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Cuba Faces Nationwide Blackout As Power Grid Collapses

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Cuba’s power grid collapsed early Wednesday, causing a nationwide blackout, the third such incident in the past two months, according to government officials.

The outage began at 2:08 am when the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant failed, disconnecting the country’s electrical system, the Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed via social media.

Efforts to restore power are underway, the statement noted.

This latest power failure follows a major blackout in mid-October, which caused widespread disruption, particularly in the capital Havana.

During that time, schools closed, public transportation halted, and traffic lights were out of order.

Both this week’s and October’s blackouts were linked to issues at the Antonio Guiteras plant, Cuba’s largest coal-fired power plant.

Though power was largely restored in the following week, the situation worsened in early November when Hurricane Rafael struck, further damaging the grid and plunging the nation into darkness once again.

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Military Retirees Protest At Finance Ministry Over Unpaid Entitlements

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On Thursday, retired military personnel staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding the payment of their long-overdue entitlements.

The retirees voiced their grievances over the non-payment of a 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024.

They also called for the settlement of several other outstanding payments, including palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 pension increase, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and a refund of deductions from the pensions of medically boarded soldiers.

To demonstrate their resolve, the protesters set up sleeping mats, chairs, and canopies at the ministry’s premises.

Col. Innocent Azubuike (retd.), one of the protest leaders, expressed frustration over the continued delay in the payment of entitlements, describing the situation as one of extreme hardship for military pensioners.

He explained that despite previous assurances that their entitlements would be cleared by November, they were told the payments could not be processed due to a lack of cash backing.

“We were assured that approval had been granted for the payment, and all that remained was cash backing. We were asked to be patient, but November has passed, and there’s no sign of when the payments will be made,” Azubuike stated.

He clarified that the delay was related to the Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Defence.

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Colombian Finance Minister Resigns Amid Bribery Allegations

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Colombian Finance Minister, Ricardo Bonilla, has resigned from his position at the request of President Gustavo Petro following accusations that he ignored bribery involving lawmakers.

The allegations, made by a former adviser last week, claim that Bonilla was aware of bribes being paid to parliamentarians in exchange for their support of key reforms proposed by President Petro.

The attorney general’s office has stated that the bribes amounted to $200,000 in public funds.

While Bonilla has denied the accusations, President Petro, in a press conference on Wednesday, confirmed that Bonilla would be replaced by his deputy, Diego Guevara.

Petro emphasized that he requested Bonilla’s resignation not because he believed Bonilla was guilty but because of the political attacks aimed at him due to his loyalty to the president.

The bribery scandal has sparked a broader wave of corruption allegations, implicating several high-ranking government officials and lawmakers from both the ruling party and opposition.

In July, the country’s intelligence chief, a close ally of Petro, resigned after being accused of overseeing bribes to expedite the passage of legislation.

Petro, who took office in 2022, has been pushing for ambitious social reforms, but these recent developments have cast a shadow over his administration.

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FG Moves To End Harassment Of Travellers At Nigerian Airports

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The Federal Government has taken steps to address the harassment of travelers at Nigeria’s international airports with the approval of new measures by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN).

On Thursday, Keyamo announced the launch of “Operation Air Clean,” an initiative designed to eliminate corrupt practices and improve service delivery at Nigerian airports.

This follows a rise in complaints from passengers about the treatment they face while traveling.

Key reforms at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) include the dissolution of joint inspection tables, which will be replaced with intelligence-driven searches and advanced scanners for quicker security checks.

Passenger processing will also be streamlined by consolidating checkpoints, with officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) and Immigration Service sharing counters to reduce congestion.

In addition, mobile courts will be set up to expedite the prosecution of offenders, particularly touts, and a strict zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against unauthorized activities by Bureau de Change operators and car-hire personnel.

Further improvements will be made to airport infrastructure, such as better lighting, clearer signage, free Wi-Fi for passengers, and designated meet-and-greet areas.

FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, called on all stakeholders and the public to support “Operation Air Clean,” emphasizing that collaboration is crucial to creating a safer and more efficient airport environment for everyone.

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Rivers State To Produce Next President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Confirms

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural group of the Igbo, has officially confirmed that Rivers State will produce the next President General in accordance with its constitutional provision for rotating the position among member states.

