Bob-Manuel Udokwu raises Concerns In Nollywood

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April 25, 2023

Veteran actor in the Nigerian film industry, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has voiced his concerns about the state of Nollywood in a recent social media Live session.

He attributed the industry’s failure to reach its full potential to the influx of amateur actors and directors who are taking on leading roles.

Udokwu expressed his disappointment, saying that Nollywood ought to be greater than what it is at the moment.

He called attention to the unprofessional activities happening in the industry and the need for real professionals to step forward and take back Nollywood.

“Many half-baked practitioners have invaded the industry,” he stated. “The real professionals should step forward and take back Nollywood.”

Nollywood has become a major player in the global film industry, but its growth has been hindered by several factors, including piracy and a lack of funding.

Udokwu’s comments highlight another issue that is holding the industry back.

The actor’s remarks have sparked a conversation on social media, with many people sharing their thoughts on the topic.

Some agree with Udokwu, saying that Nollywood needs to improve its standards to be taken seriously as a film industry.

Others argue that the industry should be more inclusive and provide opportunities for aspiring actors and directors, regardless of their level of experience.

Former UN Head Ban Ki-Moon Urges Army To End Myanmar Violence

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Zoe Maven

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April 25, 2023

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Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked Military leaders in Myanmar to navigate a way out of the country’s violent political crisis, including releasing political detainees.

Ban met Monday in the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw with the leader of the military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, and other top officials.

His mission was made on behalf of a group of elder statesmen which Ban chairs and which engages in peacemaking and human rights initiatives around the world.

The 77-year-old Suu Kyi was imprisoned for 33 years after the takeover on charges widely seen as being trumped up by the military to keep her from playing an active role in politics.

Her trials were held behind closed doors, and the military has turned down requests from U.N. officials, foreign diplomats and other interested parties to see her.

Myanmar has been wracked by violence since the army’s takeover, which prevented Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party from beginning a second term in office. The takeover was met with massive public opposition, which security forces quashed with deadly force, in turn triggering widespread armed resistance.

Myanmar’s military government has spurned previous outside initiatives calling for negotiations as an infringement on Myanmar’s sovereignty, and generally describes the pro-democracy opposition as terrorists.

The Elders’ statement said Ban warned that elections promised by the military must be held only under free and fair conditions.

Holding elections under current conditions risks further violence and division, and the results not being recognized by the people of Myanmar, ASEAN and the wider international community.

West Steps Up Sanctions On Iran’s Revolutionary Guard

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Zoe Maven

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April 25, 2023

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The United States, UK and European Union have toughened sanctions against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IGRC) as part of new restrictions on Tehran over alleged human rights violations.

The sanctions are an addition to measures already taken over Iran’s hardline response to protests that rocked the country since the September death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died in custody after being arrested for allegedly breaching the country’s dress code for women.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced Monday a travel ban and assets freeze on four individuals and the IRGC “in its entirety,” while the US Treasury Department sanctioned four senior officials of Iran’s security forces.

Brussels added eight individuals including a hardline lawmaker, a regional IRGC commander and officials at its investment arm, to its sanctions list, as well as mobile operator Ariantel which has been accused of having helped authorities track down protesters..

US sanctions targeted four senior officials of the Law Enforcement Forces of Iran and IRGC, the primary Iranian security forces responsible for the regime’s brutal suppression of the protests that broke out in September 2022″ after Amini’s arrest and death.

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also took action against Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace leader, taking aim at the authority overseeing cyberspace policy and the blocking of popular websites.

Treasury under Secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson said Iranian people deserve freedom of expression without the threat of violent retaliation and censorship from those in power.

Washington’s latest sanctions involve blocking the US property of those targeted alongside their majority-owned entities, among other restrictions.

Sudan: Students Efforts To Reach Borders Worrisome- FG

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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April 25, 2023

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The federal government has expressed worry that Nigerian students in the war-torn country were trying to find their way to borders of Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia or Chad on their own as people try to get to safety following the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

The government noted that while concerted efforts were being made to evacuate them, parents should advise their wards to remain calm and maintain constant communication with officials of the Nigerian embassy in Sudan for instructions and updates.

The government’s position was contained in a joint statement by ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development signed by the permanent secretaries of the ministries.

They expressed “concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan and empathise with the entire civilian population in the country, including the Nigerian students, and other members of the Nigerian community caught up in the ongoing crisis between the Sudanese army and the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.”

The statement was signed by Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

It read in part: “The Honourable Ministers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, MHADMSD, note with concern that some of these students are trying to find their way to contiguous borders of either Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia or Chad on their own.

Sudan Crisis: Ethiopia Denies Fleeing Students Entry

“In line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, the humanitarian sector comprising MHADMSD, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA; National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, are working very closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Missions in the countries bordering Sudan, as well as with other relevant stakeholders, especially the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Ministry of Health, the Nigerian

Armed Forces, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, and international humanitarian organizations such as International Organization for Migration, IOM, to immediately evacuate these Students and other affected Nigerian citizens.

