American billionaire and philanthropist, Bill Gates, on Wednesday, remarked that Nigeria’s economy has stagnated, noting that the country’s revenue-to-GDP ratio was better 15 years ago than now. He advised the Federal Government to prioritize spending on health care to revamp the economy. Gates, who attended the National Economic Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, highlighted the importance of investing in Nigeria’s most valuable asset—its people—while tackling its economic issues. He noted that Nigeria is faced with financial constraints but insisted that the health of the populace must be prioritized.
Nigeria's economy has stalled, according to Gates. For the first time since 2001, your debt surpassed 50% of your GDP earlier this year. Furthermore, even though your revenue-to-GDP ratio has increased, it is still less than fifteen years ago. As a result, Nigeria spends less per person on its citizens than other African nations that own a small portion of your riches. I am aware that this is a contentious political issue. Nigerians are having difficulty. Earnings have decreased. The cost has increased dramatically. And people are protesting, just like in a lot of other nations. "People never like taxes. That also holds in America. However, they are bound by a social contract. When people realize that the government is using the funds to improve the lives of Nigerians, they are more inclined to pay them.
He emphasized that the government must make investments in human capital, starting with higher spending on healthcare. "After all, priorities without funding are just words," he remarked. I am aware that it is not possible to provide every priority with the necessary funding at this time. It's crucial now more than ever to concentrate on the areas where you know the biggest changes will be made. Since there can be no chance without health, let me begin with that. For most patients, primary care is their first—and occasionally their only—point of contact with the healthcare system. However, Nigeria only pays 3,000 naira per year per individual for primary healthcare. Only 30% of your money is spent on primary care, while 70% is allocated to secondary and tertiary care.
The Federal Government started a large-scale HPV vaccination campaign last year. Nigeria vaccinated more girls in a single month than all 40 other Gavi nations combined did in the preceding year. Over 12 million girls in Nigeria received this life-saving vaccination.
That is amazing. I hope you apply the knowledge you gained from that campaign to your upcoming endeavors. He claimed to have visited Nigeria for more than 20 years, adding that throughout that time. The greatest investment in Africa, worth over $2.8 billion, was made in Nigeria by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates declared. I have been visiting Nigeria for more than twenty years. I've witnessed performances by Afrobeats icons during that period. I have developed relationships with leaders in various industries. Additionally, I've met visionaries who are transforming society.
"I'm honored to back their efforts as well. Over $2.8 billion has been invested in Nigeria by our foundation to date. We have committed the most in all of Africa. Although President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda was ambitious, he said there were resource limitations.
Bill Gates stated that "Nigeria has the second-highest rate of food insecurity on earth," despite the consensus that nutrition is important for public health and that agriculture is essential to ensuring enough nourishment. As climate change has increased, you have witnessed how the issue has gotten worse. There is no longer any arable land. Crops have been destroyed by pests. Also, the cost of basic foods has skyrocketed. However, there are a few solutions to this problem that I hope you will think about.
Aliko Dangote, the president of Dangote Group, has explained why the first Premium Motor Spirit—also referred to as gasoline—sample from his refinery was clearer than the gasoline that is already in use. Speaking at a live stream from his refinery in Lagos State's Ibeju-Lekki neighborhood, Dangote emphasized that cleaner gasoline is better for the environment and may help lessen health risks related to contaminated petroleum products.
He mentioned that the new gasoline will shield engines from harm caused by conventional gasoline's lack of clarity. "This is the gasoline sample," he declared. It may appear to be a different color, but that is the case. You will now possess a genuine and high-quality product.
"I'm sure Nigerians haven't seen this color of diesel before," Dangote added about the diesel's color. "We refer to this as Euro-5 diesel. Less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of sulfur are present in it. This will extend the lifespan of engines, generators, and automobiles. "The environment and public health will not be jeopardized," he emphasized again.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, issued a warning on Sunday, saying that his nation's military assault against Hezbollah, an armed group in Lebanon, would continue after Sunday's strikes. "We are dealing unexpected, devastating blows to Hezbollah. This is another step toward bringing our folks securely back to their homes and improving the situation in the north. Netanyahu stated at a cabinet meeting, "And, I repeat, this is not the final word."
Thousands of "short-range rockets, all of which were intended to harm our civilians and forces in the Galilee," he claimed the military had destroyed. Without specifying the target, he stated, "In addition, the IDF (Israeli military) intercepted all the drones that Hezbollah launched at a strategic target in central Israel."
However, according to Israeli media, Hezbollah's intended target was the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency's headquarters, which is located close to Tel Aviv.
The German strategist Bruno Labbadia has been named the new Super Eagles coach, effective immediately, according to a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation. Tuesday morning, Labbadia's appointment was announced by the NFF's X handle, which tweeted under the hashtag #thenff.
