The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), has announced a reverse trade mission, bringing a delegation of 14 South African clean energy decision-makers to the United States. Scheduled from January 28 to February 7, the visit aims to foster partnerships between South Africa and the United States, accelerating the development of South Africa’s green hydrogen ecosystem. The delegation, consisting of government, private, and financial sector representatives, will engage with U.S. companies, witness demonstrations of state-of-the-art U.S. technologies, and participate in an interactive financing panel in Houston. Additionally, they will hold meetings with the U.S. Department of Energy and Rice University.…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Philip Aivoji, along with other party chieftains, was abducted on Thursday at the Ogere area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident occurred as they were returning from the party’s Stakeholders’ Zonal Caucus Meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State. Private Source revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N200 million for the release of the party leaders. The Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the abduction at the Bamboo area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and assured that security personnel are actively working to rescue…
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, met on Thursday with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio to discuss the UN Security Council agenda. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield extended a warm welcome to Sierra Leone’s renewed presence on the UN Security Council, highlighting the importance of collaboration to address global challenges. The discussions between the Ambassador and President Bio touched upon shared priorities, with a specific emphasis on Niger and the urgent need for both African and Council leadership in addressing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. A key focus of the meeting was UN Security Council reform, reflecting the…
The Secretary of States, Antony J. Blinken, on Thursday engaged in a conversation with the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Highlighting the critical need for sustained humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, Secretary Blinken and Minister Pandor emphasized the imperative to safeguard civilian lives. Their conversation focused on the shared commitment to fostering lasting regional peace, a sentiment rooted in ensuring Israel’s security and advancing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Reaffirming the United States’ support for Israel’s right to protect itself, Secretary Blinken addressed the terrorist attacks on…
Kogi State licensed coal miners expressed their support for the actions taken by the federal and state governments to curb illegal mining activities. Led by Innocent Ezuma, Executive Chairman of Etazuma Mining and Industries Limited, the miners commend the collaborative efforts between the Federal Government, represented by President Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Solid Mineral Development Dele Alake, and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The endorsement follows the recent seizure of 21 trucks loaded with coal, totaling 945 tonnes, all originating from illegal mining operations within Kogi State. The clampdown, initiated in response to a nationwide ban on illegal…
USAFRICOM’s General Michael Langley and Senior Enlisted Leader Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods concluded a strategic tour across East Africa, solidifying ties with key nations from January 22-25. Their journey commenced in Nairobi, Kenya, where discussions with Minister of Defense Aden Duale and Chief of Defence Gen. Francis Ogola focused on bolstering bilateral security relationships. Troop engagements at Manda Bay underscored the enduring partnership between U.S. forces and Kenyan military. General Langley expressed gratitude, stating, “We reaffirmed our strong bilateral security relationship and discussed areas for future cooperation.” Venturing into Somalia, the USAFRICOM leaders engaged in talks with Somali President Hasan…
Nigerian blogger Funke Ashekun, residing in the United States, has been imposed with a $50,000 fine by a Maryland court following a defamation lawsuit filed by the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya. The Baltimore County Circuit Court, presided over by Theresa Adams, delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of MFM USA and its three pastors—Grace Ugeh, Kunle Ladipo, and Adekunle Adekola. The jury found that Ashekun’s social media posts had defamed MFM and portrayed its pastors falsely. In response, the blogger expressed surprise, stating she didn’t know the accusers personally and had…
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has unveiled Ghana’s commitment to implementing a visa-free policy for all Africans traveling to the country in 2024. The President revealed this initiative during the opening of the 2024 Africa Prosperity Dialogue on Thursday, January 25. Addressing participants, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s dedication to streamlining travel for Africans, stating, “The Government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free access for all Africans traveling into our country, and the process has begun to implement the policy this year.” To demonstrate this commitment, the President highlighted a special arrangement made for the conference attendees.…
In the early hours of Thursday, a gun battle ensued between the Ogun State Police Command and armed robbers at the Abbey Hostel in Ode Remo, where students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic Saapade reside. The police successfully foiled the robbery attempt, shooting one suspect dead in the process. Around 1:30 a.m., four armed robbers reportedly stormed the hostel, dispossessing students of their mobile phones and electronic gadgets. A resident alerted the police during the ongoing robbery, prompting an anti-crime patrol team to respond. As the police approached, the suspects engaged them in a shootout. During the exchange of…
Britain has decided to suspend talks on a free trade deal with Canada, marking a setback in the negotiations that commenced in March 2022. The primary point of contention revolves around the access to agricultural markets, leaving both nations dissatisfied with the lack of progress. Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng’s spokesperson expressed disappointment, citing the UK’s unwillingness to address market access barriers for the Canadian agriculture industry as a hindrance to reaching a mutual agreement. This pause in negotiations comes at a time when both countries are actively seeking new trade partnerships following Britain’s departure from the European Union.…
The Defence Headquarters has taken a proactive stance in response to serious allegations made by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Reverend Timothy Daluk accused the Nigerian military of orchestrating the killings of Christians and the destruction of property in the region. Rev Timothy Daluk’s claims gained attention through a viral video in which he asserted that the military was responsible for displacing Christians, enabling militia groups to burn their homes. Specifically, he highlighted incidents in Mangu Local Government, emphasizing the forced evacuation of Christians from the new…
Iraq and the United States have reached an agreement to establish a committee aimed at initiating discussions on the future of the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq. The primary objective is to devise a strategic timetable for the phased withdrawal of troops and the ultimate conclusion of the coalition’s presence, according to a statement from Iraq’s foreign ministry. Currently, the United States maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq, primarily engaged in advising and supporting local forces to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State. While Iraq’s government asserts that the threat from the Islamic State has been defeated, it…