Pope Francis Injures Arm After Falling At The Vatican

Pope Francis has suffered a fall and injured his right arm but did not sustain any fractures, according to a statement from the Vatican. The Holy See press office reported that the 88-year-old pontiff fell Thursday morning at Casa Santa Marta, his residence, resulting in a contusion to his right forearm. The statement noted that his arm has been immobilized as a precautionary measure.

Photographs released by the Vatican showed the pope wearing a cloth sling while continuing with his official duties. Despite the fall, Francis maintained a full schedule, holding five meetings on Thursday, including one with Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund of Agricultural Development, and another with priests from an Argentine college in Rome.

The incident follows the pope’s general audience on Wednesday, where he appeared in good spirits, even tossing a tennis ball to a dog during a circus performance. However, this marks the second fall for the pope in recent weeks. In early December, he sustained a large bruise on his chin after falling and hitting his bedside table during the night.

Pope Francis has faced several health challenges in recent years. Since 2022, he has been using a wheelchair due to knee pain and mobility issues. In his recently published autobiography Hope, the pope addressed his health, describing it as generally good while acknowledging the realities of aging. “The reality is, quite simply, that I am old,” he wrote.

Reflecting on his physical limitations, Francis admitted that initially, using a wheelchair was “embarrassing,” but he emphasized the importance of adapting to old age. “Old age never arrives by itself, and it must be accepted for what it is,” he said. He also noted, “The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs. I do physiotherapy twice a week, I use a walking stick, do as many steps as I can, and I carry on.”

The pope has ruled out resigning from his position, reaffirming his commitment to leading the Church despite his physical challenges.

Biden Grants Clemency To Nearly 2,500 People In One Day

President Joe Biden on Friday, January 17, commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offences, marking what the White House called the largest single-day act of clemency in US history.

Those whose sentences were commuted were serving what Biden described as “disproportionately long sentences” compared to what they would receive under current sentencing laws.

Biden emphasized that the decision was an important step in “righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families.” He further stated, “With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in US history.” He also suggested that he may issue additional commutations or pardons before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on Monday.

In December, Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others, including his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing potential prison time following convictions related to gun and tax crimes.

Biden has also been reportedly considering issuing blanket pardons for some of his allies and former officials, amid concerns that they could face “retribution” as previously suggested by Trump. In addition to these actions, Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 out of 40 inmates on federal death row. The three individuals excluded from this decision were a 2013 Boston Marathon bomber, a gunman who killed 11 Jewish worshippers in 2018, and a white supremacist responsible for the 2015 shooting at a Black church.

Trump, who has signalled his intention to resume federal executions, had paused them during Biden’s tenure.

Lady In Uk Shares Unexpected Reactions From Friend She Sent N30k For Mother’s Funeral

A lady in the UK has shared the reactions of her friend in Nigeria she sent N30K as she prepares for her mother’s funeral.

In the video that was shared by the lady in the UK, @jane_peterz, she disclosed that she called her friend to confirm if the transfer went through.

According to the lady, after her friend confirmed receiving the money, she told her she was expecting more.

When she asked her friend how much she was expecting, the latter said N150k or N200k. She said:

“I wanted to cry. I don’t know why people see those abroad as if they’re plucking money from the tree. I never had that mentality even when I was back home in Africa.”

She added: “On top 12 hours shift, 1-hour unpaid break, train cancellations and bus delays, council tax, electricity, water and house expenses. It’s well. everyone needs to go abroad! maybe that will help.”

@jane_peterz everyone needs to come abroad! maybe that will help! #jane_peterz #care #healthcare ♬ original sound – JanePeterz

Nigeria Gets World Bank $1.5 Billion For Subsidy Removal, Tax Bills

The World Bank has fully disbursed a $1.5bn loan to Nigeria following the Federal Government’s implementation of key reforms, including removing fuel subsidies and introducing comprehensive tax policies, The PUNCH reports.

The loan, part of the Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing initiative, is among the fastest disbursements Nigeria has received with both tranches released in less than six months.

According to a World Bank document obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, the loan was approved on June 13, 2024, with the first tranche of $750m disbursed on July 2, 2024.

The second tranche, tied to the fulfilment of specific economic reform conditions, was disbursed in November 2024.

