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50 died in earthquake, 5 died in Japanese aircraft collision

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Tuesday at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, a Japan Coast Guard aircraft collided violently with a Japan Airlines passenger plane, killing five passengers on board.

This occurred on Tuesday as Japanese rescuers fought to locate survivors of an earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day and resulted in extensive damage, according to AFP. The earthquake claimed at least 50 lives.

Tetsuo Saito, the minister of transportation of Japan, informed media that all 379 passengers and crew members on board the passenger plane that caught fire had safely been evacuated.

However, Saito added that five of the six crew members on the smaller plane, which was headed for central Japan following Monday’s massive earthquake, perished.

 

“We’re not at the stage to explain the cause” of the disaster, stated the injured but escaped captain.

Before the fuselage was sprayed by dozens of fire engines with blue lights flashing, all 367 passengers and 12 crew members were quickly evacuated from the aircraft.

Nevertheless, the fire quickly spread throughout the entire aircraft since they were unable to put out the flames coming from windows close to the wings.

The aircraft, which was apparently an Airbus 350, had come from the New Chitose Airport, which serves Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido in the north. There were eight kids aboard the plane.

Reporters at the airport were told by an adult male passenger, “This could be really bad,” as smoke started to fill the aircraft.

“An announcement stated that the middle and rear doors could not be opened. Thus, everyone got off at the front, he said.

When the fire got closer after landing, a female passenger was interviewed by AFP and stated that it was dark on board.

In remarks shown on broadcaster NHK, she claimed, “It was getting hot inside the plane, and I thought, to be honest, I would not survive.”

A quake causes mayhem

The main island of Honshu’s Ishikawa prefecture was rocked by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that caused road destruction, a massive fire and tsunami waves that rose more than a metre high.

A number of structures were destroyed in the Noto Peninsula, including crushed residences, sunk or washed ashore fishing boats, and landslide-damaged highways.

Akiko stood outside her parents’ tilting home in the severely damaged city of Wajima and stated, “I’m amazed the house is this broken and everyone in my family managed to come out of it unscathed.”

After what she described as the long and intense earthquake on Monday, she told AFP that the way 2024 began “will be etched into my memory forever.”

Tsugumasa Mihara, 73, remarked, “It was such a powerful jolt,” as he stood in queue with hundreds of others in the nearby town of Shika for water.

As rescuers searched through the debris, local officials were cited by the Japanese news agency Kyodo, which put the death toll at 57.

Following a meeting on disaster response, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared, “Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses, and fires.”

“In order to find and save disaster victims, we must act quickly.”

The horrific scope of the fire that tore through Wajima’s historic market district, resulting in the collapse of a seven-story commercial building, was seen in aerial TV footage. Rescue attempts to put out the fire were hampered by earthquake damage.

As reported by Kyodo, the majority of the houses in Suzu, a seaside city, collapsed.

Approximately ninety percent of the houses have been damaged or practically destroyed, according to reports of Suzu Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya speaking at a prefectural government meeting. “The situation is devastating.”

The local energy company said that about 33,000 houses in the area were without power during the overnight lows that reached below freezing. Water did not run in many cities.

The earthquake’s magnitude, according to the US Geological Survey, was 7.5. With a measurement of 7.6, the meteorological agency in Japan reported that it was one of almost 210 earthquakes that would jolt the area until Tuesday night.

Early on Tuesday, there were multiple powerful shocks, one of which measured 5.6 and forced national broadcaster NHK to switch to a special programming.

The presenter asked the audience to “please take deep breaths” and reminded them to check their kitchens for flames.

According to an AFP story, hundreds of earthquakes occur in Japan each year, the most of which do not result in any damage.

According to a Japanese government data from the previous year, the Noto Peninsula region has seen a steady increase in earthquake activity since 2018.

A powerful undersea 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck northeastern Japan in 2011 and caused a tsunami that left almost 18,500 people dead or missing haunts the nation.

Gunmen abduct LG chairman, one another in Nasarawa

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Security personnel have not stopped gunmen from operating in the country’s north-central and north-western regions.

The Chairman of the Nasarawa State Local Government Area, Safiyanu Isa Andaha, has been abducted by a group of armed individuals.

