The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has officially declared the “Child Support Scheme Platform” as fake and nonexistent. The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, addressed the issue, emphasizing that the ministry has no association with the purported scheme. In response to the circulating misinformation, Minister Edu stated, “The circulating bogus child support scheme with the title ‘FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ₦50,000 CHILD SUPPORT FUND FOR ALL NIGERIAN PARENTS IS ONGOING,’ and the accompanying link are fake as they did not emanate from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.” She…
Author: Editor Francis
Time Magazine has recognized Kenya’s President William Ruto as one of the world’s 100 most influential leaders shaping global climate action. This acknowledgment follows President Ruto’s leadership in a national holiday dedicated to planting 100 million trees in a single day. The “Time 100 Climate” list, released on Thursday, features individuals making significant strides in the fight against climate change, with a focus on tangible achievements. Ruto shares this distinction with other notable figures, including Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the mayor of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, as well as architect Francis Kéré from Burkina Faso and Ethiopian climate entrepreneur Kidus Asfaw. Time…
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has officially appointed Dr. Folakemi Basirat Animashaun as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), effective from October 30, 2023. The appointment, endorsed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, reflects Dr. Animashaun’s distinguished career as a Medical Doctor, Technocrat, and dedicated Public Servant, showcasing her commendable delivery of technical and practical medical services within the Lagos State Civil Service. Mr. Agoro stated, “The State Government expects the new Chief Executive Officer to demonstrate a high level of dedication, diligence, and selflessness in the discharge of her…
The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, is expected to decrease in filling stations operated by independent marketers this week. This development follows significant PMS imports by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), according to statements from oil dealers on Saturday. Punch Reports The recent surge in petrol prices at retail outlets run by independent marketers was attributed to a shortage of the commodity, resulting in profiteering practices by both depot owners and filling stations. However, downstream oil sector operators have now confirmed that numerous cargoes imported by NNPCL have arrived in Nigeria, with…
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in collaboration with BudgIT and 34 concerned Nigerians, has initiated legal action against President Bola Tinubu. The lawsuit, numbered FHC/L/CS/2353/2023, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenges the appointment of purported All Progressives Congress (APC) members as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The plaintiffs seek an order setting aside the alleged APC members’ nomination, confirmation, and appointment as RECs, deeming it unconstitutional, unlawful, null, void, and of no effect. Additionally, they request an order of mandamus to compel President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill…
A delegation of newly elected governors from the North West region of the country has sought the support of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) to enhance cooperation and unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential. Led by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, the seven governors emphasized the region’s abundant water and land resources, stating that with support, they can produce sufficient food, particularly rice and wheat, to address the country’s needs. The North West, grappling with high poverty and food insecurity rates, attributed these challenges to inadequate infrastructure, weak extension services, limited value addition, and poor integration into domestic and…
During the 33rd convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to preventing student dropouts due to the inability to pay tuition under his government. Represented by Professor King-David Terna Yawe of the National University Commission (NUC), President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges facing higher education and emphasized his government’s proactive efforts to address them. He highlighted the prompt signing of the student loan bill into law shortly after his inauguration. President Tinubu assured, “My government will ensure that educational institutions receive their dues to perform their statutory duties optimally.” He…
Liberian leader and football legend George Weah conceded defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a tight presidential run-off, saying it was time to put national interest above personal interest. A declaration acclaimed by several citizens of Africa’s oldest republic. “I am so happy that the president accepted his defeat because he knew very well that he never did good. And now he wants to prove to the Liberians that he loves them by accepting it because if he doesn’t accept it, we will go back to war, and we don’t want to go back there,” said Patience Quiah, a…
In a significant move to prioritize worker empowerment, rights, and high labor standards worldwide, the U.S. State Department has commenced the implementation of key actions outlined in President Biden’s Presidential Memorandum. Acknowledging the integral role of labor rights in fostering democracy, driving economic growth, fortifying supply chain resilience, and ensuring a level playing field for American workers and companies, the new whole-of-government approach aligns with President Biden’s domestic policies. Under the Presidential Memorandum, Chiefs of Mission and Department officials are directed, for the first time, to actively engage in labor diplomacy, amplifying efforts to enhance programming and public messaging on…
In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from November 6-10, the United States actively participated in the annual Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary meetings, emphasising its commitment to transparency and oversight in the diamond industry to combat trade in conflict diamonds. However, the US expressed regret that the KP participants were unable to address the implications of Russia’s diamond production and its war against Ukraine, a matter raised by Ukraine and supported by the United States and others. Despite the KP’s mandate to tackle how the trade in rough diamonds contributes to conflicts, Russia, along with a few other participants, objected to the request.…
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, delivered a powerful statement during a UN Security Council briefing on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The ambassador expressed grave concern over the dire situation in the country, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating conflict. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield commended Assistant Secretary-General Pobee for his leadership and briefed the Council on the United States’ strong support for the UN mission. She called on all Council members to rally behind UNITAMS, emphasizing its critical role in achieving an end to the conflict, protecting human rights, ensuring unhindered humanitarian…
The Ministry of Niger Delta Development (MNDD) has officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in a ceremony held in Abuja. The Minister of MNDD, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, urged the newly appointed board members to prioritize the Eight (8) Presidential Priorities set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the guiding principles for the development of the Niger Delta region. Addressing the gathering, Minister Momoh emphasized the significance of aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, stating, “The inauguration of the board means that we have accepted to be part of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, and to…