This rapid disbursement contrasts with other loan programmes, which typically experience delays due to slow or partial implementation of conditions.

For more context, another loan of $750m was approved on the same day (June 13, 2024) for the Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms Programme for Results project in Nigeria.

The PUNCH observed that the World Bank has only disbursed about $1.88m to Nigeria at the time of filing this story, which is less than one per cent of the total approved $750m for the ARMOR project.

The PUNCH further observed that the $1.5bn loan disbursed to Nigeria was structured in two tranches with different maturity periods.

The first tranche was a $750m credit from the International Development Association, featuring a 12-year maturity and a six-year grace period.

The second tranche, a $750m loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has a 24-year repayment period with an 11-year grace period.

The World Bank document read, “This document summarises the progress made under the Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing for the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Borrower or Recipient), which was approved by the Executive Directors on June 13, 2024.

“The DPF is a standalone operation comprised of two tranches: (1) first tranche comprising $750m credit from the International Development Association (Association) (Shorter Maturity Loan terms with 12-year maturity and grace period of 6 years, Credit No. 7567-NG); and (2) second tranche comprising $750m loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Bank) (US dollar-denominated, commitment-linked loan with 24-year maturity and grace period of 11 years, Loan No.9683-NG).

“The Financing Agreement and Loan Agreement were signed and declared effective on June 19, 2024 and June 26, 2024, respectively. The first tranche was released on July 2, 2024.”

While the document itself did not clearly state when the disbursement for the second tranche was made, further findings by The PUNCH showed that Nigeria got a $750m disbursement from the World Bank in November.

According to the document seen by The PUNCH, a critical reform that unlocked the second tranche was the removal of fuel subsidies.

The World Bank commended the government for not only meeting the condition but exceeding expectations by fully deregulating the fuel market.

The document noted, “In terms of implementation, while the TRC [Tranche Release Conditions] formulation required introducing the change over a specified time-bound implementation period, the Borrower has moved ahead and made the change immediately, thereby overachieving the TRC in this respect.

“Effective October 2024, the price of PMS has been determined by the international market and the exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

This move has allowed petrol prices to align with international market rates and exchange rates, effectively ending the implicit subsidies that had burdened public finances.

Fuel prices have increased more than fivefold since the reform process began in mid-2023, a change that has drawn both praise for its fiscal prudence and criticism for its impact on living costs.

In addition to removing fuel subsidies, the Federal Government introduced sweeping tax reforms aimed at improving revenue mobilisation.

The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, submitted to the National Assembly, proposes a gradual increase in the Value Added Tax rate to 10 per cent by 2025, alongside measures to simplify tax compliance and expand input tax credits for businesses.

The document read, “The Borrower has successfully carried out the programme as outlined in the Letter of Development Policy, with progress along all areas supported by the DPF. Following the implementation of the reforms that constituted prior actions for the first tranche of the RESET DPF (disbursed on June 28, 2024), the Borrower continues to carry out the program as planned.

“The borrower has prepared and submitted to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, a comprehensive package of tax reforms, which not only reform the VAT regime but also simplify tax policy laws and tax administration.

“Reforms have also been implemented to fully deregulate the fuel market, ensuring that retail prices are determined by market conditions and opening the sector to competition. The authorities are following through on their commitment to cease deficit monetization, relying instead on standard debt instruments to finance the deficit.”

There were three key conditions noted in the document, with the first being increasing net oil revenues.

For the first condition, the World Bank noted that there was a Presidential Executive Order that mandated that all fiscal transfers, including crude oil sales and gasoline imports, be executed at the prevailing market exchange rate, with Naira-based transactions starting in October 2024, effectively addressing implicit subsidies.

The second condition was to increase non-oil revenue, and in this regard, the government submitted a draft bill to the National Assembly proposing a VAT rate increase to 10 per cent in 2025, while also allowing input tax credits for capital and services.

The third condition is to ensure social protection delivery was strengthened, and the document noted the submission of an amendment bill mandating the use of the National Social Registry as the primary targeting tool for social investment programs.

The World Bank described the reforms as necessary for diversifying Nigeria’s revenue sources, given the country’s historically low tax-to-GDP ratio.

However, the tax bills have sparked controversy, with northern leaders arguing that the reforms could widen economic disparities between the north and the south.

