Underscoring the pan-African battle against desertification and drought | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Seven UN Volunteers are serving with UNCCD and the Panafrican Agency for the GGWI in West and Central Africa. Another is El Moctar Mohamed Yahya from Mauritania, who is 64 years old. Meanwhile, in Mauritania, El Moctar is a senior national UN Volunteer Expert with the National Agency of the Great Green Wall. –Sidna Ould Ahmed Ely, Director General of the National Agency of the Great Green Wall, Mauritania. My efforts have already sparked a new dynamic within the national agency, enhancing its work in areas beyond my assigned mission.
Source:The Guardian
June 15, 2023 18:07 UTC
DSS Interrogates Suspended EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that it is interrogating the suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa. Earlier on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu suspended Bawa over allegations of abuse of office. Bawa, who was nominated as EFCC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021, succeeded former EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu who was also suspended and underwent trial on alleged diversion of recovered government assets. The Buhari Presidency said Magu’s suspension is to “allow for unhindered inquiry” by the panel investigating allegations of corruption during his tenure as EFCC chairman. The outcome of President Buhari’s enquiry into Magu’s tenure as EFCC chairman is yet to be known two years after his removal from office.
Source:The Guardian
June 15, 2023 15:03 UTC
More than 150,000 evacuated as India, Pakistan brace for Cyclone Biparjoy
More than 150,000 people in India and Pakistan have been evacuated from the path of a fierce cyclone a day before it is expected. Forecasters have warned that ‘Cyclone Biparjoy’ meaning ‘disaster’ in Bengali could destroy homes and crops. Biparjoy has been travelling across the Arabian Sea and is anticipated to make landfall in Gujarat, India, on Thursday night local time. Trains in the Gujarat region have been suspended while the ports of Kandla and Mundra – two of the largest in India – have stopped operations, authorities said. Fishing has been suspended along the Gujarat coast, while fishermen in Pakistan’s coastal region have also been warned to stay off the water.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
June 15, 2023 08:11 UTC
Reflection on Nigeria
In retrospect, Nigeria today arrived late and many decades behind global development conversations but we can catch up. We must understand that for Nigeria to exude greatness at our desired pace, the subsidy regime must end. A critical examination our exchange policy indicates that corruption is not an abstract concept in Nigeria. I led a similar trek to Nigeria during the elections with 60 students of the Kennedy school and other Harvard affiliates. Do we pray for Nigeria in one breathe and by default curse in another when things go wrong?
Source:Nigerian Tribune
June 15, 2023 03:48 UTC
UPDATED: FG to start disbursement of student loan September
The Federal Government says it is working out modalities to begin the disbursement of student loans in September. According to Adejo, President Tinubu has directed that the first recipients of the loan must be available for the 2023/2024 academic session. It will also perform normal banking functions and make sure loans are given because we had cases of loan recovery in the past,” he addedMeanwhile, the recently signed student loan act has continued to get support from interested stakeholders. The association praised President Tinubu for its signing while urging him to review the constitution of the special committee that will oversee the new Nigerian Education Loan Fund to include student representatives. We want to equally thank you for the Students Loan Bill.”
Source:Punch
June 15, 2023 03:08 UTC
Why I donated blood 78 times, 41-year-old donor
A 41-year-old blood donor, Nathan John, has explained that the willing act to save lives is the reason he has donated his blood 78 times. He said this on Wednesday, during an event organised by the National Blood Service Commission to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day in Abuja. John, who is the official highest blood donor in Nigeria, added that blood donation is not about money but about giving others a chance to live. Speaking with our correspondent, John said, “I am so proud to be a regular blood donor. The perm sec represented by the Acting Director General of the National Blood Service Commission, Joseph Amedu, hinted at the proliferation of the blood black market due to operations of unaccredited blood service delivery and stressed the need for more awareness on voluntary donations.
Source:Punch
June 14, 2023 20:23 UTC
On consumer rights and protection against exploitation
This means that we need stronger consumer protection laws that prohibit false advertising, hidden fees, and other deceptive business practices that mislead consumers. We need to ensure that consumer protection agencies and regulators are adequately empowered and equipped to enforce the laws and regulations that protect consumers. Also, there is a need to promote education and awareness about consumer protection issues. In conclusion, we must prioritize the protection of consumer rights in our communities. We must work together as consumers, business owners, government officials, and community members to create a culture of trust, transparency, and fairness that benefits all parties involved.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
June 14, 2023 18:40 UTC
FG begs youths to donate blood to close 1.5 million units deficit
The federal government has urged Nigerian youths to engage in regular blood and plasma donation to address the 1.5 million units of blood deficit required to save lives and treat life-threatening diseases. “It is sad to note that out of these 200 million units of blood required as a nation, the blood service commission collects only 500,000 units, 25 per cent of the expected annual blood donation. “This leaves us with a shortfall of 1.5 million units of blood which is 75 per cent of our expected annual blood donation. “For as long as the demand exceeds the supply, racketeering of blood and blood products will continue to thrive. He further disclosed that the NBSC had instituted the Tertiary Education Blood Safety Club (TRBSC) to improve non-remunerated blood donation among youths and create voluntary blood donation ambassadors.
