Satellite Maps Warming Impact On Global Glaciers

By

-

April 26, 2023

Scientists have obtained their best satellite assessment yet of the status of the world’s glaciers.

Europe’s Cryosat satellite tracked the 200,000 or so glaciers on Earth and found they have lost 2,720bn tonnes of ice in 10 years.

That’s equivalent to losing 2% of their bulk in a decade.

Monitoring how quickly glaciers are changing is important because millions of people rely on them for water and farming.

The world’s glaciers are distributed across all latitudes, not just at the poles. A few hundred are routinely measured at ground level – the best way to assess them. But for the vast majority, observation from space is the only way to keep an eye on how they are responding to extreme weather.

It’s important that we do that. Like the broader ice sheets, their whiteness reflects sunlight and helps cool the planet.

And in many parts of the globe, glaciers also function as critical water reservoirs. More than 20% of the world’s population is thought to be dependent in some way on summer melt waters that flow from glaciers – for drinking, for agriculture and to drive hydropower stations.

Consul-General Says South Africa Is Open For Tourism

By

Koko Lawrence

-

April 26, 2023

0

The South African Consul-General in Lagos, Dr Bobby Moroe, called on Nigerians to choose South Africa as their preferred tourist destination.

He made the call during the South Africa Week, which held in Lagos, to celebrate the country’s 29th anniversary of democratic rule as well as bilateral and diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

According to Moroe, South Africa is a suitable country to visit for business, conferencing, tourism, education and leisure.

“Today, we are celebrating the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, we are also celebrating 29 years of democracy in South Africa.

“We have chosen to celebrate in Nigeria to appreciate the role Nigeria has played in struggle for South Africans’ liberation.

“South Africa will never forget the role Nigeria has played in its liberation agenda, so this is how we show our appreciation.

“Today is the begining of a new journey in the renewal of our friendship with Nigerians. So, we urge Nigerians to visit South Africa for conferencing, studies, business and to find love.

“South Africa is open for tourism,” he added.

Also,Thekiso Rakolojane, Regional Head, South Africa Tourism (SAT), said the ‘Rainbow Nation’ was well endowed with choice destinations for tourists as he explained the available attractions.

“We at South Africa Tourism are excited to be part of the celebration of South Africa week. We have been here since 2015 and we appreciate the relationship so far.

“We seize this opportunity to welcome tourists to South Africa to explore the abundance of beaches, wildlife and all,” he said.

Some of the South Africans and Nigerians at the programme, in separate interviews spoke on their attractions for cultures of other countries.

Musa Nzuza, a South African, who is into industrial catering, said ”I cherish Nigerian food and their respectful nature; the greetings are second to none; I always feel like a queen when they greet. Infact, Nigeria is my second home.”

Also, Herman Franken, who works with South Africa International Breweries, said having worked in Zambia, Namibia and Ghana, he could boldly say Nigerians were more friendly and approachable.

Similarly, Lynette Mitchell, Financial Manager with SON International, described Nigerians as welcoming, hospitable and best people in Africa.

A Nigerian Model, Kenneth Joseph, said ”South Africans are also loving individuals who are so passionate about their culture. This, I cherish in them.

“Nigerians must also learn to take pride in their culture and improve on exhibiting it.”

Delegates at the event were entertained with scintillating Zulu dance performance.

Malaria Day: House Of Reps Calls For Use Of Local Drugs

By

Olasunbo Okoromi

-

April 26, 2023

0

The House of Representatives says lack of adequate Domestic Financing, inadequate use of local content in terms of production as well as the patronage of locally made Long Lasting Insecticide Nets, LLINs and antimalarial drugs are key challenges to ending malaria in Nigeria.

The House Spokesperson, Benjamin Kalu, in a statement to commemorate this year’s ‘World Malaria Day’, stated that four African countries, including Nigeria, accounted for over half of all malaria deaths worldwide.

Kalu said that “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%).”

He stated that malaria remained a significant public health challenge with an estimated 97 million cases and 300,000 deaths annually.

