Shock as Nigerian Fisherman Catches Rare Blue Marlin Reportedly Worth $2.6 Million — But Instead of Selling the Multi-Million Catch, He and His Entire Village Cooked and Ate It Together

A fisherman from Nigeria has gone viral on social media after reportedly catching a massive Blue Marlin, one of the most valuable and sought-after fish in the world. According to reports shared online, a fish of that size could fetch as much as $2.6 million (over R48 million) in international seafood and sport-fishing markets.

However, what shocked many people is what happened next.

Instead of selling the rare catch for millions, the fisherman and people from his village reportedly decided to share the fish among themselves and eat it together as part of a community celebration.

In many coastal communities in Africa, fishing is deeply rooted in culture and tradition, and large catches are often seen as a blessing meant to be shared. Villagers gathered as the enormous fish was cut into pieces and prepared for cooking, turning the moment into a celebration for the entire community.

The story quickly spread online, with many people reacting in disbelief, saying the village “ate millions of dollars.” Others defended the decision, saying community, tradition, and sharing food can sometimes be valued more than money.

While the true market value of the fish depends on many factors, the story has sparked debate across social media about culture, wealth, and what people value most.

Would you have sold the fish for millions — or shared it with your village?

Putin Pressures Trump as Iran War May End Soon

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly increasing pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump to bring the escalating conflict in the Middle East to an end.

Diplomatic signals from Moscow suggest the Kremlin is pushing Washington toward de-escalation as tensions with Iran threaten global energy routes and wider regional stability. Analysts say Russia’s growing influence in the crisis could force the United States to reconsider its military posture.

With the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupting global shipping and energy markets, observers believe the mounting geopolitical pressure may accelerate efforts to end the war.

After a recent phone call between Putin and Trump, the U.S. president signaled that the war could end soon, raising expectations that diplomatic negotiations may begin in the coming days.

Shock in Africa: Madagascar’s Military President Dissolves Entire Government Overnight, Leaving Nation and African Union Watching Closely

A dramatic political development has unfolded in Madagascar, after military leader Michael Randrianirina suddenly dissolved the entire government in an unexpected move.

The decision reportedly removed Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo along with the full cabinet. No detailed explanation was immediately provided for the sweeping action, which has raised many questions both inside the country and internationally.

According to reports, senior government officials known as permanent secretaries will temporarily run daily state operations while the process of appointing a new prime minister begins.

Madagascar has been facing growing political pressure in recent months. Youth-led demonstrations have been reported in several areas, with many citizens demanding better transparency, economic reforms, and action on shortages affecting daily life.

The situation has also attracted attention from the African Union, which previously suspended Madagascar following the military takeover in 2025. The military leadership had promised that elections could be held within the next 18 to 24 months.

Political analysts say dissolving the government could signal internal tensions within the administration or an attempt by the military leadership to reset the political system while preparing for future elections.

Breaking News : Hundreds of Iranian Missile Launchers Wiped Out but 150 Still Active as US and Israel Intensify Hunt

The United States and Israel have destroyed hundreds of Iranian ballistic missile launchers during ongoing military operations, but Iran still retains a significant number capable of launching strikes. According to defense assessments, Iran originally possessed around 460 ballistic missile launchers, and despite sustained air strikes and intelligence operations, roughly 150 launchers remain operational, meaning nearly 30 percent of the original force is still active.

US and Israeli air forces have maintained continuous operations targeting missile infrastructure across Iran. With effective air dominance, the coalition has conducted extensive reconnaissance and strike missions aimed specifically at eliminating Iran’s ability to launch ballistic missiles. However, despite advanced surveillance capabilities including satellites, drones, reconnaissance aircraft, and dozens of fighter jets operating over Iranian territory, locating and destroying mobile missile launchers has proven extremely difficult.

The remaining launchers are often concealed in tunnels or underground facilities. Iranian forces are reportedly attempting to clear debris from these tunnel systems to restore launch capabilities, while Israeli forces continue targeting the sites to prevent the systems from being brought back online. The destruction of command centers, headquarters, storage facilities, launch sites, and senior commanders has already significantly disrupted Iran’s missile operations.

