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WHO Urges Immediate Safeguarding Of Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital In Gaza

The World Health Organization has raised a red flag over the rapidly deteriorating healthcare situation in Gaza, warning that the region’s medical infrastructure is on the brink of collapse. Nasser Medical Complex, a vital referral hub, and Al-Amal Hospital are now facing imminent shutdown. In northern Gaza, not a single hospital remains operational.

These two facilities in Khan Younis—the only public hospitals still active in the area—are serving a displaced and densely packed population. Should they become non-operational, countless people would be left without access to urgent medical care.

Though no direct evacuation orders have been given for patients or staff, both hospitals are situated within or adjacent to the zone designated for evacuation on 2 June. Health authorities have been informed by Israeli officials that the access roads leading to these facilities will be blocked. This would make it nearly impossible for patients and medical teams to enter or exit, rendering both hospitals effectively cut off. Any further deterioration could result in the total collapse of services, due to safety concerns, lack of mobility, and inability to deliver medical supplies or relocate patients.

Currently, Nasser and Al-Amal are stretched far beyond their normal capacity, receiving a steady stream of critically injured people. Yet, both facilities are facing a severe lack of crucial medicines and supplies. If these hospitals go out of service, it would jeopardize care for individuals requiring surgeries, intensive treatment, transfusions, cancer management, and dialysis support.

The shutdown of both hospitals would remove nearly 500 beds from Gaza’s already strained healthcare network, slashing the total number of functioning beds to under 1,400. That’s about 40% fewer than what was available before the conflict began—despite serving a population of 2 million people.

Healthcare infrastructure in Gaza has suffered repeated blows over an extended period. This destruction must stop. For more than 20 months, medical workers and aid organizations have managed to keep some semblance of care available despite daunting conditions. Yet continuous bombardments, restricted humanitarian aid, and lack of access have relentlessly undermined what remains of the healthcare system.

“WHO calls for urgent protection of Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital to ensure they remain accessible, functional and safe from attacks and hostilities. Patients seeking refuge and care to save their lives must not risk losing them trying to reach hospitals. Hospitals must never be militarized or targeted.”

The organization also insists that life-saving medicines and critical medical supplies be allowed into Gaza without delay, using every available route to deliver them.

“WHO calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.”

Interpol Issues Red Notice for Ghana’s Ex-Finance Minister

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Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who is now officially considered a fugitive from justice. 

Ghanaian prosecutors accuse the 65-year-old of abusing his public office for personal gain during his tenure, and allege his involvement in multiple corruption cases including irregularities in the handling of the controversial national cathedral project.

The Red Notice, released late Thursday, states that Ofori-Atta is wanted on charges of “using public office for profit.” While not an arrest warrant, the notice is a formal request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and detain the individual pending extradition.

Ofori-Atta, who is reportedly outside Ghana receiving medical treatment, has not publicly addressed the allegations but insists he has been “unlawfully treated.” He previously appealed to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to clear his name, promising a return date in May, which led to a temporary removal from the wanted list. However, his failure to appear before an investigative panel prompted the OSP to reissue the alert.

“We want him here physically, and we insist on it. A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations,” said state prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

The former minister, who served from January 2017 to February 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has also filed a lawsuit challenging his treatment and demanding that the OSP take down content about him from its social media platforms. The NPP lost power in December’s elections, ushering in President John Mahama and his new administration, which launched “Operation Recover All Loot” a sweeping anti-corruption drive already investigating over $20 billion in alleged stolen funds.

While the campaign has been applauded by some, critics have pointed out the selective approach, especially in cases involving Mahama’s former allies.

Chad Suspends U.S. Visas in Retaliation to Trump’s Travel Ban

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Chad has announced a suspension of visa issuance to U.S. citizens, a direct response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reinstated travel ban affecting 12 countries, including Chad. 

President Mahamat Idriss Deby made the announcement on Thursday, signaling that Chad would respond with “reciprocity” after being included in a list of nations accused by Trump of having “deficient” vetting systems and refusing to repatriate their nationals who overstay in the U.S.

“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has his dignity and pride,” Deby said, referencing a recent $400 million luxury plane gift from Qatar. Trump’s revived policy targets Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with additional restrictions set for several others starting Monday at 12:01 a.m.

The ban has stirred responses across the African continent. In the Republic of Congo, government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla described the move as a result of a “misunderstanding” related to an armed attack wrongly linked to the country. 

“Obviously, Congo is not a terrorist country, is not home to any terrorist, is not known to have a terrorist vocation. So we think that this is a misunderstanding and I believe that in the coming hours, the competent diplomatic services of the government will contact the American authorities here,” he said.

