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Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Nigeria India Business Council (NIBC) was yesterday inaugurated in Abuja marking a significant step in fostering stronger business relations between Nigeria and India.
NIBC President Sir Emeka Offor, disclosed after the inauguration of a seven-man working group that one of the tasks the council was exploring was the possibility of facilitating a direct flight from Nigeria to India.
The meeting also ratified the appointment of Chijioke James as the Director General of the Council.
Prominent board members at the meeting included the Vice President, Dr Dere Otubu, Murtala Mohammed, Bakare Oladipo Mudasiru, Salisu Kabara, and Yunusa Yakubu. Others were Ambassador Humphrey Orjiako, AIG Chris Ezike, rtd. and Dr Steve Dike.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye and former President Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, attended the meeting as observers.
Offor said NIBC aimed to serve as a bridge, providing networking opportunities, strategic alliances and advocacy to businesses keen on leveraging the unique strengths of both nations.
“The establishment of this council is a testament to the growing importance of the Nigeria-India partnership.
“With the support of our dedicated board and the DG of the Council, we are poised to facilitate greater economic cooperation and enhance bilateral trade. We invite business leaders and entrepreneurs to join us in our mission and benefit from the wide range of opportunities that membership of the council offers,” Offor said.
He said the Nigeria-India Business Council is a body that seeks to attract investment and to support the government in making sure that business is sustained between the two countries.
“I know that one of the major objectives of the body is to make sure that we improve on whatever that is on ground to make sure that we take it to the higher level. I think after President Tinubu’s visit to India, a lot of commitment has been gotten. But now that the body is now formally inaugurated it starts to exist from today”.
The DG of the Council, Chijioke James, said the working group set up by the board will work around the clock to ensure that the lateral business relationship between Nigeria and India is deepened and opened up to different sectors that will ensure promotion of business.
He said Nigeria has competitive advantage with India in form of its natural resources adding NIBC will love to tap into the skill set of India to build Nigeria’s natural resources and be in a position to export its products to India, which has a market in excess of 1.4 billion.

On October 20, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the United States is investigating the leak of two highly classified intelligence documents that detail Israel’s preparations for potential retaliatory strikes against Iran.

When asked about the leak, Johnson stated, “The investigation is ongoing, and I’ll receive a briefing on the situation in a few hours.”

Further confirming the authenticity of the leak, Johnson called the incident “deeply concerning,” according to reports from CNN and The Guardian.

The leaked documents, both marked “TOP SECRET,” indicate access restricted to the United States and its Five Eyes allies—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Additional contents are designated for sharing exclusively between the U.S. and the U.K.

One document is titled, “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Striking Iran and Will Conduct a Second Large-Scale Military Exercise.” The other is titled, “Israeli Defense Forces Continue Key Ammunition Preparations and Secret Drone Operations.” Both documents are dated October 16, and they were leaked the following day.

U.S. officials have indicated that the investigation focuses on how these classified documents were obtained, including whether they were intentionally leaked by U.S. intelligence personnel or acquired through other means. The inquiry will also explore the possibility of other intelligence being compromised.

The highly publicized case of Cash App founder Bob Lee’s murder began on October 14 at the San Francisco Superior Court, drawing significant attention from the tech community. Lee, who was 43 years old and a product manager for the cryptocurrency platform MobileCoin, was a father of two. His brutal stabbing has left many in shock.

During the opening statements, prosecutors provided a detailed timeline of events surrounding the incident and outlined how the defendant, Nima Momeni, allegedly attempted to cover up his crime after the fact. According to the prosecution, Momeni, 40, got into an argument with his sister Khazar on April 4, 2023. Following the altercation, he took a knife from her apartment and drove Lee to a deserted street, where he stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai explained, “Our victim was stabbed several times. One wound penetrated his chest, another struck his buttock, and a third pierced his heart, leaving him to bleed out by the roadside.”

In contrast, the defense attorney contested these claims during their opening statements. They asserted that Lee was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident and that he attacked Momeni first. The defense lawyer stated, “What we’ve heard is that Bob Lee was the one with the knife. Nima acted in self-defense.”

