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Category: Foreign

  • Hajj: Medic assures adequate first-aid to pilgrims at Muna, Arfat

    First-aid

    By Muhammad Lawal
    Makkah, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Dr Garba Umar-Kangiwa, a member of the Kebbi medical team, on Thursday, assured the pilgrims of adequate first-aid at Muna, Arfat and Muzdalifah towards a successful Hajj exercise.
    He stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
    The medical expert assured that in case of any eventuality at Muna, Arfat and Mudzalifah, the team would be readily available to provide the necessary first-aid treatment and subsequently convey the patients with complicated illness to other hospitals.
    “As I am talking to you, we are working round the clock to see how we can assign a health expert to every tent for quick response, on the alternative, telephone numbers will be provided in every tent for easy access.
    “We want to ensure that every health worker is supplied with enough medicine for onward disbursement to the patients.
    “We must appreciate the Kebbi Pilgrims Board for procuring and supplying enough medicine for the treatment of not only Kebbi pilgrims but other states too do come by to be attended to.
    “We are happy that in this year’s Hajj, the pilgrims board has supplied enough medicine to ensure that pilgrims are well taken care of more than in previous years,” he said.
    Umar-Kangiwa advised the pilgrims not to overstretch themselves, especially that the proper Hajj exercise was due to commence by Thursday, 8th of Dhul-Hajj.
    “This will give the pilgrims the strength and ability to perform the Hajj with strength and vigour.
    “Those suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or any other diseases and his/her drugs have finished should kindly come and explain so that he/she can be reimbursed with similar medicine,” he advised.
    Umar-Kangiwa admonished asthmatic patients to be cautious of dusty environments during the Hajj exercise and always go along with their inhalers to avoid sudden attacks.
    He identified body pain due to stress, catarrh due to air conditioners, dislocation due to slippery toilets, heat weather, fever, dysentery and ulcer, among others, as some of the sicknesses mostly affecting the pilgrims.
    The expert said illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetics were illnesses affecting the pilgrims right from their homes but some didn’t know that they were inflicted with the disease, until when they arrived in Saudi Arabia.
    He, however, recalled that three pilgrims from the state, two males and a female, had lost their lives not because of negligence on the side of the health workers.
    Umar-Kangiwa assured that the health personnel had done their best to rescue their lives but they had reached their destined periods. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KLM/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • 330,000 tonnes solid waste pose health risks to Gaza – UN agency

    330,000 tonnes of solid waste pose health risks to Gaza – UN agency
    Waste
    Gaza, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) More than 330,000 tonnes of solid waste are piling up in and out of populated areas of the Gaza Strip, a UN relief agency said on  Thursday.
    Unimpeded humanitarian access and ceasefire are “crucial to restore humane living conditions,” the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said on the social media platform X.
    It added that agency teams, through mental health services, have continued to provide psychological interventions to children in shelter centres through specialised activities such as psychological relief, relaxation and stimulation sessions, and purposeful games.
    Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been waging a large-scale war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of more than 37,000 Palestinians and led to massive destruction of homes and infrastructure.
    It came after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages, according to the Israeli authorities. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannes.ng)
    UMD/YEE
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    (Edited by Ummul Idris/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Chinese expert urges Africa to leverage exhibitions to reshape continent’s narrative

    Chinese expert urges Africa to leverage exhibitions to reshape continent’s narrative

    Mr Li Xuda, Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria speaking in Abuja at a photo exhibition titled, “A Renewed Glimpse into Africa: Exhibition of Chinese Artist Works Inspired by their Trip to Africa”.By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Mr Li Xuda, Director of Chinese cultural centre in Nigeria on Thursday called on Africa to use photo exhibitions to project the continent’s image positively to attract tourists and potential investors.

    Li made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on the sidelines of a photo exhibition titled,  “A Renewed Glimpse into Africa: Exhibition of Chinese Artist Works Inspired by their Trip to Africa”.

    According to Li, photography engages storytelling through interactive displays that captivate visitors and inspire them to explore the beauty and richness of a country.

    He added that evolving the stories told in and about African culture by distributing accurate and empowering stories is key to reshaping Africa’s narrative and attracting tourists to the region.

    “We believe that exhibitions are valuable in showcasing the diverse cultures, landscapes, and people of Africa in a positive light.

    “Through these photos, we can see the beauty, resilience, and vibrancy of African communities shedding light on their unique traditions, customs, and way of life.

    “Africa is a land of culture with splendid civilisation and abundant natural resources.

    “We also believe that this exhibition will strengthen ties between China and Africa and pave the way for increased tourism and economic opportunities,” he said.

    NAN reports that the photographs were taken by Duan Tiejun, Chairman of Tianjin Culture, Tourism, and Photographers’ Association, among others who visited Senegal, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mauritius, and many other African countries.

