World

Jubilation As All 12 Thai Boys, Coach Rescued from Cave after 18 Days

Published

6 years ago

July 10, 2018

Eric

Divers have successfully rescued all the 12 boys and their football coach from a cave in Thailand, bringing their ordeal to an end 17 days after they were cut off by monsoon flood.

The boys, ages 11-16, went missing with their 25-year-old coach while on an expedition from a local football club in Chiang Rai Province on June 23. Authorities commenced immediate search for them and the first connection was made on July 3.

The first set of four boys was rescued on July 5, and the rest came out in subsequent batches.

Intense jubilation from relatives and members of the rescue team followed the boys’ rescue Tuesday.

The search team contained international cave divers and other technical support from across the world. Experts from Australia, Britain, Japan and China, including more than 30 US military personnel, participated in the rescue with 1,000 Thai rescuers.

One of the divers died during the rescue mission last week.

The boys left their bicycles and other belongings at the mouth of the cave before going in July 23 afternoon, only for heavy monsoon to flood the cave shortly thereafter.

It was initially feared that the team would find it difficult to overcome rising flood waters in the cave after days of heavy rain, with family members waiting anxiously for news of life.

Officials said the boys are in good condition and they are all now recuperating at the hospital.

There were initial concerns about how the boys would be rescued after they were found alive on July 3. Suggestions on how to rescue them included whether to leave them in the cave for another four months when the monsoon season would ease out. But there were uncertainties around that option, with experts saying there could be an exponential rise in flood water that could flush the boys from the tip they had been hanging.

To rescue the boys, divers embarked on massive and consistent pumping out of flood waters in order to advance to the large, sandy and dry chamber where the boys had clung to for days. Food and other supplies were passed to the boys by divers shortly after they were first found, and experts said they had been able to survive only on water for so long because they were still young.

Their ordeal drew the attention of the world, with prayers being said daily towards their safety from several countries. President Muhammadu Buhari also joined world leaders to commend Thai authorities for the rescue efforts and pray for the safe rescue of the boys.

Africa

Glo Chairman, Mike Adenuga, Congratulates Mahama on Reelection

Published

11 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Chairman, Globacom Group, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., has sent a congratulatory message to Ghana’s President-elect, Dr John Mahama, on his victory at the polls to become the next president of Ghana.

Dr. Adenuga, a recipient of the highest honour in Ghana, and second highest honour in Nigeria (GCON), extended his congratulations via a statement he personally signed, and made available to The Boss.

He reflected on the joy and celebration that filled the streets of Ghana at the announcement, saying it is a testament of the “deep love and admiration your people hold for you, as well as the lasting impact of your remarkable legacy as a former President.”

Read the full statement:

DR MIKE ADENUGA JR.CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT MAHAMA*

My Dearest Brother,

On behalf of my family and myself, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your resounding victory in the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana.

The joy and celebration filling the streets of Ghana reflect the deep love and admiration your people hold for you, as well as the lasting impact of your remarkable legacy as a former President.

I will always cherish the unwavering support you extended to investors in Ghana, as well as the profound honor of receiving the highest Ghanaian National Honor from you in 2016.

May this second chapter of your leadership be even more successful and transformative.

God bless Ghana.
With warmest regards,

Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr.
(GCON, CSG, CdrLH)

World

WTO Reappoints Okonjo-Iweala As Director-General for Second Term

Published

1 week ago

November 29, 2024

Eric

The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025. This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.

The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).

During a special General Council meeting on 28-29 November 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO. Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus.

Ambassador Ølberg praised her achievements, stating:

“The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term. Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization. Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”

He continued:

“As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven. Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”

Background

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025. Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.

Source: wto.org

World

Simon Ekpa Lands in Finnish Prison Over Terrorist Propaganda Charges

Published

3 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

Eric

Self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, has been arrested by law enforcement in Finland.

The BBC reports that Ekpa was subsequently sent to prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”.

Ekpa was said to have committed the crime in 2021 in Lahti municipality.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also arrested four other men over alleged terrorist offences.

A citizen of Finland and Nigeria, Ekpa has described himself as leader of the separatist IPOB group since Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration.

Finnish police say Ekpa’s activities and social media rhetoric may have fanned the flames of violence in the south-east of Nigeria.

“He carries out these activities from his social media channels, for example,” said Otto Hiltunen, detective chief inspector of the NBI.

In February 2023, Ekpa was arrested by police at his residence in Lahti but was released after hours of questioning.

Using his social media channels, Ekpa had directed Igbos not to participate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election.

In September 2021, the Biafra agitator and secessionist denounced Nigeria and vowed to return the medal he won for the country at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships.