Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that President Bola Tinubu will perform the groundbreaking ceremony for what is projected to be the world’s largest cotton and polyester processing factory. Governor Abiodun stated that the factory will be sited within the Special Agro-Processing Zone at the Gateway International Airport, in the Iperu/Ilisan axis of the state. Abiodun stated that the launch will take place in the coming weeks. READ ALSO: Gov. Abiodun reaffirms strong support for armed forces The project, part of the Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative, will span 400 hectares and is expected to employ approximately 250,000 people daily. He noted that the location was strategically selected due to its robust infrastructure and proximity to raw materials. The governor also highlighted ongoing infrastructure developments in the area, including road construction, new schools, and a mother-and-child hospital. He further disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force plans to establish a base in the vicinity to bolster security. READ ALSO: Inspiring journey of Dr. Olayemi Abiodun-Oyebanji to Govt house Governor Abiodun commended the former Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, for her dedicated service and contributions to Ogun State’s development. Local leaders have acknowledged the significant transformation of Iperu, describing its evolution into a modern town as remarkable.
Ukraine and the U.S. on Wednesday signed a deal heavily promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump that will give the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and fund investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The two countries signed the accord in Washington after months of sometimes fraught negotiations, with uncertainty persisting until the last moment with word of an eleventh-hour snag. The accord establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction as Trump tries to secure a peace settlement in Russia’s three-year-old war in Ukraine. The agreement is central to Kyiv’s efforts to mend ties with Trump and the White House, which frayed after he took office in January. Ukrainian officials have hoped that the deal would ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko were shown signing the agreement in a photo posted on X by the Treasury, which said the deal “clearly signals the Trump Administration’s commitment to a free, sovereign, prosperous Ukraine.” Svyrydenko wrote on X that the accord provides for Washington to contribute to the fund. “In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance – for example air defense systems for Ukraine,” she said. Washington did not directly address that suggestion. The U.S. has been Ukraine’s single largest military donor since Russia’s 2022 invasion with aid of more than 64 billion euros ($72 billion), according to the Kiel Institute in Germany. Before the signing, Trump repeated on Wednesday that the U.S. should get something for its aid to Kyiv, thus the effort to secure a deal for Ukraine’s plentiful deposits of rare earth minerals. In announcing the deal, the U.S. Treasury said the partnership recognized “the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion.” Svyrydenko said the accord allowed Ukraine to “determine what and where to extract” and that its subsoil remains owned by Ukraine. Ukraine is rich in natural resources including rare earth metals which are used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and military applications, among others. Global rare-earth mining is currently dominated by China, which is locked in a trade war with the U.S. after Trump’s sharp tariff increases. Ukraine also has large reserves of iron, uranium and natural gas. Svyrydenko said Ukraine has no debt obligations to the United States under the agreement, a key point in the lengthy negotiations between the two countries. The deal also, she said, complied with Ukraine’s constitution and Ukraine’s campaign to join the European Union, key elements in Ukraine’s negotiating position. The minerals deal and U.S. peace efforts have been negotiated separately but reflect Washington’s approach to Ukraine and Russia. Trump has upended U.S. policy by softening the U.S. stance toward Russia and sometimes falsely blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the war. U.S. peace proposals have called for recognition of Russia’s claim to Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and potentially four other Ukrainian regions. Zelenskiy has said Kyiv would never do so because it would contravene Ukraine’s constitution. “Importantly, the Agreement sends a signal to global partners that long-term cooperation with Ukraine – over decades – is not only possible but reliable,” Svyrydenko said on X. A draft of the U.S.-Ukraine agreement seen by Reuters earlier on Wednesday showed Ukraine secured the removal of any requirement for it to pay back the U.S. for past military assistance, something Kyiv had staunchly opposed. The draft did not provide any concrete U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, one of its initial goals. Separately, Ukraine has discussed with European allies the forming of an international force to help ensure Ukraine’s security if a peace agreement is reached with Russia. Read also: Three killed in Russian attack on Ukraine pavlohrad
Google hopes to enter an agreement with Apple by the middle of this year to include its Gemini AI technology on new phones, CEO Sundar Pichai said in testimony at an antitrust trial in Washington. Pichai testified in the Alphabet unit’s defense against proposals by the U.S. Department of Justice which include ending lucrative deals with Apple, Samsung, AT&T and Verizon to be the default search engine on new mobile devices. During questioning by DOJ attorney Veronica Onyema, Pichai said that while Google does not yet have an agreement with Apple to include its Gemini AI on iPhones, Pichai spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook about the possibility last year. A potential deal this year would see Google’s Gemini AI included within Apple Intelligence, Apple’s own set of AI features, Pichai said. Google also plans to experiment with including ads in its Gemini app, Pichai said Prosecutors have sought to illustrate how Google could extend its dominance in online search to AI. Google maintained its monopoly in part by paying billions of dollars to wireless carriers and smartphone manufacturers, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled last year. The judge is now weighing what actions Google should take to restore competition. The outcome of the case could fundamentally reshape the internet by potentially unseating Google as the go-to portal for information online. The DOJ and a broad coalition of state attorneys general are pressing for remedies including requiring Google to sell off its Chrome web browser, banning it from paying to be the default search engine and requiring it to share search data with competitors. The data-sharing provisions would discourage Google from investing in research and development, Pichai testified on Wednesday. Provisions that would require the company to share its search index and search query data are “extraordinary,” and amount to a “de facto divestiture of our IP related to search,” Pichai said. “It would be trivial to reverse engineer and effectively build Google search from the outside,” he said. That would make it “unviable to invest in R&D the way we have for the past two decades,” Pichai added. Google has said it plans to appeal once the judge makes a final ruling. Read also: Google ilegally dominates two markets for online advertising technology
The narrowly divided U.S. Senate rejected the latest bipartisan bid to block President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Wednesday, hours after the federal government reported that the nation’s economy contracted for the first time in three years amid the chaos of the president’s tariff policies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune then moved quickly to kill the measure for good before supporters could muster a successful vote on a later date, calling Vice President JD Vance to the U.S. Capitol to break a tie and table the resolution. The measure sought to terminate the national emergency that Trump declared as the basis for 10% global tariffs on U.S. trading partners and higher reciprocal tariffs on 57 trading partners including the European Union. The resolution failed in a 49-49 vote, with only three Republicans crossing the aisle to join Democrats to support it. Just weeks ago, four Senate Republicans had joined Democrats to pass a similar bill to terminate new tariffs on Canada. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority. But with two would-be supporters absent on Wednesday, it became clear that the measure could succeed at a later date. In a dramatic move, Thune called for a second vote to kill the resolution by tabling its reconsideration, which succeeded 50-49 with Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. “Leader Thune and Senate Republicans tonight voted to keep the Trump tariff-tax in place. They own the Trump tariffs and higher costs on America’s middle-class families,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. The action came hours after the Commerce Department reported that the U.S. economy contracted at an annualized rate of 0.3% during the first three months of 2025, amid a flood of imports as businesses raced to avoid higher costs from tariffs. It was the first decline since the first quarter of 2022 and the first tangible evidence of the economic effects of the Trump tariffs, following weeks of turmoil in U.S. stock and bonds as economists warned that tariffs would lead to rising consumer prices and a possible recession. The resolution was introduced by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden and co-sponsored by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, an outspoken critic of Trump’s tariff policy. It drew support from Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Senator Mitch McConnell, a fourth Republican who had voted for the earlier measure, was absent. So was Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “It’s not perfect. I think it’s too broad. But it sends the message that I want to send – that we really need to be far more discriminatory in imposing these tariffs and not treat allies like Canada the way we treat adversaries like China,” Collins, of Maine, told reporters. The earlier measure, which had multiple Republican sponsors, went nowhere in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which last month blocked the ability of Congress to move quickly to challenge Trump’s tariffs. The White House threatened to veto the latest resolution on Monday, saying it would undermine national and economic security Read also: Macron calls for halt on EU investment in US over Trump tariffs
