Russia, China target US federal employees for recruitment amid mass layoffs

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Foreign intelligence agencies, including Russia and China, are actively recruiting recently fired or at-risk U.S. federal employees with national security roles, CNN reports. The effort aims to exploit the Trump administration’s planned mass layoffs across federal agencies, according to sources familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments and a reviewed document.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) document states that adversaries are targeting individuals with security clearances via LinkedIn, TikTok, RedNote, and Reddit. At least one foreign intelligence officer instructed an asset to create a LinkedIn job post to approach federal employees marked “open to work.”

“These employees are at their most vulnerable right now, out of a job, bitter about being fired,” a source told CNN. Former National Security Council counterintelligence director Holden Triplett warned that employees who feel mistreated are historically more likely to disclose sensitive information.The Justice Department has previously prosecuted former military and intelligence personnel for providing classified information to China. Meanwhile, Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu denied the allegations, calling them “groundless speculation.”

“China has always been committed to developing relations with the United States on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. We oppose groundless speculation on China without factual basis,” Pengyu said.

CIA officials have reportedly discussed the risk, but Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard dismissed concerns as politically motivated. She criticised intelligence officials for raising alarms, claiming their loyalty is questionable.

The Pentagon plans to cut over 5,000 probationary employees, and the CIA has already fired more than 20 officers. Some fear the agency may have inadvertently exposed undercover officers by sending a list of new hires over an unclassified network. The situation has raised concerns about potential security breaches and foreign recruitment efforts.

NEWSREEL

Microsoft to shut down Skype in favour of Teams

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Microsoft on Friday announced it was retiring Skype, the online voice and video call pioneer that the tech titan acquired in 2011.

“Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available,” said a post from Skype support on X, directing users to sign into Microsoft’s Teams platform for further use of its services.

Skype was founded in 2003 by Scandinavians Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis in Estonia, revolutionizing internet communication by offering free voice calls between computers and affordable rates for calls to landlines and mobile phones.

Over the years, and as internet speeds improved, Skype evolved to include video calls, instant messaging, file sharing, and group communication features.

By 2005, Skype had already reached 50 million registered users, demonstrating its rapid global adoption.

Online auction site eBay acquired Skype in 2005 for approximately $2.6 billion, but the expected synergies never panned out, and in 2009, eBay sold a majority stake to a group of investors, who then sold it to Microsoft.

In recent years, especially after the rise of the smartphone, Skype failed to hold onto its place against new rivals such as Meta-owned WhatsApp and Zoom, as well as Microsoft’s own Teams.

“We’ve learned a lot from Skype…as we’ve evolved Teams over the last seven to eight years,” Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, told CNBC.

“But we felt like now is the time because we can be simpler for the market, for our customer base, and we can deliver more innovation faster just by being focused on Teams.”

The name “Skype” derived from “Sky peer-to-peer,” the technology that was fundamental to Skype’s original architecture.

The peer-to-peer aspect was crucial as it distributed the network demands across users’ computers rather than relying solely on centralized servers, which was a key innovation that allowed Skype to scale rapidly during its early years.

AP 

Yoruba Imams Declare March 1 as Ramadan Start, Break from Sultan of Sokoto’s Tradition

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Yoruba Muslim Leaders Announce Ramadan 2025 Start Date, Break from Sultan of Sokoto’s Tradition

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, marking a departure from the traditional practice of awaiting the Sultan of Sokoto’s official announcement. The decision, based on precise astronomical calculations and resolutions from international Islamic conferences, signals a potential shift in regional religious autonomy.

In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Grand Mufti, the League cited resolutions from Islamic jurisprudential councils, astronomical experts, and conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to these findings, the crescent moon will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, making March 1 the first day of fasting.

The announcement references the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.” This move challenges the long-standing practice in Nigeria, where the Sultan of Sokoto, regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, typically declares the start and end of Ramadan.

The decision could reignite discussions about religious independence among Yoruba Muslims, who have previously expressed concerns about regional autonomy in religious matters. For instance, the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement recently criticized the Sultan’s call for Sharia law in Yorubaland, describing it as “disrespectful” and rejecting the notion that Yoruba Muslims must accept the Sultan as their leader.

