Mourinho given four-match ban for comments after Istanbul derby
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho has been banned for four games and fined a total of £35,194 for comments made after Monday’s game with local rivals Galatasaray. Mourinho was accused by Galatasaray of making racist statements after the Istanbul derby and, on Tuesday, Fenerbahce released a statement saying his comments had been taken “completely taken out of context.” The 0-0 draw was refereed by Slovenian Slavko Vincic after both clubs requested a foreign official take charge of the fixture. The Portuguese coach, 62, said that he went to the referee’s dressing room after Monday’s game, telling the fourth official that “if you were a referee, this match would be a disaster.” On Thursday, the Turkish Football Federation confirmed it would sanction Mourinho, external for two separate disciplinary matters. The TFF said it would penalise him for “his derogatory and offensive statements towards the Turkish referee” and because he “accused Turkish football of chaos and disorder with insulting and offensive statements towards both the Turkish football community and all Turkish referees.” The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has been banned from the dressing room and dugout for two games and fined 117,000 Turkish lira (£2,543). Mourinho has also received another two-match ban for “an act against sportsmanship” during his post-match news conference and been fined £32,651. His comments included him saying that “after the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid… with a Turkish referee you would have a yellow card after one minute and after five minutes I would have to change [substitute] him.” The TFF said “the statements used towards the members of the opposing team were contrary to the ethics of sports and the concept of fair play, contained expressions that could encourage violence and disorder in sports, were divisive and separatist in society and could cause fan incidents.” Fenerbahce officials confirmed to the BBC on Thursday that the club will appeal the penalties given to Mourinho.
Trump administration ends funding for UN programme fighting HIV/AIDS
The Trump administration has terminated its funding of the joint United Nations programme on HIV/Aids, known as UNAids, delivering another devastating blow to the global fight against the disease. The notice that US funding of UNAids is being cut off is the latest move by the administration to end American involvement in life-saving health and anti-poverty programs around the world. It was issued by Peter Marocco, a Trump loyalist who is spearheading the evisceration of the US overseas aid programme through USAid. Marocco said in a letter to UNAids that its funding was being terminated “for the convenience of the US government”. The action was made “for alignment with agency priorities and national interest”, he said. The Trump administration’s funding freeze on foreign assistance has already wreaked havoc on HIV treatment programmes worldwide. A new UN report has revealed the impact of the cuts on 55 different countries. Before the funding freeze, the US government was responsible for two-thirds of all international financing for HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries. Much of it came through the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) which was founded by George W Bush in 2003 and which has financed about 70% of the global Aids response. The countries most heavily dependent on financial support from Washington for the fight against HIV/Aids are among the most stricken parts of the planet. They include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast and Haiti. A study commissioned by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation estimates that up to 500,000 people could die in South Africa over the next decade as a result of the US funding cuts. A further half a million new infections might be recorded as a result of USAid grants being stopped to South African health groups. “We will see lives lost,” the foundation’s Linda-Gail Bekker said. Trump’s initial attack on foreign assistance led in the opening days of the administration to a total freeze on funding overseas. That was softened by a 1 February waiver that allowed some life-saving care and services to prevent mother-to-child transmission to resume, allowing 20 million people living with HIV to continue receiving medication. Despite the waiver, confusion and a sporadic flow of aid has already caused widespread suffering. Now, the new cut in funds to UNAids, which operates in 70 countries, will probably to add to the devastation. “UNAids has received reports from 55 countries experiencing disruptions in their HIV responses due to the US foreign aid pause,” the executive director of the agency, Winnie Byanyima, said on social media. “Any reduction could severely disrupt lifesaving prevention programmes, risking new infections and reversing progress to end Aids.” The UN has reported the almost total collapse of services in Ivory Coast since the funding freeze began. US programmes had brought life-saving help to 85% of the 265,000 people living with HIV in the country. The initial funding freeze led to a complete shutdown of services. Since the waiver was introduced, most US-funded HIV-prevention services for people at the greatest risk of infection remain closed.
Power struggle in Lagos Assembly: Experts warn of constitutional crisis
“We are facing a serious constitutional crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, and political maneuvering is likely to persist in the coming days.” – Political Analyst Lagos, Nigeria – The ongoing political turmoil in the Lagos State House of Assembly has raised concerns among political analysts and legal experts, who warn that the Assembly may be facing a constitutional crisis. Earlier today, former Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and three lawmakers convened a session in the legislative chamber, further intensifying the controversy over the Assembly’s leadership. Obasa and three other Members held a ‘Sitting’ of the Assembly In a separate development, Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s security details and escorts were withdrawn early this morning, sparking public concerns over her safety and her standing within the Lagos State Council of Elders. Addressing the issue, Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh explained at a press briefing that the withdrawal of police protection was part of an ongoing nationwide personnel and arms audit. He dismissed speculation that the move was politically motivated. In a shocking twist, Obasa claimed that Speaker Mojisola Meranda had stepped down following a peace meeting at Lagos House in Marina last weekend. He made this assertion during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. However, there has been no official confirmation from Meranda or the House leadership regarding her alleged resignation. In what appeared to be an attempt to reassert his influence, Obasa arrived at the Assembly Complex today with three lawmakers and proceeded with a controversial sitting despite the absence of Speaker Meranda and other principal officers. The session began with an opening prayer, where Obasa prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity in Lagos State and Nigeria. He also thanked his colleagues for their loyalty and commitment. During the sitting, Obasa raised concerns about power supply issues in the Assembly. He lamented the lack of electricity, which disrupted essential legislative functions, including air conditioning and other electronic devices. In response, he directed the Majority Leader to move a motion for adjournment until power was restored. However, legitimacy of Obasa’s sitting has sparked serious constitutional concerns, with political analysts suggesting that it may have been a strategic move to challenge the Assembly’s leadership transition and regain control. Security operatives were seen around the Assembly Complex, indicating growing tensions among lawmakers and staff. Some sources believe the sitting is tied to behind-the-scenes negotiations to resolve the crisis. Read Also: Legal Experts’ Opinion A legal expert who spoke to New Daily Prime emphasized that any sitting held without a proper quorum could be nullified in court. Given that Obasa and his three allies failed to meet the quorum requirement, any resolutions or decisions made during their session hold no legal weight. “The absence of Speaker Meranda and other key lawmakers raises serious questions about the legality of today’s sitting. If challenged in court, the session could be declared invalid,” the expert stated. Attempts to reach Obasa and Speaker Meranda for comments were unsuccessful. However, a lawmaker speaking anonymously described the situation as a “test of political will” within the Lagos State House of Assembly. As the crisis unfolds, Lagos residents and political stakeholders are closely monitoring developments within the Assembly. The question of legitimate leadership remains unresolved, and further political maneuvering is expected in the coming days. For now, the House of Assembly remains in limbo, awaiting either a decisive resolution or judicial intervention to bring an end to the standoff.
Trump hints UK might avoid sanctions he plans for EU
…Says it’s ‘very different place’ where he has investments President Donald Trump has hinted that the United Kingdom (UK) may avoid the sort of swingeing tariffs that he has threatened to impose on the European Union ( EU). When it was put to him that he said yesterday the EU was constructed to “screw” the US on trade, and when he was asked what Keir Starmer could say to him that would ensure that Britain did not face tariffs, Trump at first claimed not to have said that “bad word.” He then launched into a long attack on the EU over trade policy, claiming that people thought it was “politically correct” to say the US’s trade relationship with the EU was good even thought it wasn’t. Then, referring to the UK, he went on:I can say that, we’re here for a different reason – we’re talking about a very different place. This is some place that I have investments there. I own Turnberry, I own Aberdeen, and I own a great place called Doonbeg in Ireland. So, I have a great warm spot for your country. At this point Keir Starmer interrupted, saying:And our trade, obviously, is fair and balanced and, in fact, you’ve got a bit of surplus. So, we’re in a different position there.And obviously we contributed hugely in relation to Ukraine. Trump then added: “It’s going to work out.” Asked if he was saying that meant there would not be any sanctions on the UK, he replied:Well, I have to take a look. We’re going to have a good discussion today, and we have some very talented people on the other side, and we have some people that probably aren’t as talented to them, but they’re pretty good. We’re going to have a good discussion, and we’ll be talking about it. Trump claims UK and US will do trade deal ‘rather quickly’ When asked: Will there be a trade deal with the UK?Trump says:We’ve had great discussions on trade and I think we’re going to have a deal done rather quickly. As quickly as it can be done. We’re going to have something, I think, rather quickly. Trump praises Starmer as ‘very tough negotiator’ Trump started by saying Starmer is PM of a very special place. He goes on:You’re a very tough negotiator. However, I’m not sure I like that, but that’s OK. Starmer will be pleased. In Trumpworld, to be a “very tough negotiator” is high praise indeed. Donald Trump repeated his false claim that European aid to Ukraine will all be repaid. The facts: French president Emmanuel Macron fact-checked Trump’s claim during their meeting at the White House earlier this week. “No, in fact, to be frank, we paid,” Macron said on Monday, explaining that his country had provided aid in the form of grants, loans and loan guarantees. “We provided real money, to be clear.”Keir Starmer also tried to correct the US president’s claim earlier today. “Quite a bit of ours was gifted,” Starmer told Trump in the Oval Office. “There were some loans, but mainly it was gifted actually.”
