French energy giant TotalEnergies said on Monday it was withdrawing from two offshore gas fields in South Africa as they did not appear economically viable. A subsidiary of TotalEnergies owns a 45 per cent stake in a block off the country’s southern coast where the fields, Brulpadda and Luiperd, were discovered. Qatar Petroleum, which holds a 25 per cent interest in the block, also announced its intention to withdraw from the project, said Africa Energy Corp, a Canadian oil and gas exploration company with a 10 per cent stake through a subsidiary. Another partner, CNR International which owns 20 per cent of the block, had announced its departure earlier in July. Africa Energy Corp said it did not intend to withdraw from the project and noted that under a joint agreement, companies that pull out of the block would give up their stakes for free to those that stay.

Since Roe was overturned in 2022, 14 states have enacted near-total abortion bans, while four states – Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Iowa – have banned abortion past roughly six weeks of pregnancy. Other states have enacted laws or held ballot referendums to protect abortion rights. Several states are also likely to hold ballot measures on abortion rights during the November elections, including key battleground states like Arizona and Nevada. The map below shows where state abortion laws stand as of 29 July 2024. Latest headlinesView states by status:Sources: Abortion laws come from Center for Reproductive Rights, AbortionFinder and state statutes.

Created in 2012, the Lone Ranger was not originally a viral star. But 12 years later, after some have deemed this French 75 riff the Drink of Summer, it’s been thrust into the spotlight. Jeffrey Morgenthaler, the cocktail’s creator, designed it as a brunch pairing—“tequila is underrated in morning, low-ABV cocktails,” he says—and is surprised, but thrilled, by its success. “I love sharing my recipes, because I just want people to be able to enjoy my drinks anywhere,” he says, “not just while seated at my bar.”

As the countdown to the proposed national protests gets nearer, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Dr Kazeem Abidikugu, has described the proposed national protests against bad governance as one of the essential ingredients of democracy. This means they shouldn’t interfere with protests unless there is a legitimate threat to the safety and rights of others. “However, in many cases, intervention from state authorities is what causes otherwise peaceful protest to turn to violence. “I therefore urge the government and most especially the security agencies to please guarantee and maintain peaceful protest devoid of bloodshed and brutality. “in a democracy, you don’t force people to join protests and protesters should not inhibit the peaceful movement of Nigerians.

Esther OgunlowoI am writing to express my concern about the ongoing fuel shortage in Nigeria. Fuel shortage has become a major concern in Nigeria. First, it was removal of subsidy, now there is fuel shortage. The government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies has led to higher fuel prices making it difficult for many Nigerians to afford fuel. The citizens of Nigeria need fuel to survive!

Sanlam and Allianz has announced the launch of its joint venture brand, SanlamAllianz, in Ghana following the regulatory approvals the Sanlam and Allianz businesses in Ghana obtained recently to merge and rebrand to SanlamAllianz. The SanlamAllianz joint venture, which was launched in September 2023, is the leading pan-African non-banking financial services company operateing in 27 countries across the continent. The CEOs of the two businesses are Tawiah Ben-Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer/MD of SanlamAllianz Life Insurance Ghana, and Mabel Nana NyarkoaPorbley, Chief Executive Officer/MD of SanlamAllianz General Insurance Ghana. This, the firm added, will be achieved through supporting financial inclusion through innovative, cutting-edge technology and diverse financial services that create shared value for all stakeholders. MrHeinie Werth, SanlamAllianz CEO commented, “Launching the SanlamAllianz brand in Ghana marks a new milestone for us and the broader financial services market and our commitment to doing business in Ghana.

According to the Associate Professor of Business Administration, “the hardship in the land is much; the situation is now desperate. Only lawful and peaceful protest would bend him towards the people’s plight.”He stated that: “It (protest) is an expected development. The hardship in Nigeria is very concerning; it is a bitter pill to swallow. READ ALSO: Protest: Tinubu’s policies will lead to prosperous Nigeria, minister says“I have been following and monitoring President Bola Tinubu since 1999. Sadraq enjoined Nigerians lamenting the present economic hardship to rally around President Tinubu for the success of his economic transformation programs and policies.

