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Politicians weaponising insecurity – Okonjo-Iweala

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
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The Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has stated that politicians in Nigeria, have normalized weaponising insecurity.

She stated this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Lagos State, on Sunday.

She noted that the politicians have weaponised insecurity for political and selfish reasons, adding that their actions have led the nation to its current state.

The former Minister of Finance, who delivered a keynote address entitled, ‘A Social Contract For Nigeria’s Future’, asserted that there would not be any development in the country without having adequate security.

She further noted that the massive crude oil theft has affected the strengthening of the nation’s foreign reserves.
According to her, there are enough technological innovations to track crude oil theft and bring those behind the act to book, adding that there should not be any excuses not to do so.

She said, “We cannot have socio-economic development without security. We certainly cannot have security without development. We all know that security has been weaponised in our country for political purposes by political actors, leading partly to the situation we have now.

“We have politicians who believe that the best way to make their opponents look bad is to instigate insecurity, making it look like they can’t govern, regardless of whether this leads to loss of lives and property of innocent Nigerians.

This has to stop. A second aspect of security relates to the security of national assets. Nigerians have seen for years how organised crude oil theft on a massive scale seriously undermines the economic and financial health of the country.

All Nigerians must agree that stealing of our national assets of any type is intolerable and must be stopped. There is so much technology available now to track such theft, and there must be no more excuses for inaction.

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NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE ADDRESSES VIRAL VIDEO INVOLVING OFFICER AND CLEARING AGENTS

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Nigeria custom
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1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is aware of two separate videos circulating on social media involving one of its officers and clearing agents at Car Park C Terminal under the Tincan Island Port Area Command. The first video captures an incident in which the officer was subjected to what seems like an embarrassment and hostility. In contrast, the second shows a contrasting scenario in which agents warmly received the same officer.

2. It is pertinent to note that the NCS takes these incidents very seriously. Following standard protocol, the service has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding both videos. To ensure impartiality and thoroughness, the Customs Police Unit has been saddled to review the videos, gather statements from the officer in question, and engage relevant stakeholders associated with these incidents.

3. In line with the NCS Act 2023 Section 30, the NCS upholds its commitment to a transparent and accountable process. It is important to note that any individual found to be in contravention of NCS regulations—including clearing agents, officers, or other involved parties—will be held accountable under the law and appropriate measures pursued to serve as a deterrent.

4. The NCS management, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, wishes to assure the general public, stakeholders, and the business community that appropriate action will be taken in response to the investigation’s findings. He urges all parties operating within the port community to conduct their activities responsibly and in line with the principles of respect and professionalism.

5. The NCS is committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for legitimate trade and commerce to thrive across all its formations.

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Chief Superintendent of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller-General of Customs
28 October 2024

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LONDON IS NOT A COUNTRY-HERE’S WHY.

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Most people think London is a Country of it’s own .. That’s not true. London is the capital of England UK  and there are four countries in the UK with each having their capitals.

Some often confuse England, United Kingdom  and Great Britain.

England is a country just like Nigeria and its capital is London just like Abuja is the capital of Nigeria

Or Ghana as a country and accra as the capital of Ghana .

Great Britain is a collection of 3 countries which came together as one country and has its capital as London. Those 3 countries are:

1. England,
2. Scotland
3. Wales.

When you include Northern Ireland to these 3 countries, they become United Kingdom (Union of four nations)

1. England,
2. Scotland,
3. Wales, and
4. Northern Ireland.

That is why it is referred to as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Collectively, the four are taken as one country. London is its capital.

These four individual nations all have their own respective capitals.

Accordingly, the capital of

Scotland is Edinburgh,
Wales is Cardiff;
Northern Ireland is Belfast.
England is London.

Additionally,
England,Wales and Northern Ireland uses “pounds” as their official currency

Scotland uses “pounds sterling”

Both pounds and pounds sterling are of the same value but different prints.

No knowledge is a waste

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5 countries in Africa where it snows

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By Oluwaseyifunmi Awobiyi

The belief that Africa is a continent of dry seasons is just a misconception as there are countries in Africa where snows are no surprises.

These countries, located at higher altitudes or further from the equator, show that Africa’s geographical diversity also extends to its climate.

This variety challenges the narrow perceptions many hold about Africa, reminding us that it is a continent of contrasts. From tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountains, Africa’s climate reflects its vast landscape, which is as diverse as its people and cultures.

Here are the five countries in Africa where snow falls.

South Africa

South Africa is a vast nation featuring a diverse array of landscapes. The winter season lasts from June to August, and for those interested in experiencing snow, the Drakensberg Mountains are the ideal destination. This area attracts visitors who enjoy taking photographs in the snowy scenery and engaging in activities like sledding.

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While snowfall can occasionally occur in major cities such as Johannesburg, these events are quite rare.

Morocco

In Morocco, snowfall primarily occurs between December and February, though it is limited to the northern regions of the country, particularly in the Rif and Atlas Mountains. Snowfall is not guaranteed every year, making it a somewhat unpredictable phenomenon.

During these winter months, temperatures in the mountainous areas can plummet to as low as -8 degrees Celsius, creating a stark contrast to the warmer climates found elsewhere in the country. The combination of cold temperatures and occasional snow transforms the landscape, drawing visitors for activities such as skiing and snowboarding in places like Oukaïmeden and Michlifen.

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