JUST IN: Obasa says Meranda has resigned as Speaker
Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has alleged that Mojisola Meranda voluntarily relinquished her position as Speaker. During an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Obasa stated that Meranda announced her resignation at a meeting with prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures in Lagos, held in the Marina district. His remarks came in response to inquiries about why Meranda’s security details were withdrawn while his own were reinstated. “When my own security personnel were removed even when I was not around without my knowledge, without my consent, did I complain? Obasa asked. “There was a meeting that took place in Marina where we had in attendance all the party leaders. Openly, Meranda herself made the statement that she had stepped down, she had resigned. So, when you resign from an office, the paraphernalia of the office would be taken away. What are you saying?” READ ALSO: DSS interrogates Lagos lawmakers over Obasa’s removal He emphasized that while impeachment is a legitimate constitutional and democratic process, it must strictly adhere to established legal procedures. Earlier today, security officers assigned to Meranda were withdrawn from their duties. Shortly after, Obasa announced that he had resumed his role as Speaker of the House. However, his claim was immediately rejected by the majority of assembly members. Despite his impeachment, Obasa proceeded to hold a “plenary session” with only four lawmakers in attendance. READ ALSO: Assembly crisis: Anxiety as security aides of Meranda withdrawn Although the Lagos State House of Assembly comprises 40 members, most legislators refused to participate in the session, even though they were present at the assembly complex. Later, Moshood Jimoh, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, confirmed that Meranda’s security detail had been reinstated. Jimoh explained that the police were conducting an audit of officers assigned to individuals and facilities to ensure proper accountability of personnel and firearms. He further clarified that similar security audits were being carried out by police commands across other states. The police commissioner stressed that the decision to withdraw Meranda’s security detail was made solely in the public interest, with no ulterior motives.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO AIRTEL CHAIRMAN: “I AM PRO-BUSINESS. NIGERIA NEEDS INVESTORS LIKE YOU TO GROW” President Bola Tinubu, Thursday in Abuja, said the telecoms sector’s regulatory framework and operations would be reviewed to reflect global best practices, with a greater focus on protecting infrastructure. President Tinubu spoke at a meeting with an Airtel delegation led by Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal at the State House. “I am grateful for your openness, readiness, and confidence, which moved us very close to the Prime Minister of India. When he was here, we discussed things at length. “The entire ecosystem will be further examined, and if there is anything we can copy from India, we are ready to do so. We are prepared to learn. We are not ashamed of copying what is working in other climes. “It is for the good of all of us, and Nigeria is so critically important that we must give attention to those revolutionary intentions that can make business work. I am pro-business, and I will continue to be that. I can give you that assurance,” he said. The President noted that the tax reforms will create a more favourable climate for investors. “We will find a way to work with tax administrators to ensure that whatever we have to do, we will encourage growth and opportunities. We are ready to do that”. The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, thanked the President for consistently supporting the telecoms sector’s growth. Tijani said the approval by the President for the protection of fibre optic and undersea cables as critical national assets would further stimulate growth in the industry, assuring that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has started implementing and enforcing the law. The Chairman of Airtel commended the President for the two-pronged economic reforms that had transformed the economy for future growth. “When you took office, you made some promises. Given the country’s situation, I was unsure how deep and far you could take your commitments. “I am indeed reminded of 1991, when India was in a similar situation, and we were practically on our knees, having pledged 500,000 tons of gold to the Bank of England, and our vessel in Tokyo had been put up for sale. “During that time, the Prime Minister and his team took similar reforms to what you are taking now in Nigeria, and India has never seen better times after that. “The duties went down, the rupee was floated, and it depreciated significantly. Relicensing happened, and it was the dawn of a new world in India. We just moved forward,” he said. Mittal said the reforms turned India into one of the largest economies in the world. “I feel that what you have done here is unprecedented in a challenging time. Only people of resolve and steel can endure this huge pressure, floating the naira, which moved from N450 to about N1900 and is now coming back to N1400 to N1500. “It has been a remarkable achievement celebrated by the entire world. This was much required, and you delivered on your promises,” the Airtel Chairman told President Tinubu. He also commended the removal of the petrol subsidy. “The second one was the removal of subsidy, which was a very tough decision for any politician. It was unpopular and difficult, but you held your position, knowing fully that not doing it would not help the country. “You have taken a long-term position. It is my belief and hope that you have created a legacy for yourself. Your first term as President will mark a watershed in the development of your country. “This will be a turning point, and I would like to commend you for having held a firm position and taken the country forward,” he added. Mittal said more Nigerians should be encouraged to invest in the country, particularly those with huge financial portfolios abroad. “I have been speaking to people in Nigeria, friends and business people, and they are all now feeling calm, and when they start to get back, they will move very fast. I have experienced this in India,” he stated. Bayo OnanugaSpecial Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy)