Israeli military leadership has indicated that the campaign to neutralize Iran’s missile launch capability could continue for up to a month, warning that ending operations too early might allow Tehran to rebuild its missile forces quickly with possible assistance from countries such as China and North Korea.

Despite heavy losses, Iran continues launching ballistic missiles not only toward Israel but also toward countries in the Gulf region. However, the pace of these attacks has slowed considerably compared to earlier stages of the conflict.

Data released by the United Arab Emirates shows that about 238 Iranian ballistic missiles had been launched toward the UAE by March 8, with the highest daily count reaching 17 missiles in a single day.

Military analysts note that destroying the remaining launchers may actually take longer than the first phase of the campaign. Iran appears to have adapted its tactics after losing a large portion of its launch systems and command infrastructure, making the remaining launchers harder to locate and strike.

Source: Defence UA / Defense Express

Jesse Jackson Jr., the son of the recently deceased activist and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, has slammed former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton over how they remembered Reverend Jackson in their speeches at his memorial.

During Friday’s service at Chicago’s House of Hope, Obama warned about the state of the nation, calling each day a “new assault on our democratic institutions.”

“Each day, we’re told by those in high office to fear each other and to turn on each other, and that some Americans count more than others, and that some don’t even count at all,” the former president said.

“Everywhere we see greed and bigotry, being celebrated and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength. It’s hard to hope in those moments.”

Biden also claimed the Trump administration doesn’t share “any of the values that we have.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, defeated by Trump during the 2024 election, bragged she “predicted a lot about what’s happening right now” during her remarks.
“I’m not into saying I told you so, but we did see it coming,” Harris said.
“But what I did not predict is that we would not have Jesse Jackson with us right now to help us get through this.”

Clinton, who kept his eulogy mostly free of politics, remembered Jackson warmly as a good friend.

However, Jesse Jackson Jr. the son of the late Civil Rights leader, seemed to disapprove of how the three presidents remembered Jackson.

“ I listened for several hours to three United States presidents who do not know Jesse Jackson,” the grieving son said during a private memorial service at Rainbow Push Coalition headquarters in Chicago.

“He maintained a tense relationship with the political order, not because the presidents were white or black, but the demands of our message, the demands of speaking for the least of these – those who are disinherited, the damned, the dispossessed, the disrespected – demanded not Democratic or Republican solutions, but demanded a consistent, prophetic voice that at no point in time ever sold us out as people.

“And it speaks volumes about who the Rev. Jesse Jackson was.”

Jackson died at 84 last month at his Chicago home.

Breaking News : Ukraine Offers Drone-for-Missile Deal: Zelenskyy Proposes Swapping Interceptor Drones for Patriot Missiles

Ukraine has proposed an unusual defense exchange with its international partners, offering domestically developed interceptor drones in return for additional Patriot air defense missiles, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Speaking about Ukraine’s urgent air defense requirements, Zelenskyy said the country is prepared to provide its combat-tested drone interception technology to allies that are facing threats from Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions. In return, Kyiv hopes to secure more Patriot missile interceptors, which are critical for defending Ukrainian cities against Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine’s interceptor drones have been developed and refined during the war and are specifically designed to destroy Shahed-type attack drones. These relatively low-cost systems are intended to provide an efficient way to counter large swarms of drones that would otherwise require expensive missile interceptors.

According to the Ukrainian president, the proposal is simple. Ukraine would supply interceptor drones and the technology behind them to interested countries while receiving Patriot missile interceptors that Ukraine urgently needs but cannot manufacture domestically.

The Patriot system remains one of the few air defense platforms capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, making it one of the most valuable defensive assets for Ukraine as Russia continues to launch long-range missile strikes.

Zelenskyy also noted that several countries, particularly in the Middle East, have expressed interest in Ukraine’s experience and technology for countering Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Nations such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are reportedly seeking effective solutions to defend against similar drone threats.

