Six people missing, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, and one dead after tornado sinks luxury yacht off Sicily
By Kazeem Adeleke , August 19, 2024
Rescue efforts are ongoing after a luxury yacht was struck by a tornado and sank off the coast of Sicily early Monday morning, leaving six people, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, missing. The tragedy occurred around 5 a.m. when the yacht, anchored about half a mile from the port of Porticello, was hit by the tornado. Of the 22 people on board, 15 were rescued, but one person was confirmed dead, and the search continues for the missing individuals.
Among the missing are four Britons and two Americans. Mike Lynch, the founder of the software company Autonomy, was reportedly on board the yacht. His wife, Angela Bacares, and a child were among those rescued. Eight survivors were hospitalized, and a child was airlifted to a hospital in Palermo. The Italian Coast Guard has reported that the body of one victim was found on the yacht's hull, which now lies 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level.
The luxury yacht, named "Bayesian," was flying under a British flag and had a mix of British and other international passengers and crew. The Italian fire brigade and Coast Guard have deployed divers and helicopters to continue the search and rescue operation.
A small waterspout, a type of tornado, had developed over the area, contributing to the severe weather that impacted the yacht. Strong storms and torrential rainfall had been forecasted across southern Italy, with winds powerful enough to cause significant damage. Survivors described harrowing experiences during the storm, with one mother recounting how she fought to hold onto her infant daughter amidst the chaos.
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has sent a team of inspectors to Palermo to conduct a preliminary assessment of the incident. The exact timing of the team's arrival in Sicily is not yet clear. The ongoing search operation continues to be a race against time, as rescuers hope to find the missing individuals.
N21m Jumbo Allowances: Our federal lawmakers should be prosecuted — Nigerians
•Say, their allowances ‘re scandalous, unacceptable
•They ‘re insensitive to the hardship in Nigeria
•No positive impact of their laws on people’s living standard
•Want their allowances cut down
continue....
However, Senator Sumaila Kawu from Kano South contradicted the RMAFC's figures in an interview with BBC Hausa, revealing that while his official salary and allowances amounted to about N1 million, his total take-home package, including other benefits, was actually N21 million per month. This aligns with previous claims made by former Senator Shehu Sani, who had disclosed that senators received a monthly running cost of N13.5 million in addition to their salary.
The discrepancy between the official figures provided by RMAFC and the actual amounts disclosed by current and former senators has fueled public outrage and calls for greater transparency in the remuneration of public officials in Nigeria.
By Editor, Kazeem Adeleke
August 17, 2024.
The recent controversy surrounding the salaries and allowances of Nigerian federal lawmakers was reignited when former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized them for allegedly setting their own pay, which he described as "immoral." Obasanjo's remarks came during a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives, who are co-sponsors of bills on single-term and rotational presidency, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga of Imo State.
Obasanjo accused the lawmakers of granting themselves excessive allowances, which he argued were unjustified and unethical. He specifically mentioned that each lawmaker received N200 million, a claim that was swiftly denied by the Senate in a statement.
Mohammed Shehu, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which is responsible for determining the salaries and allowances of public officials, defended the lawmakers. He stated that each of the 109 senators receives a total of N1.06 million per month, including a basic salary and various allowances.
By Lilian Adeleke Fri August 9, 2024
A Nobel laureate known as the “banker to the poor” will aim to bring stability to Bangladesh after he answered a call by student protesters for him to temporarily lead the restive country following weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations.
Muhammad Yunus, 84, is heading an interim government following the toppling of the South Asian country’s prime minister and dissolution of parliament, according to the Bangladesh president’s press secretary.
Yunus is a social entrepreneur and banker who won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering microfinance work that helped alleviate poverty in Bangladesh and was widely adopted around the world.
He is also a longtime critic of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned earlier this week and fled the country following years of increasingly authoritarian rule.
Her departure brought jubilation to the student movement that forced her out – but also some trepidation over whether the military would step in to fill the leadership vacuum.
Soon after she stepped down, Yunus agreed to take up the post – and was sworn in on Thursday with the rest of the interim government.
