Kenyan Officials Banned From Non-Essential Travel

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October 4, 2023

The Kenyan government has suspended all non-essential travel for government officials.

The move aims to streamline expenses and ensure taxpayer funds are used judiciously.

In a circular issued by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the government also announced restrictions on delegations accompanying high-ranking officials, including the President, Deputy President, First Lady, and Prime Cabinet Secretaries during foreign trips.

Non-essential travel that has been suspended includes benchmarking, study visits, training programs, research activities, academic meetings, symposia, conferences, general participation meetings, showcase events, exhibitions, caucus and association meetings, and related events.

Foreign travel will now only be permitted for essential engagements that fulfil Kenya’s state obligations, conduct critical state party engagements, or serve statutory leadership or membership roles that impact the country’s position.

To maintain efficiency and cost-effectiveness, delegations headed by Cabinet Secretaries will be limited to three persons, including the Cabinet Secretary as the Head of Delegation.

For Principal Secretaries, delegations shall not exceed two persons, and at least one delegate must be a specialized technical officer relevant to the subject matter of the engagement.

Delegations involving both Cabinet and Principal Secretaries will be restricted to a three-person limit.

Cabinet and Principal Secretaries within the same ministries are advised not to be on foreign travel simultaneously unless the engagement explicitly requires it.

Delegations led by County Governors will also be limited to three persons, including the Governor as the Head of Delegation.

Travel approvals for officials accompanying the President, First Lady, Deputy President, and Prime Cabinet Secretary will be granted only to those directly involved in scheduled activities/programs of the principals.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has been instructed to reduce the number of accompanying personnel by fifty percent (50%).

In addition, the government has imposed a maximum limit of seven days for official travel, including travel days.

These austerity measures are implemented to prioritize essential operations and activities crucial for serving the citizens, as explained by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to responsible financial management and ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently for the benefit of the country

Tinubu’s certificate saga: We don’t have time for frivolous issues – Foreign Affairs minister

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Mana Balagbogbo

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October 4, 2023

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, , Yusuf Tuggar, says the present administration does not have time to waste on ‘frivolous issues’ following controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s claim of having attended and obtained a certificate from Chicago State University (CSU) in the United States of America.

Speaking in an interview on TV, Tuggar stated that the certificate saga has had no effect on the recent international engagements of President Tinubu, adding that the issue ‘is a distraction’.

His words: “There is a tendency to always try to distract and detain people on such frivolous issues as opposed to facing the major issues of development. We don’t have time to waste on that.

“Nobody is wasting time about certificate qualification for somebody who has been a governor of a state, served two terms, and has been on the national stage as a politician.

“You remember that (former) President Buhari had to go through the same thing, where people were actually questioning whether he went to secondary school or not. Someone who had classmates was the captain; he was a head boy.

“The foreign leaders with whom we’ve been engaging and the international organizations clearly are disinterested in wasting time on such.

Tuggar also stated that Nigerians should be focused on the economic challenges in the country presently and not on the certificate.

“The economic challenges we are facing – we shouldn’t be wasting time about whether some certificate, whether there is a T missing or an I hasn’t been dotted. That shouldn’t be our primary focus at the moment,” he said.

Mediterranean Sea Now Cemetery For Children, Their Future – UNICEF

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Cleopatra Okohai

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October 4, 2023

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The Mediterranean Sea has become a cemetery for children and their futures, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, saying that over 11,600 children crossed the Central Mediterranean Sea to Italy without their parents between January and mid-September 2023.

The UNICEF said the situation was an increase of 60 per cent compared to the same period in 2022, where about 7,200 unaccompanied or separated children made the perilous crossing to the Mediterranean Sea.

According to the UN agency, Lampedusa, a small Island in the South of Italy is often the first port of call for people seeking asylum, safety and opportunities in Europe, stating that the number of arrivals peaked this month with 4,800 people arriving on a single day.

The UNICEF said children who undertake these harrowing journeys alone are often placed in overcrowded inflatable dinghies or shoddy wooden fishing boats unsuitable for poor weather conditions.

UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia and Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe, Regina De Dominicis, said, “The devastating toll on children seeking asylum and safety in Europe is a result of policy choices and a broken migration system.

“The adoption of a Europe-wide response to supporting children and families seeking asylum and safety and a sustained increase in international aid to support countries faced by multiple crises, are desperately needed to prevent more children suffering.”

UNICEF noted that some of the children are placed in the hold of the ship, some on iron barges, particularly dangerous for navigation, saying that lack of region-wide, coordinated and adequate search and rescue capacities at sea on disembarkation worsens the dangers children face when crossing.

“War, conflict, violence and poverty are among the main drivers for children fleeing their home countries alone. Evidence shows that unaccompanied children are at risk of exploitation and abuse on every step of their journeys, with girls and children from sub-Saharan Africa the most likely to suffer abuse,” UNICEF stated in a release.