Ukraine has already demonstrated its willingness to support partners facing these challenges. Following a request from the United States, Kyiv recently deployed interceptor drones and a team of Ukrainian specialists to Jordan to help strengthen the protection of U.S. military bases from potential drone attacks.
However, Ukraine currently has a wartime restriction on weapons exports that was introduced after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Any potential exchange or transfer of interceptor drones would therefore require regulatory adjustments or special government approval.

Ukrainian defense manufacturers say they have the capacity to produce interceptor drones in large numbers without affecting Ukraine’s own defense needs. These drones are significantly cheaper than traditional missile interceptors, which can cost several million dollars per Patriot missile.

The proposal reflects Ukraine’s growing defense technology sector and its attempt to leverage combat-proven innovations to secure the advanced air defense systems it urgently needs to protect its cities and infrastructure from continued missile attacks.

Source: UNN News Agency based on statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Breaking News: China’s Quiet Strategy Could Neutralize US F-35 Jets Without Firing a Single Missile

While global attention remains focused on conflicts in the Middle East and the possibility of a US confrontation with Iran, analysts say a far larger strategic shift may be unfolding quietly in Beijing. China has unveiled a sweeping long-term plan that could influence the balance of global military power for decades, potentially affecting advanced American weapons systems such as the F-35 stealth fighter.

The strategy is outlined in China’s 141-page 15th Five-Year Plan, presented during the National People’s Congress on March 5. The document goes far beyond standard economic policy and lays out an ambitious roadmap for technological dominance across industries expected to define future military and economic power. According to analysts, the blueprint reads less like routine planning and more like a national technological mobilization effort designed to secure leadership in next-generation technologies.

At the center of the plan is a massive push into emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, quantum communications, nuclear fusion research, and brain-computer interface systems. Beijing intends to embed AI across large parts of its economy over the next decade while expanding industrial capacity in humanoid robotics, a sector Chinese planners expect to double production within five years.

But the strategy’s most powerful leverage may lie in something far less futuristic: rare-earth minerals. China dominates the global supply chain for these critical materials, which are essential for advanced electronics, radar systems, sensors, magnets, and guidance technologies used in modern weapons. Beijing has recently expanded export control rules covering rare-earth elements, introducing licensing requirements and compliance measures that give the country greater influence over global supply.

This dominance matters greatly for Western defense programs. Modern military platforms, including the F-35 stealth fighter, rely heavily on rare-earth materials to function. These elements are used in radar systems, targeting lasers, electronic warfare equipment, and other high-tech components essential to advanced combat aircraft and precision weapons.

Because China controls a major portion of the world’s rare-earth production and processing, analysts warn that export restrictions or supply disruptions could potentially slow or complicate the production and maintenance of Western military systems. In that sense, Beijing’s leverage over critical materials could influence advanced US weapons programs without the need for direct military confrontation.

The broader Chinese strategy therefore spans far beyond traditional military competition. By investing heavily in emerging technologies while simultaneously tightening control over critical materials and supply chains, Beijing appears to be building long-term structural advantages in both economic and defense sectors.

Analysts say the real significance of the plan lies in its long horizon. While current global headlines track missile strikes, sanctions, and troop deployments, China’s approach focuses on shaping the technological and industrial foundations that will determine military power in the decades ahead.

Source: NDTV

PAKISTAN’S NAVY GOES TO WAR MODE OVER IRAN’S TANKER ATTACKS

Pakistan has launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr. Warships are now actively escorting merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The move comes after Iranian attacks cut tanker traffic by roughly 70%, choking the critical energy corridor Pakistan depends on

The country imports more than 80% of its oil from the Gulf. Last week’s 20% fuel price spike has already triggered long queues at stations across major cities.

The crisis isn’t staying contained. A separate clip shows a UAE F-16 shooting down an Iranian Shahed drone right over Dubai’s Al Mamzar Beach. UAE authorities report 117 drones detected in their airspace in recent days, turning civilian coastlines into accidental front lines.