The attorney also mentioned that Momeni is eager to share his side of the story but has yet to decide if he will testify in his own defense.

Momeni, who resides in Emeryville, was arrested shortly after Lee’s death and has been in custody ever since. He appeared in court dressed in a dark suit, sitting alongside his lawyer, while his mother sat nearby. On the other side of the courtroom were Lee’s family members, including his ex-wife, father, and brother.

Talai indicated that the jury would hear testimony from one of Lee’s friends who had been with Lee and Momeni’s sister the day before the incident. This friend is expected to reveal that Momeni expressed angry jealousy over Lee’s relationship with his sister, concerning drugs and “naked girls,” presenting himself as excessively protective, while Lee remained relaxed.

Surveillance footage confirmed that Lee entered the Millennium Tower, where Khazar and her husband lived, on the night of the incident. He and Momeni were seen exiting the building around 2 a.m. and later getting out of the car at a secluded spot near the Bay Bridge. There, Momeni allegedly stabbed Lee three times before discarding the knife and driving away.

Talai also mentioned that they would reveal text messages Momeni sent to Khazar the following morning, where he claimed not to know what had transpired the night before involving Lee.

Both Momeni and Lee’s family declined to comment on the proceedings. Judge Alexandra Gordon stated that the trial might extend until mid-December. If convicted, Momeni faces a potential sentence ranging from 26 years to life in prison.

On October 18, the National Health Commission (NHC) held a press conference where Shen Haiping, the Director of the Women’s and Children’s Health Department, addressed the increasing risks women face regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly in light of China’s deepening industrialization and urbanization. According to Shen, this rise in HPV infections correlates with a heightened risk of cervical cancer, which is increasingly affecting younger women.

During the conference, a journalist raised a question about the current state of cervical cancer in China, noting that it is the most common gynecological malignancy that threatens women’s physical and mental health. They inquired about the overall prevalence of cervical cancer in the country and what targeted prevention and treatment measures are in place.

Shen highlighted that cervical cancer is indeed the most frequent gynecological malignancy, with 151,000 new cases reported in 2022, resulting in an incidence rate of 13.8 per 100,000 women. It ranks fifth among cancers affecting women, with 56,000 deaths, leading to a mortality rate of 4.5 per 100,000 and placing it sixth among cancer deaths in women. These statistics underscore the serious threat cervical cancer poses to women’s health and the critical need for its prevention and control. The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection by high-risk types of HPV. As urbanization and industrialization progress in China, the risk of women contracting HPV infections is on the rise, further increasing the risk of cervical cancer, particularly among younger demographics.

Shen further explained that international consensus supports a three-tier prevention strategy for cervical cancer. The first level, primary prevention, focuses on health education and HPV vaccination to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Secondary prevention includes cervical cancer screening and treatment of precancerous lesions to promote early detection and diagnosis. Tertiary prevention involves clinical treatment for diagnosed cervical cancer patients, along with health management and rehabilitation support to reduce mortality and improve patients’ quality of life.

Shen emphasized that China has long prioritized cervical cancer prevention and control, as reflected in significant planning documents such as the “Healthy China 2030 Planning Outline” and the “Outline for Women’s Development in China.” These frameworks set clear goals and tasks for cervical cancer prevention. In response to international calls for reducing the incidence of cervical cancer to 4 per 100,000 by the end of this century, the NHC, in collaboration with ten other departments, launched initiatives in 2023 aimed at accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer. This comprehensive approach promotes government leadership, inter-departmental collaboration, and community involvement in cervical cancer prevention.

Since 2009, China has also implemented a public health service program at the national level, jointly organized by the NHC and the All-China Women’s Federation, providing cervical cancer screening services for women aged 35 to 64. Leveraging maternal and child health service networks across regions, the program actively facilitates services, expanding the pool of women receiving free screenings. The capacity and quality of cervical cancer treatment are continually improving, contributing positively to women’s health and increasing life expectancy.

On October 17th, the official Weibo account of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate reported that Lan Dahuang, the former member of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress and Vice Chairman of the Trade Union in Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is facing charges of bribery. His case has been investigated and concluded by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Supervisory Committee and has now been forwarded to the prosecutorial authorities for further review and prosecution.

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People’s Procuratorate has designated the Wuzhou City People’s Procuratorate to legally file a public prosecution with the Wuzhou Intermediate People’s Court. The case is currently under further processing.

During the prosecution phase, the authorities informed Lan Dahuang of his legal rights as a defendant and conducted an interrogation while considering the opinions of his defense counsel. The Wuzhou City People’s Procuratorate has formally accused Lan Dahuang of leveraging his positions as Vice County Mayor of Daxin County, Secretary of the Jiangzhou District Committee of Chongzuo City, and Secretary of the Fusui County Committee to gain benefits for others. He allegedly accepted substantial bribes, which, given the significant amount involved, warrant criminal liability for bribery under the law.

On October 16, the “Customs Release” WeChat account reported an intriguing case involving the Manzhouli Customs, specifically the Eighteen Li Customs office. At the Manzhouli road port, officials apprehended a traveler who attempted to smuggle gold into the country by concealing it in a modified mobile phone.

Around 9:00 AM that day, a passenger entered the Manzhouli road port via the “no declaration channel,” failing to report any items to customs officials. Upon inspection, customs officers noticed irregularities in the X-ray image of the passenger’s luggage. This prompted them to conduct a more thorough check. Upon opening the luggage, they discovered over 240 grams of gold hidden within the phone’s battery compartment.

Customs officials have issued a warning regarding smuggling. They stated that according to relevant regulations, any attempt to conceal, disguise, or misreport items to evade customs supervision, as well as transporting or mailing goods that are prohibited or restricted from entering or exiting the country, constitutes smuggling. Severe cases could lead to serious criminal charges.

In Arcadia, a city in Southern California with a significant Asian American community, a recent incident involving a homeless individual attempting to break into a preschool has raised serious safety concerns among parents and educators. The school’s administration is expressing deep worry over the children’s safety.

Belinda Xu, who runs a preschool located on East Live Oak Avenue in Arcadia, recounted a troubling event that took place three weeks ago. A homeless person, reportedly suffering from mental health issues, approached her school and, finding no fence at the entrance, attempted to pull open a window screen in a bid to enter the campus. “Fortunately, the window was closed, so he was unable to get in, but his actions terrified the children inside the preschool,” Xu stated.

In response to this alarming incident, Xu quickly reached out to the city government to advocate for the installation of safety measures such as fences and walls around the school premises.

Located just a few blocks away from Xu’s preschool is a large affordable housing project named Elara, set to break ground next year. This project includes plans for 45 apartments designated for long-term occupancy by individuals experiencing homelessness. Xu expressed her anxiety about the potential influx of homeless individuals in the area, fearing it could significantly compromise the safety of the children.

According to Xu, there are at least four other preschools nearby, collectively accommodating 259 students. With a homeless housing facility positioned next to multiple schools, she urges the government to prioritize the safety of the children in their planning decisions.

Lucy Zhang, a volunteer with the Arcadia Safety Guardian Alliance (ASG), expressed her shock upon learning about the sizable housing project only at the end of September. She highlighted the proximity of several elementary schools in the area, emphasizing the growing concerns regarding student safety in light of the anticipated increase in the homeless population.

Susan Guo, the president of the Arcadia Chinese Association, criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the Elara housing project, mentioning that it did not undergo an environmental assessment process. She noted that residents have only recently become aware of the development, and expressed concern about jurisdictional issues: “If a security problem arises, will it be the Arcadia Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that takes responsibility? If the city frequently allocates police resources to this area, it could detract from the resources available for the city as a whole.”

Xu also participated in a city council meeting on the 15th, voicing her concerns about the safety risks posed by the nearby homeless housing to the children.

On October 10, during a recent interview, Chinese table tennis player Sun Yingsha announced her withdrawal from the individual events at the Astana Asian Championships via social media. Just a day prior, the Chinese women’s team faced a setback in the final, losing 1-3 to Japan, with Sun herself narrowly falling to Mizuki Matsumoto with a score of 2-3.

In her statement, Sun expressed that following the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, her schedule has been packed with promotional events and intense competitions, leaving her little time for systematic recovery. After the match on the 9th, she experienced significant muscular fatigue in her arm. Consulting with her coaching team for her well-being, she decided to withdraw from the competition. This loss for the national women’s team at the beginning of a new Olympic cycle serves as a wake-up call as they prepare for future events.

The last major defeat for the Chinese women’s team in international competitions occurred at the 2010 Moscow World Championships, where they suffered a shocking 1-3 loss to Singapore. In the Asian Championships, their last loss dates back to 2005, apart from not participating in 2021, they have won every other team championship since then.

At this year’s Asian Championships quarter-finals, the Chinese women’s team faced an intense comeback battle against the North Korean team. Sun took to the field first but unexpectedly lost 1-3 to Kim Jin-Young. Despite this, the team rallied to win the next three matches, eventually defeating their opponent 3-1. However, they faced significant challenges, especially when Shixun Yao and Sun Yingsha had to fight through five sets to secure their victories.

In the final against a formidable and younger Japanese team, China sent out Sun Yingsha, Wang Yidi, and Chen Xingtong. As the only player among them with Olympic experience, Sun initially triumphed in her match against Japanese player Mima Ito with a 3-0 victory. But in a surprising turn, she was bested by 16-year-old Mizuki Matsumoto, who came back to win 3-2. Wang Yidi also faced defeat against Matsumoto, and Chen Xingtong lost to Miu Hirano, leading to a final score of 1-3, marking Japan’s first victory over the Chinese women’s team in 50 years.

After winning two golds and a silver at the Paris Olympics, Sun quickly returned to competition, claiming titles at the WTT China Macao Championship and the WTT China Grand Slam. Her withdrawal from the Asian Championships now further depletes the main lineup of the Chinese women’s team.

The Chinese women’s team has been on a grueling schedule, having just concluded the WTT China Grand Slam on the 6th and quickly traveling to Astana the following day. Chen Xingtong was called to action on short notice due to a teammate’s withdrawal. The intense schedule has undoubtedly pushed main players like Sun to their physical and mental limits. Earlier during the WTT China Grand Slam, Sun noted that the frequent competitions hindered her ability to undergo structured training, often leaving her to squeeze in exercise at odd moments to maintain her physical condition. Her recent statement on the evening of the 10th reinforced her struggle with fatigue.

The rigorous schedule and quick pace pose significant challenges for athletes, testing their stamina and energy levels. The heavy reliance on key players, combined with challenges such as time zone differences and complaints regarding the quality of equipment at the tournament, complicate the athletes’ adaptability to the competition environment.

The Japanese women’s team, featuring top-ranked players like Hina Hayata, Miu Hirano, Mizuki Matsumoto, and Mima Ito, came in with a powerful lineup. Especially notable was Matsumoto’s outstanding performance, playing a pivotal role in Japan’s championship win. Looking ahead, it is anticipated that younger players like Matsumoto will shoulder more responsibilities for Japan’s team, while Sun Yingsha remains the only player from the “00s” generation in the current Chinese women’s lineup.

Recently, younger talents from the Chinese ranks, such as Kuai Man and He Zhuojia, have also shown promising performances. As they enter a new cycle, besides established stars like Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu, the emergence of younger players could play a crucial role in alleviating the pressures faced by mainstays while also setting the foundation for future team development.

On October 14 at 11 PM, a train laden with groceries, home appliances, and snacks departed from the Changsha North Railway Logistics Park, heading toward Huaihua. This marked a significant milestone for the Hunan Railway Logistics service, as the total number of freight trains dispatched surpassed 4,000.

In December 2023, the Hunan railway department established a railway logistics center aimed at enhancing the economic artery’s role, innovating logistics products, improving service quality, and developing a comprehensive railway logistics package to promote the shift from road to rail transport, ultimately reducing overall logistics costs.

Since the beginning of this year, Hunan’s railway sector has been deeply involved in the supply chain’s origins and endpoints, enhancing communication and coordination with government entities and major enterprises. This has included organizing specialized teams for regular visits, conducting extensive market research, and establishing customer profiles and outreach mechanisms.

Faced with the challenges of diverse cargo types, irregular shapes, stringent timing requirements, and scattered collection points at both ends, the Hunan railway department has optimized its logistics products. They implemented systematic solutions addressing cargo loading, “last mile” network layout, precise timing for mainline transport operations, redistribution of distribution sites, and transportation node forecasting. With a customer-centric approach, the department has gradually rolled out unique railway logistics products such as the Changsha-Huaihua logistics package trains and the Changsha North-Nansha Port “passenger-freight” intercity express service, aligning closely with market needs and providing secure, reliable, and timely freight transport services.

A representative from Huaihua Zhongwang Company remarked, “Our cargo transported via the Changhua train achieves delivery times comparable to road transport at only two-thirds of the cost. This logistics package approach significantly reduces costs and increases efficiency for businesses.”

While introducing various logistics products, the Hunan railway department has also significantly enhanced service quality. They offer customized full-process services to major clients, signing “one enterprise, one policy” strategic cooperation agreements with several companies, including Hunan Steel Group, Guoneng Power, and Yueyang Forest & Paper. This ensures stable and smooth logistics channels for raw materials and products, reducing transfer points and minimizing transport times. To cater to the unique industrial characteristics in the province, they have set up public platform projects that enrich pricing tiers and lower policy barriers, attracting more companies to choose railway logistics by offering competitive pricing and high efficiency to achieve mutual benefits.

Long Xin from Yueyang Forest & Paper Co., Ltd. stated, “The railway department provides us with one-stop services, eliminating the need for us to coordinate with short-haul delivery companies and loading personnel, greatly simplifying our logistics management process and saving time and operational costs.”

As of September 30, the Hunan railway department had transported a total of 85.12 million tons of goods, with a single-day record of 2,905 loaded cars. Looking ahead, they plan to continue exploring the development of an “all-in-one” information platform, enhancing railway station service models, and building an efficient and intelligent modern railway logistics system.

Kaseem Ryan, a member of Natural Elements and an FDNY captain, died unexpectedly, according to Instagram post
Eric BergerMon 14 Oct 2024 17.35 EDTLast modified on Tue 15 Oct 2024 11.31 EDTShareKa, a Brooklyn rapper, producer and firefighter, died unexpectedly on Saturday at age 52, according to a post on his Instagram account.
Kaseem Ryan was a member of the group Natural Elements and also served in the New York City fire department (FDNY). He collaborated with Roc Marciano and GZA and earned praise from artists such as Erykah Badu and Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, BET reported.
“We kindly ask that the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss,” the Instagram post reads. “Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service – to his city, to his community, and to his music. As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens.”
It added: “Ka rose to the rank of FDNY captain and was a first responder on September 11, 2001 during the attacks on the World Trade Center. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist, including eleven remarkable self-released solo albums.”
Pitchfork reported that Ka often “hosted DIY events for his album releases where he would talk to fans one-on-one and celebrate bringing people together in person. Arguably most famously of all, Ka took great strides to remain independent wherever possible, from self-producing his work to shipping orders himself.”
Jeff Weiss, writer and founder of POW Recordings, wrote on Twitter/X, “RIP Ka, rap’s greatest minimalist, Brownsville’s finest, inimitably dedicated himself to his city & craft. The master of quiet rage, writing zen koans with unremitting soul & passion. Pain, grief & wisdom in every bar. An artist as pure & real as anyone who ever spit cold facts.”
In August, Ka released his latest album, The Thief Next to Jesus.
Ka is survived by his wife, mother and sister, according to the Instagram post.