Supreme Court Adjourns IPOB Kanu’s Case to Sept 14

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May 11, 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing in the suit filed by the Indigenous People of Biafra for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to September 14.

IPOB in November 2022, filed a suit at the apex court against the verdict of the Appellate Court which stopped the release of the leader of the Igbo self-determination group.

The lead lawyer for IPOB and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, had in a statement said, “We have appealed to the Supreme Court, to set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal, staying the execution of the court’s judgment discharging him, and placing a further bar to any further detention and prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu on any charge/indictment before any court in Nigeria.

UK Court to Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal

“Recall that on October 28, 2022, a three-person panel of Learned Justices of the Court of Appeal (Abuja Judicial Division), granted an application for the stay of execution of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, pending the determination of the appeal filed before the Supreme Court by the Federal Government.

“After a thorough review of the said ruling by our defence team, eminently led by foremost leading Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), an informed decision was taken by the erudite Senior Advocate, and the entire team, that the said ruling, which has no foundation in law or facts, placed before the court, should be immediately appealed against, for it to be set aside by the Apex Court.

“Our well-informed position was given a final nod by our indefatigable client, Nnamdi Kanu, during my last visit to him.

“We therefore, by this medium, inform the general public, and Umuchineke in particular, that we have filed an appeal against the said ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on October 28, 2022, and will proactively follow up on the administrative process to ensure that both appeals are given accelerated hearings in line with the extant fast-track rules of the Supreme Court.

Prior to the hearing, Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, had urged the Supreme Court to ensure justice in the trial of his client.

Buhari Seeks Fresh $800m World Bank Loan

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 11, 2023

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President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly seeking approval for a fresh $800m loan from the World Bank.

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, read out Buhari’s request to lawmakers on the floor of the Senate.

The President partly wrote, “Please note that the Federal Executive Council approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800m to be secured from the World Bank, for the National Social Safety Net Programme and the need to request for your consideration and approval to ensure early implementation.

“The Senate may wish to note that the programme is intended to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with the costs of meeting basic needs.

“You may wish to note that, the Federal Government of Nigeria under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme will transfer the sum of N5,000 per month to 10.2 million poor and low-income households for a period of six months, with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals. In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.

Buhari added, “Given the above, I wish to invite the Senate to kindly approve an additional loan facility to the tune of $800m to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme,” expressing hope that the request will “receive expeditious consideration by the Senate.”

House Of Reps Approves Buhari N22.7trn Loan Request

Nigeria’s borrowing from the World Bank as at March 31, 2023, had reached the sum of $14.34bn.

This was an increase from the $13.93bn debt recorded by the Debt Management Office as of December 31, 2022.

This means that fresh disbursements on approved loans added $410m to Nigeria’s debt from the World Bank in the first quarter of 2023.

The IBRD lends to governments of middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, while the IDA provides concessionary loans – called credits – and grants to governments of the poorest countries.

152 Million Babies Born Preterm in 10 Years – Report

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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May 11, 2023

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A new report released by the United Nations agencies finds that preterm birth rates have not changed in any region in the world in the past decade, with 152 million vulnerable babies born too soon from 2010 to 2020.

The report also showed that an estimated 13.4 million babies were born preterm in 2020, with nearly one million dying from preterm complications.

This is equivalent to around one in 10 babies born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) worldwide.

The report titled ‘Born too soon: decade of action on preterm birth’ is produced by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund together with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health.

They sound the alarm on a “silent emergency” of preterm birth, long under-recognized in its scale and severity, which is impeding progress in improving children’s health and survival.

The report includes updated estimates from WHO and UNICEF, prepared with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, on the prevalence of preterm births.

“Preterm birth is now the leading cause of child deaths, accounting for more than 1 in 5 of all deaths of children occurring before their fifth birthday. Preterm survivors can face lifelong health consequences, with an increased likelihood of disability and developmental delays.

“Building from a landmark report on the topic in 2012, this new Born too soon “decade” report provides a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of preterm birth and its profound impact on women, families, societies and economies.

Too often, where babies are born determines if they survive. The report notes that only one in 10 extremely preterm babies (<28 weeks) survive in low-income countries, compared to more than nine in 10 in high-income countries. Gaping inequalities related to race, ethnicity, income, and access to quality care determine the likelihood of preterm birth, death, and disability, even in high-income countries.

“Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have the highest rates of preterm birth, and preterm babies in these regions face the highest mortality risk. Together, these two regions account for more than 65 per cent of preterm births globally,” WHO said in a press statement.

The report also highlights that the impacts of conflict, climate change and environmental damage, COVID-19, and rising living costs are increasing risks for women and babies everywhere.