Trump Declares Victory in Sight: Iran War ‘Very Complete’ and Way Ahead of Schedule

President Trump told CBS News today that the U.S. military campaign against Iran is effectively over, calling it “very complete, pretty much.” He pointed out that Iran has lost its navy, air force, and communications systems entirely, leaving the regime crippled and unable to fight back effectively.

Speaking from his Doral golf club in Florida, Trump stressed the operation is far ahead of his original 4-to-5-week timeline. “We’re very far ahead of schedule,” he said, signaling a swift and decisive American triumph with minimal prolonged engagement.

This comes as joint U.S.-Israeli strikes have devastated Iranian capabilities, forcing the mullahs into a corner. The president made clear further aggression from Tehran would be met with overwhelming force, but the endgame looks close.

Strong leadership is delivering results: Iran weakened, American interests protected, and the path cleared for a freer Middle East. No endless wars—just victory.

Global Energy Shock? Putin Says Russia Ready to Supply Europe With Oil and Gas as Middle East War Disrupts Global Shipping

A major shift in global energy politics may be unfolding as Vladimir Putin announced that Russia could be ready to supply oil and natural gas to Europe under certain conditions if the current conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to disrupt global energy routes.

The growing war tensions in the Middle East have reportedly affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical energy corridors in the world. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through this narrow waterway, meaning any disruption can quickly shake global markets.

Energy analysts warn that if shipments through the strait remain blocked or restricted, the world could face serious shortages and rapidly rising fuel prices.

Speaking on the situation, Putin suggested that Russia has the capacity to help stabilize the energy market by increasing oil and gas exports to European countries that may face shortages due to the crisis.

This development is significant because in recent years many European nations tried to reduce their reliance on Russian energy following geopolitical tensions and sanctions linked to the conflict in Ukraine.

However, with global supply routes under pressure and oil prices climbing, some experts say Europe may be forced to reconsider its energy options if the crisis continues.

The situation highlights how conflicts in the Middle East can quickly impact the entire world economy. When the Strait of Hormuz is threatened, it doesn’t just affect the region — it can influence fuel prices, inflation, and economic stability across the globe.

For countries like South Africa and many others that depend heavily on imported fuel, such global disruptions could eventually lead to higher petrol prices and increased cost of living.

ECZ EXTENDS VOTER REGISTER INSPECTION PERIOD

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has extended the period for the physical inspection of the provisional voters’ register by two days to allow more citizens to verify their details

ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis announced that the inspection exercise, which began on March 2, 2026, will now conclude on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled end date of Sunday, March 8.

Ms. Zaloumis explained that the Commission decided to extend the exercise following requests from various stakeholders who sought additional time to participate in the process.

She noted that among those who had raised concerns were Members of Parliament who were still attending parliamentary sittings when the inspection exercise commenced.

The ECZ Chairperson said the extension would give more eligible voters an opportunity to physically inspect the provisional voters’ register and ensure that their details are correctly captured ahead of the upcoming electoral processes.

She further encouraged citizens to take advantage of the additional days to verify their information at designated inspection centres across the country.

DO YOU KNOW HOW PUTIN BECAME RUSSIA’s PRESIDENT?-I enjoyed reading this article:

This is Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia. He has dominated Russian politics for 26 years.

Putin is the definition of “started from the bottom, now we are here.”

He started his career as a KGB agent. The KGB was like the FBI and CIA combined. It was the main intelligence and security agency of the SOVIET UNION, dealing with both domestic and foreign issues.

The Soviet Union was a union of 15 republics, namely;

■ Russia
■ Ukraine
■ Belarus
■ Uzbekistan
■ Kazakhstan
■ Kyrgyzstan
■ Tajikistan
■ Turkmenistan
■ Azerbaijan
■ Georgia
■ Lithuania
■ Moldova
■ Latvia
■ Armenia
■ Estonia

All these republics were part of one large country called the Soviet Union. It was MASSIVE and became America’s biggest rival after World War 2. This rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union became known as the Cold War.

America promoted CAPITALISM , while the Soviet Union promoted COMMUNISM. But that is a subject for another day.

Vladimir Putin joined the KGB in 1975, after finishing law school. He was only 23 years old. He served in the KGB for about 16 years.

