UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for Armistice Day commemorations, marking the first time a British leader has attended since Winston Churchill in 1944. This meeting addressed key topics like Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The leaders expressed shared concerns over European security, especially given the potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump, who has hinted at quickly resolving the conflict in Ukraine but hasn't clarified his strategy. Starmer and Macron also discussed broader issues such as managing migration across the English Channel and enhancing defense cooperation. During the ceremony, they laid a wreath together at the Arc de Triomphe, honoring World War I soldiers and symbolizing strong UK-France ties in the face of global uncertainties surrounding NATO and U.S. support for Ukraine. This meeting occurred shortly after Trump’s electoral win, with speculation about how his return to office might impact NATO and support for Ukraine, especially given his previous critiques of NATO’s structure and commitments. Defense Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing that decisions about peace should be left to Ukrainian leaders.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 151 deaths and 1,826 suspected cases of meningitis across 23 states, raising serious public health concerns and prompting an intensified national response..
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a 63.7 per cent increase in international money transfer operator (IMTO) inflows during the first nine months of 2024..
Read More: https://blueprint.ng/nigeria-records-63-7-surge-in-diaspora-remittances-2024/
Oil prices fell for a second consecutive session on Tuesday as optimism over demand faded, although concerns about tighter Russian and Iranian supply amid widening Western sanctions checked losses..
Read More: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/oil-prices-extend-losses-firmer-024544239.html
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said that the risk assessment conducted for Human Metapneumovirus in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners classified the risk of HMPV for Nigeria as moderate..
Read More: https://punchng.com/ncdc-classifies-hmpv-risk-in-nigeria-as-moderate/#google_vignette
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the tragic stampede during the Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, will face trial, regardless of their status..
The United Kingdom is grappling with an intense flu outbreak that has seen over 5,000 patients hospitalised by the end of December..
Read More: https://blueprint.ng/flu-hits-uk-over-5000-hospitalised/
former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed rumours suggesting that he has left the All Progressives Congress to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party..
Read More: https://punchng.com/el-rufai-denies-defection-to-pdp/
A wanted drug kingpin and Lagos socialite, Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, 61, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a new vigour against drug trafficking in the New Year..
Read More: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/ndlea-nabs-kingpin-filmmaker-over-illicit-drug-shipments/
In support of the federal government’s initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), oil servicing company, Tetracore Energy, has entered into a collaborative agreement with Dangote Cement to supply CNG for its logistics operations..
Renowned Nigerian gospel singer and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has been invited to minister at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 in Washington, D.C..
Read More: https://gazettengr.com/nathaniel-bassey-to-minister-at-prayer-breakfast-for-trump-vance-january-20/
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, defended his four tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly..
Read More: https://punchng.com/tax-reforms-will-promote-equity-tinubu/
Nigeria's anti-graft agency said it had arrested 792 suspects in a raid on a building believed to be a hub for fraudsters who lured victims with offers of romance, then pressed them to hand over cash for phoney cryptocurrency investments..
The punch news reports air pollution is Nigeria’s fourth biggest killer.
Read More: https://punchng.com/air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-disease-in-nigeria/
FCTA launches colposcopy machine for the early detection and treatment of cervical cancer among women.
Read More: https://punchng.com/fcta-unveils-colposcopy-machine-to-tackle-cervical-cancer/
The export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to Cameroon underscores a significant shift in Africa's energy landscape. This move marks the beginning of Dangote Refinery's broader strategy to supply refined petroleum products across West Africa, positioning it as a major player in the regional energy market. The refinery, with its production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, not only enhances Nigeria's ability to meet domestic demand but also establishes a strong foundation for foreign exchange earnings through exports. This comes at a time when local markets are adjusting to the removal of fuel subsidies and the search for affordable alternatives. From an economic perspective, the export initiative strengthens regional energy security while bolstering Nigeria's influence in the energy sector. By targeting neighboring countries such as Cameroon and others in West Africa, the Dangote Refinery leverages proximity to reduce logistics costs and offer competitive pricing. However, the refinery faces challenges, including criticism from local marketers who argue that its pricing model might not alleviate domestic fuel cost pressures. This tension highlights the complexities of balancing local and regional market demands, particularly in a liberalized market environment. Strategically, this development has implications for Nigeria's global trade relationships. Expanding exports not only diversifies Nigeria's economy but also reduces reliance on imported fuel, which has historically drained foreign reserves. Additionally, the move could attract foreign investments in the downstream oil sector. Nevertheless, ensuring consistent quality, managing regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and fostering collaborative trade policies with importing nations remain critical to sustaining this momentum and capitalizing on the refinery’s vast potential..
Read More: https://punchng.com/dangote-refinery-begins-pms-exports-to-cameroon/