oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | european football, football clubs, football players, italy, sports
Should Italy fail to secure a spot in the World Cup for the third time in a row, a disappointing goal could go down in history as part of yet another significant disappointment.
When goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and the whole Italian defensive lineup were objecting to the referee, Joshua Kimmich executed a brief corner kick which found Jamal Musiala. Musiala then capitalized on the open net to extend Germany’s advantage to 2-0 against Italy during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal match held in Dortmund.
Germany took an early lead with a score of 3-0 at halftime before Italy mounted a comeback to secure a 3-3 tie. However, the home team still progressed with a total aggregate score of 5-4 on Sunday.
The second goal cost us dearly,” stated Italy’s coach Luciano Spalletti. “That was something we could have easily prevented. Nonetheless, they are my players, and I’ll stand behind them at all times, although some critique might be warranted.
This outcome indicates that Italy will be part of a five-team World Cup qualification group with Erling Haaland’s Norway rather than being in a four-team group where the top-ranked country is Slovakia.
Securing first place in the group guarantees automatic advancement to next year’s tournament in North America. The team finishing second enters the playoff round—the phase wherein Italy failed after losing to Sweden and North Macedonia, thus missing out on the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Italian team has won the World Cup four times, with their sole absence occurring during the 1958 tournament.
Norway started the qualifiers impressively with a 5-0 victory away against Moldova on Saturday. In the same group as Italy, Israel also began strong with a 2-1 win over Estonia.
On Tuesday, Norway will return to the field against Israel, who will host their “home” match in Debrecen, Hungary.
Italy will begin their qualification process in June, starting with a match against Norway and concluding their group stage encounters against the team spearheaded by Manchester City’s prolific forward, Erling Haaland.
“We cannot afford to fail,” stated Italy’s defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Spalletti mentioned he mocked his team during halftime.
The coach mentioned that they managed to assemble a strong second half.
Nevertheless, Italy seemed bewildered for much of both matches. They allowed two header goals resulting in a 2-1 defeat in the initial encounter, and Spalletti admitted that he made an error with his starting formation for the second leg.
There isn’t much more space left for errors now.
Donnarumma has also committed mistakes while playing for PSG.
Donnarumma has also committed several significant mistakes during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
During a Champions League quarter-final match against Barcelona in the previous season, Donnarumma did not rush out to claim a corner kick, allowing central defender Andreas Christensen to score with a header.
Donnarumma’s uncertainty was mirrored in the semifinal second leg against Borussia Dortmund when defender Mats Hummels jumped uncontested to direct Julian Brandt’s corner kick from the left into the net — identical to how Christensen scored.
Has also faced criticism this season in the Champions League due to some errors — despite saving two penalties in a penalty shoot-out victory against Liverpool earlier this month.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, international aid, international news, news, world
The leader of the UNAIDS program has stated that millions additional deaths may occur due to the abrupt funding reductions implemented by the Trump administration. She further cautioned that the AIDS crisis might revert to the severity observed during the 1990s.
The leader of the UN’s HIV/AIDS initiative, UNAIDS, stated on Monday that cutting funds by the U.S. could result in more than 6 million extra fatalities related to the illness.
The UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, stated that the
abrupt changes from the U.S.
, which had previously been the largest contributor to the program, was described as “devastating.”
She told reporters in Geneva that you’re discussing the potential loss of progress achieved over the past 25 years, which is quite grave.
More than 6 million extra AIDS-related fatalities
If U.S. assistance is not reinstated and not supplemented by alternative financing—and we haven’t received word from other nations committing to bridge the shortfall—there
would result in another 6.3 million additional AIDS-related fatalities.
— over the coming four years,” ByanyIMA stated.
She noted that approximately 600,000 deaths related to AIDS were documented worldwide as of the latest figures in 2023.
Byanyanya additionally mentioned that an extra 8.7 million new infections were anticipated.
