The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Foundation lifts 2000 Ogun families

    Foundation lifts 2000 Ogun families

    The Oba Otudeko Foundation has commenced a statewide food relief initiative supporting 2,000 vulnerable families across all four geopolitical zones of Ogun State.

    The first phase was successfully delivered in Odogbolu, where over 500 elderly and at-risk residents received essential food support.

    The Odogbolu outreach marks the official launch of the foundation’s distribution programme for December, reflecting Dr Otudeko’s long-standing commitment to using enterprise to make the world better, rooted in a belief in the responsibility to the communities he has been part of.

    This outreach, delivered in partnership with local leadership, forms part of the Oba Otudeko Foundation’s broader social impact policy, which focuses on supporting essential pillars for building resilient societies.

    During the distribution, elderly residents, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable members of the community received food provision packs containing staples such as rice, garri, and other items to support their households during the festive period.

    Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Mrs. Yewande Giwa said the initiative also reflects the Founder, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR’s values of caring for people by strengthening human capacity through food support and practical assistance.

    “Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, has always maintained that true leadership is measured by the lives it uplifts,” she said. “This outreach embodies that philosophy. It is about meeting needs in a way that preserves dignity, strengthens communities, and affirms the humanity of every beneficiary. At the Oba Otudeko Foundation, we believe that this time of year should be about coming together and uplifting one another. It is essential we model initiatives reinforce love, care and value for every member of the community”, said Mrs Giwa.

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    Before the distribution, representatives of the Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the Odogbolu Traditional Council, led by the Alaye-in-Council. The palace representatives commended the Foundation for its respectful engagement with traditional leadership, noting that sustainable impact is achieved when service aligns with heritage and local governance.

    Beneficiaries praised the foundation for the kind gesture. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adenike Soyinka, a 76-year-old widow and retired primary school teacher [tentative], said the experience stood out for its organisation and respect. “Today, I felt seen,” she said. “At my age, you worry that the world has forgotten you. But this Foundation remembered us. May God bless them abundantly.”

    Another beneficiary, Mr Lekan Dopemu, thanked the foundation for the surprise package. He said, this will feed not just him but his household of eight. He prayed for the well-being of the chairman and the members of the foundation.

    The outreach will reach nearly 10,000 individuals through food support to 2,000 families across Ogun State. The Oba Otudeko Foundation continues to advance long-term social impact through focused interventions in education and entrepreneurship, guided by empathy, structure, and deep respect for the communities it serves.

  • ARCON warns OYSAA over pre-exposure vetting directive

    ARCON warns OYSAA over pre-exposure vetting directive

    The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has declared unlawful a directive issued by the Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency (OYSAA) requiring advertisers and agencies operating in the out-of-home segment to submit certain advertising materials for mandatory pre-exposure vetting before deployment within the state.

    In a statement by the regulator and signed by its Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, ARCON said the directive, which specifically targets betting- and gaming-related advertisements, goes beyond the constitutional and statutory powers of a state signage agency and constitutes an ultra vires action.

    ARCON disclosed that its attention was drawn to a letter issued by the Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency on November 3, 2025, with reference number OYSAA/382/11/39, directing practitioners, advertisers and advertising agencies involved in out-of-home advertising in Oyo State to submit “betting and gaming-related advertising messages, promotional materials, and public communications for mandatory pre-vetting before exposure.”

    According to the national advertising regulator, such a requirement is not only improper but unconstitutional. “The directive which requests all practitioners, advertisers and advertising agencies involved in Out-of-Home advertising in Oyo State to submit betting and gaming-related advertising messages, promotional materials, and public communications for mandatory pre-vetting before exposure in Oyo State is unlawful and ultra vires the powers of a state advertising and/or signage regulatory agency,” ARCON stated.

    The council emphasised that advertising regulation in Nigeria is firmly domiciled at the federal level, stressing that advertising is recognised both as a professional occupation and as a component of trade and commerce under the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It cited Items 49 and 62 of the Second Schedule, noting that these provisions clearly vest legislative authority over advertising in the National Assembly.

    “Advertising in Nigeria is established as a professional occupation in line with item 49 of the Exclusive Legislative List in the Second Schedule of the Constitution and also as trade and commerce, in line with item 62 of the Exclusive Legislative List in the Second Schedule of the Constitution,” the statement read. “It is the singular responsibility of the National Assembly to enact laws in this regard.”

