In a move that has drawn sharp international condemnation, the Taliban has issued new restrictions on women, further eroding the already limited rights of Afghan women under its rule. The new orders, part of a 114-page document made available to public, prohibit women from looking at men they do not know, speaking loudly in public or at home, and impose strict dress codes and behavioural restrictions that have sparked outrage across the country. Among the most severe of the new decrees is the prohibition against women looking at men who are not their immediate family members. Women are also required…
Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi
President Bola Tinubu is set to officially swear in Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on August 23, 2024. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, with dignitaries from across the country expected to attend. Justice Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, hails from Lagos State. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, was a notable legal practitioner and politician, while her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu, was a dedicated public health nurse. Educated at prestigious institutions, Justice Kekere-Ekun earned her law degree from the University of…
Fatty liver disease, an increasingly common condition, is now recognized as a significant public health issue, particularly among those dealing with obesity. Recent data indicate that one in ten people globally suffer from this condition, with African American/Black men facing a 60% higher risk of developing liver and intrahepatic bile duct (IBD) cancer compared to non-Hispanic white men. This alarming disparity underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures. The liver, the largest internal organ, is crucial in detoxifying the body and processing nutrients. However, when excess fat accumulates often due to factors like obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides—the…
Starting September 1, 2024, the cost of obtaining a Nigerian passport will rise significantly. The 32-page passport, valid for five years, will now cost N50,000, up from N35,000. Meanwhile, the 64-page passport, with a ten-year validity, will increase to N100,000, previously N70,000. This change was announced by Nigeria Immigration Service spokesperson DCI K.T. Udo in a statement on August 21, 2024. Notably, passport fees for Nigerians living abroad will remain unchanged. This fee adjustment comes shortly after the Nigerian passport was ranked 92nd out of 199, with access to 45 visa-free destinations, by the Henley Passport Index, highlighting the challenges…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the global community that the current spread of Mpox, particularly the new and more dangerous strain emerging from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains under control. Despite these assurances, rising concerns persist as the virus has begun spreading to other African countries and potentially beyond. Monkeypox outbreaks are currently reported in several regions, affecting both adults and children alike. Monkeypox is transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread between humans. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a rash that closely resembles chickenpox, making…
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider running in the 2027 presidential election. This call comes as dissatisfaction grows, particularly among northern elites, with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has publicly supported Jonathan, praising his resilience and integrity, and highlighting his potential to lead the nation again. Senator Bala Mohammed made the recommendation at an event organised by a non-governmental organisation, Save Africa Initiative, in Abuja. However, this move may cause tension within the PDP, particularly among supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also has his eyes…
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) of withholding petroleum products worth N75.142 billion, paid for by its members since June. This refusal, according to IPMAN, has significantly worsened the ongoing fuel shortages, particularly in the South West region. Nigeria, one of the world’s largest petroleum producers, is paradoxically facing a severe fuel crisis. The scarcity has led to skyrocketing prices and widespread shortages, crippling daily life and stifling economic activities across major cities. In Abuja, the nation’s capital, a litre of petrol is sold at N1, 000, while black…
The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward ensuring financial autonomy for Nigeria’s local governments by inaugurating a 10-man inter-ministerial committee tasked with enforcing a recent Supreme Court judgment. Delivered on July 11, 2024, the ruling mandates direct financial allocations to local governments, bypassing state governments, to foster effective governance at the grassroots level. The committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, includes key ministers and officials, such as the Minister of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation. Their primary mandate is to ensure that local governments operate independently, free…
