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  • UK public debt increases to highest since 1961

    UK public debt increases to highest since 1961

    Debt

    London, June 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN) UK state debt rose to levels not witnessed for more than 60 years in May in spite of lower-than-expected government borrowing, according to official figures.

    The data, which comes only two weeks before the general election, underscores the financial challenge facing the next Government, with both Labour and the Conservatives pledging to cut debt.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that public sector net debt as a proportion to UK GDP (gross domestic product) rose to 99.8 per cent for the month.

    This marks the highest reading since March 1961, the ONS said.

    Both the Labour and the Conservative parties have said in the run-up to the election that they will meet a fiscal rule to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio over the next five years.

    British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to reduce debt as one of his five pledges at the start of 2023.

    This came as the statistics body also revealed that public sector net borrowing hit 15 billion pounds (19 billion dollars) for the month.

    Initial data found public sector borrowing – the difference between Government spending and income – was 0.8 billion pounds higher than the same month a year earlier.

    It was also the third-highest May since monthly records began in 1993.

    Nevertheless, this was 0.6 billion pounds below forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the Government’s official forecaster, and was less than economists had predicted.

    The central government had receipts – the money it receives, predominantly through taxes – of 76.8 billion pounds for the month.

    This represented a one-billion-pound increase after receiving more through income tax, corporation tax, and VAT (value-added tax).

    Meanwhile, government spending was recorded as 91.6 billion pounds for May, up 2.8 billion pounds from the same month a year earlier.

    The increase was partly linked to a 2.2-billion-pound rise in social benefits following the inflation-linked increase in benefit payments.

    Departmental spending on goods and services was also higher after inflationary pressure on running costs. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    YEE

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    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Russia open to dialogue with U.S. amid global security concerns – Kremlin

    Russia open to dialogue with U.S. amid global security concerns – Kremlin
    Dialogue
    Moscow, June 21, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN)  Russia is ready for comprehensive dialogue with the United States, particularly due to the rise of global security concerns, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
    “The Russian president said that we are ready for dialogue with the United States but only for comprehensive dialogue,” Peskov said.
    He added that such talks are necessary as problems continue, especially about the global security architecture.
    Such dialogue must be comprehensive and cover all spheres, including the current Ukrainian crisis and “the direct involvement of the United States in this conflict,” the Kremlin spokesman said.
    Peskov further noted that Russia’s cooperation with its partners “is in no way directed against third countries,” and is ultimately only aimed at improving the well-being of the peoples of those countries. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng )
    UMD/YEE
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    (Edited by Ummul Idris/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Gov Alia will get second tenure without stress – Gemade

    Alia
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Vandeikya (Benue), June 20, 2024(NAN) Sen Barnabas Gemade, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), has said that Gov Hyacinth Alia would secure a second tenure in 2027 without much stress.
    Gemade, while addressing APC supporters in Vandeikya, hinged his confidence on Alia’s achievements.
    The governor is currently on a thank you tour to Vandiekya and Konshisha Local Governments.
    Gemade said that the Jechira people in particular, and Benue people in general, were solidly behind the government of Alia.
    He said the administration had performed very well in the last one year.
    “Alia’s scorecard is better than any governor in Benue; he is competing with Aper Aku who, before now, was number one,” he said
    In his speech, Gov Alia lamented the level of underdevelopment in Benue, saying that past administrations failed to take to develop Benue.
    He said the massive transformation being witnessed in the state was divine and intended to restore the state’s lost glory.
    “Many years ago, Benue was taken 40 years backward. In between, we had great heroes who came in to do their bit and set the people free.
     “This is one of the reasons God wants you to join forces with great few governors who have demonstrated love for their state and for humanity.
    “We should bring development and bring our children back to the pedestal that should be in the classroom so that our tomorrow becomes very prosperous and futuristic.
    “What we have done in the area of renovation of schools, hospitals, roads construction, provision of electricity among many others in the last one year is just a tip of the iceberg,” he said
    Alia further commended President Bola Tinubu for his laudable initiatives aimed at putting the country back on the fast lane of development.
    He said that such lofty programmes are also targeted at improving the lives of teeming unemployed youths to make them economically viable and employers of labour.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/ETS
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  • Below-average rainfall threatens Botswana’s livelihood

    Rainfall
    Gaborone, June 21, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi has declared the 2023-2024 an “extreme agricultural drought year”.
    He made declaration after considering a report on the recently ended Drought and Household Food Security Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis.
    The report indicated that the rainy season from October 2023 to March 2024 was exceptionally dry, with below-average rainfall throughout the entire country.
    It noted further that February was particularly harsh, with the country experiencing the driest conditions since 1980, leading to critically low water levels in reservoirs, and major rivers.
    It said that the rivers such as Thamalakane and Chobe experienced lowest water levels in a decade.
    “The delayed rains and extended dry spells have severely impacted crops, with most wilting and failing early.
    The area planted for this season fell 36 per cent compared to the previous year.
    “The total output is expected to meet only six  per cent of the country’s need of 300,000 metric tonnes,” it observed.
    It also noted that at the time of assessment, grazing conditions had started to show signs of deterioration across the country, with limited surface water availability in some areas.
    “An estimated 16,000 heads of livestock died as a result of drought”, said Gaba Mogapi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
    Dry conditions and high temperatures have forced wild animals to travel long distances for water, resulting in human-wildlife conflict, the report analysed.
    “More than 1,170 fires have also been reported around the country, affecting about 855,861 hectares of land”, Mogapi said.(Xinhua/NAN(www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/KAY
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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Kayode Olaitan

  • Cholera fatal but preventable – Physicians

     

    Cholera

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Family Physicians have emphasised that cholera, though fatal, was preventable if government at all levels and relevant stakeholders would do the needful.

