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Attempts To Silence Journalists Increase In Europe: CPJ

By
Zoe Maven
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The Committee to Protect Journalists says the European Union needs to do more to protect media workers adding that Reporters across Europe are working under increasingly challenging conditions with attempts to silence them growing seadily.

According to an extensive report released on Wednesday, the US-based body said that while the European Union has introduced laws to support media freedom over the years, progress in finding sustainable solutions to combat threats against journalists within the bloc has been slow.

The report went on to state that some governments used the COVID-19 pandemic to control the media, including restricting access to journalists and withholding public-interest information, adding that Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has tested the EU’s ability to protect journalist safety.

More than 10 journalists were killed in Ukraine last year while many in Russia have been targeted by Moscow’s wartime censorship laws. In its world press freedom index, nine of the top 10 countries are in Europe, but the CPJ argues that the environment is getting bleaker.

Tom Gibson, CPJ’s Europe representative, told Newsmen that Journalism and journalists were under threat like never before. If we look at the conditions in Europe, the intention to try to silence journalists has increased.

He said they have also seen a daily increase in online harassment and digital threats against journalists, including threats from very rich and powerful individuals who want to silence them through vexatious lawsuits called SLAPP – or strategic lawsuit against public participation.

Gibson lamented the lack of support for independent media, describing what he called “media capture” in some EU nations with some governments seeking to control media by financing them and undermining independent journalism.

In September 2022, the European Commission introduced the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), seeking to protect “protect media pluralism and independence in the EU”.

But according to Gibson, some EU nations are actually putting up a bit of a fight to stop the EMFA from being adopted, since it addresses threats of “media capture”, and is also an anti-SLAPP directive.

The CPJ noted that while the European Parliament has set up a committee to investigate alleged breaches of EU law in the use of surveillance software, better solutions are needed. For example, Gibson warned that some regulations aimed at tackling online surveillance threaten encryption.

In Greece, journalists Thanasis Koukakis, Stavros Malichoudis and Eliza Triantafillou say they have become targets of state-sanctioned surveillance because of their work.

Iranian Authorities Crack Down On Celebrities

By
Zoe Maven
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Authorities in Iran have established a special force to crack down on celebrities who spoke out in support of the widespread anti-government protests last year.

According to internal documents obtained by the BBC, In September 2022, a so-called “Celebrity Task Force” was launched in Iran and ordered to investigate the tax history of famous individuals known to be supportive of the protest movement.

The documents were obtained through a Middle Eastern intelligence source that reveals how the government took swift and coordinated action in an attempt to deter celebrities from not following the official line.

The first letter, dated 22 September, identified the committee’s chairman as the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, who has been sanctioned by the European Union.

Another document, from 26 September, renamed the task force as “Celebrities Committee” and made its operations permanent.

At least 141 well-known figures in Iran were listed as potential targets of the new task force, including football star Ali Daei, actress Taraneh Alidoosti, and Oscar-award-winning director Asghar Farhadi.

At the time, the committee’s responsibilities were split between the culture and intelligence ministries dealing with “artists, singers and media personalities” and the sports ministry and Revolutionary Guards handling athletes.

The third document, from 1 November, discussed what to do with the footballers who were allegedly supportive of the protests at the Qatar World Cup, suggesting that a well-known player and coach should have their assets frozen.

Protests rocked Iran after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman who was allegedly beaten by the “so-called” morality police for wearing her hijab incorrectly.

Mahsa’s death encouraged thousands to take to the streets to protest against the mandatory hijab laws and the heavy-handed tactics used to squash dissent.

Iranian authorities responded with brute force, with nearly 20,000 people arrested, 110 on charges that could lead to the death sentence, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

In the latest crackdown, Iran’s cyber police have announced the arrest of 40 Instagramers for allegedly posting “half-naked or immodest pictures of women”.

War Crimes Suspect Free Amid Sudan Crisis

By
Zoe Maven
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A former Sudanese politician Ahmed Haroun, held in Kober prison in the capital Khartoum, facing charges by the International Criminal Court, says he and other former officials are no longer in jail, following reports of a break-out.

Reports emerged earlier this week of a prison break at Kober – where Ahmed Haroun was serving a sentence alongside Omar al-Bashir, Sudan’s former president.

On Tuesday, Haroun confirmed in a statement aired on Sudan’s Tayba TV that he and other Bashir loyalists who served under him had left the jail – but said he would be ready to appear before the judiciary whenever it was functioning.

In an audio message circulating on social media, Haroun claimed the group had been aided in their escape by prison guards and the armed forces.

An army spokesman denied any army involvement, saying the military “does not have any supervision over prisons”. He said the military was coordinating with police to return inmates to prisons.

But plenty of Sudanese will believe this is just the latest example of Gen Burhan, leader of Sudan’s armed forces, trying to restore Bashir’s Islamist lieutenants to the forefront of Sudanese politics.

The ceasefire in Sudan has allowed several countries to evacuate their nationals from the country. Several evacuation flights carrying UK nationals from Sudan have landed in Cyprus, while a boat evacuating more than 1,600 people from dozens of countries has now arrived in Saudi Arabia.

Haroun was a key player in the Sudanese government’s brutal response to two long-running and still unresolved civil wars – in Darfur (from 2003) and South Kordofan (from 2011). He was indicted by the ICC in 2007 for his alleged role in the atrocities in Darfur – described as the first genocide of the 21st Century – when he was the country’s interior minister.

Haroun who was arrested in 2019, after veteran leader Bashir was ousted by the military amid mass protests, faces 20 counts of crimes against humanity and 22 counts of war crimes, with charges including murder, rape, persecution and torture.

Mukesh Kapila, a former UN coordinator for Sudan, described Haroun as “extremely dangerous” and “unreliable”, adding he had “many followers who have been lurking for the last two decades”.

Thousands more are reported to have fled Sudan and the UN has warned that this is likely to continue. Lines of buses and other vehicles are continuing to leave Khartoum despite rocketing prices of fuel and bus tickets.

There is also concern for those who are left behind, with an estimated 24,000 pregnant women currently in Khartoum who are expected to give birth in the coming weeks.

Third Sudan Ceasefire Fails To Hold As Hundreds Flee

By
Zoe Maven
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Fighting in Sudan has voided a new three-day cease-fire brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia as Sudanese and foreigners streamed out of the capital of Khartoum and other battle zones.

A series of short cease-fires the past week have either failed outright or brought only intermittent lulls in the fighting that has raged between forces loyal to the country’s two top generals since April 15.

The lulls have been enough for dramatic evacuations of hundreds of foreigners by air and land, which continued Tuesday. But they have brought no relief to millions of Sudanese caught in the crossfire, struggling to find food, shelter and medical care as explosions, gunfire and looters wreck their neighbourhoods.

Civilian life has come to a standstill as tens of thousands of heavily armed fighters from the military and its rival, the Rapid Support Forces, battle it out in densely populated residential areas.

The military has appeared to have the upper hand in fighting in Khartoum but the RSF still controls many districts in the capital and the neighboring city of Omdurman, and has several large strongholds around the country.

Millions of Sudanese trapped in their homes since violence began April 15, between forces loyal to the country’s top two generals and Footage showed empty streets, and smoke rising on the horizon of Kartoum.

Over 420 people, including at least 273 civilians, have been killed and over 3,700 wounded since the fighting began and the U.N. refugee agency said it was gearing up for potentially tens of thousands of people fleeing into neighboring countries.

In a country where a third of the population of 46 million already needed humanitarian assistance, multiple aid agencies have had to suspend operations and dozens of hospitals have been forced to shut down.

Calls for negotiations to end the crisis in Africa’s third-largest nation have been ignored.

For many Sudanese, the departure of diplomats, aid workers and other foreigners and the closure of embassies are terrifying signs that international powers expect the mayhem to only worsen.

Man City Beats Arsenal 4-1, Premier League Title In Sight

By
Emenike Agu
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Kevin de Bruyne scored twice as Manchester City beat first-place Arsenal 4-1 on Wednesday to take control of the Premier League title race.

While the defending champions remain second in the standings, Arsenal’s lead was cut to two points, with City having two games in hand.

A third league title in as many years is now in sight for manager Pep Guardiola, whose team is in contention for a treble of trophies including the Champions League and FA Cup.

Arsenal proved no match for City in a game that always looked likely to have a major say in determining who would be crowned champions.

Mikel Arteta’s team has led the way for much of the season but never recovered from De Bruyne’s seventh minute opener at Etihad Stadium.

Aaron Ramsdale produced a string of fine saves to keep Arsenal in the game until John Stones headed in a second for City in first-half stoppage time.

Any hopes of an unlikely comeback were ended nine minutes into the second half when De Bruyne scored his second of the match.

Rob Holding pulled one back for Arsenal in the 86th, but it was too late to change the outcome.

Erling Haaland completed the rout to make it 4-1 in stoppage time.

It is the third time City has beaten Arsenal this season, including victory in the FA Cup, and extends its winning sequence against the Londoners to eight games.

World Bank Report Says Nigerians Abroad Remitted $168bn In Eight Years

By
Angel Gimalo
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A World Bank report has revealed that the Nigerian Diaspora community remitted $168.33 billion to the country in the past eight years.

The remittance was made even as the foreign investments inflow into the country remained unstable during those years caused by a scarcity of foreign currency which has since led to the free fall of the naira.

According to data from the World Bank and Budget Office of the Federation, Nigeria’s Diaspora remittances have played a huge contribution in cushioning the adverse effects of foreign exchange scarcity and keeping the country’s forex reserve afloat.

In 2022, the World Bank stated that remittances flow to sub-Saharan Africa grew by 5.2 per cent to $53 billion, with Nigeria getting the largest share.

The figures from the global bank revealed that between 2015 and 2022, a total of $168.33 billion was sent home by Nigerians in the Diaspora.

A breakdown of the figures revealed that in 2015, the Diaspora remittance was $21.2 billion; it plummeted to $19.7 billion in 2016; and rose to $22bn in 2017.

It further stated that in 2018, it was $24.31 billion. It soon fell to $23.81 billion in 2019, and the pandemic caused it to fall to $17.21 billion in 2020. It came back stronger to $19.2 billion in 2021 and by 2022 the World Bank estimated that the inflows into the country had reached $20.9 billion.

Prior to 2020, Nigeria’s remittance inflows had only fallen below $20 billion once, when it fell to $19.7 billion in 2016. According to the World Bank, Diaspora remittance one of the top sources of non-oil foreign exchange for the country in 2022.

It noted that the sustained increase in Diaspora inflows since 2021 has been because of several new policies from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As of April 19, 2023, data from the CBN showed that Nigeria’s forex reserve was $34.43 billion, an 18.4 per cent increase from the $29.07 billion it was in 2015.

President Buhari To Unveil 81 National And Regimental Colours For Nigeria Army

By
Angel Gimalo
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President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday unveil 81 national and regimental colours for the newly established and operationalised units and retired unit colours of the Nigerian Army.

The Army’s Director of Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, said this while briefing journalists on the Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade on Tuesday in Abuja. Mr Nwachukwu, a brigadier general, said the last trooping and presentation of Colours Parade for the army units was conducted in 2007.

He added that new units had been established and operationalised since then in line with the increasing operational commitments of the army as well as provisions of its extant Order of Battle (ORBAT).He said colours were usually retired after 10 years of service.

According to him, most of the colours in the Nigerian Army have been used in multiple operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries, hence deserving retirement and the presentation of new ones.

“It is against this backdrop and in line with the traditions, customs and ethics of the Nigerian Army, trooping and presentation of colours parade 2023 will be conducted to retire torn or worn out colours.

“A total of 81 units will, therefore, be participating in the parade; 53 colours will be due for retirement, while 28 will be presented to new units.

The event is a unique ceremony not only to the units eligible for colour presentation, as many are looking up to this ceremony to witness the height of military discipline and regimentation.

“No doubt the parade will win more admirers for the Nigerian Army as it will provide another opportunity to showcase its reputation for excellent and colourful parades,” he said. According to him, Mr Buhari is the special guest of honour and reviewing officer in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The event will also have in attendance members of the National and Executive Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Governors of the States benefitting Units.Others are Service Chiefs, past Chief of Army Staff, senior military officers both serving and retired, captains of industries as well as other important dignitaries,” he said.

Mr Nwachukwu explained that the national and regimental colours carried by army units during parades and ceremonial activities were an important source of identity and pride not only for the units involved but for the army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He added that the sight of the colours created a feeling of pride in soldiers and ex-soldiers. He said from ancient history, colours had served as inspiration for heroic acts of self-sacrifice and became the symbol of the fighting spirit of regiments.

