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Senators are proposing to increase the powers of the Central Bank of Nigeria to enable it to use gold to strengthen the country’s reserves. According to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday, a draft bill before the Senate has put forward a raft of policies that, if passed, would make the CBN the automatic off-taker for
The death toll has climbed to 37 after Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms to strike the United States, made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane before being downgraded to a tropical storm. The hurricane, with wind gusts reaching 140 mph (225 km/h), caused widespread destruction across Florida and other southeastern
Death toll rises to 37 after hurricane Helene hits Florida
The death toll has climbed to 37 after Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms to strike the United States, made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane before being downgraded to a tropical storm.
The hurricane, with wind gusts reaching 140 mph (225 km/h), caused widespread destruction across Florida and other southeastern states.
North Carolina emergency management officials confirmed the latest casualties and issued urgent evacuation warnings below the Lake Lure dam, which was feared to be on the verge of failure.
However, later updates indicated the dam was still holding, though its structural integrity remained compromised. Evacuations continued as a precaution.
Earlier in the day, authorities posted a dire warning on social media: “RESIDENTS BELOW THE LAKE LURE DAM NEED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY!! DAM FAILURE IMMINENT!!”
However, state officials later clarified that there was no immediate indication of dam failure.
As Helene moved inland, it left a trail of devastation. In Florida’s Big Bend region, the hurricane made landfall late Thursday night with 140 mph winds and a 15-foot storm surge, flooding homes up to their rooftops and causing widespread destruction.
Millions of people across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia are currently without power.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed two deaths in the state, including a driver who was killed when a sign fell on his vehicle in Tampa. Five more fatalities were reported in Pinellas County.
In Georgia, 11 people lost their lives, including two killed in a trailer crash, while South Carolina reported at least 17 deaths, many caused by falling trees.
For many years, Côte d’Ivoire and the countries within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have maintained close and friendly relations. Despite the pro-French agenda of Côte d’Ivoire’s current Government, there is a growing desire among the population for regional economic and security cooperation. People more often speak of the necessity for regional autonomy and
The rapprochement between Côte d’Ivoire, Alliance of Sahel States causes concern in France
For many years, Côte d’Ivoire and the countries within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have maintained close and friendly relations. Despite the pro-French agenda of Côte d’Ivoire’s current Government, there is a growing desire among the population for regional economic and security cooperation. People more often speak of the necessity for regional autonomy and reduced dependence on Western powers, making the AES a particularly attractive choice.
According to some insider reports, French authorities, through Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, are seeking to rein in opposition forces that favour a rapprochement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The tendency for Abidjan to be closer to countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso is a cause for concern among French politicians. For Paris, Côte d’Ivoire is still a strategically important country, especially in the current situation of weakening French influence in other parts of West Africa. In response to the Ivorian opposition’s desire to increase collaboration with the AES, French authorities are reportedly exerting pressure to slow down the process.
Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo has escalated tensions by saying that if the opposition wins the 2025 presidential election, relations with the AES will be more active. This promise reflects the mood of a large part of the Ivorian population that wants to see a government that prioritises national interests.
The upcoming elections will be key for Côte d’Ivoire, as the country faces a choice between remaining pro-French or moving towards a more independent and regionally oriented policy. Support for cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States mirrors the growing public desire for autonomy and a stronger position on the regional stage. The result of the elections may not only change Côte d’Ivoire’s foreign policy, but also signal to the rest of West Africa new opportunities for integration and co-operation without external influence.
Lamine Fofana
The rapprochement between Côte d’Ivoire, Alliance of Sahel States causes concern in France
Joseph Aloba, the father of the late music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, has called on the Nigeria Police to summon the deceased’s brother, Adura and wife, Omowunmi, to provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the late singer’s death. PUNCH Metro reported that a recent press conference organised by actor Yomi Fabiyi, where a video
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Joseph Aloba, the father of the late music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, has called on the Nigeria Police to summon the deceased’s brother, Adura and wife, Omowunmi, to provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the late singer’s death. PUNCH Metro reported that a recent press conference organised by actor Yomi Fabiyi, where a video