Tag: Affairs

  • Nigerian Youth Have Gone To Sleep? By Tao Bakare

    Nigerian Youth Have Gone To Sleep? By Tao Bakare

    Nigerian Youth Have Gone To Sleep? By Tao Bakare 1

    Nigerian Youth Have Gone To Sleep? By Tao Bakare 2


    Woke up this morning to the unfortunate reality of the Nigerian state, the failure of her youth to take up responsibilities as the thread and wool that holds her fabric together.
      
    Flashback to the time when our past heroes, who were at the time youths, took up giant strides and went through the battles, upheavals, fights that ensured the liberation of the Nigerian state.
     
    In the nineties, Nigeria was lucky to have the likes of Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana amongst others responsible for the many historical and  ground-breaking achievement through measures of journalism, arts, literature and activism amongst others.
      
    Unfortunately, today, the reverse is the case, as we now have illiterates, educated hypocrites and mediocres that make up over sixty five percent of the Nigerian population.
      
    However, the blame cannot solely lie on the youths themselves, as it is loud enough that our leaders whom we entrusted our future unto have failed woefully to deliver in this respect. But also, it is noteworthy that the youths themselves have not helped to correct the anomalies, but have glaringly resolved to fold arms and watch their own future rubbed in the mud.
     
     In the Nigeria of today, youths have been relegated to the position of back benchers, applauding mammoth and mere on Lookers in the running of state affairs, which they ought to be at the fore front, as in the times of the West African Students Union, when students, youths, led liberation movements across Africa, and also saw to the independence of West African states.
     
    Obviously, it is crystal clear that youths, who occupy the largest percentage of Nigeria’s population now see themselves and thus submit to our doomed leaders, as election thugs, political hallelujah boys, political assassins and trash can. Instead of them to look ahead, beyond ethic bigotry and difference, it is unfortunate they now lead ethnic hate discussions and debates both online and offline, in turn, parading themselves as useless ‘ leaders of tomorrow’. I wonder how this country will pay it’s debts in the next twenty years, with this kind of bad debtors in town, the so called youths.
     
    In a sane society, the youths should be the ultimate institution of political accountability and policy partner to the government, thereby, holding erring leaders accountable. Also, youths should serve as the rebranding tool for a collapsing or collapsed entity, like ours.
      
    Recently, the chief of police, ordered for the disbandment of zonal SARS in Ogun State following the death of a  promising young man, Tiamiyu Kazeem popularly known as Kaka, who until his death was the Vice Captain of Remo Stars Football Club.
       
    The order of the IGP, came, not only regarding the fact that the young man who was the victim of yet another SARS menace, was a known football star, but also because the youths in Sagamu community flaunted their power as youths!
      
    Moral of this recent case and it’s achievement, is that, so much can be achieved if youths wake up from their long mouth drooling slumber and take full responsibility for their own future.
      
    Nevertheless, if they fall to do this, I fear they may sleep and never wake up.

    The time To Take It Back is now!
     

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  • Sufficient supply of basic necessities despite panic buying

    Sufficient supply of basic necessities despite panic buying

    Sufficient supply of basic necessities despite panic buying 3

    GEORGE TOWN: The supply of basic necessities in Penang is sufficient although there were cases of panic buying at some of the state’s supermarkets until yesterday.

    Penang Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs office director Mohd Ridzuan Ab Ghapar said investigations conducted by enforcement officers found that four supermarkets on the island were the target of panic buying.

    “I urge the people to stop panic buying immediately because there are enough essentials. It takes a bit of time to restock depleted goods such as rice, cooking oil, eggs, sardines and instant noodles to the four supermarkets.

    “However, the essentials are still available at groceries and mini markets,“ he told Bernama, here today.

    More than 100 business premises were inspected from Wednesday until yesterday to ensure adequate supply of basic necessities.

    Mohd Ridzuan said that until today he had only received complaints about the shortage of face masks and expected that to be resolved soon.

    “From our monitoring of the 16 premises selling face masks in Penang, only five shops in Seberang Perai Tengah have supplies. We will continue monitoring to ensure sufficient supply,“ he said.

    He said any complaints and inquiries can be referred to the trade enforcement office at 04-5751703 and 04-255 2435 for Seberang Perai and George Town areas, respectively.

