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AU condemns rebel ‘massacres’ in DR Congo

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AU condemns rebel ‘massacres’ in DR Congo

The African Union on Monday condemned “massacres” in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo that killed 150 people in June.

African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat said he had learned with “dismay of the increasing massacres of innocent civilians” by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), in Beni and Lubero in North Kivu province.

“The Chairman of the Commission strongly condemns these attacks, which have claimed the lives of 150 people since the beginning of June,” the statement said.

Mahamat encouraged “Congolese authorities, in collaboration with the countries of the region, to intensify their efforts to curb the spread of the terrorist threat in the Great Lakes region”.

He also reiterated the African Union’s “ongoing commitment to the countries of the Great Lakes region in their fight against terrorism”.
The attacks are attributed to the ADF, which originated in neighbouring Uganda.

The group has operated in eastern DR Congo for decades and in 2019 it pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, which portrays the ADF as its central African branch.

Since the end of 2021, the Congolese and Ugandan armies have conducted joint operations against the ADF in North Kivu and neighbouring Ituri province, but have so far failed to stop the deadly attacks on civilians.

The east of the country has been plagued by violence from armed groups for decades.

AFP.

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Germany veteran Neuer to consider future after Euro 2024

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Germany veteran Neuer to consider future after Euro 2024

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said on Monday he will make a call on his future after Euro 2024, the 2014 World Cup winner’s eighth major tournament.

The 38-year-old said he “could not yet reveal” whether this would be his last dance in German colours, adding “I’ll turn my mind to it after the tournament.”

Neuer returned to action for Bayern Munich in October after almost a year out of the game with a broken leg, during which he lost the Germany captaincy to Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan.

Neuer returned and was restored as Germany’s No.1 by coach Julian Nagelsmann, despite a series of errors at club and international level in the lead-up to the hosts’ Euro 2024 opener against Scotland.

The veteran made errors in Germany’s pre-tournament friendlies against Ukraine and Greece and also committed a cardinal error for Bayern Munich in their Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid in May.

While Neuer’s status alongside German greats like Oliver Kahn and Sepp Maier is secure, the errors led to growing calls to replace him — particularly with Barcelona’s Marc-Andre Ter Stegen waiting in the wings.

Just days out from the tournament opener against Scotland, a survey of 80,000 readers of the German tabloid Bild found 72 per cent wanted Ter Stegen to take over from Neuer.

“I didn’t read anything about it,” Neuer said, adding “The focus for me was on the first game against Scotland and the upcoming matches.”

Neuer was not tested in the 5-1 win over Scotland on Friday, where Germany’s only goal conceded came off the head of Antonio Rudiger.

“I’ve actually always done it in such a way that I go into the analysis with those responsible here and we discuss everything, look at the pictures and then evaluate everything.

“That’s why I haven’t given much thought to this debate. Of course, the relationship of trust between our team and the players is important.”

AFP

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Nigeria must prevent spread in schools—UNICEF

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Nigeria must prevent spread in schools—UNICEF

Following the outbreak of cholera in Lagos and some states, the United Nations Children’s Fund has called for extensive measures to protect school children.

The UN organisation also called for concerted efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease.

The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, who made the call on Monday in a statement, said that the cholera outbreaks critically affected children and the young population.

According to Lafoucriere, these vulnerable groups face substantial health risks particularly children and young adults attending schools.

She noted that children were prone to severe dehydration and high mortality rate.

“There is, therefore, an urgent need for good sanitation, hygiene practices, improved access to clean water, regular handwashing with soap and clean water in order to combat the outbreak in schools,” she said.

Lafoucrier, however, solicited for adequate awareness across the country to sensitise the populace on cholera outbreaks and preventive measures as part of efforts to address the issue.

NAN.

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Assembly candidates seek Tinubu’s intervention

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Assembly candidates seek Tinubu’s intervention

The 24 All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2023 Abia State House of Assembly election have called on President Bola Tinubu to wade into the crisis and put an end to the factionalisation of the party in the state.

This came as the only elected APC lawmaker in the State House of Assembly, Mr Anderson Akaliro led the other candidates on a reconciliation mission to Abuja on Monday.

In a communique tagged “Abia APC crisis peace initiative,” issued on Monday, Akaliro called on the national leadership of the party to, as a matter of urgency, convene a meeting and invite all leaders and stakeholders of the party to seek an end to the impasse.

The meeting, he said, should include the South East zonal caucus, Abuja-based party gladiators, key stakeholders, the 2023 APC candidates to the Abia House of Assembly, Federal House of Representatives and Senate.

“With all sitting at a round table to get the commitment of the leaders and interest groups to a peace accord,” the communique read partly.

The communique further read in part, “We are calling on President Tinubu, the APC national leadership and the National Assembly members from Abia State and all individual factions to come together so that the factions within the ranks and files of the party would be dissolved into one indivisible unit.

“We are aware of the forthcoming congress, and we employ the party leadership to commit to ensuring that all interest groups are duly represented in the state, local government areas, and ward party positions.”

This, according to him, will be a prelude to a free and fair party primaries in 2026.

“We want peace in the Abia APC because there are multiple factions, which is why we lost the election.

“24 of us contested for the State Assembly election and 23 lost; the factions contributed to our loss. We only have one person as an APC member who won the election,” he lamented.

While describing the interface as fruitful, he added, “A few people who are benefitting from the crisis tactically avoided the meeting of the reconciliation team in Abuja.”

According to him, “The facade of unity is but a veil over the fissures that have led to our collective losses in political contests, and it is time for introspection and action. The potential within our ranks is immense, with leaders of influence and respect. It is our firm belief that through reconciliation and unity, the APC in Abia State will emerge stronger and victorious in future electoral endeavours.”

Akaliro called on the party to take advantage of the influx of new members into the party to forge a common front that would enable APC in the state to wage war against its common enemy and prepare grounds for victory in future elections.

The meeting was held at the Abuja residence of prominent party chieftain, Hon Dike Uche.

IMF seek stronger social safety net to ‘broaden’ gains from AI

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IMF seek stronger social safety net to ‘broaden’ gains from AI

Fiscal policy has a “major role to play” in broadening the financial gains from generative AI technology and preventing a spike in wealth inequality, the IMF said Monday.

Left unchecked, generative artificial intelligence threatens to amplify job losses among white-collar professions, International Monetary Fund staff wrote in a new paper.

The technology forms the core of chatbots including Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

To mitigate the negative effects of generative AI, governments should consider putting in place new measures to raise additional revenue and support people who lose their jobs, the IMF said.

“Fiscal policy has a major role to play in supporting a more equal distribution of gains and opportunities from generative AI,” IMF staff wrote in a blog post published to accompany the new paper.

“But this will require significant upgrades to social protection and tax systems around the world,” they continued, arguing in favour of more generous unemployment insurance and investment in sector-based training to prepare workers for “the jobs of the AI age.”

The IMF staff came out against the idea of implementing a special tax on AI products, which some academics have called for, arguing that it could end up hampering productivity growth.

Instead, corporate tax breaks that encourage the “rapid displacement of human jobs” should be reconsidered, and taxes on capital income should be strengthened to help “offset rising wealth inequality,” they added.

AFP

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Sickle cell survivor advocates mandatory testing for intending couple

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Sickle cell survivor advocates mandatory testing for intending couple

A sickle cell anaemia survivor, Onor Tawo has urged the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to make premarital genotype counselling and testing compulsory in Nigeria during marriage registration processes.

Over 40 million Nigerians are carriers of the sickle cell gene and an estimated 150,000 babies are born every year with sickle cell anaemia, according to a report by Sickle Cell Disorder Registry Nigeria.

The report added that sadly, an estimated 100,000 of these babies do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday.

However, in a letter on Monday addressed to the minister, Tawo who lost her brother to the disease, stated that mandating genotype counselling and testing for all intending couples during the marriage registration process would
prevent the birth of children predisposed to sickle cell Disease.

She added that it would also help to curb the economic strain on families and the nation’s healthcare.

The letter partly reads, “There is an urgent need to empower couples with vital information, enable them to make informed decisions and potentially prevent the birth of children predisposed to Sickle Cell Disease. Mandating genotype counselling and testing for all intending couples during the marriage registration process will not only educate couples about their genotypes but also alleviate the economic strain on families and the healthcare system.”

“I lost my younger brother to Sickle Cell anemia. In his memory, I started the Okares Sickle Cell Foundation to promote awareness of the prevention and management of sickle cell disorders. In the course of our work, we found that a lot of young adults do not know their genotypes, genetic counselling is not emphasised before marriage, and even our secondary schools do not understand what sickle cell is, despite learning genetics as a topic in Biology.

“The government’s response to SCD remains insufficient despite the urgent need for better prevention, treatment, and care. Hospitals are inadequately equipped, and the National Health Insurance Scheme fails to provide necessary coverage, leaving many vulnerable. Legislative efforts to address SCD are often criticised for legal inconsistencies and ineffectiveness. Our nation cannot remain passive in this overwhelming burden; we must act decisively to combat sickle cell disorders”

Yusuf gifts 100 Saudi Riyals each to 3,121 Kano pilgrims

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Yusuf gifts 100 Saudi Riyals each to 3,121 Kano pilgrims

The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has donated 100 Saudi Riyals to each of the 3,121 pilgrims from Kano State as a Sallah gift.

The Deputy Governor, who is the State Amirul Hajj, Aminu Gwarzo, announced the gesture during his visit to the Kano Pilgrims’ Camp at Mina in Saudi Arabia.

The head of the media team for Kano State Pilgrims and also the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, disclosed this in a statement circulated to newsmen in Kano on Monday.

According to him, the governor’s generosity didn’t stop there, noting that each pilgrim had previously received N500,000 to complete their Hajj 2024 fare payment and an additional N150,000 to supplement their pocket money, totalling 500 US dollars.

He revealed that in another display of generosity, Alhaji Mijinyawa, CEO of Sahad Stores, also gifted 50 Saudi Riyals to each Kano pilgrim as a Sallah gift.

The deputy governor encouraged pilgrims to offer earnest prayers for themselves, their loved ones, and the progress and development of Kano State and Nigeria at large.

In a relative development, according to Shuaibu, the deputy governor also visited all the 44 local government areas’ tents in Mina.

He was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Falgore, members of the State House of Assembly, Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, Chairman of the Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal, Director General of the Pilgrim’s Board, Alhaji Lamin Danbappa and Deputy Commandant General of Hisbah Board, Women Wing, Dr. Khadija Sulaiman among others.

Sevilla sign Nigerian winger Ejuke

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Sevilla sign Nigerian winger Ejuke

Sevilla has reinforced their squad for the 2024/25 campaign, by signing Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old joins the Nervionenses on a three-year deal until June 2027 after his contract with CSKA Moscow expired. He arrives at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium fresh from a loan spell at Belgian club Royal Antwerp.

In an official statement on Monday via its website, Sevilla said, “Sevilla FC has reached an agreement with the Nigerian footballer Chidera Ejuke to become a new player for the Nervionense team, joining García Pimienta’s squad as a free agent and signing for three seasons, until June 2027.”

It added, “Chidera Ejuke (January 2, 1998) was born in Zaria, Nigeria, is 176 centimetres tall, is right-footed and acts mainly as a left winger, and can also do so on the right side and in the last offensive section.”

Ejuke began his European career in Norway with Valerenga in 2017 before moving to Heerenveen in the Netherlands, where he caught the eye of CSKA Moscow with an impressive return of 10 goals and 6 assists in 29 games during the 2019/20 season.

His two years in the Russian capital yielded another 10 goals and 8 assists, while he also made his debut in the UEFA competition, featuring 5 times in the Europa League.

The pacy winger then spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Hertha Berlin before joining Royal Antwerp last season, where he scored 5 goals and provided 6 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. He also has 4 appearances in the Champions League.

Ejuke is also an established Nigerian international with 8 caps, having made his debut in 2020 after progressing through the youth ranks.

He will look forward to adding quality and depth to Sevilla’s attack as they target a return to European competition.

Trust Tinubu’s economic reforms, Kaduna gov urges Nigerians

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Trust Tinubu’s economic reforms, Kaduna gov urges Nigerians

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has urged Nigerians to have faith in the economic reforms being implemented by the government, assuring them that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

In a video shared by AIT on Monday, Governor Sani encouraged citizens to trust in the efforts of both the state and national governments to revitalize the economic tunnel.

Expressing his confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Governor Sani assured the nation that “there will be light at the end of the tunnel” and that the sacrifices made by Nigerians will ultimately lead to a better future for all.

Sani said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on our people to have faith in our Government, both at the state and national level.

” Here in Kaduna State, we’ve been working towards revitalising the economy of our people, especially those in the rural areas through massive investment in the area of agriculture, indication, infrastructure, as well as social economic support, particularly those in the rural areas, and those that are in the area of small businesses and smallholder farmers.

“I’m also aware that a lot of people in this country are making a lot of sacrifices supporting our government, supporting our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I want to assure our people that certainly there’ll be light at the end of the tunnel.

“We know what Mr. President is doing at the national level, we know the effort he’s making, and I have no doubt in my mind that everything will be better in this country, and the sacrifices people are making will not be in vain.”

Watch Video Below:

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Shun cultism, drugs Aletheia varsity tells matriculating students

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Shun cultism, drugs Aletheia varsity tells matriculating students

The Vice-Chancellor of Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof Amos Onasanya has warned the 33 pioneering students of the university to stay clear of destructive vices such as students, substance abuse, and indecent dressing among others that could make them miss the beautiful future ahead.

Onasanya in a statement on Monday, gave this warning during the maiden matriculation of the institution held on Saturday at the Senate Building Foyer.

The event was graced by eminent personalities, including the Founder and Chancellor of the university, Major-General Sansadeen Awosanya (retd.) the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, former representative of Ogun East at the Senate, Senator Lekan Mustapha, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Adesegun Adekoya.

Others were the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba, former President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Prince Feyisayo Soyewo, and former Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Saburi Adesanya to mention but few.

Onasanya congratulated the freshmen for gaining admission into the prestigious institution after a rigorous screening exercise.

He disclosed that the matriculated students cut across the three colleges and 17 academic programmes of the university which, he said, was established with the vision to be a world-class university with an ideal learning environment.

Onasanya declared that everything required for the students to excel academically had been put in place, urging them to work hard, obey the rules and regulations of the school and shun
bad company.

The Vice-Chancellor however warned the students to shun all forms of social vices such as cultism, drug addiction, indecent dressing, examination malpractices, sexual misbehaviour, fraudulent acts and any anti-social behaviour that could mar their future.

He said, “You should count yourselves very lucky to be among the 33 pioneer students that made it out of the many that applied. It is in this respect that I charge you all to face
your studies squarely so as not to lose the golden opportunity of acquiring a university
education.”

“We do not compromise standards in Aletheia University Ago-Iwoye, hence
you need to work extra hard.

“Everything that is required to make the students excel
academically has been put in place. For you to succeed you must be focused, committed to your studies, be disciplined and be active participants in this University community.”

According to him, the academic and non-academic staff of the institution shall make the experience of the pioneer students rewarding, memorable and excellent as much as possible.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that students of the university will graduate with four certificates at the end of their studies and this includes a degree in the course of study and certification in ICT, entrepreneurial and professional courses.

Onasanya revealed that the institution planned to increase to six Colleges and 32 academic programmes in the next two years.

While appreciating the founder of the university for putting his vision of Aletheia University into reality, the Vice-Chancellor commended the NUC and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for granting necessary approvals to the institution.

Speaking at the event, Major-General Awosanya, who is also the Baba Oba of Ago-Iwoye, said he was excited to witness the matriculation of the foundation students as it marked the fulfilment of one of his dreams as the founder of the varsity.

The Chancellor affirmed that the students indeed made the best choice by coming to the university, saying that he would assist them to realise their goals.

Earlier while delivering the matriculation lecture titled, “Paradigm shift in University Education: The Aletheia University Perspective,” The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, called on Nigerian universities to look for positive ways to bring in students given the prevailing competition.

Ogundipe, who insisted that the standard of education in Nigeria was not low, however, admonished university administrators to bring innovation into their academic programmes and market same

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