US President Donald Trump has once again sparked conversations about his health, claiming that he maintains “perfect” health, takes a higher daily dose of aspirin than typically advised by medical professionals, uses makeup to conceal bruising on his hands, and avoids regular exercise because he finds it “boring.” In an extensive interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump shared new details about his health regimen, including undergoing a medical scan in October. He clarified that he had a CT scan, contrary to earlier reports in which he mistakenly described it as a more detailed MRI scan. At 79 years old, Trump holds the record as the oldest US president to be inaugurated, and some have noticed signs of aging. Observers have pointed out that he has occasionally appeared to doze off during meetings and sometimes struggles to hear questions. The Wall Street Journal noted that Trump seemed “irritated” by ongoing public discussions surrounding his health. “Let’s talk about health again for the 25th time,” he said during an impromptu call to the newspaper, ahead of the article’s publication. Trump revealed that he has been taking aspirin in doses higher than recommended for more than two decades, despite the fact that it sometimes causes him to bruise easily. “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” he explained. The president takes 325mg of aspirin daily, significantly more than the 81mg dose often advised by doctors for cardiovascular health. “Doctors would rather have me take the smaller dose,” Trump said, “but after 25 years, I prefer to stick with what I know. I’m a little superstitious.” Regarding his recent medical imaging at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Trump emphasized that the procedure was a CT scan rather than the MRI he had mentioned previously. “It wasn’t an MRI,” he told the Journal. “It was less than that. It was a scan.” According to Navy Capt. Sean Barbaella, one of Trump’s doctors, the CT scan was performed to definitively rule out cardiovascular issues, and the results showed no abnormalities. In addition, after Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition commonly affecting older adults, he was advised to wear compression socks. However, he declined: “I didn’t like them,” he admitted. “Instead, I now get up from my desk more regularly, which has helped reduce swelling in my legs.” Trump also disclosed that he avoids formal exercise routines, aside from playing golf. “I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” he said. “Walking or running on a treadmill for hours is not for me.” He defended himself against accusations of dozing off during public meetings, claiming that closing his eyes occasionally is merely “relaxing.” “Sometimes they’ll catch a photo of me blinking, and they think I’m asleep,” he said. Addressing visible bruising on his hands, Trump revealed that he now carries makeup to conceal marks quickly. “I have makeup that’s easy to apply, takes about 10 seconds,” he noted. Trump insisted that he does not experience hearing problems, contrary to some reports suggesting otherwise. Barbaella reinforced the president’s health status in a statement to the Journal, emphasizing that Trump remains in “exceptional health and perfectly suited to execute his duties as Commander in Chief.”
At least seven individuals have tragically lost their lives, while dozens more are unaccounted for after a boat carrying approximately 200 migrants capsized off the coast of The Gambia, according to official reports. The vessel, attempting to reach Europe, overturned around midnight on Wednesday near Jinack Village in the North Bank Region. The Gambian Defence Ministry later confirmed that the ship was “grounded on a sandbank” after the accident. Authorities have successfully rescued 96 people so far, while search operations continue for the remaining passengers who were aboard the ill-fated boat en route to Spain’s Canary Islands. This dangerous Atlantic crossing has become a recurring and increasingly perilous path for African migrants attempting to reach European shores. In 2024 alone, nearly 47,000 migrants successfully arrived in the Canary Islands. However, the Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras warns that over 9,000 individuals have died attempting the treacherous journey in recent years. Following Wednesday’s accident, the Gambian Navy launched an urgent search-and-rescue mission. Several naval vessels, supported by a local fishing boat, were deployed to assist in the operation. The Defence Ministry noted that many victims are not Gambian nationals, and authorities are still working to verify the identities of those involved. The bodies of the seven individuals who drowned have been recovered, while ten of the rescued passengers remain in critical condition and are receiving urgent medical attention. The Gambia has become an increasingly significant departure point for West African migrants and asylum seekers aiming for Spain’s Canary Islands before continuing to mainland Europe. In recent years, the European Union has entered agreements with several North African nations to curb irregular migration. However, these measures have inadvertently forced many migrants to undertake longer and more hazardous Atlantic Ocean crossings. This tragic incident underscores the growing risks associated with irregular migration routes and the urgent need for stronger international cooperation to ensure migrant safety.
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Former Attorney General of the Federation and ex-Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and another co-defendant, are set to commence a legal battle for bail over an alleged ₦9 billion corruption case filed against them by the Federal Government. The bail hearing is scheduled to take place today, December 2, before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the defendants are expected to be brought from custody to continue proceedings related to the case. Also standing trial alongside Malami and his son is Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Ramadiya Property Limited, who is currently being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre following a remand order. The trio remains in custody pending the court’s determination on their bail applications. The case is being handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who had earlier fixed today’s date to consider arguments on bail following the defendants’ arraignment on 16 counts of alleged money laundering offences. During their arraignment, Malami and the two other accused persons pleaded not guilty to all charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting on behalf of the Federal Government. At the earlier court session held on Tuesday, legal counsel to the defendants, Joseph Daudu, SAN, presented an oral application requesting bail for the accused persons. He argued that, having reviewed both the charges and relevant legal provisions, the defendants were entitled to bail under Nigerian law. According to Daudu, money laundering offences are not capital offences, and as such, do not require a written bail application. He maintained that written bail submissions are only mandatory in cases involving capital punishment. He further emphasized that the charges against his clients were straightforward, bailable, and that the defendants remained innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. Daudu therefore urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of granting bail to the defendants, stressing that there were no compelling reasons to keep them in custody. However, the EFCC strongly opposed the oral bail request. Counsel to the commission, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, argued that the law requires specific considerations before bail can be granted. He referenced Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which outlines factors a court must evaluate when deciding bail applications. Iheanacho submitted that such factors can only be properly placed before the court through affidavit evidence, insisting that both the prosecution and the defence must be allowed to present factual materials to support their positions. He added that these facts often relate to issues that may involve witnesses, making a written application necessary. In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite declined the oral bail request, agreeing with the prosecution that the court required formal documentation to properly exercise its discretion. The judge subsequently directed both parties to return to court today to argue written bail applications. The EFCC had earlier formally arraigned the former Attorney General and the other defendants before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched legal process.
