News
Macron announces joint commission with Haiti amid calls for reparations

France president, Emmanuel Macron, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, announced a joint commission with Haiti.
The Guardian reports that the aim is to examine the countries’ shared past.
This comes as Haitian campaigners demand a reimbursement of billions of dollars worth of “ransom” paid to France.
Macron announced his intention to create the commission.
It comes as campaigners renewed calls for reparations on the bicentenary of an agreement to pay 150m francs to France in 1825 to compensate slave-owning colonists after the Haitian Revolution.
“That decision put a price on the liberty of a young nation, which from its birth thereby confronted the unjust force of history,” Macron said.
Though the figure was later reduced to 90m, Fritz Deshommes, estimates the converted value of the payment this Thursday could be between $38bn and $135bn.
According to him, this will depend on how the sum is calculated and whether it reflects lost customs revenue and economic stagnation.
Macron said the commission would be tasked with the “necessary and indispensable” work of examining all aspects of Haiti’s and France’s shared history.
It is also expected to “propose recommendations to both governments to draw lessons from it and build a more peaceful future”.
Once France’s most important colony in the Caribbean, Haiti received hundreds of thousands of Africans who had:
- been kidnapped,
- forcibly transported across the Atlantic and sold into slavery.
Haiti became the first Caribbean nation to gain its independence from colonial rule in 1804.
This was after a bloody struggle between self-liberated slaves and French, Spanish and British forces.
But, under threat of military action, France later demanded what HNCRR member Jean Mozart Feron described as an unjust and exorbitant ransom, supposedly to provide compensation for former enslavers.
The enormous payments, Feron said, crippled the fledgling nation.
He said:
“This ransom plunged Haiti into a spiral of economic dependency from which it has never fully recovered and … strangled the young nation, stifling its development and diverting precious resources that could have been invested in education and infrastructure”
The debt not only created deep structural poverty, social inequality and weak institutions.
According to him, it also affected “the way Haiti is perceived and treated on the international stage without due consideration for this history of economic exploitation.”
Monique Clesca said the “monstrous debt” created by the ransom prevented the country from “moving forward at the rhythm that we should have been moving forward”.
Clesca is the spokesperson for the Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan, a civil society organisation that has been campaigning for reparations for Haiti,
She further said that politically this meant that Haiti almost became a neocolony, totally indebted to France, not only in terms of economics.
They also became indebted to France symbolically and politically, and in her own words, they were tied.
“So there are serious repercussions and consequences to this continuous debt that you can’t undo,” she said.
The campaigners are calling for France to repay the ransom and offer restitution for the harm caused by slavery and colonisation.
The HNCRR is working in alignment with the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which has a 10-point plan for reparatory justice.
The Caricom secretary-general, Dr Carla Barnett, joined the calls for reparations for Haiti.
She was speaking at the opening of the UN’s Permanent Forum on People of African Descent on Monday.
“The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today.
This anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention and a deeper understanding of the situation in Haiti.”
She added that the anniversary also serves as a call to action to address the ongoing security, humanitarian and governance crises in the country.
Macron said France was ready to confront its past.
It was also ready to accept “its share of truth in the creation of memory, a painful one, for Haiti, which began in 1825”.
He added:
“Today, on this bicentennial, we must, here as elsewhere, face this history squarely … Haiti was born of a revolution, faithful to the spirit of 1789, which brilliantly affirmed the universal principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
“This struggle in Haiti, in harmony with the ideals of the French Revolution, should have offered France and Haiti the opportunity to walk a common path.
“But the forces of the counterrevolution since 1814, the restoration of the Bourbons and the monarchy, decided otherwise regarding the writing of history,” he added.
Appealing for global support for Haiti’s reparations claim, Heron said:
“Haitian citizens do not hold French people responsible for the decision made in 1825 by the French state.
“However, we believe that the French people have a moral responsibility and a duty to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people in this initiative.”
