The Government of Japan has committed to provide US$20 million to extend the road from Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge before the end of 2023 in a bid to address the nation’s struggling road sector.
The latest commitment in the tone of US$20 million for road connectivity is in addition to the ongoing Somalia Drive road project.
Feasibility work on the road corridor from Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge is expected to kick off shortly.
However, the Somalia Drive Highway which was under construction for years will shortly be renamed Japan Highway and turned over on 26th July, 2021 as a gift to the Government and People of Liberia.
The latest commitment from the Japanese government to the Liberian government follows a meeting between Japan Ambassador and President George Weah.
During a tête-à -tête on Thursday, June 24, 2021, when the Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, Tsutomu Himeno, paid him a courtesy visit, the Liberian Chief Executive extended greetings to Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and the people of Japan.
President Weah paid tribute to the long standing relations subsisting between the two nations, and thanked the Government and people of Japan for their support to Liberia over the years.
“Liberia remains grateful for the continuous assistance rendered to our overall national development, particularly the interventions made during the period of our country’s civil war and during the Ebola and now COVID-19 health crises,” Dr. Weah said.
The President hailed Japan for partnering with the Government of Liberia in constructing the Goborchop Market and the progress made thus far in the construction of the Duala General Market.
“As a commitment to modernization of housing for citizens of Liberia, we embarked on a project to delete huts and replace them with concrete housing units. Your government has been a true partner in this effort,” Dr. Weah said further, as he acknowledged Japan’s contributions to improving and bettering the lives of Liberians.
In the face of COVID-19 Pandemic and its negative impact on global economies, President Weah said Liberia will still continue its nation building programs, including improving infrastructure mainly modern houses and markets, paved roads, health centers and human resource development.
The president named a 9-kilometer corridor road lying between the Gabriel Tucker Bridge and St. Paul Bridge to fully be rehabilitated. He considers the road as an important effort towards the growth and development of Liberia’s economy.
The Government of Japan has committed to provide US$20 million to extend the road from Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge before the end of 2023 in a bid to address the nation’s struggling road sector.
The latest commitment in the tone of US$20 million for road connectivity is in addition to the ongoing Somalia Drive road project.
Feasibility work on the road corridor from Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge is expected to kick off shortly.
However, the Somalia Drive Highway which was under construction for years will shortly be renamed Japan Highway and turned over on 26th July, 2021 as a gift to the Government and People of Liberia.
The latest commitment from the Japanese government to the Liberian government follows a meeting between Japan Ambassador and President George Weah.
During a tête-à -tête on Thursday, June 24, 2021, when the Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, Tsutomu Himeno, paid him a courtesy visit, the Liberian Chief Executive extended greetings to Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and the people of Japan.
President Weah paid tribute to the long standing relations subsisting between the two nations, and thanked the Government and people of Japan for their support to Liberia over the years.
“Liberia remains grateful for the continuous assistance rendered to our overall national development, particularly the interventions made during the period of our country’s civil war and during the Ebola and now COVID-19 health crises,” Dr. Weah said.
The President hailed Japan for partnering with the Government of Liberia in constructing the Goborchop Market and the progress made thus far in the construction of the Duala General Market.
“As a commitment to modernization of housing for citizens of Liberia, we embarked on a project to delete huts and replace them with concrete housing units. Your government has been a true partner in this effort,” Dr. Weah said further, as he acknowledged Japan’s contributions to improving and bettering the lives of Liberians.
In the face of COVID-19 Pandemic and its negative impact on global economies, President Weah said Liberia will still continue its nation building programs, including improving infrastructure mainly modern houses and markets, paved roads, health centers and human resource development.
The president named a 9-kilometer corridor road lying between the Gabriel Tucker Bridge and St. Paul Bridge to fully be rehabilitated. He considers the road as an important effort towards the growth and development of Liberia’s economy.
The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) won the presidency of the Federation of Euro-Asian Stock Exchanges (FEAS) for its upcoming round after strong competition with Sydney and Armenia exchanges.
In a statement released, Head of EGX Mohamed Farid said EGX’s winning of this post reflected the position of the Egyptian Exchange at the regional and international levels.
