By now, I’m sure most of you are aware of the recently concluded Miss Universe competition. I followed the show closely, and in my opinion, Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, truly deserved that crown. She was the clear standout, but of course, the judges made their choice, and she ended up as the first runner-up.
Chidinma answered all her questions with poise and intelligence, and she’s an absolutely stunning woman. I’m not just saying this because she’s Nigerian—I genuinely believe she was the best on that stage.
For those who may not know, Chidinma is a dedicated law student who has faced considerable backlash from some in South Africa due to her mixed heritage. Despite this, Nigeria has embraced her wholeheartedly, and she’s made us incredibly proud.
Congratulations to all the participants. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
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Two days ago, I attended the conference at the Center for Contemporary Art, marking the end of the Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG) and the sharing of their recommendations for the vision, mission, and structure of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland.
It was very insightful, and people had the opportunity to ask many questions. Racism hasn't been adequately addressed in many countries and has often been taken lightly. A great-grandmother from India, who has lived in Scotland for a long time and has three generations here, shared accounts of how racism hasn't shown significant improvement for a long time.
Another person spoke up and said if there were not significant changes and accountability for those who engage in racist behavior, then she didn't want to be part of this movement.
Individuals from diverse racial backgrounds were in attendance and poured out their heavy hearts.
The event was attended by the Minister for Equalities, Migration, and Refugees, Emma Roddick, and provided an opportunity to hear from them, ask questions, and engage in conversation with the Co-Chairs of the AIGG.
The event also marked the publication of the AIGG community research report, which contributed in various ways. The community research mapped to the AIGG’s work.
Here is the significant question people want answers to:
Observatory Accountability
We would like to know who will be held accountable for how the anti-racist strategy is implemented.
What are your thoughts?
#AntiRacismConference #EqualityInAction #AIGGEvent #InclusiveScotland #RacismAwareness #CommunityResearch #EqualityAdvocacy #AccountabilityMatters #AntiRacistStrategy #EmpowerChange
The UK government has announced a ban on XL Bully dogs, a breed that has been associated with a number of attacks, including fatalities. The ban will make it illegal to own an XL Bully within three months. The government has formed a panel of experts to define the breed, as it is not officially recognized by the UK Kennel Club. The definition provided by the government describes an XL Bully as a large dog with a muscular body and blocky head. It also specifies certain characteristics, such as height and head shape. Pocket Bullies, on the other hand, are smaller in size and are not included in the ban. The ban will be implemented in stages, with owners required to keep XL Bullies on a lead and muzzled in public starting from December 31, 2023. From January 31, 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless it is registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. Current owners will have the option to apply for an exemption certificate or have their dog euthanized with compensation provided.
The government's decision to ban XL Bullies has received criticism for its vague definition and concerns that other breeds could be mistakenly included. However, the government believes the ban will help prevent dog attacks.
During his speech to the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, the prime minister said that the government will be introducing a plan to phase out the sale of cigarettes for the next generation. This would be a significant step forward for the UK's overall health.
In addition, the PM promised to take stronger action against youngsters being sold disposable vapes, stating that more needs to be done to limit access to those under the age of 18.
During his address, Mr. Sunak stated that four out of five people who smoke began before the age of twenty. Most of them attempt to stop smoking later on, but many of them fail because they are addicted and regret starting the habit in the first place.
"We would be close to eradicating the leading cause of avoidable illness and death in our nation if we could interrupt that loop and halt the beginning.
"I suggest that going forward, the smoking age be raised yearly by one year. This implies that a 14-year-old can grow up smoke-free and that they will never be able to lawfully purchase cigarettes.
After the prime minister's statement, let's examine the British smoking regulations as they stand now and potential changes:
Tiwa Savage, a superstar in the Nigerian music industry, had an outstanding performance on May 7 at the royal wedding celebration held at Windsor Castle in honour of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
She completely wowed the audience with her performance of "Keys to the Kingdom," a song that she and Mr. Eazi had previously recorded and appeared on Beyoncé's album "The Lion King."
Tiwa Savage gave a performance while wearing a Lanre Da Silva-made green dress. She was backed on stage by an orchestra of violinists, drummers, and backup vocalists who sang in the Yoruba language.
