Headline

Prepare For Next Pandemic, UN Chief Tells World

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2023

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the world to prepare for the next pandemic and act on lessons learned from COVID-19.

Guterres said this in a message on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness

The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, celebrated annually on Dec.27, provides an opportunity for renewed commitment to the vital work of epidemic preparedness.

It’s also an ideal moment to reflect on the progress made to date—progress that in 2023 demonstrated the important link between global goals and local advocacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected hundreds of millions of lives, caused millions of deaths and inflicted devastating impacts on humanity.

After three years of unprecedented global efforts, on May 5, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency, stressing however, that it does not mean the disease is no longer a global threat.

“Economic damage inflicted by the pandemic endures. Many healthcare systems are struggling. Millions of children are threatened by disease after missing out on routine childhood vaccinations,” Guterres said.

The UN chief noted that three years after the first COVID-19 vaccines were developed, billions of people remain unprotected – overwhelmingly in developing countries.

“When the next pandemic arrives, we must do better. But we’re not yet ready. We must prepare and act on the lessons of COVID-19,” he urged.

“We must renounce the moral and medical disaster of rich countries hoarding and controlling pandemic healthcare supplies, and ensure everyone has access to diagnostics, treatments and vaccines,” he stressed, adding that WHO’s authority and financing must also be strengthened.

According to him, the way forward lies through global cooperation and that the world must improve surveillance of viruses, strengthen health systems, and make the promise of Universal Health Coverage a reality.

The secretary-general said these efforts were making progress.

He recalled that the High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, held in September, concluded with a robust political declaration which complements negotiations underway towards a pandemic accord.

This first-ever global agreement aims to enhance collaboration, cooperation, and equity in responding to pandemics of the future, WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus said in his end-of-year message published on Tuesday.

According to the UN chief, the pandemic accord will help to create a safer and healthier world with a universal system of response to disease eruptions.

Guterres urged countries to build on this momentum by delivering a strong, comprehensive accord, focused on equity.

“Together, let’s act on the lessons of COVID-19, prepare, and build a fairer, healthier world for all,” he said.

Headline

Want To Study Abroad? Here Are 7 Smart Tips To Help You Get Started And Succeed

Published

7 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

Studying abroad is one of the best decisions any Nigerian student can make. It opens doors to world-class education, international exposure, and better career opportunities.

Contents
1. Set clear goals
2. Choose the right country and school
3. Start your application process early
4. Search for scholarships and funding opportunities
5. Prepare for visa application and travel documents
6. Join a community or connect with alumni
7. Learn basic survival skills

But the process can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What should you prepare? How can you get funding? To make things easier, we’ve put together these 7 simple but powerful tips to study abroad

1. Set clear goals

Before you even pick a country, take time to think about why you want to study abroad. Is it for better quality education, a specific course, or job opportunities after graduation?

Your goals will determine the best destination, school, and course for you. Don’t choose a country just because your friend is there or it sounds fancy. Think long-term.

2. Choose the right country and school

Some countries are better for certain courses. For example, Canada is popular for tech and healthcare courses, Germany is known for engineering, while the UK is great for business and social sciences.

Examine tuition fees, living expenses, work options, and visa rules. Choose what fits your career dreams and financial strength.

3. Start your application process early

One of the biggest mistakes Nigerian students make is waiting too long to apply. Most schools abroad open applications 6–12 months in advance.

You’ll need to prepare transcripts, write a personal statement, get recommendation letters, and sometimes write exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT. Starting early gives you enough time to prepare well and avoid rushed mistakes.

4. Search for scholarships and funding opportunities

Studying abroad is expensive, but many Nigerian students don’t know that there are scholarships. Some are fully funded, while others cover part of your tuition or living costs. Scholarships are competitive, so apply early and make your documents strong.

5. Prepare for visa application and travel documents

After getting admission, your next big step is getting your visa. This part can be stressful if you’re not well-prepared. You’ll need to show proof of admission, financial capability, a passport, and sometimes health checks or police reports.

Always check the specific requirements on the embassy website of your destination country. For example, the UK visa process is different from that of Canada or Australia. Be truthful in your documents, as visa officers can easily spot fraud.

6. Join a community or connect with alumni

It helps a lot to speak with Nigerians who have studied or are studying in your country of choice. You can find these communities on LinkedIn, Twitter (now X), or even WhatsApp groups.

They can guide you on what to expect, what to pack, how to settle down, and how to avoid common mistakes. This real-life advice is often more helpful than what you read online.

7. Learn basic survival skills

Living abroad can shock you if you’re not financially prepared. Learn how to budget, cook your own food, and manage time. Don’t assume you’ll find a job immediately after arriving.

Go with enough funds to cover at least 3 months of expenses. Also, avoid the temptation to live like a big boy or big girl. Focus on your goals.

The journey won’t always be easy, but with the right mindset, proper planning, and useful resources, you’ll be well on your way to building a better future through international education.
(Tribune)

Headline

Ukraine Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

Published

7 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

Ukrainian forces have captured a Nigerian national, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who was reportedly fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, Oluwagbemileke was apprehended by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a unit made up of Russian fighters aligned with Ukraine.

The 29-year-old was said to have been captured in the Zaporizhzhia region after spending five months serving with Russian forces.

Prior to his involvement in the war, Oluwagbemileke had reportedly lived in Russia for four years before his arrest on drug-related charges.

The project stated that he agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence, instead of serving time under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code.

“Kehinde is one of thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine,” the organisation stated.

“We’ve already published data on nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries, but that’s only a small part of the foreigners the Kremlin has sent to die in Ukraine. All of them are cheap manpower, which is not spared.”

Headline

Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Convicted Of Raping Incapacitated Woman

Published

20 hours ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

An Oregon jury found former Houston Rockets guard Ben McLemore guilty on Thursday of raping a woman in while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021.

Deliberations lasting around 10 hours after an 11-day trial concluded with the jury in Clackamas County finding McLemore, 32, guilty on one charge of first-degree rape, one charge of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on an additional count of second-degree sexual abuse.

McLemore pleaded not guilty to all four counts before the verdict. His sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9.

The charges stem from a report of sexual assault in Lake Oswego, Oregon, on Oct. 3, 2021. McLemore was identified as a suspect during a police investigation.

A Clackamas County grand jury heard evidence in the case in February 2024, which included testimony from the woman who said McLemore assaulted her. He was indicted and an arrest warrant was issued, according to Lake Oswego police. McLemore was arrested by U.S. Marshalls two months later.

Clackamas County prosecutor Scott Healy reportedly told jurors the victim found herself being sexually assaulted by McLemore while partially conscious the morning after a party.

Healy said that the victim had been drinking heavily at the party and had passed out on a living room couch at the party around 2 a.m.

McLemore’s attorneys reportedly disputed the victim’s account, claiming she had initiated sexual contact with McLemore and had consented to it. They also claimed that despite the victim and McLemore both being intoxicated, the victim was sober enough to consent.

McLemore played parts of two seasons with the Rockets from 2019-2021. He was the seventh pick in the 2013 draft out of Kansas and played for five teams across nine NBA seasons. After playing the 2021-2022 season with the Trail Blazers, McLemore went overseas to continue his playing career. He has played for teams in China, Greece, Spain and Turkey over the last three years.