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Borno Massacre: DHQ Says Only 43 Farmers Killed, Faults UN Report

By
Itohan Olomu-Agbodo
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The Defence Headquarters,  has faulted a report by the United Nations that 110 civilians were killed by Boko Haram in Saturday onslaught on farmers in the Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, said as of Monday morning, 43 corpses were recovered from the incident scene in the Zabarmari area of the northeast state.

The terrorists were reported to have tied up the farmers, who were working on rice fields, before slitting their throats.

On Sunday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, disclosed that at least 110 persons died in the horrific attack.

But reacting on Monday morning, Enenche said the troops counted the corpses together with the locals and 43 deaths were recorded.

He spoke while featuring on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.

Enenche, however, explained that he contacted the field commandants and “they gave me a synopsis of what happened. When the governor was to go (to the scene) and after they had recovered the dead, the troops had to move in there and they counted 43.

The DHQ Coordinator said the search for more remains of victims is still on but insisted that 43 corpses were retrieved from the scene as of today.

The massacre of the rice farmers, who were buried yesterday, has attracted strong international and national condemnations with some Nigerians calling on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to sack the country’s service chiefs and overhaul the security architecture of Nigeria.

5 exercises that will make your shoulders pop

By
Chris Ottah
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In case you’re dreaming about achieving sculpted arms, here’s a tip: Crank out those shoulder workouts or at least add more shoulder exercises to your current routine.

Not only will doing so sculpt your arms like you wouldn’t believe, but strengthening your shoulder muscles helps keep the notoriously unstable shoulder joint more secure, which helps you stay injury-free while doing everything from lifting weights to flowing through yoga poses.

The following shoulder exercises are perfect for gym or at-home shoulder workouts.

Time: 25 minutes

Equipment: Dumbbells, resistance band

Good for: Shoulders

1. Half Turkish Get-Up

How to: Start lying on back with right leg and arm straight on the floor and at a 45-degree angle from the body, left leg bent so the foot is flat on the floor, and left arm extended up toward the ceiling (elbow locked out) holding a kettlebell or dumbbell. Keep eyes on weight, press into the right arm, and sit up, coming onto the right forearm. Then, press through the right palm and left foot to lift hips into the air, keeping right leg straight. Slowly reverse the movement to return to the starting position. That’s one rep. Complete 10 reps per side. Repeat twice more for a total of three sets, resting only as needed. From there, continue on to your next move.

2. Halo

How to: Start kneeling on the floor with knees slightly wider than hips holding a dumbbell in both hands directly in front of the chest, elbows pointing down at sides. Keep both arms bent and slowly circle the dumbbell around the head and back in front of the chest. That’s one rep. Complete 10 reps in each direction. Repeat twice more for a total of three sets, resting only as needed. From there, continue on to your next move.

3. Upright Row

How to: Start with feet under hips, legs straight, holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing toward body and weights touching quads. Pull elbows up and out wide to lift the dumbbells to the chest. Reverse movement to return to start. That’s one rep. Complete 15 reps. Repeat twice more for a total of three sets, resting only as needed. From there, continue on to your next move.

4. Bear Plank Shoulder Tap

How to: Start on all fours with shoulders over wrists and knees under hips, then lift knees a few inches off of the mat. Keep back flat and shoulders and hips stable, while lifting a left hand up off the mat, bending at the elbow, and tapping right shoulder with left fingers. Replace left hand, then repeat on the opposite side. That’s one rep. Complete 10 reps per side. Repeat twice more for a total of three sets, resting only as needed. From there, continue on to your next move.

5. Tabletop Lift

How to: Start seated with legs bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms straight and behind the body, palms pressed into the mat with fingertips facing glutes and just a few inches behind them. Lift hips until thighs are parallel to the ceiling. Pause at the top, then lower back down. That’s one rep. Complete 10 reps. Repeat twice more for a total of three sets, resting only as needed. From there, continue on to your next move.

Trump sends ‘get well’ message to Joe Biden after president-elect fractures foot

By
Chris Ottah
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Donald Trump has tweeted his best wishes for Joe Biden after the president-elect announced he had fractured his foot while playing with his dog and will likely have to wear a medical boot.

Biden, who will most likely become the oldest US president upon his January swearing-in, suffered the injury Saturday with Major, one of his two German shepherds.

