Russia’s recent decision to veto the annual renewal of the panel of experts tasked with monitoring United Nations sanctions against North Korea has sparked concerns among international observers. The move, supported by China’s abstention, signifies a significant setback in the enforcement of sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Former members of the panel have voiced apprehension about the implications of Russia’s veto, highlighting the potential challenges ahead for the sanctions regime targeting North Korea. Aaron Arnold, a former panel member and sanctions expert, expressed worry over Russia’s blatant violations of sanctions through its alleged…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored the national grid following a system disturbance that plunged the nation into darkness on Thursday, March 28th, 2024 at around 4:28 pm. In a statement issued by the TCN’s General Public Affairs Officer, Ndidi Mbah, the restoration efforts culminated in the complete recovery of the grid by 10:00 pm on the same day. Mbah pinpointed the initial disturbance to an imbalance in grid stability, primarily triggered by a reduction in generation capacity due to gas constraints. This reduction led to a rapid decline in system frequency, causing a sudden disruption across the…
Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, on Friday, charged the National Assembly to declare a state of emergency on the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos State. The State of Emergency would facilitate expedited repairs of the bridges and stave off potential disasters, the minister declared during a facility tour of key infrastructural projects in Lagos State. On the facility tour were members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works who were on joint oversight functions in Lagos State. Umahi stressed that urgency and special attention were needed from the lawmakers to arrest the deterioration of the bridges,…
In the solemnity of Good Friday, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, has urged Nigerian leaders and citizens alike to mirror the sacrificial spirit exemplified by Jesus Christ. Speaking from Ibadan, Bishop Badejo emphasized the significance of Good Friday as a day of reflection on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for the redemption of humanity. He stated the need for leaders to embody qualities such as service, humility, and love in leadership and societal interactions. In his address, Bishop Badejo called upon leaders in positions of authority and all Nigerians to emulate Jesus’…
Patients, staff, and visitors at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan are enduring distressing conditions as a result of the prolonged power outage resulting from mounting debt issues. The tertiary health institution has been plunged into darkness following the disconnection of its power supply by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). This measure, implemented on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024, stems from the alleged accrued debt totaling over N400 million owed by thehospital. Although the hospital management contests the exact figure, stating their debt at N241 million, the repercussions of the power cutoff are keenly felt throughout the facility. Reports have…
As the Easter celebration approaches, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom State has taken proactive measures to ensure road safety during the festive period. With a focus on Easter traffic safety, the FRSC has deployed a total of 662 personnel, along with essential vehicles and equipment, to critical areas within the state. According to Mr. Matthew Olonisaye, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Akwa Ibom, this deployment aims to enhance visibility on the roads and prevent road crashes. The personnel and resources allocated will facilitate prompt response to distress calls and the swift removal of…
The Edo State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal has dismissed the appeals filed by candidates of the Labour Party (LP). The tribunal, led by Justice Emmanuel Ahamioje alongside Justices Mary Asemota and Aifuwa Imoukhuede, deemed the appeals lacking in merit. The elections, conducted on September 2, 2023, by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), saw challenges brought forth by LP candidates. However, the tribunal’s judgment highlighted the need for a review of certain provisions within the EDSIEC Act to align with federal laws governing electoral processes. Justice Ahamioje stated the necessity of streamlining applicable sections…
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, announced ambitious plans to replace the aging petroleum products pipeline network spanning over 5,000 kilometers within a three-year timeframe. Kyari revealed this significant development during his address at the 2024 edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum held in Abuja. Kyari highlighted the necessity of pipeline infrastructure, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness in transporting petroleum products across various geopolitical zones. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that many pipelines had reached a critical state requiring immediate…
Amidst reports of unlawful fees collection in public schools, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has issued a warning to teachers, declaring that those found guilty will face disciplinary action. The Chairman of SUBEB, Nureni Adeniran, during the ongoing second term unified promotion examination for public primary schools stated the government’s commitment to eradicating unauthorized levies Adeniran reiterated that any teacher caught coercing students to pay for examinations would be held accountable. Speaking on the government’s proactive measures, Adeniran affirmed that the administration had taken responsibility for printing examination materials since its inception, ensuring adherence…
Africa’s leading network operator, MTN Group, has announced its exit from Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry following an undisclosed offer from Telecel, a prominent telecommunications service provider focused on Africa. The sale of MTN’s equity interests in the two West and Central African countries was confirmed in the telecom giant’s 2023 financial report. Although specific financial details were not disclosed, MTN Group agreed to sell its equity interests in MTN Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry to Africa-focused telecommunications provider Telecel. MTN stated its commitment to prioritizing stronger markets in the region, including Ghana, Cameroon, and Cote d’Ivoire. According to MTN’s financials, the Guinea-Bissau and…
The House of Representatives in Nigeria has pledged to initiate efforts to reclaim two government helicopters that were recently sold to private individuals. The aircraft, identified as Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061-L4, were assets of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) located in Zaria. During an investigative hearing held in Abuja, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, expressed deep concern over the sale of these helicopters to private entities, especially considering the critical need for such aircraft in the training programs conducted by the college. The committee raised questions about the process leading…
In response to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity risks fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a comprehensive report. This report, a direct outcome of Presidential Executive Order 14110, outlines strategies to mitigate AI-specific cybersecurity threats within financial institutions. Crafted by the Treasury’s Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP), the report delves into the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in securing financial services. It states the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address immediate operational risks, cybersecurity threats, and fraud challenges across the sector. One of the…