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ALGON seeks four-year tenure for LG officials

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ALGON seeks four-year tenure for LG officials

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria has called for the adoption of a unified four-year tenure for elected local government officials in the country.

Alhaji Aminu Muazu-Maifata, National President of ALGON made the call in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Lafia.

Muazu-Maifata said that the move would ensure good governance and quality representation at the grassroots levels.

The president called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the nation’s constitution to unify the tenure of local government officials across the country.

“The tenure of local government officials should be made four years to enable us to deliver on our campaign promises to the electorate.

”It is unfortunate that the tenure of local government officials in some states is even one or two years.

”So, I wonder how these officials will deliver good governance within such a short period,” he lamented.

On the N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government, the ALGON boss called on the federal government to increase the monthly allocations of the 774 local government areas in the country.

He maintained that the move would enable the councils to pay the new minimum wage when it finally becomes a law.

Muazu-Maifata, who is the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, however, lauded Governor Abdullahi Sule for granting autonomy to all the councils in the state.

He called on other governors to emulate Sule toward the overall development of the country, particularly the grassroots.

On the security of Lafia, he explained that the partial curfew imposed in the locality was a measure to tackle the increasing rate of kidnapping and other crimes within the state capital.

“We restricted the movement of motorcycles between 6 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and tricycles between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

“This is because security reports have it that criminal gangs are using these two means of transportation to perpetrate crimes and operate between the restricted hours,” he explained.

Muazu-Maifata, however, said that the security situation in Lafia has improved, adding better strategies would be adopted for the safety of lives and property. 

(NAN)

CSOs drum support for shippers council regulatory bill

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CSOs drum support for shippers council regulatory bill

A body of 45 civil society groups under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria for the Promotion of Accountability and Transparency in Governance has thrown its weight behind the proposed Nigeria Shippers Council Regulatory Agency.

Recall that a Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act and enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and Related Matter passed a second reading in the House of Representatives in March 2024.

Consequently, the House Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters, on Monday, May 27, 2024, held a one-day hearing to gauge public feedback and input on repealing the Nigerian Shippers Council Act (Cap N133, LFN 2004) as a prelude to enacting the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill.

The bill aims to empower the Nigerian Shippers Council to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers, and promote economic growth.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, a spokesman for the group, Nwogu Ndubisi, commended the Committee on Shipping Services for its inclusivity, giving stakeholders the platform to make inputs to the bill at a public hearing.

According to him, the proposed legislation will bring about “The much-needed transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the sector while strengthening the Shippers Council’s regulatory powers, reducing costs, increasing competition, and improving service delivery.”

He said, “Our coalition is pleased to note that 99 per cent of the opinions expressed at the public hearing were in favour of the Bill as presented.

“We also note that a few amendments were suggested, which the House Committee on Shipping Services, ably led by Abdulsamad Dansuki, has promised to take notice of. Such an accommodating disposition is what the electorate expects of our lawmakers, and we look forward to the House sustaining this trend.

“We want to specifically commend the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abbas for the speedy consideration of the bill by the People’s House under his leadership.”

The group also called on the parliament to push on until the bill is passed by the parliament given what it called “The significance of the bill and the positive impact it would have on the lives of Nigerian citizens.”

He continued, “We plead with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio that Nigerians are eager to see the Senate replicate the pace the House has adopted in treating the bill.

“We are of the view that such accelerated handling of the Shipping Council Regulatory Bill aligns with the Senate President’s commitment to tackle inflation, economic hardship, and difficulties that Nigerians are facing. We look forward to commending the Senate for the manner it will treat the bill when it comes to the Red Chamber for concurrence.

“Our final appeal goes to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his speedy assent when the bill is transmitted to the Presidency. With the passion he has shown for rebooting Nigeria’s economy to its optimum, we do not doubt that Mr President will treat the Shipping Council Regulatory Bill with the same urgency with which the Students Loan Bill was treated to become an Act.

“We also laud the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for getting it right with the Shipping Council Regulatory Bill. The support he has mobilised so far shows his level of transparency and zeal to regulate the maritime economy.”