    NAN also reports that about 70 students from various schools were in attendance for the photo exhibition. (NAN) (www.nan.ng)

    SAF/YEE
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    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • German minister rules out sending more Patriot missiles to Ukraine

    German minister rules out sending more Patriot missiles to Ukraine
    Missiles
    Brussels, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday that his country would not provide Ukraine with any more Patriot air defence systems than the three it had supplied already.
    “There is no space for providing even more than those three systems,’’ Pistorius told reporters in Brussels ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers.
    He said the three systems make up a quarter of Germany’s stock.
    “Now, it’s on other partners to provide systems,’’ Pistorius said.
    Pistorius and his NATO counterparts are meeting on Thursday and Friday to discuss support for Ukraine in the war against Russia, including air defence.
    Also high on the agenda are a NATO-coordinated training and support mission for Ukraine, and long-term financial commitments.
    In a news conference ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged allies to approve a plan for NATO to lead the coordination of security assistance and training to Ukraine.
    The project is a major part of a defence package for Ukraine that the 32-member alliance wants to approve at a NATO leaders’ summit in Washington in July.
    The aim was to transfer responsibility for coordinating military aid for Ukraine from an informal, U.S.-led arrangement called the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) to the formal structures of NATO.
    NATO ministers are meeting as the UDCG first on Thursday and as NATO proper in the NATO-Ukraine Council later in the day and on Friday.
    There are also talks ongoing between allies to seal a commitment to long-term financial support for Ukraine.
    Stoltenberg said in Prague last month that allies should commit to maintaining their current level of support, which he puts at 40 billion euros (43 billion dollars) per year.
    Arriving at NATO headquarters on Thursday, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair announced that his country would supply Ukraine with rockets, small arms ammunition and remote-controlled weapon mounts for vehicles.
    Though it has no Patriots to give, he said.
    “Canada will provide Ukraine with 2,300 Canadian Rocket Vehicle 7s or CRV rocket motors.
    “Canada will send an additional number of rounds of small arms ammunition, as well as 29 Nanuk remote systems,’’ Blair said which are remote-controlled weapon mounts for military vehicles.

    “This week, Canada is beginning the shipments of a new fleet of 50 armoured vehicles to Ukraine,” he added.
    The first four vehicles are departing Canada this week, and they will be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces in the coming weeks.’’ (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/YEE
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    (Edited by Cecilia Odey/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • European Commission’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs will boomerang – Official

    European Commission’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs will boomerang – Official

    Investigation

    Beijing, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday the anti-subsidy investigation against Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) initiated by the European Commission will only boomerang.

    The spokesperson urged the EU to stop politicising economic and trade issues.

    Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks in response to opposing voices from Germany, Hungary, and major European automobile companies after the European Commission announced on Wednesday.

    In his announcement, Lin said an increase of provisional duties was levied on EV imports from China by up to 38.1 per cent starting July 4.

    Lin pointed out that regarding the preliminary findings released by the European Commission about the anti-subsidy investigation, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce has stated China’s solemn position.

    Chinese industry and business associations also expressed their firm opposition.

    Lin emphasised that the investigation is a typical protectionist move, ignoring objective facts and disregarding WTO rules in reverse of the historical trend.

    This will only harm others and boomerang on oneself.

    “We urge the EU side to listen carefully to all sectors’ objective and rational voices, immediately correct its wrong practices, and stop politicising economic and trade issues.

    “To also properly handle economic and trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and avoid undermining mutual trust and dialogue and cooperation between China and the EU,’’ said Lin. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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    (Edited by Cecilia Odey/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Clerics sensitise Kebbi pilgrims on successful Hajj

    Clerics sensitise Kebbi pilgrims on successful Hajj
    Clerics

    By Muhammad Lawal
    Makkah, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Kebbi state pilgrims have been urged to engage in the practices that would enable them enjoy a successful Hajj this year.
    Sheik Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, the Deputy Imam of Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, said this in Makkah during a sensitisation programme for the pilgrims on Thursday.
    He said that the state government had arranged for adequate clerics to guide the pilgrims so as to have full rewards from Allah for the exercise.
    ”The state government has emplaced no fewer that 100 clerics to take care of the religious aspects of the rituals of the Hajj. The essence of the Hajj is to be accepted by Allah.
    “We want to ensure that a cleric is attached to every vehicle to always remind the pilgrims of their obligations,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the essence of the enlightenment session is to educate the pilgrims on rituals of the Hajj.
    Umar-Wasagu urged the pilgrims to be orderly and exhibit high sense of decorum while boarding buses to Mina, assuring them that nobody would be left out.
    According to him, at Mina, the state has made provisions for each pilgrim, as they are entitled to a mattress, blanket, hand fan and umbrella.
    The cleric advised the pilgrims to be very vigilant with some criminally-minded people that deceive pilgrims in the name of assisting them to change money.
    “Some will collect your 500 sillars6 basic travelling allowance and replace it with equivalent of 5 dollars. They come purposely to deceive and cheat the pilgrims,” he said.
    Umar-Wasagu noted with satisfaction that all committees established by the state pilgrims board were working to achieve the mandate for which they were established.
    He urged the pilgrims to use the Hajj period to pray for their leaders to succeed, saying that prayers for leaders should form part of their routine.
    “Pray for yourself, your family, your relations, your friends, your town, your state, your country and the entire Muslim Ummah.
    ”Pray for prevailing peace across Nigeria, because peace is the foundation of any meaningful development in a nation,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KLM/IS
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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Tokyo stocks fall on caution before BOJ meeting outcome

    Tokyo stocks fall on caution before BOJ meeting outcome

    Meeting

    Tokyo, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Tokyo stocks closed lower Thursday, as a cautious mood prevailed ahead of the conclusion of the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting the following day.