The disbursement of the $1.5bn loan comes amidst widespread public dissent over the effects of the reforms.

The removal of fuel subsidies has led to soaring petrol prices, significantly increasing transportation and living costs.

Protests erupted in cities like Abuja, Kano, and Lagos, with citizens expressing frustration over rising economic hardships.

President Bola Tinubu and members of his cabinet defended the reforms, describing them as essential for Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.

Tinubu emphasised that the funds saved from the removal of subsidies would be redirected toward infrastructure development, social welfare, and economic diversification.

To mitigate the immediate impact of the reforms, the government has introduced relief measures, including direct cash transfers of N25,000 to 15 million vulnerable households.

However, only about four million households have benefited from this cash transfer programme, which is far below the target.

Also, efforts are underway to promote compressed natural gas as a cheaper alternative to petrol, with a target of converting over one million vehicles in three years to reduce transportation costs.

The World Bank praised the government’s swift and decisive actions, noting that Nigeria’s ability to meet the conditions for both tranches in record time reflects a strong commitment to economic transformation.

The global lender also acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing structural inefficiencies, such as the high fiscal burden from subsidies and the challenges of revenue mobilisation, calling for sustained reforms.

Amid concerns over rising external debt and the debt service burden, the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has secured loans worth $6.95bn from the World Bank in about 18 months.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the World Bank will decide on three major loan projects for Nigeria in 2025, totalling $1.65bn, as part of efforts to address critical developmental challenges in the country.

The loans, currently in the pipeline, will focus on internally displaced persons, education, and nutrition enhancement.

According to data from the external debt report released by the Debt Management Office, the World Bank’s share of Nigeria’s debt totals $16.32bn, with the majority owed to the International Development Association, which accounts for $16.32bn, which represents 38 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, another arm of the World Bank, is owed $484.0m, or 1.13 per cent.

Source:- Punchng

Ebuka Songs Gifts Parents Second Car This Year

Notable gospel singer, Ebuka Songs put smiles on his parents’ faces once again as he gifts them a second car this year.

He took to his Instagram page to reveal the new car gift he had presented to his parents.

The musician noted that nothing warms his heart more than seeing his parents full of joy.

For this, he had decided to start off their New Year on a high note by gifting them a second car, a Lexus jeep.

He shared some photos of his parents in their new Lexus car.

Ebuka Songs captioned …

“Congratulations are in Order 

My Parents New Year Gift came so early 

Second Car Gift for my Parents this year, Thank you Jesus,

Nothing gives me Joy than seeing them also full of unending Joy ,

And for as many out there who desires this testimony, Receive now in Jesus Name

Passenger Plane Carrying 72 People Crashes In Kazakhstan

A flight en route from Baku to Grozny crashed in Aktau, #Kazakhstan, after reportedly requesting an emergency landing.

The aircraft was carrying 67 passengers and five crew members, according to Azerbaijani agency APA.

Kazakhstan authorities confirmed there are survivors from the crash.

Azerbaijan Airlines stated that the accident was caused by a collision with a flock of birds.

Nigerians Are Suffering Because We Chose Darkness Over Light — Bishop Kukah

Christmas: Nigerians Are Suffering Because We Chose Darkness Over Light — Bishop Kukah

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has stated that Nigerians are suffering because they refused to be liberated from “darkness.”

The priest said this in his Christmas message at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese on Tuesday night.

He emphasised that embracing transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service, politics, and individual conduct could significantly improve the country’s current state.

He said, “Nigeria’s lack of visible and measurable progress is tied to the fact that we have chosen darkness rather than light.

“Imagine if we let the light shine on our public service, on our politics, on our individual, community, and national life, and on our public institutions. Imagine what Nigeria would be like if we chose light instead of darkness.

“They will know we are Christians by our love,” highlighting that the country’s journey to greatness remains constrained by ethnicity, nepotism, and greed.

“We are still unable to embrace the ideals of our national anthem that says: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ Diversity is a gift from God. Let us use it effectively as a tool for national mobilization and cohesion,” he advised.

Kukah also lauded the passage of the “Not Too Young to Run Bill” in 2018, which opened doors for increased youth participation in politics.

However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges, such as the high costs of political participation and issues of internal democracy, which still hinder young people’s active engagement.