    Meanwhile, checks at a supermarket in George Town found that people were still buying necessities in large quantities purportedly because they have many family members at home.

    Consumer Mohd Syukri Abdul Razak, 45, said he had no choice but to buy essentials, especially rice, eggs, bread, sardines and chicken in large quantities as his household consisted of eight people including his mother, wife and five children.

    “I work in manufacturing and factory operations are still going on. Today I am off, out buying household goods for a week. This is not panic buying but a weekly routine,“ he added. – Bernama

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  • Perlis Regent tells people to abide by MCO

    Perlis Regent tells people to abide by MCO

    Perlis Regent tells people to abide by MCO 4

    KANGAR: Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail (pix) has decreed that the people in Perlis strictly abide by the movement control order (MCO) because a failure to do so may cause the order to be further extended.

    “We should only leave our homes with valid reasons,“ he said in reference to the MCO which was adopted to help the country reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

    In a statement, Tuanku Faizuddin said the people should unhesitatingly adhere to the MCO until it expires.

    “We need to be responsible and committed with a first-class mentality in our actions to stick by the government’s directive.”

    The Regent urged his subjects not to be stubborn or lackadaisical because it will impact society, the state and country in a negative light.

    “We do not want the MCO to be extended in view that the cases may rise even more.”

    His royal message was aired by the state religious affairs council here on Saturday.

    Perlis has recorded nine Covid-19 cases so far.

    Tuanku Faizuddin, who is the president of the state religious affairs council, said that people should only exit their houses if they need to purchase food, groceries, and for healthcare needs.

    They should not leave the state unless they possess valid reasons.

    Tuanku Faizuddin noted with dismay that after three days of enforcing the MCO, there are still a number of people who are disobeying the directive, thus forcing the army to be called in.

    “I hope everyone understands the need to strictly abide by the order so we can reduce the pandemic impact as soon as possible. But if we stray, we are only inviting a possible curfew to be implemented. We still have choices.”

    Meanwhile, the council’s chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor said that all mosque and surau activities have been deferred until the MCO is lifted.

    Perlis Regent tells people to abide by MCO
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  • Oshiomhole Pleads For Forgiveness As APC Asks Members To Withdraw Court Cases

    Oshiomhole Pleads For Forgiveness As APC Asks Members To Withdraw Court Cases

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    Oshiomhole Pleads For Forgiveness As APC Asks Members To Withdraw Court Cases 6


    Embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, has asked members of the National Working Committee to forgive him of all shortcomings in piloting the affairs of the party.

    Oshiomhole made the plea on Tuesday in Abuja at the end of the meeting by the  committee.

    He said that the move was aimed at promoting peace and building confidence within the party. 

    The APC also directed all members to withdraw all pending cases in court as part of measures to resolve the crisis within the party.

    He said, “I have asked everyone and they have accepted, whatever they consider to be my own shortcomings, I have asked for forgiveness and they have forgiven and whatever I considered to be anyone’s shortcoming that irritated me, I have also forgiven. 

    “This is the way it should be. It can only be abnormal if people know how to fight and they do not know how to settle.” 

    Oshiomhole also announced the lifting of suspension of two members of the NWC, Lawan Shuaibu, Deputy National Chairman, North, and Inuwa Abdulkadir, National Vice Chairman, South West.
     

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  • PN govt faces difficult economic situation, says Saifuddin Nasution

    PN govt faces difficult economic situation, says Saifuddin Nasution

    PN govt faces difficult economic situation, says Saifuddin Nasution 7

    PETALING JAYA: The government may face an uphill task trying to recover the country’s economy due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution (pix) pointed out that the previous Pakatan Harapan administration had based the country’s 2020 Budget on the crude oil price of US$62 (RM269) per barrel.

    However, he noted that the global virus outbreak has caused oil price to plummet by half to around US$30 (RM130) per barrel.

    Saifuddin said this, coupled with the expected tax collection when the budget was announced in October, meant the government’s revenue could be far below than initially predicted.

    “Basing on the oil price alone, we could lose about RM10 billion in potential revenue. This does not yet include incomes from the various other sectors.

    “Based on my experience being in the Cabinet, I would say that the government’s financial situation now is very complicated,” he told a press conference that was streamed on Facebook today.

