Unsafe sex among youths, sexual exploitation worsening HIV sprea
While carrying out her duty one night, Joy, 19, overheard the discussions of four young girls that visited the club about how coded runs secretly yield money for young girls without anyone mistaking their activities for prostitution. Discrimination continuesAccording to data from the World Health Organisation, sex workers face an increased burden of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne infections. In 2019, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimated a mean HIV prevalence of 36 per cent among sex workers. The global health organisation lamented that sex workers face high levels of stigma and criminalization almost everywhere. “We are seeing a growing problem of drug-resistant HIV in Nigeria, and this is likely being fueled in part by the increasing practice of unprotected sex with commercial sex workers.”
Source:Punch
December 03, 2023 20:55 UTC
Nigeria still asking for deposed Niger President’s release—Minister
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has stated that Nigeria will continue to engage with the government of the Niger Republic to ensure the release of the country’s deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum. But Tuggar said Nigeria, which plays a critical role in the ECOWAS bloc, won’t relent in pressing for Bazoum’s freedom. We are asking them to release President Bazoum so that he will be allowed to leave Niger. “There is no conflict between Nigeria and Niger. We, the people of Nigeria and Niger, are brothers.
Source:Punch
December 03, 2023 17:58 UTC
We’ll continue to consider interest of PWDs – Gov Otti
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has affirmed that his administration will consistently prioritise the interests of persons with disabilities in all its programs and policies. Governor Otti made this commitment in his goodwill message on Sunday as Abia, alongside the entire nation, observed the International Disability Day. “I would like to reiterate our commitment to promoting an inclusive and accessible Abia State, providing for the well-being of persons with disabilities. This commitment will be realized by implementing the Abia State Disability Law. “As a government, we are also dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of integrating persons with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 03, 2023 17:17 UTC
Femme review – unbearably tense queer London revenge thriller
But Femme, a savagely sexy queer erotic thriller, explores just how messily complex retribution can be. Jules and Preston are both skilled in slipping into other skins and identities. After the street attack by Preston, Jules no longer feels able to perform. And Preston jealously guards his sexuality from his gang of friends, with their bared teeth, hyena laughs and pack mentality. It’s bold, unflinching and almost unbearably tense.
Source:The Guardian
December 03, 2023 14:30 UTC
Pledges made so far at the COP28 climate talks
The UAE and Germany pledged $100 million each, France $109 million, $50 million from Britain, $25 million from Denmark and $17.5 million from the United States, the world’s biggest historical polluter. That falls vastly short of the $100 billion a year that developing nations — which have historically been least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions — have said are needed to cover losses from natural disasters. G20 nations, which account for nearly 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, paved the way for a deal when they endorsed the renewable energy goal in September. Tripling nuclearMore than 20 countries led by the US called on Saturday for the tripling of world nuclear energy capacity by 2050. UAE Climate Investment fundThe UAE said it is putting $30 billion into a new private climate investment fund.
Source:Punch
December 03, 2023 03:49 UTC
Aisha Babangida, NDLEA calls on parents to curb social vices in children
Babangida, a humanitarian leader made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the 11th annual Al-Habibiyyah Women’s Forum with the theme: ”Parents Role in Curbing Social Vices”. Aisha, who is the first daughter of former Nigerian Military President Ibrahim Babangida expressed concern on the alarming rate of social vices, especially drug abuse among the youth in the society. “Also in our tertiary institutions and even secondary schools, there should be counselling against drug abuse and other vices,” she said. Earlier, Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, Assistant Director, Sensitisation, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abuja, stressed the need for proper parenting to curb vices in the society. He called on parents, the society, relevant government agencies to synergize to curb the rising cases of social vices in the country.
Source:The Guardian
December 03, 2023 03:45 UTC
Youths trained in organic agriculture under work-earn-learn programme
THIRTY-TWO youths have been trained in organic agriculture by the Organic Agriculture Project in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (OAPTIN) under its Work, Earn and Learn Programme (WELP) scheme. Following the 10th and 11th training cycles of the programme, the graduating students were presented with certificates of completion. OAPTIN was conceived in 2009 as a collaborative project between the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and the Conventry University, United Kingdom for developing entrepreneurship in organic agriculture among graduates in Nigeria. Earlier in his opening remarks, Prof Aiyelaagbe disclosed that the programme has so far trained 230 youths and four staff members of the university drawn from different departments, adding that WELP has also trained up to 200 students who took some modules of organic agriculture in their Farm Practical Year (FPY). He noted that some of the WELP Alumni have gone on to establish their small-scale organic enterprises using the knowledge and skills gathered, while others work for big organic farms.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
December 03, 2023 03:34 UTC
Terrence ‘Punch’ Henderson Talks Managing SZA and Her Expectations: ‘She’s Her Own Toughest Critic’
Expectations were high for her sophomore album “SOS,” which dropped last December. 1 debut, SZA was still making minor adjustments to the album, prompting Henderson and the team to re-upload tracks onto streaming services. SZA herself has teed him up on social media, telling her followers to “ask Punch” why her music hadn’t been released. She recently wrapped the second North American leg of the international “SOS” tour and a second overseas jaunt is in the works. With all the success they’ve achieved together over the past year, SZA and Henderson make a point of tending to their professional relationship.