In Sierra Leone, which faces heightened restrictions, Information Minister Chernor Bah expressed readiness to cooperate with Washington. “We will work with U.S. authorities to ensure progress,” he added.

FG, Japan in Talks Over ¥15bn Food Security Loan

The Federal Government is ramping up negotiations with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expedite a ¥15bn (approximately $110 million) emergency loan aimed at boosting food security across Nigeria. 

This was revealed in a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Coordinating Ministry of the Economy on Wednesday, following a high-level meeting involving Finance Minister Wale Edun, Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, and senior JICA officials.

“The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, today met with senior representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency to advance the implementation of the Food Security Emergency Loan Support Programme,” the ministry said in the statement.

The loan is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural production systems, especially as the rainy season gets underway, with the ministers emphasizing the need for swift execution to benefit farmers and rural communities. “The JPY 15bn facility (approximately $110m) aims to support Nigeria’s food production systems and enhance resilience amid ongoing global supply challenges,” the ministry added.

JICA expressed continued commitment to the programme but called for formal clarification on implementation changes. “JICA welcomed the government’s commitment to delivery and requested formal clarification on proposed implementation adjustments. It was jointly agreed that core production activities would proceed immediately under the existing framework, while additional components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed in line with the original loan agreement,” the statement read.

This development comes as President Bola Tinubu seeks legislative approval for a broader $21.5 billion external borrowing plan under the 2025–2026 framework, which includes the ¥15bn JICA loan and a €51 million grant to fund key development initiatives. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria currently owes JICA $53.31 million. If the new loan is finalized, the debt will increase to $163.31 million.

Trump – Musk Feud: What Are The Issues?

Once allies who traded mutual praise and political synergy, President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk are now caught in one of the most visible and tense political fallouts in recent U.S. history. What began as a policy disagreement over government spending has gradually turned into a deeply personal and public confrontation — marked by harsh accusations, threats to business partnerships, and a flood of online statements.

The Issues at Hand

At the center of this rift lies the Trump-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation combining tax relief with massive increases in defense and immigration enforcement spending.

Musk, having just departed a cost-cutting advisory role in the administration, took to his platform X (formerly Twitter) to call the bill a “disgusting abomination” that would “massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion.”

This marked Musk’s first serious public break with Trump, whom he had supported both financially (with more than $250 million in campaign donations) and strategically through policy involvement.

Tensions deepened when it became apparent that the bill also contained provisions eliminating certain tax breaks — including electric vehicle incentives — which could impact Tesla. But sources close to Musk also revealed additional frustration stemming from the government’s rejection of a proposal to shift U.S. air traffic infrastructure to Musk’s satellite network, Starlink.
From there, the friction escalated quickly.

Trump responded swiftly, using Truth Social to mock Musk’s mental state and hint at removing his companies from lucrative federal contracts. He implied that Musk had become unstable after being denied influence over the infrastructure bill. “Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave,” Trump wrote. “He just went CRAZY!”

But it was Musk who delivered a shock to the system.

On Thursday afternoon, Musk stunned observers by posting:
“Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
The implications of the post were explosive — and unsubstantiated. No evidence was provided, and Musk has not explained how he would have access to unreleased files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges.

Nonetheless, the accusation marked a new, highly personal phase in the feud, described by one West Wing aide as “a total divorce.”

Social Media Reactions

The internet, predictably, erupted. Here are some notable posts on X
Bill Ackman (@BillAckman)

“I support @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk and they should make peace for the benefit of our great country.
We are much stronger together than apart.”

Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11)

“President Trump built this movement over 10 years. His supporters are NOT going anywhere.
I hope Elon and Trump reconcile and do so privately. It would be good for the country and the world if they do.”

Sen. JD Vance (@JDVance)

“President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I’m proud to stand beside him.”

The Implications

This public clash between two of the most influential figures in business and politics could have serious ripple effects.
From a business standpoint, Tesla’s stock experienced a sharp decline, falling 14.2% on Thursday, which erased about $152 billion from the company’s market capitalization. This downturn reflects investor concern over potential political and regulatory fallout from the feud.

Trump’s suggestion that the federal government review SpaceX and Tesla contracts raises concerns for national security projects and the future of commercial space launches — particularly those involving NASA partnerships and defense-related satellite infrastructure.

On the political side, the Republican Party is now facing pressure to choose between two prominent power brokers. While some lawmakers remain firmly behind Trump, others quietly acknowledge Musk’s influence, especially among younger voters and tech-minded conservatives.
And from the public’s perspective, there are growing concerns about how much power is concentrated in the hands of individuals who can stir national conversations — or derail legislative agendas — with a single post.

What’s Next?

