APC Must Unite Behind Tinubu – Buhari

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June 8, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday asked the All Progressives Congress to unite behind its presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The President made the comment in a congratulatory statement signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.
“Having emerged victorious he has our full and unwavering support,” he said.
“Now our party must unite behind our candidate to achieve victory at the 2023 elections so that our government will continue to secure our communities, grow our economy and continue the fight against corruption.

“During the Primaries, there were factions and disagreements amongst the contestants and now that the process has ended we must build a united front in our party.
“In this way, the APC will remain the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. Now it is time to put the process behind us.
“Because what we can all agree is that the APC remains the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. But the way to demonstrate that we can get on with this job is to unite.
“The movement we created in 2013 is beyond individuals. Together, we made history by becoming the first party in our country’s history to unseat a party in power and propel our candidate into the Presidency through a peaceful democratic transfer of power.
“We strongly believe that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will safeguard and improve on this democratic achievement and legacy. He is the right candidate for Nigeria’s aspiration because he is the APC’s candidate and under the continued stewardship of our party. Nigeria can achieve greatness and fulfill its destiny in Africa and the World.
“The high point of this extraordinary convention of our party was the energy of the Presidential aspirants and it is from amongst them that we have chosen the most popular leader.
“I recognize and commend the enthusiasm and self-confidence amongst our party men and women.
“I also thank the delegates for making the right decision leading to the emergence of our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Ife Residents suspend Planned Protest Over OAU New VC Inauguration

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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June 8, 2022

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The leadership of Ife Community Assembly, on Monday, appealed to youths in Ile-Ife not to embark on any further protest regarding Prof. Simeon Bamire’s emergence as the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

The appeal was sequel to the threat by a group, Ife Youths Organisation, who in a statement by its National Coordinator, Abimbola Afolabi, said protest would resume on Monday unless concerned authorities act and address their grievances on the issue.

Recall that some youths, protesting on behalf of the Ife community, had staged protest for some days after the announcement of Bamire as VC-elect, alleging that a candidate supported by the town came first in the screening for the applicants for the post.

However, the Ife Development Assembly, in a statement signed by the President of Ife Development Board, L. Awowoyin, and three others, obtained in Osogbo, on Monday, said protests on the OAU VC’s matter remain suspended.

The group said the focus of the struggle, which was to get things done rightly in OAU, transcended appointment of Vice Chancellor.

It therefore declared that efforts to correct areas of marginalisation, manipulation, and injustices shall continue after Bamire’s inauguration as VC.

The statement read in part, “We therefore, as major stakeholders in Ife Community and frontline members in the struggle to defend and protect the interest of Ife and Ifes, join our Royal Father, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, other stakeholders and individuals in appealing to our youths, in particular Ife Youth Organisation, to allow the suspended protest in whatever form remain suspended.

“Consequently, on behalf of the Ife community, it is hereby declared that no protest in whatever form on the subject under reference is authorised for now in Ile-Ife. We welcome all invited guests/persons to the inauguration of the 12th substantive OAU Vice Chancellor, assuring them of a peaceful atmosphere and security, before, during and after the ceremony.”

Bayern Munich Insists Lewandowski Will Stay

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Koko Lawrence

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June 8, 2022

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Bayern Munich has doubled down by again telling Robert Lewandowski that he cannot leave before his contract expires next year.

The 33-year-old Poland star has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona, but Bayern insists Lewandowski must fulfil his contract which runs out in June 2023.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told German daily Bild that during a phone call with Lewandowski on Tuesday he “clearly explained our position on his contract situation to him”.
Media reports suggest Barcelona want to pay 32 million euros ($34 million) for the two-time FIFA best male player of the year.
“A contract is a contract,” Bayern president Herbert Hainer said recently.
“Where are we going if a player can end a contract early?”

However, the striker upped the ante again earlier this week by saying “I’m leaving because I want more emotion in my life” on a Polish podcast.
Without naming them, Lewandowski claimed senior club bosses “did not want to listen to me to the end. Something in me went out. It’s impossible to ignore”.
After eight years in Munich, Lewandowski has won every possible title with Bayern including lifting the Champions League trophy in 2020.
He has been top-scorer in the Bundesliga for each of the last three seasons, but Lewandowski believes Bayern should let him go now and receive a fee rather than him leave next year on a free transfer.
“It’s about finding the best solution. FC Bayern and I are not enemies,” he added.

2023: Atiku Holds Closed-door Meeting With PDP Govs

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Koko Lawrence

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June 8, 2022

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has on Wednesday, held a closed-door meeting with governors elected on the platform of the party.

The closed-door meeting was held at the PDP presidential campaign headquarters, Legacy House, in Abuja.

It was gathered that the meeting was connected to issues relating to the opposition party’s campaign for the 2023 polls.

Atiku, in a post on his official social media page, announced the meeting, saying, “My meeting with the PDP Governors’ Forum today gives delightful assurance that the fabric of unity in our party continues to be strengthened. The energy to work together to win the general election and start the work of rebuilding the country is overwhelming. -AA”

In another post on his Twitter, he said that some of the PDP governors had paid him a visit ahead of the official meeting.

Exploring Lake Tanganyika, Second Largest Freshwater Lake In The World

By

Angel Gimalo

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June 8, 2022

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Lake Tanganyika is an African Great Lake, which constitutes a series of lakes, part of the Rift Valley Lakes in and around East African Rift, located in Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

The biggest part of the lake belongs to Tanzania (46%) and DR Congo (40%), however, Lake Tanganyika is estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake, and also second deepest in the world.

As it is very long, the name comes from the term ‘Tanganika’, which means ‘the great lake spreading out like a plain’, or ‘plain-like lake’. It is 676 kilometers (420 miles) long, with an average of 50 kilometers (31 miles) width.

Covering an area of 32,900 square km (12,700 square mi), this lake can prevent ‘turnover’ of water masses, which means that much of the lower depths of the lake are so-called ‘fossil water’ and are anoxic (lacking oxygen).

The main inflow is from Ruzizi, Malagarasi and Kalambo Rivers, with some other small rivers, but the outflow is from the Lukuga River which empties in the Congo River drainage.

At first this lake was discovered in the mid 1800’s by the English explorers Richard Burton and John Speke, where they pursued it as the source of the Nile, arriving at its shores in February of 1858, only to discover that the Ruzizi River in the north, which they thought to be the Nile, flowed into and not out of the lake.

The fertile circulating surface water, although not tidal, provides abundant plankton for its inhabitants which in turn provides much needed protein for both the local and export markets.

The stiff winds that blow off the surrounding mountains aid the continual movement which inhibits the spread of bilharzia, the parasitic disease carried by shallow water snails. Lake Tanganyika boasts over 350 species of fish of which most are endemic.

Like Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika is extremely old, and the combination of its age and ecological isolation has led to the evolution of unique fish populations.

Since new species are being discovered continually in these remarkable lakes, it is difficult to determine which has the highest diversity, but they at least share the distinction of being the top two lakes in the world in terms of biodiversity, whilst Lake Tanganyika has the highest proportion of endemicity, concentrated mainly in the Zambian waters of the lake.

Nowadays as an important source of food and revenue from the tourism, this lake plays an important role in the four countries sharing this amazingly alluring lake, which boasts the economies of the countries, and also it is one really beautiful jewel from them.

Nigerian Airline to Operate As Sierra Leone National Carrier

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Elizabeth Williams

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June 8, 2022

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The Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Xejet Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Nigerian airline to operate regional and international flights for the West African nation, using Lungi International Airport, Freetown as hub.

THISDAY learnt that Sierra Leonean government and Xejet have been in discussions for months and have now agreed that the company would establish and operate a national carrier for the country.

This means that Xejet will have a core sign designating it as national carrier when it is operating from that country and also have a guaranteed passenger market.

The parties further agreed to work together to successfully execute the project to international standards.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh M.Kallon on behalf of the Sierra Leone government and CEO, Emmanuel Iza for Xejet in the presence of Dr. Rex Idaminabo (Consulting Associate) and Floyd Davis Deputy Director Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).

In attendance at the signing ceremony from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation are, Rex Bhonapha (Deputy Minister) the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Alhassan Kondeh, Dr. Adams Steven (Technical Adviser), Hindolo Shiaka (Director of Transport) and Macmond Kallon Policy Coordinator OPII-State House.

Xejet Aviation was set up to provide Air Transport Services in the areas of passenger, cargo, aircraft maintenance, and aviation training.

Founded and run by a team of highly experienced technocrats with years of experience in airline and air operation.

Delta Commissioner Charges Students On Hard Work

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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June 8, 2022

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Commissioner for Secondary Education in Delta, Rose Ezewu, on Tuesday in Asaba, charged students to work toward bright future through hard work and commitment to their studies.

Ezewu gave the charge while monitoring the 2022 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination, and said government was poised to conduct a successful exercise.

“Students should shun examination malpractice and I urge stakeholders to cooperate with one another to ensure the success of the exercise,’’ she said.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Delta Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Augustine Oghoro, said the ministry would improve on every examination conducted.

“Materials for the examination are sufficiently provided to all the examination centres on time. I urge candidates to ensure that they put in their best to guarantee their success,’’ he said.

The Director of Examination and Standards, Sunday Egomagwuna, said a total of 89,537 candidates enrolled for the 2022 BECE.

Kenyan Manufacturers Urged To Reduce Import Bill Amid U.S Dollar Shortage

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Elizabeth Williams

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June 8, 2022

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Kenyan manufacturers have been urged to reduce their import bills and incorporate locally produced products into their business model in the wake of the US dollar shortage which was been occasioned by increased demand.

Kenyan economist, Ken Gichinga from Mentoria economics told Capital FM Business that the pent-up demand for the dollars which has led to the depreciation of the Kenyan shilling could likely trigger job losses as more manufacturing firms struggle to meet their obligations.

“Businesses should explore reducing their import bill and incorporate locally produced products into their business model,” he urged.

Barely a week after the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) warned that most of its members are facing challenges accessing the dollar, Pwani oil, the manufacturer behind the Salit Oil, Mpishi Poa, and Fresh Fry cooking oil products has announced a temporary halt of its operations citing dollar shortage which has hindered it from sourcing key commodities.

“If the situation remains unresolved, the business community involved with importation (e.g manufacturers, car dealers), will be largely affected and might lead to further closure and job losses,” he said.

Nigeria’s Internet Subscriber Base Rises By 14M Users In Q4 2021

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Elizabeth Williams

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June 8, 2022

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National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) telecoms report shows, the number of Internet subscribers in Nigeria grew astronomically by 14.03 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 to 154.3 million compared to 140.28 million recorded in the previous quarter.

The internet subscriber base increased by 10% quarter-on-quarter, with MTN Nigeria boasting the highest customer base with 58.8 million subscribers, followed by Globacom with 39.53 million.

Also, Airtel recorded a total internet subscriber base of 37.53 million as of the end of 2021, 9mobile with 5.75 million, SMILE (314,674), and NTEL with 27,799.

Meanwhile, the two most populated states in the country, Lagos and Kano alongside Ogun State made up the top list of states with the highest internet subscribers in Nigeria, with 37.61 million subscriptions as of December 2021.

A further look at the data shows that all the 36 states of the federation including the federal capital territory, Abuja recorded growth in the number of internet subscribers in Q4 2021 compared to the previous quarter.

Unsurprisingly, Lagos State maintained the top spot with 18.94 million internet subscribers as of the end of Q4 2021, gaining an additional 1.44 million subscribers compared to 17.71 million recorded in the preceding quarter. Lagos State accounted for 12.3% of the total internet customers in the country.

It is worth noting that most of the subscribers in Lagos State were serviced by MTN with 6.27 million users, followed by Airtel and Globacom with 4.98 million and 4.85 million subscribers respectively.

Lavrov In Talks with Turkey To Ship Ukrainian Grain

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Elizabeth Williams

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June 8, 2022

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov holds talks Wednesday with Turkish officials on a plan that could allow Ukraine to export its grain through the Black Sea to global markets amid an escalating food crisis.

Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, but the war and a Russian blockade of its ports have halted much of that flow, endangering food supplies to many developing countries. Many of those ports are now also heavily mined.

An estimated 22 million tons of grains are sitting in silos in Ukraine.

Turkey is involved in efforts for the establishment of a U.N.-led mechanism that would create a secure corridor for the shipment of the Ukrainian grain — and for Russia to export food and fertilizer. Turkey would facilitate and protect the transport of the grain in the Black Sea, Turkish officials have said.

A top Russian official said Tuesday that Ukraine needs to remove sea mines near its Black Sea port of Odesa to allow grain exports to resume.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian military would need to check commercial ships taking the grain to make sure they don’t carry weapons. He added that after they are loaded with grain, Russia would help escort the ships to international waters.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Tuesday that technical details were still being worked out.

“Our efforts are continuing concerning the technical planning on such issues as how it will be done, how the mines will be cleared, who will do it, how the corridor will be established and who will escort (ships),” Akar said.

Lavrov arrived in Turkey days after NATO members Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro reportedly refused to allow his plane to fly through their airspace to reach Serbia. Lavrov’s plane was able to fly directly to Turkey over the Black Sea.