The head of UNAIDS stated that beyond the immediate future, unless the funding shortfall is addressed, the AIDS epidemic might revert to the severity observed during the 1990s.
“However, this concentration isn’t limited to the low-income African nations where it currently stands prominent; it’s also rising among so-called key populations across Eastern Europe and Latin America,” she stated.
There will be a significant increase in cases of this illness. It will return, and we will witness fatalities similar to those seen during the ‘90s and early 2000s.
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The head of UNAIDS urges the U.S. to reassess abrupt funding reductions.
US President Donald Trump, along with his prominent supporter billionaire Elon Musk, has supervised substantial reductions in federal expenditures, particularly in the realm of US international assistance.
The choice to reduce financial support for the battle against AIDS has
ignited demonstrations domestically
and
abroad
.
Byanyima adopted an empathetic stance, simultaneously urging the White House to reassess its choice.
“It makes sense for the U.S. to aim at decreasing its financial contribution gradually, however, abruptly halting essential aid is causing severe consequences,” she stated.
We strongly advocate for a reassessment and swift reinstatement of essential services, particularly those critical for saving lives.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
Author: Alex Berry (compiled with AFP, Reuters)
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | health, healthcare and medicine, illness, infectious diseases, news
…Commits an additional one billion naira
ABUJA
— The First Lady of Nigeria and Senator Oluremi Tinubu has raised an alert about the country’s tuberculosis (TB) emergency, stating that someone succumbs to TB every seven minutes, even though the illness can be both prevented and treated.
At the World TB Day 2025 Community Outreach event held in Sauka village on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu referred to the circumstances as a national crisis demanding immediate and firm measures to preserve life.
“In the brief period we’ve been here, numerous additional lives could be lost unless we take immediate and firm action,” she cautioned, referencing startling data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Even though there have been global improvements in treating tuberculosis, Nigeria continues to be among the eight nations with the highest incidence of the disease globally. Tinubu expressed concern that numerous Nigerians still endure silently because of stigma, insufficient knowledge, and procrastination in getting medical help.
“It is intolerable that numerous men and women keep losing their lives to a condition that can be prevented and treated,” she said.
As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aims to increase tuberculosis testing and treatment facilities throughout Nigeria, ensuring that free and readily available care is provided to those who require it.
She praised Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for his dedication to eliminating tuberculosis via enhanced diagnostic methods, treatment plans, and preventive measures.
The First Lady additionally highlighted that the government cannot conquer the battle against TB single-handedly, urging traditional chiefs, religious figures, young organizations, businesses, and global allies to aid in raising public consciousness and promoting prompt diagnosis.
Tinubu pledged ₦1 billion via her Renewed Hope Initiative aimed at bolstering tuberculosis control initiatives and enhancing medical infrastructure in underprivileged areas.
Moreover, she verified that the Minister of State for Health has sanctioned the creation of a primary healthcare facility within the community, thereby enhancing accessibility to TB diagnostics and treatments.
Promoting personal accountability for health among residents, Tinubu highlighted the significance of timely diagnosis and care.
“If your cough lasts for over two weeks, don’t dismiss it; get medical assistance right away,” she emphasized.
She made a commitment to push for more funds, gather necessary resources, and combat stigmas so that women, children, and underrepresented communities can receive equitable TB treatment.
As Nigeria aims for its 2030 target of eliminating TB, Tinubu’s stance stays firm: “Each life is significant. We have to take action immediately to halt this stealthy threat.”
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, indicated that the federal government has stepped up its initiatives to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) by 2030. This includes upgrading more than 10,000 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and training 120,000 healthcare personnel.
Salako reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to making sure Nigeria plays a significant role in the worldwide effort against tuberculosis. He highlighted that the administration is broadening TB screening, diagnostic capabilities, and treatment options within both public and private medical centers as part of the universal health coverage initiative. Furthermore, the government aims to boost community involvement and offer improved social support for individuals affected by TB and their households to lessen the impact of the illness.