Tiwa Savage was not the only internationally renowned musician who performed at the concert; other notable artists that took the stage were Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Take That, Freya Ridings, Alexis Ffrench, Andrea Bocelli, and Sir Bryn Terfel.
She completely wowed the audience with her performance of "Keys to the Kingdom," a song that she and Mr. Eazi had previously recorded and appeared on Beyoncé's album "The Lion King."
Tiwa Savage gave a performance while wearing a Lanre Da Silva-made green dress. She was backed on stage by an orchestra of violinists, drummers, and backup vocalists who sang in the Yoruba language.
Tiwa Savage was not the only internationally renowned musician who performed at the concert; other notable artists that took the stage were Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Take That, Freya Ridings, Alexis Ffrench, Andrea Bocelli, and Sir Bryn Terfel.
Is gender equality really feasible in light Russian war against Ukraine?
The reason why I am asking this question is that gender equality is important and this has been an issue for a long time, but how feasible is gender equality? When the war started in Ukraine, a law was passed by the president, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian men were ordered to stay and fight Russia. It was declared on a Thursday in February 2022 that men aged 18 to 60 were prohibited from leaving the country, which has been under martial law since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Women, girls, and children were allowed to leave the country to seek refuge in other European countries.
Today is the 62nd Independence Day in Nigeria. Although we do not see much of an independent country, we are still grateful for life. Today we will be disturbing your timeline with stunning photos from all over the world marking the Independence Day in Nigeria. Keep sharing and keep celebrating Nigeria.
The Nigerian Independence Day is annually observed on October 1. It is a momentous occasion in the history of Nigeria, as it signifies their independence from their former colonial master.
Opeyemis Diary celebrates Nigeria's independence in style.
According to Shutterstock Instagram : An aerial view of Florida's Sanibel Island shows the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Ian has made it back to land, this time in South Carolina. He has been wreaking havoc in Cuba and Florida for the past few days.
📸 @Shutterstock
- @APnews
- @EPAphotos
- Wilfredo Lee
- Yander Zamora
- CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
- John Raoux
- Rebecca Blackwell
- TANNEN MAURY
- Ismael Francisco
- Phelan M Ebenhack
#hurricaneian #shutterstocknow
📸 @Shutterstock
- @APnews
- @EPAphotos
- Wilfredo Lee
- Yander Zamora
- CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
- John Raoux
- Rebecca Blackwell
- TANNEN MAURY
- Ismael Francisco
- Phelan M Ebenhack
#hurricaneian #shutterstocknow
"These have been the most horrible months of my life, and of every Ukrainian's life," she told Vogue. I don't think anyone is aware of how we have managed emotionally." We're looking forward to victory. We have no doubt we will prevail. And this is what keeps us going, "Zelenska said. Via People
Rescue workers carrying the body of a victim after flooding in Estahban county, Fars province, southern Iran. Photograph: Iranian Red Crescent/EPAFollowing significant rainfall in the relatively desert nation, flooding in southern Iran has claimed the lives of at least 22 people and left one person missing, according to a local official.
On Saturday, videos appeared on local and social media platforms showing cars being swept away by the Roodball river in the southern province of Fars. In one video, people can be seen removing a young person from a moving vehicle.
Several communities in and around the country's Estahban county region were flooded. A second body has been discovered, bringing the total number of fatalities to 22, according to Javad Moradian, the director of the local rescue team, who spoke to Mehr news agency.
news source.
Due to a rise in cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that monkeypox is a "global health emergency."
Despite the WHO's emergency committee failing to come to an agreement on Saturday, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus decided to make the proclamation.
When a worldwide emergency is declared, it signifies that the monkeypox outbreak is an "exceptional event" that may spread to other nations and necessitates a coordinated international response.
What is monkeypox and what symptoms might it cause?
The WHO has already declared emergencies for public health disasters like the COVID pandemic, the West African Ebola outbreak in 2014, the Zika virus in Latin America in 2016, and the ongoing fight to eradicate polio.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that since May, more than 16,000 people in 74 countries have been diagnosed with monkeypox.
The news on Saturday would make people spend more money on treating diseases and make it harder to get scarce vaccines.
As 71 percent of cases are reported in London, monkeypox is a "deep worry."
Monkeypox has only been linked to deaths in Africa, mostly in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where a more dangerous strain of the virus is spreading.
