To enhance global minerals security and promote sustainable practices, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, in collaboration with the European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, has officially inaugurated the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Forum in Leuven, Belgium. The event, which took place on April 5, saw the participation of esteemed dignitaries, including ministers from MSP partner economies and minerals-producing countries. Among the notable attendees were Thomas Alweendo, Minister for Mines and Energy of Namibia, Volodymyr Kuzio, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Kanat Sharlapaev, Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, and Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry,…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Eclipse mania is sweeping across North America as a breathtaking celestial event on Monday promises a rare blend of commerce, science — and celebration. The Moon’s shadow will land on Mexico’s Pacific coast at 2:07 pm ET (1807 GMT), then speed northeast across a 15-state swath of the United States and on to Canada, exiting the continent over Newfoundland just under an hour and a half later. Festivals, viewing parties, and even a mass wedding are planned along the eclipse “path of totality,” where the Moon will completely obscure the Sun’s light for up to a few…
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has selected Omobayo Godwin as his new deputy following the impeachment of Comrade Philip Shaibu. Omobayo’s inauguration is slated to occur on Monday at the Edo State Government House in Benin City. Born on July 19, 1986, Omobayo hails from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state. With a B.Eng Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and an MSc in Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN). He is a registered member of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).…
The Nigerian textile industry remains in a state of struggle as imports of textile products into the country surge by 106.7 percent over four years, reaching N377.1 billion in 2023. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), textile imports have consistently risen, starting from N182.5 billion in 2020, climbing to N278.8 billion in 2021, N365.5 billion in 2022, and peaking at N377.1 billion in 2023. Despite initiatives by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) including financial support, training, and forex restrictions on textile imports, the sector continues to struggle. Nigeria holds significant potential in the…
Dr. Abiodun Adedipe founder and Chief consultant of B. Adedipe Associates Ltd. has stated the potential of Nigeria to attract manufacturing companies if the Naira should gain stability. Speaking at a webinar hosted by Nairametrics, Dr. Adedipe stated the important role of a stable currency in bolstering the manufacturing sector and fostering economic growth. According to Dr. Adedipe, recent policies implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have already begun to entice new manufacturing ventures to establish operations within the country. He noted that the stability of the Naira enables manufacturers to effectively plan their business strategies,…
Amidst growing dissent over the recent withdrawal of electricity subsidy for over 1.8 million customers classified under Band A feeders, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) is ramping up efforts to challenge the tariff hike, now seeking intervention from President Bola Tinubu. The OPS, represented by bodies like the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigeria Employees Consultative Association, maintains its stand for suspending the subsidy removal pending a thorough review. The decision, announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), saw electricity bills for Band A consumers surge to N225 per…
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged the federal government of Nigeria to implement a tax policy targeting affluent Nigerians in order to facilitate the provision of affordable electricity for the underprivileged in the society. Speaking during the commissioning of a water project donated to the Sabo Layi Community along the Bauchi-Ningi Road on Sunday, Obi Said, “The solution is very simple (referring to electricity tariff hike), you can increase the tariff for those in areas where they can afford it. We need to do a lot in the area…
The Israeli military has withdrawn its ground forces from Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, shifting its attention towards securing the strategic Netzarim Corridor. Following months of intense conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday the conclusion of its mission in Khan Younis by the 98th division, which has now departed for rest and future operations planning. However, a substantial contingent, led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade, remains operational in other parts of the enclave. The IDF’s decision to withdraw from Khan Younis, a site of prolonged fighting, raises questions about the next…
As the world commemorates World Health Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the looming threats of diseases, disasters, and other pressing health challenges worldwide. Observed annually on April 7th, World Health Day serves as a global platform to spotlight pressing health issues demanding urgent attention. Under the theme “My health, my right,” WHO focused on the fundamental right of every individual to access quality healthcare, education, and essential resources such as clean air and water. Despite the recognition of health as a human right by at least 140 countries, WHO lamented the…
President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new management team for the National Education Loan Fund (NELFund). This comes in conjunction with the recent signing of the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024. The appointed management team comprises Akintunde Sawyerr as Managing Director, Mr. Frederick Akinfala as Executive Director of Finance and Administration, and Mr. Mustapha Iyal as Executive Director of Operations. The appointment is said to be “in line with his determination to secure Nigeria’s socio-economic future by ensuring sustainable higher education and critical skill development for all Nigerian students and the youth,” said…
The Management of Plateau University, Bokkos, has denied allegations suggesting the National Universities Commission (NUC) was contemplating the closure of the institution. In a statement issued by Mr. Yakubu Ayuba, the Registrar of the University, on Sunday in Jos, the university refuted claims made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the NUC’s purported plans. The APC, through its acting Publicity Secretary in Plateau, Mr. Shittu Bamaiyi, had alleged that the NUC intended to shut down the university and withdraw its certificate of recognition and accreditation due to alleged government interference in university management. However, the registrar dismissed these…
The Nigerian Army has refuted allegations of ethnic bias in the ongoing trial of soldiers before a Court Martial in 82 Division, Enugu. Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, addressed the issue in a statement released on Saturday, rebuffing claims of preferential treatment based on regional affiliations. Responding to media reports suggesting a deliberate effort to convict soldiers of Southern extraction while absolving those from Northern Nigeria, Nwachukwu emphasized the Army’s status as a national institution, not an ethnic militia. He denounced the misleading reports, which he said aimed to sow discord within the ranks and tarnish…