RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

More Ukrainians want talks with Russia – WSJ

An increasing number of Ukrainians want Kiev to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Moscow, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

The US outlet acknowledged in an article on Tuesday that “some Ukrainians are asking a question that had until recently been taboo: Is it time to try to negotiate?”
Support for talks with Russia has been “creeping upward” in Ukraine since the failure of Kiev’s much-hyped counteroffensive last year, according to the WSJ.

Another poll, published by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in early August, suggested that 57% of the public wanted dialogue with Russia to begin.

The outlet cited a 33-year-old school teacher from the southeastern city of Zaporozhye, who said that she is willing to give up any part of territory in exchange for peace so that her husband could return home from the front line. “Where can we go with this war?” she wondered.

The group that is most skeptical about a peace deal with Russia is the Ukrainian military, with one recent survey showing that only 18% of active-duty troops and veterans are in favor of the talks, the article read. According to the same poll, 15% of soldiers and veterans said they would join an armed protest if Kiev signs an unfavorable agreement with Moscow.

The members of the military who spoke to the WSJ said that they were concerned that Russia could use a pause in the fighting to prepare for a new attack on Ukraine and that seeking peace with concessions would mean that the sacrifice of their fallen comrades had been in vain.

During his meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Friday, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky suggested that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine should end “this fall.”

According to Zelensky, in order for this happen, NATO must keep arming Kiev and increase pressure on Moscow to agree to the Ukrainian peace plan, which calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces from all territories that Kiev considers its own, including Crimea, and for Moscow to pay reparations and submit its officials to war tribunals.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow had “never refused”negotiations with Kiev, but stressed that they should take place “not on the basis of some ephemeral demands but on the basis of the documents that were agreed to and actually initialized in Istanbul” in late March 2022, when the sides last sat at the negotiating table.

During the talks in Türkiye, Ukraine was willing to declare military neutrality, limit its armed forces, and vow not to discriminate against ethnic Russians. In return, Moscow would have joined other leading powers in offering Ukraine security guarantees, Putin said.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine targets Moscow in biggest drone attack yet

Ukraine targeted the Russian capital on Tuesday in its biggest drone attack so far, killing at least one and wrecking dozens of homes in the Moscow region and forcing around 50 flights to be diverted from airports around Moscow.

Russia, the world's biggest nuclear power, said it had destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian attack drones as they swarmed over the Moscow region, which has a population of more than 21 million, and 124 more over eight other regions.

At least one person was killed near Moscow, Russian authorities said. Three of Moscow's four airports were closed for more than six hours and almost 50 flights were diverted.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the drone attack was another reminder of the real nature of Ukraine's political leadership, which he said was made up of Russia's enemies.

"There is no way that night time strikes on residential neighbourhoods can be associated with military action," said Peskov.

"The Kyiv regime continues to demonstrate its nature. They are our enemies and we must continue the special military operation to protect ourselves from such actions," he said, using the expression Moscow uses to describe its war in Ukraine.

Kyiv said Russia, which sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, had attacked it overnight with 46 drones, of which 38 were destroyed.

The drone attacks on Russia damaged at high-rise apartment buildings in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow region, setting flats on fire, residents told Reuters.

A 46-year-old woman was killed and three people were wounded in Ramenskoye, Moscow regional governor Andrei Vorobyov said.

Residents said they awoke to blasts and fire.

"I looked at the window and saw a ball of fire," Alexander Li, a resident of the district told Reuters. "The window got blown out by the shockwave."

Georgy, a resident who declined to give his surname, said he heard a drone buzzing outside his building in the early hours.

"I drew back the curtain and it hit the building right before my eyes, I saw it all," he said. "I took my family and we ran outside."

The Ramenskoye district, some 50 km (31 miles) southeast of the Kremlin, has a population of around a quarter of a million people, according to official data.

More than 70 drones were also downed over Russia's Bryansk region and tens more over other regions, Russia's defence ministry said. There was no damage or casualties reported there.