He explained that colours also symbolised the campaigns, battle honours and badges granted to the regiment in commemoration of the gallant deeds performed by its members from the time it was raised.

The association of the colours with heroic deeds of the units emblazoned on them has led to the custom of regarding the colours with veneration,” he added. Mr Nwachukwu advised motorists to make use of alternative routes and all proximate routes to the Eagle Square from 5.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Thursday.

Tips To Avoid Dehydration

By
Olasunbo Okoromi
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Dehydration is the unhealthy removal of water in the body system.

Research has shown that Dehydration is majorly caused by not drinking enough fluid or by losing more fluid than you take in.

Fluid is lost through sweat, tears, vomiting, and urine. The severity of dehydration can depend on a number of factors, such as climate, level of physical activity, diet, heat exposure, high fever and many more.

Symptoms of Dehydration are numerous, and they may include:

  • feeling thirsty.
  • dark yellow, strong-smelly urine.  
  • Urinating  less often than usual.    
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded.   
  • Feeling tired.
  • A dry mouth, lips and tongue.   
  • Sunken eyes.  
  • Cramps.
  •  Shock.

There many ways to prevent Dehydration, here is a few

Drink plenty of water.

Drink a cup of water about 4 hours before you exercise.

Have another half-cup of water every 10 to 15 minutes while you’re exercising.

Drink about 2 cups of water after exercising.

Always go about your daily activities with a bottle of water close by.

Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water content, such as Watermelon, Strawberries, Oranges, Cucumber, Lettuce and many more. 

Avoid or limit drinks with caffeine like coffee, teas and soft drinks.

Don’t skip meals, more fluids are gotten from regular meals.

Avoid or limit drinks with alcohol.

If you or your loved one have symptoms of severe dehydration, contact your doctor immediately.

Anambra Health Commissioner Says Prevention Is Best Way To Tackle Malaria

By
Olasunbo Okoromi
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Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has affirmed that the best way to tackle malaria diseases is by strict adherence to the preventive measures.

He stated this in Awka, the state capital while commemorating the World Malaria Day. He reiterated the commitment of Governor Charles Soludo’s led administration in disease prevention across the state.

Obidike noted that the State Government, knowing the importance of preventing malaria diseases, partnered with the Malaria Consortium Group to distribute 3.8million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to all the households in the state.

He explained that Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that continues to have a devastating impact on the health and livelihood of people around the world.

He stated that within Africa, Nigeria contributes significantly to the global malaria cases and deaths, with the highest rates of 27% and 31% respectively.

The health commissioner explained that last year, Anambra state government distributed over 3.8 million Insecticide Treated Nets to households in Anambra, with the first Lady Mrs Nonye Soludo as the Net Ambassador for the state.

He lauded the Governor’s wife Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo who is the state Malaria Ambassador for her genuine efforts and commitment in eliminating malaria in the state.

Director of Public Health in the Ministry, Dr. Afam Anaeme eulogized the successes recorded in the fight against malaria in the state, calling for all hands to be on deck in the fight against the disease.

World Malaria Day: Minister of Health Gives Press Briefing

By
Olasunbo Okoromi
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As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Malaria day, the disease still remains a major public health challenge in the country.

Experts are of the view that not using local content is inhibiting the fight against the disease.

With the theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement,”, this year’s celebration focuses on the implementation of strategies to reach especially the vulnerable age group children under 5 years and Pregnant women.

The Federal government has therefore been called upon to ensure adequate domestic financing and local manufacturing of malaria drugs and commodities to reduce the scourge of malaria in Nigeria.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge with an estimated 97 million cases and 300,000 deaths annually. Although progress has been made in reducing the burden of this disease with the introduction of the RN2 vaccine, much work still needs to be done to eliminate it”.

Nigeria alone accounted for (31.3%) of global malaria deaths, followed by the democratic republic of the Congo (12.6%), the united republic of Tanzania (4.1%), and Niger (3.9%).

Meanwhile The Federal Government has said the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine is expected to be in the country by April 2024.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who spoke at a press briefing in commemoration of World Malaria Day on Tuesday said Nigeria has applied for the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in the third application widow for the vaccine which ended April 18, 2023.

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