As of now, there has been no response from the Sultan of Sokoto or the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) regarding the League’s independent declaration.

The communiqué also detailed the astronomical basis for the decision, stating that the crescent moon will be visible globally after sunset on February 28, 2025, following the Astronomical New Moon at 12:45 AM UTC. The League confirmed that the first Taraweeh prayer will be held on Friday night, February 28, 2025, with fasting commencing on March 1.

This announcement underscores a growing trend toward regional religious self-determination and could pave the way for further debates on the structure of Islamic leadership in Nigeria.

THE BUREAU NEWSPAPER

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University of Lagos (UNILAG) Inducts 45 Medical Laboratory Scientists

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By Chioma Obinna

Forty-five medical laboratory science graduates, including two from Ladoke Akintola University, were inducted into the profession by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Representing MLSCN Registrar/CEO Professor Tosan Erhabor, Dr. Gregory Uchuno, emphasised the council’s commitment to regulating and advancing the profession.

Uchuno congratulated the graduates and highlighted the 12 students who achieved first-class honors, including top graduate Akinkwa Joshua.

He expressed hope that their success would inspire future generations of medical laboratory scientists.

The MLSCN also pledged to reward the best graduating students.

Addressing the audience, Uchuno praised UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Professor Folashade and her team for their contributions to the growth of the Medical Laboratory Science program.

He urged training institutions to collaborate with the MLSCN to develop professionals who can address the challenges in the Nigerian health sector.

He stressed the importance of improving local healthcare infrastructure and services to reduce the trend of citizens seeking medical care abroad.

“It is our priority, it is our patriotic duty, to change the unflattering narrative of a few citizens continually seeking quality diagnosis in other climes, while the rest bemoan the existential lack of access to quality healthcare,” Uchuno stated.

He also acknowledged the support received from senior medical laboratory scientists who continue to contribute their expertise to the MLSCN.

Uchuno encouraged the inductees to embrace the opportunities ahead and to gain practical experience before venturing abroad.

“Classroom work is not like bench work,” he cautioned, emphasising the importance of skill development. While acknowledging the trend of professionals seeking opportunities abroad, he urged them to contribute to the Nigerian health sector before leaving.

He suggested that improved equipment, salaries, and overall working conditions could help retain talent within the country. He revealed that out of the 47,000 medical laboratory scientists trained in Nigeria, approximately 20,000 have left the country.

Speaking, the Guest lecturer, Anyanwu Ikechukwu Charles of DCL Laboratory Products Ltd., challenged the graduates to contribute to national development. He emphasised the need for patriotism and urged them to bring back their acquired knowledge and skills to Nigeria.

He encouraged the graduates to consider establishing mega-laboratories rather than numerous smaller ones to improve quality control and resource utilisation.

“It is not all about making money. It is also about national development. It’s about tomorrow. It’s about our youth. It’s about the future of the country,” Anyanwu stated.

Speaking, Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at UNILAG, Professor Kolawole Oyedeji, presented the 43 UNILAG and 2 LAUTECH graduates.

He highlighted the remarkable achievement of the graduating class, with approximately 30 percent earning first-class honors, a testament to the dedication of the faculty.

He declared that the department, in its 8th induction, is a leading force in medical laboratory science education in Nigeria, producing highly sought-after professionals globally.

On his part, the best graduating student, Joshua Adepoju, shared his journey to medical laboratory science, explaining that his initial interest in medicine and surgery led him to discover his passion for laboratory research.

VANGUARD NEWS

FG to cancel visa-on-arrival (Fulani-on-arrival) policy, to introduce landing, exit cards

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By Staff

The Federal government has announced plans to cancel its Visa-on-Arrival policy, saying “it is not working”. Accordingly, government is set to introduce landing and exit cards which prospective visitors would pre-fill before coming into the country.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo spoke on Friday during the closing ceremony of the week long capacity building training on Advance Passenger Information / Passenger Name Record API/PNR Data in National Security and Law Enforcement held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS in Abuja.

According to him, some persons of interest have been trying to evade the new systems out in place across Nigeria’s five international airports. He said intelligence has revealed that such persons now travel to neighbouring countries in order to access Nigeria through its vast land borders.

