The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the mpox surge in Africa was now a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation. The WHO called a meeting of experts to study the outbreak and make a recommendation to the UN health agency’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice,” Tedros told a press conference. “This is something that should concern us all. “WHO is committed in the days and weeks…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Thailand’s Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office on Wednesday as it ruled against him in an ethics case that throws the kingdom into fresh political turmoil. Judge Punya Udchachon, reading the ruling, said the court voted five to four to remove Srettha from office over the appointment of a minister with a criminal conviction. AFP
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern warning, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, is not released by August 26, 2024. This announcement was made by the President of NARD, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday. Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Ganiyat and her nephew remain in captivity, raising concerns among…
Bauchi State is set to distribute 70 trucks of fertilizer donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The chairman of the distribution committee, Emir of Jama’are, Nuhu Wabi, announced the initiative on Tuesday, highlighting its importance in boosting agricultural activities across the state. The committee plans to distribute the fertilizer to farmers in all the polling units within the 20 local government areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State. Various community groups, including labor unions, religious organizations, women’s groups, and youth groups, will also benefit from the donation. Wabi praised both the…
The United States has reiterated its support for Africa’s permanent representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need to address historical injustices and enhance Africa’s role in global peace and security. During a UNSC open debate on August 12, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, underscored Africa’s critical contributions to peacekeeping, climate action, food security, and conflict resolution, both within and beyond the continent. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted that Africa, with over 1.2 billion people and a rapidly growing population, deserves a stronger voice in the Security Council. She emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to supporting permanent…
Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), Mallory Stewart, is set to attend the 2024 United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM) Deterrence Symposium in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 13-14. This annual event gathers key leaders from the academic, military, and political arenas, alongside international allies and partners, to engage in critical discussions on deterrence and global security challenges. Assistant Secretary Stewart will contribute to a panel discussion on “International Laws and Norms,” emphasizing the pivotal role of international agreements in maintaining global stability. Her participation at the STRATCOM Symposium highlights the ADS Bureau’s dedication to promoting a…
On August 12, 2024, the United Nations marked International Youth Day, emphasizing the important role of young people in fostering a more equitable and peaceful world. Since its inception in 1998, International Youth Day has served as a platform to highlight youth issues and celebrate the potential of young individuals as vital contributors to global progress. In his press statement, Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated that issues affecting youth—such as access to education, economic opportunities, food security, environmental sustainability, good governance, and freedom from violence—are fundamental to everyone. The UN has recognized these challenges through various initiatives, most notably the…
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The Lagos State Government has announced an increase in the number of daily trips on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, which will now run 72 trips per day starting from Monday, 12th August 2024. This marks a rise from the previous 54 trips. However, the Sunday schedule remains unchanged. Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), shared the update over the weekend, revealing that the Blue Line trains will now complete the journey between Marina and Mile 2 in just 18 minutes, an improvement from the earlier 25-minute travel time.…
U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, addressed the United Nations Security Council on August 8, 2024, highlighting the ongoing threats to international peace and security posed by terrorist acts. Speaking in New York, Ambassador Wood emphasized the United States’ concern over ISIS-Khorasan’s growing ability to conduct attacks beyond Afghanistan, referencing the devastating incidents in Kerman on January 3 and Moscow on March 22, which resulted in hundreds of casualties. Ambassador Wood commended the efforts of the Taliban to counter ISIS-K but underscored the importance of their continued adherence to counterterrorism commitments. He also expressed grave…
President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, at the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The visit, confirmed by Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. During his stay, President Tinubu will engage in high-level discussions with President Mbasogo at the Presidential Villa in Malabo. The leaders are expected to focus on key areas of mutual interest, including oil and gas cooperation and regional security. The meeting will culminate in the signing…
The United States and Kenya have completed a productive round of negotiations under the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership, held from August 5-9 in Nairobi. Leading the U.S. delegation was Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Constance Hamilton, while the Kenyan side was represented by Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred K’Ombudo. This latest round builds on discussions from the previous round held in June in Mombasa. Key areas of focus during the negotiations included agriculture, customs and trade facilitation, environmental standards, good regulatory practices, inclusivity, and workers’ rights and protections. Both sides exchanged views on these critical issues, aiming to strengthen…