    Saifuddin was asked to comment if he believed the government has the financial strength to provide RM600 for up to six months to any Malaysian forced to go on unpaid leave due to Covid-19, as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

    The PKR secretary-general said the financial assistance would only make up a small portion of the government’s spending, reminding the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration that it still has debt commitments.

    “If they don’t pay according to schedule, it will affect our country’s position from various ratings agencies.

    “We may still be able to take up loans in the future, but then we will have to pay a higher interest rate,” he said.

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  • Nationwide movement restriction measures to begin on Wednesday (Updated)

    Nationwide movement restriction measures to begin on Wednesday (Updated)

    Nationwide movement restriction measures to begin on Wednesday (Updated) 8

    PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has declared that Malaysia will be placed under a nationwide movement restriction order from Wednesday (March 18) to March 31, 2020, due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

    The order, the first in the country’s history, was announced by the prime minister in a live broadcast over national television tonight.

    A total of 315 new positive cases of Covid-19 have been reported over the past two days, bringing the total in Malaysia to 553 cases.

    Of this total, 511 have been hospitalised while 42 people have recovered.

    Muhyiddin said the nationwide movement restriction order means that all business premises have to be shut down, except for outlets such as supermarkets and grocery stores selling daily essentials.

    He said all government and private premises would be closed, except for essential services such as utilities, telecommunications, transport, banking, health, pharmacies, ports, airports, cleaning and food supplies.

    He said the movement restriction also means all Malaysians will be banned from travelling abroad, and that no tourists or foreigners will be allowed to enter the country. Those who have just arrived from abroad must undergo self-quarantine for 14 days.

    All public and private schools, including kindergartens, nurseries, residential school and other educational institutions are also to close. All private and public higher institutions of learning will also close.

    Closure of all government and private premises except essential services such as water and electricity, telecommunication, postal service, transport, fuel, gas, lubrication, broadcasting, banking, health, pharmacy, fire-fighting, ports, airports, prisons, security and defence, sanitary services, provision and food supply.

    The order also calls on a ban on all mass gatherings, including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.

    The Prime Minister said the measures were taken to protect the rakyat from the spread of the virus but advised Malaysian to not panic and stay calm.

    Muhyiddin added that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs will ensure that the supply of groceries and health care essentials will be readily available.

    He also said that the government will address the situation daily and provided a hotline number – 0388882010- that will answer any queries from the public.

    In an immediate response, former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told theSun that the order was the right action made in the right time.

    “I am okay with it because it is in line with what I was advocating, I did not implement this earlier because at that time it wasn’t warranted and it wasn’t the right thing to do then,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdullah said that the provision of Section 11 (5) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 is read together with Section 24(a) of the same act.

    Haniff said this would make any breach to the restriction order a criminal offence.

    “The offense under section 11(5) carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. Whereas the second offence under section 24(b) warrants a maximum imprisonment sentence of five years.”

    He also urged government officials to give a clear guideline on the extent of which a member of public can be out before it is considered an offense.

    “This is to ensure proper and dutiful compliance on the part of public and to allow strict enforcement by the authorities.” he told theSun.

    Nationwide movement restriction measures to begin on Wednesday (Updated)
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  • Covid-19: Management of Manjung mosques, surau urged to conduct disinfection

    Covid-19: Management of Manjung mosques, surau urged to conduct disinfection

    Covid-19: Management of Manjung mosques, surau urged to conduct disinfection 9

    LUMUT: The Perak Health Department has urged the management of mosques and ‘surau’ in the Manjung district to carry out disinfection activities following the classification of two individuals from the area as Covid-19 Patients-Under-Investigation (PUI).

    “They are only suspected cases but preventive action must be taken,” department director Datuk Dr Ding Lay Ming said in a statement issued today.

    Ding was commenting in response to WhatsApp messages circulating since yesterday that the two cases in Manjung were said to be participants of the ‘tabligh’ (religious outreach) rally held on Feb 28 at the Sri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

    Meanwhile in KUALA TERENGGANU, all mosques and surau in the state have been encouraged to take the initiative to conduct disinfection activities to curb the spread of the virus.

    Terengganu Religious Affairs Department (JHEAT) commissioner Mat Azmi Arshad said although the state had yet to record any cases, implementing preventive measures was very important.