The president-elect’s personal physician Kevin O’Connor initially said x-rays had not uncovered any “obvious fracture”, but added that an additional CT scan would still be done.

That scan “confirmed hairline (small) fractures… in the mid-foot,” O’Connor said in a subsequent statement released by Biden’s office.

He added that the former vice president, who won election against Donald Trump in November, “will likely require a walking boot for several weeks”.

With both Biden and Trump in their 70s, age was an issue in the presidential race, even if it often took a backseat to pressing matters like the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Get well soon!” Trump said on Twitter, in a retweet of an NBC video showing Biden leaving an orthopedic office. 

Trump’s health was briefly of intense concern when he caught Covid-19, but the president resumed campaigning after getting a series of treatments — including an experimental antibody cocktail.

Trump, a famously finicky germophobe, was the first president in over a century to not have a dog.

The Bidens fostered and then adopted Major in 2018, while Champ has been with the family since 2008.  

Biden officials have said Major will become the first rescue dog to live in the White House.

Anger spreads as UN says 110 not 43 farmers were killed in Borno

By
Chris Ottah
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Saturday’s killing of rice farmers at Kwashebe by Boko Haram insurgents in the  Jere Local Government Area of Borno State attracted strong condemnations from eminent Nigerians and groups on Sunday.

The AFP had on Saturday reported that the insurgents attacked  Kwashebe  and killed no fewer than 43  rice farmers.

The terrorists were reported to have tied up the farmers, who were working on rice fields, before slitting their throats.

Although a member of the state Civilian Joint Task Force, Babakura Kolo, who assisted some of the survivors, put the number of people killed at 43,  the United Nations on Sunday said 110 rice farmers lost their lives during the attack.

Groups and individuals, including All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria; the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Coalition of Northern Groups, lamented that the attack would affect food security in the country.

On Sunday, the UN shed more light on the attack,  contrary to earlier reports, it said 110 civilians were killed by Boko Haram.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, who disclosed this, also said, many other persons were  injured in the deadly attack by the terrorist group.

Also, the Amnesty International in a tweet on Sunday disclosed that 16 of the victims were internally displaced persons.

But Kallon, in a statement on Sunday,  titled, ‘Statement on attack against civilians in Koshobe, Borno,’ stated, “I am outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilians carried out by non-state armed groups in villages near Borno State capital Maiduguri. At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.”

He disclosed that the afternoon attack was carried out by armed men on motorcycles, who murdered men and women, who were harvesting their fields in Kwashebe and other rural communities in the Jere Local Government Area.

Kallon, while condoling with the government and people of Nigeria, also said many women might have been kidnapped during the attack.

He noted, “We have also received reports that several women may have been kidnapped. I call for their immediate release and return to safety. My thoughts are also with the rural communities in the area, who are shocked by the brutality of yesterday’s (Saturday’s) attack and fear for their safety.”

“The entire UN system and the humanitarian community working to provide life-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State are outraged by the incident. Such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardize the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity they are facing, and which we are striving to alleviate.”

The UN described the incident as “the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year,” and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

“It is, unfortunately, one of too many such attacks targeting farmers, fishermen and families who are trying to recover some livelihood opportunities after over a decade of conflict. I strongly condemn this attack and any act of violence against innocent civilians and I firmly urge all actors on the ground to respect international laws and humanity,” the UN official stressed.

The global organisation observed that rural communities in Borno State were facing untold hardships, adding that helping them to farm land and rebuild livelihoods were amongst the UN priorities and the only way to avoid the looming food crisis in the state.

It said civilians needed to be protected and spared from any kind of violence.

The statement read, “Innocent women, children and men desperately need food and other support and assistance, particularly at a time when we are recording some of the highest levels of food insecurity in Borno State. We owe to do our utmost to help them survive these difficult times.”

How to be More goal-oriented at work

By
Chris Ottah
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Being goal-oriented is a valuable personal quality that can produce impactful results in your career. No matter your level, job title or industry, it is important to learn the ability to navigate the process of setting goals, reviewing your progress and revising your strategy. In this article, we explore ways you can adopt a goal-oriented mindset and improve your skills to accomplish objectives.

What does being goal-oriented mean?

Being goal-oriented means you are focused on completing relevant tasks in order to achieve planned objectives. Also known as being task-driven or results-driven, someone who is goal-oriented uses targets to stay motivated in their work. 