    ARCON further added that the enabling law establishing the Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency cannot override or expand constitutional boundaries, insisting that any attempt by a state agency to regulate advertising content amounts to a constitutional breach.

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    “Kindly note that, Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency law is alien to the Nigerian Constitution and such power does not fall within a state legislative remit,” the council said.

    Reinforcing its position, ARCON stated unequivocally that state signage agencies have no jurisdiction to vet, approve or reject advertising content prior to exposure, regardless of sector or medium. “It is not within a State Advertising and/or Signage Agency’s jurisdiction to request for, receive or approve any advertisement for exposure,” the statement added.

    Beyond the legal implications, ARCON warned that the Oyo agency’s directive could have far-reaching consequences for the advertising industry if left unchecked. It cautioned that such actions could undermine industry stability, slow down commercial activity and create unnecessary bottlenecks for advertisers and agencies operating within the Nigerian advertising ecosystem.

    “The action of Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency will not only set the industry back, but will also create a bad precedent, in addition to causing bottlenecks for advertisers and advertising agencies within the Nigerian Advertising ecosystem,” ARCON stated.

    The council explained that the press statement was issued to clarify misconceptions arising from the directive and to address concerns raised by industry stakeholders and members of the public.

  • Presidential aide to youths: you’re leaders of today

    Presidential aide to youths: you’re leaders of today

    Youths  have been urged to see themselves as  leaders of today, not tomorrow thereby equipping themselves with relevant skills, engaging policy frameworks, and taking ownership of Nigeria’s democratic and developmental journey.

    The call was made during the Reset The Feed programme with Sunday Dare, hosted by All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Israel.

    The occasion was an avenue for young Nigerians  to critically engage issues of governance, security, and economic reform shaping nation’s future.

    Israel described Reset The Feed as a bold and intentional platform designed to reset the national narrative, challenge misinformation, and redirect youth engagement toward constructive, solution-oriented dialogue that strengthens the nation.

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    A major highlight of the session was the robust engagement led by  Dare, whose insights anchored discussions on leadership, reform, and the role of youths in sustaining democratic progress.

     His contributions reinforced the importance of competence-driven governance, strategic reforms, and long-term national thinking.

    The discussions affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as timely and progressive, driven by competence rather than ethnicity, and focused on long-term national renewal. Key reforms in security, support for state policing, economic restructuring, improved local oil production, youth-focused funding initiatives, and renewable energy adoption were highlighted as clear signals of strategic governance beyond a single term.

  • Foundation holds free adire workshop

    Foundation holds free adire workshop

    The Oladapo Authentic African Art Development Foundation (OAAADF), in collaboration with Ladekoju House of Culture Foundation, Love Energy Services LLC.

    has held a free Adire workshop at its Training Centre in Ofatedo, Osogbo, Osun State on cultural preservation and Adire revival project.

    The two-day workshop aimed at strengthening cultural knowledge, skill development, and community empowerment. It featured over 20 youths, including women who benefited from the hands-on training in traditional Adire processes: batiks application, fabric tying, dyeing, motif design and creative interpretation.

    OAADF founder, Oladapo Agboola, who is a textile artist, said: “A key focus of the workshop was the revival of indigo dyeing and ancient textile practices which highlights the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge while integrating traditional fashion techniques with contemporary expressions.”

    “The approach reflects an ongoing effort to promote Yoruba fashion, strengthen cultural identity, and ensure that heritage craftsmanship remains relevant in modern society.”

    The second day of the workshop, he said, was held at the historic Susanne Wenger House in Osogbo, where participants received certificates, showing their successful completion of the training.

    He said a major feature of the event was the inclusion of a mental wellness session facilitated by a mental wellness specialist Dr. Mojisola Edu, adding that her session prepared participants’ minds, encouraged creativity, and built emotional readiness.

    “This integration of mental wellness into Adire training is the first of its kind, which offers participants learning experience.

