At least 17 people were killed while 34 were injured when a bus overturned in northern Afghanistan on Tuesday.
This was disclosed by a local official on Tuesday.
The accident occurred on a highway linking the capital Kabul to the north of the country Mustafa Hashemi, director of information and culture of Baghlan province, told AFP.
He said the dead included 12 men, two women, and three children.
Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of conflict, dangerous driving and a lack of regulation.
In March, 21 people were killed and 38 injured in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province when a bus collided with an oil tanker and a motorbike.
AFP
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The Enugu State Government says it has begun the construction of a new International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Market at 9th Mile, near Enugu, on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Association, Coal Camp, Enugu on Monday.
Ogbu-Nwobodo said the market was in fulfilment of Gov. Peter Mbah’s electoral promise to build a world-class market for the association.
He described the condition of the traders at Coal Camp as pathetic and prone to environmental hazards, adding that no business could thrive in such an unconducive environment.
“During the last campaign period, they asked the State Government to provide them with a more conducive environment that could accommodate all of them.
“Today, as we speak, work has commenced on the site.
“The governor is fulfilling the promise he made to the traders, and he is relentless in making sure that their businesses grow,” Ogbu-Nwobodo said.
Speaking on the key facilities expected in the new market, he said: “It is going to be an ecosystem that supports modern businesses, commercial and light industrial activities.
“There will be facilities, like modern shops and warehouses, police posts, fire protection architecture, conveniences, banks, parks, schools, health facilities, union centre, recreational facilities and other things that will enable business growth”.
Ogbu-Nwobodo said that the choice of 9th Mile was strategic, describing the place as a major business hub in the state.
He also said that siting the market at the place would give more impetus for further development around the area.
He argued that the market would also provide easy access to traders from the North, Ebonyi and Cross River, Central Africa and other areas.
According to him, the development will help to save dealers the stress of navigating through the city before offloading or exporting their goods.
Reacting, the President of the association, Chief Mike Nomeh, said that previous administrations in the state did not treat the welfare of traders at Coal Camp with the priority it deserved.
Nomeh said that the relocation of the market was long due, pointing out that they had written severally to past administrations to look into their welfare to no avail.
He, however, appealed to the governor to ensure the speedy delivery of the market, saying that their present location at Coal Camp called for sympathy.
A Line Chairman at the market, Mr Benjamin Eze, lauded the governor for the initiative.
Eze said he had spent over 30 years at Coal Camp and had been yearning for adequate accommodation for all the traders, adding that what was happening seemed like a dream to him.
“I know that the governor is capacity-filled.
“I urge him to keep up with this pace because it will benefit all of us,” Eze said.
Colombian Football Federation President, Ramon Jesurun, has been released on bail following his arrest at Copa America final, according to videos published in Colombian media on Monday.
A Miami-Dade County police file indicated Jesurun had been arrested on charges of “assault on officer/employee” on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
Security guards refused Jesurun access to the field, with his son and other family members, for the awards ceremony after Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0, a scuffle broke out and Jesurun and his son were arrested, Colombian newspaper El Tiempo reported.
“This badge says ‘full access’ and a security guard … disregarded it,” Jesurun said, pointing to his official credentials after he was released having reportedly posted $2,000 bail.
“I insisted (to the security guard) that I should enter and he pushed me and a ridiculous, unnecessary melee broke out,” the 71-year-old Jesurun told the El Heraldo newspaper.
There was chaos at the match, which was delayed by 82 minutes, as spectators stormed the gates at the home of the NFL Miami Dolphins, with people pushed to the ground and others trying to sneak into the stadium through air-conditioning ducts.
Argentina won the match with a goal in extra time by Lautaro Martinez.
Police said there were 27 arrests and 55 ejections from the stadium.
“I’m very proud of our officers’ response to a volatile situation and for their hard work in keeping our community safe as well as our law-enforcement partners who provided key support,” said Miami-Dade police director Stephanie Daniels.
South American football governing body CONMEBOL suggested security procedures, such as setting up an outer perimeter to screen ticketless fans, had not been followed by organizers.
