By Bolaji Israel

Many were taken aback on Friday, December 20, 2024, when Primate Elijah Ayodele, a prominent cleric and leader of the INRI Evangelical Ministry in Lagos State, issued a stark warning that another term for Donald Trump as President of the United States would lead to increased chaos, disunity, violence, and various global crises.The popular prophet made this revelation during a church service while unveiling a series of pivotal prophecies for the year 2025, detailed in a 95-page booklet. In Section 16 of the booklet, Ayodele stated, “I foresee that the incoming American president will take a lot of wrong policies and global decisions that will not be admirable but he will use veto power to push it through. This will create a lot of troubles so says the Lord. The government of Donald Trump will support favourism and nepotism. A lot of world leaders will not admire his approach to international policies as he will display signs of rascality and his use of words will be mismanaged.”On Monday, January 20, the world stood still as Donald John Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, succeeding Joe Biden, four years after a setback in his quest for a second term.Trump, a billionaire business mogul, politician, and media personality, now 78, was the 45th President of the US between 2016 and 2020. World’s powerful and richest billionaires, including Tesla and X boss, Elon Musk, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon chief Jeff Bezos and Google CEO Sundar Pichai all had prime seats at the ceremony. Former U.S. presidents like Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton were present at the historic event, which could be seen as a return to the world’s most powerful office while millions more watched remotely from around the globe, eager to see what another four years under Trump would entail, particularly given the potential implications for global trade, economic stability, and international peace.Critical issues in American society—such as immigration, racism, gun violence, employment, and taxation—also sparked widespread interest ahead Trump era.Many were of the view that after his disgraceful loss to President Biden which delayed his second-term till now, the Capitol mob crisis, and widespread concerns raised by many leaders across America on Trump’s divisive approach, the reelected President would display more maturity and inclusivity.In a shocking turn of events however, just as Primate Ayodele had predicted, mere hours after his inauguration, Trump has unleashed a barrage of controversial executive orders and hardline policies that could disrupt global stability.The Republican billionaire is aggressively embarking on a nationalist, right-wing agenda, starting with nearly 100 executive orders aimed at reversing Biden’s policies. One of the first orders Trump signed was to end birthright citizenship, a policy that has allowed many immigrant families, particularly from Africa, to relocate to the U.S. in search of better opportunities. This move is perceived as a direct attack on immigrants from poorer regions, though it is expected to face significant constitutional challenges.When informed of the likely legal obstacles, Trump responded, “You could be right. We have good grounds.”Additionally, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, planning to deploy U.S. troops to assist immigration agents in restricting refugees and asylum seekers. He has also temporarily suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Programme pending a review to evaluate its implications for public safety and national security, threatening immediate deportations of undocumented migrants.Trump’s administration is also moving to eliminate a Biden-era programme called humanitarian parole which allowed migrants from four troubled nations—Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela—to enter the U.S. temporarily if they had financial sponsors and passed security checks, as part of a sweeping first-day crackdown on immigration. As he attempted but failed during his first administration, Trump has directed the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a significant player in global health initiatives that he has long criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.Speaking at the White House hours after his inauguration, the reelected US President said the United States was paying far more to the UN body compared to China, adding: “World Health ripped us off.” The United States, the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, provides substantial financial support that is vital to the WHO’s operations. This withdrawal is expected to have major implications for global health efforts and comes at a time when fears over a current bird flu outbreak (H5N1) are rising.He also ordered a comprehensive review of U.S. foreign aid spending. Both moves fit into his more isolationist “America First” approach to international affairs.Trump’s new administration is also seeking to dismantle federal diversity programmes aimed at addressing racism and related issues, signaling a sweeping shift in policy. Trump’s initial actions—including proposing tariffs and questioning U.S. aid to Ukraine—indicate a potential upheaval in global relations.In fact, Trump’s Day One hardline policies are far reaching. From promising sweeping tariffs, to making territorial threats to Greenland and Panama and calling US aid for Ukraine into question, Trump looks set to rattle the global order. He has granted sweeping pardons to nearly all of the 1,600 rioters charged with storming the Capitol and commuted the sentences of several others. His decision appears to cover both people accused of low-level, nonviolent offenses that day and those who committed violence. During the build up to the inauguration, Trump publicly challenged Canada’s sovereignty, stating that the nation would collapse once America withdraws economic support and threatened to impose a potential 25% Tariff on exportsgoods. He further hinted at Canada joining the US as its 51st state but Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, fired back that such would never happen. “We will stand up for Canada, we will protect Canadians,” he stated on Wednesday. Canada is already facing serious challenges and uncertainty as roughly 75% of Canadian exports go to the US, and economists say the proposed levies would be devastating for the country. Trump’s order for the US government to recognize only two biological sexes was received by some as positive though. Trump will make history by replacing Biden as the oldest president to be sworn in. He is also just the second president in US history to return to power after being voted out, after Grover Cleveland in 1893.Commenting on Trump’s return to power, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi criticized his inaugural speech as uninspiring and alarming. He noted that rather than promoting peace, Trump threatened the world with aggressive policies, including territorial claims and tariff wars. Akinyemi warned that the global community is likely in for a troubling four years under Trump’s leadership.In just 24 hours, the world is already feeling the reverberations of Trump’s administration, as observers keenly watch the unfolding events. One thing is certain: the global landscape may never be the same with the implementation of Trump’s hardline policies, a confirmation of Ayodele’s prophecies.