Salako expressed his appreciation for the dedicated healthcare professionals who continue to serve diligently amidst Nigeria’s economic difficulties, encouraging citizens to acknowledge their significant contribution in fighting tuberculosis. He further lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her substantial financial backing and efforts in raising awareness, noting how these have been instrumental in motivating people across the nation to get diagnosed promptly and follow through with treatments. “Tuberculosis is neither an inevitable fate nor terminal—it can be prevented and cured,” he emphasized, offering reassurance to those impacted by the illness that the federal government stands steadfastly behind them, ensuring they receive all required medical care and assistance.
Previously, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, the Chairperson of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, advocated for enhanced local financial support to fight tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, highlighting that international funds are dwindling. Through Hon. Dominic Okafo, he stressed the importance of securing additional resources as vital for addressing TB effectively within the nation. He disclosed that the House of Representatives has encouraged the private sector to establish a dedicated TB fund akin to those created for HIV and malaria, aiming at long-term sustainability. Additionally, he praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for committing an extraordinary ₦700 billion towards improving Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, indicating that this step signifies the country’s capacity to address public health issues independently from substantial external assistance.
Ogah likewise denounced the stigmatization and discrimination faced by individuals with tuberculosis, stating that the House Committee would shortly enact legislation to ban such practices. He emphasized the importance of expandingTB screening programs, enhancing training for health care providers, and launching more effective public awareness campaigns to underscore that TB is both preventable and treatable. “To eradicate TB by 2030, we have to make commitments, allocate resources, and take action,” he asserted, calling upon all parties involved—including businesses and non-governmental organizations—to step up their contributions towards combating TB.
Dr. Austin Arinze Obiefuna, the Board Vice Chair of the Global Stop TB Partnership in Geneva, highlighted that Nigeria is taking the lead globally in combating tuberculosis (TB). This leadership stems from robust commitments, targeted financial investments, and successful implementation of TB intervention programs. He applauded Nigeria’s significant strides in enhancing its healthcare personnel and addressing TB issues, noting that these endeavors place the nation at the forefront within Africa and garner international acclaim.
“Whenever I find myself among the halls of WHO, the United Nations, or the African Union,” stated Dr. Arinze, “I feel pride in witnessing Nigeria’s achievements.” The doctor further lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her steadfast backing and promotion of anti-TB initiatives, encouraging continued governmental and stakeholder involvement to keep up the current positive trajectory. “In Nigeria, actions speak louder than words; they engage local communities effectively and produce tangible outcomes—a key strategy in battling TB,” he concluded.
In his goodwill address, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative to Nigeria, voiced worries about significant reductions in international health financing, cautioning that the advancements achieved in combating tuberculosis (TB) might be undone unless prompt financial commitments are secured.
He observed that global tuberculosis initiatives have rescued approximately 79 million lives since the year 2000, yet current funding gaps present a significant danger to maintaining this progress. He warned that interruptions in the fight against TB—such as advancements in sophisticated diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccine development—are endangered because of economic limitations.
In spite of these difficulties, Dr. Mulombo praised Nigeria’s initiative in addressing tuberculosis, pointing out the contribution of TB testing equipment and ₦1 billion from Senator Oluremi Tinubu via her Renewed Hope Initiative. Additionally, he acknowledged the federal government’s extra funding of ₦700 billion aimed at battling HIV, TB, malaria, and vaccination programs. Furthermore, he welcomed the introduction of a $50 million plan by the private sector designed to hasten TB eradication. “Nigeria isn’t standing idle; Nigeria is acting,” he asserted, encouraging stakeholders such as donors, businesses, academic institutions, media outlets, and community groups to unite their efforts against TB. He restated his organization’s pledge to assist Nigeria in achieving its objective of eliminating TB by 2030 and emphasized the necessity of collaborative endeavors to maintain the advancements made thus far.