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    “The beneficiaries were equally encouraged by Chief Princess Doyin Olosun Faniyi, who emphasised the importance of “embracing what belongs to us, taking pride in Yoruba culture, and leveraging the skills gained through the workshop to achieve personal and professional success. Her message inspired participants to view their creativity as a pathway to fulfilling their ambitions, he stated.

    Agboola noted that the workshop reflected the foundation’s commitment to cultural preservation, youth development, and the empowerment of community members through meaningful skills.

    A participant at the workshop, Adeyemi Blessing, said: “I’m so elated for the incredible opportunity to participate in the free Adire workshop. I’m grateful for the privilege to learn and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Africa.”

     She commended the organisers of the workshop for sharing their knowledge and passion for Adire art with the community, observing that the dedication to preserving African traditions was truly  inspiring, with a promise to commit to using the gains of this workshop in improving  “our  culture.”

    She urged that the beauty and significance of Adire art continued to bring participants together to promote cultural exchange and celebrate  the diversity of Africa..

  • Nautical Rise project to boost tourism

    Nautical Rise project to boost tourism

    Cruxstone Development and Investment Limited is set to boost tourism in Nigeria with the unveiling of Nautical Rise, a landmark waterfront development poised to redefine luxury living.

    Its Managing Director, Dr. Adetoro Bank-Omotoye, said the company’s journey over the past decade has been guided by a long-term, future-focused vision that goes beyond conventional real estate development.

    “Cruxstone has been in the industry for about 10 years, starting primarily with real estate, but our vision has always gone far beyond that,” Bank-Omotoye said.

    The company’s flagship project, Iconic Towers in Victoria Island, stands as a testament to this philosophy. The 12-story residential towers, located at Victoria Island, are designed with a blend of hospitality and lifestyle features more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

    According to Bank-Omotoye, Iconic Towers pioneered purpose-built hotel apartments in Nigeria years before the rise of short-let and Airbnb-style accommodations. Managed by a world-class hospitality firm, the development has delivered strong rental yields and significant capital appreciation for investors.

    “Units sold for about N40-N50 million five years ago are now valued at N250-N300 million,” he said, noting that investors have seen over 500 per cent appreciation.

    Building on this success, Cruxstone is now turning attention to Nautical Rise, a sprawling mixed-use development located on approximately 10 hectares of land by Eleko Beach, bordering the Eko Atlantic axis.

    The project is envisioned as a premium waterfront destination with extensive leisure, hospitality, and residential amenities.

    Described as an “extension of Eko Atlantic with even more waterfront leisure features,” Nautical Rise is projected to become one of Africa’s most exciting tourist destinations.

    The development will feature 10 towers ranging from 20 to 50 floors, delivered in phases over eight years, with the first residential towers expected between 2028 and 2029.

    Bank-Omotoye said construction is already underway, beginning with beachfront amenities designed to drive footfall and tourism. The first phase of these amenities is scheduled for completion by the end of the month, while piling for the towers is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

    Beyond luxury and aesthetics, Cruxstone emphasised the project’s broader economic impact.

    According to the MD, developments of this scale generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate infrastructure growth, and significantly uplift surrounding communities.

    “A project of this magnitude is transformational. It changes property values, brings infrastructure, creates employment, and reshapes the social and economic dynamics of the environment,” he said.

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    Addressing investor concerns around safety, building integrity, and regulatory risks, Bank-Omotoye stressed that Cruxstone prioritises quality over cost and strictly adheres to government master plans.

    He cited instances where the company halted construction for months and absorbed high additional costs to reinforce structures and conduct extensive local and international integrity tests, including laboratory analysis in Germany.

    “For us, quality and safety are non-negotiable. We do not cut corners, even when it costs us time and money,” he said.

    Cruxstone’s credibility is further strengthened by its partnerships with the Lagos State Government and its strong diaspora investor base.

    About 70 per cent of the company’s clients are Nigerians in the diaspora, supported through partnerships with recognised bodies such as the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, UK-based Nigerian associations, and medical professionals’ groups in Europe and North America.

    Bank-Omotoye expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook, citing improved currency stability and policy reforms that are restoring investor confidence and enabling long-term planning in the construction and real estate sectors.

    “With stability, we can plan, procure, and deliver better. The industry is looking much stronger going into 2026,” he said.