“The ministers, therefore, urge parents to advise their wards that while concerted efforts are being made to evacuate them, the students should endeavour to remain calm and maintain constant communication with officials of the Nigerian embassy in Sudan for instructions and updates.

Contacts
“They can reach the embassy officials on the following telephone numbers: +2348035866773, +249961956284, +2348063636862, +249961956274, +2349066663493.

“Furthermore, they are also advised to guard against undertaking the treacherous journey to the borders on their own, in view of the dangers involved.

“On this note, the ministers emphasise that concrete plans are underway, to deploy, very shortly, air transport to evacuate all stranded Nigerian citizens through the identified safe transit areas back home to Nigeria in safety and dignity.”

Fox News, CNN Let Their Knights Go

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faith Jegede

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April 25, 2023

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Fox News and CNN have both parted ways with their knights, much to the surprise of over four million viewers.

Americas Fox Corporation shed $930 million in market value, as much as 5% of their stocks after announcing Tucker Carlson would depart the company’s news arm.

The split came one week after the company settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $788 million due to what was ruled as the network’s spread of misinformation relating to the 2020 Presidential election and election fraud.

Carlson has consistently been one of the most popular hosts at Fox News, with his 8 pm talk show being the most watched news show on cable TV Consistently.

Fox News said in a statement that Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson had agreed to part ways. Thanking him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.

The company said it will fill the 8 pm hour with a rotation of Fox News personalities until it names a new host.

Almost as if on cue, news network CNN, severed ties with controversial news anchor and the host of its morning show, Don Lemon

According to the network, he was widely criticized for sexist comments he made on “CNN This Morning” in February, amongst other incidences.

On tuckers end, the anchor posted on his social media saying “I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at work.”

But after Lemon posted his tweet, the CNN Corporate account answered by saying: “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.

While everything in life is transient, news of the two powerhouses, who were literally the faces of their news stations, which almost always had opposing views have stirred the pot of American journalism and left many wondering what happens now.

French Court Halts Controversial Migrant Expulsions From Mayotte Slum

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Zoe Maven

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April 25, 2023

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A court in Mamoudzou on Tuesday stopped the clearance of one slum located at Koungou near the capital at the last minute, saying the action had no legal foundation and threatened public liberties.

Some 1,800 members of the French security forces have been deployed for the operation, including hundreds sent from Paris, with young locals and police clashing in the district of Tsoundzou outside the main town of Mamoudzou since Sunday.

The operation, aims to expel migrants from urban slums on Mayotte to improve living conditions for locals in France’s poorest department.

Most of the illegal migrants being deported are Comoran. It also said it had suspended passenger traffic at a port where deported migrants usually land.

The plan is for those without papers to be sent back to the Comoran island of Anjouan, 70 kilometres away from Mayotte. “We will not stop the operations… to fight against delinquency and unsanitary housing, with their consequences on illegal immigration,” the most senior Paris-appointed official on Mayotte.

In 2019, France pledged 150 million euros or $161 million, in development aid as part of a deal to tackle human trafficking and ease the repatriation of Comorans from Mayotte. Around half of Mayotte’s roughly 350,000 population is estimated to be foreign, most of them Comoran.

Many African migrants, especially Comorans, try to reach Mayotte illegally every year. These risky crossings risk ending in tragedy when the “kwassa kwassa” — the small motorised fishing boats used by people smugglers — are shipwrecked.

Mayotte is the fourth island of the Comoros archipelago that France held on to after an initial 1974 referendum, but it is still claimed by Moroni.

Barcelona Gets Camp Nou renovation Funding

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Emenike Agu

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April 25, 2023

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Barcelona FC has finally secured funding to regenerate their Camp Nou stadium and the surrounding areas.

The club initially announced renovation plans in 2014, but a host of problems since have meant only a small part of the work has taken place.

The project now looks set to accelerate quickly upon the completion of the season.

However, with Barcelona confirming on that 20 investors have made €1.45 billion ($1.6 billion) available.

Barca assured concerned fans that club assets were not used as a guarantee and a mortgage wasn’t taken out on the stadium”,

Repayments are set to be made in instalments paid at five, seven, nine, 20, and 24 years “with a flexible structure”.

According to a statement from the Barca Hierarchy, The operation once again confirms the club’s credibility regarding the Spotify Camp Nou project, the epicentre for Espai Barca.

The project is essential when it comes to keeping Barcelona at the forefront of world sport, is one of the foundations for the club’s economic recovery and future viability.

“It is a tool to enable continuation of the governance model, whereby the over 146,000 Club members are its owners.

In the coming days, the club will hold a press conference regarding the details of the operation.”

While Barca will play out the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign at Camp Nou, it had already been confirmed they are to move to the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic for next season.