Noting that although progress has been made in reducing the burden of this disease, he said much work still needed to be done to eliminate it.

The lawmaker said that the key areas of challenge to addressing the Malaria burden in Nigeria have been issues of donor dependence for malaria intervention in the country.

He however decried the lukewarm attitude of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP, leadership and slow actions from UNOPs the procurement agency for Islamic Bank funding and the World Bank has affected the urgent procurement of these commodities despite the availability of the funds and commodities locally produce in Nigeria.

He also called on the NMEP, UNOPs and the World Bank to fast-track the procurement of lifesaving commodities to mitigate the high burden of malaria in Nigeria as reiterated in the 2023 World Malaria Theme.

Exploring Kapellbrücke, A Beautiful Wooden Footbridge In Switzerland

By

Angel Gimalo

-

April 26, 2023

0

The Kapellbrücke is a beautiful wooden footbridge that is covered and it spans across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne within the central part of the Swiss Confederation. When translated, its name literally means Chapel Bridge, and it was named as that because of the Saint Peter’s Chapel which is located in the vicinity of it.

With total length of 205 meters (672 feet), the bridge is considered to have been built in 1333, although there are sources which state that the bridge itself was built around 1365 as part of the fortification. The wooden structure has an octagonal tower named Wasseturm which is 35 meters (113 feet) from the river’s bottom to the pointy top.

The tower is built some 30 years before the initial construction of Kapellbrücke and throughout the centuries it was used as a prison, torture chamber, and later a municipal archive.

Still, the Kapellbrücke is considered of being the oldest surviving bridge as such in the world, and as there are strutted and triangulated trusses of moderate span which are then supported on piled trestles, within the wooden bridge visitors can admire the impressive triangular paintings that can date back to 17 century and show the long history and legends of Lucerne.

Unfortunately, on 18 August 1993 there was a severe fire which most likely was caused by a cigarette and burned down almost the entire bridge, yet saving only one third of the paintings.

The following year, a major rebuilding began in the month of April, which brought back the grandeur of the historic bridge for which the city of Lucerne is famous. From the surviving paintings that numbered 147 and consistently endured the Swiss weather conditions, only 47 survived, and from the burnt ones, only 30 were completely restored.

In conclusion, serving as one of the greatest Lucerne monuments, the Kapellbrücke shall continue to allure people to get to the city and witness in person this marvelous creation which will, with hope, won’t be destroyed or burned down once again.

World Book Day: KwaraLEARN Distributes 1M Textbooks

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

April 26, 2023

0

KwaraLEARN, with a renewed commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders through reading and learning, joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Book Day 2023.

World Book Day is an annual celebration that promotes the love of books and reading. Every year, on April 23rd, people all over the world come together to acknowledge the importance of books as a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.

This year’s World Book Day theme, selected by UNESCO, is “Indigenous Languages.” This theme highlights the significance of preserving and promoting the use of indigenous languages, which are an essential part of cultural heritage and identity.

KwaraLEARN recognises the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages, especially in a region where a significant portion of the population are native Yorùbá speakers. In line with UNESCO’s Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032, KwaraLEARN has made a concerted effort to incorporate indigenous language lessons and resources into its curriculum.

In the past year, KwaraLEARN distributed over 1,184,915 textbooks and learning materials to schools in Kwara State, amongst these, indigenous language textbooks, demonstrating a commitment to changing the status quo and improving the quality of education for each and every child.

“We believe that language is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity and that by preserving and promoting indigenous languages, we can help create a more diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich society,” said KwaraLEARN’s Academic Director, Femi Oyinloye.

As the world celebrates the importance of books and reading on this special day, KwaraLEARN is reaffirming its commitment to provide accessible and affordable quality basic education to every child in Kwara State, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader” is not just a catchy slogan; it’s a truth that has been proven time and time again. We believe that reading and learning are the keys to unlocking a brighter future for the Kwaran child and our nation,” said the Managing Director of KwaraLEARN, Isaiah Owolabi.