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The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has stressed that the success of Nigeria’s newly enacted Tax Reform Act will depend largely on how transparently and effectively it is implemented. According to the Chamber, proper execution of the law is vital to easing compliance processes, lowering pressure on productive businesses, and expanding the country’s tax base without discouraging economic activity. The business advocacy group made this position known while reviewing Nigeria’s economic performance in 2025 and outlining expectations and priorities for 2026. In its assessment, the Chamber urged the Federal Government to ensure that the tax reforms are applied in a manner that supports growth rather than constrains enterprise development. Speaking on the matter, LCCI President, Leye Kupoluyi, explained that fiscal reform efforts gained significant traction following the signing of the Tax Reform Act in June 2025. The legislation harmonised several existing tax laws into a single, streamlined framework scheduled to come into force on 1 January 2026. Kupoluyi noted that the reform presents an opportunity to modernise Nigeria’s tax administration, but warned that poor implementation could undermine its benefits. He emphasised that clarity, openness, and fairness in enforcement are essential to encouraging voluntary compliance and maintaining investor confidence. The Chamber’s remarks came shortly after public concerns arose regarding the new tax regime, particularly fears that the government would automatically deduct taxes from personal bank accounts. These concerns were addressed by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, during a televised interview. Oyedele clarified that the revised tax system is based on self-assessment and declaration, not direct debits from bank accounts. He explained that individuals would not be charged automatically for funds transferred or received during the year. Instead, taxpayers are expected to declare their income at the end of the fiscal year in line with existing tax principles. Reflecting on the broader economic environment, the LCCI observed that Nigeria entered 2026 after navigating a challenging year characterised by difficult reforms, economic resilience, and cautious signs of stabilisation. While 2025 recorded modest growth, the Chamber noted that fiscal implementation remained constrained, alongside growing concerns over public debt sustainability. The group acknowledged that policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, and tight monetary conditions imposed substantial short-term hardship on households and businesses. However, it maintained that these measures were necessary steps toward restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding credibility, and improving Nigeria’s appeal to investors. In terms of economic performance, the LCCI reported that Gross Domestic Product growth improved slightly in 2025. Output expanded by 3.98 per cent in the third quarter, driven primarily by the services sector, which now contributes more than half of total economic output. The Chamber also highlighted Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a significant reputational milestone. This development improved the country’s access to international capital markets, evidenced by strong investor demand for Nigeria’s Eurobond issuance and favourable assessments from global rating agencies. Despite these positives, the LCCI cautioned that current growth levels remain inadequate to significantly raise living standards or reduce poverty. It pointed out that economic expansion continues to trail population growth, indicating that the benefits of recovery are not yet widely shared. Turning to fiscal performance, the Chamber criticised the execution of the 2025 federal budget, stating that it fell short of delivering the stimulus required to support recovery. By the third quarter of the year, government revenue reached ₦18.6 trillion, representing about 61 per cent of the target, while expenditure stood at ₦24.66 trillion, or roughly 60 per cent of the budgeted figure. Particular concern was raised over capital spending, which remained weak. Only ₦3.10 trillion, equivalent to 17.7 per cent, had been released for capital projects by the third quarter, limiting progress on infrastructure and dampening private sector confidence. On public finance, the LCCI described Nigeria’s debt profile as increasingly worrying. Total public debt rose to approximately ₦152.39 trillion by June 2025, with debt servicing consuming more than 65 per cent of government revenue. According to the Chamber, this level of debt servicing significantly restricts the government’s ability to invest in infrastructure, social services, and long-term growth initiatives. The group stressed that expanding revenue sources and exercising discipline in borrowing are no longer optional, but essential for fiscal sustainability. From a business perspective, the LCCI noted that companies continued to face multiple challenges throughout 2025. These included persistent inflationary pressures, exchange rate instability, insecurity in key agricultural regions, unreliable power supply, and the burden of multiple taxation across different levels of government. Looking ahead to 2026, the Chamber called for improved coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to consolidate disinflation gains and gradually reduce interest rates. Such measures, it said, would help unlock private sector credit and stimulate investment. The LCCI also advocated for stronger confidence in the foreign exchange market, faster infrastructure development through public-private partnerships, and policies deliberately designed to promote inclusive economic growth. In conclusion, the Chamber described 2025 as a transition period from crisis management to cautious stability. It warned, however, that the central task for 2026 is to move beyond stabilisation and ensure that macroeconomic reforms translate into tangible improvements in productivity, employment, and overall prosperity.