    Japan’s benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 156.24 points, or 0.40 per cent, from Wednesday at 38,720.47.

    The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 24.66 points, or 0.89 per cent, lower at 2,731.78.

    Stocks started the day higher, led by semiconductor and technology stocks that tracked record-high close of the U.S. Nasdaq index overnight.

    But the market soon lost steam as investors refrained from buying ahead of the outcome of the central bank’s two-day monetary policy meeting through Friday, analysts said.

    On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by electric power and gas, insurance, and iron and steel shares. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/AMM
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • 30 killed by ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo

    30 killed by ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo

    Attack

    Kinshasa, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) No fewer than 30 people were killed late Wednesday in an overnight attack blamed on Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

    The deaths occurred due to the recently launched series of deadly incursions into the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a military spokesman confirmed on Thursday.

    ADF rebels launched an attack in the village of Mayikengo, Lubero Territory, North Kivu Province, Mak Hazukay, the DRC military spokesman for Beni Territory, told Xinhua, confirming the ADF’s first presence in Lubero Territory.

    According to local sources, most of the victims, were women and children, were killed by machetes.

    This attack came days after several deadly incursions by ADF rebels into the neighbouring Beni Territory and killed 57 on June 3-8.

    This is according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

    The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, has been notorious for its violent activities in North Kivu and Ituri province.

    The place has been under a state of siege since May 2021, with military and police authorities replacing the civilian administration.

    Hazukay said the resurgence of ADF rebel attacks against civilians was the result of heavy operational pressure exerted jointly by the Congolese and Ugandan militaries. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/EAL
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    Edited b y Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • China to digitise vehicle registration licenses

    China to digitise vehicle registration licenses

    Registration

    Beijing, June 13, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) China will pilot the digitisation of motor vehicle registration licences starting in July, to improve the traffic management services, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced on Thursday.

    The reform measure would initially be implemented in 60 cities, including Beijing and Tianjin, and would be fully promoted nationwide by the end of the year, according to the ministry.

    Chinese law requires drivers to carry both their driving licenses and vehicle registration certificates while driving.

    Previously, the digitisation of motor vehicle annual inspection marks and driving licenses had been fully implemented.

    Traffic management authorities have issued 1.475 billion electronic inspection marks and 250 million electronic driving licenses.

    By the end of May 2024, the total number of motor vehicles in China had reached 440 million, including 340 million cars (excluding motorcycles and trucks).

    The number of drivers had reached 530 million.

    China ranks first in the world in terms of the total number of motor vehicles and drivers.

    Wang Qiang, director of the traffic management bureau of the MPS, said that in recent years, more than 100 reform measures were introduced.

    He said that the measures had helped in reducing costs by over 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars).

    The MPS has also launched a unified mobile app called “Jiaoguan 12123” or “traffic management 12123” which can currently provide 35 types of traffic related services.

    The app has 540 million registered users. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COO/EMAF
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    Edited b y Cecilia Odey and Emmanuel Afonne

  • G7 states agree huge loan for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets

    G7 states agree huge loan for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets
    Assets
    Bari, Italy, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) G7 states have agreed to lend Ukraine 50 billion U.S. dollars using money generated from frozen Russian state assets, diplomats said on Thursday at the first day of G7 summit in Italy.
    War-ravaged Ukraine is to use the loan package to strengthen its military defence against Russia, pay for the reconstruction of infrastructure and funding for Ukraine’s state budget.
    The U.S. government says around 280 billion U.S. dollars of Russian central bank money has been immobilised in Western countries due to sanctions imposed since the full-scale Russian attack on Ukraine more than two years ago.
    The bulk of the money is within the European Union.
    The bloc’s member states recently approved the use of interest income generated from Russian state assets to finance aid for Ukraine.
    The Brussels-based financial institution Euroclear, by far the largest holder in the EU of frozen Russian central bank assets – recently said that it had collected around 4.4 billion euros (4.7 billion U.S. dollars) in interest in 2023.
    Planning for the structure of the loan package has been under way for months.
    The United States had originally campaigned in favour of collecting not only the interest income, but also the frozen assets themselves and using them to provide financial support to Kiev.
    Some European capitals, however, had major reservations about this.
    G7 leaders are meeting for a summit in southern Italy from Thursday to Saturday.  (dpa/NAN) (www.nannes.ng)
    UMD/IKU
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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Tayo Ikujuni