In a similar vein, HRH Usman Nga Kupi, the Sapeyi of Garki, advocated for the creation of a health center in Sauka, an overcrowded area within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This new facility should be designed specifically to diagnose and treat tuberculosis (TB). Emphasizing the importance of practical steps alongside educational efforts, he highlighted that investing in healthcare facilities is vital for effectively preventing, diagnosing, and treating TB. “As one of the significant yet underserved areas in the FCT lacking a proper medical facility, establishing a specialized TB center in Sauka could significantly aid in controlling this illness and enhancing general healthcare services,” he remarked. Additionally, he praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu and various donors for their dedication to combating TB, encouraging governmental bodies to turn these pledges into enduring improvements in public health care systems.
Mrs. Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was represented by Mr. Akpan who stressed the importance of early detection. He encouraged community members to utilize the provided screening services. “Should you or someone close to you have persistent symptoms like a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, fevers, or excessive sweating during nights, kindly seek out these screenings,” he stated.
Kachollom praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her consistent efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB). Additionally, she recognized international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), The Global Fund, and the Stop TB Partnership for bolstering Nigeria’s approach towards addressing TB challenges. She also urged traditional authorities, local leaderships, and residents to progress from mere acknowledgment to proactive involvement in battling this disease. “Indeed, ending TB is within our reach,” she asserted confidently.
During her welcoming speech, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, the acting board chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, stated that Nigeria continues to have the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in both Africa and ranks as the sixth-highest globally, with 499,000 new cases reported in 2023 and an individual succumbing to the disease every seven minutes. Emphasizing the critical necessity for greater financial commitment towards preventing, diagnosing, and treating TB—especially within isolated regions lacking adequate medical facilities—she praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, for rallying backing and donating equipment necessary for TB diagnostics which enhanced screening capabilities, particularly during their recent community engagement activity held in Sauka, Abuja. Additionally, she underscored the introduction of a $50 million private-sector project aimed at tackling this issue, encouraging all parties involved to persistently advocate and fundraise toward eradicating TB from Nigeria completely. “Collectively, we possess the power to defeat TB,” she affirmed confidently.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | incident, politics, politics and government, politics and law, voting
We’re recalling her due to serious violations, misuse of authority, and other issues – Constituents
LAGOS
The Independent National Electoral Commission has received a petition from the residents of Kogi Central Senatorial District seeking to recall the senator who was suspended and represents the district in the National Assembly.
The petition was filed along with more than 250,000 signatures from residents, representing approximately half of the roughly 480,000 registered voters in Kogi Central—a total that satisfies INEC’s criteria of 50% plus one.
The petition brought forward by Ms. Charity Ijese on behalf of her fellow constituents was handed over to the INEC headquarters where it was accepted by the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Anthony, early Monday morning and duly timestamped.
In their petition, entitled “Petition by Constituents Calling for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Due to Loss of Trust,” the signatories stated, “As duly registered voters within Kogi Central Senatorial District, we exercise our legal rights granted under the statutes of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We officially request the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position in the Nigerian Senate.”
This application for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is submitted under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended version) and according to INEC’s Rules and Procedures for Recall Petitions.
They stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan came into power due to a Court of Appeal ruling in October 2024; however, they mentioned that the petition was filed because they lost faith in her representation.
This petition stems from our lost trust in the Senator because of serious wrongdoing, misuse of authority, avoidance of proper procedures, and a consistent pattern of deceptive actions. These behaviors have not only humiliated the citizens of Kogi Central but have also damaged the credibility of both the Nigerian Senate and our country’s democratic systems.
Through this petition, which we have confirmed has been signed by over half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we are demanding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initiate the constitutional and procedural steps for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position so as to declare her seat vacant,” stated the constituents.
In her address to the press following the filing of the petition, Ijese, surrounded by numerous fellow constituents, reiterated their commitment to seeing the recall effort through.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, economics, government, personal finance taxes, taxes
By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Head of Accounting at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor William Coffie, has advocated for a strategic method to incorporate the nation’s informal sector into the taxation framework.
At the 2025 Post-Budget Forum webinar organized by LIMA Partners, he suggested connecting tax adherence with financial assistance programs to motivate small enterprises to sign up for taxation and meet their obligations.
Coffie proposed utilizing programs such as the Women’s Development Bank and MASLOC to motivate small enterprises to register, maintain records, and fulfill their tax obligations.
We often discuss formalizing the informal sector so they can start paying taxes, yet we rarely mention specific actions being taken. Rather than merely encouraging adherence, we ought to offer incentives instead,” he explained further. “For instance, if tiny enterprises such as salons demonstrate consistent record-keeping and timely tax submissions over three years, they could become eligible for microloans and grants from organizations including MASLOC, GEA, and the Women’s Development Bank.
He says this method has been successful in locations such as the UK, where companies that follow the rules can obtain financial assistance.
Utilizing monetary rewards to enhance tax adherence
Coffie mentioned that numerous informal enterprises evade taxation as they perceive no immediate advantages. He suggested implementing a tax compliance index, which would enable the nation to incentivize firms adhering to reporting and payment criteria.
“Government bodies and financial organizations could establish a framework wherein enterprises that consistently meet their tax obligations receive preferential access to funding. This would encourage voluntary adherence as opposed to depending solely on regulatory measures,” he clarified.
Furthermore, he emphasized that incorporating the informal sector ought to be part of a long-term strategy. “Addressing this issue cannot happen within just one financial year. It requires a well-structured plan spanning the coming three to four years,” he noted.
VAT changes provide respite for companies.
Coffie welcomed the latest VAT reforms, calling them a relief for companies.
“The core idea behind VAT is that the taxes paid on inputs and collected from outputs should offset each other. In theory, whatever amount one pays for inputs would equal the tax they gather from their outputs. However, due to additional charges, companies found themselves paying over 21% on inputs but only recovering 15% through outputs. This situation significantly increased operational costs. Therefore, these reforms come as a significant relief,” he stated.
Although acknowledging that eliminating these charges will enhance the general business climate, he encouraged the government to take additional steps toward making VAT more equitable for companies.
Addressing tax evasion via bonded warehouses
Coffie likewise expressed worries regarding tax avoidance via the improper use of bonded warehouses.
“We should carefully examine the usage of bonded warehouses. Certain companies exploit this system for tax evasion purposes. Enhancing oversight can assist in ensuring that enterprises fulfill their financial obligations,” he asserted.
Agriculture for economic transformation
The economist similarly endorsed the government’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation program, aiming to increase food output and reduce inflation.
“We all understand that food prices play a significant role in driving inflation. By supporting local production, particularly in sectors such as aquaculture, we can decrease our reliance on costly imported goods,” he pointed out.
Strengthening young people through skill-building
Coffie also praised the government for investing in vocational training and employment initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Program, Adwumawra, and the National Coders Initiative.
“Everyone won’t necessarily move through the conventional educational framework. Such programs offer crucial abilities that render youth capable of securing employment and becoming financially independent. In due course, this could broaden the tax pool as additional individuals join the structured economic sector,” he stated.
The economic setting for the 2025 budget
The nation’s budget for 2025 arrives as it strives to bounce back from financial challenges. Starting in 2023, it has implemented an economic revival strategy backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This initiative aims to fortify the economy post periods of soaring inflation, devalued currency, and escalating debts.
In December 2024, when President John Mahama assumed office, he pledged to revitalize the economy. A key component of his strategy involves eliminating certain taxes to alleviate pressure on enterprises. This approach is evident in the 2025 budget proposal, which aims to strike a balance between reducing taxes and exploring alternative methods for generating governmental income.
Nevertheless, certain specialists argue that the administration needs to discover methods for securing sustained income generation. Professor Coffie proposed that rather than increasing the burden on enterprises which are already contributing taxes, the government ought to concentrate on integrating more individuals into the taxation framework via inducements and fiscal assistance.
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