Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has shut down several popular establishments in the Surulere and Orile Iganmu areas for noise pollution. Among the affected are Red Pepper Bites Limited, Lacibo Restaurant & Lounge, Krusty Butter Bakery & Pastries, Addie, Don Nelson Resort & Suites, and Revelated Christian Ministry. In a statement released on its X handle on Friday, LASEPA detailed a comprehensive enforcement operation aimed at curbing noise pollution and other environmental violations. Despite multiple warnings and abatement notices issued previously, these establishments continued to flout regulations, leading to their temporary closure. The agency emphasized that this enforcement action…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have addressed the escalating concerns surrounding nuclear warfare, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences it would entail for all parties involved. The statement comes amidst heightened tensions between the East and the West, particularly in light of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine and China’s territorial disputes, notably concerning Taiwan. The one-sentence declaration, issued as part of their “new era” strategic partnership, unequivocally states: “There can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be fought.” This resolute stance underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative for global leaders to…
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has questioned the military presence of former colonial ruler France, which has several bases in the West African nation, saying it impinged on Dakar’s sovereignty. Addressing students at Dakar University on Thursday, Sonko also slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for turning a blind eye to political “persecution” in Senegal. Sonko, a firebrand former opposition leader, was at the centre of a three-year stand-off with the government of former president Macky Sall that triggered bouts of deadly unrest. He was among a group of opposition politicians freed from prison 10 days before the March 24 presidential…
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced plans to recruit 7,000 teachers to address the staffing shortfall in public primary schools. This development comes as a fulfillment of his electoral promise and reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education in the state. Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), made this announcement during a press briefing held in Ibadan on Friday. He stated the importance of this recruitment drive in meeting the educational needs of the state and bridging the gap in teacher numbers. The state government also…
The United States military has started delivering much-needed aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. According to CNN, trucks carrying humanitarian aid began moving ashore through a newly constructed floating pier, established by the US military on Gaza’s coastline. This pier, anchored to a beach on Thursday, will serve as a vital conduit for aid from various countries, addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. With all other border crossings into Gaza closed, the floating pier represents a crucial lifeline for the delivery of essential supplies. The US, which initiated the $320 million construction project in late April, has stressed…
The Republican-led House passed a bill on Thursday aimed at restricting President Joe Biden’s ability to withhold weapons transfers to Israel. The bill, named the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, passed with a 224-187 vote. It saw bipartisan support with 16 Democrats, including Thomas Suozzi of New York, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, voting in favor, while only three Republicans opposed it. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., praised the bill’s passage, criticizing the Biden administration for halting shipments of certain weapons to Israel, such as 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs. Johnson stated that the bill sends…
During the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday, South Africa called for urgent action to halt Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the city of Rafah. The South African legal team argued that Israel’s assault and the closure of crucial crossings are aimed at dismantling “the essential foundations of Palestinian life” in the region. The hearing, held at The Hague’s Peace Palace, saw South Africa requesting the ICJ to issue provisional measures to quell the violence in Gaza. This appeal comes as part of South Africa’s broader case against Israel, initiated late last year, accusing it…
The United States has taken a firm stance against the ongoing conflict in Darfur, announcing sanctions on two key commanders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Ali Yagoub Gibril and Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed. These sanctions come in response to the RSF’s military operations in Darfur, particularly their encirclement and siege of El Fasher in North Darfur, which has placed countless civilians at grave risk. The RSF’s actions, alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied groups, have resulted in civilian casualties, prompting the United States to intervene. In a press statement issued by Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, on May 15,…
In a session before the Senate Appropriation Committee’s State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) CEO Alice Albright passionately defended President Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget request for MCC. The hearing, held on May 15, 2024, in Washington, D.C., highlighted the significance of MCC’s initiatives in global development and security. Albright stated the dual importance of MCC’s development programs, addressing both economic growth and national security concerns. She highlighted their role in countering the influence of foreign powers by strengthening U.S. presence, fostering relationships, and promoting democratic principles worldwide. “Through our robust portfolio, MCC has consistently…
U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump on Wednesday agreed to face off in two debates on June 27 and Sept. 10, setting up the highest stakes moments yet of the race for the White House. “As you said: anywhere, any time, any place,” Biden said on social media. Trump called Biden “the worst debater” he has ever faced. “I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September,” he posted on social media. CNN, a division of Warner Bros Discovery, said the first debate would be held in their…
Africa’s leading payments technology company, Flutterwave, has been embroiled in another security breach, with N11 billion ($7 million) reportedly siphoned from its accounts by unidentified perpetrators. Techcabal reports reveal that the breach occurred in April 2024, marking the fourth such incident in the last 14 months for the financial giant. An inside source, purportedly a senior staff member, disclosed the breach, highlighting that the illicit transfers involved approximately N11 billion. However, conflicting reports suggest the amount could be as high as N20 billion ($13.5 million). Flutterwave acknowledged the breach, stating, “In April, we detected unauthorized activities inconsistent with usual customer…
The United States spearheaded the Global Health Worker Initiative (GHWI), marking its two-year anniversary with a commitment of over $10.5 billion in funding to bolster health security and suppot frontline ealthcare workers. Launched two years ago, the GHWI aims to address critical challenges facing healthcare workers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States, through various bilateral health programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), allocates over $1.5 billion annually to support health workers globally. Moreover, the President’s proposed budget for 2025 earmarks $20 million to expand the GHWI’s scope,…