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Kamala Harris Speaks With Tinubu, Commends His Economic Policies, Pledges US Support In Strengthening Nigeria’s Economy

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United States vice-president, Kamala Harris, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

Harris spoke with Tinubu in a phone call on Thursday, the highest-level US engagement since the president’s inauguration in May.

In his inaugural speech, the president announced the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

Although the announcement spurred an immediate spike in petrol prices and transportation costs, some economic experts said the new policies would ultimately steer the country’s economy to the right direction.

Harris expressed support for the president’s decisions, saying it was a step in reforming the economy.

“Today, I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria about the strong ties between the Nigerian and American people and our shared work on global and regional issues — from defending democracy in West Africa and the Sahel to promoting digital inclusion and economic growth,” Harris wrote on Twitter.

The US vice president also assured Tinubu of her country’s support in increasing private sector investment, digital inclusion, women’s empowerment, and expanding access to clean energy.

Harris also underscored the US government’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s democracy and good governance, including governments’ responsibility to ensure that security services act to serve the people they are mandated to protect.

She condemned the coup in Niger, adding that the US continued engagement with the unstable West African country is dependent on its commitment to democratic standards.

Tinubu, who is also the chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), frowned at the development in Niger, vowing that the union would do everything possible to ensure peace returns to the region.

Shortly after, ECOWAS deployed President Patrice Talon of Benin to Niger to assess the situation.

TINUBU: WE HAD TO GET RID OF FRAUDULENT FUEL SUBSIDY

In a statement, Dele Alake, special adviser on special duties, communication & strategy to the president, said Tinubu told Harris that Nigeria craves more private sector investment, urging the US to lead the way in this regard.

“We had to get rid of the fuel subsidy that is laden with fraud with a few people appropriating the wealth of the country to themselves,” Tinubu said.

“We would need the US to help push for investments that will help alleviate the effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria. We need foreign direct investment to come in.

“We have abundant gas resources in the country and not been able to fund gas pipelines to Europe and compete in that gas market is a handicap.”

BIG STORY

Police Eliminate Four ‘Kidnappers’, Recover N3m Ransom In Kebbi

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The Kebbi police command has reported that its operatives killed four suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Suru LGA of the state.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, Nafi’u Abubakar, the command spokesperson, confirmed that the police also seized N3 million in ransom.

“On Feb. 14, at about 1:45pm; armed men suspected to be kidnappers invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi and kidnapped one Umaru Bawa, 60,” the statement reads.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Suru, swiftly mobilized a team of policemen and vigilantes to the scene, traced the suspects to Tundafari forest in Dakingari axis, and engaged them in a gun battle.

“Consequently, four of the kidnappers were neutralised, one arrested with fatal injuries, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.”

The spokesperson also mentioned that Bello Sani, the Kebbi police commissioner, praised the officers’ determination and professionalism in Suru, assuring that the fight against state crimes would continue.

The police commissioner urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station without delay.

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Jay-Z, Diddy’s Accuser Drops Sexual Assault Lawsuit

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A woman who had accused hip-hop icons Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z of sexually assaulting her when she was 13 decided to drop her civil lawsuit on Friday, according to court records.

In December, Jay-Z — whose real name is Shawn Carter — was accused of raping the girl along with Combs at a party after the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2000.

A document filed with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York stated that the accuser “hereby gives notice that the above-captioned action is voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice” — indicating that the lawsuit cannot be refiled.

It was not immediately clear if the stars had reached a settlement with the woman, who has not been identified.

But 55-year-old billionaire Jay-Z welcomed the closure of the case, which he slammed as “frivolous, fictitious and appalling.”

“This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere. The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims,” he said in a statement.

“I would not wish this experience on anyone. The trauma that my wife, my children, loved ones and I have endured can never be dismissed.”

The complaint said Combs and Carter — who is married to pop superstar Beyonce — took turns assaulting the plaintiff as another celebrity stood by and watched.

“Many others were present at the after party, but did nothing to stop the assault,” it went on.

“Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice.”

Combs, also 55, has separately been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.

“Federal prosecutors allege that he sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.

He has denied all charges, and his criminal trial is currently slated to begin on May 5.

 

Credit: AFP

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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Calls For Innovative Health Financing In Africa, Says “Foreign Aid Unsustainable”

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Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, has stated that Africa needs to develop creative financing strategies tailored to its distinct challenges in order to build a strong healthcare system.

A statement released on Friday by Busola Kukoyi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, revealed that Oluremi made these comments during a high-level meeting on domestic health financing, organized by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda at the 38th African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Oluremi emphasized that without guaranteed access to essential healthcare for Africans, the continent’s efforts to achieve economic growth will remain unfulfilled.

“Africa cannot continue to rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, although helpful, are often unpredictable and unsustainable,” the statement reads.

Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances.

“Given the increasing funding gap for health on the continent, I urge us all to come together and commit to advocating for increased national health budgets.”

The First Lady noted that, in light of recent policy changes in the US, Africa must seek local and sustainable solutions to fill its funding gap.

On January 20, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Trump also froze funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which supports most health institutions in Africa.

With this freeze, the World Health Organisation (WHO) projects a significant rise in health crises across the continent.

However, the President’s wife stressed the need for effective resource mobilization and use to ensure short, medium, and long-term impacts, stating that the health of the people is key to the continent’s prosperity.

“In line with the Abuja Declaration, our governments should allocate at least 15% of their budgetary allocations to health,” Oluremi said.

“We must also support innovative financing mechanisms and explore sustainable models, such as expanding health insurance coverage, health endowment funds, and investments from the African diaspora.

“Accountability and transparency must be ensured, as funds allocated to health must be used efficiently and effectively.”

The event saw the participation of presidents and heads of state from several African countries, including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados, as well as donor agencies and funding partners, discussing global and regional approaches to domestic health financing in Africa.

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