As Yobe State recovers from insurgency, the Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed has acknowledged citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly but called for caution by the organisers of the #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria protest. According to the Command through the PPRO, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, “However, we are unprepared to face additional security challenges. “We urge citizens to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group. While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed. “We encourage protesters to cooperate with the Police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly.

Amnesty International has cautioned the Nigerian government against threatening protesters. Amnesty said such actions would undermine President Bola Tinubu’s legacy and commitment to democratic principles. The warning comes as the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria’ protest gains momentum, with protesters planning to demonstrate across 36 states and the federal capital from August 1 to 10. READ ALSO:Why IGP demanded protest plans from organisers — Force PROThe protest aims to address grievances over the high cost of living, poverty, and worsening inflation. He did, however, call on the government and security agencies to provide security cover for the protest to prevent hoodlums from exploiting the situation.

Terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram on Sunday invaded Jakana Police station in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. According to a source, two persons, a policeman and his girlfriend were killed by the terrorists. Jakana is about 45 km drive from Maiduguri, located along Damaturu -Maiduguri expressway. In May this year, one person was killed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents dressed in military uniforms, attacked the Ibrahim Taiwo Police Headquarters, housing the area command and divisional headquarters, along Baga Road in Maiduguri. A joint task force was said to have led an operation to Barka Da Zuwa and Kasuwan Fara along Gubio Road the next day, arresting suspects who were at the scene of the crime at the time.

Alabi also called for the empowerment of farmers in primary food production either in livestock or crop cultivation to enhance food security. “When the government begins to look at the major causes of food inflation through primary food production, then we can have ripple effects on food inflation, if not we will just keep deceiving ourselves. On his part, Dr Ismail Olawale, a strategic agriculture communication expert, queried the method of the palliatives distribution. “The food palliatives being distributed cannot solve the current food prices challenge. “The problems we are facing presently have root causes and until they are addressed, food distribution cannot be the solution.

Rating: 3.5/5DesignFeatures and performanceVerdictSennheiser has long been a name synonymous with high-quality audio, and their new Accentum True Wireless earbuds are no exception. Sennheiser's true wireless earbuds fit securely in the ear canal and are comfortable for extended wear. The earbuds stay in place thanks to strong magnets.Talking about the earbuds, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds sport a sleek and futuristic design. Also, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds come with IP54 rating which makes the earbuds resistant to water and sweat.The overall build quality is impressive, with the earbuds and case both exhibiting a sturdy and durable construction.Same as other Sennheiser earbuds, the Accentum True Wireless earbuds also offer customisable touch controls which can be used in sync with the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Overall, the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds are an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality, feature-rich true wireless earbuds.

The Presidency has again cautioned against the planned nationwide protest by individuals and groups, warning that it could plunge the country into chaos, impede progress and undermine Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) if not properly managed. While also appealing for calm regarding the proposed protest, the presidency called for careful consideration and positive decisions for the safety and unity of the country. READ ALSO:Protests could plunge Nigeria into chaos, presidency warnsSenior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, on Saturday noted that when crises and uncertainties prevail, the focus shifts from constructive dialogue and development to managing chaos. He said, “Without designated leaders to guide and control the protest’s direction, the movement is vulnerable to infiltration by malicious elements. “This responsibility includes fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.”

The last of these popular misconceptions which I consider worth mentioning in this talk is that Politics and Religion do not mix. I want to admit, without the least hesitation, that Politics is essentially materialistic and that Religion is fundamentally spiritual. The eradication of ignorance, disease and want is a matter of the utmost concern to Politics as well as to Religion. In many modem States, what we see is not a separation of Politics from Religion but a division of labour between them. Many great names in Politics drawing their inspiration from Religion also suffered or died for the same cause.

The Patriotic Elders Forum of Nigeria (PEFN) has called on the organisers of the nationwidel protests to embrace peace talks, just as the Kano business community, unveiled an emergency squad to provide security across markets and business places during the planned protest. However, AbdulAziz, reminded that protests usually does not provide the required results of the organisers, rather it plunges the nation into catastrophe and uncertainties. He also inaugurated a 20-member committee to coordinate the operations of the self-help group. Speaking in the same vein at the ceremony, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari, the chairman, Kantin Kwari market traders association, urged youth to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state. Similarly, the managing director, Sabon Gari/ Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi said “We have informed our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises.”ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE