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Reactions in Nigeria

Airstrikes Against Terrorists

• Public Sentiment: Mixed but largely supportive. Many Nigerians praised the military’s precision and renewed commitment to security.
• Concerns: Some citizens and human rights groups remain wary of collateral damage and past civilian casualties in similar operations.
• Military Response: The Nigerian Air Force emphasized professionalism and intelligence-driven targeting to reassure the public.

Economic Recovery

• Online Reaction: Over 68% of social media posts were critical of the fuel subsidy removal and rising costs.
• Street Protests: Movements like #EndBadGovernance and general strikes led by NLC and TUC reflect deep frustration. Over 1,100 arrests and 22 deaths occurred during protests.
• Cultural Pushback: Protest songs like Tell Your Papa were banned, sparking debates on censorship and artistic freedom.

Tribute to Peter Rufai

• Emotional Response: Peter Obi’s visit to Rufai’s family moved many to tears. Nigerians expressed pride and sorrow, calling for better treatment of national heroes.
• Criticism: Some ex-footballers, like Taribo West, accused the government of neglecting Rufai during his illness.
• Defense: Others, including Waidi Akani, defended the Lagos State government’s support during the burial.

Stablecoin Adoption

• Tech Enthusiasts: Applauded the innovation, calling it a lifeline amid naira volatility.
• Skeptics: Warned of dollarisation risks, rural digital literacy gaps, and infrastructure challenges.
• Regulatory Response: Nigeria’s SEC is exploring a Naira-pegged stablecoin to balance innovation with sovereignty.

Global Reactions

Israel–Gaza Ceasefire Talks

• Humanitarian Outcry: UN and aid groups condemned the famine and called for an immediate ceasefire.
• Public Protests: Civilians in Gaza staged demonstrations with banners like “Gaza is dying by the killing, hunger and oppression”.
• Political Tension: Netanyahu faces pressure from both domestic and international fronts to accept ceasefire terms.

Trump–Putin–Zelensky Peace Talks

• Mixed Reactions: Some praised Trump’s diplomacy, while others mocked his “Make a deal” stance as vague and self-serving.
• European Leaders: Urged Trump to prioritize a ceasefire before pushing for a permanent peace deal.
• Ukrainian Response: Zelenskyy welcomed talks but insisted on lasting peace, not just a pause.

Norway Royal Scandal

• Public Shock: The charges against Marius Borg Hoiby are being called the “biggest scandal” in Norwegian royal history.
• Royal Response: Crown Prince Haakon said the family will continue duties but acknowledged the situation is “challenging and difficult”.

Spain Wildfires

• Public Grief: Citizens mourned the loss of life and destruction of homes. Over 30,000 evacuated, with four deaths reported.
• Political Blame Game: Opposition accused PM Sánchez of mishandling the crisis; government blamed climate denial and underfunding by regional leaders.

KAVA Nollywood UK Launch

• Diaspora Excitement: Nigerians abroad celebrated the launch as a cultural milestone.
• Industry Buzz: Analysts hailed it as a strategic move to globalize Nollywood and challenge Hollywood’s dominance.
• Cultural Pride: Many see KAVA as a “cinematic home away from home” for African storytelling.