Buhari asks for US support to tackle insecurity
Following the series of killings and kidnappings in Nigeria in recent times, President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the U.S. to support Africa’s efforts in tackling growing insecurity in the region. Specifically, Buhari requested the United States (U.S) to relocate its Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters from Stuttgart in Germany to its theatre of operation, which is Africa. The President made the plea during a virtual meeting with U.S Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken.
Fully vaccinated people can now step out maskless
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated people can exercise outdoors or with members of their household without a mask. Also, the CDC added that these people can hold small gatherings outdoors with others who are inoculated, or with a mix of unvaccinated people, without face coverings. However, the agency still recommends that fully vaccinated people wear a mask at outdoor spaces where the risk of Covid-19 is less clear. Those include sporting events, concerts, parades and other crowded places.
Read Also: COVID-19: Delta orders workers below level 12 to resume work
Massive earthquake strikes India amid Covid-19 crisis
India’s toll from the coronavirus surged past 200,000 on Wednesday, the country’s deadliest day, as shortages of oxygen, medical supplies and hospital staff compounded a record number of new infections. While battling this crisis, a massive earthquake has struck the country’s northeastern state of Assam, damaging some buildings with state authorities checking for casualties. The last 24 hours brought 360,960 new cases for the world’s largest single-day total, taking India’s tally of infections to nearly 18 million. It was also the deadliest day so far, with 3,293 fatalities carrying the toll to 201,187.
PIB to be signed before end of May
Nigeria’s senate President, Ahmed Lawan has revealed that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will be signed before the end of May as it will soon be on its way to both the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. “We are expecting that by the first week of May, we will be able to receive the report of our committee on the PIB. Our design and desire is that we are able to pass the bill before the end of May,” he said. Lawan also added that the PIB would change the economic fortune of Nigeria, as it would make a huge difference in earnings from Nigerian petroleum resources.
Flutterwave makes it to TIME’s 100 most influential companies
Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech firm has been named a “Pioneer” on TIME’s 2021 list of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the world. In a list, which includes big wigs like Apple, Twitter and Stripe, the firm makes history as the only African company to make it this year. The list was divided into 5 categories; Pioneers, Leaders, Innovators, Disruptors and Titans. TIME reports that the fintech company was chosen for its efforts in recharging retailers after the pandemic slowed travel in Nigeria. When pandemic lockdowns hit brick-and-mortar businesses in Africa, the digital-payment service was able to rapidly set up digital storefronts for 20,000 customers, throwing them a lifeline.
