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Hezbollah Vows to Continue Fight Against Israel Following Nasrallah’s Death

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Kassem, has pledged to continue the group’s fight against Israel following the death of their leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several top commanders in recent Israeli strikes. In his first televised address since Nasrallah’s death, Kassem stated that Hezbollah is prepared for a prolonged conflict, ready to defend Lebanon should Israel launch a ground invasion.

Kassem, now acting leader until a new one is appointed, emphasized that despite the loss of key figures, Hezbollah’s military capabilities remain intact, with new commanders stepping in to lead. He underscored the group’s readiness to continue its resistance, stating, “Israel hasn’t weakened our strength.”

Israeli airstrikes have killed Nasrallah and six other high-ranking Hezbollah commanders in recent days, while also targeting thousands of suspected militant sites across Lebanon. Over 1,000 Lebanese civilians, including women and children, have been killed, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, with nearly a million displaced by the ongoing violence.

Hezbollah has escalated its attacks, launching hundreds of rockets daily, although most have been intercepted by Israeli defenses or landed in uninhabited areas. Israel, meanwhile, has responded with intense airstrikes, including a recent strike that killed three Palestinian militants in central Beirut.

Despite its significant losses, Hezbollah has shown restraint in response to certain Israeli attacks, likely to avoid further escalation that could provoke an Israeli ground invasion. However, the group’s operational capacity may be affected, as Israeli intelligence appears to have penetrated its upper ranks.

Hezbollah began its assault on northern Israel following the October 7 attack by Hamas from Gaza, with both groups receiving backing from Iran. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its support for Palestinians until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.

The U.S. and its allies have called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the idea, focusing on what he describes as military gains against Hezbollah, a long-standing adversary of Israel.

Hezbollah, known for its battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles, remains a formidable force in the region. However, it now faces an unprecedented challenge in rebuilding its leadership structure after the recent Israeli strikes that severely disrupted its command hierarchy.

FG Forms Teams to Prevent Looming ASUU Strike

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The Ministry of Education is actively working to avert another strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Folasade Biriowo, the Director of Press in the ministry, assured our correspondent during an interview in Abuja on Sunday that significant measures are being taken to prevent a work stoppage.

“I can assure you that everything is being done to prevent the strike from happening. The minister has teams in place already, so I can provide that assurance,” Biriowo stated.

Last week, ASUU issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, urging the resolution of several unresolved issues, or they would proceed with another strike action.

The union is demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Additionally, ASUU is calling for payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.

Key demands also include funding for the revitalization of public universities, as outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the payment of Earned Academic Allowances.

Other contentious issues involve the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments, the implementation of visitation panel reports, the reversal of the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a replacement for IPPIS.

ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed frustration in a statement last Wednesday regarding the government’s lack of commitment and delays, emphasizing that these actions are exacerbating the crisis in the public university system.

“In light of these circumstances, ASUU has decided to extend the deadline by another 14 days, in addition to the previous 21 days, starting Monday, September 23, 2024. During this period, all outstanding issues must be adequately addressed to meet the union’s expectations. The union cannot be held accountable for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to utilize this new opportunity,” Osodeke asserted.

Devastating Monsoon Floods in Nepal Claim 192 Lives

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Search and rescue teams in Kathmandu, Nepal, continued efforts on Monday to sift through the wreckage of homes after severe monsoon floods, which claimed the lives of at least 192 people across the country. The devastating floods and landslides are a common occurrence in South Asia during the monsoon season, from June to September, but experts warn that climate change is intensifying these disasters.

Kathmandu, the capital city, experienced the worst rains in over two decades, submerging entire neighborhoods. Landslides further isolated the city from the rest of Nepal by blocking major highways. Rishi Ram Tiwari, a spokesperson for the Home Ministry, confirmed that the priority was search and rescue operations, including assisting those stranded on highways.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, a local think tank, pointed to unplanned urban expansion near the Bagmati River as a contributing factor that worsened the disaster.

Nepal’s army reported rescuing more than 4,000 people, deploying helicopters, motorboats, and rafts to bring residents to safety. Bulldozers are also being used to clear nearly two dozen sections of highways blocked by landslide debris.

Merchants in Kathmandu are facing a significant disruption in the supply of fresh produce due to the road damage. Binay Shrestha, who works at a major produce market, noted that while farmers have harvested their crops, roadblocks are preventing them from reaching the city.

Nepal’s weather bureau reported record-breaking rainfall in 14 districts within a 24-hour period, with the Kathmandu airport recording approximately 240 millimeters (9.4 inches) of rain — the highest since 2002. The monsoon, which spans from July to September, accounts for 70-80% of South Asia’s annual rainfall, crucial for agriculture in the region, which is home to nearly two billion people.

However, these rains also bring destruction, with floods and landslides claiming hundreds of lives annually. This year alone, over 300 people have died in Nepal due to rain-related disasters, with experts pointing to climate change as the primary driver of the increasing frequency and severity of such events.