He also commended the enactment of the Student Loan Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund by the federal government.

These initiatives, he noted, have the potential to expand opportunities for Nigerian youth, including those pursuing vocational and technical skills.

“It is significant that the Act does not limit access to university students alone. We hope this project will be free of bureaucratic bottlenecks and favoritism, ensuring that poverty does not exclude anyone from receiving a good education,” Kukah said.

He encouraged the youth to take full advantage of these opportunities while also expressing concern about the ongoing security challenges in the country, which he described as a persistent obstacle to national stability.

Kukah, however, called on all Nigerians to choose the path of light, unity, and love, stressing that these values are essential for the nation’s progress and development.

Source:- Saharareporters

The manufacturing industry is experiencing a rapid transformation, driven by technological innovations and shifts in the global marketplace. Staying informed and adaptive is the key to success in this dynamic field. Whether you operate a small fabrication shop or a multi-national manufacturing conglomerate, the advantages of utilizing up-to-date resources cannot be overstated. Below, we delve into significant areas that can significantly impact your manufacturing business.

Embracing Technological Advancements for Enhanced Productivity

In today’s competitive landscape, the integration of advanced technology within manufacturing processes is unavoidable. Progressive manufacturers are utilizing manufacturing ERP software to streamline operations, reduce waste, and anticipate customer demands. Such tools provide a comprehensive overview of business operations and help in making informed decisions.

Robotics and automation have also become central to manufacturing. These technologies not only increase production rates and improve product quality, but they also allow for the redeployment of human capital to more critical, less repetitive tasks, thus enhancing overall efficiency.

Additive manufacturing, popularly known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the way products are designed and produced, allowing for on-demand production and significantly reducing the time and cost usually associated with traditional manufacturing.

Investing in Workforce Training for a Competitive Edge

The value of a skilled workforce cannot be overstressed in the manufacturing sector. As technologies evolve, so must the competencies of the employees. An investment in workforce training ensures that staff members are proficient with new systems and methodologies, thus maintaining a company’s competitive edge.

There’s a growing trend of manufacturers partnering with educational institutions to create specialized training programs. Through this collaboration, they tailor skillsets that are directly applicable to their operations. An online associates degree business management can be one such path for individuals aiming to fortify their knowledge base in the realm of modern manufacturing management.

Implementation of apprenticeship programs is another effective tool for developing a robust pipeline of skilled workers. Through on-the-job training, coupled with classroom instruction, employees can ascend the competency ladder and become invaluable to the manufacturing process.

Navigating the Impact of Global Supply Chain on Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry does not exist in isolation and is heavily influenced by the fluctuations of the global supply chain. Manufacturers must develop strategic partnerships and diversify their supplier base to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions.

Just-in-time manufacturing can be optimal in a stable environment, but recent challenges have highlighted the need for robust just-in-case strategies. Building up a reserve of critical components and materials can help ensure production continuity during unforeseen circumstances.

In the digital age, manufacturers can also take advantage of global supply chains by tapping into emerging markets. This expansion is not without its challenges, such as navigating different regulatory environments and cultural nuances.

The Role of Sustainable Practices in Modern Manufacturing

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Manufacturers are increasingly assessed on their environmental impact and social responsibility initiatives, a trend driven by consumer demand and regulatory requirements.

Resource-efficient practices, such as maximizing energy efficiency, implementing water conservation methods, and reducing material waste, not only benefit the environment but also translate into cost savings for manufacturers.

Moreover, the adoption of circular economy principles, wherein products are designed for longevity, reparability, and recyclability, is changing the manufacturing paradigm. It presents an opportunity to reduce resource extraction and foster a more sustainable product lifecycle.

Leveraging Data Analytics for Strategic Decision-Making

The power of data in the manufacturing sector cannot be overemphasized. By harnessing data analytics, manufacturers can gain insights into consumer behavior, optimize processes, and forecast industry trends with a higher degree of accuracy.

Predictive analytics is particularly groundbreaking for manufacturers. By predicting machine failures before they occur, companies can undertake preventive maintenance to avert costly downtime and extend the longevity of their equipment.

As more manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0, the intersection of machine learning with big data will continue to manifest in revolutionary ways. Smart data-driven decisions can substantially mitigate risks and propel a manufacturing entity towards exponential growth.