The release said, "The German tactician Bruno Labbadia has agreed to become the Head Coach of Nigeria's senior men's national team, the Super Eagles," according to the Nigeria Football Federation. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the general secretary of the federation, stated that "the NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development sub-committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles."
Before suffering a shocking 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in Abidjan, the Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa.
Two of the biggest winners at this year's PFA awards were Phil Foden and Bunny Shaw, both players for Manchester City. Foden defeated Erling Haaland and Rodri to win the PFA Players' Player of the Year (Male) title. The PFA Players' Player of the Year (Female) title went to Shaw, nevertheless.
Grace Clinton of Manchester United won the women's award, and Cole Palmer of Chelsea took home the Young Player of the Year title. The complete list of winners from this year's PFA awards is as follows: Phil Foden was named PFA Players' Player of the Year (Male).
Grace Clinton of Manchester United won the women's award, and Cole Palmer of Chelsea took home the Young Player of the Year title. The complete list of winners from this year's PFA awards is as follows: Phil Foden was named PFA Players' Player of the Year (Male).
Phil Foden was named PFA Players' Player of the Year (Male). Cole Palmer was named PFA Players' Young Player of the Year (Male). Khadijah Shaw is the PFA Players' Player of the Year (Female). Gracie Clinton won the PFA Players' Young Player of the Year award for women. Dean Lewington, PFA Merit Award winner PFA Team of the Year: Rodri, Martin Odegaard, Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, Erling Haaland, David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, Vigil Van Dijk, William Saliba, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice
Emmanuel Adebayor, a former striker for Arsenal and Tottenham, will celebrate his retirement from October 25 to 27 in his hometown of Lomé with a star-studded jubilee. To commemorate the conclusion of his remarkable career, Adebayor has gathered a stellar group of football legends. He will formally hang up his boots on March 21, 2023. The Stade de Kégué will host the event, which is expected to be a remarkable celebration that will include about twenty renowned players from Africa and beyond. The projected guest list includes noteworthy figures like Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha, two legendary Nigerians.
In honoring Adebayor's commitment to sport, the former Super Eagles players will stand among international luminaries such as Barcelona great Ronaldinho, Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba. Okocha and Kanu, both renowned for their extraordinary leadership and abilities on the field, will give the occasion a unique feel. The fact that they are here with other African football legends like Abedi Pelé and Samuel Eto'o highlights the importance of this jubilee for African football in general as well as for Adebayor specifically.
Adebayor's jubilee will honor a career spanning more than 20 years, during which he made 87 appearances for Togo and scored 32 goals. The former attacker for Arsenal and Real Madrid has had a lasting impact on the game because of his rise through the ranks of elite European teams and his contribution to Togo's historic World Cup victory in 2006.
An agreement on a gas pipeline for the Gulf of Guinea has been signed by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. The agreement on the Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline project was signed on Wednesday, according to a statement released on Thursday by the president's spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale. According to Ngelale, the deal strengthens the two countries' cooperation for development. Ngelale claims that the agreement addressed general principles, ownership of the gas pipeline, establishment and operation of the pipeline, and legislative and regulatory procedures about the gas pipeline.
During his speech, Tinubu stated that the agreement's signature would create new jobs and chances for gas development. In a private meeting that took place before the agreement's signature, the president stated that the two leaders talked about matters about the continent's conflict resolution mechanisms, food security, employment development, and multilateral ties. "Conflicts and their settlement were discussed concerning Africa. Tinubu stated, "We talked about different conflict areas and what we can do to promote peace."
We discussed how to advance wealth and growth across our continent as well as peace and stability within our nations. We must examine insufficient funding, industrialization efforts, research and development initiatives, educate our people, and find solutions to problems like how Europe and America have maintained themselves and resolved their differences. "Instead of the crisis and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo and others, we have to look inward to solve problems ourselves," the statement reads.
The issues of food security, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and security were also discussed, according to Tinubu, during his meeting with the president of Equatorial Guinea. "We're all aiming high. We have decided within Africa and the African Union that we will cooperate to ensure that many of our problems in Africa are internally solved," he continued.
Mbasogo stated that although bilateral relations with Nigeria have been fruitful over the years, deeper cooperation is still required in several important areas. Equatorial Guinea's president further stated that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to accomplish Africa's goal of securing a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, calling it essential for the continent's progress. He claimed that signing the deal was a calculated step toward the advancement of Africa. The agreement was also signed by Simeon Oyono Esono, the minister of foreign affairs of Equatorial Guinea, and Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs of Nigeria.
