Headline
Trump Calls Bishop ‘Nasty’ Over Mercy For Migrants, LGBTQ Comment
Published
8 months agoon
By
Editor
US President Donald Trump ordered federal employees of diversity offices to be put on paid leave by Wednesday night, and called a Washington bishop “nasty” after she asked him to “have mercy” for migrants and LGBTQ children.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that US government workers in diversity offices must be put on paid leave by 5:00 pm Wednesday as the new administration moved from day one to shutter programs intended to bolster minority groups.
While campaigning, Trump had vilified diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government and corporate world, saying they discriminated against white people — men in particular.
He also has demonized any recognition of gender diversity, attacking transgender people — notably transgender women in sports — and gender-affirming care for children.
“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin,” Leavitt said in a statement published by NBC News.
READ ALSO: Trump Signs Executive Order Ending Birthright Citizenship
“This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. Promises made, promises kept.”
Republican Trump — at 78 the oldest person ever to be sworn in as president — has vowed a “new golden age” for America, signing a slew of executive orders in his first 24 hours on immigration, gender and climate that overturn many of Democrat Joe Biden’s policies.
He also pardoned more than a thousand supporters, including US Capitol rioters, and targeted opponents in a shock-and-awe start to his second presidency.
– ‘Have mercy’ –
The new president has also faced defiance, including a rare public dressing-down Tuesday from a bishop during the customary inaugural service.
The Washington National Cathedral’s Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde told Trump from the pulpit that he was sowing fear among America’s immigrants and LGBTQ people.
READ ALSO: Immigration Groups Sue Trump Over Order To End US Birthright Citizenship
“I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away,” Budde told Trump, who was seated in the church’s front pew.
“I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
Early Wednesday, Trump blasted the Episcopal bishop on his Truth Social platform, calling her “nasty” and demanding an apology.
“The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard line Trump hater,” Trump wrote, without naming Budde. “She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart.”
Railing against “illegal migrants,” the president also slammed Budde’s “very boring and uninspiring” service.
“She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
READ ALSO: ‘You’re Fired’, Donald Trump Sacks 4 Senior Officials Appointed By Biden
Trump issued measures on Monday to suspend the arrival of asylum seekers and expel migrants in the country illegally.
He also decreed that only two sexes — male and female, but not transgender — will be recognized.
And he ordered the closure of government diversity programs, with federal DEI office employees set to be put on paid leave by close of business Wednesday.
– ‘Shameful discrimination’ –
A US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) memo posted on social media platform X by a CBS correspondent said: “Send a notification to all employees of DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility) offices that they are being placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately as the agency takes steps to close/end all DEIA initiatives, offices and program.”
READ ALSO: What Nigerians Should Know About Trump’s Order On American Birthright Citizenship
The memo from acting OPM director Charles Ezell directed all department and agency heads to send workers notice by 5:00 pm Wednesday, and submit a written plan for a “reduction-in-force action” regarding employees by 5:00 pm Friday.
“To every reporter asking about this: I can gladly confirm!” wrote White House spokeswoman Leavitt on X, resharing the CBS journalist’s post.
Dated Tuesday, the memo said DEI programs “divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.”
It ordered all agency heads to cancel DEI trainings, terminate related contractors, and take down websites and social media accounts promoting it by Wednesday evening.
Trump is pushing a turbocharged agenda after his inauguration Monday, in which he gave a speech that mixed dark imagery about a failing America with promises of renewal.
He is also sowing fresh disruption on the international stage.
Trump threatened tariffs against the European Union on Tuesday, and also warned he could impose a 10 percent tariff on China, saying it was “based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada.”
When asked how soon China’s tariffs could be put in place, he said: “Probably February 1st is the date we’re looking at.”
Beijing on Wednesday vowed to defend its “national interests”, and said “there are no winners in a trade war”.
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Headline
Nigeria, China Strengthen Ties On Marine, Blue Economy Devt
Published
4 minutes agoon
September 4, 2025By
Editor
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed commitments to partner for the advancement and sustainability of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said this on Thursday, when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit underscores the growing recognition of the marine and blue economy as a critical driver of sustainable growth and a cornerstone for Nigeria–China strategic partnership.
Oyetola commended the long-standing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China, describing it as mutually beneficial and pivotal to the economic growth of both nations.
READ ALSO:India Test-fires Ballistic Missile, Capable Of Reaching All Of China
He called for further strengthening of the bilateral relationship particularly in marine resource management, port development, and capacity building
The minister explained that Nigeria, with its extensive coastline and rich maritime resources, was strategically positioned to become a hub for marine trade, logistics, and investment in Africa.
According to him, Nigeria’s maritime domain holds immense potential for shipping, port operations, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and the development of coastal infrastructure.
“The marine and blue economy sector is a frontier for wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable development if properly harnessed.
READ ALSO:10 Die, 33 Missing As Floods Hit Northwest China
“Our ministry is determined to create the right framework for investment and partnership, and we believe that Nigeria has a lot to learn from China’s marine and blue economy development model.”
Oyetola added that the Federal Government was seeking collaboration with China in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which undermined Nigeria’s economic and food security.
This, he said, would enhance Nigeria’s food security while contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
He also noted that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy presented tremendous opportunities for investors, and with China’s cooperation, new potential for wealth creation and generation was guaranteed for the benefit of Nigerians.
READ ALSO:US, China Agree To Slash Tariffs In Trade War De-escalation
Speaking earlier, Dunhai said that his visit to the ministry was in furtherance of the strong partnership between China and Nigeria.