As Russia advances in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv has taken the war to Russia with a cross-border attack into Russia's western Kursk region that began on Aug. 6 and by carrying out increasingly large drone attacks deep into Russian territory.

DRONE WAR

The war has largely been a grinding artillery and drone war along the 1,000 km (620 mile) heavily fortified front line in southern and eastern Ukraine involving hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Moscow and Kyiv have both sought to buy and develop new drones, deploy them in innovative ways, and seek new ways to destroy them - from using shotguns to advanced electronic jamming systems.

Both sides have turned cheap commercial drones into deadly weapons while ramping up their own production and assembly to attack targets including tanks and energy infrastructure such as refineries and airfields.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has sought to insulate Moscow from the grinding rigours of the war, has called Ukrainian drone attacks that target civilian infrastructure such as nuclear power plants "terrorism" and has vowed a response.

Moscow and other big Russian cities have largely been insulated from the war.

Russia itself has hit Ukraine with thousands of missiles and drones in the last two-and-a-half years, killing thousands of civilians, wrecking much of the country's energy system and damaging commercial and residential properties across the country.

Ukraine says it has a right to strike back deep into Russia, though Kyiv's Western backers have said they do not want a direct confrontation between Russia and the U.S.-led NATO military alliance.

There was no immediate comment from Ukraine about Tuesday's attacks. Both sides deny targeting civilians.

Tuesday's attack follows drone attacks Ukraine launched in early September chiefly targeting Russia's energy and power facilities.

Authorities in the Tula region, which neighbours the Moscow region to its north, said drone wreckage had fallen onto a fuel and energy facility but that the "technological process" of the facility was not affected.

RT/Reuters

Nigerians were met with another shock as the federal government imposed yet another levy, this time targeting customers of Fintech platforms through an electronic money transfer levy. This comes from a government struggling to fulfill its duty to protect its citizens and provide essential services such as infrastructure, security, and stable fuel prices.

The latest levy, a N50 charge on electronic transfers above N10,000, has sparked outrage among citizens who are already grappling with multiple taxes, poverty, hunger, and unemployment. The removal of the oil subsidy is already wreaking havoc on citizens, who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford transportation or basic meals as prices of commodities soar.

The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration seems to need a reminder of the primary functions of government. The Bola Tinubu administration must realize that its primary duty is to ensure the well-being, safety, and prosperity of its citizens. At present, however, the Nigerian government appears to have abandoned this fundamental responsibility, focusing instead on revenue generation through excessive taxation.

The Electronic Money Transfer Levy Regulations, introduced by the Finance Act of 2020 and enforced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) starting from September 9, is a glaring example of this revenue-centric obsession. The N50 levy on electronic transactions over N10,000 will only worsen the suffering of Nigerians, who are already overburdened by various taxes, fees, and levies.

Fintech companies like OPay, Moniepoint, and PalmPay began charging the N50 levy on transactions above N10,000 in compliance with FIRS regulations. This new fee is part of the federal government's broader efforts to generate revenue from electronic transactions.

But the question persists: what has the government done to improve the lives of Nigerians? The answer seems clear—nothing. Instead, it continues to impose levies and taxes on its citizens without providing essential services or improving infrastructure.

Tinubu's Government: A Tale of Two Realities

While the Tinubu administration talks about reforms and measures to curb corruption and reduce the country's debt, its actions paint a different picture. The government’s rhetoric about austerity and belt-tightening isn’t reflected in the lavish lifestyle and spending habits of those in power.

Despite Nigeria's economic struggles, the presidency continues to indulge in extravagant spending, with reports of new luxury cars, jets, and even a state-of-the-art yacht worth billions of naira being added to the presidential fleet. These excessive expenditures have drawn widespread outrage, especially among Nigerians who are battling to survive amid skyrocketing prices and economic hardship.

The president’s personal life is similarly marked by extravagance, with frequent trips abroad, staying in high-end hotels, all at the expense of the Nigerian taxpayer.

