The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a ban on the sale of Dex Luxury bar soap following concerns over the presence of Butyphenyl Methylpropional, a harmful chemical. Manufactured in Turkey, the product, specifically identified as Dex Luxury Bar Soap (No 6 Mystic Flower), has been flagged for containing BMHCA, a substance prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential risks to reproductive health and skin sensitization. In an official statement posted on Thursday across NAFDAC’s official channels, the regulatory body stated; “Public Alert No. 012/2024.Ban on the sale of Dex Luxury Bar…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm about the escalating threat posed by viral hepatitis, revealing that the disease is claiming 3,500 lives every day worldwide. In its recently published 2024 Global Hepatitis Report unveiled at the World Hepatitis Summit, WHO noted the grim reality of viral hepatitis as the second leading infectious cause of death globally, responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually—equivalent to tuberculosis, another top infectious killer. The report indicates a rise in deaths from viral hepatitis from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022. Hepatitis B alone accounts for a striking 83 percent…
Starlink, Elon Musk’s Internet service company, has announced a 45% reduction in the price of its internet hardware. Previously tagged at N800,000, the Starlink internet router now sells for N440,000, as per the latest update from the company. While the monthly subscription fee remains steady at N38,000, the markdown in hardware costs comes amidst the recent surge of the Nigerian Naira against major foreign currencies. Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Starlink has also adjusted its hardware prices in South Africa, despite lacking official licensing in the country. Despite this, South Africans have been tapping into Starlink’s services through global or regional roaming…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to save a sum of N1.5 trillion and install 2.5 million meters across the nation, following the recent hike in electricity tariffs. The decision to withdraw electricity subsidies from 15% of power consumers, categorized under Band A, is expected to contribute to annual savings of about N1.1 trillion, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In a statement released on April 2, 2024, Onanuga highlighted the administration’s commitment to allowing the price hike in electricity, citing a substantial budget of N450 billion allocated for energy…
Toyota has officially lifted the veil on its highly anticipated 2025 4Runner lineup, introducing two new trims alongside a host of impressive updates. The latest iteration of the iconic SUV marks the beginning of its sixth generation, promising enthusiasts a thrilling combination of performance, design, and innovation. Joining the ranks of the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro models are the all-new Trailhunter and Platinum trims. Designed with overland enthusiasts and luxury seekers in mind, these additions expand the versatility and appeal of the 4Runner lineup. Under the hood, the 2025 4Runner boasts two…
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Michele Sison, is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Berlin, Germany, from April 10th to April 12th, 2024. The purpose of her visit is to engage in discussions with German counterparts on various multilateral and UN-related matters. Key topics on the agenda include deliberations on the upcoming Summit of the Future, strategic plans for the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, and the identification of shared priorities within the Human Rights Council. Additionally, Assistant Secretary Sison will actively participate in the third annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Workshop organized…
As the legal proceedings surrounding former President Donald Trump’s alleged hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels unfold, the jury selection process becomes the focal point. Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing the trial scheduled to commence on April 15, released a comprehensive questionnaire aimed at ensuring a fair and impartial jury. The questionnaire delves into various aspects, probing prospective jurors on their affiliations, political beliefs, and attitudes towards Trump and the case. Questions range from attendance at Trump rallies to associations with groups like the Proud Boys or Antifa. Prospective jurors are also asked about their opinions on whether a…
The EU parliament on Wednesday adopted a contentious reform of Europe’s asylum policies that will harden border procedures and force all the bloc’s 27 nations to share responsibility. The parliament’s main political groups overcame opposition from far-right and far-left parties to pass the new migration and asylum pact — a sweeping reform nearly a decade in the making. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the new rules a “historic, indispensable step” for the European Union. EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said the bloc “will be able to better protect our external borders, the vulnerable and…
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has officially launched the Blue Dot Network to bolster quality infrastructure in emerging markets. The Department of State has approved the Initiative announced on April 9, 2024, aimed at certifying infrastructure projects meeting or surpassing global standards for sustainability and quality. Led by the OECD-hosted Secretariat, the Blue Dot Network will administer a voluntary framework to evaluate and certify infrastructure projects based on internationally recognized criteria. These criteria encompass financial transparency, economic viability, environmental and social sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusiveness. By certifying projects that meet or exceed these standards, the…
In response to Pope Francis’ recent declaration condemning gender theory, the White House has reiterated President Biden’s support for the transgender community. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed questions from reporters regarding the Pope’s document, affirming the administration’s commitment to advocating for the rights, safety, and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, including transgender people. While declining to provide specific comments on the Pope’s document, Jean-Pierre emphasized President Biden’s consistent stance since the beginning of his administration. “The president will continue to be an advocate for the rights, safety, and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender people here in the…
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has ordered his prime minister to develop an urgent “action plan” aimed at revitalizing the nation’s flagging economy and finances. This comes shortly after Faye, aged 44, secured a victory in last month’s election on a platform of radical reform, marking his historic ascent to become the youngest president in the nation’s history, despite lacking prior elected experience. During his first cabinet meeting, President Faye directed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to conduct a comprehensive review of existing programs and plans, with a specific focus on assessing the state of public finances, international cooperation, and public-private partnerships.…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its efforts to combat currency racketeering across Nigeria. Within the span of one month, the EFCC has convicted 23 illegal Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and currency racketeers, while also apprehending a 170 individuals for similar offenses. The EFCC’s Special Task Force spearheaded an operation in Enugu State, resulting in the arrest of 116 illegal BDC operators and currency speculators. During the operation, authorities seized substantial amounts of various currencies, including Naira, US dollars, British pounds, Euros, South African Rand, and others, totaling millions of Naira. The EFCC revealed…