In 1991, shortly before the Soviet Union officially collapsed, Putin left the KGB.

The Soviet Union formally ended on 26 December, 1991. After that, the republics that had been part of the Soviet Union became independent countries.

Putin then entered public administration in his hometown of Leningrad, which is now called Saint Petersburg. He became an adviser to the mayor and later rose to the position of Deputy Mayor.

In 1996, Putin moved to Moscow and got a job in the presidential administration. His job involved managing government property. At the time, the president of Russia was Boris Yeltsin.

Working in the presidential administration brought Putin closer to the center of power, where senior officials around the president could notice his work.

His skills were quickly recognized. Putin was appointed Deputy CHIEF OF STAFF to the President.

A Chief of Staff manages the president’s office. When I say the president’s office, I do not mean the physical room where the president works. I mean the team of aides and officials who support the president.

The Chief of Staff coordinates this staff and controls the president’s schedule, often deciding who gets access to the president and which issues reach the president first. It is therefore a very influential position.

As Deputy Chief of Staff, Putin was now inside the president’s inner circle. His work became visible directly to President Yeltsin.

In 1998, Putin was appointed Director of the FSB, Russia’s main intelligence agency and the successor to the KGB. He was also appointed Secretary of the Security Council.

These positions gave Putin access to key security and political networks across the government, which became an important step in his rise.

In August 1999, President Boris Yeltsin appointed Putin as Prime Minister. Russian prime ministers have limited authority. The president runs the show.

On December 31, 1999, President Yeltsin resigned. Putin automatically became Acting President.

Three months later, Putin won the 2000 presidential election and became president.

He was re-elected in 2004 for another four-year term, serving until 2008.

At the time, the Russian constitution said that presidents could NOT do more than two consecutive terms. I must emphasize that presidents were allowed to serve more than two terms, but NOT two terms in a row.

By 2008, Putin had already served two consecutive terms, so he could not run again.

To remain influential, Putin supported his close ally Dmitry Medvedev, who ran for president in 2008 and won. Medvedev then appointed Putin as Prime Minister. During this time, Putin was the one truly in charge even though he was no-longer president. He continued to influence things. Infact, when Medvedev was still president, the constitution was changed so that future presidential terms would last six years instead of four.

In 2012, after the end of his term, Medvedev stepped aside inorder for Putin to run again for president. Putin ran and won, beginning a six-year term from 2012 to 2018. He was re-elected in 2018 for another six-year term that would end in 2024.

However, having done two consecutive terms, Putin was not eligible to run again in 2024. In order to get around this complication, his government brought a new amendment that said a president could now only do a maximum of two terms only. However here is THE CATCH. They said that this change did not apply to anyone who had previously served as president. This meant that Putin’s earlier terms were no longer counted under the new constitutional rules, allowing him to run for two more six-year terms.

The amendments were approved by parliament and later confirmed in a national vote (referendum)

This allowed Putin to run again in 2024 for another six-year term, which runs until 2030.

If he chooses, he can run again in 2030, which would allow him to remain president until 2036.

By 2036, Vladimir Putin would be 83 years old. Given the constitutional changes that have already taken place, it is possible that the rules could be amended again in the future. If that were to happen, it could potentially allow him to remain in power beyond the current term limits, or possibly make himself life president.

If you’re Zimbabwean, this story should speak to you!

By TAFFY THEMAN

Iran’s IRGC Dangles Strait of Hormuz Access: Expel US and Israeli Ambassadors or Stay Blocked

Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard just laid down a stark ultimatum. Any Arab or European nation that boots the American and Israeli ambassadors from its soil gets full, unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz starting tomorrow. Refuse, and your tankers remain locked out amid the ongoing conflict.

This move comes as global oil flows choke, prices spike, and the vital chokepoint stays a flashpoint. Iran openly rewards diplomatic betrayal of Washington and Jerusalem while punishing allies who stand firm.

The message is clear: align with the regime’s anti-Western axis or face economic strangulation. No ambiguity, no compromise. The IRGC is weaponizing one of the world’s most critical sea lanes to force a choice.