This disparity between the government's words and actions has fueled skepticism. How can a government claiming to reduce corruption and waste continue with such opulence? The answer seems simple: there are two sets of rules—one for the ruling elite and another for the masses.

The reforms and measures the government touts are little more than a smokescreen to distract from its excesses. While ordinary Nigerians are asked to make sacrifices and tighten their belts, the ruling class continues to live in luxury, oblivious to the suffering of the people.

It’s high time the government practiced what it preaches. If the leadership is serious about reforms and reducing corruption, they must lead by example. Nigerians deserve a government that walks the talk, not one that says one thing and does another.

Looking at Nigeria’s current situation, it’s clear that the government's priorities are misplaced. Instead of focusing on improving the lives of its citizens, it continues to burden them with more taxes and levies while spending lavishly.

The Tinubu administration must understand that a thriving economy is built on the foundation of a prosperous people. To achieve this, the government must create an enabling environment for businesses to grow. This includes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with grants and loans, and investing in agriculture, production, and productivity. By doing so, the government can stimulate economic growth and create jobs, ultimately raising the standard of living for Nigerians.

Only when both the micro and macro economies are improved can the government justify taxing its citizens. As things stand, however, the government's continued taxation of already overburdened citizens amounts to nothing short of extortion.

The government must be sincere in its efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians. Lip service alone won’t suffice; concrete action is needed. Everything isn’t about politics; the welfare of the people should be the government’s top priority.

This APC-led administration must realize that its role is to serve the people, not the other way around. It is time for a shift in approach—one that prioritizes the needs of Nigerians and works towards a brighter future for all.

Only then can the government justify its existence and earn the trust and respect of its citizens. Until then, Nigerians will continue to suffer, and the government's credibility will continue to deteriorate.

It’s time for the government to rethink its priorities and focus on the welfare of its citizens. Enough is enough, President Bola Tinubu. Nigerians cannot continue to suffer under the weight of excessive taxation and poor governance. Please, do something.

**Dayo DaSilva is a Mass Communication Expert, Brand Strategist, and Growth Manager from Ogun State.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Melody Wilding

“Eric” is a program manager at a fast-scaling tech company. He’s hungry for career growthand perfectly positioned to take on more responsibility. He’s eager for exposure to senior management and hopeful he’ll eventually advance to a director-level position. 

Yet despite his ambition and potential, Eric finds himself constantly repeating two toxic words: I’ll wait. 

• “I’ll wait until I’ve finished this major project rollout,” he tells himself when a new leadership opportunity opens up. 
• “I’ll wait until after my quarterly review to bring this up,” he decides when considering whether to pitch an idea to his boss. 
• “I’ll wait until the new year to be firmer about my work hours,” is how he rationalizes answering emails at 11 p.m. yet again.
• “I’ll wait until things are calmer before I ask for a raise,” is what he tells himself, but things never slow down. 

Now, Eric is more of a hypothetical — an amalgamation of real clients I’ve had rather than any one client in particular. But as an executive coach for over a decade, I’ve seen this pattern repeat itself countless times. 

Saying “I’ll wait” may seem reasonable on the surface, but these two little words will just hold you back. 

Why saying ‘I’ll wait’ can be toxic for your career

What I’ve learned from working with thousands of deep-thinking, high-achieving professionals is that “I’ll wait” is usually a form of perfectionism in disguise — a sneaky way of keeping yourself safe from potential failure or criticism. 

You believe you’re being prudent and preparing. You convince yourself that a magical day will arrive when you finally feel ready to take that leap. But in reality, you may just be avoiding discomfort.

These two little words allow you to justify your struggles and keep yourself trapped in people-pleasing and overthinking.  

If you’re like Eric, you might sacrifice work-life balance as you watch colleagues get promotedahead of you and feel increasingly frustrated and undervalued. With each “I’ll wait,” you reinforce the false belief that you’re not quite ready, not quite good enough.

These words create a vicious cycle: the longer you wait, the less confident you feel, and the more you stall.