  • Stakeholders push circular economy to drive economic growth

    Stakeholders push circular economy to drive economic growth

    Government officials, industry leaders, civil society groups and international development partners converged on Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, for the 6th Lagos Waste Forum, as Nigeria intensified efforts to transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy.

    Organised by the SWEEP Foundation NG and co-sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the European Union and Coca-Cola Nigeria.

    The 2025 edition of the forum had the  theme: “The Power of Nigeria’s Waste Economy.” brought together policymakers and sustainability experts to examine innovative approaches to waste management and environmental governance.

    The Lagos State Governor, represented by the Special Adviser on the Environment, Mr. Olakunle Akodu, described Lagos as central to shaping Nigeria’s circular economy agenda.

    He said: “Lagos generates vast quantities of waste, but within this challenge lies a significant opportunity — one realised through structure, innovation and entrepreneurial intelligence.”

    He noted that the state’s investments, progressive policies and partnerships were gradually shifting waste management from disposal-driven practices to modern circular systems focused on recycling, resource recovery and green job creation.

    According to him, agencies such as the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in collaboration with the private sector, are building an integrated framework that positioned Lagos as a hub for circular economy innovation.

    He expresses support for the Lagos State Government partnering with the forum to elevate future editions into a Lagos International Waste Forum, adding that the proposal would be discussed with relevant authorities.

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    In his address, Chief Executive Officer of SWEEP Foundation NG, Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government, private enterprises and development partners.

    “Nigeria’s waste sector has vast untapped potential,” he said, describing dumpsites as emerging “waste mines” capable of feeding materials back into productive value chains.

    Phillips called for enabling policies, improved financing mechanisms such as a dedicated Green Bank offering single-digit interest loans to waste enterprises, and the eventual creation of a Ministry of Waste Resources to strengthen Lagos’ leadership in recycling and environmental innovation.

    Delivering the forum lecture, the Ogun State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, said addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges required more than policy declarations.

    “Solutions must be guided by research, innovation and evidence-based interventions tailored to Nigeria’s local contexts,” Oresanya said, while urging capacity building across all tiers of government and the development of a technically skilled environmental workforce.

    In a keynote address, a representative of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) highlighted Nigeria’s annual waste generation of about 32 million tonnes, 13 per cent of which is plastic. Citing the Federal Government and UNDP Imagine Nigeria report, the alliance projected a green economy potential of up to $250 billion, noting that Lagos alone generated about ₦18 billion in recycling value in 2021.

    “Circularity is not just an ecological necessity, but a strategic pathway to jobs, innovation and environmental protection,”  he said.

  • ‘More funding, support for innovators needed’

    ‘More funding, support for innovators needed’

    Policy experts, development partners, and industry leaders have renewed calls for increased government support for young innovators.

    They spoke at an empowerment programme by NerdzFactory Company, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mastercard Foundation.

    The firm empowered young innovators by providing grants and capacity-building training to help scale their innovative solutions.

    The event, held in Lagos, had the theme: “Youth Innovation as a Driver of State Development.”

    Founding Partner at NerdzFactory Company, Ade Olowojoba, said the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme is a flagship initiative supported by UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation to discover, support, and scale youth-led innovations that address pressing development challenges in the country.

    Olowojoba said the showcase highlights youth-driven solutions aligned with Lagos State’s development priorities and demonstrates how the programme is enabling scalable, high-impact innovation.

    “Mastercard Foundation is sponsoring the programme, UNDP will oversee its implementation, and NerdzFactory will provide training for the innovators,” he said.

    The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, praised the creativity and resilience of young Nigerians and urged governments at all levels to create policies that nurture grassroots innovation.

    According to her, the showcase proves that breakthrough solutions can emerge from unconventional spaces such as local markets and small workshops.

    “Young people are creating tools that address food losses, designing data-driven systems, and producing world-class ideas with minimal resources. Talent in Nigeria can come from anywhere,” she said.

    Attafuah added that the YAI programme has helped entrepreneurs refine prototypes, validate business ideas, and connect with potential markets.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said Lagos remains the hub of Nigeria’s innovation economy.

    She noted that the state has deliberately invested in digital infrastructure, startup clusters, and policies that enable young entrepreneurs to thrive.

