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Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of engaging in “nuclear terrorism” as he commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl reactor disaster on Sunday.

Zelensky stated that Russia is “once again bringing the world to the edge of a man-made catastrophe”.

He noted that Russian drones frequently fly over Chornobyl, with one having struck its protective shell last year.

Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), shared Zelenskyy’s apprehensions regarding Chornobyl during his visit to Kyiv, emphasizing that repairs to the plant’s damaged outer protective shell must commence without delay.

He remarked that “IAEA evaluations indicate that the damage incurred from a strike last year has already jeopardized a crucial safety function of the structure.”

He cautioned that prolonged inaction could increase the risk to the original sarcophagus beneath it. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development indicated that repairs would necessitate a minimum of 500 million euros ($586 million).

In the meantime, Ukrainian forces have targeted an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, deep within Russian territory, as reported by Ukraine’s General Staff on Sunday.

The strikes ignited fires at the facility, which processes 15 million tons of oil annually and produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for the Russian military.

Russia did not provide an immediate response. Ukraine has developed its own long-range drones capable of reaching targets 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) inside Russia.

Additionally, a Ukrainian drone strike also impacted a fertilizer plant in Russia’s Vologda region, as stated by local governor Georgy Filimonov on Sunday. Filimonov reported that a high-pressure sulfuric acid pipeline was damaged at a complex operated by Apatit, a subsidiary of PhosAgro, one of the largest producers of phosphate-based fertilizers globally.

The leak has been contained, and there were no hazardous chemical releases, he added, noting that five individuals sustained injuries.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, mentioned on Sunday that he has had “productive discussions” with Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy as he seeks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

“We’re working on the Russia situation, Russia and Ukraine, and hopefully we’re going to get it,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News.

Ukrainian peace talks have stalled since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February.

Nuclear weapon: Russia bringing world to brink of man-made disaster – Zelenskyy warns

Chief Henry Udeh has emerged Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State following a consensus-based congress held on Saturday at the party secretariat in Abakaliki.

The development is widely regarded as part of the party’s early strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The congress, which attracted party faithful and critical stakeholders from across the state, formally ratified Ude’s emergence through a unanimous voice vote.

The motion for the adoption of a consensus arrangement was moved by Comrade Christian Mayor Iduma and seconded by Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, after which it was adopted without dissent, an outcome party leaders described as reflective of strong internal cohesion within the state chapter.

In the same vein, other members of the State Executive Committee, including the State Secretary, Mr. Innocent Igiri, were returned to office, thereby consolidating the existing leadership structure to guide the party through the forthcoming electoral cycle.

The exercise was attended by notable party figures, including the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Splendor Oko-Eze, and the 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside security agencies and representatives of the party’s national leadership, monitored proceedings in compliance with statutory requirements.

Addressing members shortly after the congress, Chief Splendor Oko-Eze described the successful conduct of the ward, local government, and state congresses as a defining milestone for the party in Ebonyi State.

“The Labour Party ward, LGA, and state congresses have been successfully concluded in Ebonyi State to the glory of God Almighty. This is the party to beat in 2027. Victory is assured — forward ever, and God remains our helper,” he said.

Similarly, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh commended the party’s internal processes, describing the peaceful conduct of the congress as a demonstration of political maturity and organisational discipline.

He contrasted this with what he characterised as persistent internal crises in other political parties, noting that the LP is positioning itself to play a dominant role in both state and national politics by 2027.

He, however, cautioned against complacency, urging sustained unity, strategic mobilisation, and institutional strengthening to consolidate the party’s growing influence.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Henry Udeh pledged to deliver inclusive, transparent, and accountable leadership rooted in grassroots participation and institutional integrity.

“The strength of any political organisation begins with its leadership. When leadership is properly aligned, the entire structure follows. We will operate an open system where every opinion is valued and duly considered in decision-making,” he said.

He emphasised that integrity, honesty, and political education would form the cornerstone of his administration, noting that the party must distinguish itself through discipline and accountability.

“I intend to serve as a ‘master-servant’ to the Labour Party in Ebonyi State, ensuring fairness, equity, and responsible stewardship in the management of party affairs,” he said.

On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the newly elected chairman disclosed that the state chapter is awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership before initiating its primary election processes.

“We are awaiting directives from the national body. Once these guidelines are released, we will proceed accordingly. Preparatory efforts are already underway, and we will act decisively when the time comes,” he added.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal democracy, Udeh stressed that candidatures would be determined by grassroots popularity and acceptability rather than financial capacity.

“We are a grassroots-driven party. Tickets will be awarded to candidates chosen by the people not those with the deepest pockets so that they can truly represent and serve the electorate,” he assured.

Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, he underscored the LP’s ambition to emerge as a credible alternative in future elections.

“Our objective is clear, we aim to win. Without that conviction, there would be no purpose in being in opposition,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the national leadership, the Deputy National Woman Leader, Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, described the congress as peaceful, orderly, and fully compliant with established guidelines. She dismissed reports of factional divisions within the state chapter, affirming that the party remains united.

“The atmosphere has been calm, and the process has proceeded seamlessly in accordance with laid-down procedures. The Labour Party in Ebonyi State remains one cohesive family,” she said.

She further urged the newly elected leadership to sustain the prevailing unity and intensify efforts toward building a formidable political structure capable of delivering electoral success in 2027.

Party members who spoke on the sidelines of the congress expressed optimism that the outcome would reposition the party for enhanced electoral performance. Many pledged renewed commitment to grassroots mobilisation and organisational strengthening as the party prepares for future contests.

Henry Udeh emerges Labour Party Chairman in Ebonyi

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lambasted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over insecurity bedeviling the country.

In an interview with News Central, Obasanjo said any government that cannot protect lives and property of its citizens does not have the right to exist.

The ex-Nigerian leader was reacting to the recent wave of insecurity which has confronted Nigeria, resulting in the killing of so many citizens and abduction of several others.

“Let me tell you, the government that cannot give security of life and property of its citizen has no right of existence.

“The elected members of our National Assembly have no right to fix their own salary and their own emolument.

“It’s not in our constitution for them to do that. It’s the revenue mobilization and allocation commission that should do it,” he said.

Govt that can’t protect lives has no right to exist – Obasanjo blasts Tinubu administration

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to industrialisation and export-driven growth with the inauguration of a multi-million naira garment factory in Abuja by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole.

The event, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of Mo’Afrique, drew key stakeholders from government and the private sector, highlighting renewed efforts to reposition Nigeria’s garment and textile industry for increased local production and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oduwole described the occasion as a dual celebration of entrepreneurial resilience and industrial progress, commending the founder’s journey from humble beginnings to establishing a full-scale manufacturing facility.

“Today is truly a double celebration,” she said. “We are marking 10 years of an entrepreneur who started her business in her parents’ home – right from her bedroom – and steadily built it. That journey speaks volumes about tenacity, determination and relentless hard work.”

The minister noted that the transition from a small-scale operation to a factory aligns with the Federal Government’s broader industrialisation agenda.

“She is opening a factory—this is industrialisation in action. This is scale. This is production at scale,” Oduwole said.

She also challenged the company to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging expansion into regional and global markets.

“I have already challenged her to take the next step: to export her products across Africa and to the rest of the world,” she said, adding that the government remains committed to “supporting entrepreneurs to achieve productivity, scale and global competitiveness.”

Oduwole further praised Nigerian entrepreneurs for their resilience despite economic challenges.

“They are resilient, determined and unyielding in the face of challenges. We remain committed to supporting them and improving the business environment so they can thrive,” she added.

Founder and Creative Director of Mo’Afrique, Omobolanle Olawale, described the inauguration as a defining moment for the company and the local garment industry, noting that the expansion is aimed at bridging gaps in Nigeria’s clothing market.

“It is with profound gratitude and excitement that I welcome you to this historic occasion – the celebration of Mo’Afrique’s 10th anniversary and the launch of our new brand, Modish, alongside the commissioning of our state-of-the-art garment factory here in Abuja,” she said.

Olawale explained that while Nigeria’s luxury fashion segment has seen growth, the mass market for everyday clothing remains underserved.

“While luxury fashion thrived, the mass market for professional wear, uniforms, casuals and outerwear remained underserved. Modish is our response to this challenge,” she said.

She added that the newly launched Modish Formals brand is designed to meet large-scale production needs for institutions.

“For the military, paramilitary organisations, corporations, schools and other institutions requiring large-scale production, Modish Formals is here to meet your needs with quality and efficiency,” Olawale said.

According to her, the factory is equipped with modern technology and skilled personnel to boost local manufacturing capacity and create jobs.

“This facility will empower local talent through training and job creation, demonstrating that Nigerian fashion can compete globally – not only in creativity but also in manufacturing excellence,” she said.

Highlighting challenges in the sector, Olawale revealed that Nigeria spends about $6 billion annually on imported clothing, with over 90 per cent of commonly used fabrics sourced from abroad, alongside issues such as smuggling and inadequate infrastructure.

“It is against this backdrop that Modish has emerged, not just as a brand but as a solution,” she said, adding that the company aims to strengthen the textile value chain over the next five to 10 years.

She also announced the launch of the Modish Scholars Programme, a corporate social responsibility initiative targeted at supporting the education of disadvantaged children.