HNCRR, he said, was of the view that France and Haiti could reach an agreement about the “types of expertise and technical assistance valued within the framework of restitution”.
But Haiti, he added, must ultimately decide how to use the reparations.
HNCRR stands for the Haitian National Commission for Refugees and Repatriated persons.
Man gestures and yells with fire across a street behind him.
Haiti has been gripped by crisis since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
This was followed by a subsequent gang insurgency which forced Ariel Henry out of office in March, 2024.
Henry led the country as an unelected prime minister after Moïse’s death.
Since then, support from the international community has failed to restore stable, democratic governance and curb the spiralling violence.
The violence has reportedly killed thousands and displaced tens of thousands.
Feron dismissed arguments that the current crisis could prevent the country from effectively managing any reparation payments.
He argued that the state of the country was a consequence of its history.
He added: “Our committee intends to work closely with the civil society to clearly advise the Haitian state on how this money should be used or could be used and how it should be managed with total transparency in a responsible manner.”
News
PHOTO: NDLEA Arrests Widow for Cocaine Trafficking with Fake Pregnancy

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 50-year-old widow in Lagos for allegedly attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine while pretending to be pregnant.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Ifeoma Ezewuike, was picked up by NDLEA operatives at the Jibowu bus terminal in Yaba on Friday, August 22, 2025.
She was reportedly on her way to Abuja to deliver the consignment when she was intercepted.
According to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Ezewuike runs a fashion outfit known as Golden Star Creation along Ago Palace Way in Okota.
A subsequent raid on her home led to the recovery of 200 grams of a cutting agent commonly used in the preparation of cocaine.
“In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband, who died two years ago, although she has been in the fashion business for over two decades,” Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Other Major Seizures
The arrest was one of several drug operations carried out by the agency in the past week.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted 90 parcels of loud a potent strain of cannabis hidden inside three cartons of kitchen sinks.
The shipment, weighing 48.6kg, was traced to a courier company and had reportedly been imported from the United States.
In Adamawa, a raid on the home of a suspected drug kingpin, Idris Garba, forced the dealer to flee by scaling a fence. His associate, 55-year-old Boniface Nnaji, was not as lucky.
He was arrested in Yola South while attempting to escape.
NDLEA said Nnaji drove into the city with 354,480 pills of tramadol concealed in a Toyota Thundra jeep (FST-885-CZ) and a Toyota Yaris (DSA 776 AA), both of which were impounded.
The agency also arrested another suspect, Neche Okonkwo, at Idah waterside in Kogi State.
He was caught after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra State, with 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 ampoules of diazepam injections.
Across several states, NDLEA operatives continued their clampdown on cannabis cultivation.
In Taraba, officers working with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) destroyed 7,500kg of skunk grown on three hectares of farmland in Dadin Kowa village, Bali.
Another 901kg was recovered from a warehouse in Uzebba, Edo State, where a 54-year-old woman, Fodo Stella Sunday, was arrested.
In Edo, 14,233kg of cannabis was destroyed across four plantations in Owan West Local Government Area.
In Delta, operatives, backed by the military, cleared 25,500kg of cannabis grown on 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu, Ndokwa West.
In Ondo, 25,025kg of cannabis was destroyed on three farms in Uso.
NDLEA described the series of arrests and seizures as evidence of its renewed pressure on drug syndicates operating across the country.
“These operations reflect our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing dangerous substances from reaching our communities,” Babafemi said.
Ezewuike and other arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Analysis
Why Penis Size Does Not Affect Performance, Fertility — Experts

For countless men, penis size stirs deep anxiety fed by social media, locker-room banter, and pressure from adult content.
But sex experts and urologists agree: size rarely determines sexual function or fertility.
In a revealing conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, clinical sexologist Cecilia Agu and consultant urologist Dr. Gabriel Ogah broke down the myths emphasizing emotional connection, overall health, and sperm quality as far more meaningful indicators of sexual well-being.