“Fans without tickets went to the vicinity of the stadium, which delayed the normal access of the people who did have them, which slowed down the entry and determined the closing of doors,” CONMEBOL said in a statement.
“We regret that the acts of violence produced by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport.”
The Copa America had been marred by earlier incidents off the pitch.
On Wednesday, Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans in the stands after their 1-0 semi-final defeat.
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has lamented that the agricultural loan issued to civil servants and political appointees will relieve their burden of providing food to their families.
Governor Namadi stated this at the official launching of Farmers’ Loan Initiative held at JASCO on Monday.
He said the aim is to empower civil servants to enhance food security and economic stability within the state.
According to him “These initiative is part of the administration’s broader agricultural transformation agenda”
“The programme targets rice, sorghum, millet and sesame production, providing targeted support in the form of costed input supplies and soft cash loans for farm operations.”
The initiative is designed to be a revolving loan programme implemented during all planting seasons, both rain-fed and irrigation-fed.workers.
The governor urged all the beneficiaries to take the opportunity with honesty, commitment, and patriotism and the will be paid at the end of each harvest.
It is, however, expected that the initiative will produce 20,000 tonnes of grains.
This is coming at the time most of the workers in the state are finding it difficult to survive due to the higher inflation going on in the country.
TVN, however, reported that civil servants in the state appealed to the state government to reduce the working days due to the economic situation as most of them are finding it difficult to transport themselves to their places of work especially in the middle of the month.
Hardship: Governor Namadi laments civil servants situation in Jigawa
The organised labour unions in Ogun State on Tuesday threatened industrial action over the failure of the government to remit over N40bn contributory pensions deducted from the workers’ salaries in the last 15 years.
The unions which include the Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Labour Congress and Joint Negotiation Council disclosed this in a letter written to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The letter, a copy of which was sent to our correspondent, was signed by the Chairman TUC, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, his NLC counterpart, Hammed Benco-Ademola and JNC Chairman, Isa Olude.
The labour unions said that despite setting up a committee on this contentious issue in October 2022, the state government has refused to make the report of this committee public.
They claimed that they were forced to write the letter to the governor because less than a year to July 1, 2025, which is the effective date for the Contributory Pension Scheme according to the 2013 State Pension Reform Law amended in 2008, there is nothing on grounds to justify the sincerity of the government towards implementation of this pension scheme.
The labour unions said, “We are talking of over N40billion unremitted deductions. The government altogether owed over 160 months.
“Former Gov Gbenga Daniel owed 25 months before he left office. Ex-Gov Amosun paid just only 9 months out of his eight-year tenure while Gov. Abiodun has not paid a dime since he came to office in 2019”.
The unions said the government has refused to remit to Pension Fund Administrators the sum of 7.5% contributory pensions deducted monthly from the salary of each worker for over 15 years.
They added that the government has equally failed to pay its counterpart contribution of 7.5% of each worker’s salary making a total of 15% to the PFA.
The workers said that they cannot pretend that all is well when their fate is hanging in the balance with no hope of having their welfare taken care of in retirement with the way the government has handled their pension fund over the years.
The letter partly read, “Having thoroughly and objectively assessed the entire Contributory Pension Scheme routes from its legislation, implementation vis-a-vis its current position, one cannot but hold the conclusion that we are fully set for industrial unrest in the State Civil/Public Service.
“To the best of our knowledge, the State has maintained its unencouraging showing on the scheme with a rather disturbing trend that nothing has changed.
“Up until now, the Report of the much-publicised Committee on it set up back in October 2022 has not been made public.
“Your Excellency will agree with us, that, as the 1st July 2025 draws nigh, which is the effective date for the Contributory Pension Scheme [Ogun State Pension Reform Law, 2008 (amended 2013)], so also is the justification for the apprehension on the true stand of the State Government on its genuine interest and commitment to the welfare of her workforce, post-retirement.
“Fact is that the Scheme has not fared better in the State and our worries that the humongous unremitted deductions in the last fourteen years plus, no doubts, poses obviously, as that daunting debt that even a welfarist State would have some measure of restraints in an attempt to offset it.”
It added, “Interestingly, our membership of the committee on the Contributory Pension Scheme availed us the available true statistics of the scheme.
