The Federal Government has taken steps to expedite local vaccine manufacturing and halt vaccine importation by reviewing and validating the draft National Plan for Vaccine R&D and Manufacturing in Nigeria. The plan, which was developed in 2021, is the first of its kind in Africa, and it highlights the roles of relevant stakeholders in the vaccine landscape. The meeting was organised by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) in Abuja over the weekend. The review and validation of the draft roadmap, the minister stressed, will fast-track the achievement of the vaccine policy objectives of the federal government. Speaking on the Federal Government’s level of preparation to kick-start local vaccine manufacturing, the Minister disclosed: “Despite the various challenges militating against local production of vaccines, I want to state that appreciable progress has been achieved in these past few years.

November 26, 2023 15:13 UTC

Discover the future of family cars in India with the upcoming vehicles from brands like Maruti Suzuki, Kia, Mahindra, Tata, and ToyotaThe small car market in India is poised for a resurgence with the impending launch of multiple new models catering to the demand for affordable yet feature-packed family vehicles. Next-Gen Maruti DzireAccompanying the new Swift will be the 4th-generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Likely to share specifications with the Swift, the Dzire will also boast a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with a strong hybrid system. New Mahindra XUV300 FaceliftMahindra XUV300 is set to undergo a major upgrade soon, slated for an early 2024 debut. The interior is expected to receive a modern overhaul with a floating touchscreen infotainment system, new upholstery, and additional features.

November 26, 2023 14:34 UTC

Chantelle Cameron averaged 8 of 26 punches per round and 3 of 11 jabs per round after going 14 of 57 and 3 of 23 respectively in the first fight. Katie Taylor smothered Cameron’s offense by coming forward while throwing punches, and tying up on the inside. Dublin - In a high-stakes rematch for the undisputed junior welterweight championship, Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) got revenge with a ten round majority decision over Chantelle Cameron (18-1, 8 KOs). Taylor also holds the undisputed crown at lightweight. Back in May, Cameron handed Taylor her first career defeat with a clear ten round decision.

November 26, 2023 12:54 UTC

“Even before the CBN governor made the pronouncement, our bank was already considering raising fresh capital to significantly increase the capital base. So, we are in tune with the CBN governor,” the CEO of a Tier-1 lender told one of our correspondents on Saturday. He said, “Some DMBs (especially many in the FUGAZ category) are already making efforts to increase their capital base. The use of the CAR (the ratio of a bank’s capital to risk weighted assets) is a good example. He said, “On recapitalisation, banks are supposed to be sources of funding for activities or projects that will drive that $1tn economy.

November 26, 2023 07:51 UTC

I began to think about how cheap life has become – or, better still, how difficult living is – in this country. Is life, like news, sacred or is it, like opinion, free or cheap? The most sacred of all rights and liberties is the right to life. The 1776 American Declaration of Independence lists the right to life as the first of the “unalienable rights” man is endowed with by the Creator. The law guarantees the right to life; yet, there are factors that take life away all the same.

November 26, 2023 03:58 UTC





According to the police, a fatal altercation was triggered by Renuka's discontent over her husband's failure to fulfill her desires, including not celebrating her birthday in Dubai. Investigations have revealed that Renuka, whose birthday fell on September 18, had a desire to mark the occasion in Dubai. Moreover, her plans to attend a relative's birthday celebration in Delhi were also thwarted by her husband's unresponsiveness. According to the police official, Renuka, in a fit of rage, allegedly delivered a forceful punch to Nikhil's face. A case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder has been registered against her.

November 25, 2023 19:44 UTC

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has been re-elected to a second five-year term, despite an opposition boycott of the election in the south-eastern African island country. Rajoelina received 58.95 per cent of the vote, the National Electoral Commission announced on Saturday. Opposition candidates Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko and Marc Ravalomanana followed with 14.4 per cent and 12.1 per cent respectively. None of the 12 opposition candidates attended the announcement of the election results on Saturday morning in the capital of Antananarivo. Opposition politicians have accused Rajoelina of trying to hold on to power by illegal means.

November 25, 2023 19:38 UTC

At least four people were killed and dozens injured Saturday evening in a stampede at a university in southern India, local officials and media reported. The stampede occurred at an outdoor auditorium in the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in southwest Kerala state, where a concert had been planned. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Kerala state governor Arif Mohammed Khan said he was “deeply shocked and grieved to know about the sad demise of four students” at CUSAT. Prayers for speedy recovery of injured,” he added. One of the deadliest stampedes in recent history occurred a decade ago in India, when at least 115 people were killed on the sidelines of a religious festival in central Madhya Pradesh state.

