The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • U.S., Microsoft seize websites linked to alleged Russian hackers

    U.S., Microsoft seize websites linked to alleged Russian hackers

    Technology giant Microsoft and the US Justice Department said on Thursday they had seized more than 100 websites they allege were being used by Russian groups to commit computer fraud and abuse in the United States.

    Between January 2023 and August 2024, Microsoft observed the group, code-named “Star Blizzard,” target more than 30 civil society entities and organisations, including journalists, think tanks, and non-governmental organisations, a joint statement said.

    “The Russian government ran this scheme to steal Americans’ sensitive information, using seemingly legitimate email accounts to trick victims into revealing account credentials,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said.

    “With the continued support of our private sector partners, we will be relentless in exposing Russian actors and cybercriminals and depriving them of the tools of their illicit trade.”

    Star Blizzard was “persistent,” Microsoft said.

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    “They meticulously study their targets and pose as trusted contacts to achieve their goals,” the company said.

    “While we expect Star Blizzard to always be establishing new infrastructure, today’s action impacts their operations at a critical point in time when foreign interference in U.S. democratic processes is of utmost concern.”

    Microsoft has previously warned that Russian operatives are attempting to influence the U.S. presidential election in November.

    (dpa/NAN) 

  • Death toll from Thailand school bus fire rises to 23

    Death toll from Thailand school bus fire rises to 23

    The death toll from a school bus fire in Thailand has risen to at least 23, local media reported on Wednesday.

    38 pupils aged between six and 15 and six teachers were on their way from Uthan Thani province to Bangkok, 200 kilometres south-east of the Thai capital.

    The blast occurred on the bus about 200 kilometres south-east of the Thai capital on Tuesday.

    Twenty children and three teachers were killed, while several other children were seriously injured.

    According to broadcaster ThaiPBS World, most of the victims were burned beyond recognition.

    DNA samples were taken from relatives in order to identify those killed.

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    The driver of the bus initially fled the scene after he was unable to control the flames with an extinguisher, the Kahosod newspaper reported, citing police.

    The driver had confirmed eyewitness statements that a burst tyre was responsible for the accident, local media reported.

    The bus then drifted into another lane, hit a car and scraped along the guardrail.

    Reports suggested the emergency exit of the bus could not be opened.

    The bus company responsible had had its license temporarily revoked, reported the newspaper The Nation.

    Road accidents are common in Thailand, which according to the World Health Organisation has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world, with motorcyclists accounting for most of these deaths. (dpa/NAN)

  • Ex-U.S. President Carter turns 100

    Ex-U.S. President Carter turns 100

    Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday — the first-ever former U.S. president to reach the century mark and another extraordinary milestone for the one-time peanut farmer, who found his way to the White House.

    Carter’s longevity — he began hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, more than 19 months ago — has defied all expectations.

    No longer regularly appearing in public, the Democratic ex-president spent his birthday in the home he and his late wife, Rosalynn, had built in Plains in the 1960s.

    President Joe Biden, in a video posted on his official X account, hailed Carter as a “beloved friend” and “one of the most influential statesmen” in U.S. history.

    “Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continue to be a guiding light for all of us,” he said.

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    First Lady Jill Biden’s office said a display would be set up on the White House lawn with the message “Happy Birthday President Carter.”

    Beyond serving as president for a single term from 1977 to 1981, Carter worked as a global mediator, rights activist and elder statesman, founding the well-respected Carter Centre in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy.

    His presidency included the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, following a rapprochement initiated by President Richard Nixon, and the return of control of the Panama Canal to Panama.

    But his administration hit numerous snags, including the Iran hostage crisis and a renewed oil crisis in 1979-1980, which saw Ronald Regan sweep into power in a landslide.

  • Iran says no need sending forces to Gaza, Lebanon to confront Israel

    Iran says no need sending forces to Gaza, Lebanon to confront Israel

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman says the country sees no need for sending auxiliary or voluntary forces to Gaza or Lebanon as regional countries and peoples could defend themselves against Israel.