“At best, it could well be rested or be shifted to a much later date when finances of the State could accommodate its financial demands.
“For now, Your Excellency, the entire Ogun State Civil/Public Service employees are eager to learn about their fate before 1st July 2025.
“Immediate release of the Report of the Committee on the Contributory Pension Scheme and the release of the State Government White Paper on it would assist in dousing the tension which, unfortunately, is compounded by the grinding economic pains ravaging our homes”.
African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re), the leading pan-African reinsurance company, recently hosted an unprecedented three-day workshop in Accra, Ghana, focused on the formidable challenges and immense potential of agriculture and climate insurance in Africa. The workshop brought together a remarkable assemblage of insurance professionals, renowned industry experts, and visionary policymakers from 14 African nations, creating a vibrant platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of innovative insurance products and services.
Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel, the workshop gathered participants from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Egypt, and Sudan. Together, they embarked on a collective journey to explore effective strategies and cutting-edge solutions to mitigate the significant risks faced by the continent’s agricultural sector.
Participants on a field trip to the Kpong Irrigation Scheme at Asutsuare in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.
Ken Aghoghovbia, Africa Re’s Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, delivered an impassioned address that underscored the pivotal role of agriculture in driving Africa’s economic growth and prosperity. He emphasized the sector’s substantial contribution to GDP and employment, while acknowledging the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, conflicts, and limited access to financing.
Participants on a field trip to the Kpong Irrigation Scheme at Asutsuare in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.
“Agriculture stands as the very backbone of Africa’s economy,” Aghoghovbia declared with conviction. “Yet, its true potential remains untapped, held back by a host of factors that hinder productivity and threaten food security. By bolstering agricultural insurance, we possess the power to create a more resilient and sustainable sector that will serve as the catalyst for Africa’s progress.”
Kofi Andoh, Acting Commissioner of Insurance for Ghana, echoed these sentiments, shining a spotlight on the compounding impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on traditional agricultural challenges. He stressed the pressing need for insurance solutions that can attract the critical credit and investment necessary to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“Agricultural insurance emerges as a vital tool for mitigating risks and propelling the agricultural sector forward,” Andoh affirmed. “Ghana remains steadfast in its commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports the development and delivery of affordable agricultural insurance products, empowering farmers and driving agricultural growth in our nation and across the continent.”
While the importance of agricultural insurance has gained recognition, the African market still grapples with substantial underdevelopment. Aghoghovbia shed light on several factors contributing to this, including limited expertise, low adoption of digital solutions, and inadequate investment in product development.
A group photo of participants and speakers at the Africa Re Agriculture and Insurance Workshop in Accra Ghana
The three-day workshop served as a transformative platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and skill development. Renowned experts and industry thought leaders from around the world converged to share invaluable insights and best practices on various aspects of agricultural insurance, including advanced product design, sophisticated underwriting techniques, efficient claims management, and the strategic utilization of digital solutions.
The workshop aimed to accelerate the development of innovative insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Africa’s agricultural sector. By fostering collaboration and facilitating robust knowledge exchange, the event sought to unlock the immense potential of agricultural insurance, empowering farmers, promoting food security, and fueling the continent’s overall agricultural growth.
A cross section of participants during a break out session
The workshop yielded tangible outcomes, equipping participants with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with agricultural insurance in Africa. Armed with newfound knowledge and expertise, insurance professionals and policymakers are now poised to drive the development and implementation of comprehensive agricultural insurance programs that can withstand the region’s unique risks and uncertainties.
Africa Re remains steadfast in its mission to support the economic development of the continent and strengthen the insurance and reinsurance industry in Africa. With its broad-based shareholding and extensive network of regional and local offices, Africa Re continues to play a pivotal role in driving the growth and sustainability of Africa’s insurance landscape.
The Federal Government has repatriated a total of 190 Nigerians from the United Arab Emirates.
According to a statement released by the National Emergency Management Agency signed by its Director General, Director, North Central Zone, Bashir Garga, on Tuesday, the returnees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 5:57 AM on Tuesday and were received by combined team of government officials led by NEMA.
NEMA reports that the returnees have undergone profiling and documentation by relevant agencies and have been sensitised on the importance of conducting themselves with decorum and responsibility upon their return to Nigeria.
The statement reads, “The Federal Government has repatriated One Hundred and Ninety (190) Nigerians from the United Arab Emirates. The returnees were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 05:57 by a combined team of government officials led by the National Emergency Management Agency.
“The returnees were profiled and documented by the relevant agencies and sensitized to behave with decorum and responsibility on their return to Nigeria.
“The federal government urges all Nigerians, wherever they may be, to act as exemplary ambassadors of their country, upholding the fundamental values of patriotism, rule of law, decency and integrity.”
It would be recalled that last October, Federal government repatriated a total of 542 from UAE.
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Another 200 Kenyan police officers have left for Haiti under a UN-backed mission to try to quell rampant gang violence in the troubled Caribbean nation, senior police officers said Tuesday.
“We have 200 police officers who left last night, they should land in their destination of Haiti this morning,” one senior officer told AFP.
“They are joining their colleagues who are already on the ground.”
A first batch of about 400 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti in June, with the East African nation leading a force expected to number a total of some 2,500 personnel.
“More will be departing soon until we have all the 1,000,” a second Kenyan police officer said.
Other countries, mostly in Africa and the Caribbean, are also contributing to a mission blessed but not managed by the United Nations.
The UN Security Council approved the Kenyan-led multinational security force last year, but it faced months of delays due to court challenges in Nairobi, and then the political turmoil around the resignation of former Haitian prime minister Ariel Henry.
For years Haiti has been at the mercy of well-armed gangs that now control 80 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince and also major roads in the destitute country.
Conditions sharply worsened at the end of February, when armed groups launched coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince, saying they wanted to overthrow Henry, who later resigned.
AFP
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Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has justified spending N1.5m to fuel six vehicles in her convoy while on an official trip to Anambra State.
The Minister stated this on Monday while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
The Minister’s appearance on national television came five days after her heated argument with members of the House of Representatives.
The lawmakers had wanted to know how her ministry appropriated unrelated expenditures, including N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads and N1.5 million for petrol.
But speaking on the matter, Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed surprise that the lawmakers could quiz her for expending N1.5m on fuelling their journey, saying the amount wasn’t a big deal.
“How many vehicles? I travelled with the staff in the bus, two security vehicles, one DSS and one police, my vehicle, the backup, and the other one.
“About six vehicles went all the way to Anambra State for a job and we came back. What is N1.5m for those cars? Everybody knows how much fuel cost since I came in.
“But when I was explaining, they (lawmakers) won’t even give you a chance to explain. They will tell you to just say a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ How can I say yes or no without an explanation?” She queried.
Spending N1.5m on fuel for six cars to Anambra not big deal — Minister
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has dragged President Bola Tinubu over an alleged purchase of a presidential jet worth a whopping $100 million and a further investment of an additional $50 million for its customisation.
Sowore who made the allegations via his X handle on Monday night said it was quite insensitive for the President to spend such an amount on the purchase of a presidential jet while Nigerians were going through unbearable hardship, hunger and poverty.
The activist also criticised the purchase, emphasising the disparity between the government’s spending and the country’s economic challenges.
“While they are telling you to ‘exercise patience,’ @officialABAT already bought a $100m Presidential Jet and configured or reconfigured it with some $50 million and it is ready for delivery!,” Sowore alleged in the post. READ ALSO:Tinubu’s latest policy on food importation ‘depressing’- AfDB President, Adesina
“The jet is an A330-200 initially christened VP-CAC and is now registered as 5N-FGA.
“This was not in the annual budget; they can’t pay minimum wage for workers but could afford $150m for a private jet.
“Students have to obtain loans to go to college, but they could afford to approve billions for hajj even as the money ended up being stolen.
Fight we MUST! #RevolutionNow
While they are telling you to “exercise patience” @officialABAT already bought a $100m Presidential Jet and configured or reconfigured it with some $50million and it is ready for delivery! The jet is an A330-200 initially christened VP-CAC is now registered as 5N-FGA.
This was… pic.twitter.com/2VvaMVVN4s
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) July 15, 2024
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