The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • Hamas seeks global resistance against Trump’s plan in Gaza

    Hamas seeks global resistance against Trump’s plan in Gaza

    A top Hamas official has called on “anyone who can bear arms” to rise up against U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, a day after Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu said he would let the militant group’s leaders leave the war-ravaged enclave if they lay down their weapons.

    “In the face of this sinister plan – one that combines massacres with starvation – anyone who can bear arms, anywhere in the world, must take action,” Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.

    “Do not withhold an explosive, a bullet, a knife, or a stone. Let everyone break their silence.”

    Abu Zuhri’s call comes a day after Netanyahu offered to let Hamas leaders leave Gaza but demanded that the Palestinian militant group disarm in the final stages of the war in Gaza.

    Hamas has expressed a willingness to relinquish Gaza’s administration, but has warned its weapons are a “red line”.

    Read Also: ‘Hamas must disarm, leaders must leave Gaza’

    Netanyahu said Israel was working towards a plan proposed by Trump to displace Gazans to other countries.

    Netanyahu said that after the war, Israel would ensure overall security in Gaza and “enable the implementation of the Trump plan” – which had initially called for the mass displacement of all 2.4 million people living in the Palestinian territory – calling it a “voluntary migration plan”.

    Days after taking office in January, Trump floated a proposal to move Gaza’s population out of the war-battered territory, suggesting that Egypt or Jordan could take them in.

  • Poll: Majority of Americans disapprove of handling of economy

    Poll: Majority of Americans disapprove of handling of economy

    As many as 58% disapprove of U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, dropping to its lowest level since December of 2017, according to a poll released by the AP-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research.

    The poll, conducted on March 20-24 among 1,229 adults, found that about seven in 10 describe the state of the economy as “poor,” a level of negativity that has remained unchanged since the final weeks of Joe Biden’s presidency in December 2024, when the question was last asked.

    “Trump’s overall job approval is essentially the same as it was when he took office for the first time in 2017, though lower than Joe Biden’s at the beginning of his term,” the poll said.

    Read Also: Expert explores impact of digital identity on Africa’s economy

    The survey also examined Trump’s policies on migration, foreign conflicts, and trade.

    Asked about the president’s handling of immigration, 49% said they approve, while 50% disapproved.

    On the “Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” 54% disapprove of Trump’s approach, while 44% approve.

    His handling of “trade negotiations with other countries,” amid international criticism of tariffs, received 60% disapproval compared to 38% approval.

    On the Russia-Ukraine war, 56% said they disapprove of Trump’s stance, while 41% approve.

  • I’m not joking about third term as U.S.president, says Trump

    I’m not joking about third term as U.S.president, says Trump

    President Donald Trump yesterday repeated his suggestion he might seek a third term as United States president, which would defy the two-term limit stipulated in the United States’ Constitution.

    In a yesterday morning phone call with NBC News, Trump said: “I’m not joking,” when asked to clarify a remark on seeking another term. He added: “There are methods which you could do it.”

    The 78-year-old billionaire has a long history of suggesting he might serve more than two terms, but yesterday’s remarks – followed by comments to reporters aboard Air Force One – were the most concrete in terms of referring to plans in place to achieve the goal.

    Trump has launched his second presidency with an unprecedented demonstration of executive power, using the world’s richest man Elon Musk to dismantle swaths of the government, and said his supporters want even more.

    “We have almost four years to go and that’s a long time but despite that, so many people are saying you’ve got to run again. They love the job we’re doing,” Trump said yesterday aboard the presidential jet, apparently referring to his political allies and supporters.

    Trump appeared to wave off a reporter’s question about whether he is planning not to leave office on January 20, 2029, the next Inauguration Day, saying: “I’m not looking at that, but I’ll tell you, I have had more people ask me to have a third term.”

    Read Also: Trump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education

    Earlier in the day, Trump told NBC he had been presented with plans that would allow him to seek re-election.

    When the network asked Trump of a possible scenario whereby Vice-President JD Vance would run for president and then abdicate the role to Trump, the president said “that’s one” method.

    He added that “there are others,” but refused to share further details.

    Amending the U.S. Constitution to allow a third presidential term would require a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and Senate, which Trump’s Republican Party does not have, or a constitutional convention called by two thirds of the states that would propose changes to the charter.

    Both routes appear to be unlikely, given the current number of states and Congressional seats under Republican control.