    “Innovation is a public good that improves quality of life. Young people do not lack ideas; they need platforms, systems that are fair, accessible, and supportive,” she said.

    The Commissioner revealed that Lagos received more than 9,000 applications for the YAI programme, from which 205 innovators were selected.

    “The state will continue reducing regulatory barriers and expanding opportunities for startups,” she added.

    Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Technical Assistant Akorede Adeboye outlined ongoing initiatives to support agricultural innovation in the state.

    He cited the Lagos Agro-Innovation Club, the Agripreneur Project (LAP), and the Agrithon grant competitions, which have collectively trained over 5,000 young people and funded dozens of agritech solutions.

    “These programmes are designed to grow agribusinesses, create jobs, and build a community of youths solving food security challenges,” he said.

    During a panel session moderated by Adefunke Adewale, founders and innovation leaders discussed challenges facing small businesses, the importance of business intelligence, and the role of mentorship in scaling enterprises.

    Product Owner and Head of Operations at the SME management platform Pearmonie, Nkiruka Achakpo, shared how digital business intelligence tools helped revive failing microenterprises.

    She noted that young entrepreneurs struggle with inflation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited government grants.

    “Even basic support like electricity would significantly reduce the burden on SMEs. Nigerian youths have unmatched drive, but they need encouragement,” she said.

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    Co-President of Ashoka Africa, Angelou Ezeilo, said Nigeria trails counterparts such as Kenya and South Africa in fintech and entrepreneurship indicators largely because of poor infrastructure and limited government support.

    “Young innovators operate in the gaps in areas such as health, climate, gender, and economic inclusion, but they do not have the support they need. They need capital, mentorship, networks, and an enabling environment,” she said.

    Ezeilo called for urgent reforms in digital infrastructure, power supply, transportation, and education, stressing that change-making skills must be integrated into school curricula.

    Chief Executive Officer of the edtech startup Dataleum, Bode Roberts, advocated for a state-level open innovation and data access policy to help startups collaborate with government agencies and access real-world problems they can solve.

    “You cannot grow what you do not know. Data access will help build stronger capabilities and attract long-term investments,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer of Regxta Global Services, Rukayat Bello, appealed for more government focus on entrepreneurs at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

    “Government must look at the grassroots, provide grants, and organise tech events for people in low-income communities,” she said.

  • Expert seeks pension digitalisation

    Expert seeks pension digitalisation

    A socio-economic expert, Mr. Stephen Oyedele, has called for digitalisation of payment of pension and gratuity in Nigeria, as practised in other countries.

    He said digitalising pension and gratuity payment would enable retiring workers get their benefits immediately, instead of waiting endlessly, leading to the untimely death of some of them.

    Speaking ahead of his retirement at Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) on January 17, 2026 and 60th birthday, Oyedele lamented that Nigeria had not outgrown payment of gratuity within a short time after retirement, as in other countries.

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    He said: “Countries like India, Saudi Arabia, UAE and some commonwealth nations often provide substantial immediate pay-outs (like pension commutation or gratuity), upon leaving service.”

    He thanked the Governor Seyi Makinde administration for prompt payment of salaries and pensions, with improved bonuses and promotions to workers, urging successive governments to do likewise.

    Oyedele, whose 35 years of meritorious service was full of giving back to the next generation, described teaching as blessed profession, because it gave him everything he desired.

    He promised to continue to contribute to the growth and development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

  • Foundation, club award scholarships to pupils

    Foundation, club award scholarships to pupils

    The Sean and Tarra Ajayi Foundation and the Ever Forward Club, USA have endowed some select pupils of Femi Gbajabiamila Junior and Secondary School, Ikate, Surulere with scholarship and educational support materials.

    The occasion, which took place at the school hall, also had the organisation opening a Zenith Bank account for each of the recipients, with N30,000 cash credit.

    The Sean and Tarra Ajayi Foundation is the brainchild of Sean and Tarra Ajayi, two Nigerians, who relocated with their parents to the United States of America at a very tender age in the aftermath of the June 12 1993 political impasse.

    Speaking at the presentation, their mum, Her Royal Highness, Queen Mother, Ambassador Amina Temitope Labinjo Ajayi JP  known popularly as Mama Diaspora, who stood in for them, said the gesture was inspired by Sean’s experience when he came home and visited his alma mater.

