Core Afric

Author: CoreNews Africa

  • German President dissolves parliament, sets election date 

    German President dissolves parliament, sets election date 

    On Friday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament and announced the anticipated date of February 23 for an early general election following the recent collapse of Olaf Scholz’s government. Disagreements within Scholz’s coalition regarding the revival of Europe’s largest economy led to its downfall, and a tragic car-ramming incident at a Christmas market last week has intensified discussions in the country about security and immigration. While confirming the election date, Steinmeier emphasized the importance of political stability and called for a respectful and decent campaign. A 50-year-old Saudi doctor, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, was arrested at the scene of the attack in Magdeburg, which resulted in five deaths and over 200 injuries. Interior Minister Nancy Fraser noted that Abdulmohsen held Islamophobic beliefs, but his exact motive is still uncertain. In response to the attack, Scholz urged Germans to unite and reject hatred in their society. The conservative CDU/CSU party, led by Friedrich Merz, is currently leading the polls at around 32 percent and had already expressed intentions to adopt a stricter stance on immigration and shift rightward on social and economic issues, even before the attack. Steinmeier reiterated his desire for a fair and transparent campaign, highlighting the risks of foreign interference. He stated, “Hatred and violence must have no place in this election campaign, nor denigration or intimidation… all this is poison for democracy.”

     

  • Rashford: ‘I will stick to my plan until the very end’ – Amorim emphasizes

    Rashford: ‘I will stick to my plan until the very end’ – Amorim emphasizes

    Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stated that he will stick to his decision regarding Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the team. He believes the England international has not demonstrated enough to justify a spot in the squad. Amorim made these comments following Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Wolves on Boxing Day, where Rashford was again left out. This marks the fourth consecutive match that the 27-year-old forward has not been included in the lineup. When asked if Rashford could assist the team after their defeat to Wolves, Amorim responded to Amazon Prime: “The reasons remain the same. We must uphold our professionalism, and I must remain consistent whether we win or lose. If we lose, I need to be stronger, so I will maintain my approach until the end.” If he’s not here, you can decide for yourself.

     

  • Bauchi names new Secretary to the State Government

    Bauchi names new Secretary to the State Government

    Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed, has appointed Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Hammayo, who previously held the SSG position under former Governor Malam Isa Yuguda, takes over from Barr. Kashim Ibrahim recently stepped down under contentious conditions. In a similar move, the Governor has appointed Alhaji Hashimu Yakubu Kumbala, the Special Adviser on Special Duties, as the new Principal Private Secretary (PPS). Kumbala takes over from Pharmacist Samaila Adamu Burga, who was elected as the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A statement released on Friday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, mentioned that both appointees are set to be sworn in today.

     

  • Nigerian discloses 190 domestic flights were canceled in 2 months 

    Nigerian discloses 190 domestic flights were canceled in 2 months 

    The Federal Government, via the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has expressed concern over the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations lately. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director-General of the NCAA, indicated that of the 5,291 flights that took place in September 2024, 2,434 were delayed and 79 were cancelled. In October 2024, out of 5,513 flights, 2,791 were delayed and 111 were cancelled. Najomo shared this information during a stakeholders’ meeting titled ‘Finding Lasting Solutions to Flight Disruptions’ held on Friday. According to DAILY POST, the meeting called by Najomo included airline Chief Executive Officers, amidst ongoing issues with flight delays and cancellations during the holiday season. Participants in the meeting also included airline operators, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, and representatives from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), among others. Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, was also present along with other members of the airline operators’ association. Najomo mentioned that he has received numerous inquiries about the flight issues from the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the Ministry. “The Senate President contacted me to ask what we are doing about these disruptions,” he stated. “A lot has occurred in the past week,” he stated. Najomo acknowledged that he understands the difficulties airlines face, having been an operator before becoming a regulator, but he will not passively observe ongoing issues. He reminded operators about the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions, as detailed in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023. He urged airlines to manage delays in a professional manner, noting that poor management of these situations is a concern among operators. Najomo also cautioned passengers against damaging airline property and assaulting staff due to delays, emphasizing that such disruptive behavior will not be accepted.

