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Wildfire death toll hits 24 as Los Angeles set for more strong winds

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At least 24 people have died as major wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area in the U.S. state of California, the city’s medical examiner said on Sunday.

No fewer than 16 of the fatalities are related to the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, and eight others to the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades district.

There have been several major fires in the region since Tuesday, but these two are the most severe.

Officials fear the death toll may continue to rise, since it may take days before emergency services can safely access all areas impacted by the fires.

Firefighters were preparing for gusts to pick up again in the coming days, exacerbating what officials say could be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.

The U.S. weather service forecast wind speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour for Sunday, which, combined with dry vegetation, favours the rapid and unpredictable spread of both existing and new fires.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) warned of “critical fire weather” through to Wednesday.

“Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California – from Ventura to San Diego – creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread,” the department wrote on X.

It warned the wind would increase fire activity and urged people to avoid mowing their lawns and parking their vehicles on dry grass and to ensure all campfires were extinguished.

According to Cal Fire officials, some 12,300 buildings have been destroyed or damaged. Since Tuesday, almost 163 square kilometres of land have gone up in flames – a space almost the size of Washington D.C.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking to broadcaster NBC, said the wildfires would be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, in terms of the “scale and scope,” as well as the costs it has caused.

Newsom went on to sign an executive order to temporarily suspend environmental regulations for destroyed homes and businesses.

“Just issued an Executive Order that will allow victims of the SoCal fires to not get caught up in bureaucratic red tape and quickly rebuild their homes,” he wrote on X.

According to a preliminary estimate by the private U.S weather service AccuWeather, the fires have caused more than $135 billion in damage.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was among the Hollywood actors living in and around areas impacted by the fires.

“Don’t worry about me, or my animals, and certainly not my house,” the film star and former governor of California said, asking fans to think instead of the “heroic firefighters.”

As the fires rage on, attention has increasingly turned to the people fighting them, among them several hundred prisoners being paid a maximum of $10 a day for gruelling work trying to contain the blaze.

Californian authorities say the prisoners have undergone several days of training and are working voluntarily on removing flammable material and creating so-called firebreaks or gaps in vegetation to stop the spread of fire.

They are given another $1 per hour for emergency work.

Each day spent working as a rescue worker shortens the prison sentence by two days.

Only inmates who are serving a prison sentence of a maximum of eight years and are not serving time for crimes such as rape or arson may be deployed as helpers. (dpa/NAN)

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Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa Honored With Yoruba Traditional Title of “Yeye Of Yorubas”

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February 26, 2025

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The wife of Niger East Senator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa 313, has been conferred with the prestigious title of “Yeye of Yorubas”, meaning “Lover of the Yorubas”, in recognition of her outstanding generosity and unwavering support for Yoruba cultural activities in Niger State.

The honorary title was bestowed upon her by the Kabeyesi of Niger State,(Sarkin Yarbawa of Minna )Alhaji Abdulrazak Abdulkarim (Iyayi), in appreciation of her continuous contributions to the Yoruba community within the state. The Yoruba Forum, a prominent socio-cultural group, formally presented the title to Hajiya Sa’adatu at her Abuja residence on Wednesday.

During the ceremony, members of the Yoruba Forum lauded her commitment to fostering unity and cultural inclusivity. They assured her of their unwavering support in promoting good governance and leadership, not only for the people of Niger East but for the state as a whole.

Speaking at the event, Senator Sani Musa 313, alongside his wife, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming their dedication to the Yoruba community and other ethnic groups in Niger State. The senator highlighted the importance of unity among Nigeria’s diverse cultures and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony and development.

The conferment of the “Yaye of Yorubas” title underscores Hajiya Sa’adatu’s significant role in bridging cultural divides and fostering peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups in the state. It also reflects the growing appreciation of individuals who contribute to the welfare and unity of Nigeria’s diverse communities.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, traditional leaders, and members of the Yoruba community, further solidifying the bond between the Yoruba people and the leadership of Senator Sani Musa.

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Africa holds key to unlocking 120 billion barrels of oil – OPEC Chief

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February 26, 2025

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The Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, has tasked Africa to unlock its proven oil reserves of over 120 billion barrels.

Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, OPEC Secretary-General, made this known while delivering a keynote address titled “Driving Cross-Continental Investments: Scaling Africa’s Energy Frontier”, at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The eight edition of the energy summit, which opened on Monday and ends on Thursday, has ‘’Bridging continents: Connecting investors with Africa’s Energy Potential’’ as theme.

He also said that Africa with around 18 trillion standard cubic metres of natural gas, was a testament to the continent’s crucial role in the global energy landscape.

“The world will need more of this oil in the future. Therefore, it is critical that the African oil and gas industry attracts the level of investment necessary to unlock this great potential”, Al-Ghais added.

He said that the vast resources at Africa’s disposal should not be disregarded or neglected merely to accommodate the energy transition agenda pushed by Western nations.

The secretary-general expressed appreciation to the leadership and people of Nigeria for their hospitality and thanked the summit organisers for their efforts in organising this year’s edition.

According to him, OPEC’s market research and forecasting points to the importance of Africa.

“Additionally, we know from Nigeria’s countless contributions to OPEC’s successes, how rewarding it is to work in this great nation. We encourage all potential investors to look at Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,”.

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Al-Ghais highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between OPEC and Africa, noting that half of OPEC’s member countries are from the continent, including Nigeria, the most populous African nation, and Algeria, the largest in geographical size.

Other African OPEC members include Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Libya.

He also lauded Africa’s youthful and dynamic population, which presents a strong workforce for the oil sector.

“It’s crucial to discuss how we can unlock the potential that this great continent holds, and how to create an investment-enabling environment that attracts the capital necessary to fully realize that potential,” he said.

“The investment needs of the oil industry are substantial, with cumulative requirements amounting to 17.4 trillion dollars by 2050.

“This is why stability in the oil market is essential for investors to plan effectively,” he added.
He highlighted OPEC’s views on some important topics relevant to both the global industry and Africa, including future of global oil demand, energy investment and finance, as well as the ever-evolving issue of climate change and energy transitions.(NAN)

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Pope Francis resting peacefully, says Vatican

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February 26, 2025

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Pope Francis, who is suffering from a severe lung infection, spent a night in hospital without any additional complications, the Vatican said on Wednesday morning.

The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church had a “peaceful night” and is now resting, a spokesman said.

The Argentinian native has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since the middle of the month.

He has now been in the hospital longer than ever before during his pontificate.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, the Vatican stated in a health bulletin: “The Holy Father’s clinical condition remains critical, but stable.” Francis has not experienced further episodes of breathlessness since the weekend, it said, adding that his blood values are also stable.

Meanwhile, prayers for Francis are being offered up around the world.

On St Peter’s Square, a rosary was recited for him again on Tuesday evening.

The Vatican is providing written updates on his health condition in the morning and evening.

Francis has been the leader of the Catholic Church, with its approximately 1.4 billion faithful worldwide, since March 2013.(dpa/NAN)

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