President Donald Trump of the United States is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban.

According to an internal memo regarding the move, a total of 41 countries divided into three separate groups would be affected.

The first group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba and North Korea among others, would be set for a full visa suspension.

In the second group, five countries, including Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar and South Sudan, would face partial suspensions that would impact tourist and student visas as well as other immigrant visas, with some exceptions.

According to the memo, in the third group, a total of 26 countries that includes Belarus, Pakistan and Turkmenistan among others would be considered for a partial suspension of US visa issuance if their governments do not make efforts to address deficiencies within 60 days.

The move harkens back to President Donald Trump’s first term ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

It could be recalled that Trump issued an executive order on January 20 immediately after his inauguration requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the US to detect national security threats.

That order mandated several cabinet members to submit by March 21 a list of countries from which travel should be partly or fully suspended because their vetting and screening information is so deficient.

The Oyo State Government is set to collaborate with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to enhance waste management and promote a circular economy, aiming for sustainable environmental practices.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, disclosed this during a high-level meeting between the ministry and representatives from the Dutch government.

According to the commissioner, discussions focused on innovative waste solutions, recycling, and environmental sustainability.

Hon. Mogbonjubola emphasized Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to transforming waste management in the state. He assured that the partnership would receive strong political support, ensuring smooth operations in Oyo State.

“We are ready to partner with the Netherlands government, but we need a clear roadmap on how the circular economy works. This is a new concept for us, just as we are new to the Netherlands platform. This marks the beginning of a new relationship, and we will do all necessary follow-ups,” he said.

To facilitate the initiative, the commissioner announced the formation of a Circular Economy Desk within the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. This committee will leverage expertise from existing institutions and develop strategies for implementation.

“I am excited this is happening during my tenure. We already have a platform, but we haven’t fully taken advantage of it. Now, Oyo State is ready to take the bull by the horns,” he added.

The Representative of the Consulate General of the Netherlands, Mr. Peter Kelley, highlighted the economic opportunities embedded in waste recycling.

He explained that the Dutch government has been involved in similar projects in Nigeria, such as a waste-to-energy facility in Lagos, textile recycling through Cope Clothing in the Loop, and training businesses on sustainable recycling practices.

Mr. Kelley acknowledged that while the circular economy is a relatively new concept, its success in the Netherlands proves it can work in Oyo State.

“As it works in the Netherlands, it will work here provided we engage all stakeholders, including the government, businesses, communities, and universities. The consulate general’s role is to facilitate this process,” he stated.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ interest in supporting Oyo State’s sustainability goals.

He emphasized that the circular business platform will benefit local entrepreneurs and improve environmental conditions.

Daily Sun

European Central Bank, ECB, President, Christine Lagarde, on Friday said a full-scale global trade war would hurt the United States in particular and could re-energise Europe’s push towards unity.

Recall that the U.S. has imposed a raft of tariffs on allies and adversaries alike and threatened even more measures, prompting retaliation from many and raising concerns that global growth could take a major hit.

“If we were to go to a real trade war, where trade would be dampened significantly, that would have severe consequences. It would have severe consequences for growth around the world and for prices around the world, but particularly in the United States,” Lagarde said.

European Central Bank, ECB, President, Christine Lagarde, on Friday said a full-scale global trade war would hurt the United States in particular and could re-energise Europe’s push towards unity.

Recall that the U.S. has imposed a raft of tariffs on allies and adversaries alike and threatened even more measures, prompting retaliation from many and raising concerns that global growth could take a major hit.

“If we were to go to a real trade war, where trade would be dampened significantly, that would have severe consequences. It would have severe consequences for growth around the world and for prices around the world, but particularly in the United States,” Lagarde said.

The European Central Bank reiterated, however, that the tensions could also have the positive side effect of giving European unity another push.

“You know what it’s doing at the moment? Stirring European energy. It’s a big wake-up call for Europe. Maybe this is a European moment, yet again,” she said.

It was gathered that the European Commission and Germany, the bloc’s largest economy, have already announced increased spending on defense and infrastructure, ending years of reluctance to spend.