Sexual Satisfaction Lies Beyond Size
Agu, who specializes in human sexology, has heard the insecurities countless times. Yet she insists that the fixation on size overshadows what truly matters in intimate relationships.
“Women value intimacy, chemistry, and creativity not centimeters,” she explained, her tone both compassionate and pragmatic.
“In most cases, size doesn’t determine performance or biological capacity. Only rare, clinically significant conditions impact size.”
She points to societal myths that equate larger size with virility.
“Historic portrayals in art and literature, and today’s media, amplify stereotypes. Pornography exaggerates, turning a normal variation into unreasonable expectations.”
Agu also cautioned against the booming market selling “enhancement” remedies.
“That industry profits off insecurity peddling pills, gadgets, and herbal supplements with no proven benefit.
The real dilemma lies in emotional weariness, not physical deficiency.”
She acknowledged true medical conditions like micropenis, often linked to hormonal or genetic causes but emphasized their rarity.
“Anyone worried about hormonal imbalances or developmental issues should seek professional evaluation,” she advised.
“Fertility Is Unrelated to Size” Dr. Gabriel Ogah
Dr. Ogah, a respected urologist, offered a no-nonsense medical perspective on the fertility question.
“A small penis doesn’t reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman,” he stated firmly.
“If sperm is healthy and ejaculation occurs, fertilization can happen.”
He added that many young men consult him out of anxiety sparked by unrealistic comparisons.
“Almost always, their size falls within healthy norms. It’s undue stress, fueled by exposure to distorted media portrayals.”
Dr. Ogah also debunked the idea that older men can “restore” diminishing function through enhancement products.
“As absurd as it sounds, many try. But no pill or serum can permanently alter anatomy.
These are myths masquerading as solutions.”
So What Truly Matters?
Both experts agree: prioritizing overall health, emotional intimacy, and stress-free communication far outweighs anxiety over size.
Agu stressed that sex is about connection, not metrics. “Being nervous about measurements sets couples up for dissatisfaction.
But when you focus on pleasure, emotional safety, and experimentation, the experience transforms.”
Dr. Ogah echoed this, emphasizing regular health check-ups. “Good cardiovascular health, balanced hormones, and mental well-being are key. Size doesn’t affect that.”
Dispelling the Myths, Sustaining the Confidence
As myths dissolve under scientific clarity, a bigger concern emerges: how do we nurture a culture free of body shaming? Agu proposed educational steps.
“We should teach young people that anatomy varies. Performance is multi-dimensional. Communication trumps comparison every time.”
Dr. Ogah endorsed that sentiment. “Let’s shift the narrative. Appreciate function over form. Listen to your body, and care for it through healthy living.”
Performance Isn’t About Inches
Size remains largely irrelevant when partners are emotionally in sync, focused on connection, and attuned to shared pleasure.
Fertility hinges on sperm health not size.
Medical concerns like micropenis are rare, but deserve medical evaluation.
Media, culture, and marketing distort reality. Let’s counter that with facts.
Confidence and sexual well-being stem from health, honesty, and intimacy not obsession with size.
In the end, as Agu beautifully summed up, “It’s not the size it’s how you share it.” That truth holds far more value than any number on a measuring tape.
News
I’m Not Desperate to Be President – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said he is more interested in building a better Nigeria than in becoming president at all costs.
Atiku made this known on Saturday during an affirmation ceremony in Lagos for new defectors to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The event saw several political heavyweights from the PDP and Labour Party officially announce their defection to the ADC.
The former PDP candidate, who recently resigned from the party along with other opposition politicians, formally joined the ADC in what he described as a “movement for national renewal.”
Speaking at the event, Atiku said his focus was not personal ambition but the pursuit of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria,” said Olateju, who spoke on behalf of Atiku.
“It’s not about him being president at all costs. It’s about having a government that can truly deliver for Nigerians.”
According to him, the ADC should not be seen merely as a political party but as a movement dedicated to national transformation.
