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Trump, wife in self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19
The United States President,
Donald Trump, and his wife, Melania, are in self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus.
The US President confirmed on Twitter that he and the first lady had contracted COVID-19 and they are in quarantine.
He stated, “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”
Mr Trump is expected to be in quarantine for two weeks while facing treatment for the disease, with his diagnosis coming just one month before the US election on 3 November, according to Sky News.
The President is 74 years old and his health records earlier this year showed he is categorised as obese, putting him at higher risk of serious complications from the virus.
Mr Trump’s physician Sean Conley said the President and first lady would remain at the White House during their period of isolation.
He said, “Rest assured I expect the president to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments.”
Writing on Twitter, Mrs Trump said, “As too many Americans have done this year, (the President) & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19.
“We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together.”
Trump on Thursday had said, ‘End of pandemic is in sight’
Mr Trump said he and his wife were self-isolating after Hope Hicks, one of his top aides, had contracted COVID-19.
Ms Hicks, who serves as a counsellor to the President, tested positive for the disease on Thursday, the day after she travelled with the President to a rally.
She is the closest aide to Mr Trump to test positive for coronavirus so far.
She had travelled with the President several times over the last week, including on presidential helicopter Marine One, and on Air Force One to Tuesday night’s first presidential debate.
Mr Trump had earlier appeared to blame soldiers and law enforcement officials for Ms Hicks contracting the virus.
He told Fox News, “It’s very, very hard when you are with people from the military or from law enforcement and they come over to you and they want to hug you and they want to kiss you.
“You get close and things happen.”
Several White House staff members have tested positive for the virus in recent months, including Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller, and one of the president’s personal valets.
Mr Pence tweeted that he and and his wife Karen “send our love and prayers to our dear friends President Donald Trump and Melania Trump”.
“We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery,” he wrote. “God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania.
Why the President’s age and physical condition put him at higher risk from COVID-19
According to his White House schedule, the president was due to host a phone call on Friday on “COVID-19 support to vulnerable seniors”.
His positive test come as the virus continues to spread at an alarming rate in the US, even as Mr Trump has tried to downplay the threat of the disease.
More than 200,000 people have died in the US after contracting COVID-19 and more than seven million people in the country have been infected with the disease.
But Mr Trump has continued to hold campaign rallies which have drawn thousands of supporters during the pandemic.
Mr Trump addressed a packed rally in Duluth, Minnesota, on Wednesday
His diagnosis now throws into question the nature of the rest of the campaign, including the remaining two presidential debates.
The next debate is scheduled for 15 October in Miami.
Two days before testing positive, during the first debate, Mr Trump belittled his Democratic challenger Joe Biden for frequently wearing masks and not having campaign rallies that matched his own in size.
He continued to shake hands with visitors despite public health officials warning against it and also initially resisted being tested. Mr Trump also refused to wear a mask in public under almost all circumstances.
Trump’s COVID-19 bombshell puts US election in uncharted territory
In a statement, White House spokesman, Judd Deere said, “The President takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously.”
Trump is not the only major world leader known to have contracted COVID-19.
Prime Minister of Britain
Johnson tested positive for the virus in March before being admitted to hospital the following month, while Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was diagnosed with the illness in July.
Prime Minister Johnson, who spent time in intensive care with COVID-19 in April, said, “My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus.”
News
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo met privately with ex-military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at Babangida’s residence in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting that has sparked widespread speculation about potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, drew attention as both leaders emerged as key elder statesmen whose counsel and influence are often sought by Nigeria’s political elite. Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida spoke to journalists after the session, and no official statement was released, fueling discussions about behind-the-scenes strategic planning and coalition-building for 2027.
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Political analysts note that such high-profile consultations are common ahead of major elections, as party leaders, former presidents, and influential figures explore alliances, policy priorities, and national governance strategies. Observers also link this meeting to recent PDP and APC elder consultations, signaling continued efforts by senior politicians to shape the electoral landscape.
The rendezvous underscores Obasanjo’s continuing role as a political kingmaker, leveraging his network and experience to influence party strategies, candidate selection, and national discourse. With the 2027 elections approaching, similar closed-door meetings among Nigeria’s top political figures are expected to intensify in the coming months.
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
News
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
There has been widespread anger in Borno State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) omitted Vice‑President Kashim Shettima from the official banner at the party’s North‑East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments in Maiduguri. The banner, which featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the region, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, conspicuously left out Shettima, a native of Borno State.
The omission prompted immediate backlash from party leaders, including Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who described it as “provocative and unfair,” stressing that it was inappropriate to sideline a senior party official in his home state. The speaker recalled a similar controversy at an APC event in Gombe State last year, highlighting persistent sensitivities within the party’s North‑East faction.
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Attendees of the Maiduguri hearing, convened to discuss proposed constitutional amendments, expressed support for Lawan’s remarks, with loud applause and calls for the Vice‑President’s recognition. In response, the APC Deputy National Chairman dismissed the exclusion as an oversight by organisers, insisting there was no intention to diminish Shettima’s status and affirming that the hearing’s focus remained on party reforms rather than politics.
The incident comes amid speculation about internal APC dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, including questions around representation and leadership within the North‑East. Analysts note that repeated omissions of Shettima at high-profile events could fuel perceptions of internal rifts and affect party cohesion in the region.
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
News
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026 offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to global development, peacebuilding and humanitarian causes without leaving their homes. Through the UN Online Volunteering Programme, managed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), skilled and passionate people can support UN agencies and partner organisations remotely.
The UN Online Volunteering initiative connects volunteers with assignments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering areas such as research, digital communications, translation, data analysis, advocacy, and project support. Assignments are flexible, fully remote and open to applicants from all countries.
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years and above. There are no nationality restrictions, and many online roles do not require formal academic qualifications, although relevant skills and experience are often essential. Online volunteering positions are unpaid, but successful participants receive an official UNV certificate, which can strengthen career profiles and international exposure.
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Interested candidates are required to register on the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP), the official portal for all UN volunteering opportunities. After creating an account, applicants must complete their profiles with detailed information on skills, languages and interests. Volunteers can then search for available online UN volunteer opportunities and apply directly through the platform.
Assignments typically last between a few weeks and three months, with flexible time commitments that can fit around work or studies. Recent and ongoing opportunities include roles supporting UNDP, UNICEF, and civil society partners in areas such as social media outreach, SDG advocacy, research support and community engagement.
Experts say the programme is increasingly attracting young professionals, students and freelancers seeking international experience, especially amid rising interest in remote work and global digital collaboration. With preparations already underway for major UN campaigns in 2026, including global volunteerism initiatives, demand for online volunteers is expected to grow.
The United Nations Volunteers programme encourages interested individuals to apply early and regularly update their profiles to improve their chances of selection, as new opportunities are posted frequently.
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
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