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Brazil

No more corruption in Nigeria – Tinubu tells Brazilian president

by Folarin Kehinde August 26, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Brazilian investors that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are producing measurable results, declaring that corruption has been curbed since he assumed office.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Monday during a meeting with ministers from both countries and members of the Brazil Business Group, where he reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation in technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

He described Nigeria as a “vast, untapped market full of opportunities for Brazilian companies,” stressing that his administration is committed to creating a business-friendly environment.

Acknowledging the challenges that accompanied the initial phase of reforms, the president said: “It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming.”

His words, “The reform that I have embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria has been very impactful. I can beat my chest for that,” Tinubu said.

“It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming. It is getting clearer to the people.”

“We have more money in the economy, no more corruption. We have the governor of the Central Bank here.

“You don’t have to know him before you get the foreign exchange that you need. The speculators are out in our currency market. The door is open for businesses — easy in, easy out,” he added.

August 26, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Brazil for state visit

by Folarin Kehinde August 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, on Sunday for a State visit.

Tinubu visited Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, one of Nigeria’s biggest supporters and partners, Olusegun Dada, an aide to the President on social media said.

According to Dada, the president is on a two-day visit to Brazil to feature in bilateral meetings, a Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum with leading investors, and the signing of key agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation across agriculture, energy, technology, aviation, renewable energy and cultural exchange.

He stated that the main focus of the visit would be to activate multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advance joint initiatives like the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and secure new flows of FDI into Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

This visit, Dada said will also focus on deepening political trust, expanding cultural exchange, and harnessing shared opportunities in renewable energy, climate resilience, and digital transformation.

August 25, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Brazil Appoints Ancelotti Head Coach

by Nelson Ugwuagbo May 12, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Carlo Ancelotti has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Brazil national football team and will assume his duties on May 26, following his final match in charge of Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in La Liga.

The 65-year-old Italian becomes the first foreign coach in the history of Brazil’s men’s national team. According to sports journalist David Ornstein, all agreements have been finalized and contracts signed.

Ancelotti, who had one year remaining on his contract with Real Madrid, reached an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) following cordial negotiations led by Diego Fernandes on behalf of the CBF.

Regarded as one of the most successful managers in football history, Ancelotti will take over Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, with the objective of securing a record-extending sixth title at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

May 12, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

WHO Move Against E-Cigarettes, Vows to take action

by Leading Reporters July 28, 2021

written by Leading Reporters

The World Health Organisation, on Tuesday, urged governments to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes as they pose great dangers to human health.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said nicotine was highly addictive and must be regulated to curb the tobacco industry’s “criminal” tactics to get young people hooked on the substance.

Ghebreyesus made the appeal in a WHO report titled ‘Global Tobacco Epidemic 2021”.

He warned that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are harmful and should be regulated for maximum public health protection.

The report also showed that tobacco leads to eight million deaths annually, adding that over one million die from second-hand smoking.

“Where they are not banned, governments should adopt appropriate policies to protect their populations from the harms of ENDS, and to prevent their uptake by children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups,” it said.

According to the report, the manufacturers of these products often target youths with thousands of tantalising flavours and reassuring statements.

‘It’s The Most Criminal Act…We Can’t Let That Happen’

Leader of WHO Tobacco Free Initiative, Vinayak Prasad, also noted that targeting children with toxic and poisonous products is a criminal action.

“It’s the most criminal act. And it’s a human rights violation. They run the risk of being addicted for the rest of their lives,” he said.

He further noted that following the huge drop in the sales of cigarette, tobacco companies have developed new products like e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco products while lobbying governments to limit their regulation.

“Their goal is simple: to hook another generation on nicotine. We can’t let that happen.

“Distinguishing the nicotine-containing products from the non-nicotine, or even from some tobacco-containing products, can be almost impossible. This is just one way the industry subverts and undermines tobacco control measures,” he said.

According to the report, the sales of ENDS have been banned in 32 countries including Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, North Korea and Singapore.

It also stated that 79 countries have adopted measures to either prohibit the use of such products in public places, prohibit their advertising, promotion and sponsorship or require the display of health warnings on packaging.

“This still leaves 84 countries where they are not regulated or restricted in any way,” the WHO said.

The report noted that there were still over billion active smokers around the world.

July 28, 2021 0 comments

Africa & World Health

Nigerian govt to travellers from “South Africa Don’t come”

by Leading Reporters June 29, 2021

written by Leading Reporters

The Chairman of Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 pandemic, and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, on Monday, announced the addition of South Africa to the list of countries from where travellers are banned because of the growing cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Mustapha made the announcement during a media briefing of the Committee in Abuja.

It could be recalled that the Federal Government had in May handed a similar ban on travellers from India, Brazil and Turkey over similar concerns.

He said: “A few weeks ago, we announced additional measures to be met by passengers arriving from Brazil, Turkey and India. This action was due to the prevalence of variants of concern and the dangers associated with the importation of the such virulent strain.

“The PSC has been reviewing these restrictions and is of the opinion that they should remain for another four weeks before it is further reviewed. South Africa, has, however, been added to this category once more.

“In addition to these three countries, the PSC has also shifted its focus on some African countries. South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Namibia and Uganda fall in this category.

“South Africa for example, recorded over 100, 000 cases in the last one week while 20,000 was recorded in the last 24 hours. The four major variants of concern are now classified as Alpha (UK), Beta (SA); Gamma (Brazil) and Delta (India).

“The Delta variant which has wreaked devastating havoc is not yet found in Nigeria hence the need to tighten our borders and be more vigilant.”

Concerning Emirates flights in and out of Nigeria, he noted that: “In all circumstances, however, conditions placed on such flights must conform with international civil aviation standards and must not be discriminatory and must respect our sovereignty.”

While noting that the PSC has escalated surveillance and risk communication, he added that it has similarly paid close attention to the issue of vaccination, especially matters relating to access and acquisition of vaccines.

The SGF urged members of the public not to lower their guards yet because of continued spikes in some countries (including African countries) and the emergence of variants of concern in several jurisdictions where the third wave has occurred.

Speaking on violators of COVID-19 travel protocol, he stated: “About six months ago, following the violation of protocols by some inbound passengers to Nigeria, travel documents were barred for a period of 6 months.

“We have received several appeals from those affected while we counselled on the importance of compliance with rules and regulations.

“The six-month period of ban for the first batch of 100 is almost complete and we use this opportunity to reassure Nigerians that sanctions will be imposed on violators of measures put in place to protect them and safeguard our nation.

“You will recall that Nigeria introduced the first international travel portal in September last year to facilitate the travel protocols. Following observations by users, the PSC took steps to improve the performance of the travel portal so as to ease the bottlenecks experienced by travellers.”

“Additional improvements have been recorded. The vaccination programme has progressed into the second phase for those who took the first jab. However, the sources and access to vaccines constitute major challenges given the developments in India, the attendant scarcity and the rise of vaccines nationalism.

“The PSC through the NPHCDA has continued to intensify efforts to acquire vaccines for the next phase.

“For over six months Federal Government employees on GL 12 and below have been observing work-from-home instructions. This restriction remains in place until further notice in order to avert a third wave.”

By John Chukwu…

June 29, 2021 0 comments