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  • EU’s Protectionist Policies Have Been In Place Long Before Trump

    Authored by Kenin M. Spivak via RealClearWorld

    In March of 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports of steel, aluminum, automobiles, and certain automobile parts. European Union (E.U.) members, except Hungary, announced retaliatory tariffs of 10% to 25% on specific U.S. imports.

    On April 2, Trump proclaimed, “Liberation Day” and added a global baseline tariff of 10%, plus customized so-called “reciprocal tariffs.” Because the 2024 U.S. deficit with the E.U. was 39% of imports, he imposed a “discounted” 20% reciprocal tariff on most E.U. goods not subject to the 25% tariff. After a week, excluding China, Trump suspended reciprocal tariffs for 90 days to facilitate negotiations, and the E.U. delayed its retaliation.

    While this may appear to be Trump starting a trade war, in reality it’s Trump ratcheting up a long-simmering war against the United States fought with protectionist trade policies, including by some of our closest allies.  Set aside that Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are actually punitive tariffs, that the trade war is depressing global stock and bond markets, raising the specter of recession, and threatening U.S. economic primacy. Those are criticisms largely based on trying to do too much, too quickly. Turning to the disease, Trump is right. We sometimes are treated better by our enemies than by our so-called trade allies. That’s before counting the trillions of dollars America has spent on their defense.

    Together, the U.S. and E.U. represent almost 30% of global trade and 43% of global GDP. Last year, the U.S. exported $370 billion of goods to the E.U. and imported $606 billion, generating a $236 billion deficit. The U.S. last had a surplus with the E.U. in 1991.

    Most Americans don’t realize how powerful the U.S. economy is compared to the E.U. In 2024, the U.S. GDP exceeded $29 trillion (about $86,600 per person), compared to $19 trillion for the E.U. (about $45,300 per person). When the E.U. takes advantage of the United States, it really should think twice.

    High tariffs are not Europe’s main offense. Instead, the E.U. deters U.S. competition by requiring American companies to comply on a worldwide basis with its far-left antitrust, censorship, data privacy, and DEI rules; limits government purchasing to products with at least 50% local components and E.U. ownership; and sets standards for non-E.U. companies that vary country-by-country, making it prohibitively expensive to do business in the E.U.

    One of the starkest results of the trade imbalance is the auto sector. Last year, the U.S. imported 757,654 new vehicles from the E.U., but the E.U. imported only 169,152 new vehicles from the U.S., many of which were manufactured by U.S. subsidiaries of E.U. automotive companies.

    The U.S. is the world’s second-largest agricultural trader, behind the E.U. Over the last 25 years, the share of U.S. agriculture exports going to the E.U. dropped from 15% to 7.2%. Total exports grew from about $9 billion to $13 billion, well below inflation. Conversely, from 2013 to 2024, U.S. agriculture imports from the E.U. nearly tripled to about $34.5 billion.

    In February, President Trump called the E.U.’s trade practices an “atrocity” and asserted that the E.U. “take[s] almost nothing and we take everything from them.”

    According to the U.S. Trade Representative report on Foreign Trade Barriers, E.U. barriers include, among many others:

    • Tariffs up to 26% for fish and seafood, 22% for trucks, 14% for bicycles, 10% for automobiles, and 6.5% for fertilizers and plastics. Tariff codes improperly reclassify processed foods into higher tariff categories.
    • E.U. law restricts non-E.U. ownership in numerous sectors.
    • Packaging and labeling requirements, standards, and technical barriers impede market access for U.S. products that meet international standards, including chemicals, medical devices, wine, spirits, food and agricultural products, meat, and live cattle.
    • The E.U. imposes fines up to 20% of the worldwide revenue on large digital service providers that fail to comply with its censorship, advertising, and content rules. The E.U. uses this authority to undermine U.S. competitiveness.
    • Data maintained outside of the E.U. must comply with rules that conflict with U.S. law, and France requires that cloud providers that handle “highly sensitive” data must be at least 61% E.U.-owned and “immune” from non-E.U. laws.
    • Quotas, subsidies, and content restrictions limit the opportunities for U.S. produced film and television content, and U.S. owned content distributors, while AI and intellectual property laws limit the rights of creators to be remunerated for their content, or maintain confidentiality.
    • Numerous E.U. countries require E.U. nationality to practice law, and for other professional licenses.

    While income and savings rate disparities are in part responsible for the E.U.-U.S. trade deficit, the breadth of restrictions plays a significant role. The U.S. should not be subsidizing the E.U.’s economy, paying for its defense, or relinquishing control of international standards organizations to E.U. members. When it comes to global trade, liberté, égalité, fraternité is an empty slogan.