Goal-oriented professionals practice a variety of skills that allow them to set realistic goals, challenge simple objectives and track their progress. Some skills and qualities that help goal-oriented individuals succeed include:

  • Planning and organization
  • Positivity
  • Self-awareness
  • Decision-making
  • Time management
  • Analysis

Tips for being goal-oriented in the workplace

You can improve your skills in setting and achieving goals by trying some new methods for organization, motivation and time management. Use these tips to help you be more goal-oriented at work:

1. Separate larger goals into smaller actions

After determining a goal and its timeline, schedule the actions you need to complete that task. You can try dividing the goal into stages and creating a sequence of actions to complete in order to achieve it. 

This schedule can help you manage your daily to-do list and keep you working toward the goal. Divide every task into smaller, manageable portions that you can complete in a shorter amount of time.

2. Plan your time

Being goal-oriented means prioritizing and completing only the tasks that will help get you closer to reaching a certain objective. You can use a calendar, to-do list and digital reminders to keep track of your progress along the way. Here are a few additional ways you can plan your time around your goals:

  • Select only a few tasks to complete each day
  • Plan ahead
  • Use tools

3. Organize tasks by priority

When you make a daily, weekly or monthly plan, try also noting which tasks you should complete first. Have a system that reminds you of what to work on in what order. You can organize by the due date, length of completion time, level of difficulty or any other way that can help you stay motivated and keep working on your goals. One good option is to prioritize your tasks first by urgency, then by complexity and time commitment—you might prefer to complete less complex, time-intensive tasks first.

4. Write everything down

For some people, writing information down on paper improves their ability to recall important items, such as tasks or larger goals. Digital calendars and lists are often convenient, but you can also try physically writing down your to-do list, thoughts and other goal-related information. You can use a notebook for work-related tasks and outlining your goals. There are also many types of physical planners that can help you stay organized and focused.

5. Try time-saving strategies

Staying productive throughout your workday is an important part of being goal-oriented. One way to do this is by making the most of your time such as completing small, simple tasks while you’re waiting for other items dependent on others to progress. It is also a good idea to take frequent, short breaks throughout your workday to maintain productivity.

6. Motivate yourself

You can increase your ability to follow through on short- and long-term plans by finding effective ways to motivate yourself. Try a blend of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to help you stay focused on your objectives. 

Pay attention to the things that motivate you throughout your day, big or small, and integrate them into your workflow. For example, if you find that completing small tasks makes you feel accomplished and excited, set aside time each morning to do a short workout, read an interesting article or complete a small, light-lift task related to your job.

7. Develop productive habits

Think about what habits will help you achieve your goals, and make a plan for developing those habits into routines. These habits could include getting to work at a certain time every day or always replying to emails before you leave the office. Self-discipline can help you to use your time more effectively and improve your productivity.

8. Regularly track your progress

In addition to outlining your goals and prioritizing smaller tasks needed to achieve them, a necessary part of being goal-oriented is to regularly review your progress. You can schedule time at the end of every day or a specific time each week to evaluate your long- and short-term goals as well as the steps you’re taking to achieve them.

Develop a method for reviewing how effectively you’re completing tasks and how much progress you’ve made in reaching specific goals.

9. Find an accountability partner

Another way to stay focused on your tasks is to get an accountability partner to help you. Consider working together with a coworker, friend or family member to track each other’s progress and help motivate one another. Make a habit of quickly checking in with your accountability partner each day so you can update them on your progress or boost your motivation to keep working toward your goals.

10. Ask for constructive feedback

You can use your professional network to improve your goal-oriented approach by discussing task-completion processes and time-management methods with colleagues. Discover what your coworkers or other industry professionals use, including the habits they cultivate and the processes they follow. Consider implementing one of their strategies to further refine your process to become a more productive, goal-oriented employee.

Try to meet with your accountability partner every month or quarter to get feedback on your long-term goals and the steps you’ve outlined to achieve them. You can even provide them feedback on their goal strategies and perhaps find a new, objective perspective on your own.

I won’t recognise father who abandoned me for 22 years – Tope Alabi’s daughter reacts to paternity scandal

By
Chris Ottah
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0

Ayomikun, the first child of a popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, speaks with Ademola Olonilua and Mobola Sadiq about the claim by Mayegun Olaoye that he is her father.

Mr Mayegun Olaoye claimed to be your father, what do you think about his claims?

I do not think his name is Mayegun Olaoye but maybe that is his name. I think the story is outrageous. My mum had told me about my father because you cannot keep a thing like that from a child.

Did you try to reach out to him to hear his side of the story?

I will only reach out to someone that has reached out to me. I  know that my mum had told me about him but I have never met him.

You have a father-figure who has been there for you all through, how will you balance the situation?

Why would I ever see my father as my stepdad?

How do you feel about the whole situation?

I feel normal, I will only feel bad if I was not told but I was (told). It is not news and I am not shocked.

If he reaches out to you to patch things up, what will be your response?

I don’t think I want to patch things up (with him) but I will definitely want to meet him in court if he ever wants to talk.

Why in court, don’t you want it to be a civil matter?

Did he make it a civil matter when he came out to talk? I have never met this man in my 22 years on earth. I will like to know why he never reached out to someone he claimed to be his daughter for 22 years.

Have you ever been curious about him?

If you truly care that I am (your) daughter, or you know that you have someone somewhere, you are supposed to look for me. I am not meant to be the person to look for him.

How do you feel that he went to social media to claim that he is your father?

I feel like he has completely lost the chance of reconciliation. That was the last tie and he has cut (it). I have spoken to my mum about it and we are all fine. It was not something that we were shocked about.

Do you think he is trying to blackmail your family?

No, he is not blackmailing the family; he is just an example of a very terrible father. He is a father that is not trying to make it up but wants to get back at someone else.

Do you think he is doing this to get back at your mum?

I don’t know what he is trying to do and I don’t see the point. But I know that his recent actions showed he did not care about my feelings which make it obvious that he is not a good father.

God knows my real father and everyone knows who my real father is. I did not know this man when I was in the crèche, daycare, primary and secondary schools or during my university days. I graduated and did not get a congratulatory message (from him). (I got) absolutely nothing from him. It is just a story about a… father and he is trying to cut every relationship he could ever build with his so-called daughter. I genuinely do not know why he is coming out after 22 years. I am just grateful that I and my mother have a close relationship. I am thankful for the mother and father that I have. They have been the best people on earth. After God, my parents are the biggest people in my life.

Why do you think he is coming out to talk now?

I don’t know why he is coming out to speak out after 22 years. Maybe he can explain his reasons himself.

In the viral reports, your father claimed that Tope Alabi blocked all the avenues to see you?

My mother never blocked the avenues for us to see. My mother even tried for me to have a relationship with him. I remember when I was about 15 years; she used to encourage me to talk about him. When we discussed marriage, they (my parents) tell me that they want him to know that I am about to get married. I never had any conversation with this man before.

You father also claimed that your mother changed your surname?

I cannot bear his surname. How can I bear the surname of someone that I have never met? There is no sense in that. I do not even know his surname. I know and will always know that my father is Soji Alabi.  I don’t know any other person and never met any other man. I cannot blatantly deny him because I have heard about him.

What’s your opinion about men who did not reach out to their children and suddenly come to claim them after many years?

I would say that fathers should be responsible. If you have children take care of them. If you have stayed away from your children, try to fix things with them if you don’t want to be absent on the days of their celebration. And for children, stay strong. One day, everything will be fine.

What do you think your father wants?

I don’t know what he wants but I know that he was not there for 22 years and now he is coming up to say he is my father?

Do you think he is deliberately doing this?

Obviously, who goes to a blog if it is not deliberate?

Can you forgive him for coming online to make these claims?

You’ll be hurt by something that you did not expect. But it was not something that really surprised me.

LIMA Awards- 5th Edition Celebrates Loveworld’s Finest, Sets Pace For Gospel Music

By
Koko Lawrence
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0

The Loveworld International Music and Arts Awards (LIMAA), is a celebration of extraordinary talents and Loveworld’s Finest in Music, arts, spoken word, dance, etc. With its maiden edition in 2016, this annual event is not lacking in class, glitz and glam when it comes to celebrating talents who have distinguished themselves in music and arts. Since its Inception, the annual event holds in Nigeria.

The 2019 Edition was streamed to millions all over the world via internet, Loveworld networks, several terrestrial stations, satellite, mobile platforms, and this gave many around the world an opportunity to be a part of this magnificent event. The 2019 edition was said to have attracted a viewership of over 250 million people across 100 countries of the world. This is aside those who watched it via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube among other channels.

