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Category: News

  • ‘Queen of rock ‘n’ roll’ Tina Turner dies at 83

    Tina Turner performs in London

    Tina Turner, the American-born singer who left a hardscrabble farming community and abusive relationship to become one of the top recording artists of all time has died on Wednesday at the age of 83.

    She died peacefully after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, her representative said.

    Turner began her career in the 1950s during the early years of rock and roll and evolved into an MTV phenomenon.

    In the video for her chart-topping song “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” in which she called love a “second-hand emotion,” Turner epitomized 1980s style as she strutted through New York City streets with her spiky blond hair, wearing a cropped jean jacket, mini skirt, and stiletto heels.

    With her taste for musical experimentation and bluntly-worded ballads, Turner gelled perfectly with a 1980s pop landscape in which music fans valued electronically-produced sounds and scorned hippie-era idealism.

    Sometimes nicknamed the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Turner won six of her eight Grammy Awards in the 1980s. The decade saw her land a dozen songs on the Top 40, including “Typical Male,” “The Best,” “Private Dancer” and “Better Be Good to Me.” Her 1988 show in Rio de Janeiro drew 180,000 people, which remains one of the largest concert audiences for any single performer.

  • We’re working until May 29 — Lai Mohammed

    *Says FEC not dissolved

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, directed members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to continue with their functions till Friday.

    President Buhari was expected to dissolve his cabinet at the valedictory session which was held at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The valedictory session was the last Federal Executive Council meeting to be presided by President Buhari as he prepares to leave office on May 29 when the new administration would be inaugurated.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the valedictory session, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the cabinet was not dissolved contrary to reports in some quarters.

    He described the report of the dissolution while President Muhammadu Buhari was presiding, as fake news.

    He said President Buhari has directed all ministers to return to their desks and continue working on their transition assignments.

    According to him: “I just want to make this clarification. While we were at the chambers there was a false breaking news that the federal executive council has been dissolved which is not correct. As a matter of fact, we have been directed by the president that we should all go back and return to our offices. So it is not true that the federal executive council has been dissolved, it is still very much alive.

    “We have all been directed to go back to our offices and ensure that we continue to work right to the end of 29 May. So please ignore the fake news.”
    President Buhari had earlier sworn in seven federal commissioners of the Revenue, Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    The federal commissioners include Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu state), Peter Opara (Imo state), Hawa Aliyu (Jigawa state), and Rekiya Haruna (Kebbi state).
    Others are Ismaila Agaka (Kwara).

  • FG sets to launch National Cybercrime Centre 

    The war against cybercrime in Nigeria has taken a centre stage as the Federal Government disclosed readiness to launch the National Cybercrime Centre to curb the increasing wave of cyber-related crimes in the country.

    1st National Consultation on the Cybercrimes Legal Framework jointly sponsored by the GLACY+ and OCWAR-C (both EU funded projects) projects in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    The Cyber security centre which will be supervised by the Nigeria Police Force would among others synergise with both National and international security communities for robust legislation, and strategies to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace. 

    This was made known by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, at the first Consultation forum on the national legal framework on Cybercrime held in Abuja. 

    In a remark, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno pointed out that Nigeria’s cyberspace is currently threatened by money laundering, child pornography, and fishing among other cyber-related crimes.  

    Monguno said to reverse the growing trends of cybercrimes and to properly harness the revolution’s benefits from the potential of cyberspace,  there is a need for collaborative efforts by agencies to cope with the threats.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the African Union Cybersecurity Group of experts, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, also stressed the need to improve legislation along with the cyber security architecture in the country.

    Ajijola said, “I urge Nigeria to ratify and accede to the Malabo convention as Africa has started moving forward on it without us. 

    “However, legislation alone is not enough. We need to fortify our digital frontiers with advanced cybersecurity technologies.”

    In the same vern, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Isa Pantami also called for collaborative efforts by Ministries and agencies of government to tackle the menace of cybercrime.

    The Digital and communication minister also stressed the need for an improved legislative framework that will combat the complexity of the crimes. 

    Pantami said, “Let us remember the profound importance of our collective efforts. Cybercrime knows no borders, and its impact transcends individual nations. 

    “We must work together as stakeholders from various sectors – government, law enforcement agencies, industry, civil society, and academia – to address the multifaceted challenges 

    “We must seize this opportunity to develop a robust national legal framework that encompasses the complexities of cybercrimes and electronic evidence gathering. 

    “Our legislation should empower law enforcement agencies, enable effective investigation and prosecution of cybercriminals, and safeguard the rights and privacy of our citizens. It should promote international cooperation and information sharing to combat cyber threats effectively.”

    Also  the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stressed the need for an improved legal framework to combat rising threats to Nigeria’s cyberspace. 

    He said, “A cybercrime legislative framework Is one of those critical areas that needs to be addressed in order to promote a healthy digital economy. “

    He added, “As we embark on this collaborative journey, let us embrace the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and resilience. Let us seize this opportunity to devise legal frameworks that strike a delicate balance between security and privacy, empower law enforcement agencies, protect our citizens and critical infrastructure, and foster trust in our digital ecosystem.” 

    Earlier, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, in a welcome address, urged the participants at the forum to harness the opportunities provided by the three-day consultative forum to improve modalities towards curbing cybercrime in Nigeria.

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho on his part, pledged the commitment of the courts towards achieving the aims of Act, -2015 cybercrime Act.

    Represented by Justice D.U. Okorowo, the CJ stressed that the Federal High Court is not just a critical stakeholder, but a decisive partner in the achievement of the aims of the Act.

    Justice Tsoho said, “The Federal High Court as an institution is committed to providing adequate support to all relevant stakeholders to achieve the aims of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Preventions) Act, 2015

    “Section 50 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Preventions) Act, 2015 conferred on the Federal High Court exclusive jurisdiction over offences committed under the Act.”

  • EU court annuls approved €130m aid for Italian airlines

    A European Union court has annulled the approval for state aid granted to Italian airlines worth 130 million euros (140 million U.S. dollars) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a ruling.

    The EU General Court on Wednesday cancelled the European Commission’s approval after finding that the basis for compatibility with EU law had not been sufficiently justified, according to a statement.

    Budget airline Ryanair filed the complaint against the state support from Italy.

    It follows a similar court decision taken against German state aid awarded to German airline company Lufthansa.

    The 130 million euros in funds was intended to compensate the airlines for damages suffered as a result of COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

    According to the EU General Court, the commission should have either explained why the competition authority had no issue with the state aid or started an investigation.

    State support is usually closely regulated; however, restrictions were loosened during the pandemic.

    The commission is the bloc’s top authority on competition matters and approves state subsidies.

    The ruling may be appealed at the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the bloc’s highest court.

  • Judgement Debts: Buhari seeks Senate’s approval to pay N226bn, $556.8m, £98.5m

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the approval of the Senate to issue a promissory note for the payment of $566,754,584.31, £98,526,012.00, and N226, 281, 801, 881.64 judgement debts owed by the Federal Government.

    Buhari’s request was contained in a letter addressed to Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    Buhari in the letter said: “Distinguished Senate President, you may wish to be informed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of March 29, 2023, approved the liquidations of top priority judgment debts and general debts owed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through the issuance of promissory notes.

    “The judgment debts are to be settled through the issuance of promissory notes which will then be redeemed over time through provisions in the budgets of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “Thus debt securities have been issued for the settlement of the judgment debts and approval of the National Assembly is required for this purpose.

    “In view of the foregoing, I wish to request the Senate to kindly consider and approve through its resolution the settlement of the top priority debts incurred by Federal MDAs in the sum of 566,754,584.31 dollars, 98,526,012.00 Pounds and N226,281,801,881.64 through the issuance of promissory notes.

    “The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning shall provide any information that may be required by the Senate for the consideration of this request.”

    Senate also at plenary passed for first reading five bills.

    The bills include Federal Medical Centres Act Amendment Bill 2023 sponsored by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto), Federal Teaching Hospital, Markurdi, Benue State Establishment Bill, 2023 by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto),

    Others are Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act Amendment Bill, 2023 by Senator Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto), and Federal University of Petroleum Technology, Ohaji-Egbema Establishment Bill, 2023 by Senator Rochas Okorocha.

  • Buhari swears-in 7 RMAFC Commissioners

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn-in seven Federal Commissioners of the Revenue, Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) as he presides over the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    Those sworn-in include Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu State), Peter Opara (Imo), Hawa Aliyu (Jigawa) and Rakiya Haruna (Kebbi State).

    Others are Ismaila Agaka (Kwara), Kolawole Abimbola (Oyo) and Ayuba Ngako (Federal Capital Territory).

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also presented the report on the Health Sector Reform Committee to the President.

    The Committee, Chaired by the vice-president, was put in place to develop a roadmap towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in the country.

    Among its recommendations include improving funding of the health sector above 10 per cent.

    The document consists of a long term development plan for the nation that is expected to be implemented by successive administrations.

    The Vice-President, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan are among those attending the Council meeting.

    Others are Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, Justice, Abubalkar Malami, and Power, Abubakar Aliyu.

    Others are Ministers of Women Affairs, Pauline Talllen, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami among others. 

  • FIFA, WHO extend partnership on access to health services

    FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to extend their collaboration and to continue to use the power of football to promote healthy lifestyles and equal access to health services worldwide.

    During the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and FIFA President Gianni Infantino signed a four-year extension to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which has been in place since 4 October 2019.  

    “Health and football are perfect teammates. Promoting healthy lifestyles, safe stadiums and the physical and mental benefits of physical activity are among the many health goals WHO is proud to keep scoring with FIFA for the next four years,” said Dr Tedros.

    “WHO’s partnership with FIFA has already succeeded to share evidence-based messages to help people of all ages lead healthier and safer lives through the power of football and sport. WHO looks forward to continuing this journey.”

    “We are proud to have signed and renewed the memorandum of understanding with the World Health Organization – we are proud to continue our relationship to pass important physical and mental health messages through our global football audience,” Gianni Infantino said. “I extend my gratitude to Dr Tedros, to his wonderful team, to everyone that helps in the healthcare sector – from doctors to nurses to healthcare professionals and health ministers – and to everyone who contributes to making our lives better.”

    Reflecting on the past four years, he added: “Both Dr Tedros and I felt that in a world that is more and more divided, maybe if the World Health Organization and FIFA join forces, we can achieve something, we can have even just a little impact to make our lives a little bit better. Since 2019, we have worked together with our colleagues at the World Health Organization to try to use the impact of football that helps drive health for one and all.”

    During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, FIFA and the WHO launched the Football Unites the World campaign. Supported by Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Hassan Al-Haydos, Karim Benzema, Lucy Bronze, Giulia Gwinn, Kaká, Robert Lewandowski, Carli Lloyd, Édouard Mendy and Emmanuel Petit as well as by two of the WHO’s Goodwill Ambassadors for Sport and Health, namely Alisson Becker and Didier Drogba, it illustrated football’s unrivaled ability to bring people together.

    The support of the Qatar Ministry of Public Health, FIFA and the WHO collaborated on a number of initiatives to promote the importance of access to physical and mental health for all. Health and well-being were prioritized through the staging of the tournament and included several initiatives such as:

    • The implementation of mass gathering and surveillance strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases
    • Enhanced policies to protect people from the harms of tobacco, including making stadium seating areas smoke-free
    • Healthy food options at all 64 matches with healthy and vegetarian food reaching a 30% quota across all FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums, thus showing that healthy, sustainable and high-quality food environments are possible at major sport events

    Since 2020, the two organisations have joined forces on various digital campaigns and initiatives to address a range of health-related issues. These, include (#ReachOut), domestic violence (#SafeHome), an appreciation of the work of health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic (#HumanitiesHeroes), equitable access to vaccinations and vaccines, diagnostics, oxygen and other life-saving tools (#ACTogether) and “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus campaign”, where FIFA Legends called on people around the world to take five steps to stop the spread of the disease. Several of these initiatives have also received active support from other institutions such as the African Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Commission to help spread the message to a global audience.