    If the E.U. fails to make considerable concessions within the next few months, Trump should respond with properly computed and targeted tariff and non-tariff measures. While this may reduce trade, economic growth, and prosperity, if well-calibrated, the blame – and the brunt of the cost – will fall squarely on the Europeans.

    Kenin M. Spivak is founder and chairman of SMI Group LLC, an international consulting firm and investment bank. He is the author of fiction and non-fiction books and a frequent speaker and contributor to media, including RealClear, The American Mind, National Review, television, radio, and podcasts.

    Source

    Featured image source:

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    Published to The Liberty Beacon from EuropeReloaded.com

    Source: TLB

  • Nigerians Raise N3m In Two Hours For Wrongfully Detained Obi Supporter

    Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has revealed that ₦3m was raised in two hours for 17-year-old Quadri Alabi, who was wrongfully detained for months under trumped-up charges.

    Alabi, who gained national attention after standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy during the 2023 elections, was released by a Magistrate Court in Apapa, Lagos, following an investigation that found no evidence to support the allegations against him.

    In response to Alabi’s ordeal, Effiong launched a fundraising campaign to help the teenager and his family relocate to a safe place, as they have reportedly faced active threats.

    The funds would also support Alabi’s rehabilitation, education, and skill development.

    Effiong has urged Nigerians to continue donating to support Alabi and his family.

    “We have raised ₦3m within two hours of announcing the fundraising for Quadri Alabi.

    “We are still far from the target, but the amount raised so far demonstrates that there are good and spirited people in Nigeria. Please keep donating,” he posted on X on Thursday night.

    Effiong called for the removal and disciplinary investigation of the Divisional Police Officer at Amukoko, as well as other officers involved in Alabi’s wrongful detention.

    He also demanded a public apology and ₦100m in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force.

    Nigerians Raise N3m In Two Hours For Wrongfully Detained Obi Supporter is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • America Ferrera, position yourself strategically

    CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: America Ferrera, 41; Melissa Joan Hart, 49; Conan O’Brien, 62; Jane Leeves, 64.

    Happy Birthday: Observe what you are up against and position yourself strategically. Refuse to give away your secrets or intentions, and you’ll avoid outside interference. Ties to your past will lead to emotional decisions that can stand between you and your dreams, hopes and wishes. Let go of what’s no longer useful and embrace what helps you achieve peace of mind and happiness. Take control instead of handing someone else the reins. Your numbers are 3, 10, 22, 26, 33, 41, 45.

    ARIES (March 21-April 19): Position yourself for advancement. Participate in events that encourage networking, build your brand and influence others to follow your example. Lead the way to the top, using your creative imagination and protecting your rights by dealing with red-tape issues before your arrival and setting standards. Be the forerunner with survival instincts and excel. 5 stars

    TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Personal change is favored. A new look or living arrangement will boost your morale. Learning something that offers insight into what’s possible and how you can diversify your skills to accommodate today’s market will pay off. Home improvements or lifestyle changes will enhance your outlook and meaningful relationships. Romance is favored. 3 stars

    GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Emotional spending, poor investments and getting scammed are on the rise. Protect your money, possessions and reputation from underhanded bullies trying to exploit your vulnerability or innocence. Listen, learn and walk away from suspicious offers. Research and only deal with reputable companies and people. Set boundaries and know your limitations. 3 stars

    CANCER (June 21-July 22): Advancement or an investment looks promising. Put more credence into work-related matters. Take care of responsibilities accurately and on time to avoid criticism. Make personal relationships a priority. Once you complete your work, make plans with someone you love. Sharing your intentions will bring you closer together. 3 stars

    LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Question information, offers and those with whom you engage in serious conversations. Verify whatever you hear, and when in doubt, sit tight. Establish where you want to put your time and energy, and instead of stressing over what you cannot do, stay focused on what you can. Prioritize peace and love. 3 stars

    VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Slow down. Say no to anyone offering ultimatums or trying to talk you into something you don’t need or want. Concentrate on your health and being the best you can be. Reach out and socialize with those who bring out the best in you. Steer clear of excessive people and indulgent behavior. 5 stars

    LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stay in touch with people who lift you up. Short trips, classes and applying your energy and input to matters that can help you succeed look promising. Refuse to let emotional or financial issues get you down. Declutter and sell off what you no longer need. Misunderstandings are apparent. 2 stars

    SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pay attention to where your money goes. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or donations. Avoid impulsive actions, indecisiveness and trying to please too many people. Take control, know when to say no and give yourself time to rest, strategize and redirect your energy toward something positive. Romance is in the stars. 4 stars

    SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep tabs on your money, possessions and conversations with those close to you. Don’t make promises you can’t keep or give in to anyone using emotional blackmail to guilt you into doing things. Put your time and effort into doing what is in your best interests. Make self-improvement your goal. 3 stars

    CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay attention. The truth matters. Refuse to believe everything you hear. Question, participate in the conversation and make your voice heard. It’s a take-charge moment and a time to enforce your rights and to head in a direction that gives you the choice and freedom to live life your way. 3 stars

    AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your finger on the pulse and your eye on where your money goes. Hit the reset button and put a budget in place that helps you save for something you want to pursue. Take part in an event or activity that can offer information or guide you toward a healthier lifestyle. 4 stars

    PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put your emotions and ego on the sidelines. Clear your head, focus on what matters and where you can positively impact the outcome, and avoid dicey situations that can lead to personal or domestic setbacks. Question the information you receive before you implement a change. Take better care of yourself. 2 stars

    Birthday Baby: You are innovative, sensitive and entertaining. You are outspoken and protective.

    1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.
    2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.
    3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.
    4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.
    5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

    Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

    Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

    Originally Published:

    Source: Paradise Post

  • In These Last Hours

    In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

    For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16). In these words, St. John the Theologian addresses us so that all of us, standing today in front of the Holy Shroud of our Lord, may see Him dead—the One Who gave life to each one of us. The Prophet Isaiah says that Christ was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (Is. 53:5).

    Throughout Holy Week, we have remembered the The Passion of ChristWe know that it was Divine will. But our heart—the human heart—remains as if unsatisfied: could there really not have been a single person with the resolve to say a kind word for the Lord before His judges, or testify in His defense?.. We are shocked by this spectacle of the ingratitude, blindness, madness, and cruelty of Christ’s contemporaries.

    “>Passion of the Lord in the final minutes of His life so that our hardened hearts and souls, incapable of loving or of being kind and compassionate, may be softened by this remembrance, and we may hear the Lord’s voice: If ye love Me, keep My commandments (Jn. 14:15).

    What does the Lord say as He goes to His voluntary Passion? How does He admonish His disciples, and through them all of us? But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Mt. 23:11-12). This means that we can find God only in the depths of humility, of our loving hearts, and ready to serve our neighbors. He who loves his brother loves God, but he who does not love God does not love his brother either (cf. 1 Jn. 4:20).

    When a person’s life ends, we try to keep his final words, carefully fulfilling the will a human being has given to his fellow human beings. A hundred times more precious and important is the testament that God left behind in the Holy Scriptures—the living, effective and powerful Word of God that can heal our sinful, sick and self-loving souls.

    What are the last words the Lord says on the Cross? At the third hour the Lord was crucified; the Sun was darkened, ashamed of the hard-heartedness and insanity of the creation that crucified its Creator, Who gave it this light, this life, this air, and brought everyone from non-existence into being. The Sun was ashamed, and the Earth shook, unable to bear the Lord’s Cross, and the graves of the saints of God opened, as we read in the Holy Scriptures, and many of them entered Jerusalem. The mighty power of God tore the Temple curtain in two to show that now the way into the Holy of Holies is open to man, and he is reconciled to God. The Apostle Paul tells us: Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father (Gal. 1:4). The people walking away from the Cross beat their breasts and lamented what would happen to them and their children for the shame they had inflicted on an Innocent Man. When they saw what had happened, they realized that the One they had crucified was no ordinary man. Pilate’s sign affixed to the Cross, “King of the Jews”, proves that He is indeed True God and True Man. Standing at the Cross and seeing death and suffering—all that is incomprehensible to us and a truly world-shaking event—the centurion exclaimed: Certainly this was a righteous Man (Lk. 23:47). This is how the one who just a moment before took a spear and pierced the Savior’s side so that Blood and water came out of it, came to believe in Christ, providing the whole world with streams of living water. And we partake of this Blood of the Lord. While performing the proskomedia and preparing everything necessary for the Liturgy, the priest incises the prosphora crosswise, takes a lance, and remembering these events, pierces the prosphora through with the words: “One of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side and immediately there came forth blood and water. And he who saw it bore witness, and his witness is true.” Then he takes the Chalice and pours wine and water into it, which, after the descent of the Holy Spirit during the prayer of the priest and the whole Church, will become the true Blood of our Lord, by consuming of which we partake of Eternal Life.