In a bid to ensure the smooth execution of this process, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze has instructed the Secretary General to convene a meeting of the Ime Obi, the group’s highest decision-making body, to form an electoral committee responsible for conducting the election scheduled for next month.

This announcement puts to rest rumors and concerns in some quarters suggesting that the leadership of Ohanaeze might attempt to alter the established zoning arrangement.

Following a meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, Ohanaeze reiterated its unwavering commitment to the zoning principle, with preparations for the January 2025 election now underway.

According to a statement from the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the NEC reaffirmed its adherence to the Ohanaeze constitution, which mandates that Rivers State will produce the next President General in January 2025.

The NEC resolution also tasks Ambassador Emuchay, the Secretary General, to consult with the South East Governors, Igbo Senators, traditional rulers, town unions, clergy, and other stakeholders.

These consultations will facilitate the convening of the Ime Obi meeting and the formation of the electoral committee for the upcoming election.

The NEC expressed its appreciation for the continued support from the Igbo community and called for understanding as they work towards ensuring a successful election in January 2025.

The meeting also commended the National Burial Committee, led by Senator Ben Obi, for successfully organizing the funeral of the late President General, Chief Iwuanyanwu.

Ohanaeze further extended gratitude to the South East Governors Forum, Igbo leaders, and all those who supported the burial arrangements.

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Trouble For Labour Party As Six Rep Members, Diaspora Chairman Joins APC

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Hon. Chike Amadichi, the former Diaspora Chairman of the Labour Party, has officially resigned from the party, citing personal reasons for his decision.

Shortly after his resignation, he announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside six serving members of the House of Representatives from the Labour Party.

Amadichi made the announcement upon his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom, emphasizing that his choice to leave the Labour Party was a personal one.

He explained that after extensive consultations, he felt the need to collaborate with the APC to contribute to the country’s leadership and political development.

In his statement, Amadichi mentioned that he had submitted his resignation letter to the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the party’s supporters abroad.

“I am joining the APC to offer my services to Nigerians under the capable leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

During a media interaction in Abuja, Amadichi also stated his intention to mobilize his international network to attract investments to Nigeria, supporting the country’s economic growth.

The defection has been met with support from Amadichi’s political allies, friends, and associates, who praised his bold decision and expressed optimism about the value he would bring to the APC and the nation as a whole.

Amadichi, who served as Diaspora Chairman for the Labour Party, was instrumental in establishing over 12 chapters of the party across multiple countries and was known for his proactive leadership.

His supporters are confident that his new political path will bring positive change.

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Zenith Bank Named ‘Bank of the Year’ By The Banker’s Magazine

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Zenith Bank MD, Dame Adaora Umeoji

Zenith Bank Plc has been honored as the “Bank of the Year, Nigeria” in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024.

The prestigious recognition, announced by The Banker Magazine, part of the Financial Times Group in the UK, highlights the bank’s robust management, effective business strategy, and commitment to sustainability and ESG banking practices.

The ‘Bank of the Year’ award is one of the most prestigious in the global banking industry, contested by leading financial institutions across multiple regions, including Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.

Reacting to the accolade, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Adaora Umeoji, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are delighted and honored to be named the Bank of the Year, Nigeria.

This award is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers, the visionary leadership of our Board and Management, and the hard work of our dedicated staff. It reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.”

Umeoji also praised the bank’s founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, for his visionary leadership in establishing a globally recognized institution known for innovation, performance, and value creation.

As part of its global expansion strategy, Zenith Bank recently launched its Paris branch, following approval from France’s banking regulator, the ACPR. This move is part of the bank’s goal to serve clients worldwide.

Zenith Bank’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including being ranked as the top bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for 15 consecutive years in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks ranking by The Banker Magazine. The bank has also been named Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Awards for 2020 and 2022, as well as Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria by International Banker in both 2023 and 2024.

In addition, Zenith Bank has been recognized for its achievements in various sectors, including Best Bank in Nigeria (2020-2024) by Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards and Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria (2021-2024) by the World Finance Banking Awards.

It has also won several awards for corporate governance, including Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria (2022-2024), and was named Best in Corporate Governance in Financial Services in Africa for four consecutive years by the Ethical Boardroom.

The bank has further demonstrated its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction by winning titles such as Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria (Banker Magazine 2020 and 2021), Retail Bank of the Year (2020-2022), and Bank of the Year (2023) at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards.

Zenith Bank has also earned accolades such as Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria (International Banker 2022) and Most Responsible Organization in Africa (SERAS Awards 2021).

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Netflix Refutes Exit Rumors, Reaffirms Commitment To Nigerian Market

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Netflix has firmly denied rumors suggesting that it is withdrawing from the Nigerian market, despite reports from several publications claiming the streaming giant is retreating from the country.

The company emphasized that it remains committed to investing in Nigerian content.

The speculation began following comments from Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan at the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival.

Afolayan stated that Netflix had canceled several films it had previously commissioned, fueling concerns about the company’s future in Nigeria.

Afolayan reflected on the initial excitement when Netflix signed a three-film deal with him three years ago, but noted that despite the international success of the films, Netflix appeared dissatisfied with their performance in Nigeria.

“Thank God we had already filmed seasons two and three of ‘Anikulapo’ because the other filmmakers we worked with at the same time had their projects canceled,” Afolayan said, though he did not explicitly state that Netflix was pulling out of the Nigerian market.

His remarks, however, raised questions about the streaming platform’s commitment to the country.

This uncertainty is heightened by the recent exit of Amazon Prime from Nigeria in January 2024, which followed a large-scale marketing campaign and a lineup of Nigerian originals.

Despite this, Netflix has reassured its audience in Nigeria that it is not leaving. In a statement to TechCabal on Wednesday, a Netflix spokesperson said, “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our audience.”

While the statement did not directly address Afolayan’s claims regarding canceled projects, it aimed to dispel any fears about the company’s departure from Nigeria.

The conversation around Netflix’s future in Nigeria has intensified, especially with the country’s rising inflation and devaluation of the naira, which have strained consumer spending.

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President Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Diplomatic Visits France, South

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following a week-long diplomatic tour of France and South Africa.

He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at around 9:10 pm and was welcomed by senior government officials, including Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.

President Tinubu’s trip began on Wednesday, November 27, when he traveled to Paris, France, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron for a three-day state visit.

He and his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, were warmly received at the Élysée Palace on Thursday by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.

During their meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference, where President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts and progress in combating insecurity.

While in France, he also participated in the signing of several agreements, including strategic partnerships and memoranda of understanding between Nigeria and France.

He also engaged in a Nigeria-France Business Council session aimed at strengthening economic ties.

On Sunday night, President Tinubu departed France for South Africa, where he co-chaired the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

During the BNC meeting on Tuesday, President Tinubu emphasized the crucial leadership roles both nations must play in advancing Africa’s collective interests.

Additionally, he attended the Nigeria-South Africa Business Forum, furthering economic collaboration between the two countries.

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Tinubu’s Wife Proposes Renaming National Hospital Radiotherapy Centre After Maryam Abacha

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The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has proposed that the National Hospital’s radiotherapy centre in Abuja be renamed in honour of former First Lady Maryam Abacha.

Her appeal was made during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the hospital, which was themed “Celebrating 25 Years of Quality Services and Expert Care.”

In her address, Senator Tinubu highlighted Maryam Abacha’s pivotal role in the establishment of the hospital, crediting her vision and efforts for making the facility a reality.

She suggested that renaming the cancer centre would be a fitting tribute to Abacha’s contributions.

Senator Tinubu also commended the hospital for its impact on healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

She emphasized the hospital’s crucial role in training specialized healthcare professionals and urged the staff to uphold their commitment to excellence in patient care.

Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, reflected on the hospital’s growth over the past 25 years, noting its expanded services that now include care for women and children, along with a diverse array of medical offerings.

He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to improving healthcare and investing in Nigeria’s medical infrastructure.

Professor Mahmud Raji, the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, reported that the hospital has reduced its reliance on government funding, increasing its internally generated revenue to ensure its long-term sustainability.

He also revealed plans for a world-class neurosciences institute and a new presidential wing at the hospital.

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