While we are committed to promoting indigenous languages and preserving cultural heritage, we also recognise the importance of providing our pupils with access to quality education across a broad range of subjects. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the modern world, Isaiah added.

As part of our World Book Day celebration, KwaraLEARN is organising a series of events aimed at promoting reading culture. These events include book swaps and storytelling sessions, all aimed at fostering a love for reading.

KwaraLEARN-.png

KwaraLEARN’s World Book Day celebration is a testament to its commitment to providing quality education to the children of Kwara State. By promoting a culture of literacy and education, KwaraLEARN is empowering the next generation of leaders to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

2019 Nobel Prize-winning economist, Professor Michael Kremer’s groundbreaking study in Kenya found that the same methodology that underpins KwaraLEARN delivered learning three times more in literacy than traditional teaching methods. The study is among the greatest of any rigorously studied intervention in Africa/Emerging Markets.

“We believe that reading is essential to personal and professional growth, and we are committed to fostering a love for reading in our pupils, but equally important is our mission to provide solutions to learning poverty,” said Dr Razak Agboola, a Learning and Innovation Expert at KwaraLEARN.

As the celebration comes to an end, KwaraLEARN reiterates its commitment to empowering every child in Kwara State with quality education and the tools they need to succeed. With a renewed focus on promoting indigenous languages, KwaraLEARN is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region while also providing access to quality education.

Nigerians leave Sudan for Egypt — Abike Dabiri-Erewa

By

Doreen Jemi

-

April 26, 2023

0

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on her twitter page @abikedabiri, has confirmed that helpless Nigerians in Sudan have begun movement from the country to Cairo, Egypt.

The NiDCOM boss disclosed that the students were being put on buses according to their states of origin. “For ease of conveying the students, they were put on the buses according to their states of origin”

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://punchng.com/sudan-ethiopia-blocks-fleeing-nigerian-students-factions-agree-72-hour-ceasefire/%3Famp&ved=2ahUKEwiFz7qUi8j-AhVH_rsIHTMtBgUQFnoECD4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3G94L6e_6liMQ4EgGey_Ig

Dabiri-Erewa said.It was not yet clear the number of Nigerians that have moved so far, but the NiDCOM Chair added that two more buses from another location (El-Razy University) were now ready to also depart, emphasizing that the first set took off from International University for Africa.

Dabiri-Erewa also said, “Our next update, by God’s grace, will be when they arrive their location. Please put them in prayers.”

Abia Gov. Describes State’s School Of Nursing As Cheapest In Nigeria

By

Olasunbo Okoromi

-

April 26, 2023

0

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has described the Abia State School of Nursing and Midwifery, Umuahia, as the cheapest of its kind in the country.

He said that the reasonable fees charged by the school management made it more attractive than any other similar institution in the country and of high demand by prospective students.

He stated this following a report that some students had accused the school management of exploitation and called for the governor’s intervention.

The students had alleged that the school received applications from admission seekers in excess of available slots and compelled them to pay N500,000 each, as school fees.

They further alleged that after six months, the students were mandated to pay another N30, 000 for the school to facilitate their admission, but it never happened.

However, the governor said that no student was meant to pay any other fees, apart from the one approved by the government.

According to him, they are meant to pay N260,000, before his administration was inaugurated, but it was reviewed downward to N215, 000, to make it affordable for parents.

Meanwhile, a reliable management source has dismissed the allegation by the students, saying that the school was being guided by Standard Operating Procedure.

It was said that the condition of anonymity that every fund collected from the students goes into the state account.

It further said that it was not possible for anyone to say that they paid money to an individual.

The source challenged any person with such a claim to come forward with evidence to prove it.

The process of admitting students into the institution, the source noted, was similar to that of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, where millions of students would purchase forms and write examinations, but only a sizable number would be offered admission.

The source further said that entrance examination into the school was being conducted by the Council of Nursing in Abuja, which also determines the cut-off mark.

According to the official, once the council is through with both the entrance examination and oral interview, the list of successful candidates would be published.

