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World powers rush to offer Turkey, Syria aid over quake

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World powers

Countries around the world mobilised rapidly to send aid and rescue workers on Monday after a massive earthquake killed more than 2,300 people in Turkey and Syria. The pledges of assistance came from countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, as well as North America.

Here are some of the chief pledges of support.

European Union

The European Union has mobilised 10 search and rescue teams for Turkey after the stricken country requested EU assistance, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and EU crisis management commissioner Janez Lenarcic said.

The EU’s Copernicus satellite system has been activated to provide emergency mapping services, it said adding the bloc was ready to support those affected in Syria too.

United Nations

The UN General Assembly observed a minute of silence in tribute to the victims.

“Our teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance. We count on the international community to help the thousands of families hit by this disaster, many of whom were already in dire need of humanitarian aid in areas where access is a challenge,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

Two of India’s National Disaster Response Force teams comprising 100 personnel with dog squads and equipment were ready to be flown to the affected area, the foreign ministry said. Doctors and paramedics with medicines were also being readied.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “anguished” and “deeply pained” by the deaths in Turkey — with whom India has frosty relations — and Syria.

Germany

Germany – home to about three million people of Turkish origin – will “mobilise all the assistance we can activate”, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

Germany’s Federal Agency for Technical Relief “can set up camps to provide shelter as well as water treatment units”, she said. Generators, tents and blankets are also being readied.
Russia

President Vladimir Putin promised to send Russian teams to both countries in telephone calls with Syria’s Bashar al-Assad and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“In the nearest hours, rescuers from the Russian emergency ministry will take off for Syria,” the Kremlin said. The defence ministry said 300 military personnel deployed in Syria were helping with the clear-up effort.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his war-torn country was “ready to provide the necessary assistance to overcome the consequences of the disaster.”

Greece

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Turkey’s historic rival Greece, whose relations with Ankara have suffered from a spate of border and cultural disputes, pledged to make “every force available” to aid its neighbour.

Israel

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had approved the sending of aid to Syria — whose government does not recognise Israel — after receiving a request through diplomatic channels.

The government will also send humanitarian assistance to Turkey, he said.

NATO

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg voiced “full solidarity” with ally Turkey, saying he was in touch with Turkey’s top leadership and “NATO allies are mobilising support now”.

Sweden

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, whose bid to join NATO is meeting Turkish resistance, sent his “deepest condolences” to Erdogan. “We stand ready to offer our support,” Kristersson tweeted.

Poland

Polish firefighters flew from Warsaw to the Turkish city of Gaziantep. “Our team will be working non-stop, 24 hours a day, in two locations,” said Andrzej Bartkowiak, chief commandant of the state fire service.

Gulf states

Qatar said it would send 120 rescue workers to Turkey, alongside “a field hospital, relief aid, tents and winter supplies”.

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan offered “assistance” in telephone calls with his Syrian and Turkish counterparts, the official WAM news agency reported.

Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones. Canada stands ready to provide assistance.”

France

President Emmanuel Macron said France stood ready to provide emergency aid to Turkey and Syria. “Our thoughts are with the bereaved families,” he tweeted.

Britain

Foreign minister James Cleverly said the UK was sending a team of 76 search and rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. Britain was also sending an emergency medical team to assess the situation on the ground.

Japan

The government in Japan — which frequently suffers earthquakes — is dispatching the Japan Disaster Relief Rescue Team to Turkey.

Iran

Iran is ready to provide “immediate relief aid to these two friendly nations”, President Ebrahim Raisi said, offering condolences on the “heartbreaking incident”.

Source: eNCA

In other news – Big Brother Mzansi’s Mphowabadimo breathes fire and threatens Themba’s baby mama

Big Brother Mzansi winner Mphowabadimo has gone on a rant following Themba Broly’s baby mama’s silent jabs directed at her.

Mphowabadimo and Themba

Nqobile Khuzwayo, ex-girlfriend and mother of Themba Broly’s kids, is a cast member of his highly anticipated reality show, Themba: My Inked World on SABC 1. She is undeniably a fan favourite because of the drama she introduces which turns into entertainment for viewers. Learn more

Zimbabwe News

United Nations Peace ambassador, Apostle Paul Aigbokhan calls for peaceful protest

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Paul Aigbokhan

Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.

To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.

Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.

A Call to the Government and Political Leaders

To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.

The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.

As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.

Source: vanguardngr

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South Africa News

Godswill Akpabio advocates reduction in cost of governance

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Godswill Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.

Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.

According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.

The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.

“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.

Source: pmnewsnigeria

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The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Sunday, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria has gone from bad to worse under President Bola Tinubu.

Adewale Giwa

The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more

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Zimbabwe News

Chinese national Li Song accused in Cynide scandal in Zimbabwe

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Chinese national Li Song

A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.

Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.

According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..

According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.

The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.

Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.

Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.

According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.

Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.

She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.

The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.

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