News Agency of Nigeria
EU states agree on post-war measures for Ukrainians to return home
Foreign

EU states agree on post-war measures for Ukrainians to return home

Ukrainians

EU countries agreed Tuesday on a coordinated approach to return displaced Ukrainians, when conditions allow, and offering eligible refugees legal residence status.

“Russia’s relentless, unjustified attacks on Ukraine continue. The EU’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people remains steadfast,” said Danish Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek.

“At the same time it is common sense to prepare for the day when the situation allows for the Ukrainian people to return home to help rebuilding their country,” he added.

Since the beginning of Russia’s war on Ukraine, more than 4.3 million people had fled from Ukraine to the European Union, according to the European Commission.

Germany had taken in the largest overall share, more than 1.2 million people.

Many benefitted from a so-called temporary protection status, which allowed  Ukrainian citizens to access EU labour markets, social benefits and medical care without having to apply for asylum.

This status is set to end in March 2027.

Eligible Ukrainians are to receive national residence permits, “issued for instance on grounds related to employment, training, education or family grounds,” an EU statement said.

EU countries are to support Ukrainians wishing to return to their home country, including allowing exploratory visits to Ukraine and setting up dedicated return programmes.

Under the new guidelines, capitals are also to inform displaced Ukrainians about their options, rights and obligations when their temporary protection status expires. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Chioma Ugboma

IMF: Italy’s labour gap opens door for Nigerian expertise 
Foreign

IMF: Italy’s labour gap opens door for Nigerian expertise 

Labour

By  Olawunmi Ashafa

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Italy’s drive to boost productivity and attract more workers could open opportunities for Nigerian businesses and professionals.

IMF, in its country focus report on Tuesday, said Italy’s economy, though resilient, faces long-term challenges.

The challenges range from an ageing population, weak productivity, and a shortage of skilled labour, making foreign expertise increasingly valuable.

“The Italian economy is resilient, but long-term growth will require higher productivity and more people in work,” said Lone Christiansen, IMF mission chief for Italy.

She noted that Italy’s ageing population and shrinking workforce make foreign expertise vital. “This is where skilled migrants and stronger trade ties can make a difference.”

Christiansen explained: “Growth was supported by strong investment through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and improvements in the labour market, with more jobs on permanent contracts.”

For Nigerian firms, this could mean fresh prospects in trade and investment, particularly as Italy seeks stronger economic partnerships with emerging markets to support growth.

The labour gap may also encourage skilled Nigerian migrants to explore opportunities in Italy, especially in healthcare, agriculture, technology, and small-scale manufacturing.

“Healthcare, engineering, and digital services are areas where Nigeria’s skilled youth could contribute,” a Lagos-based economist told  the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Italy’s resilience last year was evident, recording a primary surplus of 0.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in spite of global economic uncertainty and trade tensions.

Christiansen said growth was supported by investment through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and improved labour market performance.

However, growth is projected to slow to 0.5 per cent this year before rising to 0.8 per cent in 2026 as NRRP projects near completion.

Christiansen warned that external risks, including trade tariffs, energy costs, and regional conflicts, pose challenges for Italy’s export-driven economy.

She stressed reforms to boost labour participation, especially among women, through childcare support and tax reforms, while improving education, training, and innovation capacity.

The IMF estimates reforms raising participation, skills, and productivity could lift Italy’s growth by up to 0.4 percentage points annually between 2025 and 2050.

Fiscal consolidation remains central, with recommendations for a 3 per cent primary surplus by 2027 to reduce public debt, now about 135 per cent of GDP.

Christiansen also called for stronger corporate dynamism, noting Italy lacks global innovation leaders and struggles with scaling firms, which could open collaborative opportunities with foreign investors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Experts urge use of AI to strengthen agriculture, energy resilience in Africa
Foreign

Experts urge use of AI to strengthen agriculture, energy resilience in Africa

 

 

Experts at the second Africa Climate Summit have stressed the need to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster the resilience of Africa’s agriculture and energy sectors.

 

According to a report by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, panellists at the summit underscored AI’s potential to improve climate forecasting, enhance resource management, and accelerate the shift towards renewable energy.

 

Experts at the second Africa Climate Summit, held in Addis Ababa, highlighted opportunities and challenges in data, funding, and governance.

 

Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General of the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD), said AI could transform climate prediction.

 

Emmanuel Manasseh, Africa Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighted AI’s role in optimising energy use and developing “smart cities” amid rapid urbanisation.

 

Participants urged policymakers to prioritise investment in AI-driven agricultural projects, including virtual advisory platforms for farmers.

