French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warmly received Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the historic Invalides memorial complex in Paris.

This marked the first official state visit by a Nigerian president to France in over two decades, symbolizing a renewed focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

The visit commenced with a formal ceremony in the courtyard of the Invalides, where the two countries’ national anthems echoed across the iconic landmark.

Tinubu’s two-day trip aims to foster economic partnerships between France and Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country.

The meeting comes at a crucial time for both nations.

France, under Macron’s leadership, has sought to redefine its relationship with African nations since his election in 2017.

This effort has taken on greater urgency following a series of military coups and growing anti-French sentiment in several former colonies, which have significantly reduced Paris’s influence in Africa.

Nigeria, on the other hand, faces economic challenges, including skyrocketing inflation and surging food prices, which make foreign investments and partnerships essential for its recovery and growth.

Macron’s office emphasized that the visit presents a significant opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria.

Paris is particularly keen on strengthening ties with English-speaking African nations, a strategy designed to diversify its partnerships on the continent amid strained relations with some Francophone countries.

Nigeria, with its vast market potential, natural resources, and youthful population, represents a strategic partner for France’s renewed focus on Africa.

Tinubu’s administration has prioritized economic reforms and is actively seeking foreign investment to address Nigeria’s fiscal deficits and infrastructure gaps.

The president’s visit underscores his government’s commitment to building international partnerships to drive economic recovery and create opportunities for Nigerians.Macron and Tinubu are expected to hold discussions on a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change.

Both leaders will also explore opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investments, with a particular focus on sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture.

This historic visit not only signifies a new chapter in France-Nigeria relations but also highlights the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy in Africa.

By strengthening ties with Nigeria, France hopes to bolster its relevance on the continent, while Nigeria looks to leverage the partnership for economic advancement.

The self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, is set to face terrorism-related charges in May 2025. This timeline was disclosed by Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation.

Laaksonen confirmed that the date for presenting possible charges had been determined by the Päijät-Häme District Court. “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed.

The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025,” he stated.

The senior detective added that Ekpa and Finnish authorities have the option to request a re-evaluation of his case within two weeks.

“In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.

Simon Ekpa, a prominent secessionist figure and a key advocate of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, has been a controversial figure in Nigeria and the diaspora.

His activities, particularly through social media, have been linked to incitements of violence in the southeastern region of Nigeria, where IPOB agitates for the creation of an independent Biafran state.

Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa alongside four others last Thursday on suspicion of engaging in terror-related activities.

These allegations include incitement to violence, public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, and financing terrorism.

Ekpa’s remand was officially sanctioned by the Päijät-Häme District Court. His detention highlights growing international scrutiny of his activities, which many argue have exacerbated instability in southeastern Nigeria.

In recent years, Ekpa has used his online platforms to promote the controversial “sit-at-home” orders in the region, which have led to widespread disruptions, violence, and economic stagnation.

This arrest marks a significant development in the legal challenges facing Ekpa. While IPOB leadership had distanced itself from his activities, he has maintained his stance as a key figure advocating for Biafra’s secession.

His arrest has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the Finnish government’s action as a step toward curbing violent rhetoric, while others see it as an infringement on freedom of expression.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Finnish authorities are yet to disclose the full scope of the evidence against Ekpa. As May 2025 approaches, this case will likely draw international attention due to its implications for counterterrorism efforts and the broader geopolitical ramifications of separatist movements.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has described Liverpool as his team’s “most difficult” opponent in the UEFA Champions League, following their 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Italian tactician acknowledged the strength of the Premier League giants and credited them for their deserved victory in a fiercely contested encounter.

The match saw Liverpool emerge victorious with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo. Ancelotti’s side struggled to break through the relentless Liverpool defense in a game marked by high-intensity play and dramatic moments.

Both Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah missed penalties, adding further intrigue to a thrilling night of European football.

Reflecting on the performance, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort despite the loss. Speaking to Movistar after the game, he admitted that facing Liverpool at Anfield posed a unique challenge.

“It was a difficult match, as we knew it would be,” Ancelotti remarked. “Anfield is the most difficult stadium in Europe to play in, and Liverpool proved once again why they are such a formidable opponent.

”Ancelotti praised his players for their competitive spirit but noted that the turning point came after the penalty, which disrupted Real Madrid’s rhythm.

“We competed well until the penalty incident,” he explained. “However, after that, we dropped a bit in level.

It was a moment where we needed to stay sharp, but it affected our momentum.

On the counter-attacks, we could have been more effective and created better opportunities.

”Despite the disappointment of the loss, Ancelotti remained optimistic about his team’s overall performance. “I liked the team’s attitude and effort,” he said. “Competing at this level against Liverpool, the most difficult rival in Europe, is always a challenge.

They played with intensity, and in the end, they deserved to win.

”Liverpool’s victory underlined their ability to perform on the grandest stage, with Mac Allister’s strike showcasing his technical brilliance and Gakpo continuing his impressive form in front of goal. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to regroup and address areas of improvement as they prepare for the remainder of their European campaign.

For Ancelotti, the loss serves as a reminder of the high standards required to compete at this level, particularly against a team like Liverpool, renowned for their energy, discipline, and home advantage at Anfield. Both teams are expected to remain contenders in the competition, setting the stage for more dramatic encounters in the future.