    If we read the Holy Scriptures carefully, then in the Gospel of Luke we find the words that Christ said on the Cross: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Lk. 23:34). With these words, the Lord instructs us to pray for our enemies. In the words of St. Ambrose of Milan, we should inscribe on copper the benefactions we receive from others, and on water the evil that others do to us—that we would not remember evil. We should be like the Lord Who forgave those who crucified Him on the Cross. Can we, who receive what we deserve for our sins, spew oaths and curses foolishly when others give us our due—that is, suffering for our sins? On the contrary, let us strive—at first only with words, and later maybe with our hearts—to say: Lord, forgive them; for they know not what they do. This prayer of faith for our enemies does not so much change the hearts of our enemies, or even those who simply don’t understand us, as it does our own hearts. Only when a person, with faithfulness to the will of God, blames himself for his troubles, failures and misfortunes, will his heart allow him to endure all suffering, slander, misunderstanding, and insults peacefully and patiently.

    Through these words from the Cross, the Lord teaches all of us forgiveness and long-suffering. The Lord said to the penitent thief from the Cross: Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise (Lk. 23:43), thus showing that there is no gap between repentance and Paradise. Once a person resolves in his heart to abandon sin and love the truth, God’s truth and His holy commandments, he begins to feel Paradise in his heart.

    One day a man was asked: “Where is God: In Heaven or on earth?” And he replied: “When a person lives in God, Heaven comes down to earth.” The Lord showed that repentance is all-powerful, that there is no sin that the Lord cannot forgive, and there is no abyss of fall from which it would be impossible to rise. St. John Chrysostom says that the angels do not fall; people fall and rise. Only the demons never rise after falling. We will not be condemned because we have fallen, but because we have not risen after falling. We must fully understand that God did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is greater joy in Heaven for one sinner who has repented than for ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent. The next words teach us to repent, to condemn ourselves without limits in order to inherit Paradise, eternity, and be with God. Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise (Lk. 23:43). These words should always live in our memory and help us walk the path of repentance.

    When the Lord was nailed to the Cross, He suffered terrible torments, because His Divine nature was inseparable from His human nature. By His human nature, Christ suffered as a real Man. It did not alleviate His suffering at all because His Divine nature is united with His human nature. It was even more painful, because we are unable to stop our suffering by our human nature, but He could have stopped it by His Divine nature. As Christ Himself said, He could have asked His Father to send Him legions of angels in a moment, but He did not do this and suffered on the Cross voluntarily with all His being.

    In those final moments, which are hard even to imagine, He turned to His Mother, pointing to His disciple John the Theologian: Woman, behold thy son, and said to His beloved disciple: Behold thy Mother (Jn. 19:26–27). With these words, the Lord showed how great His love was for mankind, for His Mother, for His disciple John the Theologian, and in him for all His disciples. At the final moment of His earthly life, He did not think about Himself, but about those who would be left without Him. He knew that His Mother would grow old and need care, and young John would need good guidance.

    This is an inexhaustible lesson for all of us. When everything in our lives is fine, when we enjoy good health, money, and strength, then, in accordance with our Christian duty, we have the desire to help each other. But the Lord teaches us that even when we don’t have anything, when we can no longer truly serve our neighbor, even in those times we must preserve inner care and inner prayer. Don’t think only about your illness and old age, but take care to fulfill the commandment of love to the end—because sympathy and compassion alone can fill you with love.

    We must pray to receive such power of love that will remain with us until the very end, even to the point of God-forsakenness, when each one of us will be tested. If the Lord went through this, then we too will inevitably experience these dreadful moments of the final trial, the name of which is death.

    Being crucified, by His human nature the God-Man Jesus Christ felt the terrible moments of ordeal and temptation when He thought that God the Father had forsaken Him as a Man. In the final moments of Christ’s Passion, everything is said only about His human nature, as He cried out: My God, My God! Why hast Thou forsaken Me? (Mt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34). These words indicate that He experienced terrible moments of loneliness. This is a reminder to us that we also must face the final struggle of death courageously. We need to prepare for it in advance. The Holy Fathers taught that we must not only live worthily, but more importantly, also die worthily. He who has lived in God, received the Holy Body and Blood of Christ, tried to cleanse his conscience in the sacrament of confession, and cared about union with Christ in this life, will find the only strength to endure this final ordeal in all of this. First of all, we must ensure that the last rites are administered to our loved ones at the end of their earthly lives, remembering that Communion especially gives the grace of the Holy Spirit.

    With His fourth word, the Lord teaches us to have courage and to think about death in advance, in order to avoid the death of the soul and be united with God forever.

    Addressing His Heavenly Father from the Cross, the Lord says: I thirst (Jn. 19:28). And the people around Him believed that He was talking about the thirst of human nature. According to St. Luke the Evangelist, they took a sponge, filled it with vinegar and offered Him to drink; another one says that they offered Him wine mixed with some narcotic substance that can dull and alleviate the suffering of those hanging on the Cross. This is how Roman legionaries showed “humanity” to their victims. Christ only tasted the vinegar-soaked sponge, but did not drink. The people interpreted His thirst as proceeding from human nature—but instead of water, they gave Him vinegar, which burns the mouth. The Lord tasted it, just as Adam once tasted the forbidden fruit. In place of Adam, Our Savior consumed gall with vinegar in order to eliminate the addiction to self-indulgence, sensuality, and everything that a carnal person sets as his goal. The Lord drinks gall with vinegar to eliminate the consequences of what Adam once partook of.

    Christ says, I thirst—that is, “I thirst to fulfil the will of God”. When the disciples approached Christ as He was speaking with the Samaritan woman, they wondered if He had any food with Him, but He replied that His food was to fulfil the will of His Heavenly Father. They did not understand what He meant. Thus, His “thirst” was for the salvation of the human race, and for granting it eternal life, which it lost through its forefather Adam.

    When Jesus therefore hat received the vinegar, He said, It is finished! (Jn. 19:30). The work of salvation, the redemption of the human race, was accomplished.

    After these words, the Lord exclaims: Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit (Lk. 23:46), so that we may know how the life of an Orthodox Christian will end. A pious life in God will end in the soul’s passing into the hands of God, Who Alone will never forsake us. Only His hands can carry a person through the toll-houses and suffering, and it will never be cold, sad or painful on these Hands.

    St. John the Theologian says: For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (Rev. 7:17). The path of man is the cross, at the end of which unspeakable and everlasting joy awaits him. Into Thy hands I commend My spirit. Thus, the goal of our lives should be commending ourselves into God’s hands. The Holy Church reminds us of this every day during services: “Let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.” It reminds us of the purpose of our being—eternal life, joy, Divine Contemplation, and fullness of God’s love. We must strive for this throughout our lives.

    People were beating their breasts as they walked away from the Cross, regretting what had happened. Likewise, we should be filled with the same feelings, looking at the Holy Shroud as an image of God’s love for every human being, an image of victory over death, an image of God’s co-crucifixion with this world, but also as hope—for there is no sin that cannot be forgiven by Divine love. The holy martyrs offered their blood at the foot of the Cross; the venerable and pious fathers and mothers offered their ascetic struggles and tears of repentance, the sweat of their labors, in order to express their gratitude to God for His love for us if only to some extent. The Psalmist David exclaims: What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? (Ps. 115:3).

    And what will we, carnal people and lovers of sin, offer at the foot of the Cross? The blood of martyrs? But we weren’t even observe the fast as Orthodox Christians should. Will we offer tears of repentance? But if we ever cry during our lives, it is only over external losses: money, health, or someone’s favor. These are fleshly tears. We rarely weep over the sins we have committed in our lives.

    So, let’s try to offer the Lord the feelings of filial love that still probably remains somewhere in the depths of our souls, so that in these last hours before Holy Pascha, with a prayerful sigh and repentance, we can (if only to a small extent) become like the penitent thief who erased his entire sinful life with just one cry: Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom (Lk. 23:42). If we have not been able to bear any fruit during Lent, then at least let us admit it honestly. Let us commend our lives into God’s hands and realize that we are nothing without the grace of God. We will not succeed in anything in our lives until we come to realize that only the Lord can change and “regenerate” us, for He is omnipotent, all-righteous and all-good. But we also need to have burning hearts, desire, a prayerful mood, and most importantly, true love for Him, which is given only through remembering the price He paid to save each one of us—the cost of the Passion that we have been reading about all this week.

    St. Gregory the Theologian says that the work of our salvation had to be accomplished by God Himself. Why? He had to become a Man to regain what had been lost in Adam. To offer His arms outstretched on the Cross in place of the hands intemperately stretched out to the tree of knowledge; the tree of the Cross in place of the tree in Paradise; suffering in place of the pleasure for which Adam reached; death for death, and life for life, so that we could gain in Christ what we had lost in Adam. In His human nature He was buried in the tomb—that is, He suffered all the punishment and rose from the tomb so that all mankind would rise from the dead together with Christ. St. Paul tells us: Therefore we are buried with Him by Baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection (Rom. 6:4–5). St. Philaret (Drozdov) says that on the Cross we saw the triumph of the love of God for man. The love of God the Father is the crucifying one, the love of God the Son is the crucified one, and the love of God the Holy Spirit is the triumphant one.