Mrs Bolaji Agbede , AG MD Access Bank

Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court has ordered the arrest of Access Bank’s acting Managing Director, Bolaji Agbede and three others for allegedly failing to appear for arraignment.

The judge’s order also affected Balmoral International Limited, DDSS International Company Limited, and Adejare Adegbenro.

Justice Harrison issued the arrest warrant after the Lagos State prosecution counsel, Uthman̈ Rilwan informed the court that he had served the defendants with notice, but they failed to attend the arraignment.

The Lagos State government had filed a four-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and attempted theft against the defendants.

When the case was called, Rilwan informed the court that the day’s purpose was to arraign the defendants; however, they were absent despite receiving notice of the court date.

The prosecutor stated that on or about September 2, 2013, at Plot 1261, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, the defendants conspired to commit theft.

He alleged that Adejare, Balmoral, Access Bank, and Agbede stole the property of MOB Integrated Services at Plot 40b, Burdillion Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, by using it as security for a loan without the complainant’s consent and subsequently entered into a consent judgment.

Additionally, they were accused of attempting to steal the property of MOB Integrated Services on May 26, 2019, by offering and granting DDSS International Company Limited a credit facility of N1 billion.

According to the prosecutor, these offences contravened Sections 411, 280, and 21 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Rilwan stated, “My Lord, this matter is for arraignment today, and the defendants have been duly served with a copy of the charge. We request the court to issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest to ensure they attend proceedings on the next court date.”

Consequently, Justice Harrison issued a bench warrant against the second to fifth defendants, Balmoral International Limited, Access Bank, Bolaji Agbede, and DDSS International Company Limited.

The judge directed that the bench warrant be executed against the principal officers and adjourned the case until February 24, 2025, for the arraignment of the defendants.

Lagos, Monday October 14, 2024 – In keeping with its mission to raise awareness of mental health issues, 9mobile hosted an enlightening virtual X-space event on the subject: “Navigating Mental Health in a Digital World” on X-space in commemoration of World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme, “Mental Health at Work,” shines a spotlight on the importance of ensuring universal access to mental health care. To drive this critical conversation forward, our esteemed lineup of speakers included: Dr. Olalekan Makinde, renowned Consultant and expert in Community/Public Health, Dr. Alexandra Odiari, a distinguished specialist in mental health, Dr. Olayinka Jibunoh, a seasoned Psychologist and Mental Health Advocate and Amara Esomchi, a Certified Mental Health Therapist and Counselor.These health experts tackled the pressing issue of mental health stigma and explored the vital role social media can play in championing mental wellness. Commenting on the initiative, 9mobile’s PR Lead, Chineze Amanfo, stated: “We’re honored to support this vital conversation. Mental health awareness is increasingly essential in today’s digital landscape, where connectivity can sometimes mask feelings of isolation. Through platforms like X-space and beyond, 9mobile is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and discussions.””One of the core pillars of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is health and we have made targeted interventions in the health sector. Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this trajectory, leveraging every opportunity to drive meaningful impact through our direct efforts,” Amanfo stated.Dr. Olalekan Makinde stated, “Health is a priceless asset, and it is one we cannot afford to take lightly. He emphasized that people must put a premium on their mental health. In the fast-moving tech world, caring for your mind is as important as advancing your career or business. Mental well-being is the foundation for lasting success and fulfillment.”Therapist and Mental Health Advocate, Amara Esomchi, further emphasized, “Health is all-encompassing—it is not just about physical well-being but also mental and emotional balance”. She discussed the crucial role of social connections in maintaining this balance. “On one hand, strong social bonds can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. On the other hand, if not carefully managed, unhealthy relationships or social pressures can lead to stress and anxiety. It is essential to build meaningful connections that nurture your well-being, both personally and professionally.”Dr. Alexandra Odiari stressed the importance of treating mental health with the same attention as physical health. “By normalizing conversations around mental wellness and eliminating stigmatization, we create a society where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.”Dr. Olayinka Jinunoh noted that in today’s digital age, we must be mindful of how we engage with social media and learn to practice digital hygiene. “The importance of social media detox is a way to maintain mental clarity and well-being. Constant online engagement can lead to stress and taking intentional breaks allows the mind to reset, stay focused, and remain mentally alert. It is essential to find balance and practice self-care in our digital habits.The telecommunications company understands the importance of mental health in the fast-paced, technologically driven world of today, just as much as physical health. Hence the need to raise awareness on the value of mental health among its subscribers, employees, and the larger Nigerian community by facilitating the conversations on online platforms such as X-space.