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Sanctions ‘ll disrupt global food, energy markets – Putin

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Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that Western penalties against Moscow for its military incursion in Ukraine would destabilise the global energy and food markets and vowed the country would emerge stronger from the crisis.

Putin’s “special military operation” in Ukraine that began on February 24 has triggered unprecedented Western sanctions and sparked an exodus of international corporations from Russia.

Putin on Thursday however downplayed the massive sanctions, saying Moscow will find a way to “adapt”.

Speaking at a televised government meeting on the 15th day of Moscow’s advance into Ukraine, Putin said that Western sanctions on Moscow had begun to hurt the United States and Europe.

“Their prices are rising, but that’s not our fault. It’s the result of their own miscalculations. There’s no need to blame us,” Putin said.

While the 69-year-old Kremlin chief said Moscow was continuing to export oil and gas, including through conflict-torn Ukraine, he blamed the West for sky-rocketing energy prices.

“They are telling their citizens to tighten their belts, to dress warmer,” Putin said.

He stressed that Russia was “respecting all of our obligations in terms of energy supplies.”

Putin scoffed at Washington for what he said were their efforts to sign energy contracts with Western adversaries Iran and Venezuela.

He also warned that the Western penalties could send global food prices soaring, as Russia was one of the world’s main producers of fertiliser.

“If they continue to create problems for the financing and logistics of the delivery of our (fertiliser) goods, then prices will rise and this will affect the final product, food products,” he said.

European wholesale gas and crude oil have rocketed to record, or near-record prices this week due to supply fears linked to Putin’s decision to pour tens ot thousands of troops into Ukraine on February 24.

The United States and Britain announced this week they were cutting off Russian energy imports in response to what the Kremlin has termed Moscow’s “special military operation,” triggering another surge in prices.

‘We’ll adapt’

The Russian leader also sought to calm Russians amid fears of shortages of food and medicines.

He acknowledged that Russians may be worried about an interruption of supplies but claimed there was nothing the Kremlin could not solve.

“It is clear that in such moments people’s demands for certain categories of goods always increase, but we have no doubt that we will solve these problems in due course in a calm way and gradually people will find their way,” Putin said.

He said he believed Russians would “understand that there are no events that we cannot solve, they simply do not exist.”

He argued that the current crisis would make the country stronger.

“At the end of the day, all of this will lead to the increase of our independence, autonomy and sovereignty,” Putin said.

Putin, a former KGB officer, said that Moscow’s Soviet experience will help Russians adapt, claiming that Russia has “always” lived under sanctions.

“We will get through this period,” he said, calling for the country to “adapt to the new situation.”

Putin also said that the remaining foreign investors in the country should be “protected”.

“The rights of those foreign investors and colleagues that are staying in Russia and working in Russia, should be reliably protected,” he told his ministers.

Putin launched the Ukraine incursion despite weeks of Western leaders warning him of unprecedented sanctions that would ruin the Russian economy if he did so.

 

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Oyo APC Senate Candidate, Oseni, Gifts Cars to Party Leaders, Sarkin Hausawa {Photos}

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has presented three Toyota Camry cars to two party leaders and the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Muhammad Shuaibu Dikko, in recognition of their loyalty, support and contributions to his political journey.

The beneficiaries are Alhaji Muftau Adisa Gbayawu of Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Pa Dayo Adeola of Ibarapa East Local Government Area and Alhaji Dikko. The presentations were made on Tuesday and Thursday at the lawmaker’s residence in Ibadan.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the gesture reflected his belief that leadership should be anchored on gratitude and recognition of those who contribute to collective progress.

 

In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, the lawmaker described the presentations as a personal expression of gratitude to individuals whose commitment and encouragement had remained invaluable over the years.

The statement also explained that the latest gesture was part of Oseni’s longstanding personal tradition of expressing gratitude to God Almighty and appreciating people who had contributed to his journey.  It further stressed that the gesture was not an isolated one, but complemented several other ways through which he had consistently recognised and rewarded loyalty, commitment and support.