    Let us pray to our Lord that by the end of this Holy Week, we may have a feeling of gratitude to the Lord for all His love, poured out abundantly for the entire human race. And let us have the determination to “commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God”.

    Amen.

    Source: Orthodox Christianity

  • Interior Designer at Tezza Business Solutions Ltd April, 2025

    Click Here To Apply

  • Planner: Chocolates at Woolworths

    Introduction

    Maximise trading opportunities by providing accurate forecasts of customer demand through management by exception, optimising inventory management through the supply chain within defined parameters.

    Job Description

    ​Optimise profitability through effective management of a set of KPI’s through effective analysis and reporting.
    Contribute to the Department / Category Strategy with a specific focus on planning objectives and requirements.
    Using Data Analytics, identify opportunities for improvements and provide intelligence to matrix team, supply chain and value chain
    Monitor and track against the plan
    Participate and provide input into assortment and space planning to maximize trading opportunities
    Provide input in development of Long Term Tactical plans and supply management
    Build and develop relationships with all key stakeholders (internal and external)​

    Minimum requirements
    Behavioural

    Good analytical and numerical ability to deal with large volume of data
    Strong Merchant Skills
    Resilience and multi-tasking
    Attention to detail is very important and a thorough mind set
    Strong planning and organisational skills / ability
    Good business acumen, judgment and problem-solving skills / ability
    Ability to deliver good results in a stressful environment.
    Team player with strong integration skills​

    Technical and Functional

    Value Engineering
    Supply Chain Management
    Supplier Management
    Financial Acumen
    Pricing and Margin Understanding
    Industry Understanding
    Project Management
    Quality Management​

    Job Requirements

    2 to 3 years of FMCG / planning experience
    Stores’ experience would be an advantage
    Retail or business-related tertiary qualification or FMT Planning Graduate would be an advantage
    Relevant Commercial / Retail degree
    Valid driver’s license advantageous
    Should be flexible to travel and may be required to work weekends where necessary
    Computer literacy and competent excel skills​

    Click Here To Apply

  • Iyabo Ojo and her son share beautiful moment with her man Paulo O at daughter’s wedding

    Iyabo Ojo could not hide her love for her man Paulo Okoye at her daughter, Priscilla Ojo’s wedding. 

    A video from the wedding shows Iyabo hugging and blowing kisses at Paulo during the ceremony. 

    Iyabo’s son is also seen happily hugging and laughing with Paulo. 

    Priscilla Ojo’s father was also at the event. 

    See video below.

     

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Borno GIS Chief Uses Police To Arrest 26-Year-Old Critic Over Alleged Cyberbullying, Defamation

    The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), Engineer Adam Bababe, has used the police to arrest a man, Suleiman Usman—popularly known as Sultan—on allegations of cyberbullying and defamation.

    Sources told SaharaReporters on Thursday that the 26-year-old was arrested on April 12, 2025, over what they described as baseless accusations, insisting he did not commit any act of cyberbullying.

    According to a source familiar with the case, Suleiman’s arrest was politically motivated and allegedly directed by Bababe, a known ally of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    “He was arrested on April 12, 2025 by the police commissioner, who is always dancing to the tune of one governor’s ally,” the source claimed.

    “One Engr. Adam Bababe, who always directs police to arrest young persons who are not supporting the APC, is behind this. Suleiman is just the latest victim.”

    The source further alleged that the police in Borno State, acting under instructions from top political figures, are being used as tools of suppression against dissenting voices, especially young people critical of the APC-led administration.

    “This is not about cyberbullying. It’s about silencing a young man who dares to speak his mind. Suleiman didn’t commit any crime. He is being punished for refusing to toe the political line of those in power,” the source added.

     

    When SaharaReporters contacted Adam Bababe, he accused Suleiman of persistent cyberbullying, spreading false allegations, and inciting public tension, which he described as a threat to his life and safety.

    “Suleiman has consistently defamed me online,” Bababe stated. 

    “He has been cyberbullying me, sending false allegations, and continuously creating a security threat to my life. That was basically what pushed me to take legal action.”

    Bababe explained that he initially ignored Suleiman’s actions until the individual went further by posting his photograph online with a caption accusing him of being responsible for Borno State’s problems.

