US Veteran, Walter Obi Urges Compassionate Leadership at Valentine’s Event in US

A United States Army veteran and entrepreneur, Walter Chinedu Obi, has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace compassion, justice and people-centred governance, saying love for citizens must transcend political rhetoric and reflect in concrete policies that uplift the vulnerable.

Obi, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the annual “Rhythm & Red Wine” Valentine’s Special held at Metro Points Hotel, New Carrollton, Maryland, made the call while speaking with Diaspora Watch Newspaper on the sidelines of the event.

He said the essence of leadership was service, stressing that governance must prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens, especially the poor and marginalised.

“Our politics must rediscover its humanity. Leadership is a sacred trust. It is not about power for its own sake but about responsibility to the people,” he said.

Obi, a native of Akpu Village in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, was born in Asaba, Delta State.

He reflected on his humble beginnings and how growing up in a poor family shaped his understanding of hardship and resilience.

“I understand what it means to struggle. I understand what it feels like to be overlooked. That is why I believe every decision taken by those in authority must consider the widow, the unemployed youth and families striving daily to survive,” he added.

The US war veteran, who served during the 2003 Second Gulf War, noted that discipline, integrity and accountability were non-negotiable values in nation-building.

According to him, Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources can only translate into prosperity when leaders demonstrate sincerity of purpose and genuine concern for the people.

“Nigeria is not lacking in potential. What we need is consistent, people-focused leadership. Governance must protect the weak, create opportunities for the young and ensure fairness for all,” he said.

Obi, who is the Founder of Arvina Care Group, Inc., a healthcare services organisation in the United States, also spoke about his philanthropic efforts in his hometown, including annual medical missions and educational sponsorship for indigent students.

He, however, maintained that charity should complement, not replace, effective governance.

“Charity begins at home, but it cannot substitute for good policies. Leaders must institutionalise compassion through systems that work for everyone,” he stated.

The event, headlined by gospel artiste Isaac Geralds, featured live music, fine dining and a black-tie gathering of members of the Nigerian diaspora community.

Dignitaries at the event included Dr Jude Onyegbado and Dr Mrs Joy Onyegbado; Chief Chidi Ahaghotu and Dr Mrs Clara Ahaghotu; Chief Barr Ike Nwachukwu and Dr Chioma Nwachukwu; Mr Ike and Adaeze Udoka; Mr Chris Nnado; Mr and Mrs Ken Nwafor; Dr Chioma Obi; and Chizoba Emmanuel, RN.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Excel Global Media Group Inc., Boniface Ihiasota, described Obi as a disciplined and visionary leader whose life story underscores the power of resilience and service.

“His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and healthcare executive in the United States is inspiring. It shows that with determination and integrity, one can rise above limitations,” Ihiasota said.

He urged members of the diaspora to remain actively engaged in Nigeria’s development.

“We must not disconnect from home. Those of us abroad have seen systems that work. We have a responsibility to contribute positively, whether through investment, advocacy or mentorship,” he added.

The Valentine’s event, organisers said, was designed not only to celebrate love but also to strengthen bonds within the Nigerian-American community.

Nigerian Govt Raises Alarm Over Illegal Recruitment of Its Citizens into Foreign Wars

The Federal Government has issued an urgent warning over what it described as the growing illegal recruitment of Nigerians to fight in foreign conflicts, cautioning citizens against falling prey to deceptive offers of overseas employment.

The warning comes amid reports by Ukrainian officials that the bodies of two Nigerians allegedly killed in combat last year were discovered.

While Nigeria has not officially confirmed the deaths, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged concerns over the development.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed that “several Nigerians who have fallen victim to such unfortunate situations were deployed to combat zones after being misled and coerced into signing military service contracts.”

According to the ministry, investigations and security reports revealed that some Nigerians were lured abroad with promises of lucrative jobs, private security contracts, educational opportunities or migration incentives, only to be drafted into active war zones.