For example, air pollution is estimated to contribute to six million preterm births each year. Nearly one in 10 preterm babies are born in the 10 most fragile countries affected by humanitarian crises, according to a new analysis in the report.

Maternal health risks, such as adolescent pregnancy and pre-eclampsia, are closely linked to preterm births. This underlines the need to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services, including effective family planning, with high-quality care during pregnancy and around the time of birth.

The Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO, Dr Anshu Banerjee said, “Ensuring quality care for these tiniest, most vulnerable babies and their families is absolutely imperative for improving child health and survival.

“Progress is also needed to help prevent preterm births — this means every woman must be able to access quality health services before and during pregnancy to identify and manage risks.”

Secondary Education Commission Commences Review Of Zero Draft

By

Precious Obazee

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May 11, 2023

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The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) has commenced the review of the Zero Draft Minimum Standard earlier produced in 2022 to enable it carry out its mandate of prescribing and enforcing Minimum Standards in all the Public and Private Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria.

The Chairman, Governing Board of NSSEC, Ambassador Nimota Akanbi made this known at a stakeholders meeting in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative Learning Empowerment (AGILE) in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

In a statement, NSSEC Head of Press and Public Relations, Fatima Ahmed Banpere, revealed that Ambassador Akanbi reiterated that it is common knowledge that most of the senior secondary schools in the country are faced with the challenges of inadequate infrastructural facilities, lack of required science laboratories and technical workshop as well as inappropriate tools and equipment for skills acquisition.

The Commission said the challenges was quite glaring during the Needs Assessment Exercise recently conducted by the in some public and private Senior Secondary Schools across the six geo-political zones in the country.

It noted that many non-qualified and non-registered persons are being engaged in schools, stressing that the action does not conform with international best practices, hence resulting to poor performance of students in senior secondary schools in the country.

The NSSEC Board therefore implored stakeholders to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear by contributing meaningfully to the draft documents for the benefit of Children at the Senior Secondary Education.

In his remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary, and Director Quality Assurance Department, Ibraheem Abdulkareem, opined that the purpose of the Stakeholders meeting was to scrutinize the draft and strategize on ways of enforcing the minimum Standards in schools in order to curtail the ills in the sector before presenting the draft to the national bodies for ratification before implementation.

UK Court to Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 11, 2023

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A British Court of Appeal Judge, Lord Justice Lewis, has granted the family of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, permission to appeal the United Kingdom High Court judgment that found that the British authorities could lawfully evade reaching any conclusion on whether Kanu has been tortured, subjected to extraordinary rendition and arbitrarily detained.

The order, signed by Justice Lewis on May 8, ordered that the hearing of the appeal be expedited.

“A ruling on March 23, 2023, the UK High Court had declined Kanu family’s suit for judicial review of the failure of the British government to reach a firm view in Nnamdi Kanu’s extraordinary rendition. This earlier ruling prompted an application for leave to appeal to the British Court of Appeal by the Bindmans LLP, the UK law firm representing the Kanu family in the case,” a statement by special counsel for Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, stated on Wednesday.

“ORDER made by the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Lewis.

“On consideration of the appellant’s notice and accompanying documents, but without an oral hearing, in respect of an application for permission to appeal the order of The Honourable Mr Justice Swift dated 23 March 2023 dismissing the appellant’s claim for judicial review.

“Decision: 1. Permission to appeal on all grounds (1, 2 and 3) is granted. 2. The appeal is to be expedited,” Justice Lewis’ Order of May 8 read.

Giving reasons for the Order, Lewis said, “This appeal concerns Nnamdi Kanu, the brother of the appellant. Kanu is a British national. He has been detained in Nigeria since about June 2021 and is, it seems, presently held in solitary confinement. It is said that he was the subject of an extraordinary rendition being taken from Kenya to Nigeria.

This appeal concerns the request for consular assistance. Part of that case concerns the extent to which Kanu has a legitimate expectation of assistance, and whether the respondent must form a view as to whether he was the subject of extraordinary rendition and is obliged as a matter of procedural fairness to inform him of what that view is (grounds 1 and 3).

Related is a claim that it was irrational of the respondent not to reach a firm view on the question of extraordinary rendition in the circumstances of this case (ground 2).

Appeal Court Discharges IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu

“The grounds of appeal raise important issues concerning the scope of the obligations on the respondent in relation to requests for consular assistance in respect of British nationals detained abroad and the proper interpretation and application of the decision of the Court of Appeal in R (Abassi) v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office [2003] UKHRR 76. For those reasons, there is a compelling reason for the appeal to be heard, within the meaning of CPR 52.6(1)(b).