“Our first order of business should be to restore law and order,” he said, adding that “hatred and unruliness are the enemies of democracy.” He appealed for calm and called on Bangladeshis to “get ready to build the country,” according to a press release by the Yunus Centre, his Dhaka-based think tank.
If you're just joining us, here's what we know so far about the deadly plane crash in Brazil.
A plane has crashed in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, killing all 62 people on board.
There were 58 passengers and four crew members on the Voepass airline flight
The aircraft crashed in Vinhedo in São Paulo state, with dramatic videos shared on social media showing what appears to be the plane plunging down from the sky, before a large cloud of black smoke erupts into the air
Emergency services have shared that they are at the scene
It has been reported the plane fell into a residential area
The small twin-engine plane had taken off from the city of Cascavel in the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, headed for the international airport in São Paulo
Airline Voepass confirmed its plane was involved in the accident, and says there "still no confirmation of how the accident occurred"
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a moment of silence at an event he was appearing at, posting on social media, external that situation is "very sad. All my solidarity to the families and friends of the victims"
This is an ongoing and fast-moving situation, so stay with us.
No survivors after plane with 62 on board crashes in Brazil
By Lilian Adeleke Fri August 9, 2024
Kazeem Adeleke: Ukraine's incursions into Russian territory reveal another dimension of the ongoing war..
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to defy the expectations set by Moscow when it launched its invasion over two years ago. Initially conceived as a rapid military operation to establish control over Ukraine, the war has instead turned into a protracted and grueling conflict, with significant setbacks for Russia. Despite the heavy casualties, the destruction of military assets, and internal challenges like the Wagner Group mutiny, Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have repeatedly insisted that the operation is going "according to plan."
Recent developments, such as the cross-border Ukrainian assault on Russia's Kursk region, further highlight the unexpected turn the war has taken. While the details of the assault are murky, it's clear that Russia's leadership was unprepared for such an incursion, contradicting their narrative of control and success. However, the Kremlin is likely to use these events to strengthen its portrayal of Russia as a besieged nation defending itself from external threats, rather than acknowledging the invasion as a strategic miscalculation.
The situation in regions like Kursk and Belgorod, which have experienced increased hostilities, raises questions about Russian public opinion. While some might expect these attacks to undermine support for the war, there is also a strong sentiment among many Russians to escalate the conflict further, as evidenced by statements from figures like Dmitry Medvedev. However, the ultimate decisions will be made by Vladimir Putin, whose response to these developments will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of the war.
This situation reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of the conflict, where the Kremlin's official narrative clashes with the realities on the ground. As the war drags on, the question remains whether this disconnect will have any significant impact on Russian policy or public opinion.
Police hunt ex-Catalan separatist leader after shock return from exile
This dramatic situation in Barcelona underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Catalonia's push for independence. Carles Puigdemont's unexpected return to Spain after years of exile adds a new layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Catalan separatists and the Spanish government.
Puigdemont's return seems to be a calculated move, aimed at challenging the Spanish authorities and putting pressure on them to apply the new amnesty law to his case. His appearance at the rally and subsequent disappearance highlight the difficulties the authorities face in handling such a high-profile and politically charged figure.
The timing of his return, just before the expected investiture of Salvador Illa as the new Catalan president, suggests that Puigdemont is also attempting to influence the political landscape in Catalonia. By positioning himself and his party, Junts per Catalunya (JxCat), as the leading pro-independence force, he is challenging the more moderate approach of his separatist rivals, the Catalan Republican Left (ERC).
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of a Catalan police officer allegedly aiding Puigdemont's escape, raising questions about loyalty within the regional police force. The large-scale police operation and the use of force against Puigdemont's supporters have drawn criticism, reflecting the deep divisions within Catalonia and the broader Spanish society over the issue of independence.
This event is likely to have significant repercussions, not just in Catalonia but across Spain, as it touches on issues of national unity, legal authority, and the ongoing debate over the region's future.
Israel’s war on Gaza live: 40 killed in new Israeli attacks on Gaza
By Kazeem Adeleke
Published On 16 Jul 2024
At least 17 people, including children, have been killed and 26 injured in an Israeli air attack near an area of tents housing displaced families in Khan Younis, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
At least 23 more have been killed and 73 others injured in an attack on a school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Gaza’s government media office.