About a month ago , the board members of Tesla reached out to several executive search firms to find a successor for CEO Elon Musk. The current status of the board’s push, which, according to the report, was sparked by Musk’s heavy involvement with the Trump administration, could not be determined. Musk last week said he would cut back significantly the time he devotes to the Trump administration and spend more time running his many companies. That follows widespread investor criticism for his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has led efforts to cut federal jobs, while sales of Tesla’s aging EV lineup have been on the decline. His embrace of far-right politics in Europe has also led to protests against Musk and the company as well as vandalism at its showrooms and charging stations across the U.S. and Europe The board members met Musk and asked him to acknowledge publicly that he would spend more time at Tesla, the report said. But it was unclear if Musk – also a member of the board – was aware of succession planning, or if his pledge to spend more time at Tesla has affected the efforts, the report added. However, Tesla and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Read also: Tesla sales plunges in Europe despite rebound in electric car demand
In a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The match featured multiple lead changes, standout individual performances, and left the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Milan. (Barça 3-3 Inter: Recap) Early Drama and First-Half Comebacks Inter Milan stunned the home crowd by taking the lead within the first minute, as Marcus Thuram flicked in a brilliant opener. Denzel Dumfries doubled Inter’s advantage in the 21st minute with an acrobatic volley. However, Barcelona responded with determination. Lamine Yamal ignited the comeback with a stunning individual goal in the 24th minute, showcasing his exceptional talent. Ferran Torres then equalized in the 38th minute, finishing off a well-orchestrated team move to level the score at halftime. Second-Half Twists and Turns The second half continued the high-octane action. Dumfries restored Inter’s lead in the 63rd minute with a powerful header. Barcelona, refusing to back down, leveled the match again in the 65th minute when Raphinha’s strike deflected off Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer for an own goal. Both teams had opportunities to clinch victory, but the match concluded in a 3-3 draw, setting up an enticing second leg in Italy. (Barça 3-3 Inter: Recap) Looking Ahead The second leg of this semi-final clash is scheduled to be played in Milan next Tuesday. With the aggregate score tied, both teams will be eager to secure a spot in the Champions League final. Barcelona will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities, while Inter will look to capitalize on their attacking prowess. Read also: I will cry tears of joy if Osimhen joins Barcelona – Odumodublvck
The Mexico City Grand Prix will remain a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2028, following the signing of a new three-year contract extension that secures the event’s immediate future amid concerns following the exit of local hero Sergio Perez. The announcement puts to rest weeks of speculation over whether the popular race would continue, particularly in the wake of Red Bull Racing’s decision to part ways with Perez at the end of the 2024 season. Despite Perez’s absence from the 2025 grid, the Grand Prix has retained strong institutional and commercial support within the country. The race, held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the heart of Mexico City, has become one of the sport’s most celebrated and vibrant events since its return in 2015 after a 22-year hiatus. Known for its electric atmosphere, passionate fans, and iconic stadium section, the Mexican Grand Prix has consistently drawn some of the largest and most enthusiastic crowds on the Formula 1 circuit. Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the extension, saying: “Every year the unique atmosphere created by our fans in Mexico City is one of the most incredible and energetic experiences of our championship. We look forward to continuing this extraordinary collaboration together and seeing the incredible enthusiasm of the Mexican fans again in October.” The new deal has been made possible through a coalition of support from the Mexican national government, the Mexico City local authorities, and several major business stakeholders. Among the key backers is Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Domit, a long-time supporter of motorsport in the region and one of the richest men in the world. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who previously served as the mayor of Mexico City, has also championed the race. Her successor as mayor has reaffirmed the city’s commitment to hosting the event, citing the economic and cultural benefits the Grand Prix brings to the capital. The Grand Prix has long been seen as a national showcase, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators over race weekend and contributing significantly to local tourism and business revenues. In 2023, the event was attended by over 400,000 fans across the weekend, generating tens of millions of dollars in economic activity. Though the departure of Sergio Perez, the only Mexican driver on the grid in recent years, cast a shadow of doubt over the race’s future, organizers have made clear that the event’s appeal extends well beyond national representation on the track. “This race belongs to the fans,” said an official from the local organizing committee. “While Checo [Perez] was a great ambassador for Mexico, the Grand Prix is about more than just one driver. It’s about our pride, our culture, and our place in global motorsport.” Indeed, the atmosphere in Mexico City has often been lauded by drivers and teams alike. The fans’ energy, especially through the stadium section where the cars pass through grandstands packed with cheering supporters, has become one of the most iconic visuals in modern Formula 1. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, named after Mexican racing legends Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez, continues to offer a unique challenge for drivers. At over 2,200 meters above sea level, it is the highest circuit on the F1 calendar, testing cars and drivers in low-air-density conditions that require specialized setup and adaptation. The renewal of the Mexico City Grand Prix adds to F1’s growing list of long-term event deals, reflecting the sport’s strong global appeal and commercial stability under Liberty Media’s stewardship. As the 2025 season approaches, F1 officials, teams, and fans can look forward to another installment of the Mexico City GP in October—an event that, with or without a home driver, remains a standout spectacle on the calendar. Read Also:Hamilton: Saudi GP ‘horrible’ amid Ferrari struggles
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has insisted that even a Europa League triumph this season will not “save” what has been a dismal domestic campaign—but says it could mark the beginning of a much-needed transformation at Old Trafford. United travel to Spain on Thursday to face Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. Despite the significance of the fixture, Amorim was quick to temper expectations about what winning the trophy might mean in the bigger picture. “Everybody knows that it’s really important for our season,” the Portuguese manager said. “We know that nothing is going to save our season, but this can be huge. Winning a trophy and also getting in the Champions League, to have European games next year, could change a lot of things in our club—even in the summer.” Currently 14th in the Premier League with only 39 points from 34 matches, United are enduring one of their worst top-flight seasons in decades. Their best—and likely only—route back into Europe’s elite competition is through the Europa League, which guarantees a Champions League berth for the winners. Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024 following a dismal start to the campaign, has managed to bring some stability in Europe, even if domestic form remains a concern. United pulled off a remarkable comeback in the quarter-final second leg against Lyon, scoring twice in the final minute of extra-time to clinch a 7-6 aggregate win. But the 39-year-old manager is adamant that European success will not gloss over the deeper problems at the club. “The Europa League will not change anything in our problems,” Amorim said. “It’s going to help us to have Champions League next year, more money to spend, but the problems are still there. We have to change the minds of our fans with consistency, good decisions, good recruitment, a good academy. This is what we need to change to take this club back to the top.” He referred to Europa League qualification as a “shortcut” rather than a solution: “This is more of a shortcut to go to European games. Nothing more.” In terms of team news, United will be without two key players for the trip to Bilbao. Winger Amad Diallo and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt are not yet fit to start after recovering from ankle injuries. Diallo, 22, has been out since February, while De Ligt has missed the last month. Athletic Club, who currently sit fourth in La Liga, will also be missing an important player—top scorer Oihan Sancet—adding another twist to what is already a tightly poised semi-final. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the other semi-final. Spurs, like United, have endured a poor domestic season and currently sit 16th in the Premier League, two points below the Red Devils. Amorim also addressed the debate around the fairness of allowing teams like United and Spurs to qualify for the Champions League via a backdoor, despite underperforming in their respective leagues. “It’s the rules,” Amorim said. “Maybe you could say it’s not fair because the best teams should be in the Champions League. But I suspect it’s done to give value to this competition. If we have that possibility, we should try to reach it.” With the final set to take place in Bilbao on 21 May, Amorim knows that lifting the trophy could bring short-term rewards—but his focus is clearly on a longer-term rebuild. For now, though, the Europa League offers both a lifeline and a litmus test. If United can pull off another win against Athletic Club and go on to win the tournament, it may not erase the failings of the season—but it could be the first brick laid in the path back to European relevance. Read also:Rashford will remain on sidelines at Man Utd ‘no matter what’ – Amorim
Manchester City have been handed a timely boost ahead of a defining period in their season, as star striker Erling Haaland has returned to full training following an ankle injury sustained in March. The 24-year-old Norwegian, who has netted an impressive 39 goals in all competitions for club and country this season, picked up the knock during City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth on 30 March. After weeks on an individual training programme, Haaland was seen rejoining first-team training at the club’s Etihad Campus on Wednesday. City boss Pep Guardiola has yet to confirm Haaland’s availability for Friday’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he is expected to provide an update during his scheduled pre-match press conference on Thursday. Haaland’s return comes at a critical time for the reigning FA Cup champions, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League table. With only four matches left in the domestic campaign and a Cup final on the horizon, Guardiola’s side need all hands on deck as they look to salvage silverware from an otherwise underwhelming season. Adding to the positive news, Spanish midfielder Rodri has also resumed first-team training, having been sidelined since September with a serious knee injury. The 28-year-old, who was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last year, ruling him out of action for over six months. Rodri, an instrumental figure in City’s midfield and widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in world football, was first spotted doing light training in February. His return to full team activities marks significant progress in his rehabilitation, though a competitive comeback remains unlikely in the immediate term. Sources close to the club suggest that City are targeting the FIFA Club World Cup in June as a more realistic return window for the Spaniard. Despite Rodri’s eagerness to return to the pitch, Guardiola has reiterated that the final decision will rest with the club’s medical staff. “Every training session he does with us, he does well,” Guardiola said last week. “Rodri wants [to play] but the doctor will have to say, ‘Pep, you have the green light to give him minutes.’ I want to rely on the doctors in that case.” City’s Premier League campaign has fallen short of the heights of previous seasons. After winning the title four years in a row, they have relinquished their crown to newly confirmed champions Liverpool. However, the chance to lift the FA Cup remains a significant incentive, with a final showdown against Crystal Palace at Wembley scheduled for 17 May. Before then, City face Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night, followed by key league fixtures against Tottenham, Fulham, and West Ham. With Champions League qualification still to be secured and the Cup final looming, Guardiola will be hoping that Haaland’s return can inject some much-needed firepower into the team. The Norwegian’s form this season has been a rare bright spot in a campaign disrupted by injuries and inconsistency. Known for his lethal finishing and physical presence, Haaland’s return could prove pivotal in helping City end the season on a high note. Fans will be watching closely as Guardiola addresses the media on Thursday, hoping for confirmation that their star forward is ready to lead the line once more. Whether or not Haaland features against Wolves, his presence in training alone is a clear signal that Manchester City are regaining their strength at just the right moment. Read also: Guardiola: Man City don’t deserve Club World Cup bonus
Brazil’s economy created a net 71,576 formal jobs in March, Labor Ministry data showed on Wednesday, below the 200,000 jobs forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. The figure accounts for 2,234,662 jobs opened and 2,163,086 closed in the period, according to the ministry. It was the weakest figure for March since 2020, and for any month since last December. It compares with over 245,000 net formal jobs created in the same period of 2024, adjusted data showed. Earlier in the day, before the data was released, Labor Minister Luiz Marinho told state media that formal job creation in March had been weaker year-on-year. He noted that hiring was affected by a lower number of business days, particularly because this year’s Carnival holiday fell in March, while last year it occurred in February. From January to March, a net 654,503 jobs were created in Brazil, down from 725,973 in the year-earlier period, according to adjusted data. Read also: Brazil calls for stricter emission goals ahead of climate summit