Source:The Guardian
June 14, 2023 18:36 UTC
How political influence shapes investment success
Political leaders, as stewards of policy and governance, possess the ability to influence and even disrupt investments through their decisions. Conversely, political power grants decision-making authority, enabling politicians to shape policies that impact the accumulation and growth of wealth. By participating in public-private dialogues and promoting transparent and equitable policies, investors can contribute to shaping favorable business climates. Finally, while power and wealth are intertwined, the influence of political leaders on investments should not discourage investors. By strategically engaging with governments, fostering relationships, and advocating for investment-friendly policies, investors can position themselves for long-term success.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
June 14, 2023 07:12 UTC
IMF and removal of trade barriers in Africa | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The IMF report, from its findings, asserts that trade barrier removal would increase median goods trade between African countries by 53 per cent while also increasing the median goods trade between African countries by 53 per cent and with the rest of the world by 15 per cent. Recent data shows that total intra-African agricultural trade was valued at US$24.4 billion (US$13.2 billion exports and US$11.1 billion imports) representing some 19% of total intra-African exports and 18% of intra-African imports. Though Nigeria signed the protocol in Niamey, Niger Republic with the pronouncement that it believes not only in free trade but also fair trade, the anti-AfCFTA behaviour under Buhari was unabating. A case in point is the frequent border closures between Nigeria and its close neighbour Benin Republic. Lots of petty traders transact in perishable consumer items such as tomatoes, poultry products, rice and many others across these borders.
Source:The Guardian
June 14, 2023 04:34 UTC
Boat conveying 100 persons capsizes in Kwara community
A boat conveying no fewer than 100 persons including a father and his four children, on Monday, capsized with scores reportedly dead at Egbu village in the Patigi local government area of Kwara State. Tribune Online gathered that about 50 bodies have been recovered from the incident while the incident had reportedly turned the entire local government area of the state into mourning. The victims were said to be returning from a marriage ceremony at a neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State. Sources in the village also said that the deceased persons had taken off from Kpada village in Kwara State to be part of the marriage ceremony at the Egboti village in Niger State. According to the source, 69 persons lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi local government area of the state.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
June 14, 2023 00:00 UTC
Basketball enthusiasts to honour late PUNCH chairman, Wale Aboderin
Proprietor, Dolphins Basketball Club (middle) Wale Aboderin teaching participants at the Dolphins Youth and Kiddies Basketball Summer Camp in Lagos., 2016. Photo: Sodiq AdelakunSome stakeholders in basketball on Monday said that the Dolphins Basketball Gym will once again come alive when they honour the late Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Wale Aboderin with a memorial match. Aboderin, who founded the Dolphins Basketball Club in 1997, had left an unrivalled legacy, contributing immensely to the basketball community in Nigeria, especially in developing women through the sport. “His team, Dolphins Basketball Club, also had provided the national team with top quality players that went on to win national, continental trophies. Dolphins Basketball Club were city rivals to First Bank of Lagos and Deepwater Basketball Club of Lagos.
Source:Punch
June 13, 2023 20:27 UTC
More than 100 dead as boat capsizes in Nigeria
Most of those who drowned were relatives from several villages who attended the wedding together and partied late into the night, according to Abdul Gana Lukpada, a local chief. They arrived at the ceremony on motorcycles but had to leave on the locally made boat after a downpour flooded the road, he said.
Source:The Guardian
June 13, 2023 16:56 UTC
Godswill Akpabio: From facing corruption allegations to being Senate President
On June 13, 2023, Senator Godswill Akpabio was elected as Nigeria’s Senate President for the 10th assembly following a closely contested election. Akpabio, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, secured 63 votes, defeating his opponent, former Governor of Zamfara State Abdul’aziz Yari, who received 46 votes. Akpabio’s election as Senate President marks a significant achievement in his political career. Corruption Allegations: During his tenure as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, there were allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds against Akpabio’s administration. His Senate Presidency: On June 13, 2023, Akpabio made history by becoming the first senator from Akwa Ibom State and the South-South geopolitical zone to be elected as the Senate President of Nigeria.
Source:The Guardian
June 13, 2023 12:41 UTC
Which University is the Best to Study Geology in Nigeria?
Which University is the Best to Study Geology in Nigeria? Among numerous reputable Nigerian universities, the University of Ibadan (UI) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have consistently stood out. However, for the purpose of this article, we will focus on Obafemi Awolowo University as the premier institution for studying Geology in Nigeria.Which University is the Best to Study Geology in Nigeria? Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaObafemi Awolowo University (OAU)Founded in 1962, Obafemi Awolowo University, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been an enduring beacon of academic excellence in Nigeria. Cut-off mark for geology in Nigeria As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the specific cutoff marks for studying Geology in Nigerian universities may vary depending on the university and the year.
Source:The Guardian
June 13, 2023 12:25 UTC