It is rare to contract monkeypox. The latest incidences elsewhere in the world are unique because they are often carried by wild animals in places like the west or central Africa
Monkeypox is spreading among individuals who have no connections to animals or recent travel to Africa in Europe, North America, and other places.
Dr. Rosamund Lewis, the top specialist on monkeypox for the WHO, stated last week that men made up 99 per cent of all instances of monkeypox outside of Africa and that 98 percent of those cases were men who had sex with men.
Experts think that the outbreaks in Europe and North America were caused by sexual contact at two raves in Belgium and Spain.
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| Handout image issued by the UK Health Security Agency of the stages of Monkeypox.Credit: UKHSA/PA |
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
It usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms of the infection to appear.
The first symptoms of monkeypox include:
a high temperature
a headache
muscle aches
backache
swollen glands
shivering (chills)
exhaustion
A rash, which often begins on the face before spreading, usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms.
The rash, sometimes confused with chickenpox, starts as raised spots before becoming small fluid-filled blisters. The blisters eventually form scabs and later fall off.
Symptoms usually clear up in two to four weeks.
One hundred days of war have put enormous strain on Ukraine's health-care system.
Ukraine's health system is under tremendous strain after 100 days of the war, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has strengthened its presence, both in Ukraine and in countries hosting displaced Ukrainians, to help meet the rising health demands.
"This war has gone on for 100 days too long, shattering lives and communities and endangering the short- and long-term health of the Ukrainian people," said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "WHO is doing everything possible to assist Ukraine's Ministry of Health by delivering critical medical supplies and equipment." But the most important treatment Ukraine requires is one that WHO cannot provide: peace. We demand that the Russian Federation halt the conflict."
The war has raised the demand for health-care services while decreasing the system's ability to offer them, particularly in areas of active fighting. As of June 2, there had been 269 verified attacks on health, with at least 76 persons killed and 59 injured.
"Over 260 verified attacks on health care have occurred in Ukraine in the first 100 days of the war." These attacks are not justifiable, are never acceptable, and must be investigated. "No health professional should have to offer health care on a razor's edge, but that is exactly what nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, and medical teams in Ukraine are doing," said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
"During two trips to Ukraine since the war began, I've had the opportunity to meet several health workers." We commend them for keeping crucial services and hope alive in the face of unspeakable pain and suffering."
Some health facilities have been damaged, while others have been overrun by individuals seeking treatment for war-related stress and injuries. WHO has built hubs near the conflict, such as Dnipro, to quickly reach the areas most in need.
"WHO is determined to being in Ukraine both now and in the future, addressing immediate health concerns and helping health-system rehabilitation." "As access and security improve, we are redeploying staff around the country," said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. "Mental and physical health must be prioritized in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts."
To that end, WHO has issued an updated appeal for US$ 147.5 million to alleviate Ukraine's deteriorating humanitarian situation, offer immediate healthcare, and enable the health sector remain resilient in the long term. A total of US$ 80 million is necessary for in-country assistance, including as distributing medicines and providing crucial healthcare services, and another US$ 67.5 million is required to aid refugee-receiving and hosting nations such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova, and Romania.
The war has resulted in a significant increase in psychological suffering and distress. Health care specialists across the country report that the most prevalent request currently is for assistance with sleeplessness, anxiety, bereavement, and psychological suffering. WHO is collaborating with the office of Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to create a national mental health program that is accessible to all.
WHO has increased staff and repurposed systems, notably its logistics system, in response to changing health demands in Ukraine. This has allowed for the delivery of over 543 metric tonnes of medical supplies and equipment to the country, which are being distributed mostly in the east, south, and northern oblasts where the need is highest. Trauma surgical supplies, ambulances, Ukrainian-made ventilators that can continue to work even when power fails, electric generators, and oxygen equipment, including the construction of oxygen plants, are among the items delivered.
Another critical requirement is training to cope with the aftereffects of conflict, such as trauma surgery, mass casualties, burns, and chemical exposure. WHO has taught around 1300 healthcare workers on these issues since February 24.
Along with this, WHO has been collaborating with the Ukraine Public Health Centre to improve disease surveillance and laboratory diagnoses, as well as with local governments to restore vaccination programs and key health services. WHO collaborates with over 40 Emergency Medical Teams to supplement the health system.
Photo by Derek French from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-protesting-on-the-street-11337755/
In 1999, the military handed over authority to an elected civilian government, marking the beginning of Nigeria's longest continuous civilian rule since the country's independence from colonial rule in 1960. This day is known as Democracy Day. Beginning in the year 2000, this event has become an annual tradition.
The United States plans to accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.
The United States is ready to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. Although the vast majority of those displaced will attempt to remain in Europe, a considerable number will be welcomed across the Atlantic.
With many Ukrainian-American families wishing to give a temporary home to their relatives, the United States is willing to employ a variety of Visa and asylum possibilities. Vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQI people, journalists, and political dissidents, will be prioritized.
Indications surfaced Friday night at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention that the party had reached a consensus on 77 of 78 principles.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu was backed by stakeholders, particularly state governors, for the role of National Chairman, according to a 'Unity List' obtained by our Correspondent, while Senator Iyiola Omisore was endorsed as National Secretary.
Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno State) was endorsed as Deputy National Chairman, North; Chief Emma Eneukwu (Enugu State) was recommended as Deputy National Chairman, South; and Barr. Festus Fuanter (Plateau) was endorsed as Deputy National Secretary.
Muazu Rijau (Niger) was approved for North Central; Mustapha Salihu (Adamawa) for North East; Salihu Moh. Lukman (Kaduna) for North West; Dr Ijeoma Arodiogwu (Imo) for South-East; Chief Victor Giadom, Rivers, South-South; and David Isaac Kekemeke, Ondo, South West.
Putin hosts concert to celebrate the annexation of Crimea
Russian President Vladimir Putin has continued his misinformation drive by holding a massive concert to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea. Crimea is currently being used as a major base for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As well as performers and speakers, Putin himself made an appearance, speaking of the "bravery and patriotism" of Russia's soldiers. According to Russia, more than 200,000 people attended the event. However, the stadium itself only holds 81,000, although there were large crowds outside.
Foreign reporters at the event spoke to many attendees who had been told they had to come, were forced, or were given incentives to show up. All state employees were made to attend. Many did not want to be seen on camera or speak to journalists for fear of governmental consequences. These accounts are not yet verified.
As well as performers and speakers, Putin himself made an appearance, speaking of the "bravery and patriotism" of Russia's soldiers. According to Russia, more than 200,000 people attended the event. However, the stadium itself only holds 81,000, although there were large crowds outside.
Foreign reporters at the event spoke to many attendees who had been told they had to come, were forced, or were given incentives to show up. All state employees were made to attend. Many did not want to be seen on camera or speak to journalists for fear of governmental consequences. These accounts are not yet verified.
Airlines worldwide are returning to normal.
As more airlines reinstate operational methods not seen since early 2020, the travel sector is slowly but steadily returning to pre-pandemic life.
Relaxed mask usage is coming. KLM, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic are among the biggest names to do away with masks. So has Heathrow Airport. However, all airlines have indicated that they have dropped the requirement.
McDonald's, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola are the latest companies to leave Russia.
Public pressure appears to work sometimes, as several of the world's largest corporations have declared plans to discontinue operations in Russia after being pressured to do so.
McDonald's stated yesterday that it would close all of its roughly 800 stores in Russia, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a reason.
"Every day, we serve millions of Russian consumers who rely on McDonald's," stated Chris Kempczinski, CEO of McDonald's. "At the same time, our morals dictate that we cannot turn a blind eye to the needless human suffering in Ukraine."
President Biden declared yesterday that his government will restrict all Russian oil and gas imports in an effort to strike harder on Russia's economy.
"Today, I am announcing that the United States will target Russia's primary economic artery. We are prohibiting all imports of Russian crude oil, natural gas, and energy "As Biden stated. "This implies that Russian oil will no longer be accepted at US ports, and the American people will inflict another devastating blow on Putin's war machine."
Russia ignores ceasefire, trapping thousands
Last week, a sliver of good news arrived when authorities from Ukraine and Russia agreed to create safe corridors to allow civilians to be evacuated. Unfortunately, that hope was dashed when Russia broke the brief ceasefire, forcing Mariupol to suspend evacuations for two days in a row.
The port city is encircled by Russian soldiers and has been shelled on a regular basis. The inhabitants of Mariupol are in a rapidly deteriorating condition since the city has been without heat, food, or electricity for days.
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