NATO will begin the largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance’s history on Monday in a display of unity toward partners and potential threats such as Russia. The German-led “Air Defender 23” will run until June 23 and include some 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries including Japan and Sweden, which is bidding to join the alliance. – ‘Great power competition’ –The exercise will include operational and tactical-level training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia. General Michael Loh, director of the US Air National Guard, said NATO’s duties were at an “inflection point”. “A great deal has changed on the strategic landscape throughout the world, especially here in Europe,” he said.

Operators in the real estate sector have expressed their apprehensions that the removal of petrol subsidies would exacerbate the country’s housing deficit. He said, “The removal of fuel subsidies can have significant implications for the real estate market. This can result in higher operating expenses for businesses, potentially reducing their ability to expand or invest in new real estate ventures. “Another significant impact of removing fuel subsidies is the potential shift in demand for real estate. He noted that government interventions or supportive measures could help mitigate any adverse effects and ensure a smoother transition for both the real estate market and the overall economy.

Niger State government has advised residents across the 25 Local government areas of the state, particularly those who are living in the riverine communities, to be watchful and steer clear of floods during this year’s rainy season. The State Deputy Governor, Comrade Garba Yakubu, gave the advice over the weekend while speaking through the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), Malam Garba Salihu while holding a meeting with the Desks Officers of the Agency at its Corporate office in Ebitu Ukiwe Road, GRA Minna on the need for everyone in the state to be at alert and be adequately prepared in good time and conscious against the 2023 raining season. He explained the need to invite the 25 Desks officers across the 25 local government areas of the state under NEMA arose following the letter of flood warnings from NISER and NIMET about the impending flood of this rainy season in the year 2023. Adding that Niger state has been identified as one of the states to experience flood disaster this year. Garba Salihu identified some local governments in the state that are flood prone, which include Mokwa, Lavun, Lapai, Shiroro, Wushishi, and others that are located in communities in the flood plains through trans- national Rivers like River Niger and River Kaduna.

Romelu Lukaku couldn’t have had much sleep on Saturday night in Istanbul. He might not yesterday or today either. His failure to score for Inter Milan in the 88th minute of the Champions League final against Manchester City will haunt his nights as much as his days for a while, writes Julien...

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has approved the immediate recruitment of 195 health personnel for the thirteenth General Hospitals in the State. The health personnel includes Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Scientists, Pharmacists and Health Attendance. The governor then directed the Head of Service, and Chairman Civil Service Commission to urgently commence the process of recruiting suitably qualified medical personnel to fill the existing vacancies. The Statement reads in part “In fulfilment of his promise to reposition the health sector, the Governor of Ebonyi, His Excellency Rt. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has approved the immediate recruitment of medical personnel for the thirteen General Hospitals in the State as follows:“Thirty-Nine Medical Doctors, Thirty-Nine Nurses, Thirty-Nine Laboratory ScientistsThirty-Nine pharmacists and Thirty Nine Health Attendants.

A Nigerian digital artist, Oyinlola, has announced that she will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon. She made this known via a Twitter post on Sunday while sharing a picture confirming the acceptance of her application from the Guinness World Records via email. The email partly reads, “Hello Oyinlola, We are pleased to inform you that your application has been accepted under the followingtitle: Longest painting marathon. “When you visit your online Application Summary using this link, http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/account/applications/1187111 you will be able to view both the details of the current record to beat (or minimum requirement for an open record title) and the Record Guidelines for this record title. “You can also download the Record Guidelines by clicking on View Guidelines.

Former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Mr. Bola Bolawole, will, on Tuesday, 13 June 2023 deliver a lecture to the creme-de-la-creme of the University of Ibadan community on the task before Nigeria’s newly-elected president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu assumed the leadership of Nigeria as President and Commander-in-Chief of its Armed Forces on Monday, 29 May 2023. Titled “The task before Nigeria’s 16th Head of State”, the lecture is one of the activities marking the 31st anniversary of the Resurrection Morning Star Society of the Chapel of the Resurrection, University of Ibadan. It comes up at the Chapel Hall of the university at 4.00 pm. Other activities include the induction of Resurrection Morning Star Society’s new members and the induction of the incoming executive members.

