House Speaker Mike Johnson is pressing forward with plans to advance long-awaited funding for Ukraine, Israel, and other overseas allies, despite facing opposition from within his own party. This decision sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the coming days that could shape both the destiny of the foreign aid package and Johnson’s political career. Johnson, undeterred by criticism from conservative quarters, emphasized the importance of prioritizing national security interests over political maneuvering. “We can’t play politics on this; we have to do the right thing,” he asserted. The aid package, which includes provisions for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
To fortify global defenses against future pandemics, the Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled the U.S. Global Health Security Strategy (GHSS). This strategy, released from the White House, notes a concerted effort to safeguard public health worldwide and prevent the devastating toll witnessed during the COVID-19 crisis. President Biden’s administration, steadfast in its commitment to navigating the nation through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizes the imperative to emerge stronger and more resilient. The GHSS, a testament to this commitment, outlines a whole-of-government, science-based approach to enhancing global health security. Building upon progress made since 2019 and incorporating invaluable lessons…
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and thunderstorms from Thursday to Saturday across the country. NiMet`s weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja forecast sunny skies on Thursday over the Northern cities with prospects of afternoon and evening thunderstorms over parts of Taraba state. According to NiMet, sunny skies with isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Benue State later in the day. “The southern region is expected to be cloudy with spells of sunshine during the morning period. “The afternoon/evening periods hold better prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Ogun, Imo, Oyo, Ondo,…
Administrator Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) delivered an address at the Global Education Conference, emphasizing the urgent need to address the ongoing global education crisis. The conference, held on April 16, 2024, provided a platform for international leaders to discuss strategies for improving educational outcomes worldwide. Power began her remarks by expressing gratitude to the conference organizers and participants, acknowledging the remarkable leadership of individuals such as LeAnna Marr and Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, the Minister of Education from Malawi. She also took a moment to honor the memory of Sarah Crites, a dedicated public…
Michael Cohen, who once said he would take a bullet for Donald Trump, is now poised to serve as a star prosecution witness in the former U.S. president’s criminal trial on charges of covering up hush money paid to a porn star. Cohen’s role at the first criminal trial ever of a U.S. president, which began on Monday in New York state court in Manhattan, marks the culmination of his 15-year arc from being the businessman-turned-politician’s lawyer and “fixer” to an outspoken antagonist. “I’m the guy who would take a bullet for the president,” Cohen told Vanity Fair in 2017.…
The Federal Government has announced plans to execute $3.8 billion Gas Supply and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) for the Brass methanol project. The Brass methanol project set to take place in May 2024, stands as a beacon of industrial innovation, poised to transform Nigeria’s chemical landscape by producing methanol from natural gas resources. Presently, Nigeria relies entirely on methanol imports, making this venture a strategic effort to reduce dependency on foreign markets and stimulate domestic production. Scheduled for construction on Brass Island, Bayelsa, the facility aims to churn out an impressive 10,000 tonnes of methanol per day upon completion. Not only…
The House of Representatives has announced a further extension of its ongoing recess, pushing back its resumption date to April 30, 2024. This decision, conveyed in a statement by the House spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, aims to provide members with additional time for constituency outreach to gather substantial input for the constitution review process. The postponement comes in the wake of the House Committee on Constitution Review’s recent decision to extend the deadline for the submission of memoranda to April 30, aligning with the new resumption date. Dr. Yahaya Danzaria,…
The Nigerian Army has taken action following reports of soldiers’ involvement in the theft of armored cables at Dangote Refinery located in Lagos. Major Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, announced on Wednesday that an investigation is underway, with the assurance that if found guilty, the soldiers will face the full force of the law. The incident, which occurred recently, was thwarted by vigilant troops and private security operatives stationed at the refinery. The Army has expressed deep concern over the alleged involvement of its personnel in criminal activities, emphasizing that such actions do not align…
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu, has withdrawn his lawsuit challenging his removal from office, paving the way for the appointment of a new party leader. Ayu’s suspension and subsequent legal actions had left the PDP without a substantive National Chairman since 2023, when a court ruling in Makurdi, Benue State, prevented him from serving in the role. However, with Ayu’s withdrawal of the lawsuit, the party can now proceed with appointing his replacement. The withdrawal notice, reads in part, “Take notice that the appellant herein intends and doth hereby wholly withdraw the…
To tackle the persistent challenges of malnutrition among women and girls in Nigeria, the Federal Government has unveiled a National Guideline aimed at promoting optimal nutrition and empowerment. The launch event, spearheaded by the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, took place in Abuja, addressing issues of stunting, wasting, and anemia. The newly unveiled guideline seeks to bridge existing gaps in multi-sectoral approaches to nutrition by providing strategies for improving the health and well-being of women and girls across the nation. With Nigeria currently ranking third globally in child wasting, and a high prevalence of anemia among…
In the midst of escalating tensions fueled by Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, the United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Thursday regarding the Palestinian bid for full membership in the UN. Diplomatic sources revealed to AFP that the vote will coincide with discussions on the Gaza situation, with several Arab ministers expected to attend. The Palestinian application for full membership, initially submitted in 2011 and revived in early April, has faced staunch opposition from the United States, a veto-wielding member of the Security Council. Despite this, the Arab Group reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinians’ quest…
At least 65 people have died in storm-related incidents including lightning in Pakistan, officials said, with rain so far in April falling at nearly twice the historical average rate. Heavy downpours between Friday and Monday unleashed flash floods and caused houses to collapse, while lightning killed at least 28 people. The largest death toll was in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 32 people have died, including 15 children, and more than 1,300 homes have been damaged. “All the casualties resulted from the collapse of walls and roofs,” Anwar Khan, spokesman for the province’s disaster management authority, told AFP on Wednesday. Villagers…