     

    “You know what that means in a place like Borno,” he said. “Accusing someone of being behind the insecurity or other issues can endanger their life.”

    “The Penal Code in Borno, as reviewed in 2023, identifies defamation of character, cyberbullying, and public incitement as criminal offences. So, I filed a petition based on those provisions. This is not a civil matter. It’s a criminal case,” Bababe said.

    Bababe suggested that the root of the online attacks may be tied to resistance against land reforms and anti-corruption efforts introduced by his agency.

    He said, “A lot has happened in Maiduguri, especially around land administration. Before this administration, there was a lot of rot — land racketeering, scams, grabbing. Laws like the 1978 Land Use Act existed but weren’t enforced.

    “We came on board in January 2020 to clean that up, and obviously, corruption fights back. People started pushing all sorts of allegations to discredit us.”

    He said tensions have escalated recently as political transitions approach.

    “As the government winds down, people are weaponising social media. Youths with TikTok and other platforms are being approached and used to push false narratives. It’s getting so bad that sometimes you can’t even move around town freely,” he added.

     

    Bababe revealed that Suleiman began posting defamatory content about him in September 2024 and continued doing so for months. 

     

    “He kept putting up my pictures alongside insults and false allegations. I stayed quiet and watched from a distance,” he said.

     

    “But the height of it was when he said I was a disaster and responsible for all the state’s problems. That’s not something anyone should overlook.”

     

    He explained that he documented all of Suleiman’s social media posts, taking screenshots and saving them before they were deleted.

     

    “We compiled all the evidence and submitted it to the police. I said, ‘Enough is enough.’”

     

    Bababe said that when Suleiman was arrested, his lawyer called him to apologise on his behalf and urged Bababe to treat it as a civil matter.

     

    “He said if I felt defamed, I should seek damages in a civil suit. I told him, ‘Fine, I’ll speak with my solicitor,’” Bababe noted.

     

    However, his solicitor informed him that the matter falls under criminal law.

    “Defamation, cyberbullying, and incitement — they’re all criminal under the revised Borno Penal Code,” Bababe explained.

    But Suleiman’s lawyer persisted, arguing the matter should be civil. 

    “When he couldn’t convince me, he threatened me,” Bababe claimed. 

    “He said he would ‘pull me down by whatever means’ and fight for the boy’s rights. I told him, ‘Go ahead — God is with the truthful.’”

    However, Bababe clarified that while he might forgive Suleiman personally, the matter is now beyond just him.

     

    “It’s not about whether I grant him bail. That’s the job of the police and the courts. I can only say whether or not I’m withdrawing my case — and I haven’t,” he said.

     

    “Parents are everything. My mother cries when she sees those posts about me. If he has rights, I do too. If I had committed a crime, I would accept it. But I haven’t.”

     

    When asked if he would consider withdrawing the case to ease tensions, Bababe responded, “Tension from who? It’s the lawyer who’s instigating tension. You expect soft words from the opposition? Only a fool expects kindness from an adversary.”

     

    He insisted that no one should be threatened for exercising their rights.

     

    “If this had been the other way around, no one would listen to me. Let’s be honest. But I’ve heard him, and I’ve seen him plead. If it were just between me and him, I’d consider it. But his lawyer said he would destroy me — that’s why I’m pursuing the case to the end.”

     

    Bababe reiterated that he wants justice, not revenge. 

     

    “Let him prove his threat in court. I want this case to be an example. You don’t destroy someone’s life online and walk away like nothing happened,” he said.

    Source: Sahara Reporters

  • Netflix’s The Diamond Heist: The Real-Life Story Explained

    The Diamond Heist documentary series has arrived on Netflix for a global audience to enjoy. The docuseries, consisting of only three episodes, has been getting a lot of attention lately. The series comes from the mind of Guy Ritchie, known for giving us popular properties like The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and The Gentlemen.

    The Diamond Heist sheds light on the biggest robbery of the 21st century. The docuseries tells an interesting tale, but fans wonder if it happened like this in real life. If you are also wondering the same, here’s your answer.

    Netflix’s The Diamond Heist Real-Life Story Explained

    To answer your question, The Diamond Heist is very well based on a true story, as advertised in the documentary series. The series tells how the biggest robbery of the 21st century, also called the Millennium Star Heist, was conducted by a group of criminals from South-East London.

    Apparently, Millennium Star, a 350 million GBP diamond (203.04 carat), was being hosted in the Millennium Dome in London in 2000. The security was world-class to protect this authentic piece of stone, but some people were smart enough to execute this robbery nonetheless.