Hospitals are overwhelmed and doctors are exhausted, the ministry says, calling for international medical delegations to be allowed into Gaza.
At least 38,713 people have been killed and 89,166 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 is estimated at 1,139, and dozens of people are still held captive in Gaza.
UK braces for day of unrest amid fears of 100 more far-right riots...
The United Kingdom is bracing for another day of unrest with far-right race riots reportedly planned in several cities. Activists monitoring far-right communications fear that on Wednesday, racist mobs could target at least 30 locations, including solicitors and advice groups supporting migrants as well as immigration centers.
The police are preparing for more violence after several days of unrest that have already resulted in more than 400 arrests. Counter-protesters are organizing in an attempt to outnumber the agitators, a tactic that has seen success in a few cities and towns. Stand Up to Racism, a main organizing group, has called on Britons to “mobilize to defend immigration lawyers, refugee charities, and asylum support centers.” The group has indicated that agitators have listed specific sites they plan to target.
Screenshots of a far-right WhatsApp chat, seen by Correspondent, show a list of immigration and refugee centers in at least ten locations with messages such as "No more immigration. 8pm. Mask up." Hope not Hate warned that, besides the pre-advertised events, the current tensions might lead to spontaneous disturbances across the UK. Consequently, Muslims, migrants, refugees, and ethnic minority groups are feeling threatened.
Hashem, 30, plans to attend a counterprotest to protect an asylum center in downtown Liverpool from potential attacks by "thugs." He stated, "People are being attacked in their own country and this is unacceptable," withholding his surname due to fear of a far-right backlash. "We were born and raised here and we will not be cornered by fascists … we are going to show that this behavior is not welcomed here," he told Correspondent.
Muslims in the northern city, as in dozens of others, are reeling from the worst bout of violent xenophobia in years. The riots began in Southport after three girls were killed in a stabbing attack in the coastal town on July 29. Agitators online had suggested the stabbing suspect was a Muslim and a migrant, increasing anger among some Britons who falsely believe immigration is to blame for most deadly crimes. However, the suspect, Alex Rudakubana, is a teenager born in Wales and is neither a Muslim nor a migrant.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a second Cobra emergency meeting to coordinate the response. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure that where a police response is needed, it’s in place, where support is needed for particular places, that that is in place,” he said. Close to 6,000 police officers have been mobilized to deal with the unrest, UK media has reported.
Despite these efforts, disinformation continues to swirl online, stirring hatred and anger. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue has stated that algorithms controlled by social media platforms are fanning anti-Muslim and anti-migrant narratives. On Tuesday, Jordan Parlour, 28, was charged with using threatening words to stir up racial hatred after calling on people via Facebook to attack a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Elon Musk, the owner of X and self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist,” has been accused of inflaming tensions. He has said a “civil war” was inevitable, a comment which put him at odds with the UK government, and called the prime minister “two-tier Keir” – a reference to the conspiracy theory that police treat white far-right protesters more harshly than other groups. Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson and the founder of the now-defunct anti-Islam, anti-immigrant English Defence League, has also been accused of stoking rage with incendiary online messages and commentary targeting immigrants, Islam, the police, and the government.
Many at risk believe the growth of racism can be traced back to political leaders who have touted an anti-immigration narrative for years. Rioters have raised placards with the words: “Stop the boats” – a phrase coined by the former Conservative government as part of its pledge to control undocumented migration. Suella Braverman, a former Conservative home secretary, referred to people crossing the English Channel from France as invaders. Tawhid Islam, a member of the Liverpool Region Mosque Network, stated, “There is no doubt that 14 years of Conservative government, their attitude, the language they used … they dehumanised them and that has an impact on people’s thinking.” Starmer’s new Labour administration uses the same phrase, with its official website informing readers of “Labour’s border plan to stop the boats.
By Klato
#EndBadGovernance Protest: No Going Back! Say Organisers
Organisers of the #Endbadgovernace nationwide protest against hunger and hardship have said they would continue with the agitation, despite the deployment of security operatives to scare them.