    Whether he goes through Congress or the states, he would then require ratification from three-quarters of all state legislatures.

    A constitutional convention has never been successfully called in the United States, where all 27 constitutional amendments have been passed by the congressional method.

     In January, days after Trump took office, Republican Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a House joint resolution to amend the constitution to allow presidents up to three terms.

  • ‘Hamas must disarm, leaders must leave Gaza’

    ‘Hamas must disarm, leaders must leave Gaza’

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated a demand yesterday for Hamas to disarm and for its leaders to leave Gaza as he promised to step up pressure on the group while continuing efforts to return hostages.

    He said Israel would work to implement U.S. President Donald Trump’s “voluntary emigration plan” for Gaza and said his cabinet had agreed to keep pressuring Hamas, which says it has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from mediators – Egypt and Qatar.

    Read Also: Hamas fires rockets at Tel Aviv as Israel expands Gaza ground operations

    Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said Netanyahu’s comments were a recipe for “endless escalation” in the region.

    Netanyahu rejected assertions that Israel, which has resumed its bombardment of Gaza after a two-month truce and sent troops back into the enclave, was not negotiating, saying “we are conducting it under fire, and therefore it is also effective”.

    “We see that there are suddenly cracks,” he said in a video statement issued yesterday.”

  • Muslims worldwide bid farewell to Ramadan, mark Eid el-Fitr

    Muslims worldwide bid farewell to Ramadan, mark Eid el-Fitr

    Muslims around the world bid farewell to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and celebrated the holiday of Eid al-Fitr yesterday.

    Just like every year, the Eid was greeted with joy and excitement as Muslims marked it with congregational prayers and festivities that typically include family visits, gatherings and new clothes.

    In Jerusalem, thousands of Palestinians gathered yesterday at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City for Eid al-Fitr prayers.

    In Serbia, the Islamic community held its central Eid ceremony in the Arab mosque in Novi Pazar, also marking the occasion with communal prayers.

    In the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, Muslims gathered in outdoor prayer spaces. Families donned new clothes and visited loved ones, blending tradition with modern festivities.

    Meanwhile, in Islam’s holiest city of Mecca, millions of pilgrims and locals joined in mass prayers at the Grand Mosque, underscoring the spiritual heart of the celebration.

    Read Also: Yusuf felicitates Muslims on Eid, seeks unity

    Elsewhere in the Middle East, Syrians celebrate their first Eid al-Fitr since the end of more than half a century of being ruled by the al-Assad family.

    Like Ramadan and other Muslim observances, the timing of Muslim months and holidays generally depends on the lunar cycle, specifically the sighting of the Moon’s crescent following the new Moon.

    In many parts of the world, dedicated teams of moon-sighters scanned the sky with telescopes and binoculars, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive crescent moon.

    For some Muslims, this year’s Eid was far from a joyous occasion as their communities are ravaged by war.

    Residents of the Gaza Strip are observing their second Eid al-Fitr since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.

    They had little to celebrate yesterday, as they marked a normally festive holiday with rapidly dwindling food supplies and no end in sight to the conflict.

  • Trump ‘pissed off’ at Putin overquestioning of Ukraine’s leadership

    Trump ‘pissed off’ at Putin overquestioning of Ukraine’s leadership

    President Donald Trump has threatened to impose secondary tariffs on oil coming out of Russia, if he felt it hindered progress towards ending the war in Ukraine.

    He is set to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming week.

    Trump threatens to put “secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” during an interview with NBC yesterday.

    Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” with Putin after the latter criticised the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, putting his credibility into question.

    Trump said that Putin’s comments were “not going in the right location”.

    Putin had suggested on Friday that Ukraine be put under temporary UN control until a “competent” government was elected. The suggestion was dismissed by Washington, as Putin once again took aim at the government in Kyiv and Zelenskyy whom the Kremlin continues to accuse of being “illegitimate”.

    Providing more insight into his reasoning, Trump added that “new leadership means you’re not going to have a deal for a long time, right?”

    Read Also: Trump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education

    Trump also said during the interview that “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia.”

    It was a significant change of tone towards Russia by Trump, who said he would be speaking to Putin during the coming week.

    Russia and Ukraine this month agreed in principle to a limited 30-day ceasefire in the Black Sea, but both sides have since continued to attack each other with drones and missiles.