“It’s no longer politics as usual. This is a new beginning for Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing,” he added.
Atiku further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation have left many Nigerians struggling.
He stressed that only good leadership could deliver lasting solutions.
He also said the coalition was confident that God would use them to bring meaningful change to Nigeria.
On who would likely emerge as the ADC presidential candidate in 2027, Atiku insisted the choice would be left to party members.
“Whoever emerges through a free and fair contest, we will all support. We are not imposing anyone,” he said.
“The point is not Atiku for president at all costs, or Obi for president at all costs. The point is Nigeria.
Whoever picks the ticket will represent the collective voice and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he added.
Prominent defectors present at the event included PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.
They were received by top ADC leaders, including National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru.
News
Town Square Meetings: Gov Eno empowers 7688 Akwa Ibomites As Series End
... approves dual carriage way from Afaha Offiong - Itreto Road

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has concluded the 6-month Town Square Meeting/Empowerment series, with a visit to Etinan Federal Constituency where he said no fewer than 7688 citizens across the State have benefited from grants for farming, trading, equipment support, cars and mini buses worth over N10 billion.
The series, which began in Abak Federal Constituency with 833 beneficiaries, continued in Oron with 980, Eket with 1,076, Ikot Ekpene with 664 and 540 in Ikot Abasi federal constituencies.
411 and 677 people also benefited in Ukanafun and Itu Federal Constituencies, respectively, while 1,187 and 476 beneficiaries were recorded from Uyo and Ikono Federal Constituencies.
Speaking during the grand finale held at Nsit Ubium Council Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, the Governor said 844 from Etinan Federal Constituency were beneficiaries of N361, 450, 000 worth of grants for the different empowerment packages.
He said all the beneficiaries were harvested from the ARISE portal. He urged everyone, especially youths, to take advantage of the portal to benefit from Government initiatives, including procurement, employment, empowerment and others.
According to him, the State under his leadership will not give slots to individuals, but will continue to ensure a level playing field for all citizens irrespective of social status, stressing that everyone should have equal opportunity.
He said, though the Town Square meeting had ended, his committed service to Akwa Ibom State will continue, adding that the needs document for Etinan Federal Constituency, as well as all others across the State, had been received and will be accommodated accordingly in the 2026 budget, based on the availability of funds.
The Governor said all local government areas have benefited from one project or the other at various stages of completion.
He said youth centres will be built in all the local government areas across the State, and urged local government chairmen to make land available for the project.
Governor Eno, who reiterated his support for local government autonomy, said that to ensure that local government chairmen reside within their communities, official residences will be built for all local government chairmen across the State.
He appreciated everyone for taking part in the town square meetings, and specifically appreciated the people of Etinan Federal Constituency for their overwhelming turnout and heroic reception, and directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga to facilitate the design for the award of contract for a dual carriageway from Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area to Itreto in Nsit Ubium.
Governor Eno who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, urged all members and intending ones to participate in the ongoing membership registration/revalidation, as well as in the Continuous Voter registration that has just been started by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He warned youths against insulting leaders, stressing that Akwa Ibom is progressively united in support of President Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, and of course, his return to Hilltop Mansion, come 2027.
In his tone setting, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the meeting was a homecoming for a worthy son of the Federal Constituency who has been fruitful and has served creditably well.
In their separate remarks, General Paul Isang (rtd), Otuekong Sunny Jackson, and Obong Umana Okon Umana said they were proud to identify with the laudable achievements of the Governor, adding that he has done creditably well and deserves a second term.
On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk appreciated the Governor for making them proud through impactful service, and prayed for more grace upon him to do more for Etinan Federal Constituency and the State at large.
Also speaking, members of the State Executive Council, led by Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, appreciated the Governor for his people-centric governance and for appointing them to be part of his cabinet, and assured them of continuous support beyond 2027.
