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…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
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,…
The commencement of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage season sees Nigerian pilgrims embarking on their sacred journey, with the first batch arriving safely in Madina, Saudi Arabia. Among the pilgrims were individuals from Jega and Arewa Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, Nigeria, accompanied by officials from the State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Expressing gratitude towards their state governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, and the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, the pilgrims hailed the efforts that ensured the successful take-off of their inaugural flight. Alhaji Hussaini Argungu, a board member of the state pilgrims board, praised…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured $17.5 million to drive research funding in six emerging technologies. The announcement was made by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), during a media parley held in Abuja. Abdullahi stated the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for emerging technologies, which will consolidate efforts and accelerate Nigeria’s digitization endeavors across key technological areas. With a strategic roadmap spanning from 2024 to 2027, NITDA aims to establish six emerging technology centers of excellence within universities by 2025, positioning Nigeria as a beacon of research and…
The Nigerian military has declared a notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Buzu, wanted. Buzu, originally from Buzu in the Republic of Niger, has been identified as a threat due to his involvement in various heinous acts, including illegal gold mining, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking. According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, Buzu has been residing in Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, where he operates an illegal gold mine in Kawayi, Anka LGA. His criminal activities have recently escalated, with his group allegedly responsible for the brutal killing of 19 villagers at Farar Kasa.…
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), stated the burgeoning potential of Nigeria’s gas sector to propel business revenue growth. Speaking with the press on the sidelines of the presidential inauguration of three crucial gas infrastructures in Delta and Owerri, Kyari emphasized the important role gas plays in fostering economic prosperity. President Bola Tinubu officiated the inauguration ceremony, marking the commencement of operations for the ANOH-OB3 CTMS gas pipeline and ANOH gas processing plant in Assa, Ohaji/Egbema, Imo state. Tinubu unveiled the expansion of the AHL gas processing plant 2 gas…
Schools in England will be banned from teaching sex education and gender identity to children below nine under new government proposals due to be published Thursday. It follows concerns over the content of lessons for primary age school children, an education ministry statement said. “Parents rightly trust that when they send their children to school, they are kept safe and will not be exposed to disturbing content that is inappropriate for their age,” it quoted Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as saying. “That’s why I was horrified to hear reports of this happening in our classrooms last year,” he added.…
Fox News, a prominent conservative media outlet, has raised questions regarding the reported size of former President Donald Trump’s recent rally in New Jersey, amidst claims of potential overestimation. During Monday’s episode of “The Five,” Fox News host Jesse Watters addressed the discrepancy between Trump’s assertion of over 100,000 attendees and reports from their own correspondent on the ground. Watters stated that the reporter dispatched to the 2024 campaign rally in Wildwood estimated there were tens of thousands fewer people present than what Trump and others have claimed. Trump, known for overstating the size of his crowds at rallies and…