Archive November 10, 2025

Tinubu To Sign Landmark Digital Economy Bill Into Law – Bosun Tijani

By in News, Nigeria News

President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 into law before month end.

This is according to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during a public hearing jointly organised by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on ICT and cybersecurity and Digital and Information technology today.

He indicated that Nigeria is poised to make history as the first African nation to enact a comprehensive law on digital economy and e-governance.

Tijani described the Bill as a transformative framework that will modernise governance, strengthen the digital economy and help unlock Nigeria’s pathway to a 1 trillion dollar economy.

“This Bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this month, as it is one of the catalysts for achieving our 1 trillion dollar economic projection,” the minister said.

READ ALSO: We’re Taking Power Very Seriously To Enhance Livelihoods Of Nigerians – Tinubu

According to him, the digital economy contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has grown from 16 percent to 19 percent, with projections to reach 21 percent by 2027.

The bill he explained, establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for electronic communications, digital signatures, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity and digital literacy.

He stressed that the Tinubu administration is focused on long-term digital reforms not short-term solutions.

“Together with the National Assembly, we are deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state and local government with world-class internet access.

“Beyond this, we are addressing the needs of over 20 million unconnected Nigerians by deploying nearly 4,000 new communication towers in underserved communities,” Tijani said.

The bill also proposes the creation of a National Data Exchange System to facilitate secure data sharing among government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and between the public and private sectors, further outlining a framework for ethical AI adoption, aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness across industries.

“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. The generation that liberalised our telecoms sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today’s growth. Now, we take the next bold step to expand our economy through technology and innovation,” he said.

Okpebholo Decries ‘Lack Of Transparency’ In MOWAA Project

By in News, Nigeria News

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has decried what he says is a lack of transparency in the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project in the state.

He spoke when he received a delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, at the Government House, Benin City.

READ ALSO: West African Art Museum Will Be Restored As Birthday Gift To Benin Monarch — Okpebholo

“The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from the lack of openness by the previous government,” Okpebholo was quoted as saying in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Monday.

“It is curious how the project evolved from the Benin Royal Museum to the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and now to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution,” he said.

The governor noted that the state government was never briefed on the project’s financials, ownership structure, or operational details.

He said even the Oba of Benin had personally expressed concern over its handling.

“The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA nor handed over any documentation concerning the project. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he added.

Respect For Tradition

Reaffirming his administration’s openness to partnerships, he noted that transparency and respect for the Benin Kingdom were non-negotiable.

“We welcome foreign collaborations, but everything must be transparent and must honour our traditions,” he said.

“Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred,” he said while condemning the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for MOWAA.

Okpebholo, however, assured that his administration remained committed to accountability and due process in all dealings.

“Edo people are peace-loving and welcoming, but we will not condone secrecy or actions that undermine our culture and institutions,” he declared.

The governor also said he was shocked over the recent visit of the foreign envoy to the state for activities related to MOWAA, saying that his administration was not informed.

Okpebholo says MOWAA would be restored to its original and rightful purpose — a cultural edifice envisioned to honour the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

Okpebholo later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, where he described the development as another example of the “lack of transparency” that has surrounded the MOWAA project since its inception.

“They have spoken about areas of collaboration and also about what happened yesterday. Honestly, I wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place; that’s the truth,” he added.

While expressing displeasure over the handling of the project, the monarch said, “It is like history wanting to repeat itself.

Israeli drone strike kills two in Gaza as ceasefire violations mount

By in News, World News

At least two people including a child have been killed in an Israeli drone strike east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Al Jazeera reporters in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Hamas condemned Israel’s “daily and continuous violations” since a truce came into effect last month, accusing it of maintaining a campaign of bombardments and demolitions across the besieged enclave.

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In a statement published on Telegram on Monday, the group said Israeli attacks had killed 271 people, over 90 percent of them civilians, and wounded 622 more since the ceasefire took effect on October 10.

The Israeli military said the Palestinians killed on Monday posed “an immediate threat” to its forces.

Israeli forces have also been systematically destroying homes inside the so-called “yellow line”, a temporary withdrawal boundary agreed in the ceasefire.

Al Jazeera’s correspondents on the ground have said demolition operations in eastern Khan Younis have intensified. “Every two-storey building or house is being targeted,” said Hamdan Radwan, mayor of Bani Suheila, the largest municipality in the area.

Al Jazeera correspondents have confirmed Israeli forces are blowing up residential blocks in central Gaza as well. Satellite images and field footage show large swathes of neighbourhoods reduced to rubble.

Palestinians walk around their tents in Gaza City on November 3, 2025, during a ceasefire in the two-year-long Israeli war on Gaza [File: Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP]

Israel continues to restrict aid deliveries

Israel also continues to restrict aid deliveries to Gaza, violating one of the key terms of the ceasefire. Hamas said Israel had refused to allow at least 600 aid trucks daily, including 50 carrying fuel, despite the agreement.