Overall, the manufacturing industry stands at the cusp of a major renaissance. By leveraging advancements in technology, ensuring supply chain resilience, investing in worker proficiency, committing to sustainable practices, and implementing strategic data analytics, manufacturers can chart a course to success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Trump Threatens BRICS Countries With 100% Tariff If They Replace Dollar

US President-elect Donald Trump has escalated tensions with the BRICS bloc by threatening to impose 100% tariffs on imports from member countries if they proceed with creating a new currency to rival the US dollar.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, November 30, Trump declared, “The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER.”

The BRICS group, which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to incorporate Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The bloc has been vocal about reducing reliance on the US dollar, with some members, including Russia and China, advocating for a BRICS-backed currency as an alternative global reserve currency.

Trump emphasized the US’s firm stance on the matter, stating, “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy.”

This rhetoric comes amidst broader moves by Trump to implement sweeping tariffs on several trading partners. In recent weeks, he has also threatened 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on goods from China, citing issues such as illegal migration and drug trafficking. These actions have already prompted a diplomatic response, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visiting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence to address the matter.

The BRICS nations have long expressed dissatisfaction with the dominance of the US dollar in global trade, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing Western powers of “weaponizing” the currency. Speaking at a BRICS summit in October, Putin argued that US sanctions against Russia have eroded trust in the dollar.

The possibility of a BRICS currency was formally discussed during last year’s summit in South Africa, with member nations advocating for a financial system less dependent on Western control.

Trump’s tariff threats highlight his aggressive trade policy, which was a cornerstone of his campaign during the recent US election. His decisive victory has emboldened his commitment to reshaping the global trade landscape and protecting what he calls the “mighty US dollar.”

As Trump prepares to take office, the global economic community is watching closely to see whether his threats will materialise and how BRICS nations and other trading partners will respond.

WWE Star Ric Flair’s Stepson Dies By Suicide

Sebastian Kidder, stepson of wrestling legend Ric Flair and a promising young musician, has d!ed at age 24 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

His mother, Wendy Barlow, confirmed the heartbreaking news to TMZ Sports, expressing the family’s profound grief.

The incident occurred Saturday afternoon, October 26 at the family’s home in Georgia, and police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Kidder’s de@th. “I am devastated and shocked. This is an epidemic with our young men. And mental health…” Barlow shared, highlighting the emotional toll and calling attention to the mental health challenges facing young people today.

Kidder’s music career had recently begun to gain traction. Earlier this summer, he appeared on FOX’s Good Day Atlanta, where he performed and discussed plans for his debut album. Friends, fans, and family members were hopeful for his future in the music industry.

Ric Flair, who married Barlow in 2018 after a long relationship, has not yet made a public statement about the tragic loss. Flair had been a significant figure in Sebastian’s life for over a decade, dating back to when he and Wendy first began their relationship.

The loss of Kidder has left the family devastated, and his passing is a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues among young people.

“I Know My Mother’s In Heaven. I’m Not So Sure About My Father” – Trump

Former US President Donald Trump mused on whether his father made it to Heaven as he speculated what the late Fred Trump’s reaction would be to all the criminal  investigations against him.

Trump lamented that he was under investigation more than the “great late Alphonse Capone,” to a packed crowd of some 20,000 people at Madison Square Garden in New York City Sunday, October 27.

“My father is looking down on me right now… he was a tough guy. But he was legit. And I know my mother’s in heaven. I’m not 100% sure of my father, but it’s close,” Trump said to laughs from the fired-up crowd.

“They’ve weaponized the Justice Department against their political opponent,” the former US president said.

“But he’s looking down at me right now and he’s saying, how the hell did this happen to my son? He’s not a bad person”

Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump, died from pneumonia. Fred Trump was a successful real estate developer in New York City and passed away on June 25, 1999, at the age of 93.

Trump has been charged in four criminal cases, involving charges related to election interference, hoarding classified documents, and paying “hush money,” to porn star Stormy Daniels. He became the first president to be convicted on felony charges in May when he was found guilty on 34 counts in the “hush money” case. Sentencing was delayed until after the election.