If you keep waiting for the “perfect time,” you’ll be waiting forever. Your situation won’t magically improve “someday” without brave, deliberate action. In fact, your fears might intensify, pushing you further from the confidence, compensation, and recognition you deserve.

Waiting only guarantees more of the same: stress, self-doubt, and dissatisfaction. 

So how do you stop the cycle? 

Investigate your impulse to wait

When you catch yourself saying “I’ll wait,” pause and dig deeper. Ask yourself questions to discern if your hesitation is based on concrete observations or fear-driven feelings and vague notions that might never materialize. Try:

• Is my reason for waiting based on external facts or internal feelings?When you say something like, “I’ll wait to apply for the promotion until the new budget is approved next month, because that’ll determine if the role is funded,” you’re basing your decision on facts. But if you think, “I’ll hold off on applying until I feel more confident in my leadership skills,” emotion could be clouding your approach. 
• What’s the worst that could happen if I act now? Is that outcome truly likely?You might worry, “If I pitch my idea, my boss could reject it and think less of me.” In reality, your manager will probably appreciate your proactivity and creative thinking, even if they don’t implement your idea immediately. 
• Am I waiting for something specific to change or for a vague sense of “readiness”? Compare these two thoughts: “I’ll wait to volunteer for the cross-functional project after I’ve completed my current assignment,” versus “I’ll volunteer when I’ve built enough trust with the engineering team.” The first statement has a clear, time-bound condition, while the second relies on an ambiguous sense of experience that could keep you on pause indefinitely.

Define your criteria for ‘good enough’

Set realistic benchmarks for taking action that don’t demand perfection. For instance, maybe you decide to present in larger meetings after you’ve received positive feedback on three lower-stakes presentations. 

Likewise, break your steps down into smaller, manageable parts. This operates on the psychology of the progress principle, which suggests that hitting milestones can give you the confidence to tackle bigger, more daunting goals. 

Let’s say you’re thinking, “I’ll wait until we have new leadership in place to suggest changes to how we work.” Instead of putting it off, you could start keeping track of what is and isn’t working in your current processes.

You could also chat informally with colleagues to collect different perspectives and ideas. That way, when the new leadership steps in, you’re ready to present a well-rounded case. 

Build your tolerance for ambiguity

When you expand your ability to sit with tough emotions — like fear of failure or the unknown — you show yourself it’s safe to act despite not having all the answers or any guarantees. You’re less likely to get stuck in procrastination and overthinking because you’re better at navigating through discomfort rather than avoiding it.

Over time, you’ll be less deterred by the potential for setbacks or criticism, which areoften the hidden reasons behind “I’ll wait.”

Try out a “now or never” rule for minor decisions. Give yourself just 30 seconds to make a call on everyday choices that don’t require much debate. Whether it’s deciding to share an idea in a meeting, sending a quick reply to an email, or even choosing where to grab lunch, practice making these decisions quickly without getting bogged down by analysis paralysis.

Make it a habit to put yourself in the path of discomfort on a regular basis, too. It doesn’t have to be a big leap — maybe try out new software that’s always seemed intimidating or help on a project that’s a little outside your usual scope. Even something as simple as initiating conversations with coworkers you don’t often speak to can count. 

As you get used to handling these micro-decisions and mini-challenges, you’ll find it much easier to banish “I’ll wait” and step up when opportunities come your way.

CNBC

The Department of State Services (DSS) released Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), following intense public outrage over his arrest. Ajaero, who was detained while en route to the United Kingdom for official duties, was granted bail late Monday night. His arrest sparked widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, pro-democracy activists, and labour unions, all demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

Pro-democracy advocate and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, announced Ajaero’s release, calling the arrest a "fascist" move by the government on social media. Ajaero was apprehended at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a development that provoked swift reactions from various groups.

The NLC issued a scathing statement condemning the arrest as "brazen and illegal," asserting that it was a direct attack on workers' rights and democratic freedoms. The NLC's National Administrative Council, led by Deputy President Adeyanju Adewale, set a midnight deadline for Ajaero's release, labeling his detention a violation of democratic values.

