Foreign News
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Signifies End of Difficult Situation – UN Habitat Envoy
The UN Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Raymond Edoh has described the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration “a light appearing at the end of a dark tunnel’’.
Edoh, therefore, urged all Nigerians, especially the youth, to embrace the agenda with a passion for the growth and development of the Nigeria.
The UN envoy who is also a Life Member of the International Chartered World Learned Society (ICWLS), expressed this thought in a statement signed by his media aide, Emmanuel Daudu.
Edoh praised the Tinubu-led administration for involving young people in the governance of the country.
Speaking against the background of the confirmation of Adewale Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), by President Tinubu with a charge on him to “bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment’’, the UN envoy expressed optimism that the new CG would deliver.
He congratulated the new CG on his appointment, saying: “This is a well-deserved appointment that reflects his dedication, competence, and commitment to public service.
“His new role carries huge responsibilities and I have no doubt that he will excel in serving our community as well as upholding the values of transparency, integrity, and progress.’’
He added: “His appointment comes at a critical time when our society is facing numerous challenges that require strong leadership and innovative solutions.
“Many young people like me have full confidence that his competence, expertise, and vision will contribute significantly to the betterment of our country and the life of the citizens.
“With his experience and qualifications, it is my belief that he will make a positive impact on the lives of many and help shape a brighter future for our nation.
“As the comptroller general of Customs, he has been entrusted with the task of making important decisions that will shape policies, improve governance, and address the needs of our diverse population.’’
Edoh, therefore, the new comptroller general to create room for dialogue with the public, actively engage with various stakeholders, especially the youth, and embrace collaboration to ensure inclusive decision-making and fairness in the operations of the customs service. (NAN)
Foreign News
WHO Accuses Israel of Denying Medical Specialists’ Entry to Gaza
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has accused Israel of barring medical specialists from entering Gaza to support clinics in the besieged enclave.
The WHO said since August, eight organisations and over 50 specialised personnel had been affected by Israel’s blockade.
The specialists were intended to provide crucial support for various medical services, as well as psychological support for healthcare workers at facilities including the European Gaza Hospital and the Nasser Hospital, the WHO said.
It was reported that among the organisations denied entry was the U.S.non-profit Palestinian American Medical Association, which supports Palestinians in need of medical care.
According to the WHO, this marks the first instance in which Israel has denied entire organisations the ability to participate in relief efforts for the Gaza Strip.
The WHO reported that in the past week, support teams conducted 25 per cent fewer operations than usual.
With only 17 out of 36 clinics and 43 medical practices remaining partially operational, the WHO emphasised the irreplaceable role of these external teams in providing essential medical services.
The WHO called for full access for emergency aid teams. (dpa/NAN)
Foreign News
Germany must Ensure Ukraine War Does not Spread to NATO – Scholz
It is Germany’s responsibility to make sure that a war between Russia and Ukraine does not become a war between Russia and NATO, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
He said this as he repeated his “nein” to sending long-range weapons to Kiev.
“I don’t consider this to be a proper delivery and that’s how it will stay,” Scholz said after a European Union summit in Brussels.
Scholz rejected key points in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “victory plan” out of concerns of future escalation.
Zelensky presented his “victory plan” at the meeting and called on Scholz, again to send him Taurus cruise missiles.
The Ukrainian leader believes a deterrent missile arsenal could force Russia into peace negotiations.
Scholz also maintained his stance against a quick invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, as outlined in Zelensky’s plan.
The United States also opposes a fast-track NATO entry for Ukraine.
The chancellor referred to the resolutions of the most recent NATO summit in Washington, which offers Ukraine a general assurance that it could no longer be stopped on its way into the defence alliance.
He further said all allies must agree that NATO conditions are met for an invitation.
These include reforms in the areas of democracy, the economy and the security sector.
Scholz also used the occasion to take a swipe at his main opposition in the Bundestag or German parliament, Christian Democratic (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz.
He complained that Merz flip-flopped on Taurus deliveries, taking a no-delivery position before key elections in east Germany and changing his position after that. (dpa/NAN)
Foreign News
Israeli Chief of Staff Calls Oct. 7 Day of Failure
Israel’s Army Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi has referred to October 7, 2023, as the day “when we failed in our mission to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.”
In a letter to Israeli soldiers marking the anniversary of the brutal attack on Israel, he wrote that “Oct.
7 is not only a day of remembrance, but also a call for deep introspection” and “a recognition of our failures and a commitment to learning from them. ”On October 7, 2023, terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and abducted about 250 more as hostages to the Gaza Strip.
This triggered the Gaza war, in which, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority, some 42,000 Palestinians have been killed so far, mostly civilians.
Halevi said that Hamas’ military wing had been defeated, but that the fight against the organisation’s terrorist structures would continue.
With regard to the fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, he said that the militia had been dealt a serious blow.
“We will not stop,” Halevi emphasised.
“We are destroying our enemies’ capabilities, and we will ensure that these capabilities are not rebuilt, so that Oct. 7 is never repeated,” he added. (dpa/NAN)