He lauded Nigeria’s vast maritime endowment and reaffirmed China’s readiness to harness its marine and blue economy potential.
He recalled that exactly one year ago, President Bola Tinubu paid a state visit to China, where he met with President Xi Jinping of China.
According to Dunhai, the visit has made a significant impact on both nations’ economies, especially in deepening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and industrial development.
READ ALSO:China To Open Cultural, Language Centre At UNIPORT
He also highlighted the Lekki Deep Seaport, constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company, as an example of Sino-Nigerian collaboration.
“The Lekki Deep Seaport is Nigeria’s first deep seaport and one of the largest in West Africa capable of handling ultra-large container vessels and significantly boosting Nigeria’s trade volume.
“The Lekki project created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, eased congestion at Lagos ports, ensured faster cargo clearance, and positioned Nigeria as a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
READ ALSO:US Ends Tariff Exemption On Small China Shipments
“The port is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue over its concession period, making it a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.
Dunhai added that the marine and blue economy was the future of any economy.
He disclosed that an agreement was underway for the export of Nigerian aquacultural products to China, which would open new markets for local producers and strengthen food trade ties between the two nations.
He reiterated China’s approval of zero tariffs on Nigeria’s aquaculture exports to the Chinese market, a move he described as a testament to China’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation.
Headline
Ghana Land Dispute Clashes Kill 31, Displace 48,000
Published
15 minutes agoon
September 4, 2025By
Editor
Communal clashes in northern Ghana that started late last month have killed at least 31 people and displaced nearly 50,000, officials said Thursday, with more than 13,000 fleeing across the border into Ivory Coast.
The violence in Ghana’s Savannah Region broke out on August 24 in the village of Gbiniyiri, near the Ivorian border, the result of an escalating land dispute that has engulfed a dozen communities.
The conflict began when the local chief sold a parcel of land to a private developer, without broader community consent. When the developer attempted to access the land to begin work, residents resisted violently.
Frustration reached a peak when the chief’s palace was set on fire.
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Communal conflicts over land and chieftaincy disputes are recurrent in Ghana’s north, though displacement on this scale is rare.
Interior Minister Mubarak Muntaka said in a radio interview Thursday that 13,253 Ghanaians had crossed into Ivory Coast, citing figures from Ivorian authorities.
Philippe Hien, president of the Bounkani regional council, told AFP that “there are 13,000 people who have arrived in 17 villages” in the area, which is already home to 30,000 refugees from conflict-hit Burkina Faso.
Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) said around 48,000 people had been forced from their homes, mostly women and children.
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“For the past five days we haven’t had any gunshots, killings or attacks,” Savannah Regional NADMO Director Zakaria Mahama told AFP, adding that many displaced are beginning to return home.
Both Mahama and Muntaka confirmed the toll of 31 dead.
Some families are sheltering several dozen relatives in cramped rooms, while those in makeshift displacement camps often only have one meal a day, Mahama said.
READ ALSO:FULL LIST: Ghana Releases Identities Of Helicopter Crash Victims
On the security front, Muntaka said more than 700 military and police officers had been deployed and a curfew instituted.
Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Bi-Awuribe said calm was gradually returning as chiefs and elders worked with security agencies to prevent further clashes.
Authorities fear food shortages after families abandoned farms and livestock during the exodus.
An investigative committee is being set up with traditional rulers and the National Peace Council to probe the causes and promote reconciliation.
Headline
Top 5 Leading Mobile Phone Manufacturing Countries In The World
Published
16 minutes agoon
September 4, 2025By
Editor
The global mobile phone industry remains one of the fastest-moving manufacturing sectors among countries in the world.
As of 2025, production has shifted noticeably: China remains the largest single manufacturing base, but rapid capacity growth in countries such as India and Vietnam is reshaping where smartphones are assembled and exported.
The percentages below are industry estimates drawn from market research (June–July 2025) and reflect production/assembly share of global smartphone output: not brand market share or design R&D.
1. China
China remains one of the the world’s largest phone manufacturing countries by overall installed capacity and output. China’s ecosystem, from component suppliers to large contract manufacturers and major domestic brands, keeps it at the center of the supply chain even as some production is relocated elsewhere. Recent industry commentary stresses China’s continued importance despite a gradual rebalancing of assembly to other markets.
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2. India
India has seen exceptional growth in 2024–2025 driven by government incentives (e.g., production-linked incentives), rising ‘Made in India’ exports (notably iPhones and other premium models), and new greenfield capacity from multiple brands. Counterpoint Research projects India to reach roughly 20% of global smartphone manufacturing output in 2025. India also became the largest source of smartphones shipped to the U.S. in Q2 2025, reflecting a sharp export push.
3. Vietnam
Vietnam continues to be a major alternative to China for assembly, hosting large Samsung facilities and plants for other international brands. Its share is commonly reported near the low double digits in 2025 estimates and remains a core export hub for phones and some components.
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4. South Korea
South Korea is a major manufacturing and component-exporting nation (displays, memory, some finished units from Samsung). Its contribution to finished-phone assembly is smaller than China/India/Vietnam but significant because of high-value production and components.
5. United States
The U.S. remains dominant in design, software, and high-value R&D but has limited mass assembly compared with Asian producers. Recent years have seen some onshore, high-end, or specialized assembly and final-stage manufacturing, and the U.S. share of global assembly output is modest (often cited near ~2–3%).
- (no title)
- Nigeria, China Strengthen Ties On Marine, Blue Economy Devt
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- Top 5 Leading Mobile Phone Manufacturing Countries In The World
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