Ajaero’s detention also coincided with the DSS laying siege to the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), an organization that had recently called for the reversal of a controversial petrol price hike. This fueled speculation that the government was cracking down on dissenting voices and activists.

Arrest Triggers National Condemnation

The arrest of Joe Ajaero was met with an outcry from various sectors across the country. Prominent organizations such as the Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), and Amnesty International publicly demanded Ajaero’s immediate release. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warned the government that such actions could destabilize the nation, urging President Bola Tinubu to focus on addressing the pressing issues of inflation and poverty rather than targeting union leaders.

In response to the arrest, the NLC activated its affiliates nationwide, placing all members on "red alert." The union warned that Ajaero's detention was not only an attack on its leadership but also a broader attempt to suppress the rights of Nigerian workers. The NLC further accused the government of trying to intimidate the labour movement ahead of critical negotiations on the National Minimum Wage.

Calls for Justice Amid Public Fury

Various civil rights groups, including the United Action Front of Civil Society (UAFCS), decried the DSS’s actions as an attempt to incite mass resistance and civil disobedience. The UAFCS criticized the government's "needless show of force," warning that such repression could lead to widespread unrest. Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), whose office was also targeted by the DSS, urged President Tinubu to halt the attacks on civil society.

Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), condemned the DSS for harassing activists and union leaders. HURIWA’s statement highlighted the growing pattern of repression under Tinubu’s administration, calling for an end to arbitrary arrests and detentions.

Political and Legal Repercussions Loom

In addition to the public backlash, prominent voices like human rights lawyer Femi Falana and other advocates called for legal action against those responsible for Ajaero’s arrest. Falana demanded accountability for the DSS’s actions, insisting that those involved in the illegal detention be prosecuted.

The broader public outrage surrounding the arrest has drawn attention to what many describe as a worrying trend towards authoritarianism in Nigeria. Civil society leaders, such as ActionAid Nigeria’s Andrew Mamedu, expressed fears that the country was returning to the dark days of military dictatorship, where citizens’ rights were routinely violated.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC) has issued public alerts, warning Nigerians against the use of a popular bar soap and some drug products.

The NAFDAC warning follows separate alerts issued by the countries where the products were manufactured.

The agency, which issued the warning via posts on its X handle on Monday, said the soap product was found to contain chemicals that could harm human reproductive organs and unborn children, and cause “skin sensitisation.”

The affected products, according to NAFDAC, are Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap manufactured in Germany and some unregistered drug products that originated from the Philippines.

On Dove Soap

Tagged public alert number 035/2024, NAFDAC said the soap reportedly contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA).

According to NAFDAC, the affected Dove soap is produced in Germany with batch number 81832M 08, and has been recalled by the German authorities due to chemical impurity.

“The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as it is said to contain Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) which is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child and may cause skin sensitisation. As a result, a ban on the marketing of the product has been placed by some regulatory and public authorities, in the EU”, the agency said in a statement which had earlier been published on its website on 30 August and reposted on X on Monday.

NAFDAC gave the product details as “Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap” with the product brand as “Dove” and country of manufacture as Germany with “Bar Code Number 8000700000005,” and categorised as “Cosmetics”.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC also listed other Dove products that have been recalled in other countries, and warned Nigerians against using them.

Unregistered drug products

Also, in its post on Monday, NAFDAC listed 13 drug products already flagged by the authorities in the Philippines, cautioning importers, distributors and marketers against bringing them into Nigeria, even as it advised consumers to be wary of them.

The press release which was reposted on Monday by NAFDAC had earlier been issued by the agency on 22 August.

It noted that the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had warned against the purchase and use of the unregistered drug products.

The agency listed the affected products as Niaosu Ruangao, Compound Bismuth Subnitrate Tablets, Cimetidine Injection 2ml:0.2g Ampoule, OTC Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrups, Jingxin Pharmaceutical Roxithromycin Capsules 0.15g, Lean Slim Appetite Suppressant Strong Capsule 30’s, Lean Slim Appetite Suppressant Mild Capsule 30’s, and Dianne ® – 35 Cyproterone acetate 2.00 mg/ Ethinylestradiol 0.035 mg Sugar-Coated Tablet.

