“We’ll do that, and then we’ll fill it up,” Trump told news station Local 12 on Wednesday, saying the move would push prices down.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) had earlier announced it would release a record amount of oil onto global markets.

The 32 member countries, including the United States, will release a total of 400 million barrels of crude, according to an IEA statement.

The U.S. Department of Energy said it plans to release 172 million barrels starting next week over a period of roughly four months.

According to the government, the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve is the world’s largest emergency stockpile of crude oil.

It was set up primarily to mitigate the effects of supply crises and meet international obligations.

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This is contained in a statement published on the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seen on Tuesday.

It explained that the arrests were part of a coordinated crackdown across several U.S. states carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.

According to the DHS, the new names were added as part of an expanded nationwide enforcement operation targeting immigrants convicted of serious crimes.

It said that this was done under what it described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal immigrants programme.

The authorities claimed that the alleged offences linked to the newly listed individuals include wire fraud, mail fraud and identity theft, which posed significant financial and security risks.

”The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

”Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst of the worst,” the statement said.

The 18 Nigerians whose names feature on the latest list include Oluwaseyanu Afolabi; Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe; Benjamin Ifebajo; Obinwanne Okeke; Kolawole Aminu; Oluwadamilola Ojo; Franklin Ibeabuchi; Alex Ogunshakin; and Joshua Ineh.

Others are Stephen Oseghale; Eghosa Obaretin; Adesina Lasisi; Ibrahim Ijaoba; Azeez Yinusa; Charles Akabuogu; Kelechi Umeh; Lotenna Umeadi; Donald Ehie; and Chukwudi Kalu.

The agency added that the deportation process would be carried out immediately in line with U.S. immigration laws.

Our correspodent reports that since the return of President Donald Trump to office in January 2025, the U.S. government has been enforcing a strict alien immigration policy.

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The UAE,  a United States–based international body of senior members of the Kegites Club worldwide, plans to host the tournament as part of its commitment to giving back to Nigerian society and strengthening national cohesion.

Oba Adeyeye’s offer was disclosed at the unveiling of the game’s mascot during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday

Speaking on behalf of the body, its President, Fayth Deleọla Daramọla, announced that the tournament will take place between May and June 2026 in Nigeria. The initiative aims to foster unity among members of the Kegites Club nationwide and to promote harmony among Nigerians across cultural, ethnic, and religious divides.

The Chairman of the Tournament’s Central Working Committee/Local Organising Committee, Dr. Edward Olu Alo, explained that the inspiration behind the project is rooted in the unifying power of sports. “Table tennis has always brought Nigerians together, irrespective of background. This tournament will further cement the spirit of unity in this challenging period in our nation’s history,” he said.

As part of its buildup activities, the UAE, also known as the Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Elemu, held a virtual meeting on Tuesday, December 2, when the official mascot for the tournament was unveiled.  Kabiyesi Adeyeye, who was represented by the Sooko Adimula Obalufon, Oba Olasoji Oladele, expressed delight at the event. He observed that the sport greatly helps in the development of the human mind, body and spirit. A left-handed player, the revered monarch expressed readiness to engage the two governors in demonstration games.  The virtual unveiling was attended by notable sports personalities, including Mr. Enitan Oshodi, Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

Also in attendance were icons of the games, as well as senior members of the  Kegites Club.

Unveiling the mascot,  Dr. Alo noted that the design symbolises both the unifying force of table tennis and Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

Veteran sports journalist and tournament official Yomi Opakunle disclosed that the maiden edition will be exclusively for members of the Kegites Club across Nigeria’s four regions: West, East, North, and South. “Regional preliminaries will produce regional champions who will converge for the national finals. Attractive prize monies await the winners,” he said.

In his remarks, ITTF Vice President Oshodi commended the initiative, noting that the tournament aligns with the global celebration of 100 years of competitive table tennis in 2026. “We are pleased to see this effort coming from the Universal Archaivar Elders. I am also delighted that legendary Nigerian players are part of this moment. The ITTF will support the organisers with equipment and technical logistics,” he assured.

Another member, Olujimi Oluyinka, emphasised that the tournament is part of the elders’ efforts to reshape public perceptions of the Kegites Club. “We want to show the world that the Kegites Club has evolved beyond singing, dancing, or the famous one-finger salute. We are affecting humanity positively, and sports is a powerful platform to promote the unity in diversity we stand for.” He added that while the maiden edition is for Nigerian members alone, future editions will extend to Kegites across the world.

Also speaking, the Sooko Adimula Obalufon, offered prayers for the success of the event and described the initiative as a major turning point for private-sector involvement in youth and sports development in Nigeria.

The meeting featured reflections from several Nigerian table tennis legends, including nonagenarian Bilikisu Popoola, Nigeria’s first female representative at an international tournament (1969 World Cup, Munich), alongside Engore Toun, Olawunmi Majekodunmi, Kehinde Okenla, and others, many of whom expressed joy that table tennis was chosen among several potential sports.

The Universal Archaivar Elders is an international non-governmental organisation comprising Archaivar entities with over 35 years of membership in the Comradium, regardless of their past roles during their higher-institution years or thereafter. The group continues to demonstrate leadership through cultural preservation, community development, and global engagement.