Focus on alleviating suffering, not buying presidential jets, Obi

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Focus on alleviating suffering, not buying presidential jets, Obi

The Labour Party Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, on Monday, faulted the Federal Government for contemplating adding new aircraft to the existing Presidential fleet.

Three days ago, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence mandated the FG to buy new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The committee’s recommendation was contained in a report released after it investigated the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

The recommendation comes a few months after three planes from the Presidential Air Fleet were pencilled down for sale.

But Obi described the move as unacceptable and a clear show of insensitivity to the suffering of the Nigerian people.

Reacting on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra governor disclosed that it was rather unfortunate that at a time when the country was making headlines over the economic crisis, occasioned by hyperinflation, a falling currency and widespread poverty, the FG was contemplating securing new presidential jets.

He said, “This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles. With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people. It is unacceptable as the situation in the country today more than ever demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritizing citizens’ welfare.

“It is on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems.

“While we had earlier refurbished the old VP residence with $2 million, the over 100-year-old US Vice President’s house has only undergone wide-scale renovations twice, funded by taxpayers’ money; in 1993 and 2021. Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his funds.

“It is, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty. Let us work together to build a nation that truly serves its people, not just the interests of a few.”

Again, Sergio Ramos quits Sevilla

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Again, Sergio Ramos quits Sevilla

Veteran Spanish defender Sergio Ramos has told hometown club Sevilla his second stint with them is over after just one season, the La Liga outfit said on Monday.

In a career spanning over 20 years, Ramos carved himself a place in football history, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European championships with Spain as well as four Champions League titles with Real Madrid before going back to help struggling Sevilla survive a tricky season.

The 38-year-old Ramos racked up 37 appearances for Sevilla as they struggled to 14th in La Liga, getting through three coaches on the way.

Ramos left Sevilla at 19 for a 15-year spell at Real Madrid in 2005. He then spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain.

The inspirational defender has yet to reveal his destination for next season

The record seven-time Europa League winners said Ramos would bid farewell to fans on Tuesday after informing them on Monday his dream return to the club who brought him on from youth level was over.

“Sergio Ramos has informed Sevilla FC that he will not stay next season,” the club said in a statement.

“The club wishes to thank Sergio for the commitment, leadership and dedication that he has demonstrated this season, and wishes him the best for future.”

Sevilla captain and record appearance-maker Jesus Navas, also 38, left the club two weeks ago after 17 seasons.

AFP

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FG denies renaming Murtala Muhammed Expressway

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FG denies renaming Murtala Muhammed Expressway

The Federal Government on Monday dismissed information that the Abuja Murtala Muhammed Expressway had been renamed Wole Soyinka Way.

The FG, in a statement signed by the media aide to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, clarified that the renaming of the expressway was never considered by the current administration.

The confusion stems from a recent event on June 4, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the Federal Capital Territory.

The new road, designated as Arterial Road N20, stretches from Katampe to Jahi, connecting the Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Muhammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (Ahmadu Bello Way).

During the inauguration, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike proposed that the new road be named after Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, a suggestion that Tinubu approved.

Consequently, it is the Arterial Road N20 that now bears Soyinka’s name, not the Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

“We have noted the rumours being circulated that the Murtala Muhammed Express Way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been renamed as Wole Soyinka Way. The renaming of the Murtala Mohammed Expressway Way has never been contemplated by this administration.

“For the record, on June 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Muhammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way).

“During the inauguration of the N20 (which is a new road), FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, proposed to the President that the road be named after Prof Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed”, the statement read in part.

The government emphasised that the Murtala Mohammed Expressway remains unchanged, continuing to honour the legacy of the former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.

“Therefore, the Arterial Road N20 is named after Prof Soyinka. The Murtala Muhammed Expressway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed,” Ibrahim stressed.

Citizens were urged to disregard any misinformation suggesting otherwise, as such reports are false and unfounded.

“We urge all citizens to disregard any misinformation regarding renaming the Murtala Muhammed Expressway. The report is entirely false and only exists in the imagination of its purveyors”, the statement added.

Shehu Sani insists some ENDSARS protesters still in police detention

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Shehu Sani insists some ENDSARS protesters still in police detention

The former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, and the Nigeria Police Force have disagreed on the fate of youths detained during the October 2020 ENDSARS protest in the country.
Sani, who spoke at the 2024 Democracy Day Dinner held on June 12 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, insisted several protesters have not regained freedom four years after the mass rallies against the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
He urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the release of the detained young people.
The former lawmaker stressed that young Nigerians who were arrested during the protest of 2020 were still in detention.
But the police in a statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyuwa Adejobi, swiftly denied the allegations.
He insisted that those arrested during the protest have been released.
Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police affirms that no individual is being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force or any other security agency in Nigeria due to the EndSARS protest,” the police spokesman said.
“All arrested individuals have been processed according to the law, and none remain unlawfully detained. In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pardoned approximately 100 suspects arrested by the Police during the protest.
“For emphasis, no one anywhere in Nigeria is under Police detention or being wrongly persecuted for participating in the EndSARS protest. The issues surrounding the protest have been debated, researched, and documented, and lessons have been learnt. We have forgiven ourselves and moved on.
“We encourage verifying information before making public statements to avoid harm and incitement.
“The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the recent allegations made by Senator Shehu Sani at the 2024 Democracy Day Dinner on June 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the former Senator falsely claimed that some young people have been detained since the 2020 EndSARS protest.”
But in a post on X on Monday afternoon, Sani insisted that some arrested protesters are still being detained by the police.
He wrote: “The Police debunked my statement that some ENDSARS protesters are still held in custody. I hope they have read the list of the names published.”

The Police debunked my statement that some Endsars protesters are still held in custody.I hope they have read the list of the names published.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) June 17, 2024

To corroborate Sani’s assertion, some X users under the post bashed the police for denying the obvious, with some even posting a list of those still in detention.
One of the users, @HilaryEkpe, posted the list of detainees and dared the police to deny it.

pic.twitter.com/YMcyuE9jWi
— Ekpe Hilary Uchiche (@HilaryEkpe) June 17, 2024

Others also agreed with Sani in a flurry of posts.
@OjuowoD wrote: “Like seriously, I was watching Arise News this morning and I was shaking my head when the AAC Chairman Lagos State mentioned list of EndSars Protesters in Kirikiri and others police custody, that was when I said police even debunked they’ve no one like that in their custody.”

Like seriously, I was watching Arise News this morning and I was shaking my head when the AAC Chairman Lagos State mentioned list of EndSars Protesters in Kirikiri and others police custody, that was when I said police even debunked they've no one like that in their custody
— Owokoniran (@OjuowoD) June 17, 2024

@Imoladayo: “The fact about this is that they might have changed their case from protesters to armed robberies or more so the police should go back to their records and start normal investigations. At least it’s our mother sovereign land.”

The fact about this is that they might have change their case from protesters to arm robberies or more so the police should go back to their records and start normal investigations. At least it's our own mother sovereign land.
— Ayoola Oladayo (@Imoladayo) June 17, 2024

@AdamsKesiena: “Anything denied by the Nigerian government and its agencies is true, most especially the Nigerian police and the military.”

Anything denied by Nigeria government and its agencies is true , most especially the Nigerian police and the military
— kesiena O A (@AdamsKesiena) June 17, 2024

@DavaGrouoCEO: “I’m waiting for them not to respond to the list and that list isn’t even complete they’re more people who they sent to prison that are not in their cells.”

I’m waiting for them not to respond to the list and that list isn’t even complete they’re more people who they sent to prison that are not in their cells
— Dava (@DavaGroupCEO) June 17, 2024

@Bukatee: “Our public institutions are always quick to debunk without thouroughly investigating whatever it is they are denying. Must we always deny white to be black for us to scale through in this country?”

Our public institution are always quick to debunk without thouroughly investigating whatever it is they are denying. Must we always deny white to be black for us to scale through in this country?
— ONYELE EBUKA POLYCARP (@BUKATEE4617191) June 17, 2024

@DePeoplesPride: “Are you supposed to be surprised? The endsars to police never happened as there was no victim in 10/20/20???”

Are you supposed to be surprised? The endsars to police never happened as there was no victim in 10/20/20???
— Good Governance is sure (@DePeoplespride) June 17, 2024

@FreedomFighter: “Let’s confirm whether are there still people from EndSARs in detention.”

Let’s confirm are there still people from EndSARs in detention pic.twitter.com/OvubQpg4vO
— Freedom Fighter Official (@Freedom_fighte_) June 17, 2024

@NotUrKev: “We should always remember!
“Whatever they debunked or denied is the truth.”

We should always remember!"Whatever they debunked or denied is the truth"
— 𝐊𝐞𝐯 .𝐎° (@NotUrKev) June 17, 2024

@Opeyemtech: “One of the leaders of EndSars United came to Arise TV last night with the list of people still in detention.”

One of the leaders of EndSars United came to Arise TV last night with the list of people still in detention
— Yemtech (@Opeyemtech) June 17, 2024

The post Shehu Sani insists some ENDSARS protesters still in police detention appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

UNIMED, WACP sign MoU for enhanced postgraduate programme

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UNIMED, WACP sign MoU for enhanced postgraduate programme

The University of Medical Sciences, Ondo town, Ondo State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the West African College of Physicians for the commencement of its postgraduate programme.

It was gathered that the partnership would help deepen and strengthen their academic impacts on the postgraduate students.

At the signing of the MoU, on Friday, the Vice Chancellor of the UNIMED, Prof Adesegun Fatusi, explained that the university was the first to have such a partnership with the West African College of Physicians (WACP) and that the university was well-prepared and ready for the partnership as they have the necessary human and infrastructural resources needed.

According to him, the partnership would allow students to be supervised by experts in their specialities across WACP.

He said, “In a world where there is a greater drive for science research component, that is where this complementary partnership is coming in and we are very ready as a university because we have the resources in terms of human resources and infrastructural resources.

“UNIMED is the first university that WACP is signing this MoU with, the curriculum to implement this is ready based on the NUC criteria and I want to say that we have also started test-running this because we have the pilot programme, we have rolled out the PhD programme and we have over 50 people, The WACP is coming in just to deepen, to strengthen and to broaden what we are doing.

“The advantage of this partnership is that if people come to do this postgraduate programme, they don’t need to rely on just our staff to be their supervisor, we are bringing in all the expertise that is available in WACP, to support this, so if you are a student here doing your PhD programme, anyone in your speciality across WACP, can supervise you”.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the WACP, Jeremiah Madaki, disclosed that their partnership with UNIMED will provide complementary skills to doctors to enhance their performance.

“The partnership we sought with the University of Medical Sciences here is going to provide a PhD that will make available a set of skills that are complementary to the professional training of medical doctors in Nigeria in particular and West Africa in general.

“We already have what we call the fellowship program which is the professional training of the doctors to allow those human resources to provide high-quality services, so what we seek in the PhD is to look at those complementary skills that could further enhance what we do as professional doctors” Madaki stated

FG denies renaming Murtala Mohammed Expressway

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FG denies renaming Murtala Mohammed Expressway

The Federal Government on Monday dismissed information that the Abuja Murtala Mohammed Expressway had been renamed Wole Soyinka Way.

The FG, in a statement signed by the media aide to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, clarified that the renaming of the expressway was never considered by the current administration.

The confusion stems from a recent event on June 4, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the Federal Capital Territory.

The new road, designated as Arterial Road N20, stretches from Katampe to Jahi, connecting the Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Mohammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (Ahmadu Bello Way).

During the inauguration, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike proposed that the new road be named after Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, a suggestion that Tinubu approved.

Consequently, it is the Arterial Road N20 that now bears Soyinka’s name, not the Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

“We have noted the rumours being circulated that the Murtala Mohammed Express Way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been renamed as Wole Soyinka Way. The renaming of the Murtala Mohammed Expressway Way has never been contemplated by this administration.

“For the record, on June 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Mohammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way).

“During the inauguration of the N20 (which is a new road), FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, proposed to the President that the road be named after Prof Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed”, the statement read in part.

The government emphasised that the Murtala Mohammed Expressway remains unchanged, continuing to honour the legacy of the former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.

“Therefore, the Arterial Road N20 is named after Prof Soyinka. The Murtala Mohammed Expressway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed,” Ibrahim stressed.

Citizens were urged to disregard any misinformation suggesting otherwise, as such reports are false and unfounded.

“We urge all citizens to disregard any misinformation regarding renaming the Murtala Mohammed Expressway. The report is entirely false and only exists in the imagination of its purveyors”, the statement added.

Nigeria makes history, wins Chovken World Championship bronze

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Nigeria makes history, wins Chovken World Championship bronze

The Nigeria team has won Bronze at the 2024 Chovken World Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, patron of NSK Polo team and Resort, disclosed this in a statement by Joesef Karim, Media Assistant to Vice President, African Region, International Chovken Federation on Monday in Abuja.

Kangiwa, who is also the Chairman, African Region of the International Chovken Federation, said that Nigeria drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan to win Bronze on points from previous matches.

Kangiwa, the President of the Nigeria Polo Federation, said Nigeria’s team emerged as the third-best team at the just concluded Chovken World Championship.

“This is the first time Nigeria participated in any global Chovken, an ancient equestrian sport similar to Polo.

”Team Nigeria’s build-up to the finals, Nigeria beat Germany 5-0; beat Poland 4-1; and lost against Morocco 4-1,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the World Chovken Championship was held from June 10 to 16.

NAN  reports that  Turkey, Malta, Kuwait, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Poland, Germany, and Nigeria, including the host Azerbaijan participated in the championship.

The ancient sport of Chovken is a team sport similar to the more popular Polo. It is played by horse riders with sticks competing to hit a small ball into a goal post.

A  match consists of two halves, each last for  15 minutes of effective playtime.

The team Nigeria players include  Yusuf Bello, Shehu Kangiwa, Mukhtar Adhama and Abdulmalik Badamasi and they were led by Kangiwa.

NAN

Over $1bn pledged to boost vaccine production in Africa

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Over $1bn pledged to boost vaccine production in Africa

More than one billion dollars will be pledged towards ramping up vaccine production in Africa at a summit held in Paris later this week, France said on Monday.

A “new mechanism to accelerate the financing of vaccine production on the African continent” will be launched during the summit on Thursday, which will be attended by several African leaders, together with the heads of the World Health Organization and the Gavi vaccine alliance, the French president’s office said.

The amount committed by donors — which include the European Commission, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea and the United States — “will exceed a billion dollars”, the presidential Elysee Palace said.

Around three-quarters of this sum will come from Europe, it added.

The goal is to boost the ability of manufacturers in Africa to produce their own vaccines, giving the continent more sovereignty to address the many health crises it faces.

The money will also go towards setting up an African medicines agency similar to the European Medicines Agency, the French presidency said.
The Covid-19 pandemic shone a light on the unequal global distribution of vaccines.

The wealthy nations where most big pharmaceutical firms are based hoarded the majority of doses, while Africa was left well behind.
Switzerland, for example, destroyed more COVID-19 vaccine doses than it ever administered.

Several areas in Africa are currently enduring cholera outbreaks — as well as shortages of vaccine doses.

“Specific announcements will be made during this forum to respond to this vaccine shortage,” the French presidency said.

Malaria will also be discussed at the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation on Thursday, it added.

Gavi, one of the leaders behind the Covax global programme which distributed Covid jabs to poorer countries, is hoping donors at the summit will provide funding for its vaccination projects from 2026 to 2030.

French President Emmanuel Macron will welcome several leaders of African nations including those of Botswana, Ghana, Rwanda and Senegal, the Elysee Palace said.

Macron will also meet African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat to talk about “the crises that are still shaking the continent”, particularly in Sudan and the African Great Lakes region, it added.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to speak at the summit via videoconference.

AFP

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