Delivering Quality Education: Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment To Fund Unity Schools

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April 23, 2021

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to fund the 104 unity schools across the country to enable them deliver quality education.

The Minister of State For Education, Emaka Nwajuba, disclosed this to newsmen in Keffi after inspecting facilities at the Federal Government College, Keffi.

His visit was to inspect reconstruction work on the female hostel destroyed by a fire incident which reportedly claimed the life of a female student.

He said the present administration placed premium on education as the engine of Nigeria’s economic and technological growth.

Nwajuba said that the administration was critical about the quality of service being provided in all the unity schools.

He stated that the Federal Government was expecting proper usage of the fund made available to the schools towards delivery of qualitative education and discipline to the students entrusted in their care.

The Minister of State reassured that the present administration would not fail in its responsibilities of making the schools models for academic excellence and discipline.

He, however, appealed to those entrusted with the care and management of the schools to always ensure that they do their best to justify the confidence reposed on them.

He said it had become imperative that the colleges established as centres of unity and excellence must meet such standards.

The minister then warned that the Federal Government would continue to monitor all the schools to ensure the judicious usage and application of their funds.

Hollywood Set For Oscars, With ‘Nomadland’ Out Front

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Koko Lawrence

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April 23, 2021

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Andrew H Walker/Shutterstock (8434891ne) Barry Jenkins after 'Moonlight' is named as 'Best Picture' winner 89th Annual Academy Awards, Backstage, Los Angeles, USA - 26 Feb 2017

The Oscars on Sunday will mirror the movie industry they honor: forced to experiment with new venues and formats, and likely to be dominated by “Nomadland.”

The crowning event of Hollywood’s awards season was delayed by two months, and will mainly be held at Los Angeles’ Union Station.

In a nod to the past year’s unique circumstances, the 93rd Academy Awards will have a large footprint — the presentation of honorary prizes and musical performances will take place at a Hollywood theater and the Academy’s new film museum, while Europeans unable to travel will gather at “hubs” in London and Paris.

But the main business of handing out golden statuettes will take place at the station — with one particular film expected to depart with a handful including best picture, the night’s final award.

Intel Tops Expectations As Chip Demand High

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Koko Lawrence

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April 23, 2021

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US semiconductor giant Intel on Thursday said it took in more money than expected in the first quarter amid “explosive” growth in demand for computer chips.

Intel revenue was $19.7 billion during the first three months of this year, up nearly $1 billion from the same period in 2020, according to its earnings report.

“Intel delivered strong first-quarter results driven by exceptional demand for our leadership products and outstanding execution by our team,” chief executive Pat Gelsinger said in a release.

The results come as trends in remote work, school and socializing driven by the pandemic have revived interest in laptop and desktop computers and increased the need for data centers, all of which demand chips.

The chip industry is seeing a cycle of “explosive growth” and this year is on track to be one of the biggest ever for personal computer shipments, according to Gelsinger.

“Overall, Intel had a good quarter as it is taking advantage of the huge uptick in overall chip demand for computers,” said analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights and Strategy.

“I’m very pleased to see Mobileye keep blowing away its numbers as it did last quarter.”

Mobileye, an arm of Intel specializing in technology for automated driving systems in vehicles, brought in $377 million in the quarter, up 48 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Intel shares slipped nearly 3 percent in after-hours trades that followed release of the earnings figures, which showed it made a profit of $3.4 billion, a 41 percent decline from the same quarter a year earlier.

While Intel remains one of the world’s leading chip companies, it has lagged behind rivals in the fast-growing segment of mobile devices, and its chips are being phased out by Apple, which is developing its own microprocessors for its Mac computers.

“This is a pivotal year for Intel,” said Gelsinger, fresh in his role as chief executive.

“We are setting our strategic foundation and investing to accelerate our trajectory and capitalize on the explosive growth in semiconductors that power our increasingly digital world.”

Intel has unveiled plans to spend $20 billion building two new plants in Arizona as part of a plan to boost production at home and in Europe.

A global chip shortage has ramped up pressure to reduce reliance on factories in Asia.

Dior To Launch Inter-Season Collection In Athens In June

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Koko Lawrence

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April 23, 2021

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French fashion house Dior will hold a runway show on June 17 in Athens to launch its inter-season collection by designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, it said Friday.

After several online-only fashion weeks in recent months, it was not clear if an audience would be present for the latest “cruise collection” show in Greece, with Dior saying only that it would be held with restriction measures in place.

So-called cruise collections fall between usual spring/summer and autumn/winter collections — and French houses often visit other countries for the launch.

“The house has chosen Athens for its 2022 cruise collection.

Last summer, Dior launched its cruise collection in Piazza del Duomo in Lecce, Italy with only “friends and family” invited.

Nollywood Actor Arrested For Allegedly Defiling Minor

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Koko Lawrence

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April 23, 2021

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A Nollywood actor has been arrested by the police in Lagos for defiling an underage girl.

Police said 48-year-old Olarenwaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha has been defiling the 14-year-old victim since she was seven years old.

James was reported to the police on April 19 by one Princess Adekola Adekanya at Sabo Police Station and transferred to the Gender Unit of the State CID, Panti, Yaba Lagos for proper investigation

The suspect confessed to the crime and was also captured by a CCTV camera in the house of the complainant.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered for proper investigation as he promised to do justice in the matter.

Viral Amputee Sachet Water Seller, Celebrates Birthday In Grand Style.

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faith Jegede

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April 23, 2021

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After going viral for her efforts to cater for herself despite her disability, fortune smiled on Mary Daniels who received over 14 million Naira in donations from well meaning Nigerians.

Mary was also hosted by former Imo state chief of staff, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu amongst other prominent Nigerians.

Her story has since turned around as she celebrates her birthday today with beautiful pictures. she posted the pictures on her instagram page expressing appreciation for the turn around with the caption

“A big happy birthday to me! My name is Mary Daniels, your popular pure water hawker. today marks my first special birthday since grace smiled on me. i am most grateful to all those who in different ways bleaased and enriched me, i say you will never lack in your lives”.

Time Running Out For Missing Indonesian Submarine

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Zoe Maven

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April 23, 2021

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Rescue teams from several countries were battling against time on Friday to find a missing Indonesian Navy submarine lost in the Bali Sea with 53 crew which is rapidly running out of oxygen if not already.

According to reports, Search helicopters and more navy ships left Bali and a naval base in Java at first light heading to the area where contact was lost with the 44-year-old KRI Nanggala-402 on Wednesday.

Indonesia’s navy said it was investigating whether the submarine lost power during a dive and could not carry out emergency procedures as it descended to a depth of 600-700 metres which is well beyond its survivable limits.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Yudo Margono said an aerial search had earlier spotted an oil spill near the submarine’s last location and that an object with “high magnetic force” had been spotted “floating” at a depth of 50-100 metres.

Officials say if the submarine was still intact, it would only have enough air to last about another 15 hours until early Saturday morning as the diesel-electric powered submarine could withstand a depth of up to 500 metres but anything more could be fatal.

An Indonesian defence expert Connie Rahakundini Bakrie said the crew could still be found alive but that if the submarine is in a 700-metre sea trough, it will be difficult for them to survive because underwater pressure will cause cracks and ruptures of the steel hull.

Germany’s Parliament Approves Act For Covid-19 Emergency Powers

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Zoe Maven

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April 23, 2021

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German parliament’s upper house has approved a controversial Infection Protection Act, being the last hurdle before the passage of the law with the president’s signature.

Police clashed with protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as they tried to disperse a rally against the coronavirus lockdown while parliament debated the controversial law.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government had asked parliament for temporary powers to enforce a nation-wide coronaries lockdown after several regions failed to impose agreed curbs.

The draft law presented to the cabinet, says a compulsory national emergency-brake will be introduced if the number of new infections per 100,000 residents in a district or city exceeds 100 for three consecutive days within a week.

The measures include curfews between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., as well as limiting private gatherings to one household plus one other person.

No shops barring the essential ones will remain open. Opening of cultural and recreational facilities such as theatres, museums and zoos will be prohibited.

Also, Schools will have to return to distance learning if the virus incidence rises above 165 per 100,000 for three consecutive days.

The change to the law will apply until June 30.

Millions Face Hunger As Myanmar Crisis Worsens – UN

By

Zoe Maven

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April 23, 2021

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The United Nations says at least 3.4 million more people will struggle to afford food in the next three to six months with urban areas worst affected as job losses mount.

According to a World Food Programme (WFP) analysis, areas affected are manufacturing, construction and services and food prices rise while more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food.

WFP country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement that concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security.

The WFP said market prices of rice and cooking oil had risen by 5 per cent and 18 per cent since the end of February, showing families in the commercial capital of Yangon were skipping meals, eating less nutritious food, and going into debt.

The agency added it plans to expand operations, tripling to 3.3 million the number of people it assists, and is appealing for $106 million.

Food insecurity is rising sharply in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis with millions more people expected to go hungry in coming months,.

Myanmar’s army seized power on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and reportedly killing over 700 people.

Iran Urges Boosting Trade, Security Cooperation With Pakistan

By

Zoe Maven

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April 23, 2021

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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for the enhancement of security and economic cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad.

Speaking while with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Rouhani said Security is a common concern for the two countries, and it is essential to boost cooperation in this regard.

The Iranian President urged for the promotion of Tehran-Islamabad ties in trade, energy and border markets, adding it is necessary for both sides to implement the signed agreements to further cooperation.

He also stressed the need to promote security along the Iran-Pakistan borders, adding that Iran stands ready to work with Pakistan towards the peace process in Afghanistan.

On his part, the Pakistani Foreign Minister, expressed happiness and hailed the relations between the two countries as “cordial” while calling for the promotion of all-out ties.

Iran and Pakistan will hopefully witness a new chapter in their ties, especially in the fields of trade and economy, said Qureshi.

He also backed the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a “big diplomatic achievement”.

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to establish joint border markets in efforts to strengthen cross-border economic exchanges.

The agreement, which was signed by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Qureshi, aims to promote economic relations between the two countries and the welfare of border residents.

The border markets will be administrated based on the agreements and protocols between the two sides.