The former president has also been the subject of multiple civil suits and was sentenced to pay $454 million in a New York civil fraud trial. He was also sentenced to pay sex columnist E. Jean Caroll $5 million in a civil defamation suit.

He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Real Madrid Furious: “The Ballon D’or No Longer Exists For Us”

Real Madrid are hugely disappointed and angry at what they consider to be an injustice with an award that for the club loses its value and “right now ceases to exist”. In fact, Los Blancos have cancelled the special programming they had planned for the Ballon d’Or on RMTV, which was going to last five hours. There will be no trace of the Ballon d’Or from now on at Valdebebas and at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

It was yesterday morning when Real Madrid began to receive information that perhaps Vinicius would not be the winner. It was all speculation, but the information began to sound louder and louder in Valdebebas and the expedition began to be in doubt.

At noon, with the players in Valdebebas, is when the decision is finally made not to travel to Paris, in a measure that will have to be seen how the club manages it in the future. But right now the comment is unanimous: “The Ballon d’Or does not exist.”

Real Madrid’s motto is clear right now: “We have to focus on the competition”. After the shock and initial disappointment, Carlo Ancelotti is clear that the team has to focus on the day-to-day and on the competition, especially after the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona.

In Madrid, the final resolution of the trophy is surprising because all the information they had received until Saturday was that of a Vinicius dyed in gold in Paris. The expedition of 50 people, with Florentino Perez at the head, makes it clear that in Madrid they took for granted that he would win the award.

Vinicius and his sponsors were also counting on the Ballon d’Or and Nike had planned to dress its entire store on Madrid’s Gran Via in gold in Vini’s honor. It remains to be seen whether they will follow the same protocol with Rodrygo, who is also from the American brand.

Source: Marca

Liam Payne’s Cause Of Death Revealed

Former One Direction singer, Liam Payne died from multiple injuries sustained in his fall that led to ‘internal and external haemorrhaging’, preliminary autopsy results have revealed.

The 31-year-old British singer jumped from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in Argentina’s capital yesterday afternoon, before medics confirmed his death.

Two forensic pathologists, named locally as Santiago Maffia Bizzozero and Victor Roberto Cohen, reached the conclusions during a post-mortem today in Buenos Aires.

Further tests are now taking place to see if the singer had consumed drugs and alcohol which could have played a contributing factor in the Brit’s death.

The autopsy took place at a city morgue in Viamonte Street a 15-minute drive south-west of Hotel CasaSur Palermo, the hotel where the pop star plunged from a third-floor balcony yesterday around 5pm local time.

Liam’s body was taken last night to the morgue, where post-mortems following deaths in the city centre traditionally take place.

Alberto Crescenti, a director of emergency medical response service SAME, had earlier revealed the injuries Liam sustained in the fall included a fractured skull.

‘According to the emergency medical team sent to the scene he had a fracture in the base of his skull, extremely serious injuries,’ Mr Crescenti said.

He also told TN television that Payne was dead when paramedics arrived, adding: ‘Our role was to head there quickly, give medical attention, and try to resuscitate him, but his injuries were incompatible with life.’

Payne’s identity was confirmed by emergency services by checking his passport, but police do not yet have conclusive evidence regarding the circumstances of his fall.

The singer fell from a third-floor suite with a balcony overlooking an interior pool and the hotel’s on-site Michelin-star restaurant where he landed in the courtyard.

Police in forensic suits were minutely examining the room and its balcony late last night after their colleagues below erected a red tent on the spot where Payne died.

The patio where he died is next to the swimming pool and is also the site for outdoor tables at the hotel’s plant-based Sarco restaurant. No diners were there at the time, because Sacro closes after lunch at 4pm before reopening for dinner at 7.30pm.

Payne had arrived in Argentina earlier this month for his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s concert with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy. She left two days ago, but he stayed on.

Around the same time, his ex-fiancée Maya Henry instructed lawyers to issue Payne with a cease and desist letter after accusing him of repeatedly contacting her.

Payne rose to stardom at age 16 after forming the boy band One Direction on The X Factor in 2010 alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles .

CBN Introduces Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System For Fx Transactions To Curb Distortion And Speculation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the introduction of a new electronic foreign exchange matching system (EFEMS) aimed at improving transparency and governance in the FX market. According to a circular released on Thursday by Omolara Duke, CBN’s Director of the Financial Markets Department, the system is scheduled to go live no later than December 1, 2024, with a 2-week test run planned for November.