     

  • Transfer: Galatasaray coach discusses Osimhen’s prospects

    Transfer: Galatasaray coach discusses Osimhen’s prospects

    Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk, is optimistic that Victor Osimhen will stay with the team until the season ends. Osimhen came to the Yellow and Reds on loan from Napoli in September. However, there is a break-up clause in his contract that allows him to depart during the winter transfer window. He has recently been linked with transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. Buruk is hopeful that the Nigerian striker won’t leave anytime soon. “I would love for Osimhen’s transfer to be made permanent, both as a technical director and as a fan,” the coach said, according to Turkish news outlet Fanatik. “The player is currently with us on loan.” He will stay with us for the remainder of the season. He desires to be with us. He doesn’t have any thoughts on the mid-season break.

     

  • Prince Adesuyi Haastrup chosen as Owa Obokun

    Prince Adesuyi Haastrup chosen as Owa Obokun

    A new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland has been chosen. An announcement on Friday from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House of Ilesa confirmed Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun. Isaac Haastrup, the spokesperson for the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, shared this news with DAILY POST on Friday. He indicated that Prince Adesuyi Haastrup, who previously held the title of Looja of the Ruling House, has been elected Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. “He won against nine other candidates in a transparent selection process conducted at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat along the Ilesa-Oshogbo road. The kingmakers included six from Iwora Mefa, namely Obaala, High Chief Ibitoye, Ogboni Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye, Ogboni Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye (Elegboro), Ogboni Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, Ogboni Ilesa High Chief Saka Fapohunda, Oba Odo of Ilesa, seven agba Ijesa, Risawe of Ilesa, High Chief Adefioye Adedeji, Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Omoniyi Ojo, Lejofi, High Chief Adebusoye Onigbogi, Arapate of Ilesa, High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbarool, Loro of Ilesa, High Chief Lekan Folorunso, Odole of Ulesa, High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe, and Mr. Abimbola Aluko (representing the Saloro of Ilesa whose position is currently vacant).” Announcing the results, Felicia Olabimtan, the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West LGA, stated that Looja Clement Adesuyi received the most votes and was elected as the Owa Obokun. She noted that six kingmakers participated in the voting, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent and seven others were not eligible. After the process, Oba Festus Awogboro, the Ogboni of Ibokun, and Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijesaland, described the event as peaceful. They congratulated the Owa-elect and the Ijesas for a smooth start to a new era in Ijesaland.

     

  • EPL: Michael Owen expresses sympathy for Man U player 

    EPL: Michael Owen expresses sympathy for Man U player 

    Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has expressed his sympathy for Manchester United’s striker Rasmus Hojlund. Owen considers Hojlund to be playing in the most challenging position in the Premier League right now. The Danish international led the attack on Boxing Day during Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Hojlund, who transferred from Atalanta to Manchester United in the summer of 2023, has struggled to make his mark. In the match against Wolves, he was on the field for 79 minutes and only touched the ball 14 times, failing to register a shot on goal. Owen, a past player for Manchester United, discussed Hojlund’s difficulties with Premier League Productions, stating, “Hojlund… I feel so sorry for the lad.” In the first half, he caught six passes, four of which came from defenders, meaning those were likely just optimistic, long passes, while the other two were from a player you would expect to pass to him. And he needs to take action regarding that… “I can’t assess him as a player; I’m unsure if he’s good or bad, which is the most damaging comment I could make because after watching him for a year, I sense that he’s in arguably the toughest role in the Premier League right now – being the centre forward for Manchester United – something I never expected to say.”

     

  • Air Peace refutes aircraft collision story

    Air Peace refutes aircraft collision story

    Air Peace has denied reports of a supposed plane crash involving one of its aircraft in the Western Sahara region, calling the claims false, malicious, and misleading. This statement was made by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, on Friday in Lagos. Ndiulo stated that allegations of fatalities, including the death of a well-known individual, are untrue. “We firmly declare that this information is false and malicious. It is a deliberate effort to spread misinformation and damage Air Peace’s excellent safety record. It’s important to note that the source of this report has a history of sharing false and alarmist information about non-existent tragedies,” the statement said. It also mentioned that the images shared alongside the false reports are AI-generated and do not depict any real event. “We encourage the public to ignore this harmful disinformation and depend on official sources for accurate information about Air Peace operations,” the statement concluded. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), an X user claimed on December 26 that a crash involving the airline’s aircraft resulted in 50 deaths.