Consequently, he said the ministry will work with relevant partners to deploy the API/PNR system across its land borders, noting that Nigeria cannot be a destination for criminals.

At the event, Comptroller General Immigration Service CGIS, Kemi Nandap said the programme originated from discussions held with the United Nations Organization on Counter Terrorism in Bangkok, Thailand last year. Nandap said the immigration service has a crop of well-trained and patriotic personnel who are ready to give their best to the country.

Objective profiling

The Interior minister said the API/PNR is not optional, recalling that system was not on place when he was made minister. He said; “What the API, PNR gives us is objectivity in decision making, objective profiling, not subjective profiling. What we had was subjective. The visa system, that is one of the core, because I always tell people the visa is not just an approval of entry, it is a migration management device. It is a security device to manage migration into your country. So the way it is at the moment is very subjective. We are not really too objective and that is why we are automating the whole process end-to-end. And the e-visa solution, we are working hard to be able to meet the first of March or peradventure if we are unable, the 1st of April, we will hit it live.

“We automate the system. People apply online and we will do what we need to do. That solution will be integrated with the Interpol system, the criminal records system, so that we can be able to take decisions. We do not want foreign attachés approving and issuing visas. It is not going to be that any more, we want to be able to screen people more. This cannot be a destination for wanted criminals in the world. Nigeria is not a safe haven for any criminal and it will never be.

“Another thing we are trying to do even for our expatriates is to see how we can integrate all these our immigration solutions. What we are doing is to harmonize all these solutions in our data centre, harmonize the database and be able to let the solutions speak to one another rather than having solutions in silos. “We want to have integrated solutions. So what we are looking at is that for any decision that borders on immigration into Nigeria, it will be impossible for approvals to be given without the clearance of interpol, criminal records system and all background checking agencies in real time. Security is not a sector where you can afford to be 99.9% correct.

“People must fill the landing card which will be integrated with the visa solution, integrated with the passport solution, then to all background checking systems across the world before you come. So we will be able to share this data with other agencies and across the world. This is to sanitize the process. A scenario where it is difficult for NIS,on the tip of a finger, to tell me the number of foreigners who are into Nigeria is unacceptable. A scenario where somebody comes into Nigeria, disappears, and becomes untraceable is unacceptable. A scenario where there is abuse of immigration policies and processes is unacceptable. A scenario where somebody needs to come to Nigeria, stay for six months, waiting to regularize the residency in Nigeria is unacceptable. It is not done anywhere in the world. So we are going to bring these massive reforms and these reforms start between March 1 and April 1. Why we are trying to do these is to be able to safeguard our people, is for us to be responsible in the comity of Nations, and for us to be able to contribute our fair quota to international peace”, he added.

FG approves relocation of 29 custodial centres

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved the relocation of 29 out of Nigeria’s 256 Custodial Centres due to rapid urbanization. Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Friday in ABUJA when he commissioned 39 mini green maria for conveyance of inmates to and from courts, and five bullet resistant guard booths at the headquarters of the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS in Abuja. The minister also explained the idea behind the establishment of a paramilitary academy, saying paramilitary jobs are not poverty alleviation schemes but lifelong careers that young Nigerians should aspire to get.

HUNGER: THE DRIVE THAT SEPARATES MEN

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By Gbenga Owotoki

There is a reason why some rise in God and others remain where they have always been. It is not luck. It is not chance. It is hunger. Not the kind that fades when prayers are answered, but the kind that burns even when nothing seems to be happening. The kind that makes a man restless until he touches what men before him only dreamt of.

Hunger is the difference between those who encounter God and those who only talk about Him. It was hunger that made Moses cry, "Show me Your glory!" even after he had seen the Red Sea part. It was hunger that made Jacob wrestle till daybreak, refusing to let go until he was changed. It was hunger that made Elisha follow Elijah till the very end, not satisfied with being called a prophet's servant, but desperate for the double portion.

God does not waste Himself on men who are satisfied too easily. He walks past those who think they have arrived and invests in those who are still searching, still yearning, still desperate for more. Because when hunger dies, pursuit dies. And when pursuit dies, encounters cease.

