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Investment Security: ‘You have nothing to worry about’, Tinubu boost Chinese investors’ trust

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President Bola Tinubu has assured Chinese investors that they have nothing to worry about because their investments are secured in Nigeria.

The President told them that Nigeria is a safe hub for investments and that his administration will provide the needed support to ensure that businesses thrive in the country and investors succeeds.

Tinubu gave the assurance when he received a delegation led by the Chairman of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), Dai Hegen, at the State House on Friday.

He assured the Chinese business executives that their investments in Nigeria were safe and that his government would further strengthen the business environment.

The president stated that his administration welcomes the opportunity to expand business collaboration with the company, as well as upgrade critical infrastructure and facilities.

“I have listened to you carefully. Your operation is consistent with our objectives. We are reforming the economy and taking crucial actions to ensure accelerated growth.

“The CRCC, with its subsidiary, CCECC, is a leading company and one of the best partners to work with. I am happy that you are partnering with Nigeria in so many areas, particularly in rail construction.

“We will do everything required to ensure that the rail link between the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan railway and the Federal Capital Territory is completed. We must connect the hinterland with our coastal seaports.

“I am proud of what I started as Governor of Lagos State with the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

”It is now a flourishing environment. It is important to assure you that we will do well to strengthen our partnership and relations,” Tinubu said.

The president commended the corporation, particularly its subsidiary, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for its efforts in delivering value on infrastructural projects in the country.

Tinubu encouraged the corporation to also explore other avenues of cooperation, especially in solid minerals.

“The door is open for partnership, and partnership that will add value to both sides. Solid mineral development is the next frontier for mutually beneficial growth and collaboration.

“We need each other. The sustainable path to success is a two-way street.

”We assure you that your investment is safe in our country. Once you succeed here, I know your reputation in other countries will be further strengthened,” the president said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the CRCC highlighted some of the projects in the works and those completed by the corporation.

“In the railway construction sector, the Kano-Kaduna Railway is 39 per cent completed and is on course for completion in the second quarter of 2026.

”The Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Lagos-Ibadan Railway have carried approximately 9 million passengers since they were completed and commissioned.

“Freight services have officially commenced along the Lagos-Ibadan axis since September 2023, and a total of 180,000 tons of cargo have been transported,” he said.

Hegen also said the corporation has signed investment cooperation agreements with 119 companies, stimulating investments of $3 billion and creating 4,000 direct jobs for Nigerians, as well as paying 125 million dollars in taxes.

He extended the invitation of the Chinese government to Tinubu to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to further deepen cooperation along mutual areas of interest.

“With the support of Your Excellency, we plan to increase our investments in key areas, such as agriculture, power, solid minerals, natural gas, and renewable energy technologies to promote the economic development of the country,” the CRCC chairman added.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Malawian man Sainani Nkhoma convicted for slandering the president Chakwera in a TikTok video

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A Malawi citizen called Sainani Nkhoma has been convicted for slandering President Lazarus Chakwera on TikTok.

He posted the TikTok video showing an animated figure, with Chakwera’s face superimposed on it, doing some quirky dance moves.

Sainani Nkhoma was found guilty by a court on Thursday, which said he had posted the video and insulting comments about the president on a community WhatsApp group.

Members of the group in the central town of Mponela reported him to the ruling Malawi Congress Party, and he was arrested on Tuesday night.

Judge Talakwanji Mndala said Nkhoma’s actions were inappropriate.

Sentencing has been scheduled for next week, but the judge warned that the punishment could be a fine of around $3,500 or six years in prison.

Chakwera was elected president in 2020 after the country’s Constitutional Court ordered an unprecedented re-run of the 2019 presidential poll.

The incumbent president at the time, Peter Mutharika, was initially declared winner of the election, but the court said there was evidence of widespread irregularities.

Following his win, Chakwera said: “I’m so happy I could dance all night.”

Troops eliminate 227 terrorists, apprehend 529 in 1 week

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The Defence Headquarters says troops eliminated no fewer than 227 terrorists, apprehended 529 and rescued 253 kidnapped victims in ground and air operations across the country in the last week.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba made this known while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja on the Armed Forces operations.