Source:Punch
December 02, 2023 23:28 UTC
COP28: 120 nations to triple renewable energy within seven years – Punch Newspapers
Nearly 120 nations pledged to triple the world’s renewable energy within seven years at the United Nations climate talks. But COP28 negotiators face far tougher talks on the fate of fossil fuels over the next two weeks. Their meeting followed an agreement with the US earlier this month where China for the first time agreed to include all greenhouse gases in its next national climate pledge for 2035. While COP28 rallied behind renewables, Washington led a call by more than 20 nations to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. “We don’t have time to waste on dangerous distractions like nuclear energy,” said its North America director Jeff Ordower.
Source:Punch
December 02, 2023 23:12 UTC
Fire guts federal secretariat
There was a fire incident at the Federal Secretariat on Saturday. The fire was said to have been caused by an explosion in the electrical utility room. today, there was a fire incident at the Block C of the Federal Secretariat, Phase II, Abuja. “The incident, which was brought under control by the prompt response of personnel from the Federal, as well as the FCT Fire Services at about 5 p.m., affected the Utility Rooms on the second to the eighth floors of the building. “The Permanent Secretaries, Common Services Office-OHCSF, Mrs. Lydia Jafiya, and Special Duties Office, Faruk Yabo, and Directors from the affected MDAs were on the ground, while the operation lasted.”
Source:Punch
December 02, 2023 20:07 UTC
Three Oyo monarchs die in auto crash, nine others injured
Three traditional rulers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been confirmed dead in an auto crash in the state on Friday. Nine other persons were also said to have been injured in a separate accident on the same day. Investigation further revealed that two of the affected monarchs died on the spot, while the third person died a few hours later at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, where he was rushed. One of the eyewitnesses, Olawoyin Adekunle, said, “Six passengers were involved in the crash, but the three survivors are undergoing treatment at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. The affected passengers were going for a social function at the nearby community when the accident occurred.
Source:Punch
December 02, 2023 17:47 UTC
A'Court affirms Otti as Abia gov, PDP to challenge judgment
Ahiwe had approached the appellate court after losing an earlier legal challenge at the state election tribunal, which upheld Otti’s March 2023 victory. The PDP flagbearer had alleged that Otti was unqualified to contest the polls and forged academic credentials. So, at this juncture, our faith in God is renewed, as well as our solid confidence in the judiciary. The petitioner said his legal team will thoroughly review the appeal judgment while he consults party leaders on the next step. The PDP is expected to escalate the case to the Supreme Court as it continues challenging Otti’s governorship, citing alleged irregularities.
Source:Punch
December 02, 2023 16:59 UTC
From mulled cider to festive punch: Mark Diacono’s Christmas drinks recipes
a few friends for suggesting Aperol ahead of Campari in this, but I think it works better with this festive gin. Put the sugar and 350ml water in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. It works equally well with apple juice instead, but please don’t dilute the quality of either. Cranberry mojitoThe classic mojito – rum, sugar, lime, mint and soda water – gets a wonderful festive treatment using cranberries in three forms. Add a handful of crushed ice, the rum, cranberries, syrup and juice, stir to combine, then add soda water to taste.
Source:Punch
December 02, 2023 16:32 UTC
Tata Punch EV spied testing again; launch soon?
To get a full-width LED light barFront-bumper mounted charging portThe Tata Punch EV was spotted parked during its test run in Maharashtra. The upcoming all-electric model has been in the news for quite some time now nearing its India debut in the coming months. This time, the new spy shots reveal more key details and changes to the exterior of the Punch EV compared to its regular ICE version. Previous spy shots of the all-electric Punch partly revealed the dashboard layout of the model. Upon arrival, the Punch EV will compete against the Citroen eC3 in the electric compact SUV segment in India.
Source:Punch
December 02, 2023 14:44 UTC
‘My friends were amazed’: Nigerian women break ‘male’ jobs barrier amid cost-of-living crisis
Experts say that although the Nigerian constitution advocates gender equality, women are still economically marginalised because of cultural norms and gender stereotypes. Audu Bello, economics lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, says: “Women should have the opportunity to contribute to the economy. Unfortunately, in some parts of the country, cultural and religious barriers tempt society to confine women to specific roles. The World Bank reported that the labour force engagement rate for women in 2022 was 52%, while for men it stood at 65%. Women had 15 out 423 seats in the country’s legislative chambers, and only one woman emerged as a presidential candidate.
Source:The Guardian
December 02, 2023 14:37 UTC