Idris Elba to Star in Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ TV Series From A24

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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1

A television series based on Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel, Things Fall Apart, is currently in development at A24 Studios, with Idris Elba leading the project as both the star and executive producer.

According to an exclusive report by Variety Magazine, Elba is partnering with David Oyelowo to bring Achebe’s masterpiece to life on screen. The novel, which is one of the most widely studied and translated African works, was first published in 1958 and remains a cornerstone of modern African literature.

Achebe, born on November 16, 1930, and passing on March 21, 2013, was a renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic. His Things Fall Apart has been translated into more than 60 languages and has earned prestigious accolades like the Nigerian National Merit Award and the Man Booker International Prize.

It forms the first part of Achebe’s celebrated African Trilogy, followed by No Longer at Ease and Arrow of God. A film and a miniseries adaptation of the novel have previously been produced, with the latter starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo.

Although a writer has yet to be attached to the project, Elba will executive produce under his recently launched production company, 22Summers, alongside Gina Carter. David Oyelowo and Amanda N’Duka will also serve as executive producers through their company, Yoruba Saxon. Additional executive producers include Ben Forkner, Dayo Ogunyemi, and Achebe Masterworks. A24 Studios is backing the production.

The official logline for the series reads: “The story follows Okonkwo (Elba), a fearless African warrior and leader, as British colonizers disrupt his world. His struggle to maintain power and tradition becomes a heart-wrenching confrontation, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability, and adaptability.”

Elba, who recently earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the Apple TV series Hijack, is widely recognized for his roles in Beasts of No Nation, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and The Harder They Fall. As a producer, Oyelowo has an impressive resume, with his company Yoruba Saxon recently producing the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, where he also stars as Reeves. The company is also behind the upcoming Apple TV+ series Government Cheese and has produced films such as The Water Man, A United Kingdom, and Ferguson Rising.

Cricket: Nigeria Qualify For U-19 Women’s World Cup

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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1

Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Greens, has secured a spot at the 2025 ICC U-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia after emerging victorious in the Africa Qualifier Division 1 final held in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday.

The team clinched the qualification after rain interrupted Zimbabwe’s innings during the final at the Gahanga Cricket Oval. As a result, Nigeria finished the qualifiers undefeated, topping the group.

This marks Nigeria’s second-ever qualification for a cricket World Cup. The men’s U-19 team was the first to achieve this milestone in 2019, qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa.

Sunday’s final between Nigeria and Zimbabwe was their second meeting of the tournament, following a thrilling group-stage match where Nigeria triumphed by just one wicket. That match set the stage for another intense encounter.

Captain Lucky Piety won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the team faced stiff competition from Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. Victory Igbinedion’s 23 runs off 18 balls stood out as Nigeria managed to post 77 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs.

In response, Zimbabwe had made 19 runs for the loss of one wicket in 2.3 overs before rain halted play, handing Nigeria the win based on the match conditions.

Nigeria will compete in Group C of the World Cup, where they’ll face New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. The 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to take place from January 18 to February 2, with India being the reigning champions.

China Open to Expanding Loans and Investments in Nigeria – FG

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The Federal Government has clarified that Nigeria is not seeking debt forgiveness from China, despite ongoing discussions about debt relief in international forums.

Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that China is open to providing additional loans and increasing investments in Nigeria’s economy. Tuggar made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, addressing concerns about Nigeria’s debt and its recent engagements with China.

“We are not discussing debt forgiveness with China. When looking at Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio, we are not classified among critically indebted nations,” Tuggar explained.

At the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, urged global leaders to prioritize debt relief for Nigeria and other developing countries. Despite these efforts, Tuggar acknowledged that achieving debt forgiveness is a gradual process that has not yet materialized at recent UNGA meetings.

He further noted that, during former President Obasanjo’s tenure, Nigeria benefited from debt forgiveness, underscoring that such progress takes time. “Debt forgiveness is a process, not an event. It doesn’t happen overnight. The positive effects we experienced from past debt forgiveness were a result of sustained efforts, not just a single UNGA session,” Tuggar added.

According to the Debt Management Office’s Q1 2024 report, Nigeria’s domestic and external debt stands at N121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion).

Over 40% of Nigerians Now Enjoy 20-Hour Daily Power Supply – Power Minister

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, announced that more than 40% of Nigerians are now benefiting from up to 20 hours of electricity daily.

In a statement by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, the minister attributed this achievement to several groundbreaking initiatives implemented by the government to ensure a stable and consistent power supply.

Earlier this year, in April, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) removed electricity subsidies for approximately two million customers in Band A, promising to deliver at least 20 hours of power per day.

According to NERC’s August data, Nigeria’s power generation stood at an average of 4,150 megawatts, serving a population of over 200 million.

Adelabu credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that this progress aligns with the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda aimed at boosting the nation’s economy. Reflecting on his one-year tenure as part of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, Adelabu noted that the improvement in power supply results from bold decisions taken by the government.