Also speaking on behalf of local government chairmen from the Constituency, Chairman of Nsit Ubium LGA, Hon Alfred Charles, said God has made them proud with impactful leadership.
Presenting the empowerment packages on behalf of the State government, the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo said he was not surprised by the sea of heads at the event, stressing that it was not just a statement, but a vote of confidence and endorsement for the Governor.
High point of the event was the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno as sole candidates for the office of President and Governor in the 2027 elections, following a motion moved by Rt Hon Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan.
News
2027 polls: Etinan Federal Constituency endorses Tinubu, Eno
...as Gov. Eno doles out N361m to business owners, farmers, others

In what turned out to be a climax in a season of appreciation and endorsements, the People of Etinan Federal Constituency have reaffirmed their solidarity to the Government of Pst Umo Eno,PhD, and have pledged their resolve to support his re-election, and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
This is as the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has doled out N361,450,000 to 844 persons from Etinan Federal Constituency.
The donation comes in the form of farmers grants, traders grant, equipment support, MSMEs, cars and mini buses beneficiaries.
At what was tagged a grand finale in the series of Town Square meetings between the Governor and his people, held at the Nsit Ubium Council Headquarters ground in Ikot Edibon, the people unanimously voted in support of the continuation of the Governor in office.
The Governor had thanked the people for the massive turnout saying “it is organic, spontaneous and electrifying.”
He said having received the needs documents from all the federal constituencies, he was going to select the very critical ones for inclusion in the 2026 budget, noting that some could still be captured in the remaining part of the subsisting budget.
The Governor said the recent Impact Assessment Summit organized by his government, afforded everyone opportunity of seeing that every local government in the State has been positively affected by his administration, but added that where gaps were noticed, corrections would be effected.
On his policy of establishing Youth Friendly Centers in all the local government areas, the Governor urged local council chairmen to each, avail him of 1000sq meter of land for the project, and also harped on the essence of encouraging youths in computer training.
Following the premises laid by speakers at the event, a voice vote was moved by the Nsit Ubium State Constituency lawmaker, Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan of Nsit Ibom State Constituency with the people affirming their decision to support the All Progressives Congress and its candidates Governor Eno and President Tinubu.Speaking, stakeholders of the federal constituency, through their Political Leader, Senator Effiong Bob, held that Governor Eno’s performance had endeared him to the people of the entire State, insisting that, “if you were not a good governor they would not have accepted you”.
“We are not here to speak about what are you doing, or what you have not done, or what you are about to do, because we know that you have done your best within these two years.
Sen Bob who was confirming the position of the earlier speakers at the event, Chief Sunny Jackson Udo, Mr Umana Umana and Hen Paul Isang,Rtd, said, “You have 8 yrs mandate, so your mandate will be judged at the end of 8 yrs, but for the two years, you have done so much for our people as had been said in the programme”, he said wooing for support for President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Governor.
On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, acknowledged that God has used the Governor to accomplish much for the State.
He said the huge crowd was a true reflection of the love and confidence of his people in him.
“As royal fathers, our role is to guide and advise, and in that spirit, I thank you sincerely for all you are doing for the sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State. We are confident that you will not let your people down.
“We are proud to identify with you, to support you, and to pray for your continued success. Already, you have been named the Best Performing Governor in Nigeria, and we encourage you to keep up the good work so that you will continue to win even greater honors”, the monarch added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Alfred Charles, on behalf of the three chairmen in the constituency, hailed the Governor as “the pride of Etinan Federal Constituency”, assuring that the constituency would stand solidly behind him all the way.
This was corroborated by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, who spoke on behalf of members of the State Executive Council from the constituency.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, described the Governor as a compassionate and inclusive leader, as well as the best performing Governor in Nigeria, who in just two years, has earned the love of his people and a doctoral degree in learning.
He thanked the Nsit Ubium people for supporting their son, assuring everyone that, “you have a Governor who is not just performing, but excelling”.
Highpoints of the occasion was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries by the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntokekpo.
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