Telecommunication operators in Nigeria have blocked access to Twitter after the fedral government imposed an indefinite ban on the social media platform on Friday 4 June,2021.
The telcos, under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, ALTON said there has been a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC to block Nigerians from accessing the platform.
A statement jointly signed by ALTON Chairman and Executive Secretary, Gbenga Adebayo and Gbolahan Awonuga reads, “We, the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) wish to confirm that our members have received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter,” ALTON said in the statement.
“ALTON has conducted a robust assessment of the request in accordance with internationally accepted principles.
“Based on national interest provisions in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and within the licence terms under which the industry operates; our members have acted in compliance with the directives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) the industry regulator.
“We will continue to engage all the relevant authorities and stakeholders and will act as may be further directed by the NCC.
“As an industry, we endorse the position of the United Nations that the rights held by people offline must also be protected online. This includes respecting and protecting the rights of all people to communicate, to share information freely and responsibly, and to enjoy privacy and security regarding their data and their use of digital communications.”
Indefinite Ban: Nigerian Communications Commission,Telecom Operators Block Access To Twitter
New Tuition Fees Remain As Kaduna Government Meets Students’ Representatives
The Kaduna State Government has insisted that it will not reverse its recent increase in tuition fees for the state-owned university (KASU).
The Deputy Governor of the state, Hadiza Balarabe, stated this at a meeting with the representatives of the university students with government officials at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
The students had on May 26, 2021, staged a peaceful protest at the university campus, barricading the Tafawa Balewa Way, insisting many parents cannot afford the over 500 per cent increase in tuition fees.
During the meeting, representatives of the students complained that the 500 per cent increment in the tuition fees is high and many parents cannot afford it.
However, after listening to the students’ demand, the Secretary to the State Government, Balarabe Lawal, who first respondend to the students, said the governmet was careful before announcing the new rates.
Meanwhile, the Deputy governor appealed to the students to return to their colleagues and inform them that the new rates are for their own good and the state at large.
The government also said indigenes of the state can access the state scholarship scheme which is readily available for them and also student loans, if necessary.
According to the new rates, students paying N26, 000, will henceforth pay up to N200,000 for social science undergraduates, and about N500 000 naira for medical science students who are not indigenes of the state.
Ogun State Completes Work on Arakanga Dam, Potable Water Assured
The challenges experienced by residents of Abeokuta and its environs in their quest for potable water will soon be over, as the completion of the Arakanga Water Works has been achieved.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources and Special Duties, Engr. Adekunle Otun made the disclosure while featuring on a Television personality programme, noting that the distribution would be done gradually until the three Senatorial Districts have been covered.
Otun said the rehabilitation of the Arakanga dam which commenced in 2020 was to enable it abstract enough water for treatment and replacement of pipes, adding that rehabilitation of the dam also necessitated the deliberate shutdown of other sub-stations, which would soon be restored as the dam gates have been successfully installed.
“We are confident that the completion of Arakanga Water Works will make every home enjoy water supply, and this will be done bit by bit, until we ensure that all parts of the State have access to potable water supply”, he said.
While mentioning the State government’s effort at improving water supply, the Special Adviser said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR), towards rehabilitating Ota Water Scheme in Ado-Odo Local Government Area.
Otun added that the Ogun State Water Corporation had also fixed some boreholes and rehabilitated Yemoji Water Scheme at Ijebu-Ode, saying power support was being done at Papalanto, as well as the ongoing laying of pipes in Ilaro, to ensure no area was left out.
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Singapore Grand Prix Cancelled As Formula 1 Bosses Assess Replacement Options
The Singapore Grand Prix has been called off this year and Formula 1 is assessing its options to replace the race, BBC Sport can reveal.
F1 and the Singapore authorities agreed it will not be possible to hold the event in the context of immigration restrictions in the city state.
Other races later in 2021 could also fall prey to the coronavirus pandemic.
Turkey, China and a second race at Austin in the USA are all under consideration as replacements.
“We understand that our fans were looking forward to another edition of the Singapore Grand Prix,” said Colin Syn, deputy chairman of the race.