Once Upon A Time – April 26 – 1956 – 1st Modern Container Ship, Leaves Port Newark, New Jersey For Houston, Texas

By

Angel Gimalo

-

April 26, 2023

0

1478 Pazzi conspirators attack Lorenzo de’ Medici and kill Giuliano de’ Medici in Florence

1920 Harlow Shapley and Heber D. Curtis hold “great debate” on the nature of nebulae, galaxies and size of the universe at US National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.

1945 Marshal Philippe Pétain, leader of France’s Vichy collaborationist regime during World War II, arrested for treason

1956 First modern container ship, the Ideal X, leaves Port Newark, New Jersey for Houston, Texas

1986 World’s worst nuclear disaster: 4th reactor at Chernobyl nuclear power station in USSR explodes, 31 die, radioactive contamination reaches much of Western Europe

2005 Under international pressure, Syria withdraws the last of its 14,000 troop military garrison in Lebanon, ending its 29-year military domination of that country.

Historical Events Today Events in 2023

Today in Film & TV

1954 “Seven Samurai”, Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshiro Mifune, is released

Today in Music

1965 Charles Ives’ 4th Symphony premieres at Carnegie Hall, New York, 11 years after the composer’s death

Today in Sport

1941 A tradition begins, 1st organ at a baseball stadium (Chicago Cubs)

1859 Dan Sickles is acquitted of murder on grounds of temporary insanity – 1st time this defense used successfully in the US

1952 Patty Berg scores 64, best competitive round of golf by a woman

Famous Weddings

1709 Frisian viceroy Johan Willem Friso marries countess Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel

1923 English prince Albert Duke of York (George VI) (27) marries Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (22) at Westminster Abbey

1946 Father Divine, controversial religious leader claimed to be God, marries the much-younger Edna Rose Ritchings, a celebrated anniversary in the International Peace Mission movement

DSTV Subscription Hike: MultiChoice State Reasons

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

April 26, 2023

0

MultiChoice Nigeria has explained the reason it is increasing the prices of subscriptions for its various packages on DSTV.

The company had announced that it would be increasing subscription rate for various packages on DSTV from 1 May, 2023.

MultiChoice, in a memo said it decided to review its subscriptions rate upward due to the various economic challenges impacting its business operations.

The company stated that it had to review the price of its packages to continue delighting its customers with great entertainment, anytime and anywhere.

It said it acknowledged the difficult economic climate and thus kept the increase at the lowest possible point while ensuring sustainability and provision of quality services.

The memo said at MultiChoice Nigeria, its mission was to deliver value to its customers by making great entertainment accessible.

NANS Gives MultiChoice 7 Days To Reverse Price Hike

However, the company had announced that beginning from 1 May, DStv subscribers on the Premium package would be paying N24,500, from the N21,000 they were currently paying while the price of the Compact+ bouquet was also increased to N16,600 from N14,250 monthly.

Customers on Compact bouquet will now pay N10,500 as against N9,000 while those on the Confam package are to pay N6,200 compared to the previous N5,300.

Under the new price regime, viewers of DStv Yanga and Padi bouquets will pay N3,500 and N2,500 respectively, as against N2,950 and N2,150.

Expert Advocates Free Malaria Treatment for Children In Anambra

By

Olasunbo Okoromi

-

April 26, 2023

0

Public health expert and parasi0tologist, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, has urged Anambra State Government to declare treatment of malaria-free for children in all its health facilities.

Aribodor, who is a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, made the call in Awka to mark 2023 World Malaria Day.

World Malaria Day is commemorated every April 25 to raise awareness about the disease and promote efforts to combat it.

Aribodor, also the Founder of Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative of Nigeria, said that free malaria treatment would ensure adequate attention and protection of children from the disease.

According to him, children are the most vulnerable to the infection.

He said that malaria was prevalent among children under five years as well as among pregnant women.

According to him, many families in Anambra had resorted to taking herbal concoctions to treat malaria because they could not afford the cost of its diagnosis and treatment in hospitals.

He also urged the state government to ensure the availability of malaria drugs in public hospitals.