WordPress

Blog

  • Commission to punish EU countries for excessive new debt

    Commission to punish EU countries for excessive new debt

    Punishment

    Brussels, June 19, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The European Commission could threaten France, Italy and Belgium, among other EU member states, on Wednesday, with legal action over their accumulation of excessive new debt.

    The EU executive arm expected multiple EU countries to breach regulations on budget deficits and national debt levels, according to an economic forecast published in May.

    As well as a decision on excessive new debt levels, the commission was also expected to make a proposal to design the European Union’s budget for 2025.

    The EU decided to suspend the debt and deficit regulations in the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    With the rules now back in place, after some reforms were negotiated, any EU country that breached the debt and deficit limits risked legal punishment, should the commission decide to act.

    This is primarily to ensure the stability of the eurozone with the aim of the excessive deficit procedure to bring countries to a sound financial position.

    This started a process where an EU country must introduce countermeasures to reduce its debt and deficit under the supervision of the commission for four years.

    Under certain conditions, for example if a country commits to growth-promoting reforms and investments, the plan can be extended to seven years.

    The commission can also temporarily take into account the increase in interest payments when calculating the adjustment efforts.

    According to the reformed rules, EU member state may not accumulate debt in excess of 60 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

    Highly indebted EU countries with debt levels over 90 per cent of GDP have to reduce their debt ratio by one percentage point annually,

    It also said that countries with debt levels between 60 and 90 per cent by 0.5 percentage points to also reduce debt ration.

    In addition, the general government deficit namely the gap between income and expenditure of the public budget, which was primarily covered by loans, must be kept below 3 per cent of GDP.

    According to the commission’s economic forecast, France at 5.5 per cent, Italy at 4.4 per cent and Belgium at 4.4 per cent will breach this deficit limit in 2024.

    Also included were Austria, Finland, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia also have deficits that were too high, according to the rules.

    Spain is at exactly -3.0 per cent. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/SH
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Sadiya Hamza

  • Scottish Greens to propose abolishment of monarchy

    Scottish Greens to propose abolishment of monarchy

    Abolishment
    London, June 9, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The Scottish Green manifesto for Britain’s upcoming general elections would propose removing the “pomp and pageantry” of the monarchy, co-leader Patrick Harvie has said.

    Speaking ahead of the party’s campaign launch in Edinburgh on Thursday, Harvie has said his party would set out plans for a written constitution and a republic which can elect and remove heads of states.

    The manifesto plans were set to propose the abolition of “unelected heads of state and a permanent written constitution” in an independent Scotland.

    He said: “the monarchy is a badly outdated and fundamentally undemocratic institution. It represents a different era and feels increasingly irrelevant and ridiculous in the 21st century.

    “Yet in a matter of weeks the full pomp and pageantry of monarchy will be on display when the King does the state opening of a new government.

    “We should be able to challenge power and elect or remove our head of state through the ballot box, like most countries do.”

    He went on to demand a written constitution which would be used to avoid the kind of power grabs and stunts we have seen from Westminster.

    “The Scottish Greens are the only party that is calling for an independent Scottish republic where power lies with the people rather than being banned down like a family heirloom.”

    The United Kingdom is set to hold general elections on July 4.(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/IS
    ======
    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Putin arrives in North Korea on state visit

    Putin arrives in North Korea on state visit

    Visit

    Seoul, June 19, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for a two-day state visit.

    Putin was received by North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un at the airport in Pyongyang, the Russian news agency Interfax reported on Wednesday.

    According to observers, the two-day visit will also focus on further arms deliveries from Pyongyang, which Moscow intends to use in its war against Ukraine.

    The main part of the visit begins on Wednesday.

    The day would begin with a meeting between Putin and Kim on Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang’s urban and symbolic centre.

    Long negotiations were then planned, first in one-on-one talks, then on a larger scale.

    In addition to several meals together, a wreath-laying ceremony and a joint concert visit have also been announced.

    The last time Putin was in North Korea was in 2000, when he was received by Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il.

