The United States has given Ukraine small arms and ammunition that were seized while being sent from Iranian forces to Tehran-backed rebels in Yemen, the US military said Tuesday. The transfer last week came as Ukraine suffers from significant shortages of ammunition and US Republican lawmakers block new aid funding, but it does not address Kyiv’s need for key items such as artillery and air defense munitions. “The US government transferred over 5,000 AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s and over 500,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces” on Thursday, the US Central Command…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
A total of four buildings have collapsed due to the intensity of the fire that engulfed part of Dosunmu Market on Lagos Island on Tuesday. Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, Lagos Territorial Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 14 other buildings were seriously impacted by the inferno. Farinloye said the cause of the fire, according to sources, could be attributed to the refuelling of a running generator at the market, which resulted in the fire could not be contained. Emergency responders at the scene of the event included NEMA, Federal and State Fire Services,…
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday his country will invest 9.4 trillion won ($6.94 billion) in artificial intelligence by 2027 as part of efforts to retain a leading global position in cutting-edge semiconductor chips. The announcement, which also includes a separate 1.4 trillion won fund to foster AI semiconductor firms, comes as South Korea tries to keep abreast with countries like the United States, China and Japan that are also giving massive policy support to strengthen semiconductor supply chains on their own turf. Semiconductors are a key foundation of South Korea’s export-driven economy. In March, chip…
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voided the return of the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, and his National Working Committee at a national convention recently held in Nnewi, Anambra State. In a communiqué issued at the end of the NLC Political Commission Stakeholders meeting in Abuja, the Congress passed a vote of no confidence on the purported convention and the leadership that emerged from it. The communiqué, made available to newsmen in Abuja, was signed by Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Chairman, NLC Political Commission; Mr Abdulwahed Omar, former President, NLC; Mr S.O.Z. Ejiofor, Chairman, Board of…
As Muslims prepare to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued an advisory, urging citizens to prioritize security amidst the festivities. The DSS, through its Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya, stated the need for all to be vigilant and responsible during the period of celebration. The message, conveyed in a statement to Vanguard on Tuesday, stated the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time of reflection, prayer, and gratitude for Muslims worldwide. The DSS congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the peaceful completion of Ramadan, emphasizing the core values of love, mercy, and…
CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has sparked controversy over Nigeria’s visa fees, relaying the hurdles faced by travelers seeking entry into the country. Madowo, known for his reporting across Africa, took to LinkedIn on Monday to express his dismay at the steep $215 fee for a one-month, single-entry visa. He wrote, “Nigeria just charged me $215 for a one-month, single entry visa. Again. I was here three weeks ago – paid the same $215. This is actually my third time in Nigeria this year, so they have made $645 from me in 2024 alone. “The visa itself costs $25, but…
The Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND), has issued a call to stakeholders in Ondo State’s Niger Delta region to prioritize peace initiatives and quell youth unrest. Recognizing the pressing need for proactive measures, the foundation has launched extensive youth empowerment programs aimed at fostering engagement and nurturing regional tranquility. Speaking at the Niger Delta peace and security network meeting convened at the Sunview Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, Mrs. Stella Ikeokwu, the facilitator of PIND, addressed underlying causes of conflict. She pinpointed issues such as land disputes, water boundary clashes, and inter-cult tensions as primary drivers of youth…
Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have mobilized efforts to raise a ransom of N2 million for the safe release of their kidnapped colleague, Miss Francisca Chioma. The Lady, a student of the Science Education Department, went missing on April 5 while en route to attend a burial ceremony in Anambra State. Reports indicate that Chioma’s disappearance has instilled panic and fear among her peers, friends, and family members, as all attempts to contact her proved futile. Chief Security Officer of the institution, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the incident and disclosed that relevant security agencies have been alerted, including…
A recent report from the World Bank reveals a prolonged high inflation throughout 2024. Despite efforts to implement macroeconomic and fiscal reforms, Nigeria is expected to grapple with a year-on-year inflation rate of 24.8 percent, according to the World Bank’s Africa’s Pulse Report for April 2024. This projection, albeit lower than the February 2024 inflation figure of 31.7 percent, underscores the ongoing struggle to stabilize the economy. The report also reaffirms the World Bank’s forecast of a modest 3.3 percent economic growth for Nigeria in 2024, with a slight reduction in projections for 2025 to 2026, now at 3.6…
The Federal Government has announced Thursday, April 11, 2024, as an additional public holiday in honor of Eid-El-Fitr. This was communicated through a statement by Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, shared on the ministry’s official platform on Tuesday. The statement reads; “The Federal Government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid -El-Fitr. “The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a…
Former President Donald Trump has reignited the abortion debate by suggesting that decisions regarding abortion should be left to individual states rather than endorsing a nationwide ban. Trump’s comments come amid ongoing debate and legal battles surrounding reproductive rights in the United States. In a video posted on social media, Trump took credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade but stopped short of advocating for a nationwide prohibition on abortion. Instead, he said that the decision should be made at the state level through legislative processes or popular vote. Trump’s recent stance marks a departure from his…
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has projected an economic milestone for Nigeria, anticipating the nation’s GDP to reach $1 trillion within the next eight years under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. According to Mr. Niyi Akinsiju, Chairman of IMPI, the proposed policy agenda, particularly the collaboration with private sector entities, is poised to propel the nation towards this ambitious economic milestone. Akinsiju said that the convergence of public and private investments, coupled with strategic capital formation, lays the foundation for Nigeria’s economic resurgence. Despite historical challenges such as corruption and bureaucratic impediments, IMPI remains bullish on…