 

The experts also called for closer cooperation among African nations to share data and best practice, learning from successful models in other countries, to fully realise AI’s potential in addressing climate challenges. (TV BRICS/NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

 

 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

BRICS: Brazil, South Africa expand air connectivity to boost tourism, trade
Foreign

BRICS: Brazil, South Africa expand air connectivity to boost tourism, trade

 

 

 

Brazil and South Africa are set to enhance air links with the introduction of additional flights between the two countries as part of a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral relations and stimulate growth in tourism and trade.

 

This is accordong to a report by the official website of Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism.

 

Representatives of the South African airport authority also expressed interest in further expanding air service between the two destinations in the near future, with Brazilian tourism officials pledging their support for the initiative.

 

The existing air service between Brazil and South Africa consists of eight weekly flights, offering over two thousand seats.

 

The visa exemption for tourists for up to 90 days, applicable to citizens of both countries, serves as an additional incentive for travel.

 

Official data shows that South Africa is the primary source of tourists from the African continent to Brazil.

 

The number of South African tourists visiting Brazil has tripled from 5,403 in 2022 to 15,280 in 2024.

 

Brazil is also the leading source of tourists from Latin America to South Africa, with nearly 50,000 Brazilian tourists visiting the country in 2024, representing a near doubling compared to the previous year.

 

Increased flight frequencies are expected to facilitate increased tourism and business travel, leading to greater development and employment opportunities in both nations.

 

Furthermore, Brazil will participate in the G20 Tourism meeting, encouraging participation of its member countries in the COP30 climate conference, set to be hosted in Belem in Brazil in November. (TV BRICS/NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

80th anniversary session of General Assembly opens at UN Headquarters
Foreign

80th anniversary session of General Assembly opens at UN Headquarters

 

 

 

 

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock opened the 80th session of the organisation in New York, with a call on Assembly members to “focus on its mandates and deliver on its commitments.”

 

This is according to a report posted on the official UN website.

 

She also promised to represent all 193 member countries equally and guaranteed that “every voice will be heard.”

 

Among the priorities for the coming year, Baerbock highlighted the reform of the UN ahead of the organisation’s 80th anniversary, as well as the promotion of peace, sustainable development and the protection of human rights.

 

Summing up the results of the outgoing year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that countries need to overcome differences, follow international law and the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

“The Charter is not self-executing.

 

“By design, it requires countries looking beyond their national interests and re-building trust and faith in one another, and in what we can accomplish through collaboration and solidarity,” he said.

 

The anniversary is being held under the motto “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights,” the official UN website further reports.

 

A series of high-level meetings with world leaders will be held in New York as part of events scheduled to mark the 80th anniversary of the UN General Assembly.

 

The programme includes debates, summits on sustainable development, climate, artificial intelligence, as well as meetings dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

 

The anniversary session was preceded by a plenary meeting.

 

The anniversary session of the UN General Assembly is intended to highlight the role of multilateral diplomacy in addressing global challenges.

 

Russia will be represented at the debates by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is scheduled to speak from the rostrum of the General Assembly Hall on Sept. 27. (TV BRICS/NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

WHO launches vaccination drive following Ebola outbreak in Congo
Foreign

WHO launches vaccination drive following Ebola outbreak in Congo

Ebola

A vaccination campaign is due to begin in the Congo at the weekend, in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Central African country, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

A first batch of 400 vaccine doses arrived by helicopter in the remote affected area earlier in the day, Patrick Otim, the local head of WHO operations, said in Geneva on Friday.

A new confirmed case around 70 kilometres from the outbreak area in the Bulape region of Kasaï province is fuelling concerns about a wider spread of the often fatal disease.

Aid workers who reached the area have identified hundreds of people who were in contact with those infected and would be the first to be vaccinated.

The first cases were reported in early September.

One problem is that the vaccine must be kept at low temperatures but there is no reliable electricity supply in the region.

This is now being achieved with special cool boxes, Otim said.

Another 1,500 vaccine doses are to be flown in once a reliable cooling system is set up on site.

According to the WHO, there are now 25 confirmed cases.

Fourteen people have died, including three children under the age of five.

African health authorities has reported several dozen suspected cases.

However, as this number changes hourly following laboratory analyses, the WHO only reports confirmed cases.

Transmitted through physical contact and contact with body fluids, Ebola is a contagious and life-threatening infectious disease that causes fever, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea.

The mortality rate is extremely high if infected individuals are not treated immediately.