The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, has refuted claims made by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, regarding the pricing of petrol supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Earlier, Dr. Obele announced that petrol from the NNPCL was priced N75 higher per litre than the N970 offered by the Dangote Refinery.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Gillis-Harry clarified that the State-owned oil company had not made any announcements concerning a new price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He emphasized that Obele’s assertion did not reflect the position of either the NNPCL or PETROAN.

He stated, “No new price for PMS has been released by the NNPC Port Harcourt Refinery.”Gillis-Harry expressed optimism about the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, which began production on Tuesday after years of rehabilitation.

The refinery has started dispatching petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and kerosene, to the market, with other products expected to follow soon.

This development is seen as a significant step towards improving domestic fuel supply and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.

Addressing the pricing concerns, the PETROAN president clarified that members of the association were purchasing PMS at rates determined by the old pricing template while awaiting an official announcement of new prices by the NNPCL.

He also reassured Nigerians that any forthcoming price changes would be aimed at ensuring affordability and addressing the challenges in the petroleum downstream sector.

“We are excited that the production and loading of refined petroleum products have commenced at the Port Harcourt Refinery,” Gillis-Harry said.

“We are expectant that soon, the price of PMS will be stated by NNPC to the benefit of Nigerians.”Gillis-Harry’s statement aligns with the broader optimism surrounding the operational resumption of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which had been non-functional for several years.

The refinery’s rehabilitation is a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to bolster domestic refining capacity, reduce the strain of fuel importation on foreign exchange reserves, and stabilize local petroleum product prices.

Observers believe the resumption of production at the refinery and its potential to provide competitively priced fuel products could significantly impact the market.

However, the clarification from Gillis-Harry underscores the importance of avoiding premature or misleading statements that might create unnecessary confusion or speculation among stakeholders and consumers.

A UK mother has been sentenced to prison for child cruelty after keeping her baby hidden in a drawer beneath her bed for nearly three years, leaving the child severely malnourished and developmentally delayed.

The case, heard at Chester Crown Court, unveiled harrowing details of abuse and neglect that left the child physically, psychologically, and socially scarred.

According to gulfnews, the girl, found weeks before her third birthday at the family home in Cheshire, was malnourished, dehydrated, and suffering from severe developmental delays. Her hair was matted, her skin covered in rashes, and she had deformities caused by prolonged neglect.

The mother, whose identity is withheld to protect the child, kept her hidden from her family, including her siblings and partner, by confining her in a drawer of a divan bed. Feeding her inadequately with a syringe, the mother also failed to seek medical care for the child’s cleft palate.

The truth came to light when the mother’s partner returned home one morning after she had left and heard noises from the bedroom. Investigating, he discovered the child and alerted relatives. Social services found the girl sitting in the drawer later that day.

A social worker described the scene as horrific, stating that the mother showed no emotion and casually admitted to keeping her daughter in the drawer. “I was probably the only other face [the child] had seen apart from her mother’s,” the social worker said.

The court heard that the child had been kept isolated from sunlight, fresh air, or any social interaction. When hospitalised, her developmental age was assessed to be between 0 and 10 months.

Sentencing the mother, Judge Steven Everett condemned her actions. “What you did defies belief,” he said. “You starved that little girl of love, affection, interaction, a proper diet, and medical attention. The consequences were catastrophic.”

He called the ordeal “a living death” but noted that the child, described as an “intelligent little girl,” is slowly recovering.

During police interviews, the mother claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy and gave birth alone, frightened. She admitted the child was “not part of the family,” hiding her to prevent the child’s abusive father from discovering her existence.

Her defence cited mental health struggles, an abusive relationship with the father, and challenges worsened by the COVID-19 lockdown. However, prosecutors highlighted the lasting impact of her actions.

Rachel Worthington of CPS Mersey-Cheshire said, “This child has never had a birthday or Christmas present. She hadn’t known daylight or fresh air and didn’t respond to her own name when found.”

The girl, now in foster care, is receiving the attention and support she was denied. Her foster carer described the heartbreaking moment they realised the child didn’t recognise her own name.

The mother pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty, including neglect, abandonment, and failure to seek medical care. Prosecutors expressed hope that the girl will recover and eventually lead a fulfilling life.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children,” Worthington said.

The mother’s other children, whom she was said to have cared for well, are no longer in her custody.

Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd) disclosed his reasons for creating 12 states in Nigeria during his tenure.

Speaking on Wednesday while meeting with a delegation of the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats, Gowon explained that his decision aimed to reduce tensions and alleviate fears of northern domination in other regions of the country.

The former leader, who governed Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, stressed his commitment to the greater good of the nation.

He said that his leadership prioritised the overall interest of Nigeria, focusing on national unity and preventing regional disparities that could threaten cohesion.

He stated, “I firmly believe, as I have always said, that the responsibility of maintaining Nigeria’s true democracy rests on the north, and Baba Tafawa Balewa embodied this ideal.

“Let me also say that I hope your visit is not just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritises the north, the west prioritises the west, and the east prioritises the east—until, of course, the Mid-West emerged to think for itself.”

Gowon stressed the importance of ensuring that no single region could become overly powerful, thereby maintaining balance and unity across the country.

He added, “My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria. From your speech, I understand that this is your intention—to ensure the North, in its current state, focuses on national unity.

“It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity.”

The restructuring marked a significant step in reducing regional rivalries and fostering national integration. Over time, further state creations by subsequent administrations have expanded Nigeria into 36 states.