HISTORY OF LIMAA

It all began in 2016 which was the ‘Year of Spreading’. “The unstoppable spreading of Pastor Chris’s message around the world” for Loveworld Music and Arts (LMAM) artists meant more souls won. From here the world felt an unstoppable increase in all directions.

The very first Loveworld International Music and Arts Awards (LIMAA), took place in 2016 and was certainly one of the most praised and well-loved event of the year. The carefully guided talents of the Loveworld International Music and Arts Ministry of Chris Embassy (LMAM) artists thrilled the audiences with music, song, dance and spoken word performances. The 2016 ceremony left a profound impression on all who witnessed its glory. There was momentum as the audience was “energized for the year to come.”

Many awards were given out that night including the ‘Songwriter of the Decade’ award, which was won by internationally acclaimed gospel artist, Sinach. Her song ‘Spreading on Every Side’ reflected the majesty of the year. ‘The Word is working mightily in me, overtaking in all directions. Grace and favor is working for me. My increase cannot be stopped.’

LIMA Awards was birthed by the president of the Loveworld Incorporated aka Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc, DD, who remains in the forefront of grooming, nurturing, recognizing and celebrating artistes. Loveworld Music and Arts Ministry promotes and provides platforms for their works and talents to be seen, heard and appreciated worldwide. Many stars have been borne from this initiative and fresh stars keep emerging every year.

I dare say that no one has given to gospel music artistes the way the man of God Pastor Chris has in a little over three decades, as some of these awards come with cash prizes ranging to hundreds of thousands of dollars every year since its inception.

IMPACT OF LIMA AWARDS

Looking at the ministry of Loveworld Incorporated aka Christ Embassy, there has been a release of gospel artistes that the world has never seen, with songs that have become so endeared to hearts of millions world over. Where do I start from, is it with the renowned music minister and worship Leader- Sinach, or the likes of the Frank Edwards and Eben, or the mighty God crooner Joe Praise. In any genre of music, Loveworld has produced the finest, from Reggae with Buchi, to Sax with Ralph, or with afro Fuji pop with Testimony aka Mr Jaga, and sweet, sonorous voice of Sophiya not to mention the many new talents that have come up.

Talk about the rapid growth of gospel music in Nigeria, these big names come to mind. Their songs resonate within and outside the shores of Nigeria as worship songs in churches or gatherings. You will agree with me that Christ Embassy has set the bar and pace, that many aspire to get to in their music productions. Where do you see young talents being harnessed and rewarded every year, it’s at LIMA Awards.

A chat with any of these music ministers, they will tell you one thing, their success story is not complete without the man of God, Pastor Chris. At the LIMA Awards 2018, the Man of God said “There is no place in the world where you have a concentration of world class music talents in the world as you have in Loveworld, God made it so”. Obviously these music artistes are walking in prophecy already.

One thing that is common among these artistes is the words they receive from the man of God, Pastor Chris, who tells them every now and then, you are the “best in the world”. At every given opportunity he says it to them. Just imagine working with that consciousness.

The Loveworld Music and Arts Ministry (LMAM), has grown both locally and internationally, harnessing talents in music, arts, comedy, drama, spoken word, poetry, and the likes. Many of them will tell you the songs they produce are based on the teachings of the man of God, Pastor Chris.  A song like “I KNOW WHO I AM” by Sinach, or “WAY MAKER” also by Sinach has been translated into different languages.

COLLABOS

Nigerian gospel artistes have seen themselves collaborating with their foreign counterparts to produce world class music and performances at concerts in Nigeria and around the world. Frank Edwards, Sinach, Eben, Joe Praise, Ada, and many more are some Loveworld gospel artistes that have produced chat bursting songs in collaboration with African and American stars in the last decade. Simply put in Sinach’s words “sponsored by Grace”. They are invited to sing at government functions and ceremonies not only in Nigeria but in other countries as well. You would say from Naija to the rest of the world, but this has been made possible through platforms like the Loveworld International Music and Arts Awards annual event which continues to expose, honour and celebrate both upcoming and established gospel music ministers’ year in year out.

