The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised an alarm over the concerning surge in human rights violations across Nigeria, with over 1,580 reported cases in March alone. The commission, tasked with monitoring and investigating alleged human rights abuses, revealed a disturbing trend spanning all six geopolitical zones of the country. According to the NHRC’s Human Rights Situation Dashboard for March, the North Central region topped the list with 468 reported cases, while state actors such as the police, military, and the Department of State Services (DSS) were implicated in 94 violations. The reported violations encompassed various atrocities,…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The United Nations Security Council diplomats were shaken in their chairs, planes got briefly grounded, and furniture rattled across New York Friday when an earthquake jolted the city that never sleeps. No one was hurt, though, and New York’s iconic skyline remained intact. “I AM FINE,” reported the Empire State Building on its X account. The tremor had a 4.8 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. Near the epicenter in Lebanon, New Jersey, store supervisor Dominika Uniejewska, 50, said “I’m still shaking” after being woken up by the quake. “I’ve never experienced…
Nigerian tech mogul Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, has donated state-of-the-art training centers to Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, and St. Augustine University, Epe, Lagos State. Unveiled on Thursday, April 4, 2024, the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) Centers aim to equip students with essential skills tailored to meet the demands of the modern workforce. At IMSU, programs such as the Finishing School, Entrepreneurship Boost Training, and specialized courses in Technology and Artificial Intelligence Viability will be offered, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students. The LSEF Center at IMSU is not just a…
Members of the Chibok Parents Association have intensified their call for the Nigerian government to expedite efforts in rescuing the remaining 108 Chibok girls who are still held captive by the Boko Haram insurgents. At a recent event organized by the SAB Art Foundation and the Chibok Parents Association in Lagos, titled ‘Statues Also Breathe,’ featured a film screening showcasing the collaborative process of sculpting and remembrance of the abducted girls by some of the rescued ones. Among the attendees were representatives from the Chibok Parents Association, journalists, artists, and two of the previously rescued girls, Amina Ali and Jummai…
The traditional leadership of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is scheduled to convene with the Ibadan kingmakers today, Friday. Currently situated at his private residence on No 1, Cassia Street, Alalubosa Government Reserved Area within the Ibadan South West Local Government Area, Oba Olakulehin’s forthcoming meeting with the kingmakers was confirmed by a reliable family source in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online. The source revealed that Oba Olakulehin is expected to emerge for his first public appearance imminently and is set to participate in the upcoming meeting of the Council of Obas in Ibadanland. “Kabiyesi…
The United States maintains its role in global efforts towards Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) as showcased in the recently released 23rd Edition of “To Walk the Earth in Safety” report. This comprehensive document, issued by the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, highlights the significant strides made in fiscal year 2023. Since 1993, the U.S. has led the charge as the world’s largest financial supporter of CWD initiatives, allocating over $5.09 billion towards the safe clearance of landmines, explosive weapons of war, and the secure disposal of excess…
On Wednesday Republican lawmakers decisively rebuffed a proposal championed by former President Donald Trump to overhaul the state’s electoral system. The proposal, backed by Trump and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, sought to transition Nebraska to a winner-take-all system for presidential elections, but faced a defeat in the Republican-controlled state legislature. The rejection came in the form of a procedural vote, initiated by GOP Senator Julie Slama, aiming to advance LB 764, a contentious piece of legislation introduced by Senator Loren Lippincott. Under the proposed bill, all five of Nebraska’s Electoral College votes would automatically be allocated to the candidate…
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has given the Approval for the promotion of 10,581 deserving junior officers within the Inspectorate Cadre and Rank and File. Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Bala Ciroma, tasked with overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration, alongside the Commissioner of Police (Welfare), has been mandated to spearhead the promotion process. According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released in Abuja, the promotion list includes 9,831 Police Constables advancing to the rank of Corporal, 81 Corporals rising to the rank of Sergeant, and 669 officers progressing from the…
Residents of the Guzape District in the Federal Capital Territory have voiced their concerns over the incessant rock blasting conducted by construction giant, Gilmor Engineering Limited. Led by former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuha, residents and property owners gathered to address the media, calling on the Federal Government to intervene and halt the hazardous activities. Over the past three months, residents have experienced tremors caused by the close proximity of rock blasting to residential areas, posing threat to lives and properties. Despite previous complaints to regulatory authorities and law enforcement, the construction company allegedly continued its operations without regard…
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has officially confirmed Ukraine’s imminent membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Blinken made the announcement during a summit commemorating NATO’s 75th anniversary, emphasizing the unwavering support for Ukraine among member states. During the summit, Blinken addressed journalists, stating, “Ukraine will become a member of NATO. Our purpose at the summit is to help build a bridge to that membership,” underscoring the pivotal role the US intends to play in facilitating Ukraine’s accession to the alliance. Despite concerns from European leaders regarding US support for Ukraine, Blinken reassured that backing for Ukraine…
The Southern Nigeria Youth Movement has asked Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to redirect his attention towards addressing the escalating insecurity within the state instead of embarking on frequent international trips. In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ikechukwu Nnamdi Okeke, the Southern Nigeria Youth Movement highlighted the paradox of seeking foreign investment in a state plagued by insecurity, which poses significant risks to both locals and potential investors alike. The group stated the fundamental responsibility of any responsible government to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens, stating that Governor Lawal’s absence from the state exacerbates the…
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has approved a total of 22 transactions, amounting to over $697 million, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. These investments are poised to make substantial impacts across priority sectors worldwide, ranging from infrastructure enhancement to small business support. Among the notable projects approved by DFC’s board of directors are initiatives aimed at fortifying critical infrastructure in Africa through a substantial loan to the Africa Finance Corporation. Additionally, efforts to enhance financial inclusion and digital banking services in Colombia have been greenlit with a significant loan to Nubank Colombia. …