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FRSC To Begin Special Weekend Operations To Check Road Crashes

By
Koko Lawrence
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The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) has said that it would commence a “Special Weekend Operation” to check increasing number of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) in charge of the FRSC Command and Administration Strategies (CAS), Jonas Agwu, said this during a meeting with Unit Command on Tuesday in Abuja.

Agwu, who also met with outpost Heads of Operations in the Six Area Councils of the Territory, explained that the Corps has discovered increasing number of accidents weekends.

This, he said, was due to many social activities during weekends, saying that some road users drive under the influence of alcohol.

According to him, breathalysers will be deployed to check the level of alcoholic intake.

Agwu appealed to the heads of Operations at Unit Commands to be proactive in ensuring effective deployment of personnel to check the excesses of reckless drivers.

Speaking, the FCT Sector Commander, Oga Ochi, stressed the need for regular meetings for senior officers for effective traffic management in the territory.

Ochi charged the heads of Operations to be firm and carry out their responsibilities diligently with a view to reducing road accidents and fatalities by 15 per cent this year.

In his remark, the FCT Head of Operations, Adewale Ameen, said that the Command would continue to come up with initiatives for free flow of traffic and safety of lives and property in the territory.

Ameen assured that the Command would continue to work with sister Agencies, host communities and transport unions to address obstruction, one-way driving, overloading and other traffic offences.

The theme of the event was evolving effective enforcement strategy in an emerging trend of insecurity, traffic offenders’ aggression, fuel scarcity and traffic congestion.

NYSC D-G Tasks Corps Members On Security, Others

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has urged Corps members to be security conscious and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Ibrahim made the call on Wednesday during the swearing in ceremony for the 2022 Batch “A” Stream II Corps members at the Wailo Orientation Camp in Ganjuwa Local Government Areea of Bauchi State.

According to him, one of the major objectives of the scheme is the promotion of national unity and integration, hence, their deployment away from their states of origin.

The DG who was Represented by the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Namadi Abubakar,  said the move would not only offer them the opportunity for broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere of friendship, peace, harmony and shared vision of a great and prosperous country.

“You are strongly advise to be security conscious at all times, and to report any suspicious characters or activities around you to the appropriate authorities.

“Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is significant, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the service year as well as have an everlasting influence on your life after service.

“You are also enjoin to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the bye-laws,” he said.

The D-G admonished the Corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities of the scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, to enable them to learn trades and become self-reliant.

“I would like to express appreciation of the support of the Federal, State and Local Governments as well as security agencies, traditional rulers, Corps employers and other stakeholders, especially in areas of security and general welfare of Corps Members,” he said.

2023 ELECTIONS: INEC, NYSC Sign Reviewed Mou

By
Koko Lawrence
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Tuesday signed reviewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, on the engagement of Corps members for electoral duties.

The daily bulletin issued by the commission disclosed that the MoU was jointly signed by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the NYSC Director-General, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

The bulletin quoted Yakubu as saying this was not the first, but a review to the existing agreement between both organisations.

“It has identified 11 obligations on the part of INEC and 10 obligations on the part of the NYSC,” Yakubu said while signing the MoU at INEC headquarters.

“I want to assure you D-G that we will continue to emphasise the security and welfare of Corps members on election duty. I know that the MoU provides for a periodic review after every four years but this is a regular periodic review.

“Whenever the need arises, the Commission is always willing to review aspects of the memorandum at anytime in order to attain to these two objectives of ensuring the security and welfare of the Corps members,” he said.

Yakubu said, “the MoU is governed by the laws of Nigeria and it shows INEC commitments and seriousness particularly to security and welfare of the Corps members.”

He said that the MoU would provide insurance cover for all ad-hoc staff under the INEC personnel hazard policy for the period of engagement.

“This covers injury, permanent disability, loss of life and property or any person declared missing in the cause of carrying out the Commission’s assigned duties,

“This is why appropriate sections of the public service rules will apply to the NYSC staff, as well as other employees who are public servants serving in the federation of Nigeria.”

Yakubu commended the selflessness, dedication and commitment of members of the NYSC scheme’s contribution towards the successful conduct of elections in the country, saying, “Nigeria is Fortunate to have the NYSC”.

The INEC Chairman described the NYSC member’ service to the electoral process as indispensable.

“The NYSC, youth Corps members are among the most educated, most committed, most patriotic and most readily available election duty staff in Nigeria.

“We are really happy that we have been collaborating with the NYSC. They go to all the nooks and crannies of the country without complain.”

Yakubu further reassured that INEC would continue to do what it needs to do to ensure that the safety and welfare of the corps members remain priority.

“I want to assure you that we take our obligations in the MoU very seriously and I want to once again thank you for standing by Nigeria, for standing by the electoral process, and for standing by our democracy”.

On his part, Ibrahim, appreciated INEC for the long-standing cordial relationship between the two organisations, saying there is enormous contribution of Corps members in enhancing the credibility of elections in Nigeria.

The DG corroborated the INEC Chairman on the successes achieved in Anambra governorship election.

“I was in Anambra for five days, Corps members were scared and I told them there was no cause to fear.

“I moved round the local governments, Polling Unit by Polling Unit and this engendered their confidence in the electoral process and they did their best. There was no injury, nothing happened to any of my Corps members.”

Ibrahim urged INEC to sustain the relationship with the NYSC, and assured that the Corps members remain committed to serving the Country and contributing to conduct of credible elections.

“I want to urge INEC to continue to sustain this relationship with NYSC.

“I can assure you that Corps members are willing, they’re very patriotic and they are ready to put in their best to the service of the country”.

According to INEC bulletin, the signing of the MoU was also witnessed by all 12 National Commissioners, Secretary to the Commission; Rose Anthony-Oriaran; the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Dr Saád Idris, Directors and other management staff of the Commission.

Afghanistan: Taliban Makes Sudden U-turn on Reopening High Schools For Girls

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The Taliban have reversed a decision to allow Afghan girls to return to high schools, saying a ruling is still to be made on the uniforms they must wear.

Schools were set to open nationwide after months of restrictions since the Taliban seized power in August but the education ministry abruptly announced girls’ secondary schools would stay shut, causing confusion.

Some girls were in tears as parents and students reacted with anger and disappointment to the last-minute move.

The decision came a week after the education ministry announced schools for all students, including girls, would open around the country on Wednesday.

“We inform all girls’ high schools and those schools that [have] female students above class six that they are off until the next order,” the notice said.

The notice added schools would reopen after a decision over the uniform of female students was made in accordance with “Sharia law and Afghan tradition”.

Many had earlier talked of how happy and excited they were to be back in the classroom. The sudden reversal has sparked deep anger from parents of female students.

Under Taliban rule in the 1990s, girls were banned from getting an education. And since the Taliban took power again last August, only girls’ primary schools along with all boys’ schools have remained open in most of the country.

Girls’ secondary schools were finally meant to open today.

Privately, Taliban members admit female education remains a controversial issue amongst their most hardline elements.

This chaotic and last-minute policy reversal makes clear the divisions within the group – and underlines how out of touch with the aspirations of modern Afghan society parts of the leadership are.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said it “deplores today’s reported announcement by the Taliban”.

U.S diplomats said closing schools undermined confidence in Taliban commitments and assurances.

It “further dashes the hopes of families for a better future for their daughters,” U.S special envoy Rina Amiri tweeted.

Anti-Corruption Guatemalan Judge Resigns And Flees To The US

By
Zoe Maven
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A Guatemalan judge considered key in fighting corruption announced her resignation on Monday and that she has decided to leave the Central American country.

Judge Erika Aifán has presided over corruption cases against businessmen, officials, judges and lawmakers, and she was recently overseeing an investigation about alleged irregularities during current President Alejandro Giammattei’s campaign.

She has been pursued by her own colleagues and she faces at least 20 legal complaints for allegedly overstepping, something she denies.

Aifán is the latest case of other Guatemalan judges and prosecutors who have left the country in recent months after the government had started investigations or even looking to arrest those who oversee corruption cases.

Aifán said she had felt particular pressure from Guatemalan Attorney General Consuelo Porras, whose visa was canceled by the U.S. government because of corruption concerns.

One of Aifán’s most recent cases was an investigation about alleged illegal funding to Giammattei’s presidential campaign in 2019. The President has denied any wrongdoing.

The U.N. and the U.S. government had criticized and condemned in the past what they have considered “harassment” of the judge.

In July 2021, the U.S. government announced the suspension of its cooperation with Guatemala’s Attorney General’s Office in response to the firing of its then top anti-corruption prosecutor.

Japan Lifts Power Outage Warning, But Supply Outlook Fragile

By
Zoe Maven
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Japan’s government lifted a warning of potential blackouts for the Tokyo region Wednesday as weather and conservation efforts improved, but the supply outlook still appears fragile with several coal-fired plants offline.

The energy shortfall came as people used more power to keep warm on an unusually cold, snowy day Tuesday and followed an earthquake last week that caused several coal-fired plants to temporarily stop generating electricity.

The Economy and Industry Ministry lifted the alert for potential blackouts late Wednesday morning as sunny weather allowed solar power generation to resume. The ministry, however, called for continuing conservation efforts because some coal-fired plants will remain offline for up to another few months.

While Japan aims to reach carbon neutrality in 2050, it still relies significantly on fossil fuel. While Japan pushes to develop renewables, the government seeks to restart more nuclear power plants although the public’s safety concern runs high after the Fukushima disaster.

On March 16, a magnitude-7.4 earthquake off the northeastern coast killed four people, damaged buildings and caused power outages that peaked at 2 million homes in Tokyo and eight other areas.

A subsidiary of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said late Tuesday conservation efforts had largely lifted the threat of blackouts.

Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport turned off some lighting and air conditioning in its terminals. Tokyo’s SkyTree tower canceled its nighttime lights on Tuesday. Amusement parks and some companies switched to backup generators.

Tuesday’s power crunch was believed to be among the worst since the government conducted planned outages in the Tokyo area for 10 days after the Fukushima Daiichi meltdowns in 2011.

Ukraine Says Russia Seized Relief Workers In Mariupol Convoy

By
Zoe Maven
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Ukrainian leaders have accused Russia of seizing 15 rescue workers and drivers from a humanitarian convoy trying to get desperately needed food and other supplies into the bloodied port city of Mariupol.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimated that 100,000 civilians remained in Mariupol, scene of some of the war’s worst devastation, as Russia presses a nearly month-old offensive by bombarding cities and towns. Those made it out described a shattered city.

Zelenskyy, speaking Tuesday in his nightly video address to his nation, accused Russian forces of blocking the aid convoy despite agreeing to the route ahead of time.

The Red Cross confirmed a humanitarian aid convoy trying to reach the city had not been able to enter.

The convoy’s attempt to deliver assistance came as Russian navy vessels joined in what have been weeks of Russian air and land strikes into Mariupol, U.S. officials said.

A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to give the Pentagon’s assessment, said Russian ships in the Sea of Azov added to the shelling of Mariupol. The official said there were about seven Russian ships in that area, including a minesweeper and a couple of landing vessels.

The hands of one exhausted Mariupol survivor shook as she arrived by train in the western city of Lviv.

U.S. President Joe Biden is due to head to Europe for an emergency NATO summit Thursday on Russia’s invasion and increasingly hostile stance toward the West, where NATO members and other European allies are strengthening their defenses.

The invasion has driven more than 10 million people from their homes, almost a quarter of Ukraine’s population, according to the United Nations.

Russia’s President Putin Confirmed To Attend G20 Summit

By
Zoe Maven
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Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a session of the G20 Leaders' Summit taking place in Rome, via teleconference in Moscow, on October 30, 2021. (Photo by Evgeny PAULIN / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by EVGENY PAULIN/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to attend a G20 summit in Indonesia later this year, Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia said on Wednesday, dismissing suggestions by some G20 members that Russia could be barred from the group.

The United States and its Western allies are assessing whether Russia should remain within the Group of Twenty major economies following its invasion of Ukraine, sources involved in the discussions told Reuters.

But any bid to exclude Russia would likely be vetoed by others in the group, raising the prospect of some countries instead skipping G20 meetings, the sources said.

Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, which currently holds the rotating G20 chair, said Putin intended to travel to the Indonesian resort island of Bali for the G20 summit in November.

Asked about suggestions Russia could be excluded from the G20, she said it was a forum to discuss economic issues and not a crisis like Ukraine.

Russia launched its invasion of its southern neighbour on Feb. 24 but Zelensky says any compromises with Russia will require referendum

Putin says Russia is carrying out “a special military operation” to stop the Ukrainian government from committing genocide – an accusation the West calls a baseless fabrication.

Russia is facing an onslaught of international sanctions led by Western countries aiming at isolating it from the global economy, including shutting it out of the SWIFT global bank messaging system and restricting dealings by its central bank.

On Tuesday, Poland said it had suggested to U.S. commerce officials that it replace Russia within the G20 group and that the suggestion had received a “positive response”.

Denzel Washington Attributes Long-Standing Successful Career To The Grace Of God

By
Koko Lawrence
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Award-winning actor, producer and director Denzel Washington is attributing his long-standing successful career to God.

Washington, 67, was recently interviewed on a popular podcast, where he spoke about his latest film, The Tragedy of Macbeth and what were some of the biggest lessons he learned throughout his career.

“One of the lessons I learned was taught by my mentor at the boy’s club, now the boy’s and girl’s club, Billy Thomas,” Washington told co-hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero. “I was running track, and a new guy joined the team. … Billy could see I was out of character because this guy was faster. He said, ‘yeah, Denzel, he’s faster than you, but he doesn’t have the fundamentals.’… He said, ‘your natural ability will only take you so far.'”

“So when I got to that place, by the grace of God, I realized I was given this ability to act and direct, but I remembered my natural ability would only take me so far,” he continued. “So, I had to study more, I had to get deeper, I had to learn more. So, that’s what I did, and it paid off, and it’s paying off now.”

When asked to share one important lesson he learned from Hollywood that people should know, Washington pointed to God’s grace as the source of all talent.

“One of the most important lessons in life that you should know is to remember to have an attitude of gratitude, of humility, understand where the gift comes from,” the actor stressed. “It’s not mine, it’s been given to me by the grace of God.”

“[To] use what I have, use what you have … to help others. On your last day, you can’t take it with you,” he said. “But you can leave it here. You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse,” he added.

At the close of every interview, guests on the podcast have a virtual neon sign placed above their heads. The sign can say whatever the guests want it to say. When co-host Desus asked Washington what he wanted his sign to say, the actor replied, “Blessed.”

According to Cinema Blend, Washington was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in Macbeth. The award show takes place this Sunday. Washington, a 9-time Oscar nominee, won the coveted award twice, once for his performance in Glory (1990) and again for his performance in Training Day (2001).

China Plane Crash – Rescue Operation Halted By Rain

By
Zoe Maven
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Search and rescue operations have been suspended at the crash site of a Chinese passenger plane after heavy rain sparked fears of a landslide.

State media Xinhua said soil at the crash site had absorbed a lot of water, adding “uncertainty” to the rescue.

No survivors have so far been found from China Eastern flight MU5735 which had 132 passengers when it crashed in the hills in southern China and Investigators don’t know why the plane plummeted out of the sky on Monday.

There has been an outpouring of grief in China, where families of passengers and crew are still waiting for news.

Hundreds of responders have been scouring the steeply forested slopes in Wuzhou where debris from the plane was strewn after it broke apart and set fire to the hillside.

There had been no official word on casualties until China’s Civil Aviation Administration held its news briefing on Tuesday evening, some 36 hours after the disaster.

Air controllers had repeatedly called the aircraft during its descent but had received no response.

Rescuers have so far found parts of the 737’s burnt wreckage. State broadcasters showed images of the charred remains of letters, bags, wallets and identity cards belonging to those on board.

Plane debris is seen at the site where a China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane flying from Kunming to Guangzhou crashed, in Wuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China March 21, 2022.

Meanwhile, the families and friends of the 123 passengers and nine crew have gathered at each end of the flight – with relatives visiting China Eastern’s offices in Yunnan province and waiting at Guangzhou International Airport.

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