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UNAIDS Takes Campaign to Mobilise for AIDS to Vatican

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UNAIDS Takes Campaign to Mobilise for AIDS to Vatican

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima has drum support for the AIDS Programme, meeting with leaders in the Catholic Church as part of a global effort to mobilize voices of faith to stand up in a moment of crisis for the AIDS response.

Speaking to communities of faith at events in Vatican City Ms Byanyima said, “Two weeks ago, the world’s biggest AIDS relief programme was paused. 20 million people living with HIV rely on the United States Government for the medication they need to stay alive and prevent HIV infection. A humanitarian waiver was issued allowing some lifesaving medicines to be distributed. That is welcome. But the programme’s future remains uncertain.”

A statement by UNAIDS on Thursday read: “HIV clinics around the world have shuttered and HIV prevention and treatment programmes have been derailed. Without funding from the United States, within four years, 6.3 million people will die and 8.9 million will newly acquire HIV. Around 370 000 babies will acquire HIV, and without treatment, half will not live to see their second birthday.

Byanyima said: “The AIDS movement has been through this before. When people were dying from neglect in the early days of HIV in Africa, Asia, and Latin America it was the churches that stepped up to care for the sick and dying. Catholic Leaders have called urgently for the restoration of HIV programmes and other crucial international funding.

“The church has a powerful voice that reaches into communities around the world,” said Ms Byanyima. “We need the voice of faith and the leadership of faith in the world that we are in today–this time to defend the global AIDS response and lifesaving programmes like PEPFAR. Human life is sacred–and today, it hangs in the balance.”

The AIDS response has recently been presented with a game-changing opportunity. In 2024, Gilead announced that its breakthrough medicine lenacapavir can prevent HIV with injections just twice a year. If made available and affordable to all in need, this could present the opportunity to end what has been the deadliest pandemic in generations.

“Humanity has made incredible progress tackling AIDS. But let me be clear. Without funding for the HIV response, we risk losing all we have gained and could see a resurgent AIDS pandemic. And if we want national governments to plug the gap, we must give them the means to do so and support a sustainable transition,” Byanyima added.

The statement said that even before the US announcement, the AIDS response had a financing gap of US$ 9.5 billion. UNAIDS estimates that US$ 29.3 billion is needed to get countries on track and end the AIDS pandemic by 2030.

Byanyima added that: “That is why at the Vatican today we are also focused on enabling low- and middle-income countries to raise domestic funding for the HIV response. Proper taxation and relieving the crushing burden of debt are critical.”

UNAIDS will continue to partner with the United States, other donors and countries most affected by HIV to ensure a robust and sustainable response to HIV and to achieve our collective goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the statement noted.

UNAIDS Takes Campaign to Mobilise for AIDS to Vatican

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Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support

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Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support

By: Michael Mike

Cuba has issued a fierce condemnation of what it claims was a military attack by the United States on Venezuela, describing the alleged action as a serious breach of international law and a threat to regional peace.

In an official statement released in Havana on Saturday, the Cuban Revolutionary Government said it stood in full solidarity with Venezuela and its leadership, backing calls by Caracas for proof of life of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Cuba also demanded their immediate release, alleging they were being held by U.S. authorities.

Havana characterised the reported operation as a “cowardly and criminal act,” accusing Washington of escalating a long-running campaign of pressure and hostility against Venezuela.

According to the statement, U.S. actions in the Caribbean intensified from September 2025, including increased naval activity justified by what Cuba called unfounded allegations.

The Cuban government said the alleged aggression was driven by imperial ambitions, claiming it was aimed at asserting dominance over Latin America and gaining access to Venezuela’s vast natural resources. It warned that the move was intended not only to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty but also to intimidate other governments in the region.

Cuba placed responsibility for any deaths or damage resulting from the situation on the U.S. administration, naming President Donald Trump and senior officials as accountable for the consequences of what it described as reckless actions.