On Sunday, only 270 trucks entered Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem (known in Israel as Kerem Shalom) and al-Karara (Kissufuim) crossings.

According to Al Jazeera’s reporters, the deliveries included 126 trucks of humanitarian aid, 127 carrying commercial goods, 10 with fuel and seven transporting cooking gas.

While aid flow has increased since the ceasefire began, Palestinians across Gaza continue to suffer from extreme shortages of food, medicine, clean water and essential goods.

Many remain homeless, with entire neighbourhoods destroyed by nearly two years of relentless Israeli bombardment.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) says between 500 and 600 trucks of supplies are needed daily to meet Gaza’s most basic needs. But Israel’s restrictions have left the agency struggling to deliver aid.

John Whyte, UNRWA’s senior deputy director for Gaza operations, told Irish news outlet The Journal that Israel has barred the agency’s vehicles from entering altogether.

“They just won’t let anything that’s owned by UNRWA go in,” Whyte said. “They’re requiring us to hand our supplies to other agencies and remove the UNRWA logo before they can cross. It’s creating enormous logistical delays.”

Israel outlawed UNRWA last year, with the ban taking effect in January, cutting off a critical lifeline for Gaza’s displaced population.

Reporting from Deir el-Balah, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary noted that Palestinians were promised 600 trucks of aid daily as part of the ceasefire. “We’ve been monitoring the situation, and the majority of trucks entering are non-essential commercial ones,” she said. “According to the UN and Reuters, only around 200 trucks of humanitarian aid are entering each day.”

Khoudary added that in northern Gaza, where many displaced families are returning, the UN has reported no direct aid entry for 75 days. “People told us they go to bed hungry. They queue for hours for water and can’t afford meat or eggs,” she said.

Israel hands over Palestinian bodies

As part of the ceasefire’s body exchange arrangement, Israel on Monday handed over the remains of 15 Palestinians to authorities in Gaza. A medical source told Wafa news agency that the Red Cross transferred the bodies to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

It was the 12th such exchange under the deal, bringing the total number of bodies returned to 315. Only 89 have been identified so far due to decomposition and a lack of proper equipment in Gaza. Wafa reported that most of the recovered bodies showed signs of torture.

Hamas said it had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, handing over 20 living captives within 72 hours “despite extremely difficult field conditions”. It said it had retrieved 24 of 28 bodies and shared coordinates for others located in areas under Israeli control.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that al-Kheir Hospital in Khan Younis has resumed operations after months of closure due to Israeli attacks. The WHO said it helped rehabilitate the facility by restoring power, sanitation and water systems, and providing medical equipment.

Sam Fender’s stunning gift to charity following his Mercury Prize victory

By in Entertainment News, News

The Geordie-born star collected his award for the critically acclaimed album People Watching. He decided to give the £25,000 prize to Music Venue Trust.

Sam Fender donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to charity supporting grassroots venues across the country. The Geordie-born star collected the award in Newcastle for his critically acclaimed album People Watching last month.

He decided to give the prize to Music Venue Trust, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues played in his early career. It means a total of £160,000 has been raised for charity from his recent gigs around the world.

Fans gave a further £35,000 for Doctors Without Borders, supporting their work around the globe. The charity also paid tribute to the star for raising awareness of the work done by their volunteers around the world. His Newcastle United hero Dan Burn made a special guest appearance on stage at his final gig at St James Park in the summer.

And the singer had already given £100,000 to MVT in 2024. Making the latest donation, Fender, 31, said: “I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today if it wasn’t for all the gigs I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out.

“These venues are legendary, but they are struggling.” Mark Davyd, CEO and founder of Music Venue Trust, said: “This is an incredible gesture by Sam.

“It demonstrates once again that artists absolutely understand how vital grassroots music venues are to their careers and to their communities.

“We are honoured to accept this donation and will ensure every penny of it makes a direct difference to the campaign to keep live music at the heart of our towns and cities.”

Sam’s 2024 arena tour raised more than £100,000 that was distributed by MVT via its Liveline Fund. That supported 38 grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Speaking at the time Sam said, “It’s brilliant to see that the money raised from the arena tour is making a real difference to so many venues. The grassroots circuit has been decimated over the last 10 years or so.

“The idea that money from shows in big venues supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just common sense.”

His world tour had raised tens of thousands of pounds to help volunteers on the frontline in war zones. Doctors Without Borders said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sam Fender for his partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières on his recent European tour.

“By inviting our fundraisers to engage with his fans, Sam helped us raise over £35,000 to fund our crucial humanitarian work around the world.

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“On behalf of our patients and teams in Palestine, we extend a profound thank you to Sam and his team for speaking out and drawing public attention to the devastating situation there.