“This accomplishment is due to the revolutionary steps being undertaken in the power sector, with the full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Adelabu stated.

He further highlighted that President Tinubu has consistently underscored the importance of a reliable power supply in driving Nigeria’s industrialization efforts. Adelabu also revealed that Nigeria is currently generating over 5,500 megawatts of electricity, with plans to improve further by year-end, as stable power supply was a key campaign promise of the president.

Adelabu stressed that stable electricity is the backbone of any advanced economy, citing examples such as South Korea, China, Europe, and North America, where reliable power supply has been instrumental in driving economic growth and industrial development. “For Nigeria to achieve similar growth, we must focus on providing steady power to households, industries, and institutions,” he added.

The minister also emphasized that the country’s goal is to support industries and businesses, which will lead to job creation and economic development. Drawing parallels with South Korea’s industrial giants like Samsung and LG, Adelabu reiterated that their success was partly due to the government’s provision of stable electricity.

Since assuming office, Adelabu’s ministry has increased Nigeria’s installed power generation capacity from 13,000 megawatts to over 14,000 megawatts, thanks to new power projects like the Zungeru hydroelectric plant.

The country generates over 5,500 megawatts of power, and more than 40% of the population now enjoys over 20 hours of regular electricity supply.

“We’ve made significant strides within just one year, and we are committed to making even greater progress,” Adelabu concluded.

Israel Claims Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Killed in Airstrike

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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3

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that they have killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted airstrike on the group’s headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF stated, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world.” The airstrike reportedly took place on Friday in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, and utilized bunker-busting munitions, resulting in significant destruction in the area, as shown in released video footage.

The IDF also confirmed the deaths of two senior Hezbollah officials: Muhammad Ismail, commander of Hezbollah’s Missile Unit in southern Lebanon, and his deputy, Hussein Ahmad Ismail. Both were involved in recent missile attacks against Israel, including a surface-to-surface missile aimed at central Israel on Wednesday.

While Nasrallah’s death has yet to be independently verified, a U.S. official informed ABC News that he was the target of the airstrike and was in Beirut at that time.

In their statement on X, the IDF highlighted the elimination of Muhammad Ismail and his deputy, emphasizing their roles in directing terrorist operations against Israel.

This airstrike forms part of Israel’s ongoing military response to recent Hezbollah and Hamas attacks, following the assault by Palestinian militants on an Israeli music festival on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 100 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the UN shortly before the airstrike, urged Lebanon not to allow Hezbollah to lead the country into conflict. He declared, “We’re not at war with you. We’re at war with Hezbollah, which has hijacked your country and threatens to destroy ours,” emphasizing Israel’s commitment to defending itself.

Netanyahu also issued a warning to Iran regarding support for attacks on Israel, stating, “If you strike us, we will strike you. There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach.”

The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed two fatalities and 70 injuries from the airstrike, but it remains uncertain whether Nasrallah was among the casualties. The IDF has escalated efforts to eliminate Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in response to the October attacks, increasing regional tensions.

NITDA Receives Coursera Global Impact Award

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been honored with the prestigious Coursera Global Impact Award for its significant contributions to education and digital skill development in Nigeria.

The award was presented during the 12th annual Coursera Conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada, which recognized innovative organizations worldwide for their impact on education and the future of learning.

NITDA was acknowledged for its commitment to fostering digital skills through initiatives like the ‘1 Million Developers and Skills Initiative,’ launched in September 2022. This program aims to enhance Nigeria’s position as a global talent hub, providing 4,000 licenses to learners initially.

During the ceremony, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, expressed gratitude to Coursera and reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s dedication to leveraging technology and innovation for economic growth. He stated, “Our vision prioritizes ICT as a fundamental component across all sectors, promoting sustainable growth and development.”

Inuwa highlighted the agency’s focus on internal transformation and developing expertise in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to boost productivity and knowledge management.

NITDA’s recognition reflects the success of its initiatives, with 8,000 individuals trained across nearly 60,000 courses, accumulating over 200,000 learning hours on the Coursera platform. The strategic partnership aims to bridge skill gaps, lay the foundation for digital transformation, and enhance the employability and productivity of participants.

Independence Day: FG Declares October 1st Public Holiday

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The Federal Government has officially declared Tuesday, October 1st, as a public holiday in honor of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. In a statement released on Saturday, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government.

The minister extended his congratulations to Nigerians, both within the country and abroad, on this significant occasion. He commended the patience and dedication of Nigerian citizens, assuring them that their efforts and sacrifices will not go unrecognized.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, aligning with the theme of the anniversary, emphasized the importance of reflecting on the contributions of the nation’s past heroes and drawing inspiration for future challenges. He highlighted that achieving the Nigeria of our dreams requires unity and collective effort.

As he wished Nigerians a joyful Independence Day, the minister urged all citizens to remain steadfast in their commitment to nation-building.

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