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AU allocates $10.4m to Africa CDC for Mpox response

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AU allocates $10.4m to Africa CDC for Mpox response

The Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union has approved an emergency allocation of $10.4 million from existing COVID funds to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to support ongoing efforts to combat the Mpox outbreak across the continent.

The Africa CDC disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The Africa CDC is a specialised technical institution of the African Union that supports Member States in strengthening health systems and improving surveillance, emergency response, and the prevention of infectious diseases.

The PRC is responsible for preparing the work of the African Union’s Executive Council and acting on its instructions. The PRC is vital in implementing decisions and policies to promote African peace, security, and stability.

From January to July 2024, 15,074 Mpox cases (2,853 confirmed; 12,221 suspected) and 461 deaths (a case fatality rate of 3.06 per cent) have been reported across 12 AU Member States.

This represents a 160 per cent increase in cases and a 19 per cent increase in deaths in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

“The Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union has made emergency approval of $10.4 million from the existing COVID funds for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support ongoing efforts to combat the Mpox outbreak across the continent.”

“The funding released by the PRC will complement national efforts by African governments and support from various partners to strengthen five critical areas in the fight against Mpox: enhancing Mpox surveillance and surge capacity, boosting laboratory testing and genomic sequencing capacity, strengthening regional and national data collection and analytics, enhancing case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, community engagement, and improving access to and delivery of vaccines, diagnostics, and supplies across the continent.

“Since 2023, Mpox cases have been reported in all five African regions (Central, East, North, South, West), affecting a total of 17 countries: Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, and South Africa.

“A strong regional and cross-border approach is necessary to control the outbreak,” the statement noted.

The primary modes of contamination are contact with infected animals or people, mostly through sexual transmission. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners, co-infections (e.g., HIV), and malnutrition.

The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya, expressed gratitude for the timely support from the PRC.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and support from the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union.

“This funding will significantly enhance our capacity to lead the response to the Mpox outbreak at the continental level and protect the health and well-being of our communities in close collaboration with our member states and key partners such as WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, AfreximBank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the African Development Bank, GAVI, CEPI, the Wellcome Trust, the European Union, the United States, MSF, and many others.”

The statement also noted that Africa CDC has already achieved significant milestones in the fight against Mpox.

“In March 2024, the institution supported the development of a national response plan in the DRC. In April 2024, a high-level Regional Ministerial meeting was held in the DRC to adopt a regional approach against this disease.

“From April to July 2024, readiness assessments were conducted in all affected member states. So far, Africa CDC has distributed 20,000 Mpox RT-PCR kits and ancillary supplies to 44 African Union member states and supported them with training.”

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the AU and Chairperson of the PRC Subcommittee on Budget, Mohamed Gad, emphasised the importance of solidarity and collective action.

Gad said, “The PRC is committed to supporting Africa CDC in its mission to combat Mpox and all other diseases. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can strengthen our health systems and ensure a swift and effective response to African public health emergencies.”

‘N30,000 minimum wage was of greater value than current N70,000 minimum wage’ – Kenneth Okonkwo

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‘N30,000 minimum wage was of greater value than current N70,000 minimum wage’ – Kenneth Okonkwo

Veteran Nollywood actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has argued that the former N30,000 minimum wage was of greater value than the current N70,000 minimum wage benchmark.
TVN reports that President Bola Tinubu recently assented to the N70,000 minimum wage following an agreement with joint labour unions.
Appearing on the ‘Mic On’ podcast, Okonkwo insisted that the increment does not reflect current reality.
He maintained that the former N30,000 minimum wage was more valuable than the current N70,000 minimum wage.
He said, “The N30,000 minimum wage people were earning before this government came in was of greater value than current N70,000 minimum wage. Because you had N500 to a dollar when this government came in, but now it’s N1,500. It went to N2,000 at a point. Do the mathematics.
“So what are we talking about? When it was N500 per dollar, the minimum wage was $60. Now that the exchange rate is N1,500 it should be about $45 per month. And see that it’s of less value. So what can they say that they have achieved?”
‘N30,000 minimum wage was of greater value than current N70,000 minimum wage’ – Kenneth Okonkwo

Bangladesh students call for nationwide civil disobedience

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Bangladesh students call for nationwide civil disobedience

Student leaders rallied Bangladeshis on Saturday for a nationwide civil disobedience campaign as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government weathered a worsening backlash over a deadly police crackdown on protesters.

Rallies against civil service job quotas sparked days of mayhem last month that killed more than 200 people in some of the worst unrest of Hasina’s 15-year tenure.