In 2014 and 2015, more than 11,000 people died in an outbreak in West Africa. (dpa/NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Chioma Ugboma

Tinubu, Macron hold meeting in Paris
Foreign

Tinubu, Macron hold meeting in Paris

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday held a private working lunch with the French President, Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting is part of Tinubu’s itinerary, during his 10-day working vacation in Europe, which includes stops in France and the United Kingdom.

‎Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a captioned photograph made available to NAN on Wednesday in Abuja.

President Emmanuel Macron of France welcomes President Bola Tinubu.

NAN reports that a working private visit means a trip that is mainly private or personal, but during which the visitor still carries out some official or work-related activities.

NAN reports that President Tinubu announced on his official X handle @OfficialABAT that his discussions with President Macron centred on reviewing and strengthening key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France.
‎
‎“Had a productive lunch with President Emmanuel Macron @EmmanuelMacron today at the Élysée Palace.
‎
‎ “We reviewed key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France and agreed to deepen our partnership for mutual prosperity and global stability.” the Nigerian leader wrote.

‎President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sept. 4 for France on a working vacation.

‎Onanuga had said that the trip formed part of the President’s official annual leave for 2025.

‎”Tinubu will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country,” Onanuga had said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Iran announces launch of three new satellites by 2026
Foreign

Iran announces launch of three new satellites by 2026

Iran is preparing to expand its space programme with the planned launch of three satelvlites – Kowsar, Zafar and Paya – before March 2026, according to Mehr News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The news agency quoted Hossein Salariyeh, head of the Iranian Space Agency as saying that the new satellites would significantly enhance the nation’s technological capabilities.

Kowsar will carry advanced imaging systems to support agriculture, urban planning and environmental monitoring.

Zafar, meaning “victory,” is designed to strengthen communications in remote areas, while Paya will focus on weather monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Salariyeh confirmed that while launches are targeted for this autumn, they may be subject to delays as engineers carry out rigorous testing.

He highlighted that all satellites must meet the highest technical standards.

Officials say the new satellites will provide vital data and services while inspiring a new generation of scientists and stargazers, cementing Iran’s position as an emerging player in space exploration. (TV BRICS/NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Russian scientists create programme for analysing epicardial adipose tissue
Foreign

Russian scientists create programme for analysing epicardial adipose tissue

Scientists from a Russian cardiology research institute have developed a programme that automatically processes CT scans of the heart and determines the volume and density of fatty tissue around it.

This is according to a report by the official website of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS)  a partner of TV BRICS.

The fatty tissue, the report added, plays an important role as it protects the heart, participates in metabolism, and secretes substances that affect inflammatory processes.

The report further said that in heart disease, it is the first to “signal” problems as its volume and density change.

Until now, doctors have determined such changes manually: it was necessary to trace the heart on dozens of images, which took a lot of time and required experience. It does this automatically.

The programme, developed at the Research Institute of Cardiology, Tomsk Research Medical Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences and Tomsk Polytechnic University, works quickly – on average, only 22 seconds per study, and the accuracy of its results is comparable to that of a specialist.

This is reported by the official website of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).

“This saves the doctor’s time and allows changes to be detected at an early stage.

“It helps to prescribe treatment faster and select therapy more accurately,” explained Konstantin Zavadovsky, Head of the radiology department at the Research Institute of Cardiology, Doctor of Medical Sciences.

The programme is based on artificial intelligence algorithms and is already patented. (TV BRICS/NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

AU, Nigeria sign MoU on counterterrorism cooperation
Foreign

AU, Nigeria sign MoU on counterterrorism cooperation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The African Union (AU) Commission and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost collaboration against terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communication Coordinator, PAPS, African Union Commission and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The MoU was endorsed by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC.

In his remarks, Adeoye commended Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel.

He noted that the country’s advanced facilities and expertise at the NCTC had “greatly contributed to regional and continental security.

“The AU is proud to formalise this partnership with Nigeria, a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism.

“The NCTC’s leadership and state-of-the-art technology have set a benchmark for counterterrorism efforts in Africa,” he said.

On his part, Laka said the MoU reflected Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024 and deepening regional collaboration.

According to him, by working with the African Union, we intend to strengthen regional capacities, harmonise strategies and demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve in ensuring peace and security across the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU will be jointly implemented by the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC.

“Areas of cooperation include real-time intelligence sharing, secondment of experts, joint research, support for victims of terrorism, and programmes on deradicalisation and reintegration.

“It will also reinforce AU-backed initiatives such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

“A Joint Working Group will monitor implementation,” it added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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