US urges other nations to increase efforts against Ebola, including travel restrictions
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The United States has called on other nations to enhance their efforts to stop the spread of Ebola, including through travel restrictions. A State Department official stated that the US has increased its efforts and now the world must do more, emphasizing the need for additional funding and "commonsense restrictions on travel from the affected area." The Ebola outbreak originated last month in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with subsequent cases reported in Uganda. The Trump administration is committed to preventing the virus from entering the US, including by establishing an Ebola treatment center in Kenya for American citizens, a project that has led to protests in Kenya. Axios reported that the Trump administration has urged European countries to implement stricter travel restrictions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed US and European coordination on the Ebola response with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The State Department's primary focus is protecting American health and preventing the outbreak from reaching the US. The United States has prohibited non-Americans who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days from visiting. The DR Congo team for the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is not expected to be affected by the ban as they have been training in Europe. However, their warm-up match against Chile was relocated from Spain to France due to public concerns about the virus.
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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned what he described as coordinated attacks by political thugs in various parts of the state, including Ile-Ife, Ede, and Osogbo. In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke called the violence unacceptable, emphasizing that no political ambition justifies the suffering of innocent citizens. He urged President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to intervene and restore order. The Governor also called on state political leaders, including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, to restrain their supporters, warning that continued provocations could destabilize the state. Governor Adeleke stated that he personally visited affected communities and victims receiving treatment at Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and Cottage Hospital, Ede, including the Osogbo Accord Party chairman who survived a gunshot attack. He assured residents that his administration would support victims and directed security agencies to conduct a full investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation. Governor Adeleke stressed that political differences should not lead to violence and urged residents to remain calm, noting that additional security measures have been deployed in vulnerable areas.
Residents of Ile Oluji in Ondo State have invested over N1.3 billion in community development projects without government assistance, according to High Chief Johnson Fagbamiye, the Lisa of Ile Oluji Kingdom. These projects, funded entirely by communal efforts and contributions, include the installation of a 10MVA transformer to enhance electricity supply, which cost approximately N750 million including installation, despite the transformer itself being a N200 million donation. Other initiatives to be inaugurated during the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Olufadero Adetimehin include two blocks of two-story student hostels with 40 self-contained rooms for the Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji, and eight blocks of modern agricultural and livestock market stalls. The community also supports ongoing road projects and an annual scholarship scheme for brilliant and indigent students from 14 public schools. The anniversary celebration will feature various events, including a carnival, youth empowerment programs, cultural exhibitions, and the distribution of cocoa seedlings to farmers.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has refuted claims that federal lawmakers determine their own allowances, stating that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC sets salaries and official vehicle entitlements for members of the National Assembly. Bamidele's comments follow a court ruling that declared the National Assembly's N110 billion spending on SUVs and allowances unlawful. The Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for new members violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and public trust. The court also mandated the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to ensure future procurements comply with due process. Bamidele defended the allowances, explaining that lawmakers do not set their own remuneration and that public misconceptions arise from a lack of understanding of how these are structured. He added that resources for vehicles and other allowances are primarily for constituency and legislative duties, not personal benefits, and called for greater transparency in public office holders' remunerations to improve public understanding.