November 25, 2023 19:20 UTC

Rescue personnel move a digging machine during rescue operation for workers trapped in the Silkyara under construction road tunnel, days after it collapsed in the Uttarkashi district of India's Uttarakhand state on November 25, 2023. Indian rescuers brought in a new digging machine Saturday to open a vertical shaft to free 41 workers trapped inside a collapsed road tunnel for two weeks after efforts through another route hit snags just metres from reaching the men. After the massive drill stopped, rescuers attempting to reach the men through the blocked main tunnel entrance are now working to clear the route without it, rescue officials said. “The work of reaching the labourers trapped inside is in the final stages,” Ruhela told AFP. Though trapped, they have plenty of space in the tunnel, with the area inside 8.5 metres high and stretching about two kilometres in length.

November 25, 2023 18:52 UTC

The Governors of the northeastern states of Nigeria concluded their meeting at the 9th Northeast Governor Forum in Yola today, highlighting climate change and environmental degradation as significant challenges in the region. Acknowledging these issues, the Forum resolved to enhance collaboration with initiatives like the Great Green Wall and the Global Initiative of Carbon Credit financing to address climate change and environmental degradation effectively. Expressing readiness to work with the security agencies to have a common security roadmap for the North East. “Forum notes that the contractual agreement on some of the bad federal roads within and between the States are major setbacks to the infrastructural development of the region. Governor Buni said the Forum resolved to hold its 10th Meeting in Bauchi between 23rd February – 26th March 2024.

November 25, 2023 18:31 UTC

A Ukrainian tankist sits on a tank Leopard 1A5 not far from the front line in Kharkiv region on November 24, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Anatolii Stepanov / AFP)Ukraine said Saturday it had downed 71 Russian attack drones overnight in what Kyiv authorities said was the biggest attack on the capital since the start of the invasion. “The air force destroyed 71 Shahed 131/136 attack UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The vast majority of them were destroyed in the Kyiv region,” the air force said on social media. The attack came on the day that Ukraine marks Holodomor — the 1930s starvation of millions in Ukraine under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

November 25, 2023 14:14 UTC

Ajao’s first child, Tobi, according to him, was good at mathematics but performed poorly in English Language, Literature and other art-related subjects. Here are five ways parents can help their kids improve in their academics. Experts have stated that when a child continuously focuses on what they learn at school after school, they become better. Jumbo noted that a chat with the teacher to give the child extra work would be a good way to start. She advised parents to, at that point, seek the help of developmental educationists and psychologists to help them.

November 25, 2023 13:31 UTC

As a matter of fact, excess picture frames hanging at every nook and cranny of your home can eventually make the space overwhelming. This is why modern homes are now designed with strategic positions where tables that can accommodate as made picture frames as possible can be placed. With this, your walls and space retains its serenity while memories of your moments and that of family members can remain alive in your home. However, for framed artworks, paintings, etc., which must be on the walls, there are alternative hanging methods that would not damage the walls such as adhesive strips, hooks, or even suction cups. These methods are easy to use and can be removed without leaving any residue on the wall.

November 25, 2023 09:46 UTC

Tata Punch: In its Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished trims, Tata Punch now comes with a digital instrument cluster as standard equipment. Tata Punch to get a full digital instrument clusterThis identical digital cluster device is also available with the Tata Tiago, Tigor, and the entry-level Nexon model. The goal of making the digital instrument cluster standard on all models of the Hyundai Exter is to rival it more forcefully. Punch specs and featuresThe 1.2-litre petrol engine from the manufacturer powers the Tata Punch, producing 86PS and 113 Nm. The Punch has automated climate control, automatic headlights, linked car technology, a seven-inch touchscreen, a largely digital instrument panel, and cruise control.

November 25, 2023 09:29 UTC

Yagazie Eguare, Founder of Gazmadu Studios has said that photography as a profession has offered her the chance to connect with a variety of people and stories; raising and impacting people. “Photography has given me the privilege to raise and impact people. Eguare believes that the brand will continue to elevate and empower creatives across Africa and beyond, through education, mentorship, and training programs. Our move will also open up new possibilities for us as a business and make it easier to diversify our service offerings beyond photography. Eguare revealed that providing maximum satisfaction for clients was a major drive behind acquiring a new location for the brand.

November 25, 2023 06:59 UTC