It noted that between June and August this year, at least 990 people including children died or disappeared while attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean Sea, triple the number compared to the same period last summer when at least 334 people lost their lives.

It stated that many shipwrecks leave no survivors, and many go unrecorded, making the true number of casualties likely much higher.

UNICEF said, “Children who survive their journeys are first held in centres known as hotspots before being transferred to reception facilities that are often closed and limit movement. Over 21, 700 unaccompanied children across Italy are currently in such facilities, up from 17,700 a year ago.

“In line with international law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF calls on governments to provide safer and legal pathways for seeking asylum; ensure children are not held in closed facilities; strengthen national child protection systems to better protect children migrating; coordinate search and rescue operations and ensure disembarkation to places of safety.

“The ongoing debate between the European Parliament and the EU Member States on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum presents an immediate opportunity to affirm and uphold key child protection principles and develop policies that address the multiple infringements of children’s rights in countries of departure, in transit and on arrival.

“UNICEF continues its work to support member states in strengthening systems and support in communities of origin, prevent and mitigate risks children face as they move and provide support and inclusive services to all children, regardless of their or their parent’s legal status.

“In Lampedusa, UNICEF provides essential protection services including mental health and psychosocial support and access to information and referral to specialised services. This work is supported by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs as part of the protection project,” UNICEF added.

Ministerial nominee, Balarabe Abbas collapses during screening

By

Mana Balagbogbo

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October 4, 2023

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Ministerial nominee, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, collapsed while being screened on the floor of the Senate, on Wednesday. During the interrogation, Lawal, who was obviously exhausted, abruptly passed out. Concerned senators raced to his aid and promptly dialed for help. As soon as the incident occurred, th3 Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, was heard requesting water and sugar to revive the ministerial nominee.

“Water, water! Can you give him sugar and water? Can someone bring water and sugar? Please, call Dr Wale!” Akpabio exclaimed. He also asked the cameramen to leave the chamber as the senators tried to help Abbas to a seat. He was taken to the hospital at the time this report was filed but his condition remains unknown.

It was also not immediately clear if medical personnel were on hand but the National Assembly has a fully functional clinic within the complex.

Abbas Lawal from Kaduna State was screened today alongside Jamila Bio Ibrahim from Kwara State and Mr Ayodele Olawande from Ondo State.

Lawal was the second nominee to be screened.

Recall that Balarabe Abbas Lawal was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as replacement for former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Napoli Vs Real Madrid: Osimhen Is Very Dangerous – Ancelotti

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Emenike Agu

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October 4, 2023

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen got the highest rating among Napoli players, in their 3-2 home loss to Real Madrid in Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League Group C fixture.

The rating was done by popular Italian football publication, Football Italia.

Osimhen featured for 90 minutes and was a handful for the Spanish giants, as Napoli suffered their first defeat in this season’s competition.

Despite the defeat, Osimhen was rated seven out of 10, the highest rating gotten by a Napoli player on the night.

Commenting on Osimhen’s performance, Football Italia wrote:”Could have scored the equaliser with a header before the break, earned a penalty kick and kept Madrid defenders busy.”

Napoli took the lead in the 19th minute as Kepa Arrizabalaga was all at sea on the Kvicha Kvaratskhelia cross, Natan saw his looping header bounce off the top of the crossbar and Leo Ostigard was ready to nod in the rebound.

In the 27th minute Madrid equalised that is to Jude Bellingham, who intercepted a square Giovanni Di Lorenzo pass and set up Vinicius to stroke home with the inside of the boot.

Bellingham our Madrid 2-1 ahead in the 34th minute as he sensational went past Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Ostigard for the delicate finish.

Napoli were awarded a penalty after Nacho was adjudged to have handled the ball while attempting to block an effort from Osimhen.

After a very long VAR review, the referee decided to award a penalty which Piotr Zielinski scored off the inside of the upright to make it 2-2 on 54 minutes.

But in the 78 minute Madrid got their third goal off a ferocious Federico Valverde strike from a huge distance.

The Uruguayan striker came off the crossbar, ricocheted onto the back of Napoli keeper’s head and into the net.

Osimhen Finds New Love In Napoli

By

Emenike Agu

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October 4, 2023

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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s love for his club is unwavering, the Nigeria international said on Sunday to end a row over mocking videos the club posted on social media.

The Serie A champions came under fire after posting a video on TikTok with a high-pitched voice showing Osimhen missing a penalty in a 0-0 draw against Bologna last week.

The club said on Thursday they never intended to offend their striker, but stopped short of apologising to him.

“Coming to the city of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me,” said Osimhen on his Instagram account.

“The people of Naples have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us.

“The passion of the people of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride.

“I have a lot of friends who are Neapolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life… Let’s continue to spread unity, respect and understanding. Forza Napoli Sempre.”

Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda threatened legal action for the video, which was later deleted, while the 24-year-old player removed all images of himself in a Napoli shirt from his social media accounts.