    “Besides that, it is hoped that the management of all mosques and surau are more observant of the congregation, advising those who are not healthy to go for a health check-up immediately,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

    On the closure of a ‘madrasah’ (religious school) in Kuala Terengganu allegedly due to Covid-19, he said members of the public need not panic as the authorities had taken appropriate action. — Bernama

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  • UN releases US$15 million to help vulnerable countries battle the spread of the coronavirus

    UN releases US$15 million to help vulnerable countries battle the spread of the coronavirus

    UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock today released US$15 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help fund global efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus.

    The announcement came as the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the global risk of the coronavirus outbreak to “very high” – its top level of risk assessment. The WHO has said there is still a chance of containing the virus if its chain of transmission is broken.

    The sudden increases of cases in Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea are deeply concerning. There are now cases linked to Iran in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman, along with cases linked to Italy in Algeria, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.

    The UN funding has been released to the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It will fund essential activities including monitoring the spread of the virus, investigating cases, and the operation of national laboratories.

    The WHO has called for US$675 million to fund the fight against coronavirus. There is a window of opportunity to contain the spread of the virus if countries take robust measures to detect cases early, isolate and care for patients, and trace contacts.

    Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock said: “We do not yet see evidence that the virus is spreading freely. As long as that’s the case, we still have a chance of containing it.

    “But swift and robust action must be taken to detect cases early, isolate and care for patients, and trace contacts. We must act now to stop this virus from putting more lives at risk.

    “This grant from the UN’s Emergency Fund will help countries with fragile health systems boost their detection and response operations. It has the potential to save the lives of millions of vulnerable people.”

    This is a critical juncture in the outbreak. The focus is on containing COVID-19 by strengthening surveillance, conducting thorough outbreak investigations to identify contacts and applying appropriate measures to prevent further spread.

    Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: “The potential spread of the virus to countries with weaker health systems is one of our biggest concerns. These funds will help support these countries get ready for detecting and isolating cases, protecting their health workers, and treating patients with dignity and appropriate care. This will help us save lives and push back the virus”

    UNICEF is leading on preventative actions in communities across the affected countries with risk communication, providing hygiene and medical kits to schools and health clinics and monitoring the impact of the outbreak to support continuity of care, education and social services.

    “At this pivotal moment, every effort must be made to push back against the outbreak,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “These crucial funds will support our global efforts to bolster weaker health systems and inform children, pregnant women and families about how to protect themselves.”

    Since it was launched in 2006, CERF has provided more than $6 billion to over 100 countries and helped hundreds of millions of people.

    UN releases US$15 million to help vulnerable countries battle the spread of the coronavirus
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  • France pledges US$100 million (€90 million) for WHO Academy

    France pledges US$100 million (€90 million) for WHO Academy

    Geneva: France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,  Director-General of WHO today met at the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in Geneva to discuss the WHO Academy, which will be the world’s largest and most innovative lifelong learning platform in global health.

    The WHO Academy aims to reach millions of people worldwide, offering high-tech learning environments at a “hub” in Lyon with “spokes” in the six WHO regions. The Academy will provide learning opportunities for leaders, educators, researchers, health workers, WHO staff and the broader public, and will deliver high quality, multilingual learning, both online and in-person, alongside a cutting-edge simulation centre for health emergencies.

    The discussion today follows a Declaration of Intent signed by Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic and Dr Tedros on 11 June 2019, and a pledge by France in the amount of US$ 100 million (€ 90 million) to WHO to support the creation of the WHO Academy, which will be established as an internal division within WHO.

    “Technology and innovation in learning are creating exciting new opportunities to accelerate progress towards health for all in every country,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “The WHO Academy will support millions of learners to maximize health impacts with the best evidence, adult learning approaches and state-of-the-art technologies.”

    By propelling and strengthening digital innovations and lifelong learning opportunities around the world, the WHO Academy will play an instrumental role towards achieving WHO’s triple billion goal by 2023 and the health Sustainable Development Goals: 1 billion more people will benefit from universal health coverage; 1 billion more will be better protected in health emergencies, and 1 billion more will enjoy improved health and wellbeing.