Buba said the troops recovered 231 assorted weapons and 6,441 assorted ammunition, comprising 89 AK47 rifles, 40 locally fabricated guns, 59 Dane guns, 250kg bombs used by NATO and Eastern Bloc aircraft and one MRAP.

Others according to him are; 4,198 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 841 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 5.56mm, 16 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 99 rounds of 7.62x51mm, 956 rounds of 7.62x54mm, 242 live cartridges, one PKM magazine, 24 magazines among others.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 59 suspects and rescued 58 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a large cache of arms.

He said that 219 terrorists comprising 29 adult males, 65 adult females and 125 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations between May 8 and 14.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirle Stroke, neutralised 27 insurgents, arrested 154 violent extremists and rescued 42 kidnapped hostages.

In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, also neutralised 58 terrorists, arrested 125 terrorists and rescued 105 kidnapped hostages.

Buba said the air component had on May 8, bombarded a new terrorist enclave in the Faskari area of Katsina State following an intelligence trail and confirmatory ISR on the migration of notorious terrorist elements to the deserted settlement.

According to him, battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their structures as well as logistics destroyed

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch apprehended 68 illegal miners from an illegal mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja during the week.

He said that the troops also neutralised 25 terrorists, arrested 97 suspects and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages.

He also said that in the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered 1,442,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 154,650 litres of illegally refined AGO.

According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 18 dugout pits, 34 boats, five drums, four receivers, four reservoirs and 97 storage tanks.

”Other items recovered include 198 cooking ovens, nine vehicles, three pumping machines, two speedboats, one baofeng radio, one outboard engine and 57 illegal refining sites.

”Troops also neutralised three extremists and apprehended 16 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists’’.

In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 21 terrorists, arrested 45 violent extremists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

The Evolution of Deception: Current Internet Scams to Watch Out For

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The internet has evolved the way we live, work, and communicate. However, it has also created an environment conducive to scams and fraud.

As technology advances, scammers adapt and evolve their tactics to deceive unsuspecting victims. In this feature, we will explore the current internet scams that you need to be aware of to protect yourself from financial and personal harm.

  1. Phishing Scams:
    Phishing scams involve fraudulent emails, texts, or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks or online retailers, aiming to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information.
  2. Investment Scams:
    Investment scams promise unusually high returns or guaranteed investment opportunities, luring victims into fraudulent schemes, such as Ponzi schemes or fake cryptocurrency investments.
  3. Online Shopping Scams:
    Fake online stores or product advertisements promise discounts or hard-to-find items, but deliver nothing or low-quality products, leaving you with financial loss and potential identity theft.
  4. Romance Scams:
    Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media, building fake relationships to extract money or personal information from unsuspecting victims.
  5. Tech Support Scams:
    Fraudsters pose as tech support representatives, claiming to fix non-existent issues or selling fake security software, gaining access to your computer and sensitive information.
  6. CEO Fraud:
    Scammers impersonate company executives or high-ranking officials, requesting wire transfers or sensitive information from employees or customers.
  7. Fake Online Services:
    Scammers offer fake services, such as website design, SEO optimization, or social media management, taking payment but delivering little to no actual work.
  8. Cryptocurrency Scams:
    Fraudulent schemes involve fake cryptocurrency investments, phishing scams, or Ponzi schemes, targeting cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors.
  9. Charity Scams:
    Scammers pose as charity representatives, soliciting donations for fake or non-existent causes, exploiting your generosity and goodwill.
  10. Government Grant Scams:
    Fraudsters claim to offer government grants or loans, requiring payment or personal information, but delivering nothing in return.

The internet has made our lives more convenient, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant and informed about the evolving tactics of scammers. By recognizing these current internet scams, you can protect yourself from financial loss, identity theft, and emotional distress. Stay safe online!

The Art of Photography: Capturing Life’s Precious Moments

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Photography is more than just focusing a camera and clicking a button. It’s an art form that requires skill, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. With the rise of smartphone cameras and social media, photography has become more accessible than ever, but the essence of photography remains the same – to capture life’s precious moments and tell a story.