     

  • Toronto’s difficulties’ requires expenditure,’ Chow says as house tax decision looms 

    Toronto’s difficulties’ requires expenditure,’ Chow says as house tax decision looms 

    Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says her focus on affordable housing, reliable provincial services, and accessibility for renters will continue to be at the end of her first full calendar year in office, but she acknowledges that the city’s long-standing issues will need some time to be resolved. Chow discussed Toronto’s continuing challenges in addressing equipment repairs and the need to address concerns about public safety in a year-end meeting with Global News. The president, like she has in the past, keeps her motives for property taxes a secret and doesn’t say whether there would be a second property tax increase, the state’s largest in more than 20 years. Chow maintains that those increases will be based on the services Torontonians desire during budget consultations, but she has made hints about the direction she is leaning in. Specifically guarding the economic interests of Toronto’s landlords, who make up roughly half of the population. ” We have changed that tax rate, and we’re doing it again to defend the residents”, Chow said. The president also made it clear that homeowners who may have a lot of money will also be entitled to a bust. However, Chow noted that some of those fiscal strains continue to hang over the area and that “last time I inherited this massive$ 1.8 billion resources hole.” ” All of our system is aged: the roof is leaking, the TTC paths, the signs, all of that requires purchase”, she said. This past year even saw Chow’s resources captain, Coun. Shelley Carroll, working carefully with Toronto officers. 1: 50
    Chow and Carroll said the authorities needed to put forth a hiring strategy to back up their budget requests in order to avoid a repeat of last year’s anxious budget negotiations with support. Both political leaders are satisfied that the authorities provided more money for the organization. ” The authorities are saying because of all the marches and all of the problems, they need a bit more”, Chow said. The mayor added that it’s also necessary to identify areas where the town can reduce costs and find savings in the budget. Additionally, Chow added that she will continue to press for higher state revenue levels. The president’s supporters celebrated the success of a new program that sought to uncover stalled cover projects at the last town council meeting of the year. 1: 53
    Purpose-built rental housing shortage in TorontoBy waiving growth fees in exchange for housing developers committing to create rental units, the town has guaranteed thousands of new homes will be built. The second stage of the plan calls for the support of institutions with bigger finances. ” If the provincial and the federal government can partner with us, we can do at least 20-30, 000 products, because 77 engineers came in, house developers said,’ We are ready to create, we simply need a bit of assist,’” Chow said. Trending Then

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    Chow claimed she has spoken with the cover minister in charge of the province to discuss the benefits of the program. But finally, she said it will be up to the Treasury Board to consider. However, Chow and her brother councillors will have to move a challenging wire in the coming year as they will have to deal with the provincial government. In the name of gridlock management, the Ford authorities meddled in provincial affairs for the first time this year at an extraordinary level, and in the upcoming months, new legislation will cause the province to pull out many kilometers of bike lanes. They have total control, Chow claimed, denying that the FordGovernment has the constitutional authority to exercise its will under the City of Toronto Act. Yet the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in the province’s pursuit, according to Chow. Chow is hopeful that she can persuade Ford to reconsider by offering to add an additional alley of traffic where there are already cycle paths. ” I have never given up yet, so we will discover whether we can get some compromise”, she said. 5: 35
    Provincial Matters: Breaking down street protection and Ontario’s bike lane legislationThat explanation may be most successfully resolved by activity in the town’s unique efforts to manage the structure it says is causing the most congestion. However, Chow said that the only thing that may annoy infuriating transportation is investing in dependable transport options, despite her best efforts to ensure that it will work. ” Is it a perfect solve? No, until we have true expense in public transport, where there is no alternative, people are going to drive”, said Chow. Chow, who will be entering her last full calendar year of her term, said she isn’t thinking about running for president but despite her now compressed mission. The city’s priorities will be her best focus, so for now, she didn’t answer whether she’s going to work for re-election. 