Many have lost their fire, not because they sinned, but because they settled. They prayed, but they stopped pressing. They worshipped, but they stopped wondering if there was more. They saw God move once and built a monument around it, forgetting that the cloud moves, that the river flows, that yesterday's outpouring is not enough for today.

This is why some men burn, and others barely flicker. It is why some grow until they shake nations, while others plateau into irrelevance. Because hunger is not an emotion-it is a law in the Spirit. Those who have it will be filled. Those who don't will be replaced.

Jesus stood in the temple and cried, "If any man thirsts, let him come unto me and drink." Not if any man is talented. Not if any man is influential. Not if any man is well-connected. But if any man thirsts-because God's power does not follow titles, it follows desperation.

Some of us are in a season where God is testing our hunger. He has not answered yet-not because He cannot, but because He is watching to see if we will give up too soon. He has not opened the door-not because it is locked, but because He is measuring how far we are willing to push. If what you are asking for can be abandoned after one delay, then you were never truly hungry for it.

This is not the time to retreat. This is not the time to let tiredness win. This is the time to stretch, to press, to cry out like blind Bartimaeus who refused to be silenced, to knock like the woman who troubled the unjust judge until he responded. Because in this Kingdom, it is not the passive who inherit promises-it is the desperate.

Let your hunger rise again. Let your pursuit intensify. Heaven is watching to see who will hold on, who will press in, who will refuse to let go until the heavens tear open and something shifts.

DEVELOPING THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

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By Amos Dada Ph.D.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col 3:23-24

In today’s world, excellence is often equated with perfection or success. However, from a biblical perspective, the spirit of excellence is much deeper—it’s about consistently doing the best with the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given you, for His glory. This spirit is marked by diligence, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The spirit of excellence is an attitude that strives for quality in every aspect of life. It is not about competition or perfectionism but about giving your best as an act of worship to God.

Daniel – A Model of Excellence: Daniel 6:3 – “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” Daniel stood out in Babylon not just because of his wisdom but because of his integrity, discipline, and consistent prayer life. He was trustworthy, diligent, and faithful, even in a foreign land. His excellence brought glory to God and favor with kings.

Joseph – Excellence in Adversity,Genesis 39:2-4 – Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph served Potiphar excellently. His diligence and integrity led him to become the overseer of Potiphar’s house and eventually the governor of Egypt. Joseph did not allow his circumstances to hinder his commitment to excellence. He maintained his faith in God and performed his duties with integrity and diligence, even in prison.

Jesus – The Ultimate Example :Mark 7:37 – “And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well...” Jesus exemplified excellence in His teachings, miracles, and interactions. He did everything with purpose, precision, and compassion.

Dr. Ben Carson – Excellence Through Perseverance-As a renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson achieved medical breakthroughs because of his commitment to excellence and faith in God. His journey from poverty to becoming a world-class surgeon shows how diligence, discipline, and faith can produce excellence.

How to Develop the Spirit of Excellence

1. Cultivate a Mindset of Diligence and Hard Work. Excellence requires consistency and hard work. Set high standards for yourself and strive to meet them daily. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Prov 22:29

2. Commit to Lifelong Learning and Growth. Continuously develop your skills and knowledge in your field. Excellence is a journey, not a destination. – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God...” 2 Tim 2:15

3. Purpose to Live a Life Integrity and Faithfulness: Integrity builds trust and influence. Faithfulness in small tasks prepares you for greater responsibilities.He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much...”Lk 16:10

4. Serve with Humility and Love.Excellence in service involves humility and love for those you serve. This mindset fosters collaboration and builds strong relationships.”Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Phil 2:3-4

The Rewards of Excellence

Just as Daniel and Joseph were promoted for their excellent spirit, God rewards diligence and faithfulnesswith favor and elevation. (Proverbs 22:29, Daniel 6:3).Excellence attracts people and opens doors of influence. Your excellence becomes a testimony of God’s goodness and draws others to Christ. (Matthew 5:16).When you operate in excellence, you experience inner satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing you have given your best for God’s glory.