Trump accepts King Charles’ invitation to visit Britain
…As he meets with PM Keir Starmer President Trump said Thursday he will visit the United Kingdom in the “near future” and accepted an invitation for a state visit with King Charles during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House. “It’s a great honor to have Prime Minister Starmer in the Oval Office,” Trump said. “It’s a very special place and he’s a special man. And the United Kingdom is a — is a wonderful, this is a wonderful country that I know very well. I’m there a lot. And I’ll be going, I’ll be going there and we expect to see each other in the near future. We’ll be announcing it.” Both leaders emphasized the “special relationship” between the two countries, forged during World War II. Trump said he and Starmer would discuss Russia and Ukraine, as the president seeks an end to the war started when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In a break with many European allies — including Britain — Trump has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” but has declined to give the same label to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Did I say that?” Trump said, asked to repeat his characterization of Zelenskyy. “I can’t believe I said that. Next question.” Starmer thanked Trump for changing the conversation on Ukraine, according to reporters in the room, and said he believes an “historic deal” can be achieved. Trump, however, disagreed with a previous assessment by Starmer that there is a risk Putin could invade Ukraine again after a deal is reached, saying he trusts Putin to keep his word. “No. I don’t think so,” Trump said. “I think when we have a deal, it’s going to be the deal.” “I think he’ll keep his word,” Trump said, calling it a “trust and verify” situation. “We had to go through the Russian hoax together, that was not a good thing,” Trump said, adding he’s known Putin for a long time. Trump said they’ll see if there are parts of Ukraine taken by Russia that could be given back to Ukraine, although he didn’t specify where. “There are a lot of areas that were taken,” Trump said. “Yeah, we’ve talked about it. A lot of the sea line has been taken. And we’ll be talking about that. And we’re going to see if we can get it back, or get a lot of it back for Ukraine, if that’s possible.” Trump said the two will also be discussing trade, as he imposes new tariffs on allies and adversaries alike. Starmer said ahead of the meeting that the U.S. and Britain “want to strike a new partnership. We share the view that our best days lie ahead.” “Taking out a chainsaw isn’t quite my style, but we are stripping away red tape and bureaucracy,” he said, at once taking a gentle jab at Musk while also attempting to appeal to Trump’s passion for a slimmed down government. “We are reforming, permitting, getting things built, reducing barriers to investment and growth, and we’re open for business, open for investment, and we’re determined to help U.S. innovators thrive in the United Kingdom.” Starmer presented the president with a letter from King Charles, and Trump read it in real time. Trump called the British king a “beautiful man and a wonderful man.” Britain, the U.S., and collective security via NATO Starmer didn’t arrive in Washington empty-handed. He flew in on the wings of an announcement just days earlier that his government was planning to bump U.K. defence spending from the current 2.3% of GDP to 2.5% by 2027, which his office has billed as Britain’s biggest sustained defence spending increase since the Cold War. Starmer has left open the possibility of that defence spending rising further, to 3%, after the next U.K. general election. The timing of the prime minister’s announcement was notable, coming just two days before his meeting with Trump. A White House official said ahead of the meeting that the Trump administration was “very pleased” with Starmer’s announcement, but that it still wants to see America’s NATO allies increase defence spending further, towards 5% of their respective national GDPs. That would be more, proportionally, than even the U.S. spends on defence, which in 2023 amounted to roughly 3.4% of the United States’ GDP. Trump has implied that the U.S. could break from the historic collective defence agreement of NATO, known as Article 5, which essentially says that if any member is attacked it will be treated as an attack on all, if other member countries do not boost their defence spending. “I think that that means there’s got to be security guarantees,” said Starmer, acknowledging the pressure for higher spending, but also indicating that he will ask the White House to provide clear commitments to help defend Ukraine against any future Russian attack if a ceasefire is reached to halt the ongoing war. “I’ve indicated that we will play our full part. There has to be U.S. backing, because otherwise I don’t think it will deter Putin. We are working on that. I’m having extensive discussions about it.” A White House official said the U.S. appreciated Starmer’s willingness to consider sending British troops to help with peacekeeping efforts to enforce a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, but Trump has made it clear that any and all security guarantees for Ukraine may have to come from Europe. “I’m not going to make security guarantees beyond, very much,” Trump said this week. “We’re going to have Europe do that, because we’re talking about, Europe is their nextdoor neighbour, but we’re going to make sure everything goes well.” U.S.-British trade Trump’s tariff threats will also be on the agenda during Thursday’s White House meeting. A 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported into the U.S. is set to kick in on March 12, ordered by Trump, he said, to protect American companies. Starmer may seek an exemption. Trump implied weeks ago