Troop deployments briefly restored order but crowds hit the streets in huge numbers after Friday prayers in the Muslim-majority nation, heeding a call by student leaders to press the government for more concessions.

Students Against Discrimination, the group responsible for organising the initial protests, urged their compatriots to launch an all-out non-cooperation movement from Sunday.

“This includes non-payment of taxes and utility bills, strikes by government workers and a halt to overseas remittance payments through banks,” the group’s Asif Mahmud told AFP.

Mahmud’s fellow student leaders also said another round of nationwide rallies would be staged on Saturday.

“Please don’t stay at home. Join your nearest protest march,” Mahmud wrote on Facebook.

Students are demanding a public apology from Hasina for last month’s violence and the dismissal of several of her ministers.

They have also insisted that the government reopens schools and universities around the country, all of which were shuttered at the height of the unrest.

Crowds on the street have gone further, chanting demands for Hasina to leave office.

Hasina, 76, has ruled Bangladesh since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.

Her government is accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.

• 32 children killed –

Demonstrations began in early July over the reintroduction of a quota scheme — since scaled back by Bangladesh’s top court — that reserved more than half of all government jobs for certain groups.

With around 18 million young Bangladeshis out of work, according to

government figures, the move upset graduates facing an acute employment crisis.

The protests had remained largely peaceful until attacks on demonstrators by police and pro-government student groups.

Hasina’s government eventually imposed a nationwide curfew, deployed troops and shut down the nation’s mobile internet network for 11 days to restore order.

Foreign governments condemned the clampdown, with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell this week calling for an international probe into the “excessive and lethal force against protesters”.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told reporters last weekend that security forces had operated with restraint but were “forced to open fire” to defend government buildings.

At least 32 children were among those killed last month, the UN said Friday.

AFP..

Commission demands justice for victim of police assault

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Commission demands justice for victim of police assault

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has demanded an investigation into an allegation of assault to a man with disability in Bauchi State by policemen.

The commission, in a statement issued to journalists by its Executive Secretary, James Lalu, on Friday, condemned the alleged assault on Hamza Waziri.

The statement read, “This reprehensible act, captured in a video currently circulating on social media, shows Mr Waziri being brutally battered while exercising his constitutional right to peaceful protest in front of the Bauchi State Government House.

“Hamza Waziri is not only a person with a disability but also a respected member of the CODE Board of Trustees, a Mandela Washington Fellow, a Chevening Fellow, and the founder of the Initiative for the Liberalization of Physically Challenged People in Nigeria.”

The secretary maintained that “Hamza’s tireless work as an inclusion advocate has made significant strides in promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

“The actions of the police officers involved are a clear violation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 and the fundamental human rights enshrined in our constitution.

“The NCPWD calls on the Nigeria Police Force to set a high standard for upholding these laws and to lead by example in the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies.”

The commission demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and immediate disciplinary action against those responsible and challenged the Force to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, including those with disabilities.

“While it is our view that the protest is needless because seeds, when sowed, take time to germinate, and thus President Bola Tinubu’s administration deserves the support of all citizens, we however, stand in solidarity with Hamza Waziri and all individuals with disabilities who continue to face discrimination and violence.

“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure a just and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, is treated with respect and dignity”, the statement emphasised.

The commission also urged all relevant authorities to take swift action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld and protected at all times.

Trump agrees to debate with Harris on September 4

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Trump agrees to debate with Harris on September 4

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced late Friday that he has agreed to debate his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, on Fox News on September 4.

“I have agreed with Fox News to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4th,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

It was not immediately clear if Harris had agreed to the debate.

Trump’s post came hours after the vice president secured the Democratic Party’s nomination as standard bearer in the November presidential election.

Trump’s White House bid was disrupted last month when 81-year-old President Joe Biden, facing growing concerns about his age and lagging polling numbers, abandoned his re-election bid and backed Harris.

His decision to withdraw followed a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June on CNN.

A second Trump-Biden debate had been scheduled for September 10 on ABC. That was expected to go ahead as planned, with Harris replacing Biden, but a spokesman for Trump last week said it would be “inappropriate” to schedule a debate before Harris was formally the Democratic nominee.

The 78-year-old Republican nominee had previously said he would not debate Harris, who is nearly two decades his junior, departing from political tradition.

The former prosecutor and ex-California attorney general last month dared Trump to debate her face-to-face.

“Well Donald, I do hope you’ll reconsider meeting me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Harris said at a campaign rally in Atlanta.

