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137 ‘heroes’ killed as invading Russian forces press deep into Ukraine

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Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a damaged residential building at Koshytsa Street, a suburb of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, early on February 25, 2022. Handout / UKRAINE EMERGENCY MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE / AFP

Invading Russian forces pressed deep into Ukraine as deadly battles reached the outskirts of Kyiv, with explosions heard in the capital early Friday that the besieged government described as “horrific rocket strikes”.

The blasts in Kyiv set off a second day of violence after Russian President Vladimir Putin defied Western warnings to unleash a full-scale ground invasion and air assault that quickly claimed dozens of lives and displaced at least 100,000 people.

The United States and its allies responded with a barrage of sanctions, but the Russian forces appeared intent Friday on pressing home their advantage after a string of key strategic victories on day one.

“Horrific Russian rocket strikes on Kyiv,” Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba posted on Twitter after explosions were heard in the capital before dawn.

“Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany. Ukraine defeated that evil and will defeat this one.”

At least 137 “heroes” were killed during the first day of fighting, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday, as he called up conscripts and reservists nationwide to fight in a general mobilisation.

Zelensky said there was now a “new iron curtain” between Russia and the rest of the world, like in the Cold War, adding in a later speech his nation had been “left alone”.

“Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone.”

And while the United States moved to impose sanctions on Russian elites and banks, it stressed that American forces would not head to eastern Europe to fight in Ukraine.

NATO said it had activated “defence plans” for allied countries.

But NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said there was no plan to send alliance forces into Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint press conference with his counterparts from Lithuania and Poland following their talks in Kyiv on February 23, 2022. SERGEI SUPINSKY / AFP

‘War on Europe’

Among the highest-profile strategic developments on Thursday, Ukraine said Russian forces had seized the Chernobyl nuclear power plant — prompting concern from international nuclear watchdogs.

Zelensky called the attack on Chernobyl “a declaration of war on all of Europe” while 18 people were killed at a military base near the Black Sea port of Odessa in the deadliest single strike reported by Kyiv.

Witnesses also told AFP that Russian paratroopers wrested control of the strategic Gostomel airfield, on the northwestern outskirts of Kyiv.

“The helicopters came in and then the battles started. They were firing machine guns, grenade launchers,” resident Sergiy Storozhuk said.

Russian ground forces had initially moved into Ukraine from the north, south, and east, forcing many Ukrainians to flee their homes as the sound of bombing reverberated.

Moscow’s defence ministry said Thursday its forces had “successfully completed” their objectives for the day, earlier claiming to have destroyed over 70 Ukrainian military targets, including 11 airfields.

Western intelligence confirmed Moscow had established “complete air superiority” over Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces said they had killed “around 50 Russian occupiers” while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels, which could not immediately be confirmed by AFP.

Ukraine also said a military plane with 14 people on board crashed south of Kyiv with officials still determining how many people died, while a transport plane crashed in Russia killing the crew.

Olena Kurilo was among 20 people wounded by flying shards of glass following a blast in the eastern Ukrainian town of Chuguiv.

“Never, under any conditions will I submit to Putin. It is better to die,” the 52-year-old teacher said, her face covered in bandages.

In the Ukrainian village of Starognativka near the frontline where separatists have faced off against Kyiv’s forces, official Vladimir Vesyelkin said missiles had rained down since Friday morning, and power was out.

“They are trying to wipe the village off the face of the earth,” he said.

Sanctions

Weeks of diplomacy failed to deter Putin, who massed over 150,000 troops on Ukraine’s borders in what the West said was Europe’s biggest military build-up since World War II.

Western allies had initially imposed some sanctions on Russia in an en effort to deter Putin, then followed through on Thursday with vows to try and heavily punish Russia economically.

US President Joe Biden announced export controls against Russia to cut off more than half of the country’s high-tech imports, alongside sanctions on Russian elites he called “corrupt billionaires”, and banks.

He will meet Friday with fellow Nato leaders in an extraordinary virtual summit to discuss the security situation in and around Ukraine later.

The EU moved to impose “massive” sanctions on Russia’s energy and finance sectors, while French President Emmanuel Macron called Putin to “demand immediate halt” to the offensive — but said the door must be kept open for dialogue.

The fighting spooked global financial markets, with stocks plunging and oil prices soaring past $100.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said the unrest carried “significant economic risk” for the world, but Putin insisted he did not seek to undermine the global economic system.

Demonstrations across Europe

In a televised address, the Russian president justified the assault as a defence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk republics in eastern Ukraine.

The Kremlin earlier said the leaders of the two separatist territories had asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv after Putin recognised their independence on Monday.

A conflict between the separatists and government forces has dragged on since 2014, killing more than 14,000 people on both sides.

Russia has also long demanded that Ukraine be forbidden from ever joining NATO and that US troops pull out from Eastern Europe.

In the Baltics, Lithuania declared a national emergency. Latvia, Lithuania, and Czech Republic, also stopped issuing visas to Russians.

Demonstrators took to the streets of European capitals to condemn the Kremlin but a small anti-war protest in Moscow was quickly halted by police, with over 1,700 people detained at rallies across Russia.

The first Ukrainian refugees have begun to trickle into Hungary, Romania, and Poland while the UN said 100,000 had been displaced by the fighting.

“Anyone who can is fleeing,” said Krisztian Szavla, one of the first refugees who arrived Thursday in Hungary from Ukraine’s western Transcarpathia region.

 

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‘Today, we celebrate Olubadan Ladoja’s wisdom, service at 82’ – Oseni

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Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his 82nd birthday.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, in a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday, described Oba Ladoja as an elder statesman whose years in public service had left a mark on Oyo State.

According to the lawmaker, Olubadan ‘s birthday is an opportunity to celebrate his long years of service and his contributions to the development of Ibadan and the state.

He said, “I warmly congratulate Kabiyesi, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his 82nd birthday. Eighty-two years is no small achievement. Beyond the celebration, it is a time to appreciate a life of service, experience and commitment to the people.

“Kabiyesi has served in different capacities and has remained an important figure in the history of Oyo State. Today, we celebrate his wisdom, experience and contributions to Ibadanland.”

The APC chieftain said the monarch ascension to the throne of Olubadan had added another dimension to his years of service to the people.

He said the traditional institution remained central to the history and identity of Ibadanland.

“Leadership comes with responsibility, and Kabiyesi has taken on this responsibility at a very important stage of his life.

“As he clocks 82, I pray that God will continue to give him good health, wisdom and the strength to serve his people. I wish Kabiyesi many more years in good health and peace. May his reign continue to bring unity and progress to Ibadanland,” Oseni said.

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Oyebanji gives security agencies 100 vehicles for state police take-off

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The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday handed over 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state to strengthen patrols, improve response to distress calls and support the eventual take-off of the state police.

The vehicles were presented to the heads of the various security agencies at a ceremony held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebanji said the intervention was part of his administration’s sustained efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture and protect the lives and property of residents.

According to him, the vehicles are expected to enhance the mobility of security personnel, increase visibility across communities and improve their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

The governor said the latest intervention was coming about two years after his administration distributed patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets and other security equipment to security agencies in the state.

He said, “Lined up here are 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for operations and mobility of your personnel and the eventual take-off of the state police outfit.”

Oyebanji added that the state government would continue to provide financial and logistical support to security agencies, including its regular monthly assistance and efforts to strengthen state-owned security institutions.

The governor charged the security agencies to make effective use of the vehicles, warning against poor maintenance and unprofessional conduct.

He said the additional vehicles should translate into more frequent patrols, greater security presence, faster response to distress calls and improved operational efficiency.

Oyebanji also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and make better use of surveillance technology available in the state.

He stressed the need for closer cooperation among the agencies, saying no security formation could effectively tackle emerging threats by operating in isolation.

The governor said the security agencies must remain vigilant as the state moves into a period of increased political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections.

“As we move towards our inauguration ceremony next month and elections in another four months to come, all hands must be on deck to ensure that Ekiti State continues to remain safe and secure,” he said.

Oyebanji commended the security agencies for their sacrifices and collaboration, which he said had contributed to the peace being enjoyed in the state.

He said his administration remained committed to ensuring that Ekiti retained its reputation as one of the country’s safest states.

The governor also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information and cooperating with them to safeguard their communities.

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Oseni celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, hails commitment to Nigeria

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Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and  lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a woman whose years in public service have been defined by compassion and commitment to the Nigerian people.

Oseni, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Monday and made available to journalists said the birthday was an opportunity to recognise the First Lady’s contribution to public life and her efforts to improve the lives of women, children and other vulnerable Nigerians.

The lawmaker said Tinubu’s experience in public service, spanning her years as First Lady of Lagos State, her tenure in the Senate and her present role as First Lady of Nigeria, had placed her in a position to understand the needs of people at different levels of society.

He noted that the demands of public office went beyond occupying a position, stressing that the real test was the ability to use such a position to make a difference in the lives of the people.

The APC chieftain said this was particularly important in Nigeria, where the challenges confronting families and communities required leaders to remain close to the people and responsive to their needs.

“Today is more than a celebration of age. It is also an opportunity to appreciate a life that has been devoted, in different capacities, to public service and the wellbeing of others.

“Senator Oluremi Tinubu has spent many years in public service, and I believe her commitment to women, children and vulnerable Nigerians deserves recognition.

“As we celebrate her at 66, I pray that God will continue to grant her the wisdom, strength and good health required to keep contributing to the development of our country,” Oseni said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA also commended the First Lady’s interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative, particularly programmes focused on education, healthcare, social welfare and economic empowerment.

He said initiatives aimed at supporting ordinary Nigerians were important to the country’s development, adding that government at every level must continue to look beyond policies and programmes to their actual impact on people’s lives.

Oseni stressed the need for Nigerians to put the interest of the country above ethnic, religious and political differences.

According to him, national development can only be sustained when citizens and leaders alike recognise their shared responsibility to build a country where every Nigerian has a sense of belonging.

“Whatever our differences may be, Nigeria remains our common home. We must continue to promote those things that bring us together and give hope to our people.

“The responsibility of building a better Nigeria belongs to all of us. Government has its role, but citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders also have important roles to play,” he said.

The lawmaker prayed for the continued good health and wellbeing of the First Lady, wishing her more years of service, fulfilment and impact.

He also expressed hope that her birthday would mark the beginning of another productive chapter in her life and public service.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents and the people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I wish our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a happy 66th birthday.

“May God continue to preserve her and grant her many more years in good health and peace. May her service to humanity and Nigeria continue to yield positive results,” Oseni added.

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