News
Sallah: President Tinubu’s felicitation message to Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir (Full Text)

President Bola Tinubu has on Thursday called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reforms, assuring that “the toughest days are behind us.”
Tinubu gave the assurance in his message to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.He insisted that his economic reforms had already started yielding positive results even though the journey had not been easy.
Read full message below:
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah as we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation.
While this festival is marked with joy and celebration, its true significance lies much deeper: Eid calls us to reflect on its core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness.
To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exemplified complete submission to Allah’s will and as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us. Let this sacred occasion renew our commitment to these ideals.
Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country.
I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms.
Together, we have weathered challenging times and are approaching a brighter horizon.
Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results.
I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.
We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction.
Soon, all will feel the benefits.
The ultimate objective of these reforms is not just to improve statistics but to transform lives and set Nigeria firmly on the path to sustainable development.
There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all.
Our administration will continue acting in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people’s lives.
We crafted our Renewed Hope Agenda to bring prosperity to every Nigerian, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of it.
As we celebrate today, remember that Eid-el-Kabir enjoins love, compassion, and generosity for all, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another’s well-being during this season and always.
In this instance, I recall recent sad developments in our country, particularly the Wednesday, May 28 heavy flooding, which submerged the market town of Mokwa, Niger State, causing deaths and destruction of properties and creating an untold humanitarian crisis.
Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa.
Finally, as we observe this Eid, let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security.
Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties.
Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God’s guidance and blessings for our country.
May those who have more remember those in need, sharing kindness and support as true brothers and sisters. Let the virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, faith, and shared humanity bind us closer.
May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation.
May Almighty Allah accept our worship and devotion as acts of Ibadah, and may His blessings be with us always.
International
US Imposes 50% Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Imports

US tariffs of 50 per cent took effect on Wednesday on many Indian products, doubling an existing duty as President Donald Trump sought to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil.
India has criticised the levies as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”, with its export body calling on Wednesday for government intervention to assuage fears of heavy job cuts.
Trump has raised pressure on India over the energy transactions, a key source of revenue for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, as part of a campaign to end the conflict.
The latest salvo strains US-India ties, giving New Delhi fresh incentive to improve relations with Beijing.
While Trump has slapped fresh duties on allies and competitors alike since returning to the presidency in January, this 50-per cent level is among the highest that US trading partners face.
Crucially, however, exemptions remain for sectors that could be hit with separate levies — such as pharmaceuticals, computer chips and smartphones.
Industries that have already been singled out, such as steel, aluminium and automobiles, are similarly spared these countrywide levies.
The United States was India’s top export destination in 2024, with shipments worth $87.3 billion.
But analysts have cautioned that a 50-per cent duty is akin to a trade embargo and is likely to harm smaller firms.
Exporters of textiles, seafood and jewellery were already reporting cancelled US orders and losses to rivals such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, raising fears of heavy job cuts.
Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, called for “liquidity support from the government”.
“We want to ensure that even if business stops, we are able to keep workers on the payroll”, he told AFP, saying they were “still optimistic” for trade negotiations.
– ‘Eroded trust’ –
The world’s fifth-largest economy is looking to cushion the blow, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising to lower the tax burden on citizens during an annual speech to mark India’s independence.
Modi earlier vowed self-reliance, pledging to defend his country’s interests.
The foreign ministry previously said India had begun importing oil from Russia as traditional supplies were diverted to Europe over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
It noted that Washington actively encouraged such imports at the time to strengthen stability in the global energy market.
Russia accounted for nearly 36 percent of India’s total crude oil imports in 2024. Buying Russian oil saved India billions of dollars on import costs, keeping domestic fuel prices relatively stable.
But the Trump administration held firm on its tariff plans in the lead-up to Wednesday’s deadline.
Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro told reporters last week that “India doesn’t appear to want to recognise its role in the bloodshed.”
“It’s cozying up to Xi Jinping,” Navarro added, referring to the Chinese president.
Wendy Cutler, from the Asia Society Policy Institute, said India had moved from being “a promising candidate for an early trade deal to a nation facing among the highest tariffs”
Cutler, a former US trade official, said the “high tariffs have quickly eroded trust between the two countries, which could take years to rebuild.
Trump has used tariffs as a tool for addressing everything from what Washington deems as unfair trade practices to trade imbalances.
US trade deficits were a key justification behind his higher duties on dozens of economies taking effect in early August — hitting partners from the European Union to Indonesia.
But the 79-year-old Republican has also taken aim at specific countries such as Brazil over the trial of its former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of plotting a coup.
US tariffs on many Brazilian goods surged to 50 per cent this month, but with broad exemptions.
AFP
News
Abuja- Kaduna Train Derail: What Causes Train Derailments?
“Technical teams from the NRC, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies are already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure preventive measures are put in place,” he said.

Following Sunday’s Abuja to Kaduna train derail, Ohibaba.com fact-checks what causes train derailments?
Here are the factors:
Human Error
1. Operator error: Mistakes made by train operators, such as excessive speed or failure to follow safety protocols.
2. Maintenance negligence: Failure to properly maintain tracks, trains, or equipment.
Mechanical Failure
1. Track defects: Poorly maintained or damaged tracks can cause trains to derail.2. *Wheel or axle failure*: Mechanical failures in train wheels or axles can lead to derailment.
3. Brake failure: Failure of braking systems can cause trains to lose control and derail.
Environmental Factors
1. Weather conditions: Extreme weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or heat, can cause tracks to become damaged or unstable.
2. Natural disasters: Events like earthquakes, landslides, or floods can damage tracks or disrupt train operations.
Other Factors
Collisions: Collisions with other trains, vehicles, or objects can cause derailments.
2. Sabotage or vandalism: Intentional damage to tracks or trains can lead to derailments.
3. Design or manufacturing flaws
: Flaws in train or track design can contribute to derailments.Investigations into train derailments often involve analyzing these factors to determine the root cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced the suspension of train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following the derailment incident.
Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, said that services will remain suspended until investigations are concluded and safety is assured.
“Technical teams from the NRC, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies are already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure preventive measures are put in place,” he said.
News
BREAKING: NRC suspends Abuja-Kaduna train services after derailment

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has announced the suspension of train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following Sunday’s derailment incident.
Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the development during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing that services will remain suspended until investigations are concluded and safety is assured.
According to him, technical teams from the NRC, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies are already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure preventive measures are put in place.
Opeifa dismissed speculations suggesting that the trains were poorly maintained, noting that the corporation has consistently adhered to safety standards.
He also disclosed that refunds have been processed for all passengers affected by the disruption.
The NRC boss also revealed that six passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident and have since received medical attention.
However, he explained that the total number of passengers on board at the time of the derailment was still being verified.
Meanwhile, the NSIB has formally opened an investigation into the incident as authorities work to restore safe and efficient rail services along the route.
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