Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is poised to turn the challenges posed by climate change into opportunities for economic transformation and sustainable development. Tinubu noted that rising temperatures, extreme weather events and shifting rainfall patterns are threatening the foundation of Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people. The President said this when he delivered the keynote address at a product launch by NETZENCE Sustainability Limited, a sustainability technology and management company on Tuesday in Abuja. Represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Uche Nnaji, Tinubu spoke on the theme, ‘Accelerating Nigeria’s Net Zero Target and…

A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly has confirmed five commissioners-designate as members of the State Executive Council. Those cleared are Samuel Eyiba from Ahoada, Ilamu Arugu (Abua/Odual); Dr Roland Obed-Whyte (Degema); Samuel Anya (Abia State); and Austin Emeka Nnadozie (Etche), who appeared before it for screening on Tuesday. Their confirmation was sequel to the letter sent by the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, to determine their suitability as members of the State Executive Council. The Speaker read the letter of the governor during plenary held at the auditorium used for legislative businesses…

The African Union’s health watchdog on Tuesday declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent. The outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo. “With a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, we declare mpox as public health emergency of continental security,” Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), said during an online media briefing. “Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent, families have been torn apart and the pain and suffering…

The Central Bank of Nigeria, on Tuesday, announced the reintroduction of several key economic reports, stating its commitment to transparency and accountability in the nation’s economy. These reports include the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), Business Expectation Survey (BES), Inflation Expectation Report, and other critical macroeconomic indicators. According to a statement on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at CBN, Sidi Ali, the move is part of the CBN’s ongoing data enhancement initiative and is designed to provide stakeholders with timely and accurate insights into Nigeria’s economic performance. The PMI, which evaluates the health of the manufacturing, services, and…

South Africa’s jobless rate rose to a near record in the second quarter of 2024, continuing a trend that has seen the number of unemployed people grow by more than 60 per cent in ten years, official data showed Tuesday. The unemployment rate hit 33.5 percent between April and June, up by 0.6 percentage point from the previous quarter, national statistics agency StatsSA said. That is close to the record 35.3 percent reached in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic. About 8.4 million people were out of work, up from 5.2 million in 2014, it said. Including people who have given up…

West Ham signed Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a deal worth a reported £15 million ($19 million) on Tuesday. Wan-Bissaka agreed a seven-year contract with the Hammers after spending five years at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old right-back made 190 appearances for United following his 2019 move from Crystal Palace. He appeared in United’s surprise FA Cup final win against Manchester City last season but was not in United manager Erik ten Hag’s plans for the new season. “It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London and I’m excited for what’s coming,” Wan-Bissaka said. “I was born here and…

The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the forthcoming Edo governorship election Olumide Akpata and his team have returned to Benin City to recommence campaigns for the poll. This was after a tour to the UK and Europe for meetings with Edo indigenes. Olumide Akpata on his arrival in the state capital on Tuesday said he and his team held town hall gatherings in these locations. He said during these meetings, the party had given its commitment to ensuring that Edo State receives the necessary attention that would address issues affecting it including security and ease of doing business. The Edo…

President Bola Tinubu has commissioned 30 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. Tinubu commissioned the buses in Abuja on Monday. The Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) donated 20 of them while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) donated the rest. The buses have a 30,000-passenger capacity. “If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about statehouse digital transformative changes like this, we would definitely be able to achieve the prosperity that we are working hard to accomplish for our people,” he said at the event. “These CNG buses are promising and will enhance our…

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is in the hunt to win a second successive PFA Player of the Year award after being nominated alongside team-mates Phil Foden and Rodri. Haaland enjoyed another prolific campaign with 38 goals in all competitions as City lifted an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. The Norway star won the PFA award after City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022-23. Rodri was a key figure in City’s midfield during their latest Premier League triumph and also helped Spain win Euro 2024. England playmaker Foden scored 27 goals last season for Pep Guardiola’s men. Chelsea forward Cole Palmer,…

The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for discreet investigation on charges of sedition. The suspects were reportedly arrested for flying Russian flags during the recent nationwide hunger protests. The protests had turned violent in several parts of the North. Addressing the press on Monday, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, provided updates on the ongoing investigations and the arrests made in connection with the unrest. “In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to all commands and formations, the Kano Command…