From the early days of black and white film to the modern digital era, photography has evolved significantly. Photographers now have a vast range of tools and techniques at their disposal, from high-end cameras to editing software. However, the core principles of photography remain the same – lighting, composition, and timing.

A good photograph has the power to evoke emotions, spark memories, and tell a story. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time, a glimpse into a world that may be familiar or unknown. Photographers have the ability to capture the beauty of nature, the complexity of human emotions, and the vibrancy of city life.

Some of the most iconic photographs in history have become ingrained in our collective consciousness – from Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “The Decisive Moment” to Steve McCurry’s “Afghan Girl.” These photographs have transcended time and culture, speaking to us on a fundamental level.

In today’s digital age, photography has become more democratic than ever. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Flickr, photographers can share their work with a global audience. This has led to a proliferation of new talent and fresh perspectives, pushing the boundaries of what photography can achieve.

Despite the advancements in technology, the art of photography remains a human endeavor. It requires patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of the world around us. A good photographer must be able to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, to capture the beauty in the mundane.

In the end, photography is not just about taking pictures – it’s about telling stories, capturing moments, and preserving memories. It’s an art form that has the power to inspire, to educate, and to connect us all.

The Health Pillar Called ”TOFU”

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Commonly called ‘awara or wara’ a street food in Nigeria, tofu is processed soybean curd commonly eaten as a snack.

It is estimated that ”About 5 measures of soybean can fetch you N20,000 worth of awara”

Mostly found in the streets of Northern Nigeria. This ready to eat snack is made by frying slices of the seasoned

curd. It can be eaten as it’s fried, with ‘yaji’ or enjoyed with a tomato, pepper and onion mix.

Aside it being delicious, it is enriched with a lot of health benefits. It is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian

meals or cuisine. It is a good source of nutrients like; calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It also contains amino

acids, making it a good replacement for meat.

Tofu has many health benefits, including protecting the heart and preventing metabolic syndrome, a combination of

conditions that can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Tofu can help promote digestive health and prevent

constipation. Tofu can help promote weight loss by keeping you full for longer and increasing metabolism. Tofu can help

lower your cholesterol levels which can help in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Crop Tops As A Strong Fashion Staple

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Crop tops have been a fashion staple for decades and their popularity has been very recurrent in each decade that comes. From early 2000s to the 2020s, crop tops have been a timeless piece that is dominating the fashion market. They can be worn in many different ways which is what has contributed to the timelessness of this fashion staple.

from casual to dressy, you can make this piece work. Crop tops can be worn with high-waisted pants, skirts or even shorts. They can also be worn under cardigans or jackets for a more modest look.

The crop top was first seen in the 1980s, it became a symbol of fitness and health. Showing off your toned mid drift

was the behind fitness. Crop tops have recently come back into style flooding the market a wardrobe stable for many

but mostly the Millennials and Gen Zs.

It’s versatility is the reason this fashion piece will never go out of style. Accessorizing with jewelries like chokers, long pendants, layered necklaces, bangles, hoops or studs can also enhance a crop top. For a more polished look, layering with a blazer, denim jacket or mesh top can take the look to another level of style.

Ivory Coast: Summit coordinates road maintenance investment and strategy

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Collective action on investment is needed to raise the quality of the African road network. This was one of the recommendations at the official opening ceremony of the 21st General Assembly of the Association of African Road Maintenance Funds (AFERA) that took place Monday in Abidjan the Ivorian capital.

The event with the theme “Towards sustainable financing of road funds for better maintenance of the African road network”,  was presided over by the Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.

”It’s to have a positioning that allows all African countries to have at least one road maintenance fund that meets the standards. Why not one like Côte d’Ivoire’s? asks Ésaie Moussa Aubin, President of ARMFA

“In other words, positioning at the level of the African Union. Decisions can be taken hard enough to say that from now on all member countries will have a road maintenance fund of such and such a standard”, Aubin added.

With an investment of over 5 million dollars for a linear road network of 82,000 km, Ivory Coast was described as one of the African countries with a vast road network.

Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé:”Côte d’Ivoire’s road network comprises 5,000 km of urban roads and just over 200,000 km of unclassified rural roads. These dense road networks. represent 40% of the West African Economic and Monetary Union road network. This gives Ivory Coast one of the highest road coverage rates in the sub-region” according to Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire.

About 55 percent of roads in Africa are paved according to a 2023 report released by the Africa Investment Forum. 

Experts say the continent’s road infrastructure deficit creates increased production and transaction costs that must be addressed to scale opportunities.

Gov Mbar urges Enugu residents to go to farm

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The Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, urged all residents in the state to go back to farm and cultivate any available space within their homes.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Chief Patrick Ubru, made the appeal while practically flagging off the “Back-to-Farm” project of Amurri Ancient Kingdom in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

Ubru said that the “Back-to-Farm” project initiative was in line with the Gov. Peter Mbah-led administration’s focus on using agriculture for community agroindustrialization, food security, and employment for many youths and women in communities in the state.

“As a government, we want what is happening today in the Amurri Ancient Kingdom to be replicated in every community in the state by traditional rulers and their cabinets taking the lead and driving the project.

Every resident should fully get involved by planting crops or engaging in animal husbandry.

“Where you do not have a space, you can plant in bag sacks and plastic vases to get involved as all hands need to be on deck, especially in communities,” he said.

Ubru, who planted some yam seedlings, said that Gov. Mbah had envisioned cultivating over 300,000 hectares of arable land.

He said that through mechanized farming of extensive land by the state and its Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), it created massive employment in the state.

The commissioner revealed that the governor had ordered 1,000 tractors for the fully mechanization of farming and cultivation of over 300,000 arable hectares of land; thus, making agriculture a money-spinning business.

“We are planning to train hundreds of youths on modern Songhai Farming this year even as we are going to train at least 20 youths from Amurri people especially youths,” he said.

He thanked the people and its traditional ruler for taking the initiative and prioritizing agriculture and setting an example of how community projects could work.

“I must commend the oneness, peace, and unity of purpose I see here today. I pray every community in Enugu State can emulate the Amurri people and its traditional ruler,” he added.

Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Amurri Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Charles Nwoye, said that the yearly “Back-to-Farm” project had been an age-long practice of the kingdom to encourage and teach youths and children all about Agriculture and its overwhelming benefits.

According to Nwoye, our forefathers and fathers were great farmers and hunters as well; while we have continued to preserve this our cherished tradition and heritage.

Nwoye lauded Gov. Mbah on his vision to grow the economy of the state from present $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years, adding: “We are witnessing the speed in which many things around us is being transformed in the state.”

“We have seen massive road construction and reconstruction, smart schools spring up and soon holistic Primary Health Centres in various communities,” Nwoye, who is the Obioha II of Amurri Ancient Kingdom, said.

The Traditional Prime Minister of Amurri Kingdom, Chief Eric Igweshi, called on the state to support communities with agricultural initiatives with inputs and small grants to expand their farms to enhance food production.

“After giving this agricultural input and a little grant; the agriculture ministry can come up with a state agricultural fair within the harvest period of September or October where communities or council areas will come and showcase what they have produced.

“I believe that it will challenge more people in communities to do more and put best agricultural practices to get better yield for the state agricultural fair,” Igweshi said.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Britain to appeal court decision that UK asylum law should not apply to Northern Ireland

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London will consider an appeal after a judge on Monday ruled the UK law to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda shouldn’t apply in Northern Ireland.

Judge Micheal Humphreys found that parts of the law violated human rights protections of a post-Brexit deal signed between the U.K. and the European Union last year.

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the government would appeal the judgment of the court in Belfast that concluded the Illegal Migration Act was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights and that it undermines rights provided in the Good Friday peace agreement of 1998,

Plans for the UK to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda were passed by Parliament in late April after suffering legal back and forths.

The contentious program was voted through after the U.K.’s Supreme Court ruled it to be unlawful.

The UK’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has been condemned by human rights groups and the United Nations refugee agency.