🚨 Breaking News : Trump Declares Iran War a ‘Short-Term Excursion’ Set to End ‘Very Soon’ – Strikes to Continue Until Total Defeat

Washington, D.C. – March 10, 2026 – In a bold address to Republican lawmakers and a follow-up press conference in Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed that the escalating U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran will wrap up “very soon”, describing the operation as a necessary “short-term excursion” to neutralize existential threats.

Speaking amid ongoing airstrikes that have targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles, and naval assets, Trump emphasized that the strikes will persist relentlessly until Iran achieves “unconditional surrender” and is “totally and decisively defeated.”

“This isn’t a forever war – it’s a quick, decisive hit to make sure they never threaten us or our allies again,” Trump stated, adding that the mission is already “very complete” and “far ahead of schedule.” He predicted a sharp drop in global oil prices post-resolution but issued a stark warning: any Iranian attempts to disrupt key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz would trigger “harder and faster” responses.

The conflict, which ignited on February 28, 2026, has seen intense exchanges, including the reported de∆th of Iran’s Supreme Leader ∆li Kh∆menei and the swift installation of Mojtaba Kh∆menei as his successor. Tehran has rebuffed ceasefire overtures, vowing “unyielding resistance” while facing mounting casualties and infrastructure losses.

As markets react with volatile oil swings and regional allies bolster defenses, Trump’s timeline raises urgent questions: Will this mark a swift pivot to diplomacy, or a prolonged shadow war? Stay tuned for live updates.

Sources: Reported by Axios, CNBC, CBS News, Al Jazeera, BBC, NBC News, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal based on direct quotes from Trump’s March 9 remarks.

TOBACCO TEARS! Zimbabwe Farmers Revolt as Auction Prices Crash to 50 Cents

Angry farmers staged protests as Zimbabwe’s 2026 tobacco marketing season opened with shockingly low prices at auction floors in Harare.

The season began with a first-bale price of $4.60 per kilogram, slightly below last year’s $4.65, but the optimism quickly faded. Within hours, some low-grade tobacco was selling for as little as 50 to 60 US cents per kilogram, sparking outrage among growers who say the prices are unsustainable.

“I can’t sell my tobacco at $1 per kilogram,” one frustrated farmer complained. “How will we afford inputs for next season?”

According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, global oversupply is driving prices down as major producers sit on large stockpiles from previous years. Demand from China a key buyer of Zimbabwe’s leaf, has also fallen sharply.

Despite the crisis, Zimbabwe hopes to sell up to 400 million kg this season, far higher than last year’s 335 million kg, raising fears that the price slump could worsen.

Ibhetshu LikaZulu Pressure Group Backs Down in Mnangagwa Term-Limit Court Fight

A controversial court challenge against proposed term-limit extensions for Zimbabwe’s president and Members of Parliament has collapsed after pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu dramatically withdrew its case from the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe.

The organisation had filed an application challenging planned constitutional amendments that could push the current presidential and parliamentary terms to 2030, beyond the existing 2028 constitutional limit. But in a sudden reversal, the group said it was stepping back from the legal battle, blaming what it called “vicious propaganda by negative forces.”

Ibhetshu LikaZulu also strongly rejected allegations that it had been working with the ruling ZANU‑PF party to create legal justification for the amendments. Critics had claimed the group was being used as a political proxy to help smooth the passage of the controversial changes without a national referendum.

The withdrawal throws the future of the legal challenge into uncertainty and adds fresh intrigue to Zimbabwe’s heated debate over constitutional changes and presidential term limits.

“Burkinabe Women Gift Harvest to President Traore: A ‘Thank You’ for Empowering Women” 

 Burkinabe women from the Relwende Teel Taba Cooperative gifted their harvest to President Ibrahim Traore in appreciation of his support.

The president had fulfilled his promise to help the cooperative by providing a fenced perimeter, modern irrigation system, and water castle, boosting their production.

This gesture was part of Women’s Month celebrations, showcasing gratitude for the president’s efforts in empowering women