From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has responded to a viral voice note allegedly recorded by a female civil servant, dismissing claims of ethnic exclusion in employment while reaffirming its commitment to fairness, inclusivity and merit in the state civil service.

In a press release issued and signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications on Saturday, the government said it had observed the voice note and a related video that sparked reactions, particularly over allegations that Ebira youths were being sidelined in recruitment processes.

The statement emphasized that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to inclusive governance, describing him as a servant-leader who prioritizes active listening, constructive engagement, and responsiveness to citizens’ concerns.

While acknowledging that the views expressed in the voice note were personal, the government stressed that civil servants are expected to follow established channels for communication and redress. It, however, maintained that the administration would uphold freedom of expression and would not victimise any citizen for peacefully sharing their opinions.

The government expressed concern over what it described as attempts by some individuals and groups to sensationalise the issue, warning that such actions could inflame public sentiment unnecessarily. It noted that the matter should be handled through institutional mechanisms and constructive dialogue.

According to the statement, Ododo has directed that the civil servant involved be provided with adequate protection. He also mandated the civil service to strengthen its internal feedback systems to ensure grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.

Reiterating its stance, the government said recruitment into the civil service would continue to be based on competence, capacity, and available resources, while ensuring equitable representation across the state.

The administration further called on residents to remain calm and disregard misinformation, assuring citizens of its commitment to transparency, public enlightenment, and continuous engagement.

The statement concluded by affirming that the voices of all citizens matter and would always be treated with respect, adding that dialogue and due process remain central to the state’s development.

President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran’s “unyielding” refusal to give up its nuclear ambitions during peace talks in Islamabad.

While acknowledging that the marathon negotiations in Pakistan had gone “well” and “most points were agreed to,” Trump said Tehran had refused to concede on the issue of its nuclear program.

“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be Blown To Hell!”

US Vice President JD Vance left Pakistan without a deal after weekend talks with a team led by Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf — the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Tehran’s delegation also included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

“We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it,” Vance told reporters.

In two lengthy posts on Truth Social, Trump slammed Iran for promising to open the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil passes, and “knowingly” failing to deliver.

“They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their ‘mine droppers,’ have been completely blown up. They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance?” Trump said.

Iran had effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz for weeks, since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign against the Islamic republic more than six weeks ago.

On Saturday, the US military announced that two US warships had transited the strait at the start of a mine clearance operation.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said it has grown its total assets and contingencies to $48.5 billion in 2025, highlighting strong financial performance and reinforcing its role in funding trade, industrialisation and infrastructure across Africa and the Caribbean.

The bank also reported a 21% increase in total assets and contingencies from $40.

“Despite continuing global geopolitical challenges and disruptions caused by some rating actions, the group delivered excellent financial performance in 2025, a fitting tribute to a decade of consequential leadership under Benedict Oramah, with total assets and contingencies reaching $49 billion,”  Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s senior executive vice president said.

He added that, “Pleasingly, the group is way ahead on most of its targets in delivery on its 6th Strategic plan that ends on December 31, 2026. With recently established subsidiaries such as FEDA and AfrexInsure becoming profitable, net income grew by 19% to stand at $1.2 billion, underpinned by a strong capital base of $8.4 billion.

“The group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality. These results are a testament to the unwavering execution by the group’s hard working human capital.

“We entered the 2026 financial year with significant momentum, ready to scale the group’s impact, accelerate trade integration and value addition across Global Africa, and deliver greater value to our shareholders.”

“Net loans and advances closed the year at $33,5 billion, representing a 16% increase, supported by continued disbursements across Africa and the Caribbean through a range of financing instruments,” he further explained.

The bank added that Liquidity also remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents at $6.0 billion.

Liquid assets accounted for 14% of total assets, above the bank’s strategic minimum threshold of 10%. Shareholders’ funds rose 17% to $8.4 billion, supported by net income and fresh equity inflows raised under the General Capital Increase II.

Gross income increased by 6,06% to US$3.5 billion. Operating expenses also rose to $459.2 million, reflecting strategic staff expansion and inflationary pressures, although the group maintained strong cost efficiency with a cost-to-income ratio of 21%, well below the strategic ceiling of 30%.

“Contrary to concerns raised by some rating agencies during the year, the bank accessed international bond markets by successfully raising over US$800 million from Japan and China, courtesy of the Samurai and Panda bonds in 2025,” the Bank further noted in a statement.“This demonstrated the group’s fund-raising capabilities and the solid nature of the Bank’s DNA as a pan-African multilateral financial institution committed to ensuring that Africa’s full and sustainable self-reliance remains firm.”, the statement added