At the agreement signing were Lateef Fagbemi, the federation's minister of justice and attorney general; Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, the minister of defense; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior; Ekperikpe Ekpo, the minister of state for petroleum (gas); and Jamila Ibrahim-Biu, the minister of youth development.
At Mbasogo's request, Tinubu will pay an official three-day visit to Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, the presidency stated on Tuesday. The prime minister of the nation, Manuela Botey, welcomed Tinubu upon his arrival in Malabo on Wednesday. According to the presidency, Tinubu and Mbasogo will have a private meeting after which bilateral agreements about security, oil and gas, and other topics will be signed.
On Friday, Thai parliamentarians will cast their vote on whether to name heiress Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the nation's next prime minister. Though she has never run for politics, Shinawatra is the 37-year-old niece of another former prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, and the millionaire daughter of former prime leader Thaksin Shinawatra. She was chosen as the Pheu Thai party's nominee after Premier Srettha Thavisin was fired by a court on Wednesday for choosing a cabinet member who had a criminal record. After announcing her candidacy, she stated, "We are confident that the party and coalition parties will lead our country."
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In the Thai parliament, 314 out of 493 seats are held by the coalition led by Pheu Thai. The coalition's ten other parties declared their support for Shinawatra. Paetongtarn Shinawatra: who is she? For many years, the Shinawatra family has dominated Thai politics and the economy, occasionally coming into conflict with the powerful establishment and the royalist military. Known as Ung Ing in Thailand, Paetontarn assisted in managing the hotel division of her family's commercial enterprise before she entered politics three years ago.
In the Thai parliament, 314 out of 493 seats are held by the coalition led by Pheu Thai. The coalition's ten other parties declared their support for Shinawatra. Paetongtarn Shinawatra: who is she? For many years, the Shinawatra family has dominated Thai politics and the economy, occasionally coming into conflict with the powerful establishment and the royalist military. Known as Ung Ing in Thailand, Paetontarn assisted in managing the hotel division of her family's commercial enterprise before she entered politics three years ago.
Due to Iranian threats of vengeance, Tel Aviv, a generally bustling city, has become eerily silent as its citizens and business owners struggle with fear and uncertainty. Usually speaking, Tel Aviv-Yafo is a bustling city well-known worldwide as Israel's thriving hub for business, commerce, and entertainment. The beaches are dotted with sun worshippers, the streets are often crowded with shoppers, and the evenings are bustling with activities and parties. The city's markets, cafés, and cultural sites draw large crowds of visitors, making it a popular tourist destination.
But a different picture shows up these days. The shops have closed early, leaving the streets oddly deserted and the usual buzz replaced by an eerie silence. A nervous tension permeates the air, and fear has taken hold of the city. Residents and owners of businesses may feel this change. Owner of Alternative Souvenir, a shop in Yafo's ancient city, Yana Levitan, expressed her emotions to The Media Line.
I can tell from the streets that people are anxious to be in Israel and to be here. Particularly those in Israel who are in Yafo's old city are concerned. She remarked, "I don't know what will happen, but we will be here no matter what." The problem has gotten worse due to Iran's threat of retribution. The effects observed in all industries The Media Line was given the following account of the situation by Sadi, an Arab Israeli taxi driver: "People do not want to come to the Middle East right now; they do not feel comfortable. I have never previously seen anything so horrible. We're barely making it.
But the resilient spirit endures despite the anxiety and uncertainty. "There is fear, but the people of Israel are resilient—we are outside and we haven't stopped living," Tel Aviv resident Yoel said to The Media Line. Stories from a variety of backgrounds are shared at this special time in Tel Aviv's history. A Palestinian living in Jerusalem named Mahmoud said he hoped for peace when he was visiting Yafo, saying, "When the war ends, everything may get back to normalcy." The attitude was echoed by Yoav, a Kiryat Shmona resident temporarily staying in Yafo, who shared how the war has affected the Arab and Jewish populations equally: "We can easily live together without any political issues." The radicals on both sides are the only issue.
The citizens of Tel Aviv keep moving forward despite the effects of the war still being felt in the city. Travelers from France, like Michael and Kyara, paint a nuanced picture of Tel Aviv during the war, where people feel both familiar and uprooted from their daily lives. Despite seeing shuttered stores and calmer streets, they saw a city that was still striving to keep its life force. The prolonged fighting has nearly stopped normal life for both locals and visitors. However, as this film shows, Tel Aviv's citizens continue to be resilient in the face of uncertainty, holding out faith that this dynamic city will soon return to its former glory.
Rasidi Ladoja, a former governor, has been crowned Ibadanland's Otun Olubadan.
In front of acting governor Bayo Lawal of Oyo State and other senior government officials, he was crowned by Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The acting governor gave him the personnel and the official instrument.