    Nasser Kanaani made the remarks at a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital Tehran while answering  questions about whether Iran had “serious and practical” plans to send voluntary forces to Gaza and Lebanon.

    “We maintain that the region’s countries, governments, and peoples, including Lebanon and Palestine, possess the necessary capabilities and power to defend themselves.

    “They can defend themselves against Israel’s aggression and there is no need for Iran to send auxiliary or voluntary forces,” Kanaani said.

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    The Iranian foreign minister noted that Iran had not received any request from any party to send forces.

    Kanaani said Iran’s patience was out of wisdom and to maintain peace and security in the region and the world.

    He stressed that if the country considered it necessary, it definitely would not hesitate to support its national security and regional supporters.

    Israel began extensive deadly airstrikes across Lebanon a week ago, marking its largest military operation in Lebanon since 2006.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Nigeria to host ECOWAS festival to address food, security challenges

    Nigeria to host ECOWAS festival to address food, security challenges

    Nigeria will host key players in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries to address security challenges that hindered farming and agricultural production in the ECOWAS countries, an official of the regional body has said.

    The Director-General of ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, Ambassador Felix Ihonre, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the preparatory/inter-ministerial meeting on the festival in Abuja.

    NAN reports that the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is scheduled to be held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, from October 6 to 11.

    Ihonre said the festival would bring together key players in the food security and security structure to proffer solutions to security challenges that hindered farming and agricultural production in Nigeria and other ECOWAS countries.

    “Nigeria, being the host of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival scheduled to be held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from October 6 to October 11, 2024, has a lot to gain in areas of tourism, sustainable development, cultural integration, poverty alleviation, youth employment, women in agriculture.

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    “The essence of having the festival is for a high-level governments’ policies advocacy and high-level commitment from the governments within the ECOWAS sub-region.

    “We are stimulating from all sectors of the economy to ensure that once there is synergy among key players, the issues of insecurity, hunger, malnutrition, and issue of eradicating violence within agricultural territory and environment will be addressed,” he said.

    The EFCF boss explained that once the government was able to stop the violence in various communities, farmers would go to farms without molestation or harassment.

    According to him, when the farmers go to farms and are able to cultivate crops and grains at the right time and in the right place without molestation or harassment, there will be enough and affordable food on citizens’ tables.

    “We are welcoming you to Uyo from October 6 to 11, the delegates from 16 member-countries of ECOWAS, delegates from around the world, heads of states and governments that will come to Abuja, as well as Uyo to grace the occasion,” Ihonre said.

    The director general listed the activities expected during the event to include golf tournament, train carnival, Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant.

    “We are having activities in the area of golf tournament. We will be having a flow train carnival and men and youth forum.

    We will be having a forum of local government chairmen, permanent secretaries of MDAs as well as directors.

    “We will be having the Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant, which is going to showcase ECOWAS beauty, as well as their costumes. So, a lot of activities will take place in Uyo and there will be a lot of food and cuisines,” he added.

    Ihonre announced the theme of the festive as: Celebrating African Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development, saying this was apt as there could be no development in an atmosphere of rancour and conflict.

    Ekpa Francis of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) said the office supported the upcoming festival because it has to do with peace and development for the country.

    “The director general of ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is being welcome to OSGF, having shared all that they have as far as ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is concerned.

    “The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is a listening person, having identified that they have a good programme for the country.

    “The SGF has resolved that since the festival is all about peace and development and in line with Mr. President’s Renew Hope Agenda, it is always a welcome development,” Francis said.

  • UN pledges continued support for environmental projects in Nigeria

    UN pledges continued support for environmental projects in Nigeria

    The United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility, Small Grants Programme (UNDP GEF SGP) has assured Nigeria of continued support for environmental sustainability projects to ensure a healthy environment.

    Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator, UNDP GEF SGP, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    The environmental expert said that the UNDP GEF SGP would continue to support pilot projects to ensure a healthy environment.

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    “One of the things we do in our office is to support environmental initiatives through SGP; the maximum amount for a regular project is about 50,000 dollars.

    “We support community environmental initiatives to address five of the focal areas of the GEF.

    “We have five focal areas of the GEF small grants programme: biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, chemicals and International waters,’’ she said.

    She assured that UNDP GEF SGP would continue to create awareness in the country on the dangers of some environmental activities to ensure environmental sustainability.

  • Six dead as Rwanda battles Marburg virus outbreak

    Six dead as Rwanda battles Marburg virus outbreak

    Rwanda has confirmed six deaths from Marburg virus disease (MVD) amid an outbreak that has affected 26 people nationwide.

    Speaking Saturday evening during a broadcast on Rwanda Television, Rwanda’s Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana revealed that the victims and most of the infected are healthcare workers.

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    “Six people have died of MVD, and the majority of those are medical workers,” Nsanzimana said.

    He emphasised that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant partners, is working tirelessly to contain the deadly virus through contact tracing and isolating the infected.

  • UNGA79: Elumelu advocates for youth empowerment, entrepreneurial growth in Africa

    UNGA79: Elumelu advocates for youth empowerment, entrepreneurial growth in Africa

    At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York, Dr. Tony Onyemachi Elumelu, a renowned banker, philanthropist, and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), championed the urgent need for global leaders to support youth inclusion and empowerment in Africa.

    His mission is to ensure that emerging entrepreneurs receive the mentorship and seed funding necessary to drive sustainable growth on the continent.

    Elumelu’s work through the TEF has significantly impacted African entrepreneurship. 

    Over the years, the foundation has provided mentorship and financial support to numerous entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of establishing a robust wealth creation process for future generations.

    Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings, he remarked, “The rigorous process that led to my breakthrough as an entrepreneur is not what I want the coming generation to face.”

    This personal experience fuels his commitment to easing the path for young entrepreneurs through mentorship and initial capital, offering $5,000 to help them launch their ventures.

    The foundation has disbursed an impressive $100 million to entrepreneurs across Africa, enabling them to thrive in their respective industries.

    During his address at UNGA79, Elumelu urged world leaders to recognize the immense potential of African youth.

    He stressed the necessity for systemic changes that empower this demographic to develop disruptive ideas and solutions to pressing challenges.

    “We must place priority on human capital development, entrepreneurial skill survival, funding, and mentorship to tackle unemployment in Africa,” he stated.

    His remarks resonated during a joint discussion at the World Food Programme, led by Cindy McCain, where he emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions to combat unemployment and the hunger crisis.

    Elumelu pointed out that more than 783 million people are grappling with acute hunger, largely due to an underutilised agricultural sector.

    “If we properly address these issues, agriculture and livestock farming can play a pivotal role in job creation,” he explained.

    He highlighted how many young people are turning to greenhouse farming, which is revolutionizing agriculture on the continent.

    Elumelu urged increased collaboration and funding for agricultural initiatives, asserting that such efforts could create wealth and enhance the farm supply chain.

    In his discussions with Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Elumelu reinforced the importance of international partnerships.

    The European Union’s ongoing collaboration with TEF aims to empower 2,500 young women entrepreneurs in Africa, with plans to support an additional 1,800 by year’s end.

    Elumelu noted that some beneficiaries have received up to €50,000 through the Women Entrepreneur for Africa (WE4A) program, emphasizing the initiative’s role in transforming women into nation-builders and wealth creators.

    Continuing his advocacy, Elumelu engaged with leaders such as H.E. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and H.E. Brice Oligui Nguema, President of Gabon, urging them to formulate favorable policies for youth entrepreneurship. 

    He also met with H.E. William Ruto, President of Kenya, to discuss strategies for enhancing employment opportunities through entrepreneurship.