Others are Androcur® Siproteron asetat 50 mg Tablet, Androcur TM (Cyproterone acetate) 50 mg Tablet, Testoviron Depot (Testosterone enanthate) 250 mg, 1mL Ampoule, Climen® Estradiol valerat/Siproteron asetat 2mg+2mg/1mg Kapli Tablet, and Elleacnelle® Siproteron asetat 2000 mcg/Etinilestradiol 35 mcg Kapli Tablet.

NAFDAC noted that the Philippines authorities said the drug products had not gone through the registration process of the FDA and have not been issued with proper authorisation in the form of Certificate of Product Registration. “Thus, the FDA cannot guarantee their quality, safety and efficacy. Therefore, consumption of such violative products may pose potential danger or injury to health.”

Risk statement

NAFDAC warns that the illegal marketing of unregistered medicines or falsified drug products poses a risk to the health of people, “since by not complying with the process for marketing authorisation, legal importation, distribution or sale, the safety, quality and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.”

“The administration of the falsified or unregistered injection products may cause harm to patients or lead to fatal consequences such as death,” the agency said in the statement. “These products are obviously not registered by NAFDAC and not available in the NAFDAC database. It is important to ensure that they are not smuggled into the country through informal markets.”

NAFDAC therefore implored importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain “to avoid the importation, distribution, sale or use of the falsified or unregistered medicinal products.”

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of adverse drug reaction, substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,” it further noted.

PT

The decision by the Nigerian government to shut down the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria's (NMCN) verification portal has caused significant disruption for Nigerian nurses and midwives working abroad, forcing many to return home under distressing circumstances. This policy, ostensibly aimed at curbing the mass migration of healthcare workers, is a flawed and short-sighted approach to a complex issue that demands a more nuanced solution. Rather than stemming the tide of migration, the government has infringed on the rights of nurses to offer their services freely, punishing those who have sought better opportunities abroad due to poor pay and adverse working conditions in Nigeria.

The healthcare sector in Nigeria has been plagued by chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and an insufficient workforce. For many years, Nigerian nurses, midwives, and doctors have sought greener pastures abroad, where they are offered competitive salaries, better working environments, and opportunities for career growth. This "brain drain" has left Nigeria’s healthcare system even more vulnerable, but the blame cannot solely be placed on the healthcare workers who are exercising their right to seek better living conditions. Rather, the underlying factors driving this mass exodus need to be addressed.

The government’s heavy-handed tactic of shutting down the verification portal is not only ineffective but counterproductive. By denying nurses abroad the ability to renew their licenses or verify their qualifications, it has placed these healthcare professionals in precarious legal situations, jeopardizing their livelihoods and forcing many to return to Nigeria. Nurses in the UK, US, and Saudi Arabia, among other countries, are facing the threat of job loss and deportation simply because they cannot meet their host countries' certification requirements. This crisis not only affects the individual nurses but also tarnishes Nigeria's reputation in the global healthcare community.

The government's actions appear to be a knee-jerk reaction to the ongoing migration of healthcare workers, but this approach fails to tackle the root causes of the problem. Nigerian nurses and midwives, like professionals in any other field, have the right to seek employment opportunities that offer better pay and working conditions. The shutdown of the portal infringes upon this right, essentially trapping healthcare workers in a system that neither values nor adequately compensates their contributions.

Instead of resorting to punitive measures, the government should focus on creating incentives that make staying in the country a more attractive option for healthcare workers. These could include increasing salaries to match international standards, improving the working conditions in public hospitals, offering continuing education and career development opportunities, and ensuring that the healthcare system is adequately funded. A well-compensated and motivated workforce is less likely to seek opportunities abroad.