Yomi Fabiyi leads justice protest for Mohbad’s death
Lagos witnessed a peaceful protest on February 27 as actor Yomi Fabiyi led a march demanding justice for late singer Mohbad. The demonstration started in the Alausa area and moved toward the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja. Fabiyi, along with a group of supporters, carried banners with bold messages, including one that read, “Justice for Mohbad 2025.” Their goal was clear—to push for transparency in the investigation and ensure accountability for those linked to the singer’s tragic death. Mohbad’s death and ongoing investigation Mohbad, a rising star in Nigeria’s music industry, passed away under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023. His sudden death sparked nationwide outrage, with fans and celebrities calling for answers. The case gained more attention when allegations surfaced regarding mistreatment and threats he faced before his passing. The legal battle has been ongoing. Recently, a magistrate court dismissed charges against Mohbad’s former record label boss, Naira Marley, along with two other individuals. However, the Lagos Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) remains committed to seeking justice. DPP moves to charge key suspects Following the court’s decision, the DPP announced plans to pursue legal action against Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad before his death. Authorities also intend to charge Ayobami Sadiq, a close friend of the singer, for alleged reckless and negligent acts. Public outcry and protest demand Fabiyi and his fellow protesters voiced their dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation. They urged the authorities to ensure justice is served, regardless of who is involved. The protesters believe that those responsible for Mohbad’s death must be held accountable, whether through negligence or foul play. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the demonstrators marched peacefully through the streets, drawing the attention of passersby and media outlets. Some protesters called for stricter laws to protect artists and ensure better working conditions in the entertainment industry. A nation watching closely Mohbad’s death remains a sensitive issue in Nigeria. His fans continue to seek justice, while the public closely monitors the legal proceedings. Many believe his case highlights the struggles young artists face in the industry, from exploitative contracts to personal safety concerns. Yomi Fabiyi, known for his activism, stated that the protest was necessary to keep the pressure on authorities. He emphasized that justice delayed is justice denied. “We will not stop until the truth comes out,” he told reporters. As investigations continue, Nigerians hope that this case will not fade into silence like many others. For now, the calls for justice grow louder, and the demand for accountability remains strong. Read Also: Mohbad’s brother denies Yomi Fabiyi’s N3m claim
Hamas ready to cede control of Gaza, official says
Hamas is willing to cede political power and administrative governance of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian unity government, but would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is achieved, Dr. Basem Naim, a senior political official for Hamas, told NBC News. “We are ready today, if not yesterday, to step back from governance to hand it over to a body, a government, a committee, that is ready to run the Gaza Strip,” Naim said. Naim made his comments during a critical impasse: the first phase of a tenuous deal between Hamas and Israel is set to end on Saturday, and no arrangements have been made for continuing the ceasefire. While there have been few publicly acknowledged negotiations to extend the truce into a second phase, the office of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said it will soon send a diplomatic delegation to Cairo to continue talks. Hamas fighters during a hostage handover in Khan Younis.Saeed Jaras / Middle East Images / AFP – Getty Images Naim said that beyond that public announcement, Hamas had not been officially notified of Israel’s intention to resume negotiations. It was unclear whether Israeli officials would seek to extend the first phase of the agreement or negotiate terms for a second phase, which could ultimately lead to a more permanent ceasefire and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. Naim said Israel was deliberately delaying further negotiations to create a pretext for returning to war against Hamas. “We believe that this is intentionally done to escalate the situation or to push the second-phase negotiations under the threat to return back to war and not to withdraw from the Gaza Strip,” he said. Israeli troops are supposed to start withdrawing from the Gaza-Egypt border area on Saturday, marking the end of the ceasefire’s first phase. However, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told public broadcaster Kan on Thursday that Israel has demanded that their military stay in the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. The last step of the agreement’s six-week first phase came overnight, when Israel released