  • Heading into vote time, cost of living still dominates voting interests 

    People who are going to the elections in the new year are most likely to be casting ballots with their money. According to recent Gallup polling conducted exclusively for Global News, cost-of-living issues continue to be top of the list of Canadians ‘ priorities. One in four respondents to the poll’s results, which were released on Friday, cited inflation and the cost of living as their major concerns in Canada now, an increase of five percentage points from the previous year. According to Ipsos, other pocketbook issues dominated the rest of the list, despite taking the second spot ( 17 % ), up three points from last year. Housing availability and affordability ( 14 per cent ) rounded out the top three, followed by immigration ( seven per cent ), and the economy, unemployment and jobs ( also seven per cent ). At 5 %, income, social injustice, and government debt were all followed by poverty. 1: 23
    Cover pricing also strained despite changes in 2024: reportThe poll, conducted from Dec. 6 to 10, surveyed more than 1, 000 People aged 18 and older in an online website. Although the Bank of Canada has quickly lowered its forecast interest rate since mid-year and inflation has appeared mostly well-behaved in 2024, pleasure came after decades of rapid increases in the cost of living. ” The marks of prices are still there”, Sean Simpson, top vice-president at Ipsos Global Affairs, tells Global News. What makes us think that they are better able to obtain their shopping this year if they couldn’t afford them the year before? The answer is they never. And thus, to put it another way, Canada’s number one issue is still being raised.” Young Canadians are especially in the squeeze heading into 2025,” Simpson says. He points out that the youngest generations are the most likely to be able to enter the housing market, struggle to find employment, or have no access to a income. According to Simpson, pricing stress is especially high in Canada when compared to other developed nations, with Canadians among the top five globally for accessibility concerns for the second time in a column. It’s especially interesting that value knocks health treatment to the top position, he continues. Health-care concerns tend to rank at the top in more common years simply because there is a perception that things can always be much with regard to emergency room wait days or quality of maintenance. When it drops to range two, it indicates that something else is happening. And obviously that’s something else is value of living”, Simpson says. Simpson furthermore finds it “remarkable” that immigration has surged to the No. 4 problem for Canadians, expressing concerns about how rapid population growth has increased accommodation accessibility issues in recent years. 3: 42
    Federal authorities reduces immigration targetsThe latest poll comes at the end of a tumultuous 2024 for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party. In the final months of the year, Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as finance minister left the Democrats scrambling, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh signaled that he would vote in favor of the Trudeau state, probably toppling the minority government. The Ipsos poll also reveals who Canadians most confidence to manage their cost-of-living concerns with the election being scheduled for next year and concerns about whether it might start this spring. When asked which social president would be most suited to deal with rising prices and rising living costs, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre ascended to the top of the list. The head of the standard Opposition was furthermore pegged as best to handle enclosure, the business, income and immigration policy. While Green Party Leader Elizabeth May won the election as the party’s top spokesman for climate change, NDP candidate Singh was regarded as the excellent servant for issues relating to health treatment as well as poverty and social injustice. Trudeau and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet ranked as best options to address nothing of voters ‘ focus problems. Trending Then

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    ” The Democrats are certainly less common, but it’s more than that. The financial attitude is lower, fiscal health is lower. Emotions about the prospect are higher”, Simpson says. 2: 47
    Does Trudeau stay on as Canada’s head? While the Conservatives may be perceived as the No. Simpson claims that if the Democrats continue to lose support, there is still room for the NDP to take second place. He notes, nevertheless, that national elections often hinge on problems such as health care, where the NDP appears to keep the most democratic power. According to Simpson, this ballot suggests that Canadians believe Trudeau has mostly focused on the wrong issues in recent years. Problems around climate change, which were a central theme in the 2019 national vote, for example, have fallen generally out of the minds of voters as more fast “kitchen board” issues wave to the vanguard, he says. According to Simpson,” If you’re struggling to put food on the table, if you’re struggling to put a roof over your head and the head of your children,” climate change will just simply go down the list. According to Simpson, the upcoming election is a question over the Liberals ‘ carbon pricing plan, and paying attention to how Conservatives view cutting taxes as a direct solution to the affordability issue. Recent measures like the two-month GST/HST holiday have yet to stem the Liberals ‘ bleeding support in the polls, he adds, as such moves are viewed more as temporary relief than a prolonged,” sustainable” approach to affordability concerns. ” Canadians are very much focused on pocketbook issues going forward. And they will pay off the parties who they believe have the answers to those pocketbook problems in 2025,” Simpson claims. An Ipsos poll conducted for Global News between December 6 and December 10 revealed some of the findings. For this survey, a sample of 1, 001 Canadians aged 18+ was interviewed online. According to census parameters, quotas and weighting were used to ensure that the sample’s composition reflects the composition of the Canadian population. Ipsos ‘ online polls ‘ accuracy are based on a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within ± 3.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadians aged 18+ been polled. The percentage of people with credibility will increase. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error. —with files from Global News ‘ Anne Gaviola6: 29
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