Recalling the 2014 Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, signed in Havana by regional governments, Cuba said the current developments represented a direct challenge to that collective commitment.

The statement urged the international community to reject what it called an unlawful act against a United Nations member state, warning that allowing such an action to go unanswered would set a dangerous precedent. Cuba stressed that Venezuela had not attacked the United States or posed a military threat.

Reaffirming its close alliance with Caracas, Cuba said it remained prepared to support Venezuela in defending its independence and sovereignty, calling on governments, parliaments and social movements worldwide to condemn the alleged aggression.

Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support

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Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery

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Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has been described as deserving of reelection for putting in place a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery.

Speaking during a family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, a member of the Governing Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo stated that the present administration of President Bola Tinubu has laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery and should be considered for reelection come 2027.

He however noted that the president’s policies, though challenging, are already producing positive outcomes.

According to the former federal lawmaker, key economic indicators show gradual improvement, citing official data which he said indicate a moderation in inflation, declining food prices and progress in stabilising the foreign exchange market through the unification of rates.

He also pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as a major reform that has helped eliminate the persistent fuel queues that usually accompany festive periods, noting that motorists now access petrol more easily, with filling stations competing for customers.

Onuigbo expressed confidence that Nigerians would reward what he described as courageous leadership at the polls in 2027, insisting that continuity is necessary to fully realise the benefits of the ongoing reforms.

The former two-term member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, said the thanksgiving was organised to appreciate God for His guidance and protection over his family despite years of political and personal challenges.

He announced plans to rebuild the church in his community as a mark of gratitude, describing the gesture as part of his commitment to giving back.

In his sermon, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Aba, urged Christians to live lives of gratitude and humility, encouraging them to acknowledge God’s role in their successes.

The thanksgiving service was attended by several political leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, among others.

Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery

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Zulum Celebrates Christmas with Frontline Soldiers in Malam Fatori, Reaffirms Commitment to Troops Welfare

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Zulum Celebrates Christmas with Frontline Soldiers in Malam Fatori, Reaffirms Commitment to Troops Welfare

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has marked Christmas on Thursday by visiting frontline troops of the Nigerian Army’s 68 Battalion in the strategic border town of Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area.

The Governor has spent the preceding four days traversing northern Borno, coordinating security measures and strengthening the resilience of returning communities. As part of his administration’s commitment to restoring civil authority, he spent the night in the newly resettled town, engaging with community leaders and residents.

His visit to the battalion, coinciding with the festive season, served as a symbolic and reassuring gesture to soldiers stationed far from their families under challenging operational conditions.

Governor Zulum commended the officers and men for their gallantry, resilience, and professionalism, stating that their sacrifices had ensured the survival and stability of Malam Fatori. He described them as the true guardians of peace, whose courage had enabled displaced communities to return and rebuild.

“Celebrating Christmas with the troops protecting our territorial integrity is not merely ceremonial, but a deliberate effort to stand with you at the point of sacrifice,” Governor Zulum said.

He added: “The courage you display daily in securing Malam Fatori and other frontline locations continues to inspire the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies until lasting peace is achieved.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the armed forces, assuring the battalion of continued logistical and welfare assistance to complement federal efforts.

“Let me reiterate that security remains the top priority of my administration,” he stated, stressing that without peace, development and recovery would be impossible.

In the spirit of the season, Governor Zulum donated five bulls to the battalion to enable the troops to celebrate with dignity. In a rare personal gesture, he joined the soldiers in line, sharing a meal with them within the base.

The visit elicited widespread jubilation from the troops, many of whom expressed renewed morale at the Governor’s presence and personal engagement. For soldiers long separated from their families, the occasion served as a powerful reminder that their sacrifices are seen, valued, and appreciated.

The Governor was accompanied by the member House of Assembly representing Abadam State Constituency, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Honourable Sugun Mai Mele and the Director General Borno State Emergency Management Agency.

Zulum Celebrates Christmas with Frontline Soldiers in Malam Fatori, Reaffirms Commitment to Troops Welfare

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