    They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan.

    Speaking with NAN, Dr Francis Sanwo, the Medical Director of Our Lady of Apostle Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Oke Offa, Ibadan, said that cholera is an easily treatable disease if handled promptly.

    “Majority of people can be treated successfully for cholera through prompt administration of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).

    “The WHO/UNICEF ORS standard is for a sachet of ORS to be dissolved in one litre (L) of clean water while adult patients may require up to six  litres of ORS to treat moderate dehydration on the first day”.

    The family physician advised that rapid access to treatment was essential during a cholera outbreak while oral rehydration should be available in communities, in addition to larger treatment centres that could provide intravenous fluids and 24 hour care.

    “With early and proper treatment, the case fatality rate should remain below one per cent.

    “Zinc is an important adjunctive therapy for children under five, which also reduces the duration of diarrhoea and may prevent future episodes of other causes of acute watery diarrhoea.

    “Provision of safe water and sanitation is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera, a multifaceted approach is key to control cholera, and to reduce deaths.

    “A combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene(environmental and personal), social mobilisation, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines are used.”

    This, he added, should involve governments at various levels, communities, families and personal hygiene.

    Sanwo advised people to always wash their hands with soap and water frequently, especially after using the toilet and before and after handling food.

    He urged individuals to drink only safe water, including bottled water or water they had boiled or disinfected by themselves.

    “Use bottled water even to brush your teeth. Don’t add ice to your drinks unless you made it yourself using safe water. Eat food that’s completely cooked and hot and avoid street vendor food, if possible.

    “Take fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados.

    “Community engagement means that people and communities are part of the process of developing and implementing programmes.

    “Local culture practices and beliefs are central to promoting actions such as the adoption of protective hygiene measures such as handwashing with soap, safe preparation and storage of food and safe disposal of the feaces.

    “Funeral practices for individuals who die from cholera should be well handled to prevent infection among attendees,” he said.

    Also, according to Dr Olufemi Okedare, Oyo State Chairman of Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), cholera is a bacteria disease of which the bacteria contaminates food or water and when taken, leads to gastroenteritis.

    This diarrhoea and vomiting, he adds, leads to loss of fluids and electrolytes leading to dehydration, shock and kidney failure and eventually death.

    According to him, Cholera is preventable by provision of clean potable water and cultural hygienic practices including people watching the water and food they take.

    “Wash hands frequently  and get treated promptly when infected.

    “Salt and sugar solution drinking even before getting to hospital;  emergency response by government when there is epidemic like this, having a ward for cholera  for urgent rehydration and treatment were all paramount,” Okedare said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • LASG tasks agric, social services officers on improved farming

    LASG
    By Mercy Omoike
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has tasked all heads of agriculture and social services across its 57 local councils on improved agriculture practices to tackle food shortage in the state.

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, gave the charge at an interactive session held at the ministry in Alausa, Ikeja.

    He reiterated that the food shortage in the state was a result of few people venturing into agriculture.
    Agbaje also harped on the importance of agricultural revolution in the state, noting that the agricultural sector can only be improved and enhanced when adequate attention is given to it at the grassroots.
    Hence the need for Heads of Agricultural Departments at the Councils to equip farmers in the communities with requisite skills needed for farming all year round.
    He disclosed that the state government would continue to invest and improve agriculture sector to tackle the dearth of food production and distribution in Lagos.
    He enjoined the participants to engage farmers in their domain to identify areas where government can come in to help increase agric production.

    Agbaje noted that the goal of achieving food security in the state is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, urging everyone to partner with the agriculture sector to fight food shortage in the state.
    Also, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, commended the HODs for ensuring that the efforts of the governor in cascading development to rural farmers was achieved.

    Bolarinwa was represented at the event by the Director, Rural Agriculture, Mrs Tawakaltu Kosoko.

    She reiterated that the interactive session was a move by the state government to foster agriculture development across the state, especially at the grassroots.

    Bolarinwa revealed that there would be subsequent meetings targeted toward equipping rural farmers on improved methods and tools that would engender increase in agriculture productivity amongst farmers in these communities.

    Responding, Mr Rasheed Bada, the Chairman, Body of Heads of the Department of Agric. & Social Services, applauded Sanwo-Olu’s administration for ensuring that the Office of Rural Development in the Ministry becomes a rallying point where rural farmers across the state can access information and opportunities that would help improve agriculture production.