Despite the row, Osimhen played and scored in Napoli’s wins over Udinese on Wednesday and Lecce on Saturday to take his tally to five goals in seven league games this season.

Osimhen joined Napoli in 2020 for a record 81.3 million euros ($85.8 million) and was key to end the club’s 33-year wait for a league title last season as he was Serie A’s top scorer with 26 goals.

Napoli are third in the league standings and will host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Omeruo, Iwobi Return To Eagles’ Squad

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Emenike Agu

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October 4, 2023

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The Super Eagles will welcome back key players, including Kenneth Omeruo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Alex Iwobi, and Terem Moffi as they prepare for double-header international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal later this month.

According to a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yesterday, Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has made strategic selections, aiming to fine tune his squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

The quartet of Omeruo, Osayi-Samuel, Iwobi, and Moffi missed out in the team’s victory against Sao Tome and Principe during last month’s 2023 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.

It is widely seen that their return injects experience and dynamism into the squad, a move that Peseiro hopes will further solidify the team’s cohesion.

The Portuguese is also keeping faith in goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, and Olorunleke Ojo, while uncapped defender Jordan Torunnarigha gets a chance to make his mark.

The upcoming friendly matches against Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons and Mozambique’s Mambas are scheduled for October 13 and 16 respectively, in Portimão, Portugal.

Why Chukwueze Is Struggling At AC Milan – Okocha

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Emenike Agu

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October 4, 2023

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Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has revealed why Nigeria winger, Samuel Chukwueze, is struggling with the Italian Serie A giant, AC Milan.

The skillful winger has been having it difficult to secure regular playing time with the Serie A giant since his arrival from the Spanish side Villarreal this summer.

Okocha said Chukwueze has been faced with a lot of challenges, including how he can adjust.

The former Bolton Wonderers midfielder believes Chukwueze would get better when he finally adjusted to the system and language.

“Language is always important because it is always good to be able to communicate but his talent is never in doubt,” Okocha told Livescore.

“I think Chukwueze is a great addition to the Milan team and I have no doubt that he will do well.”

Chukwueze is expected to be in action today when Milan host the German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the match day 2 of the UEFA Champions League

Aina Dethrones Awoniyi, Wins Forest Best Player Award

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Emenike Agu

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October 4, 2023

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Nigerian defender, Ola Aina, has been voted as Nottingham Forest’s Player of The Month for September, the club announced on Tuesday.

According to the club, Aina received 40 per cent of the total votes cast by fans.

He succeeds compatriot, Taiwo Awoniyi, who won the award in August.

In the month under review, Aina featured three times for the Tricky Trees when they beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge followed by a 1-1 draw at the City Ground against Burnley and a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The 26-year-old has made a positive impression since joining Forest on a free transfer following his departure from Torino, featuring five times in the current Premier League campaign.

Capable of playing on either flank, the versatile full-back has operated on both the left and right side of defence so far this season, producing a string of solid displays.

In a recent interview with the club’s website, Aina said he was enjoying life at the City Ground.

“It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it so far. The staff, the players, the city itself, it’s been really good to me so far and long may it continue.

“I was the first to arrive this summer and it was fun, I had Taiwo and Emmanuel Dennis here, who I know from Nigeria, I knew Morgan and Harry Toffolo too, so it was smooth sailing.”

Aina was left out of their last game against Brentford on Sunday but will hope to return for their trip to Crystal Palace Saturday.

Nottingham Forest, with seven points, sit 12th on the EPL table with eight points from seven games.

Joshua Told To Chase Titles Not Wilder Fight

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Emenike Agu

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October 4, 2023

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Former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has been warned against stepping into the ring against Deontay Wilder by Hall of Fame fighter Barry McGuigan.

Joshua versus Wilder is one of the most intriguing match-ups in boxing.

The two heavyweights seem to have finally agreed that it’s the right time to face off after they both lost their titles and can no longer make a unification bout.

Speaking to Boxing King Media, former featherweight champion McGuigan said it was good that the fight had been delayed considering the threat for Joshua.

“It’s disappointing, but if I’m managing Anthony Joshua I wouldn’t go near Wilder. Wilder has got tremendous power. I know he’s vulnerable and he’s been stopped and all of that sort of stuff by Fury, he has the sort of punch that he can hit you from the back of the room and knock your head off.

“Why would you take the risk of that? I don’t think it’s a bad idea to avoid it, certainly at this stage. If I were him I’d want to win the world title again, so either fight Fury or fight Usyk again,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn tells Boxing Social that the hard-hitting American is still very much the target for his charge, even despite the task of now finding a new site. He is also still open to Joshua fighting this December against a new opponent if the fight can’t be finalised soon.

As for Wilder, it looks like he’ll remain inactive until he gets his hands on Joshua. Talks of a fight with Andy Ruiz Jr has fallen apart due to a dispute on the earnings for Ruiz.