LIMA AWARDS 2020

This year’s LIMAA, witnessed a fresh wave of new winners who worked tirelessly on their craft, defying the odds and challenges of the fiasco called COVID-19. In the midst of the strict conditions and restrictions that defined the year 2020, rules and laws they faced in their countries, undeterred, they still went out of their way to make good music that the world sang during trying times. These worded lyrics put many over and above the fear and chaos that the pandemic sought to bring. Some of these music ministers shared the platform with the man of God in ministering to billions of people around world the during the ”Your Loveworld Specials” Program beamed to billions of viewers across the globe on Television, Radio, online and other social media platforms..

They were relentless, bold and audacious in their songwriting. This special year saw emergence of  fresh stars like Moses Bliss, an Abuja based music minister, carting away the biggest award of the night- Song of the year  with 100,000 dollars cash prize, for the song You I live For. Another fresh star, is Chookar, who won the Worship Song of the Year with I Rejoice. And 50,000 dollars- The night also saw a multiple award winner, Sophiya- before now Sophiya who has always been in the choir from her teenage years and right now leads one of the best choirs in the world, won awards like best duo of the year but 2020 saw her wining four awards that night from Hit Song of the Year for Able God, Best Female Vocalist of the Year to Artist of the Year which comes with 25,000 dollars with two of her songs in the best songs of the year.

Popular and world acclaimed Eben who has proved to be relevant over the years winning Songwriter of the Year which comes with 50,000 dollars. He won this award last in 2018. You can check our previous post (fresh stars emerging from Loveworld music and arts awards to see the full winners List) 

In my next post I will be bringing you exclusive interviews from some of the winners of that night. We would also take a look at some past winners and what the LIMA Award did for them individually and their music ministry.

Watch out for it…..

UN Says Hundreds Of Syrians Exit Lebanese Town Over Tensions

By
Zoe Maven
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0

Syrian refugees say they are being forcibly evicted from the northern Lebanese town of Bsharre in the wake of a murder allegedly committed by a Syrian national.

According to the UN refugee agency, at least 270 Syrian families have left a north Lebanon town, as hostility towards them mounted over the murder.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees condemned “collective reprisals against Syrians in the town,” of Bsharre, saying many of the families fled in fear without taking their belongings.

Many of those who fled the Christian-majority town said they were chased out by Bsharre residents after a Syrian on Monday was accused of shooting dead a Lebanese resident, sparking widespread tension and hostility.

Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported forced evictions of Syrians in the wake of the murder, but Bsharre’s mayor denied that the Syrians had left out of fear.

Lebanon, which is grappling with an economic crisis, says it hosts some 1.5 million Syrians, including around one million registered as refugees with the United Nations.

UK Government Ready For 100 Per Cent Increase In Immigration Of Hong Kong Citizens

By
Zoe Maven
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0

The UK Government is preparing for a 100 per cent increase in the number of Hong Kong citizens coming to Britain, offering three million residents sanctuary

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in July that Hong Kong’s freedoms were being violated by a new security law and those affected would be offered the chance to settle in the UK and ultimately apply for citizenship.

The Foreign Office estimates that 200,000 people would move from Hong Kong to the UK, but a leaked internal briefing paper warned of a “rapid rise in the issue of British National (Overseas) passports since June”.

Under the Government’s plans, all BN(O)s and their dependents will be given the right to remain in the UK, including the right to work and study, for five years.

The Home Office also predicts the number of BN(O) passport holders is likely to rise to 733,000 by the end of 2020.”

They will be able to apply for settled status and, after a further year, seek citizenship.

Saudi Arabia Suspends Turkish Importation Of Meat

By
Zoe Maven
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0

Turkish exporters have reported increasing obstacles to trade in Saudi Arabia, amid calls for bans on Turkish imports and as ties between the two countries deteriorate.

The Turkish exporters’ union said Saudi Arabia formally suspended imports of meat, eggs and other products from Turkey earlier this month.

Ankara says it has been told by Riyadh that there is no formal boycott, but the exporters’ union said it had been informed by Turkey’s trade ministry that imports of some Turkish goods had been suspended earlier this month.

Turkey’s Exporters Assembly says exports to Saudi Arabia fell 16% in the first 10 months of this year to $2.23 billion.

Turkey’s Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said this week that Riyadh insisted there was no official boycott of Turkish goods – something Ankara could formally challenge through the World Trade Organisation.

Already strained by competing ambitions for regional influence, those relations plunged into crisis two years ago when Saudi agents killed prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

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