U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that a war with China is “neither imminent nor unavoidable.” This statement came during the Shangri-La Dialogue, a premier security summit in Singapore, following Austin’s first in-person meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Adm. Dong Jun. Austin stated the Biden administration’s commitment to cooling tensions despite recent military frictions around Taiwan and the South China Sea. He highlighted the importance of direct communication channels between the U.S. and China to prevent any unnecessary escalation. “Our goal is to make sure that we don’t allow things to spiral out of control unnecessarily,” Austin said, reinforcing that…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Former President Donald Trump and his allies are navigating the aftermath of a historic 34-count guilty verdict delivered by a Manhattan jury last Thursday. This unprecedented criminal conviction of a former president has sent shockwaves through the American political history, raising numerous uncertainties as the 2024 election approaches. In his first public appearance post-verdict, Trump delivered a defiant 33-minute speech at Trump Tower, touching on familiar campaign themes before lashing out at those he blames for his legal troubles. He labeled Judge Juan Merchan as a “devil” and dismissed the prosecution’s key witness, former lawyer Michael Cohen, as a “sleaze…
On Saturday, 70,608 candidates participated in the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), conducted nationwide, a slight decrease compared to over 72,000 candidates who registered for the exam in 2023. The Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, revealed these statistics during an inspection of examination centers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, and other top officials. Prof. Wushishi noted that this…
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced a leadership change, appointing Engineer Francis Agoha as the new Acting Managing Director, effective from May 31. This decision follows the board’s choice not to renew the contract of the outgoing Managing Director, Engineer Kingsley Achife. In an internal memo dated May 31, the board stated “Dear colleagues, the Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company wishes to inform the staff that it has decided not to renew the contract of the current Managing Director, Engineer Kingsley Achife. The Board expresses its deepest gratitude to Engineer Kingsley Achife for his…
Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka announced he might apply for the restoration of his US Permanent Residence, commonly known as a Green Card, following the recent conviction of former United States President Donald Trump. In a statement released on Friday, Soyinka reflected on the broader implications of Trump’s conviction, describing it as a moment of renewed hope for democracy. “For millions in anguished parts of the world, certainly for us in vast swathes of the African continent, this is daybreak on a new democratic promise,” he stated. The statement, titled “The Trump Verdict, reads: “For millions in anguished parts of…
In a move against Russian influence in Africa, the United States has imposed sanctions on two Central African Republic (CAR) entities, Mining Industries SARLU and Logistique Economique Etrangere SARLU, for their roles in supporting the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group. These companies have been instrumental in facilitating Wagner Group’s security operations and illicit mining activities within CAR. The Wagner Group, known for its widespread human rights abuses and exploitation of natural resources, operates as a proxy military force for the Kremlin. The group’s activities span multiple African countries and include significant involvement in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Matthew Miller, the Department…
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) hosted a successful ‘EXIM 101’ webinar in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Commercial and Business Affairs, showcasing the critical interagency cooperation essential for boosting American exports. The event featured remarks from EXIM President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis and Special Representative Sarah Morgenthau. The webinar, organized by EXIM’s Office of Global Business Development, provided a comprehensive overview of financing resources and tools available to American businesses seeking to export internationally. It also celebrated EXIM’s ninety-year legacy of supporting domestic exports and highlighted key initiatives such as the China…
President Biden has partially lifted the ban on Ukraine using U.S.-provided weapons for strikes inside Russia. This decision, announced Thursday, permits Ukraine to target Russian positions near the besieged Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, according to three U.S. officials speaking to CBS News. The newly granted permission allows Ukrainian forces to strike concentrations of Russian troops and artillery pieces in the Belgorod region of Russia. One U.S. official clarified that Ukraine is permitted to shoot down Russian airplanes over Russian soil if they are attacking Ukraine. However, the use of U.S.-provided long-range equipment, such as the ATACMs, remains prohibited to avoid…
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution extending the sanctions on South Sudan for another 12 months, aiming to promote peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region. The United States, represented by Ambassador Robert Wood, expressed strong support for the measures, which include the continuation of the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze. In a speech delivered at the UN, Ambassador Wood highlighted the importance of these sanctions in curbing violence and supporting the South Sudanese people’s democratic aspirations. He emphasized that the extension of the Panel of Experts’ mandate is crucial for providing independent reports that…
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has announced the passing of her mother, Marian Robinson, at the age of 86. In a statement shared on her X account, Michelle Obama described her mother as a pillar of strength and support throughout her life. “My mom, Marian Robinson, was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share that she passed away today. We wanted to offer some reflections on her remarkable life.”Michelle Obama wrote. Marian Robinson during Barack Obama’s presidency, played a major role in the…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is desirous of a tobacco-free Nigeria and for its products to be completely banned in the nation. The Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, said this on Friday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate 2024 World No Tobacco Day with the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.” According to Mulombo, everyone can work towards ensuring future generations are free from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction. He said, “I dream of the day when tobacco products will be banned in Nigeria and not allowed to be sold or…
Donald Trump’s recent conviction has created uncertainty among Republican voters in Northampton County, an area in Pennsylvania known for its role as a bellwether in presidential elections. Bronwen Brown, a 72-year-old former opera singer and registered Republican, was initially inclined to support Trump in the upcoming November election. However, his conviction by a New York jury on charges of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star has made her reconsider. “He’s been found guilty on all 34 counts. Do I want to go with that? Probably not,” she told Reuters. Brown is now contemplating voting…