    For three years, the two organizations have also championed the need to #BeActive to promote regular physical activity. The WHO recommends that healthy adults do a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day, while children should do a minimum of 60 minutes daily. However, current WHO data has reported that 80% of adolescents are not getting enough daily exercise.

  • Police, NAF nab 4 ATM card-swapping suspects

    Police operatives and troops of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have arrested a four-member syndicate suspected to specialize in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card swapping.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that the suspects were arrested by police operatives serving in Hawk Tactical Squad together with troops of NAF, Enugu, on May 6 at about 4:30 p.m. in Emene, Enugu.

    He said that the suspects included three males and one female, a mother of four.

    According to him, the suspects were arrested while escaping to their hideout in Emene, Enugu, after they fraudulently stole the ATM card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) of an unsuspecting 63-year-old male victim.

    “This, they did, while pretending to assist a 63-year-old man withdraw money from a commercial Bank ATM along Ogui Road, Enugu.

    “Immediately after switching the ATM card, the suspects used the card and PIN to withdraw the total sum of N495,000 from the victim’s account.

    “The suspects confessed to the crime, stating that they have carried out many other criminal acts of ATM cards swapping and fraud within Enugu metropolis.

    “Four different bank ATM cards, including that of the victim, were recovered from them,” he said.

    Ndukwe said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Ammani, commended the joint operatives for bursting and bringing the criminal syndicate to book.

    He said that the commissioner had urged bank customers, particularly the elderly and those without proper knowledge of how to use ATM of banks, to exercise caution.

    Ndukwe said that the state police boss urged bank customers to seek the assistance of bank staff while using their cards on the ATM machine. 

  • British inflation falls to lowest level in over a year

    Britain’s inflation has eased back to its lowest level since March 2022 but remained higher than expected as food prices continued to rise at a near-record pace.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 8.7 percent in April.

    It was down from 10.1 percent in March, as 2022 energy price hikes were not repeated.

    But it was higher than forecast by economists, who had penciled in a drop to 8.2 percent in April.

    ONS Chief Economist, Grant Fitzner said: “The rate of inflation fell notably as the large energy price rises seen in 2022 were not repeated this April.

    “But was offset partially by increases in the cost of second-hand cars and cigarettes.

    “However, prices, in general, remain substantially higher than they were this time last year, with annual food price inflation near historic highs.”

    The figures showed food CPI inflation at 19.3 percent, down only slightly from March’s eye-watering 19.6 percent.

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “Although it is positive that it is now in single digits, food prices are still rising too fast.

    “So as well as helping families with around 3,000 pounds of cost-of-living support this year and last, we must stick resolutely to the plan to get inflation down.”

  • Vandals destroy 9 TCN towers in Abeokuta

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said nine towers located in the Obafemi  Owode area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, collapsed due to vandalism.

    Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, said that the towers affected were towers 56 to 65 along the Papalanto/Abeokuta 132KV transmission line.

    She said that the towers were all massively vandalized, leading to their collapse.

    Mbah reported the General Manager of Lagos Region, Mr Mojeed Akintola, as saying the collapse was discovered after a tripping was recorded, and a team was dispatched to trace the fault.

    ”As a result, Abeokuta and its environs are presently out of power supply even as efforts are ongoing to supply bulk electricity through an alternate line.

    ”This is to enable Ibadan Distribution Company (DisCo) to distribute electricity to its customers whose supply was affected by the incident,” she said.

    According to her, the General Manager condemned the activities of the vandals, stating that their nefarious acts were negatively impacting the gird expansion efforts of the company.

    He also said resources that would have been used to further improve the grid infrastructure in Ogun State would now be used to replace the vandalised towers.

    ”TCN is again appealing to host communities to work with the company to protect the country’s common national assets,” he said.