“This is our contribution to tackling the scourge of out-of-school children in our society,” she said.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Olawale said the success recorded over the past decade was driven by resilience and commitment to excellence.

“Ten years ago, Mo’Afrique was a dream. The road was not always easy, but we remained steadfast, guided by excellence and sustained by the trust of our clients and partners,” she added.

FG Inaugurates Garment Factory, Targets AfCFTA Opportunities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia for a high-level meeting with President Vladimir Putin, as Tehran intensifies diplomatic efforts to end its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Araghchi confirmed his arrival in St. Petersburg on his official Telegram account on Monday. He is scheduled to meet Putin in Moscow, along with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior officials.

Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, said the visit is part of “close consultations” between the two countries.

The Moscow stop is the final leg of an intensive diplomatic tour that took Araghchi to Pakistan twice in 48 hours and Oman over the weekend. In Islamabad, he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. In Muscat, he held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on maritime security and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Iranian state media reported that Tehran transmitted written messages to the United States through Pakistani mediators, outlining Iran’s positions on key issues including its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. The messages were described as communicating red lines, not as part of active negotiations.

The diplomatic push comes after U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip to Pakistan by American negotiators. Trump said Sunday that Iranian officials “can call” if they wish to resume talks, while maintaining that the U.S. would be “very victorious.”

Russia has been a firm diplomatic ally to Iran throughout the conflict, which began in late February. Moscow has condemned U.S. and Israeli military actions, vetoed anti-Iran resolutions at the United Nations Security Council, and proposed storing Iran’s enriched uranium on Russian soil as part of a potential settlement framework.

No official statements on the outcomes of the Putin-Araghchi meeting have been released. Kremlin and Iranian government announcements are expected later Monday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Arrives In Russia For Talks With Putin is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The presidency has said that opposition political parties are standing on a sinking ground while President Bola Tinubu is standing solidly on the rock of competence.

Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated this on Sunday in an interview on Arise Television.

The presidential spokesman, who was reacting to the Ibadan declaration by the opposition to field one presidential candidate, described the summit as a collection of recycled politicians.

He said they are people who have been ministers, governors, and political actors for years, stressing that a closer look at their recent performances, whether in executive or legislative roles, there is little evidence of fresh thinking.

According to him, the individuals have nothing new to offer Nigerians.

He said, “They are free to field five, seven presidential candidates. But I said they’re standing on the sinking ground.

“That is the beauty of democracy. You have the opposition, you have individuals, political leaders decide on what they want to do.

“But that does not diminish the fact that there is a government in place that is functional, that has measured outcomes in what it has been doing. It does not take that away.”

Ibadan declaration: Opposition standing on sinking ground – Presidency

Arsenal forward, Eberechi Eze has said that Mikel Arteta team is under serious pressure.

According to the England forward, the team has no time to listen to pundits or criticism coming from outside.

Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 on Saturday to return to the top of the Premier League table.

Eze scored the game’s only goal to give the Gunners all three points at Emirates Stadium.

The win over the visitors moved Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the Premier League table with three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

Manchester City have a game in hand as Pep Guardiola’s side were on FA Cup duties against Southampton.

After the game, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X, Eze said, “I don’t hear pundits! The pressure we put on ourselves is so much more than what’s coming from outside.”

He, however, said the pressure is necessary to win matches and the Premier League title.

“It’s the necessary pressure to win, it’s not negative, it’s beautiful,” he said.

EPL: Pressure we put on ourselves too much – Arsenal’s Eze admits

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Ladan Salihu, says the government of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, will fail the integrity and credibility test at the 2027 general elections.

Salihu made this statement while fielding questions in an interview on ‘Sunday Politics’, a programme on Channels Television.

According to him, the APC government led by President Bola Tinubu would face the anger and frustration of Nigerians at the polls.

“When it comes to credible elections and elections that are based on integrity, this government will fail the integrity and credibility test at the polls.

“This government will not measure up with the anger and the frustrations of the Nigerian people,” Salihu said.

Salihu also renewed the call for the resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, over alleged bias.

INEC has, however, denied the allegation and insisted on the Amupitan’s neutrality.

“Amupitan should resign or should be removed because in public service today, Amupitan to me is the number one persona non grata because he has failed the integrity test, he has failed the competency test, he has not presented himself as that impartial, credible umpire that can give Nigeria, a nation of 250 million people, an election to celebrate,” the ADC chieftain said.

2027: APC Govt will fail integrity, credibility test — ADC chieftain, Salihu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of making remarks capable of inciting violence, following his address at a summit of opposition political parties held in Ibadan on Saturday.