Despite public calls for peace from figures like Bill Ackman, the future of the Trump–Musk relationship remains uncertain.
Musk has already stepped back from at least one controversial threat, to decommission the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, following a calming post from a user on X. “Good advice,” he replied. “Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”
Still, insiders on both sides believe this rupture won’t heal easily. “We thought this might happen around August,” one Trump aide said privately. “It just came earlier than expected.”

One thing is clear: this dispute is no longer about a spending bill. It has become a test of influence, loyalty, and the balance of power between political leadership and billionaire clout in America’s public life.

Akwa Ibom Governor Officially Dumps PDP for APC

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Naija News, the defection took place on Friday during a high-profile ceremony in Uyo, the state capital. The event was attended by key figures of the APC, including the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and several other party governors and chieftains.

In his address, Governor Eno stated that his move to the APC was made from a position of strength, not weakness. He emphasized the importance of aligning Akwa Ibom with federal-level politics for better synergy and development.

“We’re not joining the APC from a position of weakness, but from a position of strength. We’re bringing value to Akwa Ibom State. We’ve come into the APC with a ministry of reconciliation,” Eno said.

He explained that the decision followed comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and constituents across the state.

“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” he added.

Eno confirmed that he had formally submitted his resignation to the PDP leadership at all levels — ward, state, and national — before making his public declaration.

With this move, Umo Eno becomes the second PDP governor to switch allegiance to the APC under the current administration. The first was Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who defected on April 23, 2025.

Ex-OPEC President Prof. Jibril Aminu, Dies at 85

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Professor Jibril Aminu, a distinguished Nigerian diplomat, eminent medical scholar, and former Minister of Education and Petroleum, has passed away in Abuja at the age of 85.

According to the family, the former President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), and one-time President of the OPEC Conference, died on Thursday, June 5, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

His funeral prayer will be held at 2:00 p.m. today at the Abuja National Mosque. His body will then be flown to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, and later to his hometown in Song Local Government Area for burial.

Prof. Aminu, a trained cardiologist, earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965, where he was recognized as the best graduating student at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He later obtained a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London in 1972.

He served Nigeria in numerous high-profile roles, including as the country’s Ambassador to the United States (1999–2003) and as Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011). Earlier, he was appointed as Federal Minister of Education and subsequently Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992.

In 1991, while serving as Petroleum Minister, Prof. Aminu became President of OPEC and also led the OPEC Conference until 1992.

His passing marks the end of an era for a man whose contributions to Nigeria’s medical, educational, and petroleum sectors were both historic and impactful.

Ghana’s Gold Production to Hit 5.1 Million Ounces in 2025

Ghana’s gold production is expected to rise by 6.25% in 2025, reaching 5.1 million ounces, up from a record-setting 4.8 million ounces in 2024, according to the Ghana Chamber of Mines. This projected growth is being fueled by robust artisanal mining activity and the launch of new large-scale mining operations, which are helping to offset declining output from older mines.

The forecast, detailed in the Chamber’s annual report, follows an impressive 19.3% year-on-year increase in gold production in 2024, further cementing Ghana’s position as Africa’s top gold producer, ahead of South Africa and Mali.

Rising global gold prices have boosted Ghana’s export earnings and supported the cedi, aiding the country’s recovery from a prolonged economic downturn. In addition to gold, Ghana also ranks among the continent’s leading exporters of cocoa and crude oil.

Michael Akafia, President of the Chamber of Mines, highlighted that the increase in 2025 will be largely driven by higher production from Newmont’s Ahafo South Mine and Shandong Gold’s Namdini Mine.

Small-scale miners played a critical role in 2024, contributing a record 39.4% of total gold output. However, uncertainties lie ahead due to regulatory changes. In response, the government launched GoldBod, a new agency tasked with streamlining gold purchases from artisanal miners, increasing their earnings, and reducing illegal smuggling. Additionally, the withholding tax on domestic gold purchases has been abolished.

Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, praised the reforms and projected a 30% to 40% increase in small-scale output in 2024, thanks to improved policies. Nonetheless, the Chamber anticipates that small-scale production in 2025 will range between 1.5 million and 2 million ounces, slightly below 2024’s 1.9 million ounces.

Despite artisanal mining’s growth—much of which remains unregulated (70–80%)—concerns persist over environmental harm and its impact on cocoa farmlands.

Some large-scale mines, including Perseus Mining’s Edikan Mine, Gold Fields’ Damang and Tarkwa mines, and Zijin Mining’s Akyem Mine, are projected to see output decline, which may limit overall industry growth. Akafia emphasized the urgent need for increased exploration investments to sustain Ghana’s gold dominance.