    Bada said the body would continue to work in tandem with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of Lagos State until the dream of making Lagos State a 21st Century economy is achieved. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    DMO/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Prioritise production to stimulate economic growth – Economist advises FG

     

    Production

    By Ige Adekunle

    Sango-Ota (Ogun) June 21, 2024(NAN) An economist, Prof. Evans Osabuohien, on Friday advised the Federal Government (FG) to prioritise production activities to step up the economic growth of the country.

    Osabuohien, Head of the Economics Department, Covenant University, Ota, speaking on likely solutions to the nation’s economic challenges, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    NAN recalls that the Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO), said on Thursday that the nation’s total public debt stock had hit N121.67 trillion in March.

    Osabuohien says as long as the country continues to borrow and buy without selling products, it will continue to incur more debts.

    According to him, if the country increasingly engages in expenditure without a corresponding increase in productive ventures, things will continue to go bad.

    “As long as we are not producing enough to sell, rather we keep buying and buying, our debt profile will continue to increase.

    “The FG needs to prioritise increased production and minimise expenditures, especially on imported materials not tied to production.

    “In addition, the country should reduce heavy dependency on imported goods to encourage production in the country,’’ he said.

    The economist urged the FG to address insecurity, banditry and the crisis between farmers and herders, adversely affecting farming activities.

    Osabuohien said farmers should be provided with cheaper inputs to boost farming activities in the country.

    He also emphasised the need to cut down on the cost of governance to improve capital projects. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IGE/FEO/MAS

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Moses Solanke

  • Armenia recognises Palestinian state

    Armenia recognises Palestinian state

    Recognition

    Berlin, June 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Armenia is the latest country to recognise an independent Palestinian state, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry in Yerevan on Friday.

    “The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing military conflict are among the primary issues on the international political agenda that require settlement,” the ministry said.

    Armenia had always regarded a two-state solution as the best way out of the conflict between Israel and the Palestine, it noted.

    “We are convinced that this is the only way to ensure that both Palestinians and Israelis can fulfil their legitimate aspirations,” it said.

    Israel, has, however, reacted with indignation and, according to the ministry, summoned the Armenian ambassador to deliver a rebuke.

    In recent weeks, Norway, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have recognised a Palestinian state to exert pressure for a resolution to the decades-old conflict.

    However, there is currently no visible practical path to a two-state solution.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently rejected a two-state solution. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/IGO
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Mob kills man in Pakistan over blasphemy allegation

     

    Blasphemy

    Islamabad, June 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A mob in Pakistan has killed a man over alleged desecration of the Quran.

    The incident took place in Madyan, a popular hill station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north-western Pakistan, according to local media.

    Hundreds of men stormed and vandalised a police station where the man was kept after he was handed over by the locals.

    Videos of the incident circulating on social media showed scores of men beating and then torching the body of the man.

    A police spokesman, Mr Wajid Rasool, said that the man accused of blasphemy was a tourist from the Sialkot district of the Punjab.

    “We have started investigations into the incident and are tracing those who attacked the police station,” he said.

    Blasphemy is a sensitive topic in Pakistan, and those accused can become targets of extremist Muslim vigilante groups.

    In some cases, they have been gunned down, burned alive or bludgeoned to death.

    In May, a mob vandalised a Christan neighborhood in Sargodha and tortured a man over an allegation of blasphemy.

    The man died in a hospital some weeks later.

    In one of such incidents in 2020, a Pakistani-U.S. citizen was shot and killed inside a courtroom during his trial. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    UMD/IGO
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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • South Korea summons Russian ambassador over pact with Pyongyang

    South Korea summons Russian ambassador over pact with Pyongyang

    Summons

    Seoul, June 21, 2024 (dpa/NAN) South Korea has lodged an official protest with Russia over its new partnership agreement with North Korea and demanded an immediate halt to military cooperation with Pyongyang.

    Two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea, the foreign ministry on Friday summoned Moscow’s ambassador in Seoul, Georgy Zinoviev.

    Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun conveyed the government’s readiness to take decisive action with the international community against any behaviour that threatens the people of South Korea, the ministry said.

    North Korea has for decades been illegally developing nuclear weapons and missiles and is threatening to use them against its neighbour.

    Any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps North Korea to expand its military capabilities is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions against Pyongyang, Kim was quoted as saying.

    He also warned of negative consequences for Russian-South Korean relations, saying that “Russia should act responsibly.”

    Attempts to intimidate Russia were unacceptable, Zinoviev was quoted as saying by his embassy in a post on X after he was summoned.

    The ambassador said that “cooperation between Russia and North Korea is not directed against any third country.”

    South Korea has already condemned Russia’s agreement with North Korea on a comprehensive strategic partnership, signed by the sides in Pyongyang on Thursday.

    The treaty also provided for mutual assistance in the event of war.

    In Seoul’s view, the agreement also aims to strengthen military cooperation. South Korean National Security Advisor Chang Ho Jin indicated that his country could drop its previous refusal to supply weapons to Ukraine.

    South Korea participated in international financial sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine.

    However, it did not export weapons to Ukraine after Putin threatened severe consequences for any South Korean arms deliveries there.(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/FAA
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Folasade Adeniran