    The funding from France represents a commitment to accelerate the development of the WHO Academy, and confirms the engagement of France — a longstanding partner of WHO and a key actor in global health – and its strong support to the ambitions of 13th WHO General Programme of Work to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all ages. 

     

    France pledges US$100 million (€90 million) for WHO Academy
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  • Was Ever Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) In Love?

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    A Dracula love scene is what a lot of people search for, but what about a true love story of the famous Prince? The character of Vlad Dracula III – Prince of Walachia in the XV century – was during the time the subject of many books, articles, movies, stories, etc. so that, more people could say that everything has been told about him. The truth is there are still a lot of important details about Prince Vlad’s real life, unknown to the large readers. Of course, it is pity to not be brought to the light for the audience! About Vlad Dracula Impaler everybody knows today that was a cruel person, a merciless impaler, and so on, but did you ever think that he could have been in love? Less people know that Prince Vlad Dracula III had also a romantic side!

    A Transylvanian Chronicle from XIII century discovered in Brasov town- Romania, reveals rare details about the life of Vlad Dracula III during his stay in Brasov region between 1451-1456. Through other unique information about him, there is also one that refers to a deep Dracula love scene lived with a young beautiful German Saxon girl. You have to know that as a person, Vlad Dracula Impaler was a charming man! The other knights envied him not only for his ranks and bravery, but also for his physical appearance, for his charming green eyes “like of a dragon” as the chronicler Bonifinius noticed. The women felt attracted by him, so that except his two well known marriages, he had more love affairs, having also some illegitimate children. It is to know that before becoming ruler of Walachia in 1456, Vlad Dracula III was the military governor of Southern Transylvania for 5 years. Meanwhile, Vlad Dracula Impaler lived one of his greatest love affairs, with a beautiful German Saxon girl, named Katharina. Moreover, it is supposed that this relationship was one of the intrigue reasons that led to his arresting in the autumn of 1462 by Matei Corvin! How the things happened in this unique Dracula love scene?

    It is about Katharina Siegel, the daughter of a weaver from Brasov town and one of the most beautiful girls in region, more Saxon knights pretending her heart. Well, my friend, according to the local custom, every family from the town should have assured by turn, the provisions for the soldiers who guarded every craft’s bulwark. In a frozen December morning of 1455, it was the turn of Siegel’s family to supply and Katharina strove together with her cousins to push up a sledge, to the fortress’s hill. Vlad Dracula Impaler who just were up in the bulwark with his officers, saw Katharina tormenting and to the every body’s astonishment; suddenly he got down to help her! In the spite of the horrible things she heard about Vlad, Katharina was impressed by his kindliness! Meeting the young 17 years girl, with her blue big eyes and golden hair, Prince Vlad Dracula III had felt suddenly in love at first side and in the spite of his friend’s advice, he involved in a deep love affair with the beautiful Saxon girl. Nevertheless, this relationship was considered an offence by the high Saxon families, as most of them desired Katharina to become their daughter-in-law. In the spite of all risks, Vlad Dracula Impaler did not gave up this relationship and the Saxons from Brasov region will never forget this!

    Katharina and Prince Vlad lived a great romance for many years, even if he became ruler of Walachia in 1456, thus being forced to leave Southern Transylvania. Vlad Dracula III loved her so much that even intended to marry her after he became widower in 1462, as his wife Jusztina suicides herself. However, he did not succeed to fulfil this intention because in 26the of November 1462, he was arrested during the passing of the narrow place in Piatra Craiului Mountains, close to the famous Bran Castle Transylvania. This arresting of Vlad Dracula Impaler was the consequence of the Saxons merchandiser’s intrigues from a fake letter sent to Matei Corvin, King of Hungary and Prince of Transylvania. According to the Transylvanian Chronicle, it is supposed that Vlad’s Saxons rivals to Katharina’s heart, essentially contributed to the intrigues that changed in this way, Vlad’s thread of life! Matei Corvin kept him in detention for 14 years, where he had his own style of life and in time the things got change.

    However, even Vlad Dracula Impaler had during his life more love affairs and he will even marry later for the second time with a relative of Matei Corvin, the beautiful Katharina will always remain in his heart as his greatest love ever! It is a real Dracula love scene, scarcely to meet in the historical documents!

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    Source by Aurel Danescu

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