Permission is granted on all three grounds. 3. The matter is urgent as, on the material before me, Mr Kanu remains in detention and, it seems, in solitary confinement. The hearing of the appeal should be expedited. The appeal should be heard, if reasonably possible, before 14 July 2023 and if not, as soon as reasonably possible thereafter.”

Mega Ace declares Bitsave protocol as the most impactful solution

By

Abidemi

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May 11, 2023

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Bitsave Protocol which is the SaveFi protocol by Crypto Smart has been declared as the most impactful solution by Mega Ace after its global hackathon.

The hackathon featured numerous dApps that utilizes Algorand blockchain in building decentralized applications that add value to the global ecosystem while Bitsave protocol was declared as the most impactful solution under the Open Innovation Challenge.

The Open Innovation challenge of the global hackathon is keen on dApps that add value to the ecosystem.

Not only that, another key feature of the open innovation challenge is dApps that solve problems which are attributable to blockchain technology.

In other words, the major aim of the global hackathon is to showcase blockchain solutions that solve real world problems and add value to the global ecosystem by leveraging blockchain technology.

Bitsave protocol, according to the judges, satisfies the major requirements of the global hackathon by leveraging blockchain technology in solving real world problems and was therefore declared as the most impactful solution.

The judges of the global hackathon are seasoned blockchain enthusiasts and experts in diverse application of blockchain technology.

About Bitsave Protocol

Bitsave protocol is the SaveFi protocol built by Crypto Smart which helps individuals to save and earn interest in cryptocurrency without losing their capital to the market volatility.

According to Karla Obakpolor, the founder and CEO of Crypto Smart, “the declaration of Bitsave protocol as the most impactful solution is an acknowledgement of the new value chain which Bitsave is bringing to the web3 finance”

Would you like to see a live presentation of the most impactful solution? Click here.

Also, you can join the waitlist and enjoy the new value chain in web3 finance.

About Crypto Smart

Crypto Smart is a B2B Crypto Asset Management company founded in January 2021 by Karla Obakpolor, a blockchain business developer and Algorand ambassador in 2020.

The company offers fast and secure services which are based on a well-encrypted system with 24/7 customer support services. It has grown from offering its services to individuals, to companies and major enterprises as well as providing crypto education through various crypto courses.

Crypto Smart upscaled to the Algorand blockchain and offers blockchain products which include Bitsave Protocol; a SaveFi protocol that combines savings with DeFi, and SmartChange; a cross-chain P2P marketplace.

Ugbade: Match Against Burkina Faso Will Be Interesting

By

Emenike Agu

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May 11, 2023

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Coach Ugbade (left) with defender Emmanuel Michael at the press conference in Algiers on Wednesday.

The quarter – final game between Nigeria and Burkina Faso at the ongoing Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria is going to be a very interesting game, according to Nduka Ugbade, Head Coach of the Golden Eaglets.

Ugbade disclosed this on Wednesday at the pre -match press conference at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, as he noted that both teams are not strangers to each other having met at the final of WAFU B U17 tournament in Ghana, where Nigeria triumphed 2 -1.

“The game is going to be very interesting. At the WAFU B tournament, we had Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Niger and Burkina Faso. We did well to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the final.

“The only difference is that, this is AFCON, but surely is going to be an interesting game and very important game because victory will guarantee qualification for the FIFA World Cup.”

In a related development, Emmanuel Michael, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U17 tournament, said his teammates have respect for Burkina Faso. He, however assured Nigerians that the Eaglets will work very hard to win the game.

“We respect Burkina Faso, very good team. The team loves to play and never gives up.

“We hope to win the game. We will work very hard, play to the instructions of our coaches and win the game to qualify for the World Cup.”

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Arrive In Buenos Aires Ahead Of U-20 World Cup

By

Emenike Agu

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May 11, 2023

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A contingent of 20 players and 10 officials departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Saturday night.

The delegation of two-time runners-up Nigeria have arrived in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina for a 10-day camping programme ahead of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

A contingent of 20 players and 10 officials departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Saturday night aboard a Turkish Airline flight and travelled through Istanbul before heading to the “land of the Pampas”.

With a record of having finished with the silver medals in 1989 and 2005, and with the bronze medals in 1985, the Flying Eagles are hoping to break the duck and collect the top prize in their 13th appearance at a tournament they first graced in Mexico 40 years ago.

That year, they stunned then Soviet Union 1-0 through a well-taken goal by Tarila Okorowanta in Monterrey, but then lost 0-3 to Brazil in their second game in Guadalajara. Needing victory to reach the knock-out round, the Flying Eagles could only draw with The Netherlands in their final group game in Monterrey.

Nigeria has been slotted in Group D for this year’s championship and will play the Dominican Republic, Italy and Brazil in that order in the group phase.