more than 600 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas handed over the corpses of four Israeli hostages killed during captivity in the Gaza Strip. Under the ceasefire’s terms — which were inked with help from intermediaries Qatar and Egypt in late January, after more than a year of fraught negotiations — talks on the second stage should have begun weeks ago. But rather than returning to the negotiating table, each side has repeatedly accused the other of violating the agreement’s terms. Several of the weekly exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners have been dogged by last-minute accusations and near-cancellations. Hamas has stated before that it is willing to cede governance of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body, and Israel has made clear that any plan for Gaza’s “day after” should not include Hamas, which led the Oct. 7 terror attack on southern Israel. On that day, about 1,200 people were killed and 250 were kidnapped, according to local officials, sparking Israel’s 15-month war on Gaza that has killed at least 48,300 people, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, and destroyed much of the enclave. The thorniest question standing in the way of negotiating the second phase of an agreement remains whether or not Hamas will disarm. Netanyahu has declared Hamas’ destruction as the primary goal of Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip — sometimes, his critics have said, superseding the freedom and welfare of the Israeli hostages still being held there. Though he reiterated Hamas’ offer to integrate into a Palestinian unity government, Basem Naim said the group would only disarm and transform into a purely political party if Palestinians are granted an independent political state — a condition that Netanyahu and his right-wing allies in government have repeatedly rejected. “These are two different tracks. The arms are related to the existence or the presence of the occupation,” he said, referring to Israel’s ongoing presence in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. If an independent Palestinian state is created, Naim said, “we are ready again to become a political party and to integrate our fighters into a Palestinian national army.” Israeli military leaders have repeatedly made clear that they are prepared to return to war if the agreement collapses, going so far as to call up reservists for renewed fighting. Though Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire agreement, Naim said, the group is also preparing for renewed fighting. “If they decide to escalate and to return back to war, we are preparing ourselves for all options,” he said. “We have no choice other than to defend ourselves, as we have done already along the 15 months.”
Nobody made me a star – Funke Akindele
Nollywood actress Funke Akindele calls herself self-made, crediting her success to hard work, dedication, and divine guidance. Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference hosted by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, she reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry. Akindele, known for her resilience and talent, stated that no individual was solely responsible for her rise to fame. Instead, she attributed her achievements to God and her relentless efforts. “Nobody made me a star, only God,” she said, reinforcing her belief in hard work and perseverance. D’banj’s influence on her career Despite her self-reliant mindset, she acknowledged the influence of veteran singer D’banj in shaping her career. She recalled a pivotal moment when he encouraged her to build on the success of her breakout film, Jenifa. “After Jenifa became a hit in 2009, a club owner invited me for an appearance, and that was where I met D’banj. He asked about my plans for the Jenifa brand, and I told him I had moved on to other things. He disagreed and told me to capitalize on it. He said, ‘This is a brand. You should not let it fade. Go and write another script.’ He even supported me financially, and I went back to writing,” Akindele shared. Her journey to stardom Akindele’s career in Nollywood began with the popular television series I Need to Know, which aired from 1998 to 2002. However, her breakthrough came in 2008 with Jenifa, a film that resonated with audiences and cemented her place in the industry. Over the years, she has continued to push boundaries, becoming one of Nigeria’s most successful filmmakers. She holds the record as the highest-grossing producer in Nigerian cinema, a testament to her ability to create compelling stories that attract large audiences. A source of inspiration Akindele’s career has been marked by resilience, innovation, and adaptability. She has transitioned from acting to producing and directing, consistently delivering blockbuster films. Her work ethic and business acumen have set her apart in the industry, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers. At the conference, she encouraged aspiring actors and producers to stay committed to their craft. “Success does not come overnight. It takes years of persistence, learning, and believing in yourself. If you want to make it in this industry, you have to put in the work,” she advised. The road to continued success Akindele’s story serves as a reminder that success in the entertainment industry requires more than just talent. It demands vision, dedication, and the ability to seize opportunities. While she credits divine intervention for her journey, her discipline and strategic decisions have played a crucial role in shaping her career. As she continues to make waves in Nollywood, Funke Akindele remains an inspiration to many. Her journey proves that with hard work, resilience, and the right support, dreams can become reality. Read Also: Funke Akindele shares how colleagues helped her