Conclusion

Developing a spirit of excellence is a journey of continuous growth, integrity, and dedication to doing all things for God’s glory. By looking to biblical examples and applying practical principles, we can excel in every area of life, impacting our world for Christ.

Shalom.

Pastor Amos Dada is a trained engineer with the call of a preacher. Lives in Toronto. Reachable at amos.dada@gmail.com

Russia ready to support Iran nuclear programme, says Kremlin

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Russia has expressed its readiness to support Iran in addressing issues related to its nuclear programme, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who spoke to Iranian news agency IRNA on Tuesday.

Peskov emphasised that Moscow views its strong relationship with Iran as highly significant and aims to strengthen cooperation across all areas.

“Iran support includes providing assistance in dealing with important matters like the nuclear programme,” Peskov said.

He further noted that diplomatic efforts remain the preferred method for resolving international concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, provided all parties involved show the necessary political will.

In 2015, a nuclear deal was reached between Iran and the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, the United States, and France, offering Iran sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran began gradually reducing its nuclear commitments, including uranium enrichment.

Global News

Sharia proposition in Southwest politically and ill-motivated – Ahmadiyya leader

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By Sivowaku Abiodun

The Amir and National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye AbdulAzeez has expressed concerns that recent discussions surrounding Sharia law enforcement in the Southwest might be driven by political motivations rather than genuine religious intentions.

The Amir stated this at a press conference on “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace”, where he received the managing director of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) International, Sir Munir-ud-Din Shams, at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at headquarters in Lagos.

Alhaji AbdulAzeez described the comments as overly sentimental, clarifying that Sharia courts have long been established in the Southwest region.

He cited a Sharia court in Ojokoro as an example, noting recent disagreements on marital issues where individuals chose between customary and Sharia courts.

Alhaji AbdulAzeez affirmed that Nigeria remains a secular state, with Sharia courts serving only Muslims, adding that, “The Southwest is peaceful, with various religious groups living harmoniously. Sharia courts resolve issues between Muslims who opt to use them. No non-Muslim can be forced to adhere to Sharia law.”

He suggested that the recent discussions might be politically motivated, reiterating that Sharia has existed in Nigeria long before anyone began mobilising for crises and wars. According to him, this is a case of political Sharia rather than religious.

The Amir highlighted concerns over the wrongful application of Sharia such as stoning individuals to death for expressing themselves, which is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

He stressed that Sharia courts in states like Lagos, Ogun and Kwara primarily handle marital and inheritance laws, not criminal offences.

Drawing from the recently published book by the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Sir Munir-ud-Din Shams assessed the current world situation, describing it as a turbulent time marked by a continuing global economic crisis and alarming parallels to the period preceding the Second World War.

Leadership News

THE TRUMP DESIGN TO LIMIT BLACK ACCESS TO EDUCATION

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The Untold Struggles for Education Access

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$700m Sugar investment will end Nigeria’s importation – Dangote

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By Gift Oba

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said the company is committed to ensuring that Nigeria ends the importation of raw sugar by “actively intensifying its execution of the Sugar Backward Integration.”

Dangote said the group has committed over $700 million to land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, and other impactful activities to boost local production.

He spoke on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the ‘Dangote Special Day’ at the ongoing 14th Gateway International Trade Fair.

Represented by Tunde Mabogunje, Regional Director, Lagos/Ogun, Dangote Cement, the industrialist maintained that Dangote Sugar, as a leading brand, has made a remarkable impact on Nigeria’s sugar sector.

He said: “The company is committed to ensuring that Nigeria ends the importation of raw sugar by actively intensifying its execution of the Sugar Backward Integration. In this regard, it has committed over $700 million to land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, community relations, corporate social responsibility, CSR, and other impactful activities.

“Similarly, to support the government in food security, we are also investing in the agricultural sector. These agricultural products will soon be in the market.”

Speaking on the trade fair, he said, “Our expectations, therefore, are that through this trade fair, we will be able to expand awareness of our innovative products, generate sales, attract prospective buyers, improve the image of our brands, and open new markets that will further translate to job creation and overall economic development.