“In certain instances, victims were compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were confiscated upon arrival,” the statement noted.

The government also alleged that intermediaries facilitating such recruitment often arranged travel using tourist or other non-military visas, thereby concealing the true purpose of the journey.

Ebienfa warned that accepting such offers not only endangers lives but could also violate Nigerian and international laws prohibiting mercenary activities and unlawful foreign enlistment.

The ministry said the Federal Government was collaborating with local and international partners to investigate the cases and intensify public sensitisation efforts.

Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular services and issue advisories to citizens.

Ukrainian intelligence estimates suggest that more than 1,400 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia.

Ukraine has also faced criticism in the past over alleged attempts to enlist foreign nationals, including Africans, into its own ranks.

African governments have increasingly moved to caution their citizens and repatriate those reportedly deceived into joining the conflict.

A retired Nigerian military expert, Maj. Bashir Galma (retd.), described the trend as troubling, noting that the recruitment of Africans into foreign wars was not new.

“Even during the Yugoslavia crisis many years ago, we had similar issues. It is unfortunate that our youth are falling into these traps and losing their lives in wars that have no direct bearing on them,” he said.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to verify overseas job offers through appropriate authorities before embarking on international travel.

Russia, Ukraine Hold Fresh Peace Talks in Geneva Amid Escalating Strikes

Russian and Ukrainian delegations on Tuesday met in Geneva, Switzerland, for a fresh round of United States-brokered peace talks, even as hostilities intensified days ahead of the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The talks, mediated by Steve Witkoff, special envoy to US President Donald Trump, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, come amid low expectations of a breakthrough, with both sides maintaining hardened positions.

Ukraine is represented at the negotiations by National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov.

The Russian delegation includes presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and senior military intelligence officials acting on behalf of President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dampened hopes of immediate progress, telling reporters, “I don’t think we should expect any news today,” while noting that discussions would continue on Wednesday.

The diplomatic engagement comes against the backdrop of intensified aerial bombardments.

Hours before the Geneva meeting commenced, Moscow launched a large-scale combined aerial assault on Ukraine, striking 12 regions with approximately 400 drones and nearly 30 missiles.

Ukrainian authorities confirmed that at least three people were killed in the overnight attacks, including energy workers near the frontline city of Slovyansk.

Nine others, including children, were reportedly injured across several regions.

Ukraine’s Deputy Energy Minister, Artem Nekrasov, disclosed that critical infrastructure and more than 10 residential buildings were damaged, alongside railway facilities.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks, stating they demonstrated “the extent to which Russia disregards peace efforts.”

President Zelensky, writing on X, insisted that “Russia must be held to account for its aggression,” adding that meaningful peace required decisive action against what he described as the “sole source of this aggression.”

Kyiv said the southern port city of Odesa suffered severe damage, leaving thousands without electricity.

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy firm, described the destruction to power facilities as “incredibly serious,” warning that repairs could take a long time.

Ukraine is grappling with a worsening energy crisis following months of relentless Russian bombardment of its power grid, compounded by subzero winter temperatures.

Russia, however, claimed its air defence systems intercepted more than 150 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Authorities in the southern Krasnodar region reported that a Ukrainian drone strike sparked a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery, while a storage reservoir for oil products was also set ablaze.

The Belgorod border region reportedly came under renewed Ukrainian drone attacks, causing damage to power infrastructure.

The Geneva discussions follow last month’s trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi — the first involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.

Those talks ended without a breakthrough, though they paved the way for limited prisoner-of-war exchanges.

Russia currently controls roughly 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, including large swathes of the eastern Donbas region.

The Kremlin has maintained its demand that Ukraine cede the remainder of the contested region — a condition Kyiv has firmly rejected.

For Ukraine, any potential settlement must be preceded by robust security guarantees from Western allies, particularly the United States.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump expressed impatience with the slow pace of progress, stating that Ukraine had “better come to the table fast.”