Farid said “It’s a great honor for me to be elected as a FEAS Chairman during the 32nd General Assembly Meeting, thanks to all my colleagues for placing their confidence and support in me. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the newly elected Board and Audit Committee members. I am sure that through hard work and dedication, we will achieve success within FEAS. Together we will work for the development of the federation and of capital markets in general.”
He said all efforts will be exerted to build capabilities of the FEAS member-states in a way that contributes to increasing competitiveness and integrate their various activities and services along with facilitating all measures for upping investments and enhancing interaction and promotion efforts for better trading operations.
FEAS was established on 16 May 1995 with 12 founding members who have grown to reach 17 full members and seven affiliate members, eight observers and four partners.
The full membership in this Federation is open to the stock exchanges from countries in Europe, outside the European Union and EFTA, including CIS, Central and South Asia and the Middle-East.
Meanwhile, the affiliate membership is open to the Central Depositories, Clearing and Settlement Institutions working in the respective countries.
FEAS current members reached 39 including 20 full members, 7 affiliate members, 8 observers and four partners, in addition to unions and institutions from 20 countries and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The mission of FEAS is to create fair, efficient and transparent market environment, with little or no barriers for trading among FEAS members. The market capital of FEAS reached dlrs 18.8 trillion, with the annual trading amounted to dlrs 873.5 billion.
Hong Kong authorities have used the new national security law as a “pretext to curb dissent” and justify censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that crush human rights, Amnesty International said in a report on Wednesday, one year after the law was implemented.
One year after a sweeping national security law was introduced in Hong Kong, Amnesty International has called the situation a ‘human rights emergency’.
In their report released on Wednesday, Amnesty’s Regional director in South East Asia, Joshua Rosenzweig pointed to a list of court decisions and interviews with activists that show
the law has been used to target dissent, justify censorship and arrests.
“There does seem to be a political element to this where some of these charges and prosecutions appear to be politically motivated and designed to curb political opposition and silence voices that the government doesn’t want to hear and doesn’t want other people to hear.”
Beijing imposed the national security law to punish anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison.
Authorities have said the law would affect an ‘extremely small minority’ of people and that it had restored stability after months of often violent protests in 2019.
According to a Reuters tally, more than 100 people have been arrested and more than 60 charged,
in the first year under the new law.
Amnesty, has sounded the alarm and said the actions under the law including harassment and prosecutions violate human rights.
“We’re calling on the United Nations, particularly the human rights council, but also the high commissioner for human rights, to really look into the way in which national security, terrorism and these other concepts are being used by the Chinese government.”
The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
American great Serena Williams says she is “heartbroken” after her latest attempt for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam was cruelly ended by injury.
Williams started against Aliaksandra Sasnovich with heavy strapping on her thigh and slipped in the fifth game.
The 39-year-old went down again in the seventh game and was overcome by emotion before having to retire.
Centre Court gave a standing ovation as she left, with Williams later saying: “The court meant the world to me.”
BUT WHY IS THE COURT SO SLIPPERY?
Williams, seeded sixth, seemed to do the damage when she rocked backwards on the baseline before unleashing a forehand back to her opponent.
After going off court for treatment, the seven-time SW19 champion returned with a heavy limp and tried to continue before it soon became apparent she would be unable to.
Tears filled her eyes as Williams thanked the crowd, who had been trying to encourage her, for their support.
Serena Williams had won all 19 of her previous first-round matches at the All England Club
At 15-15 on her service game at 3-3, Williams buckled as she prepared to receive a return and spent a few moments kneeled on the court.
The umpire came down off her chair as Williams slowly managed to climb to her feet.
Fans on Centre Court rose in unison to give a heartfelt standing ovation as Williams waved goodbye – with the crowd no doubt wondering if this will be the final time at SW19 for a player who turns 40 in September.
“I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg,” Williams said in an Instagram post later on Tuesday.
“My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on Centre Court so meaningful.
“Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd when I walked on – and off – the court meant the world to me.”
The retirement came within an hour of centre court watching france’s Adrian Mannarino also have to retire from his match against Roger Federer.
The 33-year-old slipped on the same baseline, leading to Britain’s Andy Murray – who had played there on Monday – tweeting about the surface.
It was a cruel blow for Williams, who had broken for a 3-1 lead.
“I’m so sad for Serena. She is a great champion,” said Belarusian world number 100 Sasnovich.