The Benue State Government has denied the allegations that it had any link with the launch of a private security outfit in the state. The Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, stated this on Saturday at a press conference in his office in Makurdi, the state capital. This declaration is coming against the backlash from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party over the purported launch of a security outfit known as Al-Tershak Global Security Limited established in the state. The PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, had last Saturday raised the alarm over the inauguration of a private security outfit in Makurdi and alleged that the deputy governor who was represented by an aide had applauded the security outfit. The PDP, while expressing fear about the antecedents of the leader of the private security outfit called on the state government to profile him.

Nigerians have been urged to brace up for the maiden edition of Customs and Classics International Expo which is expected to thrill guests and put the country on the global map. Ms Diji Shujahi, chief executive officer of Pinnaclemena Media, in collaboration with Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe, CEO, The Temple Company, told R that all Nigerians are invited to the exclusive show. “Visitors will be expected to pay N3,000, which will enable them get a raffle ticket to win N50 million and 30 gadgets,” the organizers said. Bolanle Ninalowo, actor and social media influencer, has promised to support the Customs and Classics Expo by urging his fans to buy one ticket and they will get a second ticket free for a week, as he mentioned on his social media handles. READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Grace set out to write a book that would enthrall readers of all ages, fueled by her enthusiasm and the support of her family. Speaking about her new work and journey into literature, Grace said”The Golden Poems for Kids” features 24 carefully crafted poems that transport young readers to a world of imagination, wonder, and discovery”. She added that she wants to use words to encourage children to use their creativity and embrace the power of language. “I am very excited to share my new book of poems with you,” says Grace. “The Golden Poems: Sparkling Verses of Wonders and Imagination: The Very Best of Children’s Poetry!” showcases fifty of my very best poems.

The appreciation event showcased the beauty of the state’s culture and its importance to the Lagos State Government. Thousands of people and performers from the state’s five divisions; Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe converged on the stadium for the event tagged ‘Lagos Cultural Extravaganza’, part of the Governor and Deputy Governor’s post-inauguration activities. ‘Footprint of David’ took first in the Culture Parade contest, while Zangbeto and Ajoji Imale came second and third, respectively. The Brazilian Descendants Group performed excellently, as did the Lagos Cultural Troupe. Omotoso assured that Sanwo-Olu would pay attention to arts and culture in his second term, especially going by his antecedents.

General Overseer of Holy Ghost Christian Centre, Lagos, Pastor Amos Fenwa, has said God revealed that his wife would die and that the revelation could not be changed. He made this known while addressing members of his church days after his wife’s transition. Fenwa said: “For Esther Oluyemisi Fenwa, her time was up. “This will make people say something is wrong with the Fenwa family this time. God is taking us through one process and another.”READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Karim Benzema recently moved to Al-Ittihad, leaving Real Madrid without a reliable number 9. Marco Asensio, who often served as Benzema’s backup, is also expected to leave the club as a free agent. According to a report by El Nacional – an online newspaper based in Spain, Real Madrid has is targeting targeted two strikers, Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Chelsea’s Kai Havertz. Perez and Manager Carlo Ancelotti are reported to prefer Kane over Havertz though Kane’s signing is said to be difficult to achieve because of Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy who believes that Real Madrid’s interest in Havertz is a strategy to reduce the price of the England captain.

Clearing agents have expressed fear that the removal of fuel subsidies would lead to a 100 per cent increase in clearing costs. He said, “Before now, clearing work has been low; there has been a drop of about 40 per cent in importation. In as much as we can’t say the problem with clearing is the fuel subsidy removal because it has not been long since the issue of subsidy came on board. So, the fuel subsidy removal will cause an increase in the clearing cost, talking about logistics costs. For transport, it is about a 200 per cent increase within the terminal for most of them.

Download logo“UNICEF is deeply shocked and horrified by reports that at least 22 children were among 27 people killed in an explosion in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia following the detonation of an unexploded remnant of war in an area where the children were playing. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wish the injured a quick recovery. Children are particularly vulnerable, attracted to remnants for their colourful, shiny or unusual appearance and unaware of how dangerous they are. The safety of children must be the primary consideration in all situations and no effort should be spared in upholding children’s rights to a safe and protective environment. “UNICEF is working through its local partners to provide assistance to affected individuals and families.”Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).