Moreover, the government should recognize that the migration of healthcare workers can have its benefits. Nurses and midwives who work abroad often send remittances back to Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economy. They also gain valuable experience and skills that they can eventually bring back home, benefiting the healthcare system in the long run. Rather than viewing migration as a loss, the government should see it as an opportunity for growth and development.

The closure of the NMCN verification portal has caused unnecessary hardship for Nigerian nurses abroad, many of whom are now facing unemployment and legal consequences. The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has rightly urged the government to reopen the portal and resolve the issue promptly. However, even if the portal is reopened, the damage has already been done. The affected nurses are now left to pick up the pieces of their disrupted careers and lives.

In conclusion, the Nigerian government must rethink its approach to healthcare worker migration. Shutting down the verification portal is a violation of nurses' rights and will do nothing to address the underlying issues driving migration. Instead, the government should focus on creating a healthcare system that values and compensates its workers adequately, ensuring that they have no reason to leave in the first place. Only then will Nigeria be able to stem the tide of healthcare worker migration in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of its professionals.

Bandits have abducted nurses at a Primary Health Care Center at Layin Dan Auta village in Kuyello Ward, Birnin Gwari Area of Kaduna State.

According to community sources, the bandits had targeted a primary school in Kuyello, located on the outskirts of the town.

However, when they could not find pupils to abduct, they reportedly moved to the nearby hospital where they abducted the nurses on duty.

A community leader in the area, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the incident and described the situation as worrisome.

“They arrived in the area and went straight to a nearby school, thinking they would find students. However, the school was empty, so they proceeded to the PHC in Kuyello and abducted the nurses on duty,” he said.

Another youth leader in Kuyello, Baba Isah, also confirmed the incident.

He stated that the two nurses were on duty when the bandits attacked. It remains unclear if any patients were abducted, as most had already left the hospital.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the either state government or the police.

Police Public Relations Officer of Kaduna Command, Mansir Hassan, could not be reached on phone.

Daily Trust

Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties help approve more funding for war

Israeli lawmakers gave their initial approval on Monday to raising the 2024 budget framework to help fund reservists and assist people displaced as a result of the war in Gaza, with support coming from ultra-Orthodox parties.

The vote to add 3.4 billion shekels ($906 million) to the 2024 budget passed by a 58-52 margin, the Finance Ministry said.

Ultra-Orthodox parties had threatened to boycott votes in parliament in a dispute over funding for their separate education system.

The bill still needs to pass two more votes to become law.

The rift with ultra-Orthodox parties is a test of the unity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as Israel presses on with its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year.

The two religious parties, which occupy 18 of parliament's 120 seats, said last week they would not participate in plenum votes until the government agreed that schools in their separate education system should receive the same benefits as state-run schools -- especially their "New Horizon" programme which adds school hours and sharply boosts teacher pay.

A spokesman for Moshe Gafni, leader of one of the ultra-Orthodox parties, said the faction had decided to vote for the budget this time. It was not clear about voting in future votes.

"The budget adjustments will enable the conditions required for the continuous continuation of the war against those who seek our harm," said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who criticised those who voted against.

"It would be good if the members of the opposition would join in with national responsibility and vote in favour of continuing to fund the evacuees and reservists - this is a war for all of us together."

Israel has called up reservists up during the Gaza war, and tens of thousands of Israelis have been displaced from homes in the north by rocket fire from the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

($1 = 3.7530 shekels)

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russian forces capture village of Memryk in east, Ukraine says troops holding firm

Russian forces pressed on with their advance on the eastern front in their 2-1/2-year-old war against Ukraine, capturing the village of Memryk, east of the city of Pokrovsk, the Defence Ministry said.

Ukraine made no mention in accounts by the military's General Staff of the village, lying in the front's most hotly contested sector. But the country's war blogs reported it had passed into Russian hands last week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv's forces were holding their own in Donetsk region.

Reuters could not independently verify accounts from either side.

Russian forces, in a slow advance through Donetsk region, have in recent weeks moved towards the town of Pokrovsk.

Moscow's defence ministry noted the capture of Memryk in one of its daily reports and said Russian forces had inflicted losses on Ukrainian troops in at least two other nearby villages and repelled eight enemy attacks in Donetsk region.