In his post, Trump said the debate will be held in Pennsylvania, moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, in front of a full audience.

Fox News confirmed that the debate would have “spectators” and follow similar rules to the June 27 CNN debate between Trump and Biden.

The news channel said it had invited Trump and Harris to participate in a debate in Pennsylvania in September.

“I look forward to meeting and debating Kamala Harris on September 4th,” Trump said, adding the date was

“convenient and appropriate” as it comes just before the September 6 start of early voting for the presidential election.

AFP.

Why there are no protests in Zamfara — PDP

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Why there are no protests in Zamfara — PDP

The Zamfara chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has said the nationwide protests by some groups did not reach the north-western state due to Governor Dauda Lawal’s good governance.

Acting Chairman Mukhtar Lugga made this statement during a chat with reporters on Friday in Gusau while reviewing the protests that have turned violent and led to looting in some neighbouring states.

He said, “Zamfara residents are happy with the state administration; they are happy that much is being achieved.

“The government has initiated many programmes and policies that have been beneficial. It has declared a state of emergency in education and health. It has also paid a backlog of gratuities.

“The administration has also constructed or reconstructed roads. It has renovated and equipped schools and hospitals and intervened in agricultural businesses, among other initiatives.”

Lugga acknowledged that there was hardship in the land but expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s efforts would address the socioeconomic challenges of the country.

“In addition to what the state government is doing, we will continue to pray for the president to succeed in fixing the country’s economy.

“Hardship is everywhere, but all tiers of government are taking necessary measures to tackle the situation,” he said.
He also urged the people to continue to be law-abiding and pray for leaders to succeed in overcoming the challenges affecting the country.

Gusau and other towns in the state have been quiet, with no one showing up for the demonstration on Friday, the second day of the activity that is expected to continue until August 10.

NAN

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NCAA clears air on grounding of Arik Air operations

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NCAA clears air on grounding of Arik Air operations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has clarified that it has neither suspended nor halted Arik Air’s flight operations. The airline’s flights continue as scheduled, and its ability to operate its remaining fleet remains unaffected.

This clarification was provided in a statement signed by the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, on Friday in Abuja.

According to Achimugu, the NCAA is duty-bound to comply with the court order attaching Arik Air’s aircraft (5NMJF, 5NMJQ, 5NBKX) following the determination of its case at the Supreme Court, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority refers to the grounding of three Arik Air aircraft following a court order/attachment.

“It is important to clarify that this action does not include the suspension of Arik Air’s overall operations by either the NCAA or the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, as claimed in some quarters.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as Arik Air works through this situation with minimal disruption,” the statement said.

NAN.

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Minister seeks suspension of hunger protest

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Minister seeks suspension of hunger protest

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria against hunger and poverty.

Shuaibu made the call in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, on Saturday in Abuja.

The protest, which commenced on August 1 and is expected to end by August 10, was organised in response to the challenges being faced in the country.

The minister urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue in addressing all their concerns regarding the difficulties being faced in the country.

He also urged them to trust President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is working assiduously to address the challenges in the country.

The minister said the policies and strategic plans of the current administration were aimed at driving Nigeria to economic prosperity, improved welfare, quality education, and strengthened health systems.

He added that other policies were focused on improved social amenities, food security, and infrastructural development, among others.

The minister assured Nigerians that their desire for good governance would be achieved before the end of the current administration’s first tenure.

He said, “Mr President has shown countless times, his concern for the plight of Nigerians, with the recent implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.

“Driving the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative with CNG vehicles to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy, which will reduce the cost of transportation by at least 70 per cent.

“In response to the challenges of the masses in the face of the ongoing reforms, President Tinubu directed the disbursement of N50,000 uplift grants each to over 100,000 families per state for three months.

“This will impact close to 5,000,000 families nationwide. My colleague, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, with the directive of Mr President, has assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days.

“These are strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation being implemented.”

Audu said that 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize were being imported, which would be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

He further explained that, in strengthening the health sector, the president had directed the redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, aimed at facilitating access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

“In the steel sector, the ongoing reforms to revive our steel plants will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, while we attract Foreign Direct Investments as a means of growing and diversifying the economy,” he said.

The minister appealed to Nigerians to end the protest, citing its hijack by miscreants, who were already causing mayhem and a breakdown of law and order across the country.

He commended the people of Kogi for not participating in the protest, saying they, instead, resorted to dialogue and collaborative efforts with the All Progressive Congress-led government of the state.

