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‘It’s not a UK matter’ — British envoy speaks on Sunday Igboho’s petition

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Richard Montgomery, the British high commissioner in Nigeria, says petitions on sovereign affairs of another country do not fall under the UK’s jurisdiction.

On Sunday, Igboho submitted a petition to the UK government on behalf of Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Nation movement.

The content of the petition is not known, but Igboho is believed to have sought the support of the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the establishment of the Yoruba Nation.

Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, said the British high commissioner was invited to shed light on Igboho’s visit.

In a statement on Tuesday, Montgomery said he was pleased to have met with the minister to discuss the matter.

The high commissioner said he reassured the minister that the document was not endorsed by any official body of the UK government or the UK parliamentary petitions committee.

“The delivery merely reflected an established practice of allowing the delivery of letters and petitions to No10,“ the statement reads.

“The High Commissioner noted that any petition concerning the sovereign affairs of another country are not a matter for the UK government.

“The High Commissioner underscored that this is a matter for the government and legislature of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and noted that similar petitions had been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK government in the past.

“The High Commissioner agreed to continue liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as needed.”

He reiterated the importance of the bilateral relations between his country and Nigeria.

“He noted bilateral progress on a range of issues with the present administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and particularly new agreements on enhanced trade and investment, security and defence, and home affairs,” the statement adds.

“He renewed his assurances of highest regards for the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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Trump speaks to Putin, warns against escalating war in Ukraine

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US President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and urged him not to escalate the war in Ukraine, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

Trump held the call from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, the report said.

Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, did not confirm the exchange, telling AFP in a written statement that “we do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.”

The Post, citing several people familiar with the call who spoke on the basis of anonymity, reported that Trump had reminded Putin of America’s sizable military presence in Europe.

They said he also expressed an interest in further conversations to discuss “the resolution of Ukraine’s war soon.”

Trump also spoke by phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday and the pair “agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe,” according to Scholz’s spokesman.

Trump’s election is set to have a major bearing on the almost three-year Ukraine conflict, as he insists on a quick end to the fighting and casts doubt on Washington’s multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump on Wednesday, with the Republican’s billionaire backer Elon Musk also notably joining them on the call.

The outgoing Democratic administration of President Joe Biden has confirmed that it will send as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

On Sunday, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House aims “to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.”

This would include using the remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine available, Sullivan said.

The Russian government has given a cautious but mostly positive response to Trump’s return, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Sunday: “The signals are positive… At least he’s talking about peace, and not about confrontation.”

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to quickly end the Ukraine war — even before he is sworn into office — but without detailing his thinking.

Trump and his allies have railed against US funding for Ukraine, while insinuating that it helps fund a corrupt pro-war nexus of defense companies and foreign policy hawks.

Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., shared a clip Saturday on Instagram which showed Zelensky standing next to the president-elect with a caption reading: “POV (point of view): You’re 38 days from losing your allowance.”

Any quick deal in Ukraine is expected to require Kyiv to cede some of the territory it has lost to Russian invaders in Ukraine’s south and east.

A former adviser to Trump, Bryan Lanza, told the BBC on Saturday that Ukraine had to give up any ambition of regaining Crimea, for instance, which was occupied by Russia in 2014.

Kyiv, though facing a manpower shortage and uncertainty over US support, has steadfastly opposed giving up territory and its European allies and weapons suppliers such as Britain and France are known to be nervous about unilateral moves by Trump.

Zelensky has said that giving up land or meeting other demands from the Kremlin would only embolden Putin and provoke more aggression, a view shared by many European allies.

Trump “briefly raised the issue of land” in his call with Putin, the Post reported, without further details.

In recent months, both sides in the war have made moves seen as possible efforts to gain leverage ahead of eventual negotiations, with Ukraine seizing a chunk of Russian territory and Moscow’s troops making advances in Ukraine.

This weekend brought the biggest drone attacks yet from both sides.