“We are confident that this longstanding partnership with OGUNCCIMA will not only be beneficial to both of us but also to Nigeria and, indeed, the African economy as a whole.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, applauded Dangote Group for its various interventions and urged the company to improve its environmental friendliness.

DAILY POST

Tesla’s Nemesis, Chinese auto giant, BYD, to integrate DeepSeek….

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Shares in Chinese automaker BYD jumped on Tuesday after it unveiled plans to unroll advanced self-driving technology on nearly all its cars, including budget models priced below $10,000.

The company also said it would integrate AI startup Deepseek’s software into its cars, following domestic peers such as Geely, Great Wall Motors, and Leapmotor.

BYD is Tesla’s biggest rival in China and increasingly abroad, and Monday evening’s announcement led analysts to suggest a new price war might be on the horizon.

BYD will install its “God’s Eye” autonomous driving system in at least 21 models, including the Seagull budget hatchback priced from 69,800 yuan ($9,550).

The system includes features such as remote parking and autonomous highway navigation previously found on more expensive vehicles. Tesla has similar features available in its EVs priced from $32,000.

“Autonomous driving is no longer a remote rarity, it’s a… necessary tool,” BYD founder Wang Chuanfu said at a livestreamed event on Monday.

Self-driving technology would become an “indispensable tool like safety belts or airbags” within a few years, he predicted.

The integration of DeepSeek, the company said, would help improve self-driving technology and provide a more personalised experience for consumers.

The AI firm made headlines last month when it unveiled a chatbot that can match its American competitors apparently at a fraction of the cost.

Shares in BYD jumped 4.5 percent to a record high in Hong Kong on Tuesday — having already risen almost 20 percent in the days leading up to Monday’s event.

China’s auto market, the world’s largest, has seen a prolonged price war among dozens of EV producers desperate to grab market share.

Almost 11 million electric and hybrid vehicles were sold in the country last year, up more than 40 percent from 2023.

BYD accounted for around 4.2 million of those sales, with its quarterly revenue overtaking Tesla’s for the first time in the third quarter.

AFP

White settlers in South Africa clamour for US resettlement after Trump order

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A deluge of more than 20,000 queries crashed the email server of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the United States after President Donald Trump said he would prioritize white South Africans in a refugee program, the chamber said Monday.

Trump and Pretoria are locked in a diplomatic row over a land expropriation act that Washington says will lead to the takeover of white-owned farms.

Trump, whose tycoon ally Elon Musk was born in South Africa, said on Friday the law signed in January would “enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation”.

It allows the government, as a matter of public interest, to decide on expropriations without compensation — but only in exceptional circumstances.

The Afrikaners are descendants of European colonists, mainly of Dutch extraction, and are mainly engaged in farming in South Africa.

English and Afrikaner colonists ruled South Africa until 1994 under a brutal system in which the black majority were deprived of political and economic rights.

“Our email server crashed over the weekend just due to the sheer volume of inquiries we have received,” Neil Diamond, head of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the US (SACCUSA) told AFP in an email.

“Given the scale of interest, SACCUSA estimates that this figure could represent over 50,000 individuals looking to leave South Africa and seek resettlement in the United States,” he said.

– Trump order ‘flawed’ –

Diamond warned that this could lead to a skills shortage in South Africa that would impact agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

“If we look at the EB-5, which is an investor visa, you need roughly about 15 to 20 million South African Rand ($800,000 to $1 million) to be able to immigrate… What is alarming to us is the large volume of people that is interested in taking up this opportunity,” he said.

South Africa’s foreign ministry has said Trump’s order “lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognise South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid.

“It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the US for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged, while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship,” it added.

Trump has asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “prioritize humanitarian relief, including admission and resettlement through the United States Refugee Admissions Program, for Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination.”

There were no details of how the plan would be enacted as Trump halted refugee arrivals immediately after taking office.

Land ownership remains a contentious issue in South Africa, with most farmland still owned by white people three decades after the end of apartheid.

However, some Afrikaner farmers say the new land laws could lead to the confiscation of white-owned farms as carried out in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

The second largest party in South Africa’s national unity government, the Democratic Alliance, on Monday launched a court bid to annul the land law.

AFP

God bought my first aircraft not Living Faith offerings – Bishop Oyedepo

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The founder of the Living Faith Bible Church, Bishop David Oyedepo has declared that God bought him his first aircraft and not church offerings.

Speaking during his sermon at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Bishop Oyedepo dismissed rumours of using church funds to acquire his aircraft.

He, however, revealed that God miraculously provided the aircraft without any prior planning or prayer.

According to Bishop Oyedepo: “He bought the first aircraft without any prayer, without any idea that the aircraft was coming. He said it, he delivered it nobody had any pressure on his life. There was no pressure on the offering

“The offering didn’t buy it, God bought it. There was person contacted under heaven? No! God said it and I believe it and that settles it.

“It wasn’t an ambition, it was a unveiled divine agenda. If God asked me David when do you want that aircraft to be bought I would have said “God take it easy, take it easy, we are not near ready. Aircraft?

“Okay, let me find out first how much they sell it, he didn’t give us the room to find out. Not the aircraft that would go from here to Ilorin or Ogbomosho, we travel the whole of Africa with the aircraft.”

GLOBAL NEWS DESK

Atiku, Tambuwal, Imoke in closed-door meeting with Obasanjo in Abeokuta

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is currently in a closed-door meeting with his former boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Atiku, who arrived Obasanjo’s residence, located on the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) at exactly 12: 37p.m., was accompanied by the former governors of Sokoto and Cross Rivers State, Senator Aminu Tambuwa and Senator Liyel Imoke among other eminent political stalwarts from the northern region.

Upon arrival, Atiku alongside members of his entourage were received at the Obasanjo’s residence by the elder statesman, Oyewole Fasawe, before they all went straight into a private meeting with Obasanjo who had been waiting for his visitors.

GLOBAL NEWS DESK

The Deception of AfriForum as Julius Malema debunks the Elon Musk engineered misinformation troll against majority African rule in South Africa

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CREDITS: WE LOVE AFRICA

Has the great ‘American dream’ run its course?

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By Muyiwa Adetiba

Decades ago, I had a colleague who later became a brother. He studied in the US and was besotted with the country. He often talked about life in the US in a way that tickled my curiosity and heightened my expectations. He talked about its system and its advanced technology.

Being young, I was interested by his narratives on the night life and his escapades with women. But mostly, he talked about America as the land of opportunities. He called America ‘ilu orun’. My reading of the words at the time, which might not be the literal translation, was ‘heavenly’. His constant renditions coincided with the era of Hollywood and its colourful portraits of America.

We watched the ‘cowboy’ films and fell in love with the swagger of the cowboy as one man battled ten ‘Red Indians’ to a standstill without feeling any empathy for the Red Indians who were being disposed of their land; we watched films of valour and freedom and films of romance. All of these made strong impressions on my young mind and I longed to see the US for myself.

It could be the timing – New York in winter; it could the company – I was with a fellow traveler; it could be that I was no longer a wide-eyed, neophyte traveler – I had by then, been to a few countries; or it could simply be an over expectation, but my first impression of the US was not that of ‘ilu orun’ (heavenly). In fact, subsequent visits gave more favourable impressions. But I remember traveling through Manhattan in the cold and thinking I had never seen so many high rise buildings in one place. I remember a city bubbling with life with attractive neon lights on my way to dinner. And oh yes, I remember my first visit to the Playboy Club and the seductive Bunnies. Those were some of the memories of my first visit to the US.

The US in the 60s, 70s and 80s was a shining country on a hill. Everybody saw it. Everybody admired it. Everybody wanted to emulate it. And almost everybody wanted to go there, if only for a visit. The US that was projected to the world was of democracy, the rule of law, and free enterprise. But more than that, the US projected human freedom and equality. A country of immigrants, it was a country where the first generation of immigrants felt the same sense of ownership as the fourth generation.

It also didn’t matter if your surname sounded Greek or Chinese or Italian; if your passport was American, then you were all supposed to have the same rights and entitlements. It was a melting pot of ideas and cultures with none seemingly more important than the other. From desert to swamp; from hot to cold; from oil to gold; it was a country that claimed to have everything.

