the Federal Government, alleging that the money represents proceeds of unlawful activity. The court had earlier, on August 22, 2025, granted an ex parte application for the interim forfeiture of the $13 million and directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to show cause within 14 days. In an affidavit supporting the application, an EFCC investigator, Usman Aliyu, said the commission acted on intelligence suggesting that Oceangate used suspected illicit funds to acquire oil blocks from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. He stated that the company, incorporated in 2005, participated in the 2024 oil licensing round for Deep Offshore PPL 302 and Shallow Water PPL 3007 and emerged as a successful bidder. According to Aliyu, Oceangate’s total financial obligation to the Federal Government before the issuance of the licences stood at over $37 million. He said the company made several dollar payments through its Zenith Bank account, while Providus Bank later transferred $7 million to the government on its behalf in March 2025. Investigations allegedly showed that between March 20 and April 3, 2025, the company paid a total of $20 million for the two oil blocks. The investigator alleged that to meet signature bonus requirements, Oceangate conspired with unlicensed Bureau de Change operators and some bank officials to retain and transfer $13 million suspected to be illicit. He claimed that cash payments were collected in Abuja and Lagos without passing through financial institutions and were later used to meet payment obligations. Aliyu further alleged that funds traced to Lagos State contractors were channelled through bank accounts linked to Ashrab Energy, converted to dollars, and transferred to Oceangate. He maintained that the $13 million did not arise from any legitimate business activity of the company but was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful conduct. Oceangate opposed the application in an affidavit sworn to by one of its directors, Iliya Wakil, who urged the court to vacate the interim forfeiture order. Wakil argued that the funds were derived from legitimate earnings and personal gifts to the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aisha Achimugu, and denied any conspiracy with unlicensed BDC operators. He maintained that Suleiman Muhammed Chiroma was a licensed BDC operator lawfully engaged by the company and denied any business relationship with Ashrab Energy, Tripple A & Tee Oil Nigeria Limited, or their representatives. In its response, the EFCC urged the court to dismiss Oceangate’s application, describing Wakil as a nominal director acting on Achimugu’s instructions. The commission alleged that Wakil drew his salary from another company owned by Achimugu and described Oceangate as a shell entity created to hold petroleum assets allegedly acquired with illicit funds. The EFCC also questioned the credibility of the audit report relied upon by Oceangate, claiming the auditor admitted he did not review the company’s bank statements. The investigator further alleged that Achimugu exercised significant control over the company and that Oceangate had not executed any contracts in either the public or private sector. Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 25 for ruling.

The Lagos State Government has stepped up efforts to strengthen the regulation of water production and distribution, warning that unsafe water practices are increasingly endangering public health and the environment across the state. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Oluwabukola Adeyemo, gave the warning during a one-day community sensitisation and stakeholder engagement on water services held in Epe. Adeyemo said the initiative was aimed at addressing the risks associated with untreated water, indiscriminate borehole drilling, and poor hygiene practices, stressing that effective regulation and stakeholder cooperation are essential in a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos. She described the programme as a collaborative platform intended to build partnerships, improve understanding, and encourage responsible practices throughout the water value chain. Adeyemo explained that although Lagos is surrounded by water, most available sources are not safe for consumption without proper treatment due to salinity, contamination, and the presence of heavy metals. She noted that the growing dependence on poorly located boreholes has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases. “Water is life, but unsafe water is a silent danger,” she said, adding that the appearance of water does not determine its safety. According to her, poor handling and inadequate treatment expose residents to illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea. She added that access to safe water would not only safeguard public health but also ease pressure on already overstretched healthcare facilities, noting that Lagos residents require an estimated 135 litres of water per person daily. Beyond health risks, Adeyemo warned of the environmental impact of unregulated groundwater extraction, including land subsidence, increased flooding, and damage to roads and buildings. She cautioned that once aquifers are compromised, they are difficult to restore. She explained that the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission oversees the activities of borehole drillers, sachet and bottled water producers, tanker operators, and other water service providers to ensure public safety, urging stakeholders to treat compliance and quality standards as a responsibility rather than an option. Adeyemo also noted that the state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, is expanding access to pipe-borne water through the rehabilitation and expansion of waterworks across Lagos.