Trump Acknowledges Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as a Respected Leader in Recent Meeting

At the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast held on Capitol Hill, U.S. President Donald Trump extended a warm acknowledgment to Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a "very respected woman." This notable interaction marked a moment of international recognition and underscored the significance of her dual role as both a national figure and religious leader. Mrs. Tinubu, who also serves as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, (RCCG) Redeemed Christian Church of God, joined the prestigious event and was invited on stage by President Trump amid applause from attendees. Trump expressed admiration for her influence, saying, "We’re honored to be joined today by Nigeria's First Lady, who happens to serve as a pastor in the largest church in Nigeria—a very respected woman." With these words, he highlighted her stature not just within Nigeria but also on the global stage. This commendation couldn't have come at a more pivotal moment for Nigeria. The country is currently undergoing vital transformations under the Renewed Hope administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Guided by the All Progressives Congress manifesto, this agenda prioritizes key reforms aimed at tackling persistent economic, social, and infrastructural challenges. Among its core focus areas are fiscal responsibility paired with growth-driven investment strategies, job creation targeted at empowering youth, bolstering agricultural output to secure food availability, enhancing healthcare and education accessibility, developing infrastructure such as power, housing, and roads, strengthening security measures, supporting vulnerable communities through social programs, and promoting governance founded on anti-corruption principles. Furthermore, international recognition from figures like President Trump injects diplomatic momentum into Nigeria’s foreign policy strategy. The United States plays an essential role in various partnerships with Nigeria, ranging from counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and other insurgencies, to trade and investment via agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Such goodwill has the potential to amplify Nigeria’s initiatives—take the power sector as an example. Here, the Renewed Hope agenda is pushing for sustainable electricity solutions through public-private partnerships reminiscent of Lagos’s success with independent power projects. A supportive stance from global allies such as the U.S. could translate into increased investor confidence or even technical assistance that propels Nigeria’s reforms forward. Ultimately, the recognition of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu represents more than a personal accolade; it serves as a nod to Nigeria's evolving strategic presence on the global stage. In these moments of international collaboration and goodwill, there lies an opportunity for the nation to forge stronger partnerships that align with its vision of progress and resilience

US Imposes New Oil Sanctions on Iran Following Indirect Talks in Oman

On Friday, February 6, the United States unveiled new sanctions designed to curb Iranian oil exports shortly after Washington and Tehran wrapped up a day of indirect negotiations in Oman. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that Iran relies on oil revenue to support "destabilizing activities worldwide" and further tighten domestic repression. He emphasized US President Donald Trump’s commitment to reducing what the administration terms as Iran’s illegal oil and petrochemical exports as part of its maximum pressure campaign. The latest measures outlined by the State Department target transactions involving 14 vessels accused of transporting Iranian oil. These include ships registered under flags from Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, sanctions were imposed on 15 entities and two individuals believed to be connected to these activities. Since the onset of Trump’s administration, the US has consistently enforced sanctions aimed at pressuring other nations to cease purchasing Iranian oil. The announcement comes as Iran's foreign minister engaged in indirect talks with senior US officials in Oman on Friday, discussing the country’s nuclear program. The discussions were described as taking place in a “positive atmosphere.” These talks follow a period of escalating tensions during which Iran’s clerical leadership forcefully suppressed widespread protests—the largest seen since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Trump has also previously threatened military action against Iran while bolstering US armed forces near its coastline.

Troops Strike: Boko Haram Commander and 10 Killed in Action

Just a day after troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) eliminated Julaibib, a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander in the Gujba area of the Timbuktu Triangle, another significant breakthrough was achieved. Abu Khalid, the second-in-command in Sambisa Forest, was neutralized alongside ten other terrorists. The operation, carried out by Sector 1 troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT Sanity, took place around 11:00 p.m. in the Komala region of Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State. Security sources reported that the troops recovered a cache of weapons, including five AK-47 rifles, magazines, as well as bicycles, a variety of food and medical supplies, and other logistics. Importantly, no casualties were recorded among the troops. Komala, a settlement located approximately 35 kilometers from Maiduguri along the perilous Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road, has long been abandoned due to persistent Boko Haram insurgency in the area.