A statement issued on Sunday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party condemned what it described as Makinde’s invocation of the violent history of “Operation Wetie,” alleging that the governor used it to stoke tensions over claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state.

“The APC categorically condemns Governor Makinde’s incitement as reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security,” Morka said.

“It is particularly disturbing for a sitting Governor who bears constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of his state to conjure up one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history to threaten violence against the people and government of Nigeria.”

The party argued that Makinde’s comments went beyond routine opposition rhetoric, warning of potential consequences for national stability. “Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing. His statement risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability,” the statement read.

Calling for immediate attention from authorities, the APC urged security and intelligence agencies to act. “We therefore call on all relevant security and intelligence agencies to take this unfortunate development seriously and act to safeguard lives, property, and defend Nigeria’s democratic order,” Morka added.

The party further stressed that constitutional immunity should not shield public officials from accountability in matters relating to national security. “Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security. No individual, however highly placed, should have the power to threaten or endanger the lives and safety of Nigerians,” the statement said.

Beyond its criticism of the Oyo State governor, the APC dismissed broader opposition claims that the country is sliding into a one-party system, describing such assertions as unfounded and politically motivated.

“The APC vehemently rejects attempts by confused opposition leaders to frame their internal shambles in alarmist narratives about so-called one-party domination,” Morka stated, attributing challenges within opposition parties to “anti-democratic practices, miserably poor leadership, internal contradictions, utter disregard for due process and the rule of law, persistent factionalization, and the desperate and dissonant presidential ambitions of their leaders.”

The statement went further to criticise key opposition figures and parties, alleging that internal disputes and leadership struggles had weakened their credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC claimed it was “destroyed by Atiku Abubakar’s ruthless confiscation of the PDP’s 2023 presidential ticket in violation of the party’s constitutionally entrenched rotational zoning formula.”

It also took aim at the Labour Party (LP), alleging that it had been “effectively subverted by the restless nomadic disposition of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi,” while describing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “so-called coalition platform” that was “basically stillborn.”

According to the APC, the opposition has failed to present a credible alternative to the policies of the ruling party. “These opposition leaders and their coalition of confusion have not put anything forward by way of an alternative vision for Nigeria’s development. All they have in their arsenal is fear mongering built on false narratives about the APC,” Morka said.

Reaffirming its stance ahead of the next electoral cycle, the APC said it would not be drawn into managing the internal crises of rival parties. “Our great Party rejects the veiled expectation of opposition leaders that the APC would help them manage their internal affairs. We bear no such duty and will not provide any such leadership consulting services to them,” the statement read.

The party maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system remains vibrant, citing the number of registered political parties and ongoing political activities nationwide. “Nigeria’s democratic space remains as robust as can be. With nearly two dozen parties registered and participating freely in the country’s electoral process, the opposition’s unjustifiable attacks… is nothing but primitive capitulation,” it added.

Morka reaffirmed the APC-led administration’s commitment saying, “Our great party… remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the peace, unity, and prosperity of all Nigerians.”

APC Slams Makinde Over ‘Operation Wetie’ Remarks, Alleges Incitement is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The convener of the Grand Arewa Twitter Connect, Nabila Yusuf Ahmad, has called for greater inclusion of young people in discussions that affect their future, saying many voices in Northern Nigeria are still unheard.

She made this known on Sunday in Kano during the youth gathering, which brought together participants from different states to network and share ideas.

According to her, the event was organised to give young people a platform to speak and be part of decisions that concern them.

“There are so many voices that are not heard, and we need to have one strong voice for Northern Nigeria,” she said.

She explained that over time, the connection among youths in the region has weakened, making it harder for them to collaborate and support one another.

“We used to have strong connections among youths in Northern Nigeria, but that space reduced. That is why we decided to bring people together again and close the gap,” she added.

Nabila stressed that unity among young people is key to addressing major challenges such as unemployment and insecurity.

“Unity is one of the most important things we are targeting. If you look around, people are already connecting and building relationships,” she said.

However, she noted that financial limitations affected participation, despite interest.

Also speaking at the event, entrepreneur, Aliyu Muhammad, popularly known as Sarkin Mota, stressed the need for unity across the country.

“We often say North, we say South, but the truth is the North cannot win alone and the South cannot succeed alone. If Nigeria fails, we all fail together,” he said.

He criticised how young people use social media, saying it is often used for negative purposes.

“We use X to drag instead of to build. We use influence to insult instead of to empower. Clout will make you popular, but only value will make you powerful,” he added.

Sarkin Mota encouraged young Nigerians to focus on building and supporting one another.

He noted that the generation is full of energy but needs better direction.

Many voices in northern Nigeria still unheard – Nabila