On Sunday, the ministry announced the capture of another village, Novohrodivka, which a Ukrainian officer said had been abandoned by Kyiv's forces several days earlier.

In his nightly address, Zelenskiy said troops in Donetsk region were "completing their tasks in truly steadfast fashion, repelling Russian assaults and reclaiming our positions".

"It is equally important to destroy as many occupying forces as possible. The Pokrovsk sector, the Kurakhove sector, it is here that the Russian army must lose as much combat capability as possible."

Zelenskiy said Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, also reported on action in northeast Kharkiv region and on Kyiv's incursion into Russia's Kursk region launched last month.

Ukrainian forces, he said, were "getting Russia used to a clear understanding of where its land is and where its neighbour's land is".

Authorities in Sumy region, across the border from Kursk, announced the obligatory evacuation of three more settlements in areas long subject to Russian attacks.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine has sustained massive losses in Kursk Region – Moscow

Ukraine has lost around 11,400 troops since it launched an incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region last month, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said on Monday.

The Russian military has also destroyed over 1,000 units of Ukrainian military hardware, including 89 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles, 74 armored personnel carriers, 635 armored combat vehicles, 371 cars, 85 artillery pieces, and 24 multiple rocket launchers, seven of which were US-made HIMARS systems, the ministry claimed in its latest daily update.

In the course of the last 24 hours alone, Ukraine has lost up to 240 servicemen and 13 units of hardware, the ministry estimated.

During the past day, Russian ground forces, supported by artillery and aviation, have repelled three Ukrainian attacks near the settlements of Mikhailovka, Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Desyatoye Octyabrya, the statement read.

Kiev’s troops also tried to advance towards the villages of Malaya Loknya, Korenevo, Kremyanoye and Martynovka, but were pushed back, it added.

“Reconnaissance and search operations in forested areas to track down and destroy enemy sabotage groups, who are attempting to penetrate deeper into Russian territory, are continuing,” the Defense Ministry said.

According to the statement, Russian troops, artillery, and aviation pummeled Ukrainian positions in more than a dozen locations in Kursk Region. Air and missile strikes were also carried out against military concentrations and foreign mercenaries in Ukraine’s Sumy Region, which borders Russia, the ministry stated.

Ukrainian forces invaded Kursk Region on August 6, in the largest attack on internationally recognized Russian territory since the start of hostilities between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022. Their advance was quickly halted by the Russian army, but fighting in the region continues, with Kiev’s troops still holding a number of settlements in the border area.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that liberating Kursk Region is “a sacred duty”of the Russian military. According to Putin, by targeting the region, Ukraine wanted to make Moscow “nervous” and force it to re-deploy units from other key sectors of the front line.

Reuters/RT

Recently, I saw a video on social media that showed a public figure in a bad light. That person's voice and face were easily recognizable, so people ran with it, sending an onslaught of negativity their way.
The video was later debunked as an artificial intelligence deep fake, but by that time, thousands of hate comments had already been posted. 
Misinformation like this is a major problem facing today’s young people, Bill Gates tells CNBC Make It. He’s tackled issues from climate change to poverty — yet, online misinformation has him stumped.
“Misinformation is the one where I, a little bit, had to punt and say, ‘OK, we’ve handed this problem to the younger generation,’” Gates says, adding that online conspiracies about him have even impacted his daughter. 
“Hearing my daughter talk about how she’d been harassed online, and how her friends experienced that quite a bit, brought that into focus in a way that I hadn’t thought about before,” says Gates.
Misinformation is becoming more common, as technological advances like artificial general intelligence chatbots make it easier to generate and spread falsehoods quickly. AI-generated misinformation was named as the top global risk of the next two years in a World Economic Forum survey in January. 
Gates says he isn’t entirely sure how to stop the spread of misinformation. He’s sensitive to the counterargument that restricting any type of information online could harm the right of free speech, yet agrees that some kinds of rules need to be established, he says.

CNBC