Their first two games will hold in Mendoza, in the far west of Argentina, against the Dominican Republic on 21 May and against Italy on 24 May, before they fly to La Plata to play Brazil on 27 May.

La Plata, Santiago del Estero, San Juan and Mendoza are the four host cities for the 24-nation championship.

Ac Milan Vs Inter: Edin Dzeko Scores Stunning Volley As Inter Take Early 2-0 Lead

By

Emenike Agu

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May 11, 2023

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Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan found the net as Inter Milan took control of their Champions League semi-final vs AC Milan with a 2-0 first-leg victory.

Inter Milan shocked their city rivals with two goals in the opening 11 minutes and could easily have put the semi-final to bed after a stunning first-half display.

Milan improved after the interval but should consider themselves lucky to still be within reach of the 2010 Champions League winners after a sub-par performance in front of their home supporters.

The fierce rivals had not met in the Champions League since a quarter-final clash in 2005, which was abandoned after 73 minutes of the second leg when a section of Inter fans hurled flares on to the pitch – one of which struck and injured Milan goalkeeper Dida.

Milan, bidding for an eighth European Cup trophy and a first final since their 2007 success, were dealt a blow before kick-off with star forward Rafael Leao ruled out by a muscle injury and they were soon blown away by a blistering start from Simone Inzaghi’s side.

Inter were ahead after just eight minutes as former Manchester City striker Dzeko outmuscled Davide Calabria from Federico Dimarco’s corner and thrashed a volley from 12 yards past the helpless Mike Maignan in the Milan goal.

And they had a second just three minutes later. Dimarco was released down the left and cut the ball across the box into the path of the onrushing Mkhitaryan, who marched through the Milan defence to stroke past Maignan.

The Rossoneri were all at sea and Inter came within inches of a third when former Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu lashed a 25-yard strike against a post, before Maignan blocked Mkhitaryan’s effort from close range.

There was a huge moment of relief for Stefano Pioli’s side after Inter were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute as Lautaro Martinez went down under a challenge from Simon Kjaer. But Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano was asked to review his decision by the VAR and decided to overturn his original call.

Martinez flashed a strike narrowly over before Denzel Dumfries just failed to apply the finishing touch to Dimarco’s cross-shot as Inter continued their total dominance of the first half.

Milan started the second period much better. Brahim Diaz curled just wide from 20 yards and Junior Messias wasted a great chance when through on goal.

Dzeko was denied by a good one-on-one save from Maignan but Milan’s improvement continued and substitute Divock Origi played a key role in setting up Sandro Tonali, whose strike cannoned off the base of the left post.

But Inter drew the sting out of Milan’s revival and took a big step towards the final in Istanbul.

Sergio Busquets To Leave Barca After 18 Years

By

Emenike Agu

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May 11, 2023

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Long-serving Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced he will leave the club this summer at the end of his contract, after 18 years at the Nou Camp.

Busquets has spent his entire professional career at the club where his father also played, but announced in a Twitter video he will not renew his contract when it expires on June 30. He has been captain of his boyhood club since 2021.

The 34-year-old first joined Barca from Jabac Terrassa as a 15-year-old and went on to make more than 700 appearances for his local club, winning 23 major honours including eight LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Even in latter years, Busquets has continued as a regular member of the Barcelona first team and has made at least 30 appearances in each of his 15 seasons with the senior squad.

His emergence served as a hallmark of the Pep Guardiola era in Catalonia, as he was handed his first LaLiga appearance by the then-new boss in September 2008 and went on to form part of a formidable midfield trio alongside Andres Iniesta and Xavi, the current Barcelona manager.

Even as a 19-year-old, he would go on to feature 41 times in his debut season and earned his first LaLiga, Champions League and Copa Del Rey titles in that campaign.

“It has been an unforgettable journey,” he said in the video announcing his departure. “Since I was a child coming to the matches, or watching them on TV, I always dreamed of playing with this shirt at this stadium.

“The reality has exceeded all my dreams. I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me when I arrived as a youth player that I would play 15 seasons for the best club in the world, the club of my life, of which I have been, am and always will be a fan, member, player, captain, and surpass 700 matches.

Busquets’ final game for the club could be a newly announced friendly against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on June 6, giving Barca’s famous midfield trio a fitting send-off with Iniesta still a regular player for the Japanese side, and Xavi the current head coach of Barcelona.

As well as his honours with Barca, Busquets also won 143 caps with Spain and lifted both the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships with his country.

He is likely to sign off with another domestic trophy with Barcelona. Xavi’s side are 13 points clear at the top of LaLiga and will secure the league title with victory at Espanyol on Sunday.