“This is not just a gesture; it is part of my personal commitment to showing gratitude to God Almighty and appreciating people whose support, loyalty and encouragement I never take for granted,” Oseni said.

He noted that the beneficiaries had remained steadfast in their support for his political vision, stressing that their contributions and sacrifices deserved recognition.

The APC candidate also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive representation, maintaining that his vision for Oyo South transcended religious, ethnic and gender differences.

“My vision for Oyo South is bigger than religion, ethnicity or gender. It is about bringing people together, respecting our diversity and building a representation in which every community and every constituent matters,” he said.

Oseni assured party leaders, supporters and constituents that he would continue to acknowledge their trust, sacrifices and dedication, describing their contributions as vital to the collective effort to advance the senatorial district. He added that more party leaders would receive similar gestures in the coming days.

The beneficiaries, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for what they described as an unexpected but deeply touching gesture. They commended his thoughtfulness and regard for those who had stood by him, offered prayers for God’s continued guidance and protection, and reaffirmed their support for his political journey.

Describing Oseni as a rare breed of politician with a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people and grassroots development, they pledged to continue supporting him as he discharges his legislative responsibilities at the National Assembly.

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Oyo South APC Candidate, Oseni, Takes Delivery of 20 New Transformers for Distribution

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Oseni, has taken delivery of 20 additional transformers for distribution to communities across the district as part of efforts to address electricity challenges and strengthen local infrastructure.

The latest consignment is expected to provide relief to communities grappling with inadequate power supply, particularly households, traders, artisans and small-scale business owners whose economic activities are often hampered by unreliable electricity.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Saturday, Oseni, who currently represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), described electricity as a critical driver of economic growth, community development and improved living standards.

He said the intervention was informed by the need to respond to the everyday challenges confronting residents, noting that access to reliable electricity remained essential to both domestic and commercial activities.

“We recognise the difficulties our people face as a result of inadequate electricity supply. For traders, artisans, small business owners and families, reliable power is not a luxury but an important part of their daily lives. The arrival of these 20 additional transformers is another practical step towards responding to those concerns and supporting our communities,” he said.

The lawmaker explained that the transformers would be distributed to identified communities based on their electricity needs, adding that care would be taken to ensure the equipment served its intended purpose and delivered tangible benefits to residents.

He further stressed that effective representation should go beyond political promises and public pronouncements, noting that elected leaders must demonstrate their commitment through practical interventions that address the needs of their constituents.

“Our people deserve more than promises. They deserve leadership that pays attention to their challenges and is committed to finding practical ways to address them. We will continue to support initiatives that improve living conditions, strengthen local businesses and bring development closer to our communities,” he added.

The latest delivery adds to Oseni’s infrastructure support efforts across Oyo South, with electricity supply remaining a major concern for many communities in the senatorial district.

The intervention is also expected to complement his earlier efforts to improve electricity distribution and service delivery across the affected communities.

Oseni reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents and promoting sustainable development across Oyo South.

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‎Oseni Hails Folarin’s Political Experience, Contributions at 63

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 63rd birthday, acknowledging his years of political experience and contributions to public service.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, conveyed his felicitations in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He described Folarin’s birthday as an occasion to reflect on a career marked by years of involvement in legislative affairs and the political development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Folarin had established himself as a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, having served in different legislative and political capacities, particularly as Senate Leader.

He said the former Senate leader’s experience in the legislature had given him valuable insight into governance, public service and the responsibilities of political leadership.

The APC chieftain added that Oyo State needed the collective wisdom and contributions of its political leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations, to sustain peace, stability and development.

He said, “Senator Teslim Folarin is a man whose years in public service have given him considerable experience in the political and legislative affairs of our country. His contributions to Oyo State and his commitment to public life are worthy of acknowledgement.

“On this special occasion, I celebrate him and wish him many more years of good health, wisdom and fulfilment.”

Oseni further wished the former Senate Leader renewed strength and greater opportunities to contribute to the development of his community, Oyo State and the country.

‎He also prayed for God’s continued protection, sound health and guidance for Folarin, expressing hope that his new year would bring him peace, happiness and greater accomplishments.

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