Barcas is reportedly hoping to be back at Camp Nou in late 2024.

Northern Ireland Pauses New School Construction Work

By

Precious Obazee

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April 25, 2023

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Northern Ireland will have no new school buildings or school extensions in 2023-24 due to cuts to the education budget.

Though work already started will continue but no new building projects will begin.

A scheme to provide devices like iPads and laptops to disadvantaged pupils is also being paused.

It comes as a forum representing more than 50 public bodies, including the Education Authority (EA), said that critical services are being put at risk by the lack of a Stormont budget.

The Public Sector Chairs’ Forum has written to Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris calling on him to provide a manageable way forward for public services.

It called for a strategic approach to protect services, provide value for money and a strong platform for reform.

The details of a pause on new school construction work were revealed in a letter to principals from the Department of Education about funding for capital projects.

No new school buildings or extensions amid escalating cuts to education budget

Capital spending is different to day-to-day spending and pays for buildings or infrastructure.

The Department of Education (DE) has already cut a number of schemes that helped schools and pupils in advance of its 2023-24 budget being confirmed.

The budget included a fund for schools to help provide extra support for disadvantaged pupils.

There have been warnings that Stormont departments may face large cuts when the Northern Ireland secretary delivers the 2023-24 budget.

In a letter to school heads, the Department of Education’s director of investment and infrastructure, Dr Suzanne Kingon, said a reduced capital budget and rising construction costs would mean extremely difficult decisions.

She said the indicative funding for the department’s 2023-24 capital budget was £180m, a fall from the previous year.

Dr Kingon said school buildings already being constructed would continue, but other planned work would be affected.

School enhancement is for school buildings costing between £500,000 and £4m.

School enhancement does not replace a whole school with a new building but can provide a school with new classrooms or other new facilities.

Dr Kingon said other schemes paid for from the capital budget would also be affected.

The department was spending about £1m a year providing schools with high numbers of pupils entitled to free school meals with new digital devices like laptops and iPads.

It followed a recommendation contained in the 2021 “A Fair Start” report into the impact of deprivation on education.

The department had planned to provide about 16,000 devices to about 450 schools by 2026, but that timetable is now unlikely to be met.

Dr Kingon said about £70m would be spent on emergency repairs to schools and creating extra school places for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in 2023-24.

However, the Education Authority has previously said that there is a backlog for school maintenance and repairs in Northern Ireland of about £500m.

U.S President Joe Biden Announces 2024 Re-Election Campaign

By

Zoe Maven

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April 25, 2023

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President Joe Biden has formally announced that he is running for reelection in 2024, and called on voters to give him their mandate one more time to finish the job he began when he was sworn in to office.

The announcement, in a three-minute video, comes on the four-year anniversary of when Biden declared for the White House in 2019, promising to heal the soul of the nation.

There have been concerns over the president who would be 86 at the end of a second term, but Biden is betting his first-term legislative achievements and more than 50 years of experience in Washington will far outweigh any such concerns.

Biden faces a smooth path to winning his party’s nomination, with no serious Democratic rivals but he is still bound to fight hard in order to retain the presidency in a bitterly divided nation.

While the question of seeking reelection has been a given for most modern presidents, that’s not always been the case for Biden, as a notable swath of Democratic voters have indicated they would prefer he not run, in part because of his age.

As the contours of the campaign begin to take shape, Biden plans to campaign on his record.

He spent his first two years as president combating the coronavirus pandemic and pushing through major bills such as the bipartisan infrastructure package and legislation to promote high-tech manufacturing and climate measures.

With Republicans now in control of the House, Biden has shifted his focus to implementing those massive laws and making sure voters credit him for the improvements, while sharpening the contrast with the GOP ahead of an expected showdown over raising the nation’s borrowing limit that could have debilitating consequences for the country’s economy.

Guinea Launch Probe After Fishermen Suffer Skin Problems

By

Zoe Maven

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April 25, 2023

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More than 50 fishermen in the West African state of Guinea have been hospitalised with an unknown skin ailment after photos circling on social networks show fishermen with faces, mouths and limbs covered in pimples and lesions.

Spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo said in a statement said the government has set up an inter-ministerial crisis management committee made up of representatives of the ministries of the environment, fisheries, health, transport and mining as well as the maritime prefecture

He said a committee of scientists had taken samples of sea water in the suspect areas, and these were being analysed in laboratories in Guinea and abroad.

“While waiting for the results, the government urges fishermen to be cautious and avoid fishing areas with a compact ochre-coloured sheet of water, he added.

Analyses carried out on fishery products brought in by the affected fishermen indicate they are safe to consume.

In November 2020, hundreds of Senegalese fishermen contracted an unknown skin ailment with similar symptoms.

Senegal’s health ministry later ruled out the risk of contagion and reported that all cases were progressing favourably and without complication. It said it did not know the cause of the disease