In a speech at Nutrivision 2024, a Pan-African youth dialogue on nutrition held in Abuja, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates highlighted the challenges Nigeria faces in financing critical sectors like health and education due to low tax collection rates. Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, noted that Nigeria’s actual tax collection is low, affecting its ability to fund large-scale public health initiatives. Responding to a question on financing mechanisms for public health, Gates said, “Over time, there are plans for Nigeria to fund the government more than it does today. The actual tax collection in Nigeria is pretty…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The threat of a nuclear disaster is growing as Ukraine’s military offensive intensifies near Russia’s Kursk power plant. The ongoing conflict, marked by Ukraine’s capture of 100 towns and control over 500 square miles of Russian territory, has raised global fears about the vulnerability of nuclear facilities in the region. Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), recently visited Kursk to assess the situation at the power plant, located just 25 miles from the active frontline. Grossi issued a warning about the “danger or possibility of a nuclear accident” at the facility, highlighting its lack of protective…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the closure of the media accreditation portal for the upcoming Edo State governorship election. According to INEC, the portal will shut down at midnight tonight, with no extensions to the deadline. This announcement was made by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement released on Wednesday. The Edo State governorship election is set to take place on September 21, 2024. As of now, 113 media organizations have registered a total of 865 journalists to cover the election. INEC emphasized the importance…
The Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Nigeria, Moshen Antit, has announced plans for the introduction of direct flights between Tunisia and Nigeria by 2026. Speaking in Abuja, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of this development in facilitating closer business, political, and cultural interactions. Improved air connectivity is expected to ease travel for both business professionals and tourists, thereby enhancing economic and diplomatic ties. “Currently, flights between Nigeria and Tunisia are mainly operated by non-African airlines. The only African carrier offering a direct link recently is Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc, which launched a route between Abuja and Casablanca in…
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced an early Christmas celebration on October 1, 2024, as the country faces political unrest following a contested presidential election. The move is seen as an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing controversy surrounding the July 28 election, which the opposition claims Maduro stole. Maduro, who has led the Catholic-majority nation since 2013, is set to begin his third six-year term despite widespread opposition. The United States and several Latin American countries have backed the opposition’s claims of victory, while even some of Maduro’s allies, including Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, have refused to recognize…
To promote sustainable transportation and reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, the Federal Government, under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), distributed 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Lagos on Tuesday. The buses were received by the Oniru of Iru, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan, who accepted them on behalf of Iru Land Transport Company Limited. During the handover ceremony, Oluwagbemi Michael, Director of PCNGi, emphasized the administration’s commitment to expanding the use of CNG buses across Nigeria. He stated that the initiative is a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to promote environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation options…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine plans to indefinitely hold the Russian territory it seized during a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last month. This move, Zelenskyy stated, is a crucial part of his strategy to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table and secure a favorable position for Ukraine in future peace talks. In his first one-on-one interview since the operation, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to permanently annex the land but will retain control as part of its “victory plan” to end the war. “We don’t need their land. We don’t want…
A former head of Libya’s coastguard, who was known as a key trafficker of people and fuel, has been shot dead by unknown assailants, local media reported Monday. Major Abd al-Rahman Milad, also known as Al-Bidja, was killed on Sunday in the town of Sayyad, 25 kilometres (15 miles) west of the capital Tripoli. He was killed near the Janzour Naval Academy that he commanded, officials told local media. Images on news websites and social media showed a bullet-riddled white four-wheel-drive vehicle at the side of a road, with a man’s body inside. The media reports did not speculate about…
To address the escalating security challenges in Northern Nigeria, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, has reaffirmed the commitment of northern governors to tackle the region’s insecurity issues. This pledge follows the receipt of a comprehensive report from the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) on Monday. Governor Yahaya emphasized the profound impact of insecurity on the lives of millions across the region and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts with key stakeholders to find effective solutions. He announced plans to convene an extensive meeting that will bring together past and…
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has honored highlife music icon Chief Mike Ejeagha by renaming Obinagu Road in Abakpa Nike after him. The renaming was announced during the inauguration of several newly constructed and reconstructed roads in the area on Monday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria. In addition to the newly renamed Mike Ejeagha Road, the Governor also inaugurated Mike Ejeagha Crescent, Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road, and Nkpor Street. During the event, Governor Mbah visited Ejeagha at his residence and pledged the State Government’s commitment to his upkeep, referring to him as “a living legend.” Mbah stated…
The United States has seized a private jet reportedly linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The jet, a Falcon 900EX, was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and flown to Florida on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the seizure, stating, “This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies.” He emphasized the Department’s commitment to preventing the misuse of American resources that could undermine…
The government in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday deplored a “loss of lives” after an attempted jail break overnight from the country’s biggest prison. The circumstances around the bid to bust out of Makala prison in the capital Kinshasa remain unclear. “There’s an escape attempt at Makala Central Prison. Security services are on-site to restore order and security,” government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said Monday on X. “The situation is under control,” Muyaya told national Congolese television from Beijing, where he is part of the official delegation accompanying President Felix Tshisekedi to this week’s China-Africa summit. Interior Minister Jacquemain…