    He said after a long break in the relationship, the two countries have recently moved closer together not least because of the Ukraine war.(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/IS
    ======
    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Eid el-Kabir: Foundation, UAE distribute meat to women, vulnerable in FCT

     

    Distribution

    by Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Helpline Social Support Initiative, an NGO, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Nigeria shared meat during the Eid el-Kabir to women, vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities in the FCT.

    Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Founder of the initiative, who made this known on Wednesday, thanked the UAE Embassy for their kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in the FCT.

    Ahmadu said that the gesture demonstrates the embassy’s commitment to community support through the spreading of joy and compassion to those in need.

    She also commended the embassy for identifying with the initiative, saying ” this is the third year it is supporting the needy in Abuja and its environs with this gesture.”

    ” Their generous contribution of meat donations benefited our women and individuals living with disabilities, spreading joy and compassion to those in need.

    ” This marks the third consecutive year of their support, which has made a significant difference in the lives of our beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    ” We are grateful for their kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in our community.

    ” Thank you to the UAE Embassy for their unwavering support and to our team for their tireless efforts in serving our community.”

    She noted that Eid el Kabir was an opportunity and occasion to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged especially women.

    Ahmadu, therefore called on other relevant organisations at all levels to go beyond “funfairs that characterised every festivities and use such occasions to empower the vulnerable in the society. (NAN)

    SSI/SH

    ======

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Lawyer urges FG’s intervention in Rivers LG crisis

    Intervention

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A Port Harcourt-based hunan rights lawyer, Henry Ekini, has urged the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing local government leadership crisis in Rivers.

    Ekini, the National Legal Adviser, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    He said that it had become ‘very expedient’ for President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene in  order to avoid total breakdown of law and order in the state.

    NAN reports that local government council chairmen, aligned with former governor, Nyesom Wike, have vowed to remain in office after the expiration of their tenure on June 17.

    The chairmen are citing a legislation passed by the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers which extended their term of office by six months.

    Ekini said that the development was already having negative impacts on free movement and economic activities in the state.

    He expressed worries that local government chairmen would refuse to vacate office after the expiration of their tenure.

    Ekini said that it was illegal to extend the tenure of elected council officers, saying, “their insistence to remain as chairmen is ridiculous”

    “It shows disregard for the rule of law, It is embarrassing, it is a threat to democracy.

    “It is important for the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that the constitution is followed religiously, this will help to resolve the matter,” he said.

    Speaking recently in the matter, the state ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, said that the amended Local Government Service Law in the state, empowered the chairmen to remain in office for another six months.

    Ihunda, also the Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, said that the chairmen would resist any attempt to remove them from office.

    NAN reports that Gov. Siminalaye Fubara has already declared that the tenure of the council chairmen has elapsed, and directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the councils.

    The governor has also released a list of caretaker committee chairmen and members for the 23 local government councils in the state for screening and appointment.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/AZU

    =======

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • There’s  no consttutional provisions for LG chairmen’s tenure elongation – Fubara

    There’s  no consttutional provisions for LG chairmen’s tenure elongation – Fubara
    Protection
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024(NAN) Gov.  Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers says there is no provision for  tenure elongation  for  elected Local Government Chairmen in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as Amended).
    Fubara made this known while addressing newsmen at the end of a security council meeting with heads of security agencies in Port Harcourt.
    The governor said  that the security council meeting was called because of the  threat to the peace of the state brewing from the tenure expiration of the outgone local government councils chairmen.
    ”We will fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state while  protecting all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.
    ”The law on local government tenure is unambiguous. The court clearly affirmed the position of the law.
    “The law is the law, there is no extension of the local government tenure in it. The court says so,” he said.
    The govrnor promised to protect his supporters and resist any ”grand plan to arrest” them.
    Fubara thanked the media and the peace-loving people of the state for their support, and urged everyone to continue to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the State.
    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports Fubara directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected council chairmen whose three-year tenure elapsed on Monday.

    Fubara gave the directive in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

    He said the decision ties with the Constitution’s provision and the need to ensure peace and order in the state. Fubara appreciated the efforts and dedication of the council chairmen to public service.