“It happens sometimes in tennis, but all the best to her.”
After losing to Simona Halep in the 2019 final – and finishing runner-up to Germany’s Angelique Kerber the year before – Williams was hoping this would finally be the time that she won her 24th Grand Slam.
Matching the number won by Australian Margaret Court has so far proved beyond her, having lost four major finals since returning from maternity leave three years ago.
The Wimbledon grass seemed the place most likely to yield another major but it will not be this year, at least.
“The way she waved at the crowd, and put her hand on the heart to show her appreciation, I hope it is not a farewell.
“I still feel she can win that 24th major, she has it inside her. The amount of injury and bad luck of sliding is such a shame.”
England struck twice late on to end a 55-year wait for a knockout tie victory over Germany amid scenes of huge tension and elation at Wembley to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
Gareth Southgate’s side battled hard to earn the statement victory that has so often eluded England, and it was their talisman of this tournament, Raheem Sterling, who made the decisive breakthrough.
Sterling, who scored the winners against Croatia and the Czech Republic in the group stage, steered in Luke Shaw’s cross after 75 minutes to send England’s fans, with more than 40,000 inside Wembley, into wild celebrations.
The win was secured with another moment of significance four minutes from time when captain Harry Kane, who had once again struggled to influence the game, headed in from substitute Jack Grealish’s perfect delivery for his first goal of Euro 2020.
England were again thankful for the brilliance of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has yet to concede a goal in the tournament and saved crucially from Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in each half, while Thomas Muller missed a glorious chance to equalise before Kane struck.
England now face Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome on Saturday after they scored a last minute winner in extra time to beat Sweden.
Southgate’s biggest result
Southgate’s team selection raised eyebrows when he decided to leave the creative talents of Grealish and Phil Foden on the bench and showed huge faith in Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka by starting him after his fine performance against the Czechs.
Saka was excellent, the early spark when England struggled, while Grealish added the crucial X factor when he came off the bench to finally help break Germany down.
The scenes at the final whistle demonstrated just how important this win is for Southgate and England, digging deep and surviving periods of struggle to overcome old rivals who have so often got the better of them.
And this may just rank as the biggest and most important victory of Southgate’s time in charge.
The last 16 was a round that carried so much jeopardy for England when the draw was made, with the knowledge that topping their group would likely mean a meeting with the ever-dangerous Germany, World Cup holders France or reigning European champions Portugal.
While Group F minnows Hungary very nearly caused a huge upset, in the end it was Germany who confronted them and Southgate, who must tired of seeing replays of his penalty miss against them in the Euro 96 semi-final, now has a happy memory to cherish from this fixture, not to mention a potentially favourable route forward in this tournament.
England will feel confident but not complacent against Ukraine, and the shock exit of France to Switzerland shows no-one can be taken lightly.
But this win, against these opponents, will be of huge psychological value as England go forward.
Kane finally comes good
Just how important will that second goal from Kane prove to be for both Southgate’s captain and England’s hopes of winning Euro 2020?
Kane again looked a shadow of his world-class self as he laboured to have any meaningful involvement as nerves grew around Wembley, failing to pounce on a scramble in first-half injury time and often cutting a forlorn figure as he tried in vain to make his mark.
At one stage it looked like he may have to come off injured but he recovered and his contribution in the last 15 minutes may just be the turning point for a striker so trusted by his manager.
Kane played a part in the opening goal as he linked up with Grealish and Shaw for Sterling to finish the job – but the big moment came with the goal that settled this game.
Grealish, so confident when he came on, sent in the perfect cross to find Kane in the six-yard area to head home.
The mixture of joy and relief in his expression was obvious, as was the delight of his team-mates.
If this is the game where England’s captain finally sprang to life, everyone in the camp knows just what a difference a fit and firing Kane can make at the business end of Euro 2020.
Pickford and Maguire make their mark
England had question marks over their defence before the start of Euro 2020 with Manchester United captain Harry Maguire carrying an injury and Southgate still working out his best personnel.
Here he switched to a three-man central defence with Kieran Trippier and Shaw as full-backs and it worked as England kept an impressive fourth clean sheet to maintain their flawless record in the tournament.
And at the heart of it all has been the rejuvenated goalkeeper Pickford, who has emerged from a slump in form at Everton to show exactly why Southgate’s faith has never wavered.
Pickford has made crucial saves throughout the tournament but this game was his best yet as he raced from his line to block Timo Werner in the first half then showed great athleticism to turn over Havertz’s rising drive with the scoreline still blank after the interval.
Maguire was another important figure and also showed why Southgate regards him as someone he can always count on.
Now fully fit after an ankle injury, he showed great authority alongside John Stones while adding an extra dimension at set-pieces and with his ability to bring the ball out of defence.
These have been two huge pluses for Southgate as he now tries to plot a way past Ukraine.
Germany face new era
Germany have only won one of their last six games at the Euros (D2, L3), failing to keep a clean sheet in all six games
This was the end for Joachim Low as Germany coach after a glittering career that brought a World Cup win in 2014 in Brazil.
He now makes way for Bayern Munich’s Champions League-winning coach Hansi Flick – and this performance showed there is rebuilding to be done.
Germany still have plenty of talent in the shape of players such as the elegant Havertz, Joshua Kimmich and others but this may well have been the last fling for older stars like Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos and Muller.
It was Muller who gave England their biggest scare when he strode through late on with the score 1-0 only for the man who has scored so many vitals goals to almost unbelievably steer a low finish inches wide.
He fell to the floor in despair while Sterling did the same in relief as it was his mistake that created this clear opportunity.
Germany will be back – they have too much talent and a fine new coach in Flick – but this is a team in need of renewal.
‘We have given people another day to remember’
This was England’s 300th international match at Wembley stadium, while they remain unbeaten in 15 games at this venue in major tournaments, winning 10 of them
England boss Gareth Southgate speaking to BBC Sport: “I am just so pleased. I was looking at the big screen and saw David Seaman up there. For my team-mates that played with me [at Euro 96] I can’t change that [his famous penalty miss against Germany in the semi-finals] so it will always hurt, but what is lovely is we have given people another day to remember and now we have to do it in Rome.
“We have talked about bringing enjoyment to the nation and afternoons like this are what it is about. The players were immense right the way through the team and the fans were as well. It was as good an atmosphere I can remember at Wembley.”
15 in 20 for Sterling – the best of the stats
Raheem Sterling is only the second player to score each of England’s first three goals at a major tournament, after Gary Lineker did so at the 1986 World Cup
England defeated Germany in a competitive game at Wembley for the first time since the 1966 World Cup final, having been winless in their previous three such encounters.
They are only the second side in European Championship history not to concede in any of their first four games of an edition of the tournament, after Germany in 2016. The only previous time England did so at any major tournament (World Cup & Euros) was at the 1966 World Cup.
Sterling has now scored 15 goals in his last 20 appearances in all competitions for England, after going 27 games without finding the net prior to this run.
Kane has now scored 30 goals for England under Southgate; in the national side’s history, only Lineker scored more while playing under a single manager (35 under Bobby Robson).
Kane equalled Wayne Rooney for goals scored at major tournaments for England (7), with only Lineker (10) and Alan Shearer (9) netting more across the World Cup & Euros for the Three Lions.
Muller has appeared in each of Germany’s last 26 games at major tournaments; the joint-longest streak of any player for the national side, along with Mesut Ozil (26 between 2010 and 2018).
Bukayo Saka (19y 297d) became the youngest starter for England in a knockout game at a major tournament since Wayne Rooney at Euro 2004, in the quarter-final against Portugal (18y 244d).
Table tennis star Quadri Aruna has been unanimously chosen as the captain of Team Nigeria to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan
Feelers from the National Sports Federations meeting held in Abuja on Monday hinted that Aruna was suggested by some of the athletes and he was unanimously accepted by all and sundry.
Aruna who became the first African to reach the quarterfinal round of the table tennis event after his quarterfinal finish at Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil will be making his third appearance at the Olympic Games in Japan next month.
The 2014 World Table Tennis Player of the Year will be assisted by the captain of the national women basketball team, Adaora Elonu.
Equally, World and Commonwealth wrestling medalist Odunayo Adekuoroye was chosen as the flag bearer while she will be assisted by African record holder in the long jump Ese Brume.
Meanwhile, the first batch of Team Nigeria contingent is expected to depart the country to Japan on Tuesday, July 6 while the second batch will leave on July 13. For the Paralympic Games, Team Nigeria will depart on August 8, while a 14-day Pre-Games Training Camp (PGTC) for the athletes will be held in Kisarazu, which is in southwest-central Chiba in Japan.
Nigeria will compete in three relay events at Tokyo following the expiration of the June 29 qualification date set by the World Athletics (WA).
The women’s 4X100m and 4X400m will compete for honours alongside the 15 others while Nigeria will be among the 16 countries that will be debuting at the Olympic Games in the mixed 4X400m relay race.
The Federal Government of Nigeria through her Attorney General Justice Malami, has thrown more light oh the arrest of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. In a video released to world media, the AGF explained how the three year search ended.T
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Tuesday, announced Kanu’s arrest during an emergency media briefing in his office. It was gathered that Kanu was arrested by a combined team of Nigerian and foreign security agents in a coordinated interception on Sunday, June 27.
WATCH VIDEO:
Meanwhile IPOB has called on the Federal Government to give Kanu fair hearing at the court demanding that his fundamental rights must be respected while in custody.
Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead Counsel, confirmed Kanu’s arrest in a statement on Tuesday, June 29.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Tuesday, announced Kanu’s arrest at an emergency media briefing in his office.
It was gathered that kanu was arrested by a combined team of Nigerian and foreign security agents in a coordinated interception on Sunday, June 27.
Ejiofor stated that Kanu’s legal team will meet the Nigerian government in court on the 26th Day of July 2021, for Continuation of Trial.
The statement read: “We have just confirmed through a correspondence from the Federal High Court Abuja, about the arrest and the extradition of my Client- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian State.
“It is to be noted, therefore, that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against him, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation.
“He was brought before the Federal High Court No 2 Abuja today on an Eleven count charge, though without our knowledge.
“As it is in the public domain, the matter has been consequently adjourned to the 26th Day of July 2021, for Continuation of Trial.
“The legal team ably led by my humble self will meet them in court on this date.
“We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial which is his constitutionally protected right.
“His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards, should be enforced.
“Our fortified Legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the Charge and disposition of the Court.
Tennis great Serena Williams limped out of Wimbledon in tears on Tuesday after an ankle injury forced her retirement early in a first-round match against unseeded Belarussian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
The American sixth seed, a seven-times champion bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown, was clearly in pain early in the first set on a slippery Centre Court and limped off for treatment while 3-2 ahead.
Williams returned after a lengthy break but the distress was evident as she grimaced and wiped away tears before preparing to serve at 3-3 after Sasnovich had levelled.
The 39-year-old, who had been 3-1 up before the injury, sank to the grass sobbing, before being helped off the court.
“Brutal for @serenawilliams but centre court is extremely slippy out there. Not easy to move out there,” Britain’s Andy Murray said on Twitter.
Sasnovich, who practised her serve while Williams was getting treatment, commiserated with an opponent who had never gone out in the first round at Wimbledon in her previous 19 visits.
“I’m so sad for Serena, she’s a great champion,” said the world number 100. “It happens sometimes.”
Eight-times men’s singles champion Roger Federer expressed shock at Williams’ departure and voiced concern about the surface, with the roof closed on Centre Court on a rainy afternoon.
His first-round opponent Adrian Mannarino of France also retired with a knee injury after a slip.
“I do feel it feels a tad more slippery maybe under the roof. I don’t know if it’s just a gut feeling. You do have to move very, very carefully out there. If you push too hard in the wrong moments, you do go down,” Federer said.
“I feel for a lot of players, it’s super key to get through those first two rounds because the grass is more slippery, it is more soft. As the tournament progresses, usually it gets harder and easier to move on.”
Nigeria’s wealthiest men have gathered in France for the Paris International Business Summit.
The billionaires include president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; founder of Globacoms, Mike Adenuga; founder of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; and BUA Group president Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the aforementioned joined world leaders and other businessmen and women in discussing trade and investment in the post-Covid-19 world.
Mr Elumelu and other African business leaders engaged the international business community on how to significantly expand trade within and outside Africa, and the contribution of the private businesses’ investment.
In May, Mr Macron organised the Summit for the Financing of African Economies in Paris which was an opportunity for leaders from the Sahel and Francophone regions to meet lenders to discuss security and debt relief.
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