NAN

NGX WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Investors lose N107bn as equities market buckles under #EndBadGovernance protests

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NGX WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Investors lose N107bn as equities market buckles under #EndBadGovernance protests

Investors in Nigerian equities market enjoyed a mixed feelings trading week on the floor of the NGX following a loss of N107bn in the just ended trading week.
The bourse recorded losses in three of the five trading days gaining on two trading days as the equities market felt the impact of then#EndBadGovernance protests.
The market capitalisation fell by N107.7bn to N55.50tr from the N55.61trn in the previous week.
Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) fell by 2.33% to close at 97, 745.73 from 98, 201.49 points recorded the previous week.
The equities market began the week on a positive note on Monday, July 29, 2024 as investors gained N111bn at the end of trading session.
It went downhill from there.
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 the equities market reversed the gain made on Monday as investors lost N171bn at the end of trading session
It was the same on Wednesday, July 32, 2024 as investors recorded a loss of N32bn.
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, August 2, 2024
On Thursday, August 1st, 2024 investors also lost N235bn at the end of trading session.
The equities market closed the week with a profit on Friday, August 2, 2024 as investors gained N219bn at the end of the trading session culminating in a total loss of N1.32tn for the just ended week.
A total turnover of 3.393 billion shares worth N52.304 billion in 44,814 deals was traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 3.557 billion shares valued at N47.220 billion that exchanged hands last week in 42,871 deals.
The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 2.875 billion shares valued at N36.995 billion traded in 23,791 deals; thus contributing 84.73% and
70.73% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
The Oil and Gas Industry followed with 141.927 million shares worth N6.698 billion in 4,476 deals. The third place was taken by the Consumer Goods Industry, with a turnover of 97.306 million shares worth N4.047 billion in 4,179 deals.
Trading in the top three equities namely Fidelity Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 2.099 billion shares worth N28.215 billion in 7,603 deals, contributing 61.87% and 53.94% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
PRESCO recorded the biggest share price increase from N383.00 at the beginning of the week to N441.00 gaining N58 followed by TOTAL which increased its share price from N388.90 to N427.70 gaining N38.80 in the process.
OKOMU OIL also increased its share price by N29.20 from N292.00 to N321.20.
On the flip side, NESTLE recorded the biggest decline in share prices losing N90.00 to close the week at N830.00 from the N920.00 it started the week on followed by UCAP which shed N26.80 and ended the week on N12.15 from N38.95 at the start of the week.
NASCON also shed N4.50 to close at N29.50 from N34.00 at the beginning of the week.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post NGX WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Investors lose N107bn as equities market buckles under #EndBadGovernance protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Nationwide protests: APRA stands with Nigeria, urges continuous dialogue

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Nationwide protests: APRA stands with Nigeria, urges continuous dialogue

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has expressed unequivocal solidarity with the government and the people of Nigeria as the protest embarked upon in response to the rising costs of living entered its second day.
“We call for sincere and continuous dialogue to ensure speedy resolutions of the issues that led to the protests,” a statement signed by Arik Karani, President, APRA, said.
It noted that protests and advocacies for improved social conditions were central to democratic practice.
“Indeed, democracy dies without a guarantee of civil liberties,” it added.
APRA commended the Nigerian government for its expressed guarantee and non-aversion to the expression of the right to protests by citizens and the actions it has taken to prevent the escalation of the crisis.
It however, noted with “concerns the reported death of persons – including citizens and security forces, injuries to many persons, looting of business assets, theft of equipment and other resources in public utilities – including telecommunication infrastructure, food processing companies as well as instances of destruction and arson that have resulted from the first day of protests.”
“APRA’s commitment to seeing Africa prosper requires that we condemn the unjustifiable death of citizens and security personnel as well as looting and vandalism of infrastructure emplaced to improve the quality of life of the people.
“Therefore, we call on all actors – state and non-state – to stop the hostilities and the outrage. In their stead, APRA advocates continuous dialogue and sincere conversations to ensure quick and concrete resolutions of the issues.
“We call on the government of Nigeria, including subnational entities, to work with all stakeholders and restore normalcy to the nation. Nigeria is central to Africa’s vision for the progress and development of the continent.
“APRA shares in the grief of families that have lost their members in the ongoing crisis and pray for the repose of the souls of the departed.
“We wish those recuperating from injuries a speedy and complete recovery and hope that institutions and persons that have lost properties will be supported to recover quickly and return to business to support the government’s effort to reflate the Nigerian economy,” it added.
Nationwide protests: APRA stands with Nigeria, urges continuous dialogue

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