Police officials reported that the victim and a local resident were taken away on the evening of New Year’s Day at Ningo village along Andaha-Akwanga Road.

As per Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer, the kidnappers’ trail has been quickly initiated by security professionals from various agencies and the police in order to guarantee the victims’ release.

Security personnel have not stopped gunmen from operating in the country’s north-central and north-western regions.

The event that happened on Monday occurred a few weeks after militants ambushed a convoy in Rivers, murdering four troops, two civilian drivers, and kidnapping two Korean workers, according to the authorities.

Bandits terrorise numerous states in northwest and central Nigeria, including Nasarawa and Zamfara. They raid villages, kill and kidnap people, and set fire to homes after robbing them.

A vast forest that crosses the states of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger is home to the gangs’ encampment.

The northeastern terrorist insurgency, which has lasted for 14 years and claimed at least 40,000 lives while forcing over two million more to flee their homes, is only one of the many security concerns the nation faces.

We were denied palliative distribution – Bauchi PWDs allege

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Over claims of discrimination in the government’s palliative distribution system, members of the Bauchi State Association of People with Disabilities, or PWDs, have called for action.

Abdullahi Isma’il, the chairman of the APWDs, revealed inconsistencies in the distribution process and claimed that their community was left out.

Bala Mohammed, the state governor, was therefore encouraged by him to look into the manner in which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management dispersed the commodities, which included some cash, throughout the state.
During a Tuesday interview with a limited group of media, the chairman stressed the importance of include people with disabilities in committees going forward and accused the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of stockpiling palliative medication.

“We should be given priority over all other groups in the state,” he said. When we first received the order, we were told to wait patiently and that the palliatives will arrive after being dispersed to each of the state’s 20 LGAs. Sadly, nothing of the sort occurred.

In the end, we received nothing even though we patiently accepted their decision. Not much was given to the members chosen at the time the palliatives were commissioned. Distribution halted following commissioning.

“Where were our palliatives hidden too, sir?” he asked. Telling them to release it for us would be greatly appreciated by the media. Not only that, but our account information was also gathered in order to be paid with palliative funds. We weren’t provided the food or the money. Would you please have the media assist us?

“I also neglected to mention that, at the palliative care commissioning at ATBU Stadium, His Excellency, Sen. Bala A Mohammed, announced the release of 6,000 bags of rice with #60,000,000 for people with disabilities only, but nothing was given to us by the palliative care committee,” he continued.

The governor, who is very kind, also stated that 200 bags and N10,000 checks should be handed to those with disabilities as part of the commissioning process, before the 6,000 bags of rice and cash are distributed. This is another tragic development regarding the palliatives.

“That they disregarded what His Excellency declared is depressing.”

The Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Commissioner, Hajara Yakubu, did not answer calls or texts seeking a response when reached for comment.

In an effort to lessen the pain that the state’s residents were experiencing as a result of the elimination of fuel subsidies, the palliative distribution committee in the state reportedly completed the rice distribution programme that it had started in September.

A palliative package worth N180 billion was announced by the federal government to the states in August of last year to help them cope with the cessation of gasoline subsidies. N5 billion and 180 trucks of rice were supposed to be distributed to each state.

Yakubu declared that the distribution committee had fulfilled its mandate and done a good job of living up to the trust placed in it during the final ceremony last week at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.

My decision to accept peace resolution not out of fear – Fubara

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Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has stated that his administration’s policies regarding the political issue in the state were made with the intention of bringing about peace rather than terror.

At his administration’s inaugural state banquet, which was hosted Monday night at Government House Port Harcourt to welcome the new year, Governor Fubara informed the people of Rivers of this.

While wishing the people of Rivers a fruitful and prosperous 2024, Fubara also urged them to support President Bola Amhed Tinibu’s ongoing peace process, promising his administration would not be embroiled in any shady political battles that would obstruct the state’s bright future.

We’ve made every decision because we respect the elders and the interests of our people, not because we’re afraid.

Let us all embrace the peace, I’m pleading with you. Since the development of the state, not our own interests, is what we intend for the state, we need this peace.

In Rivers State, the governor revealed, his administration was committed to leaving a legacy of progress and togetherness rather than political fear.