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The U.S. president facilitated the signing of a peace agreement in Washington aimed at ending more than three decades of conflict in mineral-rich eastern Congo.

The ceremony took place at the Peace Institute, recently renamed the Donald Trump Institute of Peace.

Trump said the United States would conclude bilateral agreements with both countries on rare earth mining, adding that major U.S. firms would be sent to the region and “everybody’s going to make a lot of money.”

Eastern Congo’s vast deposits of strategic minerals have long fuelled the interests of foreign powers and armed groups.

Observers had speculated that the peace deal would align with U.S. economic priorities, with Washington applying political pressure to bring the presidents of Kinshasa and Kigali together – something African regional mediation efforts had failed to achieve.

Rwandan President Kagame said previous attempts to end the conflict had faltered, but Trump had succeeded where others had not.

Congolese President Tshisekedi tagged the agreement the beginning of a new and difficult path.

The two leaders exchanged a few gestures and did not shake hands.

The accord builds on a preliminary peace framework reached several months ago, committing both countries to respect territorial integrity, halt aggression, and cease support for armed groups.

However, regional analysts say it is unclear whether the agreement will actually end the decades-long conflict.

More important than the deal, they say, are talks in Doha that include representatives of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia, which earlier this year seized the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu in the Kivu region and set up its own administration in the controlled territories.

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The group welcomed the UN Security Council’s extension of the mandate for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and expressed strong support for the political roadmap put forward by UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh. The statement urged Libyan actors to use the plan as a foundation for advancing a Libyan-led process toward unified institutions and national elections.

The governments also highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination between Libya’s eastern and western authorities, particularly in the military and economic sectors. They praised ongoing Libyan efforts to unify the country’s security forces and encouraged further steps to institutionalize cooperation across regions.

Economic reforms featured prominently in the joint message. The signatories called for bolstering key Libyan institutions, including the National Oil Corporation (NOC), the Central Bank of Libya, and the Audit Bureau. They noted recent developments such as the September 29 appointment of an official NOC chairman and the November 18 Unified Development Program Agreement between the House of Representatives and the High State Council. These moves, they said, could help steer Libya toward sounder economic governance, expanded energy production, and nationwide development projects under a mutually agreed oversight mechanism.

The coalition emphasized that deeper economic and security integration is vital to safeguarding Libya’s sovereignty and ensuring long-term prosperity. A unified and stable Libya, the statement concluded, is in the collective interest of the international community.

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Trump made the declaration at the beginning of a bilateral meeting between him and UN Secretary-General António Guterres after presenting his national statement to world leaders in New York.

Trump, while presenting the U.S. national statement, sharply criticised the organisation in its handling of conflicts, irregular migration and climate change, among others.

The U.S. leader said in spite of his constant criticism of the global body, the “potential for peace with this institution is so great”.

“Our country is behind the United Nations one hundred per cent,” Trump said.

“I think the potential of the United Nations is incredible, really incredible. It can do so much.

“So, I’m behind it. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because I think the potential for peace with this institution is so great.

“So, I just want to thank you for treating us so warmly. We very much appreciate being with you.”

Trump, who addressed the worl⁰1s leaders at the UN headquarters for the fifth time as U.S. President, said it was always an honour to be at the UN headquarters.

He also made reference to the malfunctioned escalator during his visit and the teleprompter when he was delivering his address.

“We’ve done this before, and this was a little more exciting because of the escalator and the teleprompter, but these things happen. “But I will tell you that your people have treated us with great respect,” the U.S. said.

Earlier, the Secretary-General said the U.S. was absolutely essential in the founding of the UN.

“And for decades we have relied on the United States as our major political and financial supporter, thanks to the generosity of the American people, which we are very grateful about,” he said.

“On the other hand, I believe that there are many other areas where we can cooperate in a positive way, and I would think that the most important is peace.

“You have selected peace as a central objective of your mandate.”

Guterres said Trump had been “going North and South, East and West, in all possible situations, getting, or trying to get, ceasefires”.

The UN chief added that Trump has been “alleviating tensions, making peace agreements, or the building blocks of peace agreements.”

Guterres reassured Trump that the UN’s entire leadership and its teams at all levels are entirely at Trump’s disposal.

He said this is “to be able to work together for a just peace in the world, based on our common values and on the constitution of the United States”.

“And one thing is for me extremely important; it is that the suffering, the horrible suffering of millions of people in the world can be stopped.

“And we fully appreciate your engagement in that regard,” the UN chief said.

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This year’s theme, “Showcasing America: The Land of Freedom Through Unity in Diversity,” strikes at the heart of what the event represents: a celebration of both the American ideal of freedom and the unifying power of cultural diversity.

The occasion will be graced by three esteemed royal fathers: H.R.M. Oba Dr. Mukail Akanbi Salako, The Adokun of Igan Okoto, Ogun State; HRM Oba Najeemdeen Afolabi, The Gegun of Ayetoro Oke Land, serving as Royal Patron of the Americana Archaivar Plus Convergence; and HRM Alayeluwa Oba Oriade Isaac Adesina Towobola, The Olu of Ladin Lakoro Kingdom, Ife (Oriade Ejigbomekun) and a former Methusela Chief, Ilya Meleki.