    During a separate interview on Saturday, Trump threatened to “bomb” Iran and apply “secondary tariffs” to the country if Iran refused to make a nuclear deal with the U.S. to ensure it didn’t develop the weapon.

  • Odyssey media House launches vibrant event in UK

    Odyssey media House launches vibrant event in UK

    Odyssey Media House has launched a dynamic event in Bradford, United Kingdom, with the mission of unlocking creative potential and enriching the local arts and culture scene.

    In an official statement, the media house described the initiative as the beginning of a vibrant creative organisation aimed at fostering innovation, amplifying diverse voices, and enhancing the cultural landscape in Bradford and beyond.

    The launch event was hailed as a resounding success, drawing artists, cultural leaders, and members of the local community to celebrate the thriving creative industry.

    As a community interest company, Odyssey Media House is committed to supporting the production of high-quality films, music, and events that inspire, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of the region.

    According to the statement, the launch event showcased the brand’s striking blue and copper colour scheme and introduced its leadership team: Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa (Executive Director), Marvellous Godson (Creative Director), Abayomi Adebisi (Productions Director), and Gbola Jesu (Marketing and PR Director).

    “Today marks more than the launch of a company; we ignite a belief. A belief born from a simple truth: ‘It Can Be,’” stated Executive Director, Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa, in his opening speech. “Odyssey Media is built on this very principle.

    “We see the untapped potential of diverse voices, creatives, and underrepresented groups, brimming with artistic ideas waiting to be unleashed. 

    “We are here to say ‘It Can Be’ to their artistic dreams. With Odyssey Media House, ‘It Can Be’ inspiring, ‘It Can Be’ creative, and ‘It Can Be’ a truly memorable contribution to arts and culture,” he said.

    GbolaJesu Amusa, the Marketing and Public Relation (PR) Director, in his remarks shared the vision and mission of Odyssey, bringing guests closer to the driving force of Odyssey Media House.

     “As active members of the creative and cultural community, Odyssey Media House is committed to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new storytelling methods. 

    “The organisation will collaborate with talented artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds to showcase unique artistic visions and produce thought-provoking content that resonates culturally.

    Musa said that the event also featured the unveiling of Odyssey Media House’s signature projects in film, events, and music, expertly shot by Production Director, Abayomi Adebisi and directed by Marvellous Godson, creative director of Odyssey Media House.

    Marvellous Godson, the Creative Director, emphasised that the pilot projects as demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to serving the creative community and extending the reach of arts and culture activities to underserved communities and supporting voices within that space that need room for expression. 

    He added that the audience was thrilled by testimonials from the first artist, O’Phils, and the Executive Director of OAK Initiative UK CIC, who shared positive recommendations from previous collaborations with the team.

    Godson said that the launch then flowed into a lively drinks reception and networking session, carefully curated by Odyssey Media House to kickstart the promise of supporting diverse voices by creating meaningful connections. 

    The creative director said that the room buzzed with creatives from film, events, and music, sharing their visions and sparking new ideas. 

    According to him, the launch and networking event is just the beginning of many opportunities we will create for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and bring their creative dreams to life.

    “Odyssey Media House is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive space for artists and audiences through culturally focused events, workshops, and networking opportunities. 

    “The organisation’s mission is to deliver exceptional and memorable creative experiences that delight, inspire, and enrich the cultural landscape, creating a lasting impact on the cultural and economic vitality of the UK by supporting diverse artistic voices, promoting innovation in the arts, and providing opportunities for emerging talent in the cultural sector.

    Recalled that Odyssey Media House CIC is a dynamic creative organisation based in Bradford, UK, dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting diverse artistic voices, and delivering exceptional creative experiences that enrich arts and culture. 

    The organisation supports production quality films, events, and music, collaborating with talented artists and creatives to showcase their unique artistic visions.

  • UN official urges Nigerian filmmakers to amplify awareness on SDGs

    UN official urges Nigerian filmmakers to amplify awareness on SDGs

    •Third edition of sustainable film challenge launched

    The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, has described Nigeria as a storytelling powerhouse.

    Fall urged filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, launched the Third Edition of the SDGs film Challenge in Abuja yesterday.

    The film challenge, which is a collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at mobilising filmmakers to use films to mobilise the nation towards achieving the SDGs.

    The UN has set 2030 to achieve the SDG which  has 17 Goals aimed at improvement standards of living across the globe.

    Speaking at the launch, Fall said: “Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among largest film industry in the world, reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness.

    Read Also: How Cuppy is Leveraging Philanthropy to Drive Educational Equity for African Students While Representing Nigeria on a Global Stage

    “We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability.

    “The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.

    “From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, to lead, and to transform their world.

    “Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.

  • U.S. intelligence chief admits ‘mistake’ in adding journalist to strike chat

    U.S. intelligence chief admits ‘mistake’ in adding journalist to strike chat

    It was a “mistake” for senior Trump administration officials to have discussed details of United States military strikes on Houthi rebels in a group chat in which a journalist was included, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged yesterday.

    Gabbard’s concession before the House Intelligence Committee came as the administration finds itself embroiled in a deepening controversy. She said the text conversation was “candid and sensitive,” but maintained “no classified information was shared” among President Donald Trump’s top deputies.

    “It was a mistake that a reporter was inadvertently added to a signal chat with high-level national security principles having a policy discussion about imminent strikes against the Houthis and the effects of the strike,” she told lawmakers.

    Read Also: Cascador and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Announce Strategic Partnership to Empower Nigerian Entrepreneurs

    “There were no sources, methods, locations or war plans that were shared. This was a standard update to the national security cabinet that was provided alongside updates that were given to foreign partners in the region.”

    Gabbard said the Signal messaging app comes pre-installed on government-issued devices as an approved end-to-end encrypted messaging platform.

    Hours earlier, the magazine whose top editor was inadvertently added to the discussion, released screenshots of the entire chat thread, revealing that Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg received attack plans regarding the March 13 strikes hours before the strikes were carried out, including critical details.

  • U.S. lawmaker advises Tinubu to establish Consulate in Chicago

    U.S. lawmaker advises Tinubu to establish Consulate in Chicago

    A member of the United States Congress, Representative Danny Davis, has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging the Nigerian government to expedite the establishment of a consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, to cater to Nigerians residing in the Midwest region.

    The Congressman said he wrote the letter following extensive discussions with the Nigeria Diaspora Initiative (NDI), a prominent group advocating for the interests of Nigerians abroad.

    Davis argued that the proposed consulate would be of immense benefit to both Nigeria and the United States, particularly the city of Chicago, by fostering new opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

    In a letter obtained by our correspondent, Davis stated: “As a Member of Congress representing the 7th District of Illinois, I fully support this initiative, as it would be highly beneficial for both Nigeria and the City of Chicago.

    “Nigeria holds a prominent position on the African continent, both economically and culturally, and has deep-rooted ties with the United States. Establishing a consulate in Chicago would strengthen these bonds, enhance diplomatic relations, and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.”

    He highlighted Chicago’s strategic location, emphasising that the consulate would not only serve Nigerians in Illinois but also those in neighboring states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa, who currently face difficulties in accessing essential consular services.

    He added that the Office of the Mayor of Chicago, led by Mayor Brandon Johnson, is also preparing to express its support for the initiative, reinforcing the city’s commitment to facilitating its actualization for the benefit of both nations.

    Read Also: Investors’ confidence in Nigeria growing, says Cardoso

    “Given the size and influence of the Nigerian diaspora in the Midwest, I believe this initiative is long overdue. A consulate in Chicago would serve as a vital bridge between Nigeria and the region, fostering greater engagement in business, education, and governance.

    “I urge your administration to prioritize this effort and take the necessary steps toward making it a reality. I look forward to further discussions on this important matter and stand ready to assist in any way possible.”

    Several Nigerians in the diaspora have joined the call for the establishment of a consulate in Chicago, including Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Dr. Shaffideen Amuwo; U.S.-based cybersecurity expert and General Coordinator of the Nigeria Diaspora Initiative (NDI), Tunji Quadri; Aviation industry manager with a background in the hospitality sector, Tolani Banire; Seasoned engineer and contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense, Dr. Oluwagoke Ajayi; Information technology expert, Dr. Victor Onafuye Jonathan; Femi Odere; Dr. Ewa Ewa; Ganiu Dada; and Senior Community Liaison in the Chicago Mayor’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR), Ms. Nneka RitaMarie Obasi.

    Quadri emphasised the strategic importance of Chicago, noting that the city is easily accessible to Nigerians across the Midwest.

    He asserted that the establishment of a consulate in Chicago would be a game-changer for Nigerians, providing essential consular services such as passport renewals, visa applications, and document certification while also promoting business, tourism, and investment.