Governor Fubara was committed to delivering the benefits of democracy to the state, even in the face of political unrest, as stated by Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo in her welcome speech.

Rivers people should be ambassadors of peace, truth, and justice, he said, if the state is to continue on its wonderful trajectory. He also noted that Rivers State is fortunate to have a governor who is “calculated, humble, honest, and hardworking.”

Nigerian govt denounces absurd passport changes process for married women

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According to Nigerians’ passport data changes, there are numerous artificial obstacles that Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has seen.

Travelling to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja to make a data change is a burdensome process for married women, which the minister called “stupid.”

The statement was made by the minister during a luncheon in Abuja that included several social media influencers and members of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ABAT Media Centre.

According to Tunji-Ojo, marriage is the only reason why women have to endure such cruel customs wherever in the globe.

“I’ve witnessed one dumb thing: after getting married and changing her name, a woman has to travel all the way from, say, Kaura Namoda or Enugu to Abuja in order to get her passport changed. That is nonsensical.

I find it difficult to understand why you would want to modify only your name and that you must be in Abuja. I have questioned the immigrants: Do they in Abuja have more heads than those in the United States? He enquired?

Nigerians will soon enjoy gains of subsidy removal – Gov. Yahaya

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The withdrawal of fuel subsidies would soon benefit Nigerians, according to Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who made this announcement on Tuesday.

As part of the state’s palliative handout to its citizens, Yahaya made this declaration in Gombe.

He said that higher efforts were being made by President Bola Tinubu and the state governors to put an end to the suffering brought on by the elimination of the petrol subsidy.

In order to help Nigerians escape the current economic misery they are experiencing, he continued, significant investments are being made.

With the help of God and the resolve of the President and governors, we pray that this difficult time will pass and that Nigeria will return to stability.

“To put a stop to the hardship brought on by the elimination of subsidies, we will act as quickly as possible.

Fuel subsidy withdrawal is the main cause of the suffering, but the Port Harcourt refinery is starting up again today.

“There is no reason why such locally made products would cost as much as what it is costing the people now. Soon, we will have our locally refined petroleum product getting to the people,” he stated.

While reminding them of better times to come, the governor thanked state citizens and Nigerians for their patience since the subsidy was removed.

Nigeria’s government suspendse valuation, accreditation of degree certificates from Benin, Togo

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The Federal Government has halted the evaluation and accreditation of degree diplomas from Benin and Togo Republic.

Mrs Augustina Obilor-Duru, Assistant Director, Press, Ministry of Education, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja.
This suspension was the outcome of an investigation by a journalist, which resulted in a publication in the Daily Nigerian Newspaper on December 30.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Umar Audu, a reporter with the publication, conducted an investigation headlined “UNDERCOVER: How reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks, participated in NYSC scheme.”
Obilor-Duru, on the other hand, stated that the suspension was pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the two countries.

She stated that the probe would include the education ministries of both countries, as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSSS) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
She urged the people to help by demonstrating understanding and offering important information that would aid in the discovery of long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies.
“This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians use nefarious means and unethical methods to obtain a degree in order to obtain graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.”
“The ministry has also begun internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff, for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied.”

“The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e. institutions that exist on paper or operate clandestinely outside the control of regulators, is a global problem that all countries face.”

“The ministry has been dealing with the problem, including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronise such outlets,” she said.

She further stated that the ministry and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have issued warnings against such schools on a regular basis, and that in some cases, reports were made to security services in order to crack down on the violators.
“The ministry will continue to review its strategy in order to close any gaps in processes and procedures and deal decisively with any shady officials.”
“The Ministry has always adopted the global standard for evaluating and accrediting certificates of all types, which is based on receiving a list of accredited courses and schools from all countries around the world.”
“The ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians and the general public that it is already putting in place mechanisms to sanitise the education sector.”
“This includes discouraging the pursuit of degree certificates (either locally or from other countries) through a re-energized focus on inclusivity and reliance on all skill sets as directed by President Bola Tinubu,” she stated.

She also stated that the ministry was dedicated to working with stakeholders, especially civil society organisations, to continuously improve the Nigerian education system.