Russia launched 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Zelensky said, while Russia said it had downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday.

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Trump asks supporters to help Democrats pay campaign debts

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Donald Trump, US president-elect, has asked his supporters to help offset the campaign expenses of the Democrats.

The Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign is reportedly grappling with $20 million in election campaign debts.

In a tongue-in-cheek post on X on Sunday, Trump asked his supporters to help Democrats pay off the debts “for the sake of desperately needed unity”.

The president-elect said his campaign has “a lot of money left” in the tank because most of its publicity was through earned media.

“I am very surprised that the Democrats, who fought a hard and valiant fight in the 2020 Presidential Election, raising a record amount of money, didn’t have lots of $’s left over. Now they are being squeezed by vendors and others,” Trump wrote.

“Whatever we can do to help them during this difficult period, I would strongly recommend we, as a Party and for the sake of desperately needed UNITY, do.

“We have a lot of money left over in that our biggest asset in the campaign was “Earned Media,” and that doesn’t cost very much. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Unlike paid media, earned media is publicity gained organically, rather than through paid advertising. This includes coverage that an individual or organisation receives through news stories, social media mentions, shares, reviews or other forms of third-party endorsement.

On Wednesday, Trump defeated Harris of the Democratic Party to win the US presidential election. He will be inaugurated 47th president of the US in January.

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7 important things to know if you ever travel solo

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Travelling solo can be an exciting experience. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, try new things, and grow as a person.

However, for those new to solo travel, it can also feel a little scary or overwhelming. The thought of navigating unfamiliar places, managing everything on your own, and being alone in a new environment might bring some nerves.

But, with the right mindset and preparation, solo travel can be one of the most fulfilling adventures you’ll ever have. Here are seven important things you should know if you ever plan to travel solo:

When you’re travelling solo, it’s important to prioritise your safety. This means doing your research before you go. Learn about the areas you’ll be visiting and avoid neighbourhoods that are known for being unsafe. Always let someone know where you’re going, whether it’s a friend or family member back home or the staff at your accommodation. Also, keep a copy of your important documents, like your passport, in a safe place and carry only what you need when you’re out and about.

Staying connected with loved ones back home is key when you’re travelling solo. Make sure you have a reliable way to contact people, whether it’s through phone, messaging apps, or email.

You can also share your travel itinerary with someone close to you, so they know where you’ll be at different times. Having a way to stay in touch not only provides peace of mind for you but also for those who care about your well-being.

When you’re travelling alone, packing light is essential. You’ll be the one responsible for carrying your luggage, so the lighter, the better. However, make sure to pack smart. Bring the essentials, like comfortable clothing, a basic first aid kit, and any medications you might need. Don’t forget to pack a few items that will help you feel secure, such as a travel lock or a money belt to keep your belongings safe.

One of the most important skills you can develop while travelling solo is learning to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to leave the situation or change your plans. Whether it’s an uncomfortable conversation or a strange feeling about your surroundings, always listen to your gut. Solo travel teaches you to rely on yourself, and trusting your instincts is a big part of staying safe and confident on the road.

Travelling solo offers a unique opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things—whether it’s tasting new foods, taking a local tour, or striking up a conversation with someone new.

Being open to new experiences is what makes solo travel so exciting, and it can lead to incredible memories and personal growth.

It’s important to have a plan when you’re travelling solo, but it’s equally important to stay flexible. Having a rough itinerary helps keep you organised, but sometimes the best travel experiences come from being open to unexpected opportunities. If you meet new friends along the way or discover a place you want to explore longer, don’t be afraid to change your plans.

One of the biggest joys of solo travel is learning to enjoy your own company. Travelling alone gives you the chance to reflect, relax, and embrace your independence.

Whether you’re sitting at a café watching the world go by or exploring a new city, savour the time you have to yourself. Solo travel is all about discovering not just the world around you, but also discovering more about yourself.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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