    According to Mama Diaspora, the Sean and Tarra Ajayi Foundation, in partnership with the Ever Forward Club, was launching the Million Mask Movement workshop, a programme dedicated to empowering Nigerian youth through mentorship and educational support.

    By aligning their efforts, the organisations aim to achieve a 360-degree impact by bridging the wellness and education gaps.

    “The Ajayi Foundation’s scholarship recipients and programme participants will gain access to the vital SEL workshops of the #MillionMaskMovement, ensuring that they are not only academically prepared but also mentally resilient to handle the intense pressures of academic pursuit and life in a developing economy,” Mama Diaspora stated in her address.

     The programme will, among other things, foster authentic leadership, by promoting vulnerability and honesty to compliment the foundation’s focus on building human capital, and nurturing a generation of Nigerian leaders who are both brilliant and emotionally well-adjusted.

    According to Mama Diaspora, the organisation will also be working on achieving scalable safe places, to enable the rapid expansion of #MillionMaskMovement into more schools and youth centres across Nigeria, providing a powerful, proven methodology for mentors and educators to address mental health challenges and reduce isolation.”

    ama Diaspora also has a word for fellow Nigerians who have made it in the diaspora: “I am using this opportunity to appeal to every diasporan: “Go back to your alma mater and see what you can do to help them. Even if it is just one hundred dollars; it goes a long way.”

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    Responding, Principal of the school, Mrs. Florence Olodeoku, expressed her gratitude to the foundation on the choice of her school, especially because it complements the THEMES+ effort of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration.

    What you are about to do is a life-changing event, and I’m sure the children will never forget a day like this that you have been given scholarship throughout their stay in secondary school and even beyond in their life. They are also going to be taught how to save, which is an addition.”

    Chairman Hon Femi Oduanyo represented by chief of staff Hon. Lawal Afis said: “I am pleased to have such a great foundation, who appreciates education and are here to contribute to the future of our children.”

    He appealed to other individuals and organisations endowed not to hesitate in contributing their quota towards the development of the Nigerian youth.

    Photo Caption: 1: (L-R) Principal, Femi Gbajabiamila Secondary School, Mrs. Florence Olodeoku; Mama Diaspora, Ambassador Amina  Ajayi; one of the beneficiaries, Master Raheem Mubarak Olaitan; representative of Itire-Ikate LCDA chairman, Lawal Afis and another guest

    Photo 2: Mama Diaspora Ambassador Amina Ajayi (middle), Principal Femi Gbajabiamila Secondary School, Mrs Florence Olodeoku,  Representative of Itire-Ikate LCDA chairman, Lawal Afis (right) with the beneficiaries

  • ICC calls U.S. sanctions ‘flagrant attack’ against court’s independence

    ICC calls U.S. sanctions ‘flagrant attack’ against court’s independence

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) said yesterday that U.S. sanctions against two of its judges over its case involving Israel were a “flagrant attack” on the court’s independence.

    “Such measures targeting judges and prosecutors who were elected by the States Parties undermine the rule of law. When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk,” the court said.

    The U.S. had sanctioned two more ICC judges from the latest step in the Trump administration’s campaign to punish those involved with efforts to investigate Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday said he was imposing sanctions against Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia for being “directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israel’s consent, including voting with the majority in favour of the ICC’s ruling against Israel’s appeal on December 15.”

    On Monday, the Hague-based court rejected Israel’s bid to block the ongoing probe into its alleged crimes in Gaza.

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    In a statement yesterday, the ICC denounced the new sanctions, calling them “a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution.”

    “When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk,” the statement said. The U.S. and Israel have repeatedly rejected the authority of the ICC to investigate either country’s conduct.

    “We will not tolerate ICC abuses of power that violate the sovereignty of the United States and Israel and wrongly subject U.S. and Israeli persons to the ICC’s jurisdiction,” Rubio said in a statement Thursday.

    “We will continue to respond with significant and tangible consequences to the ICC’s lawfare and overreach,” he said.

    The Trump administration has imposed a slew of sanctions on ICC judges and its chief prosecutor, as well as organizations it said have supported the investigation.

    The court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court also issued arrest warrants for three top Hamas officials.