Education stakeholders seek renewed commitment, action in 2024

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In order to promote meaningful development in the education sector by 2024, major players in the field have emphasised the urgent need for real commitment and attention from both national and subnational governments.

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated that the industry saw no significant changes in 2023 as he looked back on the previous year and ahead to the new one.

In order to revitalise the industry and advance the nation’s rapid growth and development, he emphasised the paramount importance of strong political will.

Sincerely, during the previous year, there were no notable developments in the industry. Particularly in regards to fiscal allocation, it does not live up to our expectations. According to Osodeke, the budget allotted for education is still minimal and static, making revolutionary changes impossible.
He mentioned several issues, such as unfavourable learning conditions, inadequate facilities, a dearth of teaching resources, low pay for industry workers, and financial limitations.
Sincerely, I can state that during the year under consideration, nothing noteworthy changed in the overall sector. When it comes to the distribution of funds, it is almost exactly the opposite of what we desire.
“Compared to the previous eight years, it is not different. The situation is not improving. Consider the sum allotted to the industry this year. Is it evidence that we genuinely desire change?
Even yet, the 8.8% budget that was suggested was less than the 26% that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation had suggested be spent on this field.
“Even putting aside the budget, we all see the deplorable state of the educational system, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of instructional materials or none at all, inadequate pay for those employed in the field, and of course the controversial funding.
“These budgets are rarely implemented correctly even after they are passed. The ASUU head expressed, “I hope we take a comprehensive approach to the sector and identify the problem areas in an effort to offer solutions for a better Nigeria.”
In order for the government’s promised efforts to produce the required results, Osodeke emphasised how important it is that the monies allotted for important educational projects match the government’s promised activities.
The importance of these promises was highlighted by him as he praised a number of state governments, including those of Enugu, Abia, and Oyo, for passing noteworthy budgets set aside for education. As a crucial pillar of national growth, Osodeke argued in favour of giving priority to education.
“In terms of budget allocation for the sector in the upcoming year, I would like to say that I appreciate what some state governments have just done.”
It implies that we are progressively realising the role that education plays in fostering national identity.
I would like to add that it is historic that states like Enugu have approved a 33% budget for education. It is noteworthy that Abia and Oyo achieved passing rates of 20 and 21 percent, respectively. If these results are realised, they will greatly benefit society.
The federal government should take a cue from these three state governments if they carry out these budgets as planned. We applaud them for having taken this course of action.
We, as a people, and not outsiders, possess the necessary abilities to resolve our own problems, as I previously stated.
“In order to achieve our goals, we need to turn inward and prioritise education. We should no longer be seeking favours from the West,” stated Osodeke.
Education in 2023 is not up to par, according to Mr. Akinteye Afeez, Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Afeez is hoping that in 2024, the government will fulfil its commitments to promote education and end the ASUU strikes. These commitments include the provision of CNG buses, bursaries, and greater funding for education.
“The quality of education has not improved from before. The overall performance of the sector has not changed from prior years’ results, and there is still no discernible improvement.
“All we can hope is that the administration will finally begin implementing its promised measures in 2024. Among these are the CNG buses that the federal government has promised, bursaries, and budget increases for education.
We wish for brighter years to come and hope that we have truly bid the ASUU strikes farewell. However, we believe that the year under review’s performance in education was subpar, according to Afeez.
To ensure high-quality education, former education minister Prof. Chinwe Obaji asked for increased oversight and monitoring of government- and private-owned institutions. Noting the outrageous rates some private secondary schools ask for registering for public exams, she emphasised the need to stop exploitative tendencies and the need for school officials to be held accountable.
The government has to intensify its efforts to shine a spotlight on education, particularly in privately held secondary schools where unscrupulous educators and administrators defraud parents of their hard-earned money under the pretence of completing required coursework.
Concerning the absurd demands made by some of these private schools, some parents have been complaining about them repeatedly.
“What worries me the most about these is the exorbitant costs these schools often quote these parents for registering for public exams like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) administered by WAEC and the Senior School Certificate Examination (NEC).”
Compared to the usual rates set by the two examination boards, these prices are typically significantly higher.
Additionally, as it has been found that some public school teachers quit their jobs to pursue side projects or other interests, similar light needs to be shone on those institutions as well.
Not only the government, but school administrators also need to exhibit this kind of commitment, discipline, and passion.
To bring the industry to the much-needed peak, the former minister declared, “all hands must be on deck.”
Converging on the importance of education, the stakeholders demanded coordinated actions to bring the industry up to the required level.

