News
British national among seven aid workers killed in Gaza air strike

A British national was among the seven aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity has said.
Seven aid workers from the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland, dual citizens of the U.S. and Canada, and Palestine were killed while travelling in a non conflict zone.
WCK said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said that it was aware of the report.
A spokesperson said: “we are aware of reports of the death of a British national in Gaza and are urgently seeking further information.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan told the BBC the government was “very, very concerned.”
She said: “we haven’t had it confirmed yet, but we are very, very concerned by the situation.
“We do know that we’ve urged Israel to do more to protect civilians, but also to allow aid to get into Gaza.
“But we haven’t yet had this confirmed and I think the (Israel Defence Forces) IDF are reviewing this, probably as we speak.”
She added that it was “worrisome” that the charity WCK had suspended its work in Gaza.
She said: “One of the key things is trying to ensure we get more aid into Gaza, so if one of the charities working on the ground has suspended, then that’s obviously deeply concerning.
“Our thoughts will go to everybody affected.”
They travelled in two armoured cars branded with the WCK logo and a soft-skin vehicle.
In spite of coordinating WCK’s moves with the IDF, the charity said the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse.
It was where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid taken to Gaza on the maritime route.
WCK chief executive Erin Gore said in a statement: “This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organisations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war.
“This is unforgivable. I am heartbroken and appalled that we, WCK and the world lost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF.
“The love they had for feeding people, the determination they embodied to show that humanity rises above all, and the impact they made in countless lives will forever be remembered and cherished.”
WCK’s founder, celebrity chef Jose Andres, said in a post on X: “Today @WCKitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF airstrike in Gaza.
“I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family. These are people angels.
“I served alongside in Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, and Indonesia. They are not faceless, they are not nameless. The Israeli government needed to stop this indiscriminate killing.
“It needed to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives should be lost.
“Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now.”
The IDF says it is “carrying out an in-depth examination at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.”
WCK immediately suspended operations in the region.
Footage on social media showed the bodies of the dead, with several of them dressed in protective gear bearing the charity’s logo, along with their passports.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had requested an explanation from Israel of how the incident occurred.
Albanese said Israel’s ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon was asked to call Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and explain how 44-year-old Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, from Melbourne, was killed.
He told reporters: “this is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in Gaza.
“And this is just completely unacceptable.”
According to a statement issued to The Guardian by Frankcom’s family, she died doing the work she loved.
“We are deeply mourning the news of our brave and beloved Zomi killed doing the work she loved, delivering food to the people of Gaza,” said the statement.
News
2025 Budget: N4.5trn additional revenue will support economic diversification – Minister

Sen Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue in the 2025 budget would support the diversification programme of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The minister said this while speaking to State House Correspondents on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bagudu said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue would be used to strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects.
“You will recall Mr President submitted a N49 trillion budget to the National Assembly and legislative work commenced.
“The legislative work continued with interactions between the executive and the National Assembly, and the National Assembly and the Economic Management Team continued to interrogate all the figures.
“In that process, the Senate Committees on Appropriation, National Planning and Finance established that we can generate more revenue by tasking all the institutions to do more,” said the minister.
He said the Federal Inland Revenue Service confirmed that the government-owned enterprises as well as the Customs Service could contribute more revenue.
“So, additional revenue amounting to over N4.5 trillion was established, and this was taken to the President.
“He guided that this additional revenue be used to further strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects,” said Bagudu.
On the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) adjustment, he said, even when the budget was submitted, the MTEF was amended.
News
Tinubu directs security and intelligence agencies to harmonize operations to combat security challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Security and Intelligent Agencies to harmonize their operations and adopt a whole of society approach in combating evolving Security challenges.
Mr. President underscored the critical importance of joint security operational effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s emerging security challenges.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar gave the charge at the opening session of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference held at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The President commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He noted that this year’s conference theme, “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” aligns seamlessly with his administration’s strategic vision for a more secured Nigeria.
“This forum is expedient and timely especially at this time where the security landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. Such a landscape undoubtedly requires us to harmonize our efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that can decisively address the security threats,“ he stated.
President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security organizations to maximize operational efficiency. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and all security agencies, and further highlighted the importance of continuous strategy re-evaluation, the integration of emerging technologies, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
“I therefore urge you to holistically explore,in detail,the concept of jointness, while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation. I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,“ he emphasized.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and all officers and personnel of the Armed Forces for organizing the conference. He reiterated his administration’s full support for Nigeria’s security forces.
In conclusion, President Tinubu wished the participants fruitful deliberations, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the conference will significantly contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.
News
Gov. Lawal mourns 17 students who died in Zamfara fire tragedy

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his condolences to the families of the 17 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Almajiri School in Zamfara State.
At least 17 students have tragically lost their lives due to a fire at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the fire incident as highly unfortunate.
“I’m heartbroken by the tragic fire on Tuesday at Makarantar Mallam Ghali, an Almajiri School located in the Kauran Namoda local government area.
“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls.
“During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families as they navigate this difficult period. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
“As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying causes of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future.
“We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”
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