    Elumelu reaffirmed his dedication to empowering Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs, highlighting the potential of a well-supported youth demographic to drive economic transformation.

    “When our youth are empowered, we can expect a reduction in crime, increased opportunities, and healthy competition with their Western counterparts,” he asserted.

    His vision is clear: to transition Africa from a continent of dependency to self-reliance, driven by innovative, forward-thinking youth.

    As the UNGA79 concluded, Elumelu’s unwavering commitment to advocating for African youth set a hopeful tone for the future, reinforcing the need for global support and partnerships to nurture the continent’s entrepreneurial spirit amidst ongoing challenges.

    Oladapo Sofowora writes from New York.

  • Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa – Yuqing 

    Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa – Yuqing 

    Ms. YAN Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, has described Nigeria as the largest engineering contracting market for China in Africa.

    Yuqing disclosed that Chinese companies have been actively participating in infrastructural projects in Nigeria, saying that their participation significantly promote local economic and social development, and improving people’s livelihoods.  

    She stated this in her article tittled ” UNGA Resolution 2758 Brooks no challenge”, saying China and Nigeria, under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, will deepen mutual trust and cooperation in various fields. 

    “China and Nigeria, under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, will deepen mutual trust and cooperation in various fields, firmly support each other’s core interests, join hands to build a high-level China-Nigeria Community with a shared future, and uphold a new international order based on equity and justice”, she added.

    “FOCAC was a remarkable event, attended by the leaders of 53 out of 54 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, along with nearly 6,000 Chinese and foreign guests. 

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    “The summit adopted by consensus the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era, which clearly states that Africa reaffirms its firm commitment to the one-China principle, and reaffirms that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and firmly supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. The FOCAC has created strong momentum in favour of one-China principle”

    Yuqing stated: “The People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971, and the Joint Communiqué on the establishment states that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole lawful Government representing the entire Chinese people.” 

    “Since then, the bilateral relations have developed robustly and smoothly on the basis of the one-China Principle. Recently, President Tinubu was invited to visit China and attend the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the Nigerian side reaffirmed in the China-Nigerian Joint Statement that “firmly adheres to the one-China principle, acknowledges that there is but one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. 

    “Nigeria opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ or interference in the internal affairs of China and firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification and the Chinese side supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of Nigeria and the efforts made by Nigeria to maintain national unity, peace, security, and social stability, as well as promote economic development and improve people’s welfare”.

  • ECOWAS allocate $380m to electrify schools, health centres in Nigeria, others

    ECOWAS allocate $380m to electrify schools, health centres in Nigeria, others

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has disclosed plans to invest $380 million to electrify public schools and health centres in Nigeria, Benin, Chad and 16 other countries.

    The commission noted that out of the over 406 million people residing in the region, 208 million of them lack access to electricity.

    It added that about 70 per cent of the population with poor access to electricity live in rural areas.

    To address the energy deficit, the commission said the electrification project would be carried out through its Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP).

    The project is funded by the World Bank, Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and Directorate General of International Cooperation (DGIS) of the government of the Netherlands.

    Speaking in Abuja yesterday at a stakeholder’s engagement forum on energising public institutions in Nigeria, the Senior Adviser at the Commission on ROGEAP, El hadji Sylla, said the project is aimed at increasing access to electricity in the ECOWAS region for rural communities.

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    He said: “The cost of the project is $380 million, and we want to promote a new innovative chain to electrify public institutions. Our target is to electrify schools and health centres to improve the service delivery.

    “We are piloting the project in Nigeria and Benin Republic. The project covers 15 countries in the ECOWAS region and four countries in the Sahel region”.

    Speaking specifically on the implementation of the project in Nigeria, Sylla said the commission hopes to electrify selected public schools and health centres in the FCT, Niger and Nasarawa states in the next 18 months.

    “For the pilot project in Nigeria and Benin, we are targeting 18 months for completion. But, the entire project in the region is expected to be executed in five years in the various countries,” Sylla said.