The protest in Abuja, initiated by former Action Aid Nigeria country director Ene Obi and Hauwa Mustapha, continues despite diminishing numbers. The two organizers have committed to maintaining their presence at the Moshood Abiola stadium for the full 10-day duration of the protest, even as other protesters have ceased their participation.
Ene Obi expressed dissatisfaction with the president's recent address, criticizing it as insubstantial and failing to address any of the protesters' demands. She highlighted the inconsistency of the government's stance on fuel subsidies, pointing out that the same administration which previously opposed subsidy removal has now implemented it, thereby increasing the financial burden on Nigerians.
Nature and Biodiversity....
The Global Nature Positive Summit 2024 aims to bring together: climate, environment, and finance ministers; private sector leaders; Indigenous groups, including Australia’s First Nations peoples; scientists and academics; and community leaders to drive private sector investment to protect and repair the environment. The Summit aims to inform the design of nature positive activities.
The Government of Australia and the Government of New South Wales will host the first Global Nature Positive Summit. The Summit will also share guidance for investors and project developers to encourage partnerships for developing country projects.
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DATE
8–10 October 2024
LOCATION
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Australia will host the first Global Nature Positive Summit at the
International Convention Centre in Sydney on 8-10 October 2024.
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The UN High-Level Political Forum 2024 – General Debate “From the SDG Summit to the Summit of the Future”
Statement by Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity
"Madame President, Distinguished Delegates,
Biodiversity is essential to sustainable development, providing services that we all depend on. It helps regulate our climate, reduces impacts of natural hazards, and provides us with nutritious and diversified food. It is the foundation of human health and well-being. The loss of biodiversity threatens food and water security, sustainable economic growth, and undermines our efforts to eradicate poverty.
Investing in biodiversity is, therefore, not merely an environmental concern but an economic and social necessity.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the CBD COP 15, makes a strong contribution to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its full implementation is urgent to enable us to protect and restore nature, to prosper with nature, to share its benefits fairly, and to invest and collaborate for nature.
The Framework is founded on a human-rights based approach and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all. It calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, ensuring gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
It is for this reason that innumerable actors, including United Nations bodies and processes, are contributing to its implementation. As such, the Framework revitalizes our global partnership for sustainable development.
The next COP, COP 16, in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November 2024, will further this spirit and bring us closer in advancing progress on the 2030 Agenda and making peace with nature.
It is about the future in which we all live in harmony with nature.
Thank you."
Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi
Minister of Environment, Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria 16 November 2022
Welcome to Argungu Fishing Festival
The Argungu Fishing Festival is a vibrant celebration that is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the people of Kebbi State, Nigeria. This annual festival, held in February, signifies the end of the farming season and the onset of the fishing season. Spanning four days, the event is a grand showcase of tradition, conservation, and communal spirit.
Day 1: Agricultural Show
The festival kicks off with an agricultural show, highlighting the importance of agriculture to the local community. This segment showcases the latest farming techniques, innovations, and produce, celebrating the successful end of the farming season and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Day 2: Water Sports Displays
The second day features exhilarating water sports displays on the Mata Fadan River. These activities, which include canoe races and swimming competitions, are not only a testament to the community’s skill and athleticism but also a way to honor their connection to the river.
Day 3: Traditional Kebbawa Entertainments
On the third day, the focus shifts to traditional Kebbawa entertainments. This includes a variety of cultural performances such as dances, music, and folklore. These performances serve to preserve and promote the rich heritage and traditions of the Kebbi people, ensuring that these cultural practices are passed down through generations.
Day 4: Fishing Competition
The festival culminates in a spectacular fishing competition, the highlight of the event. Hundreds of fishermen, equipped with large fishnets, dive into the Mata Fadan River to catch the biggest fish. This competition is not only a test of skill and endurance but also a way to promote conservation as it emphasizes sustainable fishing practices. The largest fish caught often earns the fisherman prestige and prizes, making it a fiercely competitive yet joyous occasion.
The Argungu Fishing Festival is more than just a series of events; it is a celebration of life, culture, and community for the people of Kebbi State. Through this festival, they honor their traditions, promote environmental conservation, and strengthen communal bonds.
Nature Gallery
Explore stunning images of wildlife, landscapes, and biodiversity in our gallery.