“To cancel the event for a second year is an incredibly difficult decision, but a necessary one in light of the prevailing restrictions for live events in Singapore.”
Singapore is one of the countries that has managed the pandemic and kept infections low by strict immigration restrictions and a comprehensive test-and-trace system.
And authorities there have decided their control measures are not compatible with thousands of people coming into the country for a grand prix.
What could replace Singapore?
One option being considered by F1 as a replacement is a race at Turkey’s Istanbul Park.
Turkey had been scheduled as a substitute for the Canadian Grand Prix this month but had to be cancelled two weeks after it was put on the calendar when a rise in coronavirus cases in the country led to it being put on the UK’s red list of restricted countries.
A revival of the Chinese Grand Prix, which was postponed from its early-season date this year, is also possible.
And F1 have been offered the option by the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas to hold two races.
If that happens, the first race would likely be on 15-17 October, the weekend before the US Grand Prix, which is on 22-24 October.
This would be an especially appealing option for F1’s owners, US group Liberty Media.
Which other races are in doubt?
Although F1 is still targeting a full 23-race calendar, the Japanese, Brazilian, Mexican and Australian Grands Prix are all in doubt for different reasons.
Japan is pressing ahead with the Olympics this summer despite a rise in Covid cases that has led to emergency measures being imposed in the capital Tokyo and other parts of the country.
Organisers at Suzuka currently expect the race to go ahead but will undertake a full assessment once the Olympics are over.
Mexico and particularly Brazil have among the highest coronavirus caseloads in the world but are determined to hold their races, believing they can protect F1 personnel by keeping them away from the local population by allocating specific hotels and organising communal transport to and from the track.
However, if either country were put on the UK’s red list, it would make holding their race highly problematic.
Australia, like Singapore, has taken a zero-tolerance approach to the pandemic, with heavy restrictions on travel.
The plan for the Melbourne race is for personnel who are vaccinated to be allowed into the country for the race and be able to escape full-time quarantine at hotels when not at the track.
However, the concern is around what would happen if there was a positive case among F1 personnel while they are out in Australia.
At the moment, one positive case in Melbourne precipitates a city-wide lockdown, and F1 is concerned that a case in the paddock – which so far this season has been handled by the sport’s protocols around isolation – would lead to authorities calling off the race.
F1 will likely want reassurances on that front before committing to travelling to Australia.
Vaccinations are also likely to become an issue at an increasing number of races as the season goes on.
The sport has known for months that some locations will require vaccines and is tracking the numbers in the teams and F1 who have them.
2030 World Cup: Spain And Portugal Announce Bid To Be Joint Hosts
Spain and Portugal will make a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
A symbolic ceremony was held before the nations’ Euro 2020 warm-up which ended 0-0 at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Portugal president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa were present as each nation’s prime minister signed an agreement to support the bid.
Both teams wore T-shirts bearing ‘Vamos 2030’ before the friendly, which marked the centenary of Portugal’s first international – also against Spain.
“The governments of Spain and Portugal wish to express their desire and commitment to host the 2030 World Cup,” the agreement said
Fernando Gomes, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, and his Spanish counterpart Luis Rubiales, ratified an agreement signed last October to promote a joint bid.
“A message to the [other] national federations: if you give us your trust, when you come to our countries you are going to find an unforgettable experience,” Rubiales said on Friday.
The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar while Canada, Mexico and the USA will be joint hosts in 2026.
Fifa plans to select the 2030 host in 2024.
Spain and Portugal could face competition from other joint bids under discussion: one from the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and one from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile, aimed to coincide with the centenary of the first World Cup in Uruguay.
French Open 2021: Serena Williams Reaches Fourth Round As Draw Opens Up
Serena Williams remains the highest seed in her half of the French Open draw after a dominant third-round victory against Danielle Collins.
The American seventh seed beat compatriot Collins 6-4 6-4 and will face Kazakhstan’s 21st seed Elena Rybakina next.
Williams, 39, is one of just four top 10 seeds left in the women’s draw after Aryna Sabalenka lost earlier on Friday.
The Belarusian third seed was beaten 6-4 2-6 6-0 by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Williams is bidding to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam triumphs, but has not made it past the fourth round at Roland Garros since 2016.
“That felt really good for me,” said Williams. “Things were not going my way. I had to earn it and turn it around.
“That was really positive for me going into the next match.
Why are there so few top-10 players left in the women’s draw?
Not since 2001 have so few top-10 seeds reached the women’s third round at Roland Garros, although there are varying reasons behind the absence of so many top stars heading into the second week.
In addition to the high-profile withdrawals of Ashleigh Barty and reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, for injury and mental health reasons respectively, world number three Simona Halep pulled out pre-tournament with a calf problem.
On court, Sabalenka joined a casualty list featuring Karolina Pliskova, Bianca Andreescu and Belinda Bencic that, in addition to an injury for 11th seed Petra Kvitova, has opened the draw up considerably.
An unseeded quarter-finalist is guaranteed in the bottom half of the draw with Tamara Zidansek – who beat Katerina Siniakova 0-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 – set to meet Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the last 16.
While that should aid Williams in her efforts to make Grand Slam history, the American is also arguably housed in the most difficult quarter of the draw.
Should she negotiate her way past Rybakina, the 39-year-old would then face two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka or Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter-finals.
“There’s still a lot of matches, a lot of great players, as we can see,” Williams said of the open draw.
“There’s so much depth in this game now, it doesn’t matter if you’re playing in the first round or not, you really have to fight for every match and nothing comes easy.”
Williams recovers from second-set stutter to win
There was little to separate the two Americans in the opening games, but characteristically powerful serving eventually put Williams in control.
The three-time French Open champion served five aces in the first set – work somewhat undone by two double faults – and an impressive cross-court volley earned her a break to go 4-3 up.
Williams held on from there to take the first set and was given a helping hand as 27-year-old Collins’ level dipped at the start of the second set, handing her an early break.
But double faults crept back in on Williams’ serve and as a result she gave away two games to the world number 50, who was playing her first tournament since undergoing surgery for endometriosis in April.
From 4-1 down, an increasingly fired-up Williams won the next five games to secure a fourth-round spot at a Grand Slam for the 64th time in her career.
Williams’ fourth-round opponent Rybakina claimed a comfortable 6-1 6-4 victory over Elena Vesnina earlier on Friday.
The American’s serve will be put to the test against the 21-year-old, who herself hit 12 aces in the third round and did not face a single break point.
Frustrated Sabalenka falls to shock defeat
Pavlyuchenkova, 29, has never been beyond the quarter-final of a Grand Slam but the Russian 31st seed came from 3-0 down to win the first set against Sabalenka.
The world number four – who has won five titles in Doha, Ostrava, Linz, Abu Dhabi and Madrid in the past 18 months but is yet to make an impact at a major – broke Pavlyuchenkova twice to take the second set.
But Sabalenka became increasingly erratic and frustrated after Pavlyuchenkova took an injury break for treatment to her thigh, failing to win a single game in the deciding set and hitting 39 unforced errors overall.
Defending champion Iga Swiatek, Elina Svitolina and American Sofia Kenin are the three top-10 seeds left in the top half of the draw, with all three playing their third-round matches on Saturday.
Antonio Conte: Tottenham Call Off Talks With Italian Over Becoming Their Manager
Tottenham have called off talks with Antonio Conte about becoming their next manager.
The former Chelsea boss, 51, looked set to replace Jose Mourinho after Spurs’ hopes of luring Mauricio Pochettino back from Paris St-Germain were dashed.
However, negotiations have ground to a halt and there is no likelihood of them resuming.
Suggestions from Italy are that Conte was starting to have doubts due to the transfer budget he was set to be given.
However, Tottenham also had concerns as well.
The Italian manager has a reputation for buying ready-made stars whereas, under chairman Daniel Levy, Tottenham’s reputation has come through development and building teams, as they did under Pochettino.
It leaves Tottenham still looking for a new boss, nearly seven weeks after sacking Mourinho.
Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers have also been linked with the role. Nagelsmann subsequently joined Bayern Munich, while Rodgers has stated his commitment to Leicester City.
At Last, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions Beat Nigeria After 32 Years!
Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Friday night lost 1-0 to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, the first time the Cameroonians have defeated Nigeria in regulations time since 27 August 1989.
The winning goal came in the 37th minute when Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa fired home from the edge of the penalty box.
What was more, in eight friendly matches since the 0-0 draw with Uganda on 20 November 2018, the Super Eagles won just one – a 1-0 defeat of Egypt in Asaba on 26 March 2019.
The five-match unbeaten streak established since the 1-1 draw with Tunisia last September has come to an end.
Nigeria created a hatful of chances but were undone by lack of precision in the final third as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions ran away with a 1-0 win in an international friendly in the Austrian capital, Vienna on Friday evening.
Andre Zambo Anguissa caught goalkeeper Maduka Okoye napping with a ferocious grounder after latching on to William Ekong’s interception nine minutes before the break at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt.
Before the goal, Moses Simon had seen his shot blocked by Anguissa as he broke down the left; Paul Onuachu’s close-range header had been thwarted by goalkeeper Simon Medjo’s reflected save; Okoye had saved from Karl Toko Ekambi and; Onuachu had lifted the ball too high when it appeared easier to score, all within the first six minutes of action.
Cameroon arrived the venue with their well-known power and grit, and added workmanship and vigour. The Eagles, who edged the two teams’ last encounter 3-2 in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt two years ago, were quick on the counter and balanced on the turn but the absence of some players, particularly of Victor Osimhen and Zaidu Sanusi, undoubtedly told.
Ekong and Abdullahi Shehu had to spirit the ball away from danger before Simon’s shot flew inches away from goal in the 35th minute. A minute later, Cameroon scored and the momentum naturally swung in the Lions’ favour.
Despite this, Nigeria dominated a fiercely –contested second half. England –based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was a pillar in the middle of the pack as always, and Alex Iwobi and Etebo also upped their game. An Iwobi, Simon and Onuachu orchestra in the 51st minute ended with Onuachu lifting the ball too high. Ndidi and Iheanacho also wasted chances. But the most painful was Simon blasting over from inside the six-yard box after a flurry of shots had been blocked by the Lions.
Medjo did a great job to accomplish a doube save as Ekong and Etebo unleashed shots in the 64th minute.
The introduction of Ahmed Musa in the 66th minute added even more urgency to Nigeria’s game, but there was still no way past the Indomitable Lions’ defence, with Musa’s own shot diverted from goal with 14 minutes left. Iwobi also blasted over the woodwork with three minutes left.
Both teams will clash again also in Vienna on Tuesday.
U.S White House Warns Companies To Step Up Cybersecurity
The White House warned corporate executives and business leaders on Thursday (Jun 3) to step up security measures to protect against ransomware attacks after intrusions disrupted operations at a meatpacking company and a southeastern oil pipeline.
There has been a significant hike in the frequency and size of ransomware attacks, Anne Neuberger, cybersecurity adviser at the National Security Council, said in a letter.
The threats are serious and they are increasing. We urge you to take these critical steps to protect your organizations and the American public,” she added.
The recent cyberattacks have forced companies to see ransomware as a threat to core business operations and not just data theft, as ransomware attacks have shifted from stealing to disrupting operations, she said.
Strengthening the country’s resilience to cyberattacks was one of President Joe Biden’s top priorities, she added.
“The private sector also has a critical responsibility to protect against these threats. All organizations must recognise that no company is safe from being targeted by ransomware, regardless of size or location,” Neuberger wrote.
EU’s Travel Pass: Seven Countries Now Using Digital Certificate
Seven countries have begun using the EU’s ‘Digital COVID certificate’ to allows their citizens to easily travel across the European Union bloc.
The European Commission says seven member states – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Croatia and Poland – have connected to the gateway and started issuing the first certificates. Other countries will follow suit when all functions are deployed nationwide, it added.
The certificate is available in digital or paper form, free of charge. The gateway allows for all certificates’ QR codes to be accessed.
The EU’s plan is for a single system to facilitate safe travel by verifying the pass holder’s coronavirus status – whether through vaccination, a recent negative test result, or proof of recovery from the virus.
More than 20 countries have successfully tested the system in the last month, the European Commission says. The launch follows an agreement between the European Parliament and Council on regulation.