    One of the people who conducted this heist was Lee Wenham, and with allies, Lee successfully got his hands on the diamond and fled the police through a speedboat on Thames.

    As expected, the police eventually got their hands on the perpetrators, and they were all sentenced to jail in 2002. Lee served his time and came out on parole, and well, the docuseries features the real-life Lee telling the entire story. In the series, Lee tells exactly how his group planned the entire robbery and executed it without being caught, at least for a while.

    The Netflix series also features interviews with security personnel who were in charge of the Millennium Dome. Along with that, we also see surveillance footage from the Dome to get a better idea of the robbery.

    The Diamond Heist is definitely a great docuseries that lets you examine the ideology and intellect of a criminal. So, if you haven’t watched the series yet, you should. It is entertaining enough to get you glued to the screen until all three episodes are over.

    Aparna Ukil

    Aparna is the Senior Entertainment Writer at Beebom. She started her professional journey in the retail industry but her admiration for films and TV shows pulled her into the field of entertainment writing where she has experience writing for various well-known publishers including Otakukart, Sportskeeda, Game Revolution, Forever Geek and Dexerto.


    Source: Beebom

  • PTDF-funded graduates to UK, US, Canada fail to return, those at home have no jobs, agency boss laments

    The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), on Thursday, expressed concern over Nigeria’s loss of its human capital investment, revealing that many scholars sponsored by the agency for overseas studies are remaining in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

    Mrs. Bolanle Kehinde-Agboola, Head of the Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) at PTDF, an agency responsible for developing capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, disclosed that 8,196 Nigerians have benefited from the Fund’s combined Overseas and In-Country Scholarship Schemes.

    Speaking at a PTDF students’ sensitization program in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Kehinde-Agboola lamented that a significant number of these foreign-trained graduates are not returning to Nigeria due to a lack of employment opportunities within the country’s oil and gas sector.

    “Total beneficiaries from the combined recipients of Overseas and In-Country Scholarship Schemes are 8,196. We have trained over 8,000 students and some of them after the training remain over there. All our investments are retained in US, UK, Canada, and more,” she stated.

    She further highlighted the frustration of returning graduates, saying, “Also, there is a complaint that when they come back to Nigeria, they don’t get a job, and they are finding it difficult to be absorbed in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, we need to create more cooperation and partnership with the oil and gas industry.”

    Kehinde-Agboola announced that the PTDF has initiated collaborations with oil and gas industries in Nigeria to address this issue, aiming to secure employment for its graduates, particularly those trained abroad, in key positions within these companies.

    She explained the PTDF’s mandate, stating, “The PTDF is designed to meet the long-term human capability requirements of the oil and gas industry through education and training of Nigerians (in-country and overseas) in relevant fields such as: engineering, geological sciences, environmental studies, management, ICT, and health and safety.”

    The PTDF was established by Act No. 25 of 1973, succeeding the Gulf Oil Company Training Fund Administration Act, 1964, inheriting its assets and responsibilities to provide training and education for Nigerians in the petroleum industry. The scholarship scheme supports individuals from SSCE holders to graduates pursuing master’s degrees and also sponsors research in Nigerian universities.

    Kehinde-Agboola emphasized the purpose of the sensitization program: “We are here today to sensitise the students of the University of Uyo to the activities of the PTDF… Under the human capital development, we have programmes that the PTDF has developed. One of them is the PTDF scholarship in which most of the students are interested in. The purpose of that scholarship is to develop students in oil and gas-related areas to ensure that they have knowledge transfer from different institutions across the world. We also have to harness our alumni, we have a lot of them scattered all over the world. How do we harness them for our own benefit and also improving recruitment and number of scholars of our product in the oil and gas industry? This is the major problem for us.”

    Sunday Adedayo Asefon, Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Engagement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressed the evolving demands of the oil and gas sector, stating, “The oil and gas sector was no longer a space for only technical experts; it demanded a multi-disciplinary approach, involving engineers, policy analysts, digital innovators, environmental scientists, legal minds, and even community mobilisers. Our youth and students must be equipped with the tools not only to participate in the space but to innovate within it.”

    Asefon commended the PTDF’s role, saying, “The role of the PTDF in supporting capacity building cannot be overstated. Through initiatives like scholarships, training programmes, and partnerships with academic institutions, the PTDF is helping to lay the foundation for a new generation of Nigerian professionals who will bring excellence, transparency, and sustainability to this sector and Nigeria at large.”

    Students from tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State expressed their appreciation for the PTDF’s programs aimed at building long-term human capacity in the oil and gas industry.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria