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U.S. Supports Peacekeeping Efforts in Central African Republic
WASHINGTON – Two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and a small command and support team are on the ground in Uganda, preparing to conduct airlift operations in support of ongoing peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic, Army Col. Steve Warren, a Defense Department spokesman, said today.
The aircraft are expected to fly to Burundi tomorrow morning to transport a Burundian light infantry battalion to Bangui, Central African Republic, a Pentagon official said.
A second small team of Air Force logisticians is on the ground in Burundi to prepare equipment for loading, and a third team is in the Central African Republic to assist in security operations at the airfield, the official said.
French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian requested limited assistance from the United States military to support this international effort, Assistant Pentagon Press Secretary Carl Woog said in a Dec. 9 statement. “In the near term,” he said, “France has requested airlift support to enable African forces to deploy promptly to prevent the further spread of sectarian violence in the Central African Republic.”
The United States is deeply concerned about “the shocking and horrific atrocities that have been committed by government-affiliated armed groups and independent militias against innocent civilians in the Central African Republic” in recent weeks, the defense official said.
In an audio message released Dec. 9, President Barack Obama called on the transitional government to arrest those who are committing crimes.
“Individuals who are engaging in violence must be held accountable — in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, as forces from other African countries and France work to restore security, the United States will support their efforts to protect civilians,” Obama said.
Yesterday, the president authorized the State Department to use up to $60 million in defense services and articles for countries that contribute forces to the African Union-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic. The assistance could include logistical support — including strategic airlift and aerial refueling — and training for French and African forces deploying to the Central African Republic.
“The United States is joining the international community in this effort because of our belief that immediate action is required to avert a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in the Central African Republic, and because of our interest in peace and security in the region,” Woog said in his statement. “We continue to work to identify additional resources that might be available to help address further requests for assistance to support the international community’s efforts in CAR.”
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Presidents Invite Me To Dinner Wherever I Go – Davido Boasts
Renowned Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, known by his stage name Davido, has stated that he receives special treatment globally due to his celebrity status.
The Afrobeats sensation mentioned that he is frequently invited to presidential dinners in nearly every country he visits, with the exception of the United States and the United Kingdom.
In a recent interview with Kiss Fresh London, Davido confidently shared that his fanbase includes influential figures such as the World Bank president, presidents of powerful nations, and other notable personalities.
READ MORE: Sanwo-Olu, Dignitaries Set To Attend Lagos Social Media Hangout
“Every country we go to, the President invites us for dinner except London [United Kingdom] and the United States of America.
“It’s beautiful to see. I mean, leaving my country, Nigeria, and people welcoming me like the president in other countries, shows how well Nigeria is doing around the world in terms of music and cultural impacts,” he said.
Davido has expressed that he feels most respected in Africa, which is why he cherishes his African tours more than those in Europe and America, even though the latter bring him greater financial rewards.
He shared that his Jamaican collaborator, YG Marley, was astonished by the immense admiration from fans when he visited Nigeria for the video shoot of their joint hit, ‘Awuke.’
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Edo Teen In Custody For Poisoning Ex-Boyfriend, Four Others
The Edo State Police Command has taken a 16-year-old girl, Aisha Suleiman, into custody for allegedly poisoning her ex-boyfriend, Emmanuel, and four other young men in the Afashio community, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State.
The tragic incident came to light on October 26, 2024, when Emmanuel’s father, Mr. Elogie Ezekiel, visited his son’s apartment around 6:30 a.m. and discovered several lifeless bodies.
Ezekiel first found the body of a young man named Nurudeen in the corridor. Inside the apartment, he discovered 19-year-old Emmanuel and his girlfriend, Ada Samuel, also 16, lying unresponsive on the bed. In the sitting room, the bodies of Samuel and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, who were siblings, were also found unconscious.
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All five victims were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Local sources revealed that the victims had consumed a pot of pepper soup prepared by Suleiman before their deaths.
Three days later, the investigation took a dramatic turn when the police received reports that Suleiman was about to be attacked by a group of young men in the community who accused her of poisoning the victims. Officers from the Jattu Division quickly intervened and safely transported Suleiman to the station, according to SP Moses Yamu, the state Police Public Relations Officer.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation,” Yamu added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, has directed a comprehensive investigation, instructing officers to explore all possible leads to uncover the true cause of death in the case.
He also issued a stern warning against any form of mob action, urging the community to allow the police to carry out their duties without interference. CP Ozigi assured the public that justice would be pursued with full diligence.
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Sanwo-Olu, Dignitaries Set To Attend Lagos Social Media Hangout
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, along with celebrities and other dignitaries, will be attending the fifth annual Bodex Social Media Hangout.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the event’s convener, Bodex Hungbo, the gathering is set to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With the theme “Social Media: The Influence, Power and Impact,” Hungbo stated that the event promises fans, leaders, trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities a vibrant day of fun, learning, and excitement.
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The statement read, “Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the fifth annual Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH), which promises fans, leaders, trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities a vibrant day of fun, learning, and excitement! Taking place on Saturday, 7 December 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, this festival is free to attend and requires no registration, welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations and immerse themselves in an extraordinary day of unforgettable experiences.
“This year’s edition celebrates the growth and resilience of our community. After six years of dedicated effort – excluding our COVID hiatus – we are thrilled to offer this milestone experience to everyone who has been a part of our journey.
“With high-profile appearances from influencers, celebrities, stakeholders, political figures, and artists, this event is set to be a star-studded spectacle.
“Expected to join the festivities are the Executive Governor of Lagos, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, along with other esteemed political figures, technocrats, and information managers.”