According to a statement made available to NEWSVERGE, Patron Oluranti Dairo, the Grand Kord of Americana Archaivar Plus Convergence, mentioned that the presence of the traditional rulers underscores the deep cultural roots and international bridge-building that the event seeks to foster.

No doubt, Patron Dairo, said, “In many African communities, palmwine is far more than a beverage; it’s a symbol of unity, hospitality, and celebration. At this year’s gyration, it will flow freely, serving as a reminder of how traditions can connect people across oceans and generations.”

While the event promises pulsating music, colourful attire, and energetic dancing, organisers stress that it’s also about storytelling, heritage, and community.

“We’re showing the world that diversity is not a barrier, it’s a bridge,” the Grand Kord of Americana Archaivar Plus Convergence, Patron Oluranti Dairo said.

Also, Matron Tokunbo (Skin-Dudu) Babs-Olurinde, in her word said: “Attendees can expect a warm welcome, a rich cultural showcase, and the opportunity to be part of a celebration where freedom and tradition meet.”

In the same vein, LSF Nepa, Patron Abiodun Ojelade, stated that the event is promised to stair even those who may have forgotten their heritage.

“The Americana Archaivar Plus Convergence extends an open invitation to residents, visitors, and cultural enthusiasts to witness a fusion of African heritage and American ideals.” LSF Nepa added.

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Akufo-Addo stated this on Monday in Abuja while delivering the graduation lecture for participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, with the theme “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa.”

He noted that although several African nations had set up anti-corruption agencies, many of them were weakened by political interference, underfunding and lack of independence.

“In 2023, more than two-thirds of African countries scored below 50 out of 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

“Yes, we have anti-corruption agencies across the continent, but too often they are deprived of resources or stripped of real autonomy.

“Still, examples from Rwanda and Botswana show how independent, well-resourced bodies can make a real difference,” he said.

The former Ghanaian leader stressed that corruption was not only an ethical issue but a fundamental threat to development, as it eroded public trust, diverted resources, and crippled service delivery.

According to him, the fight against corruption requires political will, strong laws, citizen engagement, and technological innovations that close loopholes in public finance and procurement.

“Technology, from open contracting portals to block chain, can help strengthen accountability and expose fraud. Citizens must also be empowered as watchdogs in the governance process,” he added.

Akufo-Addo further emphasised that addressing corruption was central to bridging Africa’s governance gap, which is also worsened by insecurity, weak democratic cultures and donor dependence.

He said that strong institutions—judiciaries, legislatures, electoral commissions, civil services and civil society organisations, must be given real independence if Africa was to sustain democratic governance and development.

“The task before us is urgent. Together, let us build institutions worthy of our people’s aspirations and resilient enough to secure Africa’s future,” Akufo-Addo said.

Our correspondent reports that the graduation is one o the major events for the graduation of the NDC course 33 participants comprising 99 senior officers from Nigerian military, other government agencies and allied participants from friendly nations.

The lecture was attended by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and other government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and defence stakeholders from Nigeria and across Africa.

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Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump sharply criticises New Delhi for its military and energy ties with Russia.

He described India as a “friend” but accused the country of maintaining unfair trade practices that disadvantage U.S. businesses.

India has “strenuous and obnoxious” trade barriers that keep its markets closed to companies, he wrote, adding that its tariffs are “far too high.”

Trump also took aim at India’s relationship with Russia, saying: “They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China.

In addition to the new tariff, Trump said India would face a financial “penalty” for its purchases from Russia, though he did not provide further details.

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No fewer than 400 people were injured, including police officers, although the official death toll has not been confirmed, with estimates ranging from eight to 16.

The demonstrations marked the anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax protests when 60 people were reportedly killed and dozens abducted by the police.

This year, anger intensified following the death of blogger Albert Ojwan, 31, who died in police custody earlier this month.

The demonstrators reportedly targeted government and police offices, chanted for the occupation of the presidential residence and attacked, looted and burned shops and businesses in Nairobi.

On Thursday, as smoke still rose from torched buildings in Nairobi, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, released a statement expressing concern.

Alarmed by reports that protesters had been wounded or killed by gunfire, OHCHR stressed that under international human rights law, law enforcement should only use lethal force.

It said that this should even be when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat.

The office welcomed the announcement that Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority will investigate the incidents.

The UN human rights office underlined the need for “prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations to bring those responsible to justice” and prevent recurrence.

OHCHR also called for calm and restraint.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric echoed these concerns at the daily press briefing in New York.

“We are obviously concerned about the violence we have seen in Kenya.

” We are closely monitoring the situation. We are very saddened by the loss of life,” Dujarric said.

He also reiterated concerns over the reported gunshot wounds and welcomed plans for oversight investigations.

At a press conference, Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen accused protesters of attempting to unconstitutionally enact “regime change.”

Murkomen also said nine police stations were attacked, dozens of vehicles destroyed and five guns were stolen.

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