    The police confirmed that the two people were killed in Omuma LGA during a clash.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the killings, said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

    Iringe-Koko said in a statement that the two were killed during a bloody clash between supporters of two political groups at the council headquarters.

    She said the police had now occupied the council secretariats to forestall violence.

    The statement reads: “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various local government council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two political factions clashed over the tenure of council chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a police officer and a vigilante were killed.

    “To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken over all the 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

    “Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.

    “While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warns anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.

    “We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PA/VE/SH

    ==========

    Edited by Victor Adeoti/Sadiya Hamza

  • WFP increases response in Nigeria, others to address rising hunger

    WFP increases response in Nigeria, others to address rising hunger

    Hunger

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 19,  2024 (NAN) The World Food Programme (WFP) says it will increase its food and nutrition assistance programme in some countries in West and Central Africa in June.

    WFP, through the programme, hopes of reaching 7.3 million people as the June-August lean season is under way at a time when hunger levels are high and food resources are low.

    The programme will aid response plans of national governments in Nigeria. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

    WFP, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that with the right amount of funding, WFP’s initiative can reach 12 million people, but with diminishing resources available, humanitarians working with the programme have reached fewer people than anticipated.

    This comes as malnutrition in West and Central Africa is reaching alarming levels along with a projection that 55 million people will face acute hunger during the lean season.

    Chris Nikoi, WFP’s Regional Director for Western Africa, said that this crisis exposes the need for “transformative solutions” to assist vulnerable families with food and other needs.

    “We need to continue prioritising emergency response for those most in need,” Nikoi said.

    “But, we need more investment in sustainable solutions to help strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity and purchasing power of families at the right time and cushion economic and climate shocks.”

    Many dealing with acute hunger in West and Central Africa have been left without assistance and risk having their situation worsened since funding for the programme has not kept “apace” with increasing crises in the region.

    WFP said this is worrying since the 2024 seasonal forecast reveals weather that could disrupt farming and prolong the next lean season.

    “The escalation of humanitarian needs far outstrips available resources,” Nikoi said. “The only way out of this cycle is to prioritise durable solutions.”

    Currently, WFP said it is supporting “long-term transformative hunger solutions” and working on improving government systems that increase communities’ shock resilience via social protection and investments in inclusive food systems.

    WFP programmes have helped to, among other things, restore degraded lands to food and fodder production, support children’s education, improve access to food and boost incomes across the Sahel and provide more frequent and diversified meals to civilians in Nigerian villages.

    The programme said initiatives including “strengthening poor families’ purchasing power with timely shock-responsive social protection schemes need to be prioritised and expanded as a humanitarian response alone is financially not sustainable and does not address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition.” (NAN) (www.nannew.ng)

    CIA/SH

    =====
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Air pollution, second leading risk factor for premature death – report

    Air pollution, second  leading risk factor for premature death – report

    Pollution

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 18, 2024 (NAN)The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that air pollution is increasing impacting human health and is now the second leading global risk factor for premature death.

    The State of Global Air (SoGA) report, published in partnership with UNICEF, showed a global deadly and growing impact of air pollution.

    The fifth edition of the report, released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), revealed that air pollution caused 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021 and many millions are dealing with debilitating chronic diseases, leaving healthcare systems, economies, and societies.

    Further, it found that children under five are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, leaving over 700,000 in this age group dead in 2021.

    The SoGA report found that pollutants like outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – which comes from burning fossil fuels and biomass in sectors like transportation, residential homes, wildfires and more – caused more than 90 per cent of global air pollution deaths.were found to be the “most consistent and accurate predictor of poor health outcomes around the world.”

    Other pollutants like household air pollution, ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – which can be found in traffic exhaust – also contribute to the global deterioration of human health.

    HEI President Dr. Elena Craft said she hopes the information in the report will inspire change.

    “Air pollution has enormous implications for health. We know that improving air quality and global public health is practical and achievable,” she said.

    In addition to affecting people’s health, pollutants like PM2.5 add to greenhouse gases that are warming the planet. As the earth warms, regions with high levels of NO2 will experience great levels of ozone, which can result in greater health effects.

    Dr. Pallavi Pant, HEI’s Head of Global Health said, “This new report offers a stark reminder of the significant impacts air pollution has on human health, with far too much of the burden borne by young children, older populations, and low- and middle-income countries.”

    She continued, “This points sharply at an opportunity for cities and countries to consider air quality and air pollution as high-risk factors when developing health policies and other noncommunicable disease prevention and control programmes.”

    The report reveals that children are “uniquely vulnerable” to air pollution and effects can begin in the womb.

    It states that young children’s exposure to air pollution has resulted in one in five deaths globally, pneumonia and asthma and affects children with inequities more than it does those in high-income countries.

    UNICEF  Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden said that nearly 2,000 children under five die every day due to the effects of air pollution.

    ‘The global urgency is undeniable,” she said. “It is imperative governments and businesses consider these estimates and locally available data and use it to inform meaningful, child-focused action to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.”

    In addition to sharing details on the negative effects of air pollution on human health, the SoGA report also claims that there has been better awareness about the harms of being exposed to household air pollution and a 53 per cent decrease in the death rate of children under five since 2000 due to increased access to clean energy for cooking.

    Also, regions experiencing the highest levels of air pollution have begun to address the issue by installing air pollution monitoring networks, implementing stricter air quality policies and more – particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CIA/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

  • FEMD, Near Foundation distribute meat to IDPs for Eid-el Kabir

    Meat

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), in collaboration with Near Foundation, has distributed meat to 150 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja, to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.

    Acting Director-General of FEMD, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, explained during the distribution exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the support was part of measures to leave no one behind.

    Wenegieme said that the distribution of the meat would give the IDPs a sense of belonging, saying, “It is not everybody that can afford a ram or even a chicken.”

    The acting D-G urged other organisations to emulate the good will of Near Foundation to give vulnerable people hope in life.

    “Beyond reaching out to vulnerable people, FEMD in partnership with other organisations will equally build the capacity of IDPs in different skills for self-reliance.

    “We pray that Near Foundation and other NGOs we are collaborating with will design different programmes for the poor and vulnerable in the FCT.

    “Helping the less privileged people in our midst will give them hope,” she said.

    Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Federal Capital Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman (6th from left); acting Director-General, FEMD, Mrs Florence Wenegieme (7th); and Project Manager of Near Foundation, Mr Abdulmalik Bulakos (8th), and other officials at the distribution of meat to Internally Displaced Persons to celebrate Eid-el Kabir in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The Programme Manager of Near Foundation, Mr Abdulmalik Bulakos, said that the partnership with FEMD was to strengthen humanitarian support for distressed people.

    Bulakos said that the strategic partnership with FEMD helped the foundation in identifying the vulnerable people in FCT, particularly IDPs.

    He explained that humanitarian aid was one of the intervention areas of the foundation, to reach out to poor and vulnerable people in communities, particularly with the current economic hardship in the country.

    On the meat package, the programme manager said that each IDP would receive four kilogrammes of meat to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.

    He said that so far, the foundation has slaughtered over 1,200 cows and distributed meat packages to more than 50,000 vulnerable residents of FCT.

    “This part of the tradition of Near Foundation. It is an annual event and still ongoing, as evident with distribution of meat packages to more than 150 IDPs in Abuja,” he said.

    Project Manager of Near Foundation, Mr Abdulmalik Bulakos, supervising the preparation of meat for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons to celebrate Eid-el Kabir in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman, Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, FEMD, described the gesture and life changing.

    “This is five years now that they have been consistently doing this. Every salah, the foundation touches the lives of vulnerable people,” Abdulrahman said.

    One of the IDPs in Kabusa, Mr Yahaya Hassan, said he could not afford meat for the Eid-el Kabir celebration and thanked FEMD and Near Foundation for supporting him with meat to celebrate salah.

    Similarly, Mrs Halita Joseph, an IDP in Yimutu IDP Camp, equally thanked the foundation and FEMD for remembering IDPs every year during salah. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    =======

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Daily recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah strengthens faith — Cleric