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International community pledges additional USD 600 million to South Sudan
OSLO – The international humanitarian pledging conference for South Sudan has resulted in a doubling of the funds pledged by the international community for humanitarian efforts, from USD 600 million to over USD 1.2 billion. ‘I am delighted that Norway, by hosting this pledging conference, has helped to bring about a doubling of the funding for humanitarian efforts in South Sudan,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
A full-scale humanitarian crisis has hit over five million people after armed conflict broke out in South Sudan last December. The UN and humanitarian organisations in the country has requested USD 1.8 billion for humanitarian efforts. Prior to the pledging conference, the UN had received around USD 600 billion. At the pledging conference in Oslo today, which gathered representatives from over 50 countries, the UN and aid organisations, an additional USD 600 million was pledged.
‘By this conference, we have got the world’s attention to a full-blown catastrophe in the making. The people of South Sudan will need humanitarian support for a long time to come. Today, we have taken a significant step towards saving more lives and averting famine. These funds will provide life-saving assistance for children and adults who are in a desperate situation. The funds will be channelled through humanitarian organisations on the ground in South Sudan that are providing food, water, healthcare, shelter, protection, and emergency education for children,’ said Mr Brende.
Mr Brende underlined that in order to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, it is critical that the parties to the conflict cease hostilities and grant humanitarian access to all civilians in acute need. The 1.3 million people who have had to flee their homes must be given the opportunity to return safely and rebuild their lives.
At the conference, Norway provided USD 63 million to the humanitarian response in South Sudan, in addition to the USD 17 million provided earlier this year. The Norwegian funds will be channelled through humanitarian actors, including UN agencies, NGOs and the International Committee of the Red Cross in South Sudan. In addition, some of the funds will be allocated to relief efforts in South Sudan’s neighbouring countries, which are experiencing a massive influx of refugees. Those who pledged the most at the conference included the US, the UK and the EU. The pledging conference was organised by Norway in cooperation with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
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Musa Joins Jaiz Bank As Ambassador
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
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Kenya Celebrates First Lady Rachel Ruto’s 56th Birthday
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
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Gas Explosion in Katsina Filling Station Damages Six Vehicles
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.