It was God’s own country. It was on the cards that it would be the richest country in the world. It was inevitable that it would be the world’s first Superpower. It was a natural progression that it would become the world’s moral compass and eventually the Police Officer of the world, admonishing abusive governments which fell short of democratic or acceptable moral standards. For years, it used this enormous power so cleverly, so benignly, that it got away with many things even when it was protecting its own geo/political interests. 

History tells us the US was originally home to the Red Indians. But it was such a vast, richly endowed country that it was soon home to people all over the world who wanted a better life and were not afraid of starting afresh. Its freedom was hard fought. History tells us of the war against its colonial master, against itself and against racism. The US acquitted itself on many fronts and emerged as a country where a child of a nobody could become a captain of industry, where a child of an immigrant could become the President or the Vice President, where an immigrant could become the wife of a President or the richest man in the world among many coveted positions.

It was called the Great American Dream and for years, held true to its promise. This promise was that America would give you a chance irrespective of what your background was. This promise was that if you were ready to keep your head down, your hands dirty and your nose clean, there would be a reward of a better life at the turn of the corner. This immigration flow has been America’s strength. It rejuvenates it. It gives it fresh oxygen, fresh ideas and fresh energy. At the time when Europe was aging and frankly decaying, America kept renewing itself. It has for years been the bastion of capitalism, rewarding enterprise and promoting trade without barriers – or tariff which is the new buzz word. 

All of these are about to change drastically due to internal contradictions and demographic fears. Some of these fears are understandable. They could be primordial but natural fears of being overwhelmed and displaced. I mean, they almost had two Black Presidents in one decade which to the ‘owners’ was unthinkable. (It is now very convenient not to remember that America once belonged to a people who were not white.) So the fear that the current Lords of the Manor could easily be sidelined is real to them. But clamming down on immigrants could end up being an unenlightened self-interest. If America loses its ‘Great American Dream’, it will not only lose its allure and its cheap labour, it will lose its cutting edge. Trump with its isolationism might be what the White Americans want but is it what they need? Trade protectionism might be what they yearn for but would it really make their products competitive?

They might be romanticizing Trump as a strongman, but can they abide with a dictator? Speaking of dictators, am I the only one who sees a parallel between Trump, a descendant of a German and Hitler, the German who caused a World War? There is the same need to be loved and admired; the same feeling of grandeur, the same desire for racial purity bordering on xenophobia; the same disdain for checks and balances; the same thirst for territorial ambition. The perplexed world might find Trump’s stated desire to annex Panama, Greenland, Columbia, Canada and now Gaza as mere rhetoric. I hope it stays as rhetoric. Otherwise, it is a World War loading. Heaven help us all.

NEWSWIRE

Unchristian Trump unveils ‘anti-Christian bias’ Task Force

CC™ Politico

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday the creation of a task force to “eradicate anti-Christian bias” in government, intensifying a right-wing crackdown since returning to power.

The Republican billionaire said he was putting new Attorney General Pam Bondi at the head of the force to end “persecution” of the majority religion of the United States.

Trump said its mission would be to “immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination” in the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and other government agencies.

He also said it would prosecute “anti-Christian violence and vandalism in our society.”

“We will protect Christians in our schools, in our military and our government, in our workplaces, hospitals and in our public squares,” Trump told a national prayer breakfast at a Washington hotel.

He also announced the creation of a “White House faith office” led by his spiritual advisor, the televangelist Paula White.

The announcements came amid a wider purge of the federal government at the start of Trump’s second term.

Trump has unveiled a slew of orders backing a conservative agenda, including several targeting diversity programs and transgender people.

Despite a criminal conviction for hush money payments in a porn star scandal and sexual assault allegations, Trump has long made himself a champion of right-wing Christians.

Trump’s cabinet contains several members with links to Christian nationalists, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

And while Trump is not seen as particularly religious, he said he had become more so after surviving an assassination attempt at an election rally in June 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“It changed something in me, I feel even stronger. I believed in God, but I feel much more strongly about it,” Trump told a separate prayer breakfast at the US Capitol on Thursday.

“We have to bring religion back.”

Trump said in his inauguration speech on January 20, referring to the assassination attempt, that he had been “saved by God to Make America Great Again.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS