The recent G7 sanctions on Russian diamonds have impacted the global diamond market, prompting diamond-rich African nations to ramp up production to fill the gap left by the ban. Earlier this year, the G7, a coalition of wealthy nations including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the European Union, imposed a ban on rough diamonds mined in Russia. While these sanctions are designed to penalize Russia, they also carry implications for the stability of the global diamond market. “Africa is the dominant producer collectively,” said M’Zee Fula Ngenge, head of the African Diamond Council (ADC), in…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development has urged civil servants to remain diligent and value-oriented in the execution of their official duties. Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary in the ministry gave the charge when Ali Seidu, Chairman of the union in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside some members of staff, visited him in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in appreciation of Aduda’s impactful role during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from December 2020 to October 2022.1:00 Aduda said that the civil service was…
The Federal Government has revised the contract cost for the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road Project in Rivers State from N199 billion to N280 billion. This was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection tour of road projects in the state. Minister Umahi explained that the Federal Ministry of Works is prioritizing and harmonizing projects based on available funds and the need for completion. The new target date for the completion and commissioning of the Bodo-Bonny Road is set for December 15, 2024. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the payments made to contractors correspond with the…
The Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has witnessed hundreds of fatalities, due to the growing threat of extreme heat waves. Temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) during the annual gathering, contributing to an increased death toll among the 1.8 million participants. The extreme heat wave during Hajj 2024 has led to the deaths of hundreds of pilgrims, with numerous reports from various countries. Egypt alone has reported 323 deaths due to heat-related illnesses, according to unnamed Arab diplomats. Other nations have also faced tragic losses: Indonesia reported 138 deaths, Jordan 41, and Tunisia 35. The Associated Press,…
U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent immigration policy announcement has provided relief for Americans with undocumented spouses. The new plan offers a path to citizenship for immigrants who entered the country illegally and are married to U.S. citizens, allowing them to legalize their status without leaving the United States. Pennsylvania-based immigration lawyer Bridget Cambria expressed her joy at the news. Over the years, she had informed many couples of the difficult process for the immigrant spouse to gain U.S. legal permanent residency, which often involved leaving the country and enduring years of separation. “When I called them, it was nice to…
The Ojude Oba Festival 2024, an illustrious celebration that showcases culture, fashion, and unity at its peak, once again transformed Ijebu-Ode into a dazzling display of color and grandeur. Held at the Oba Sikiru Adetona Pavilion on Tuesday, this year’s festival, themed “Unity and Harmony, Our Gift,” showcased the rich heritage of the Ijebu people with world-class elegance. Celebrated annually on the third day of Eid al Kabir, the Ojude Oba is marked by the parade of various cultural age groups, known as regberegbe, who gather to pay homage to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.…
The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) on Wednesday justified the decision of the agency to go after assets of drug barons and traffickers. Marwa said this at a news briefing in Abuja to begin the week-long activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day. NAN also reports that the theme of the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) is: “Evidence is Clear; Let Us Invest in Prevention.” Represented by Mr Shadrach Haruna,…
An Arab diplomat told AFP on Wednesday that at least 600 Egyptians died during the hajj pilgrimage, citing searing heat that reached 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday. “All of the (newly confirmed) deaths were because of the heat as well,” the diplomat said after Arab officials earlier reported a figure of at least 323 Egyptian deaths. AFP
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa is to be sworn in for a new term as president at a ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday after his African National Congress struck a government coalition deal. Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to re-elect the 71-year-old last week, after a May 29 general election that produced no outright winner. He will be officially inaugurated for a new five-year term before MPs, foreign dignitaries, religious and traditional leaders, and others at the Union Buildings, the seat of government. The presidency said at least 18 heads of state and government, many from other African countries are to attend. It…
Russia said Wednesday it was waiting for the United States to respond to its propositions regarding a prisoner swap, days before US reporter Evan Gershkovich was set to face trial in Russia. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in March 2023 on espionage charges rejected by his family, employer and the White House as false. President Vladimir Putin said in February that talks on a prisoner swap involving the journalist were underway, but the Kremlin has not given any details on the progress of the negotiations. “The ball is in the court…
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has inaugurated new caretaker chairmen for all 23 local government areas. The governor’s action came shortly after the state House of Assembly, under factional leadership by Speaker Victor Jumbo, screened and confirmed the nominees forwarded by Governor Fubara. The nominees were invited for screening early Wednesday morning, with the swearing-in ceremony taking place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, amid heightened security measures. The newly sworn-in caretaker chairmen include: Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John…
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has provided free medical services to over two million residents in the Niger Delta region. The announcement was made by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, in a statement available during the flag-off of the medical outreach in Cross River State on Sunday. Representing the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, was Dr. Eme Inyangabia, the Assistant Director of Education, Health, and Social Services. Dr. Inyangabia emphasized that the outreach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims for universal health coverage and overall well-being. “This free healthcare…