Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, has strongly opposed the proposed global tax to fund the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), arguing that it is impractical and would further entrench global inequality.

Speaking at the United Nations Global Parliament’s Interparliamentary Opening Session in New York, Ibrahim cautioned that such a tax would exacerbate poverty rather than help achieve the SDGs by 2030.

“The international system remains anarchic, lacking a unified authority to enforce such a tax. Instead of imposing additional financial burdens, the global community should hold environmental polluters accountable by compelling them to compensate Africa for climate-related damages,” he stated.

Ibrahim urged African legislators to stand united in demanding climate compensation as an alternative means of financing the SDGs. He insisted that major polluting nations and corporations must take responsibility for the environmental degradation in Africa, arguing that this approach would be more just and effective in addressing climate change and economic challenges on the continent.

“It is time for African lawmakers to demand reparations for the climate crisis. These funds can be directed toward reducing Africa’s debt burden and achieving the SDGs,” he emphasized.

Beyond taxation, Ibrahim identified key flaws in the SDG implementation process, including lack of inclusion of critical stakeholders, transparency deficits, failures in multilateral cooperation, and insufficient support from non-state actors. He warned that with the 2030 deadline fast approaching, urgent reforms are needed to enhance the SDG framework’s effectiveness.

Despite his concerns over global efforts, Ibrahim commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for integrating the SDGs into Nigeria’s national budget, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development. He also urged the United Nations to conduct an internal review to ensure the SDGs stay on track, stressing that time is running out for meaningful progress.

As global discussions on SDG financing continue, Ibrahim’s strong opposition to a global tax and his advocacy for climate compensation could significantly influence future policies on Africa’s sustainable development funding.

In a dramatic political twist, Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking an unprecedented return to power after losing the presidency four years ago.
The ceremony, held indoors at the US Capitol due to freezing temperatures, sets the stage for what promises to be a polarizing term filled with bold, sweeping actions.
With his hand on a Bible given to him by his mother, Trump, 78, took the oath of office beneath the Capitol’s Rotunda, signaling the start of his second term.
This time, Trump arrives not as a political outsider but as a dominant figure backed by some of the most influential names in business and politics.
In a break from his controversial exit in 2021, Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden shared a symbolic moment, traveling together to the Capitol for the inauguration.
Biden, along with former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, attended the ceremony, emphasizing a return to tradition.
Notably absent was former First Lady Michelle Obama, underlining lingering tensions.
The audience included titans of industry, with Elon Musk, who heavily financed Trump’s campaign, seated alongside Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sundar Pichai.
Musk is expected to play a significant role in Trump’s administration, spearheading initiatives to cut federal spending.
Unusually, international leaders such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni attended the ceremony, reflecting Trump’s global appeal among far-right figures.
The event, though moved indoors, maintained its grandeur, even as the icy weather kept crowds away from the National Mall.
Trump wasted no time outlining his ambitious and controversial plans to include Crackdown on immigration as he declared a national emergency at the Mexico border, deploying military resources, and initiating mass deportations.
He also outlined cultural Policies to include signing an executive order recognizing only two biological sexes and dismantling federal diversity programs.
He also issued over 100 executive orders to reverse policies from the previous administration.

“Today marks a brand-new day for America,” Trump said at an inaugural rally, promising to “fix every single crisis facing our country” and end what he called “four years of decline.”
As Trump takes office surrounded by both loyalists and skeptics, his second term begins with a clear message: his administration intends to govern with unapologetic speed and resolve.
For supporters, it’s a triumphant return; for critics, a deeply divisive moment in US history.

The world now watches as Trump redefines the presidency once again.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Washington on Saturday, voicing their opposition to Donald Trump’s policies just days before his second inauguration. Organized by a coalition of civil rights and social justice groups, including the organizers of the Women’s March, the “People’s March” highlighted a broad range of concerns.
Protesters expressed fears over the erosion of abortion rights, climate change denial, gun violence, and immigrant protections under Trump’s administration.
With colorful signs and iconic pink pussy hats from 2017, the crowd gathered in downtown Washington and marched to the Lincoln Memorial for a powerful rally. Participants, including Aisha Becker-Burrowes, a demonstrator who voiced concerns over women’s rights, echoed chants of “My body, my choice.”
Others, like Susan Duclos, a 60-year-old from Florida, expressed anxiety about Trump’s return to office. “So many people are voting against their own interests. I don’t understand it,” she said. Similarly, Carine, a 40-year-old from Arizona, remarked on her fear of the future but vowed to continue the fight. “I feel motivated, stimulated by all these people. I have faith in the future, even though I’m scared,” she shared.
The rally also marked a nationwide wave of protests, with sister marches planned in cities like New York. The demonstration unfolded amid rising tensions following Trump’s pledge to intensify immigration enforcement, with his appointed “border czar” signaling a major nationwide crackdown on undocumented migrants after the inauguration.
Despite the daunting political climate, participants remained resolute, expressing their determination to stand up for their values as the nation braces for a turbulent second term under Trump’s leadership.