Beyond gold, Ghana’s mining sector is also showing strong potential in other minerals:

  • Manganese output is expected to climb from 5 million to 8 million tonnes,
  • Bauxite production is projected to rise from 1.7 million to 2 million tonnes, and
  • Diamond output is forecast to increase from 330,000 to 400,000 carats by 2025.

South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung Holds First Cabinet Meeting

South Korea’s newly sworn-in President, Lee Jae-myung, held his first cabinet meeting on Thursday, unveiling urgent economic relief measures aimed at jumpstarting sluggish growth and supporting struggling households—top priorities from his campaign agenda.

Lee officially assumed office on Wednesday, following a swift victory in a snap election triggered by widespread public outrage over a short-lived martial law imposed by his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon’s controversial attempt to retain power led to his impeachment and removal, shaking confidence in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

During the cabinet session—comprised of interim officials from the caretaker government formed after Yoon’s ousting—President Lee stressed the need for swift and decisive action to address mounting economic hardships.

Thus far, Lee has appointed only one key official: Kim Min-seok, a veteran lawmaker and close confidant, as nominee for prime minister. As he scrambles to assemble a full cabinet and reestablish his administration, Lee has prioritized stability and continuity in governance.

He described his initial moments in the presidential office as “surreal,” noting the absence of essential tools like computers, printers, and even pens. “It felt as quiet as a graveyard,” Lee remarked. Most of the staff had been reassigned, though his spokesperson confirmed ongoing efforts to restore the office to full functionality.

Economic revival remains the cornerstone of Lee’s agenda. He has committed to a 30 trillion won (approximately $22 billion) fiscal stimulus package to spur growth. The Bank of Korea recently slashed its growth forecast to 0.8%, down sharply from its February estimate of 1.5%.

Speaking to journalists, Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok likened the current economic downturn to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, suggesting it could be even more severe due to unfavorable global conditions. “The economy is stagnant and declining. I believe this crisis may be worse,” Kim warned.

The previous administration struggled to counteract the effects of stiff U.S. tariffs that battered key export industries such as automobiles, electronics, and steel. President Lee now faces a steep uphill battle—not only to repair economic damage but also to heal political divisions left by the failed martial law episode and to navigate intensifying global protectionism, particularly from the United States.

Additionally, President Lee has annulled the appointments of two Constitutional Court judges selected by acting President Han Duck-soo, stating that Han, as an unelected interim leader, lacked the authority to make such nominations.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly—led by the Democratic Party—passed special counsel legislation to investigate former President Yoon for insurrection and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, over corruption allegations. Earlier attempts were repeatedly vetoed by Yoon and acting President Han, but with Yoon now facing trial for insurrection, the newly passed bills are expected to proceed.

FG Seeks ¥15bn Japanese Loan To Boost Food Security

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The Federal Government has intensified its discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to accelerate the implementation of a ¥15bn (approximately $110m) emergency loan aimed at improving food security nationwide.

This development was revealed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Coordinating Ministry of the Economy on Wednesday, following a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; and senior officials from JICA.

“The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, today met with senior representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency to advance the implementation of the Food Security Emergency Loan Support Programme,” the ministry said in the statement.

The statement noted that the $110m facility is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s food production systems and increase resilience in the face of ongoing global supply disruptions and domestic inflation.

“The JPY 15bn facility (approximately $110m) aims to support Nigeria’s food production systems and enhance resilience amid ongoing global supply challenges,” the ministry added.

Given that the rainy season is already in progress, the ministers highlighted the need to implement essential components of the programme swiftly to ensure timely support for farmers and rural populations.

“Both ministers emphasised the importance of swift, coordinated action to maximise impact for farmers and rural communities,” it stated.

In response, JICA reaffirmed its commitment to the programme but requested formal clarification on proposed changes to the implementation approach.

“JICA welcomed the government’s commitment to delivery and requested formal clarification on proposed implementation adjustments.

“It was jointly agreed that core production activities would proceed immediately under the existing framework, while additional components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed in line with the original loan agreement,” the statement read.

This development comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu submitted a request to the National Assembly for approval of a new external borrowing plan totaling $21.5bn under the 2025–2026 borrowing framework.

In addition to the $21.5bn proposal, the President is also seeking the legislature’s approval for the ¥15bn emergency loan and a €51m grant to support key development initiatives.

According to Tinubu’s letter to the National Assembly, the proposed funding will focus on job creation, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship promotion, poverty reduction, and strengthening food security.

Meanwhile, figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that as of December 2024, Nigeria owes JICA $53.31m. This represents 0.88% of the country’s total bilateral debt and 0.12% of its overall external debt.

If the new loan is approved, Nigeria’s debt to JICA will rise to $163.31m.