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

Republican Voters Venting Their Frustrations At Georgian Town Hall Meeting

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CREDITS - NOWTHIS IMPACT MEDIA

President Nixon on the American Jewish lobby’s influence on American politics

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CREDITS - BREEZY POLITICS MEDIA

Dr. John Henrik Clarke - The Concept of God

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CREDITS: TRANSATLANTIC PRODUCTIONS

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