UN Secretary-General: 2023 has been a year of suffering, Poverty

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The substantial pain, bloodshed, and climate-related tragedies that will be witnessed worldwide in 2023 have deeply alarmed Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

Twenty-three was the hottest year on record, according to Guterres, who noted in his New Year’s speech before 2024 arrived, “Humanity is in pain.” The Earth is in danger. Hunger and increasing poverty are crushing people. The number and intensity of wars are increasing. Furthermore, trust is scarce.

Violence or placing blame, according to Guterres, will not advance the cause. In the upcoming year, he urged people to put aside their differences and come together to find solutions as a group.

“Humanity is strongest when we stand together,” he declared. 2024 needs to be the year that hope and trust are rebuilt. Divides must be put aside in the pursuit of common goals, action on climate change, economic opportunity, and a more equitable global financial system that benefits all.

“Together, we need to confront the bigotry and prejudice that are destroying bridges between nations and communities. In addition, we have to make sure that emerging technology like artificial intelligence are used for good.

A peaceful New Year was expressed by Gutierrez, who also pledged that the UN will continue to mobilise people worldwide in support of human rights, sustainable development, and peace.

“Let us commit to making 2024 a year of fostering trust and optimism in our collective abilities,” he exclaimed.

Reactions as DSS official attempts to stop Okoya from shaking Tinubu

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Reactions When Okoya Shakes Tinubu Despite A DSS Official Trying To Stop Him (Video)Printed on December 31st
Reactions followed after a Department of State Services (DSS) employee tried to prevent Rasaq Okoya, a well-known businessman and millionaire from Nigeria, from shaking President Bola Tinubu.
It was reported that Okoya and the President had a meeting on Friday during the Jumat service at the Lagos Central Mosque, located on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street on Lagos Island.

After the service, it was reported, the businessman went to greet Tinubu and shook hands. The president refused the security agent’s attempt to break up the handshake.

After the news broke, some internet users praised the DSS official on social media for carrying out his duty of defending the president, while others criticised him for being over vigilant.

Check out the responses below.

@delakuntufayi stated: “He must have thought there was a security risk in the room because he stopped the procedure. Those who are hired to secure things may have access to intelligence, which is a component of the security architecture that you and I may not. Beyond this video, there is more to it.

According to the footage, Tinubu attempted to remove his hand after shaking hands, but he hung onto it. The security guard must have observed this as well and attempted to step in. @mazijinali posted this.

“Yes, he is performing his duties, but he was overly enthusiastic—that’s how all these recruit personnel act. If there was a threat, the president’s SSS chief security officer (CSO), a blue native, who is positioned next to him, would have signalled or warned him,” tweeted @donfills. Never mind, joor, the recruit SSS officer.

“Wetin give this guy mind do this kind of thing??😂😂,” commented @st.diallo. I hope you keep your job even if that millionaire calls to become president 😂.

Tinubu almost slapped that security 😂😂. The thing that shocked Tinubu himself was that he asked, “Security, are you okay?” @iamsteepe posted. That’s Eleganza, the top citizen of Okaya. 🔝

@moshood_salam stated: “From another perspective, he was merely carrying out his duties, yet he is overly enthusiastic. No one in a country is friendless. The reasoning.

“Ewan, squeeze his hand!” wrote @wizkidgirlfriend. Although I’m not sure whether that hand is too strong, bodyguards don’t know to remark that.

“He’s not overzealous,” wrote @diane_jibbs. He works as security for a purpose. He needs to keep the president moving because this is a public area.

“I understand he was just doing his job,” wrote @soarluxurycars. But try not to become too excited.

I applaud him for doing his work diligently, as @abusufyani001 wrote.

It appears to be Rasak Okoya of Eleganza, as stated by @tuwakaoyode. It’s been a long time for the man. Although he wasn’t told, the security guard was performing his duties.

Tinubu must stop him because, as @gaza_dee1 stated, “For him to have that mind that shows he has been doing it just because this man is too powerful and great.”