England duo Freeman and Chessum battling injuries

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images

Quilter Nations Series: England v New Zealand

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

England have injury concerns over Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum for their autumn international against New Zealand on Saturday.

Versatile back Freeman is being monitored for a hamstring injury, while second row Chessum has a foot injury and was spotted at the England team hotel on crutches.

The British and Irish Lions duo started England’s wins against Australia and Fiji but missed training on Monday.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has plenty of other wing options should Northampton back Freeman be ruled out.

Elliot Daly is available for selection after completing his recovery from the fractured forearm he sustained on the Lions tour, but has not played since facing Queensland Reds on 2 July.

Tom Roebuck looks to have overcome an ankle injury and Henry Arundell staked his case for a starting place with a stunning try in Saturday’s 38-18 win over Fiji.

Meanwhile, Freddie Steward, who started against Australia, looks to have recovered from a hand injury to compete with Daly and Marcus Smith for the full-back spot.

Captain Maro Itoje started the Fiji game on the bench and could take over from Chessum, with Alex Coles keeping his place in the starting XV.

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‘All Blacks arguably best in world at the minute’

The All Blacks, ranked second in the world, have won both their matches so far this autumn, beating Ireland 26-13 in their opening tour match before overcoming Scotland 25-17 on Saturday thanks to a dramatic late Damian McKenzie try.

England have not beaten New Zealand since their 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final in Yokohama and have not defeated the All Blacks at Twickenham since 2012.

Former captain Jamie George says England should embrace the occasion and not be overawed by New Zealand’s reputation.

“You’ve got to be at your best because they’re not just another team,” he said. “They are arguably the best team in the world at the minute. They’ve got world-class players.

“They are as complete a team as there is out there. They’re fantastic and they seem to step up a gear when they come to Allianz Stadium.

“We’ve got to come up with a clear gameplan that’s going to put them under as much pressure as possible and then go out and execute it perfectly because that’s what we’ll need to do to win.”

Flanker Sam Underhill said England will face a tough challenge to nullify New Zealand’s attacking threats.

“They are a very athletic team,” he told BBC Sport. “They have a lot of very good ball-carriers and are a very good wide attacking team.

“They are famous how they light up in attack and how quickly they move the ball and take advantage of space. You have to keep them as shut down as you can.

Related topics

  • England Rugby Union
  • Rugby Union
  • English Rugby

England duo Freeman and Chessum battling injuries

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images

Quilter Nations Series: England v New Zealand

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

England have injury concerns over Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum for their autumn international against New Zealand on Saturday.

Versatile back Freeman is being monitored for a hamstring injury, while second row Chessum has a foot injury and was spotted at the England team hotel on crutches.

The British and Irish Lions duo started England’s wins against Australia and Fiji but missed training on Monday.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has plenty of other wing options should Northampton back Freeman be ruled out.

Elliot Daly is available for selection after completing his recovery from the fractured forearm he sustained on the Lions tour, but has not played since facing Queensland Reds on 2 July.

Tom Roebuck looks to have overcome an ankle injury and Henry Arundell staked his case for a starting place with a stunning try in Saturday’s 38-18 win over Fiji.

Meanwhile, Freddie Steward, who started against Australia, looks to have recovered from a hand injury to compete with Daly and Marcus Smith for the full-back spot.

Captain Maro Itoje started the Fiji game on the bench and could take over from Chessum, with Alex Coles keeping his place in the starting XV.

    • 1 day ago

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    • 2 hours ago

‘All Blacks arguably best in world at the minute’

The All Blacks, ranked second in the world, have won both their matches so far this autumn, beating Ireland 26-13 in their opening tour match before overcoming Scotland 25-17 on Saturday thanks to a dramatic late Damian McKenzie try.

England have not beaten New Zealand since their 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final in Yokohama and have not defeated the All Blacks at Twickenham since 2012.

Former captain Jamie George says England should embrace the occasion and not be overawed by New Zealand’s reputation.

“You’ve got to be at your best because they’re not just another team,” he said. “They are arguably the best team in the world at the minute. They’ve got world-class players.

“They are as complete a team as there is out there. They’re fantastic and they seem to step up a gear when they come to Allianz Stadium.

“We’ve got to come up with a clear gameplan that’s going to put them under as much pressure as possible and then go out and execute it perfectly because that’s what we’ll need to do to win.”

Flanker Sam Underhill said England will face a tough challenge to nullify New Zealand’s attacking threats.

“They are a very athletic team,” he told BBC Sport. “They have a lot of very good ball-carriers and are a very good wide attacking team.

“They are famous how they light up in attack and how quickly they move the ball and take advantage of space. You have to keep them as shut down as you can.

Related topics

  • England Rugby Union
  • Rugby Union
  • English Rugby