“Authorised Dealers would subsequently conduct all foreign exchange transactions in the interbank FX market on the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System approved by the CBN where transactions will be reflected immediately,” the CBN stated.

The EFEMS is designed to create a more market-driven exchange rate and enhance transparency, which will ultimately be accessible to the public. “This development is expected to reduce speculative activities, eliminate market distortions and give the CBN improved oversight capabilities to effectively regulate the market,” CBN added.

As part of its efforts to improve the FX market, the CBN also announced that real-time prices and buy/sell order data will be published through the new system. In collaboration with the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA), the CBN will release guidelines for EFEMS operations.

“The Nigerian FX Code and revised Market Operating Guidelines for the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market will also provide guidance to market participants,” the CBN noted.

The apex bank further instructed authorized dealers to ensure compliance with all existing guidelines and regulations governing the FX market. In preparation for the EFEMS launch, the CBN advised authorized dealers to finalize all necessary documentation, training, and systems integrations ahead of the go-live date.

Rwanda Becomes First Country In Africa To Begin Mpox Vaccination

Rwanda has launched the first mpox vaccination campaign in Africa, marking a significant step in the continent’s fight against the disease.

As of Tuesday, the country administered 300 doses of the vaccine to high-risk individuals in a border region with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC), confirmed the commencement of the campaign, stating the urgency of curbing the outbreak.

“This outbreak must be stopped very quickly,” Kaseya said.

He also pointed out the need for local vaccine production, stating, “We are working closely with our manufacturers and partners to ensure these vaccines are produced in Africa.”

The Rwandan Ministry of Health targeted health workers, cross-border business operators, hospitality staff, and other high-risk populations in the initial rollout.

The DRC remains at the epicenter of the African mpox outbreak, reporting 2,912 new cases and 14 deaths in the past week alone, bringing the total to 6,105 cases and 738 deaths since January.

The DRC is expected to begin its vaccination efforts in early October, with 165,000 doses already delivered and additional supplies pledged by European nations.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), called for international cooperation to halt the spread of mpox.

“International collaboration and support are needed to stop the spread of the virus,” Ghebreyesus wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Other African nations, including Nigeria, have also received support in the form of vaccine donations.

In August, the United States provided 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to Nigeria through USAID, further bolstering efforts to contain the outbreak.

PZ Cussons Nigeria Reports First Annual Loss In Years Amid Naira Depreciation

PZ Cussons Nigeria posted its first annual loss since 2020 in the financial year ended 31 May 2024, according to its audited accounts released on Friday.

Details showed that loss after tax rose to N76 billion and foreign currency obligations soared to a record.

The Nigerian operation of the Manchester-based British consumer goods manufacturer PZ Cussons Plc took a hit from a surge of more than 3,000 per cent in its foreign exchange loss from N5 billion to N157.9 billion within the review period.

Nigeria is PZ Cussons’ biggest and most diverse single market, according to the company’s website.

The huge foreign exchange loss further compounds the financial difficulty of the maker of widely-used homecare and body care products like Morning Fresh, Canoe and Premier Cool, which fell into a negative asset position in the second quarter, when its shareholders’ fund turned negative at N23.2 billion.

That figure went 18.7 per cent higher in the period under review.

PZ Cussons Nigeria relies heavily on imports for its raw materials, and transactions with international trade partners, some of which it is indebted to. This increased its current liabilities to N119.3 billion from N94.7 billion a year earlier.

Source:- Premiumtimesng

NDLEA Proposes Mandatory Drug Tests For Varsity Admission

The Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State, Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, has proposed that newly admitted university students should be made to undergo mandatory drug tests as part of their admission process.

She explained that this would “Serve as a preventive measure while offering early intervention and counselling for those already using drugs to prevent them from becoming problematic users”.

Hajia Abiola-Popoola made the suggestion during a radio programme in Ilorin.

The NDLEA boss further expressed concern over the rising number of drug users in the country.

She said: “A 2018 survey shows that 14.3 million people were using drugs in Nigeria. One out of 7 persons in Nigeria is a drug user and one out of 4 drug users is a woman.

“This shows that the society is in trouble because a woman is the administrator of the home.”