“Over the years, the African region has taken a leadership role in phasing out mercury in products,
including in lighting, dentistry and now skin lightening cosmetics,” said Rico Euripidou from
groundWork in South Africa. “Toxic cosmetics are a global mercury crisis warranting coordinated
international collaboration.”

African-focused studies reveal why mercury laced cosmetics are such an acute health risk.
 A South Africa study revealed 70 percent of skin-lightening creams contained high levels of
mercury.

 A study conducted in Ghana found that 70 percent of patients with kidney disease had a
history of using bleaching creams.

 A Nigeria study found that over 30 percent of women who used bleaching creams
experienced skin irritation.

“Even in countries like Nigeria that have banned manufacture and trade, mercury-added cosmetics
are still widely available,” said Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of the Sustainable Research and
Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria). “Since most come from outside the
country, more must be done globally to curtail sales and use.”

This past February, the Nigerian Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
declared the use of bleaching creams as a national health emergency in the country.

Dr. Abubakar
Jimoh, Director Public Affairs NAFDAC, said that the agency required the media to combat the
bleaching epidemic among Nigerians, saying “NAFDAC cannot do it alone.”

Other African countries have issued similar declarations. In 2018, the Rwandan government began
enforcing a nationwide ban on cosmetics containing harmful chemicals like mercury, making it illegal
to produce or sell most skin lightening cosmetics.

And in August 2022 Cameroon’s health ministry banned the import, production and distribution of
cosmetic and personal hygiene products containing dangerous substances such as mercury.

“Despite the Convention’s ban on manufacture and trade, the proliferation and sales of mercury
cosmetics continues unabated in local markets and increasingly though the internet.”, said Michael
Bender, International Co-coordinator, Zero Mercury Working Group. “To date, these major online platforms are not held accountable for facilitating the sale of often illegal high mercury cosmetics.  If
adopted, the sales ban can help prevent marketing of toxic and often illegal cosmetics.”

Although there are no official figures on how many women use such products across Africa,
billboards advertising the potentially deadly creams can be seen in cities across the continent.

“The current sales ban proposal on mercury-added products reflects the willingness of many African
countries to drive the mercury change envisioned by the Minamata Convention in their countries,”
said Charline Cheuvart, Mercury Policy Officer at the European Environmental Bureau.

“The upcoming COP should endorse this forward-looking initiative and make it part of the fight against
mercury pollution worldwide and the effort to #MakeMercuryHistory.”

At least ten African countries have adopted regulations to curtail toxic skin lighters, including South
Africa, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Sudan.

Since 2015, eight of those ten countries have taken steps to curtail toxic cosmetics.

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Nigeria has called on both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint in the ongoing face-off between the two countries.

Nigeria’s call was made in a press statement on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs.
Francisca Omayuli .

The statement read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria joins other Members of the International Community to call on Iran and Israel to exercise restraint, as diplomatic efforts are ongoing to ease tension and avoid a wider conflict in the Middle East.

“In this critical period, it behoves the two countries to reflect on the universal commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts, for the advancement of global peace and security.”

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Palestine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Abdullah Shawesh has accused Israel of scaring people from Gaza so that the atrocities in the city would remain hidden.

The Ambassador who spoke to journalists on the ongoing siege by the Israeli force on Gaza at the weekend alleged that last week’s attacks on aids trucks was deliberately done by the Israeli authorities.

The envoy while highlighting some key issues following the attacks, said last Monday’s attack was done to scare those offering support to the displaced and hungry people of Palestine.

Shawesh said the aim of the attacks on the cars conveying aids was to send a warning signal, insisting that: “It was deliberately done. They want to send a clear message to others not to come to Gaza to provide aids and support for the Palestine people.

He also alleged that the attack “imposes another restriction for providing aids as international agencies have all suspended aids.

He decried that there is an impending hunger and malnutrition as a result of lack of humanitarian access.

The Envoy, quoting World Health Organisation (WHO), said the long-term effects of malnutrition can compromise the health and well-being of an entire future generation.

He noted that preliminary toll of the ongoing Israeli war against the Palestinian people over the past 181 days has resulted in 32,916 death and 75,494 injured.

He lamented that two -thirds of the causalities are women and children.

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By Olukayode Idowu

No fewer than 29,878 people have been killed in the ongoing Israeli -Palestinian war, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh has decried.

The envoy who expressed concern over possible famine and outbreak of epidemics in Gaza, told Diplomatic Correspondents over the weekend in Abuja, that 70,215 people have been injured  and around 8,000 people still missing under the rubble since the 7 October 2023 siege on Gaza by the Israeli military began. 

He said: “As of yesterday, the death toll in the Gaza Strip was 29,878 martyrs, with 70,215 injuries and around 8,000 people still missing under the rubble.

“The Ministry of Education declared that in the last 144 days, 5427 students were martyred, 5379 in Gaza and 48 in the OWB, while 9193 were injured, 8888 in Gaza and 305 in the occupied West Bank, (OWB), 97 was arrested in the OWB, including East Jerusalem. 255 teachers and administrative staff were martyred and 891 were injured in the Gaza strip.

“286 government schools and 65 UN schools were subjected to bombardments and sabotage, with 40 of them completely destroyed in Gaza, while 57 schools in the OWB were attacked and sabotaged by the IOF. 620,000 students in Gaza are still deprived of the right to learn, while the majority of students are suffering from trauma and facing devastating health situations.”

He alleged that Israel’s authorities have hidden agenda, which is to make Gaza inhabitants uncomfortable living in their homeland.

He said, “The clear policy is to make Gaza an unlivable place after the war, so that even if the inhabitants are not forced to leave under the fire, they will do so voluntarily due to the lack of hospitals, schools, universities, drinkable water, and other basic necessities for human life.”

The envoy also alleged that within last 144 days,  “more than 7270 in the OWB, 228 women, 460 children, 56 of journalists and issued more than 3,800 administrative detention orders.”

He also added, “Eleven of the detainees martyred in the Israeli prisons due to the torture and ill treatment. All this is only from the OWB including East Jerusalem.

“There is no specific number or information about the detention cases of Gaza and Israel is still hiding all the information about them.”

The total number of the Palestinian prisoners on the Israel detention camps is now around 9000 including 3484 administrative detainees.

He equally alleged that more than 200 fanatic Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque guarded by the occupation force where they performed Talmudic ritual, insisting that meanwhile, the occupation authorities continue to impose restrictions on the Muslim worshiper’s entry to Al-Aqsa preventing all the young men and boys from entering while subjecting all others to be extensively checks.

He added that: “We still insist that the Israeli fanatic and messianic regime is spared no efforts igniting a religious war that if erupted will spare no one.”

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According to a statement from the British High Commission in Nigeria, Following the former Foreign Secretary’s visit to Nigeria in August 2023, and last week’s UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Talks, Badenoch’s visit will take forward ongoing efforts by both countries to boost the UK- Nigeria trade relationship and unlock new investment opportunities.

The statement said, while in Nigeria, Minister Kemi Badenoch and the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Helen Grant will have meetings with the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governors as well as British and Nigerian business leaders and investors. 

The statement read that: “Through these meetings, she will explore current and potential investment and trade activities from education to infrastructure and energy projects, with a potential to create thousands of jobs.

“Minister Badenoch will look to further strengthen the UK-Nigeria partnership, remove barriers to trade and investment, grow business between the two countries, and ensure the City of London’s enabling role for international business is more accessible to Nigeria.”

Commenting on her visit to Nigeria, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery said: “Nigeria is one of the UK’s most important partners in Africa. We are committed to helping Nigeria unlock new investments opportunities, supporting more UK and international investment through the City of London, and thereby creating jobs in both our countries.

“Recent big and bold reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Central Bank are boosting optimism amongst international investors that the country is on the right path and are creating the conditions for growth.”

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Speaking during a peaceful protest staged by groups of activists the CYP President Ambassador Princess Kolawole said WHO intends to pass through the backdoor a secretive agreement that portends grave danger to the health of the girl-child and women at large in Nigeria, and that such evil must not be allow to thrive.

Kolawole maintained that WHO deliberately bypassed the National Assembly so as to perfect the ill and rather chose to use the Governors instead.

“This peaceful protest is held due to suspected clandestine move by WHO to deliberately bypass the National Assembly which is the main institution saddled with the responsibility of championing people related cause across all the divides.

“We have received barrage of calls from our international and local networks of Civil Liberty Organisations, urging us to speak against this pending doom, citing the gay right and law permitting abortion and indiscriminate use of contraceptives as well as all unwholesome inoculations with grave health implications for the people as some of the signs linked to WHO devilish moves across the world.

“Obviously, WHO is parleying the state governors in a bid to make this State Health Compact Agreement, sails through and it targets young girls and virgins to make their intention effectual by reduction of our procreation capabilities.”

CYP also queries the  intendment of WHO as regards the content of the proposed agreement.

“We are however, taken aback that the content of the said agreement is shrouded in secrecy due to their evil plan to forcefully reduce our human capital.

“That informs our outburst couched as follows: “Stop Stealing Your Voice!!! ‘Speak with Our Reps in the NASS’.

“Our group which comprises of Parents and Youths of Lagos State are against the alleged signing of the undisclosed and undiscussed WHO State Health Compact Agreement.

“We echo it loudly that we don’t want it!!!

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At a function held in Lagos to showcase her brand-Curves N Edges creativity, this young and talented fashion designer who has carved a niche for herself with her incredible designs and entrepreneurial spirit beamed to the world the beauty inherent in Nigeria creative industry. 

The fashionista Tolani who has not only honed her skills but has also empowered numerous aspiring fashion enthusiasts to pursue their dreams was lauded by personalities like Mr. Alex Osho Head-Curator, National Museum Onikan, Lagos and Jafextra. 

Alex affirmed Tolani’s tasteful blends of beautifully created brands with a clear intention of selling Nigeria to the world in a very colourful manner. 

“Creativity and ingenuity are key ingredients for success in the fashion industry. Curves N Edges Fashion House under the direction of Tolani Adewumi has witnessed tremendous growth and display of creative talent.

“Tonight she brought the attention of the world to Lagos state. I wish her the very best in her career. I’m sure five years from now, she will be a global fashion leader.”

For Jafextra, Tolani is a mentor of great creativity that upcoming fashion designer must emulate. 

“Tolani is a brilliant mind. What she has done today with her brand setting a pace for the younger generation of fashion designers to emulate and follow.” 

Curves N Edges Fashion House Nostalgic Experience 

Established in 2017, Curves N Edges Fashion House has become a haven for aspiring designers under Tolani’s guidance. Her unique approach of combining teaching with entrepreneurship has provided young women with the tools they need to excel in the industry.

With her expertise and passion, Tolani has transformed the lives of countless females, helping them acquire the necessary skills to create stunning garments and establish successful businesses.

Tolani’s spectacular rise in the fashion industry can be attributed to her unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Her dedication to craftsmanship and attention to details have earned her accolades from both local and international fashion events.

 From runway showcases to editorial spreads, her work has graced the pages of renowned fashion publications and captivated audiences worldwide.

One of Tolani’s most remarkable achievements was her fashion collection in November 2022.

 Titled “Harmony in Diversity,” the collection showcased her ability to fuse different cultures, styles, and aesthetics seamlessly. Each garment in the collection was a testament to her innovative vision and distinctive design sensibilities.

The runway presentation was a spectacle of colors, textures, and bold silhouettes. Models gracefully glided down the catwalk, donning exquisite ensembles that celebrated the beauty of diversity. 

Tolani’s keen eye for detail was evident in the intricate embroidery, delicate beadwork, and artful draping that adorned her garments.

The collection drew inspiration from various cultures around the world, blending traditional elements with contemporary twists. 

From African-inspired prints to Asian-influenced cuts and European-inspired tailoring, “Harmony in Diversity” represented a melting pot of global fashion influences.

Tolani’s ability to harmonize these diverse elements while maintaining a coherent theme was truly remarkable.

The November 2022 fashion show attracted fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, and prominent figures from around the globe.

 Tolani’s reputation as a promising talent had drawn attention from fashion powerhouses, with clients spanning across America, the UK, Australia, and beyond. The collection received rave reviews, further solidifying Tolani’s position as a rising star in the fashion industry.

Beyond her creative prowess, Adewumi Aderonke Tolani’s commitment to empowering others through her fashion house is what sets her apart. 

Her dedication to nurturing budding designers and entrepreneurs has created a lasting impact on the fashion community, fostering a new generation of talented individuals.

As Tolani continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with her designs, the future looks exceptionally bright for this remarkable fashion visionary. 

With her indomitable spirit and boundless creativity, Adewumi Aderonke Tolani is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry, leaving an indelible mark on runways worldwide.

The post Curves N Edges Fashion House Boss Tolani an evolving global fashionista-Curator Osho appeared first on Sunrise News.

The British High Commission in Nigeria on Sunday marked the Remembrance Day.

Remembrance Day is a Memorial Day observed in Commonwealth member states since 1919; a year after the end of the First World War. Remembrance Day (which was known as Armistice Day until after the Second World War) falls on 11th November.

Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, which is usually the Sunday closest to 11th November. It is marked by special services held at war memorials across the Commonwealth. Wreaths are laid on memorials and a two minute silence is observed at 11am.

A statement on Sunday by the British High Commission in Nigeria read: the Acting British High Commissioner, Ms Gill Atkinson, supported by the UK Defence Adviser to Nigeria; Brigadier Matt Munro, together with representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Diplomatic Missions and International Partners marked Remembrance Sunday at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.  ,

The statement added that similar to the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day held on 15th January, Remembrance Day commemorates the sacrifice and courage of millions from across the Commonwealth, who died in the service of lasting peace. It is a Day to remember those who volunteered, served, fought, and died, all for the cause of freedom.

Attendees of this year’s memorial included faith communities (Jewish, Christian and Muslim) and Heads of Missions representing Commonwealth countries remembering West African Armed forces and their contributions to the First and Second World Wars as well as current conflicts, wreathes were laid at the cemetery’s Memorial.

Speaking at the memorial service Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa said:

“Today I joined the British High Commission at the Commonwealth Remembrance Service. A special tribute was paid to courageous soldiers of the West African Frontier Force & men and women who bravely served Our Armed Forces as a beacon of hope for a peaceful future.”

UK Defence Adviser to Nigeria Brigadier Matt Munro said: “Earlier today we remembered brave men and women of The Commonwealth. Inspired by their courage to sow seeds of peace in fields of conflict and the ultimate sacrifice that so many paid, in a world where conflicts still rage, we must continue to strive for peace and partnership.”

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The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has alleged that:

“Hamas is cynically using the Palestinian population of Gaza as human shields, and continues to show a total disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian population.

The Ambassador in a statement on Monday, said while “Israel looks to limit civilian deaths, Hamas wants to maximize civilian deaths – it is why they put their command-and-control centers under hospitals, and fire their rockets from next to schools, mosques and playgrounds. The sooner that Hamas is vanquished, the sooner there can be a better life for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

Israel has revealed new evidence that Hamas, is using hospitals, medical facilities, and children’s playgrounds as terror bases in the Gaza strip in clear breach of international law.

Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari provided video footage of Hamas gunmen emerging from a tunnel under Sheikh Hamad Hospital, as well firing at Israelis forces from within the building itself.

In addition, Hagari presented a video showing an underground entrance from Sheikh Hamad Hospital, which he said connects to a Hamas tunnel networks believed to run for hundreds of kilometers under the Gaza Strip, and has been built over many years.

Hagari added that the IDF has intelligence of a tunnel network under the so-called Indonesian Hospital, as well as aerial imagery showing rocket launchers a few dozen meters from the complex.

Hagari said: “Hamas systematically built the Indonesian Hospital to disguise its underground terror infrastructure.”

The Israel Defense Forces also provided evidence that the Hamas terror group’s main base of operations is under Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, providing visuals and intercepted audio as evidence of the Hamas’ activities.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Hamas has several underground complexes under the Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip — that are used by the their  leaders to direct attacks against Israel.

Hagari said Israel has intelligence that there are several tunnels leading to the underground base from outside the hospital so that Hamas officials do not need to enter the hospital to reach it. But added that there is also an entrance to the underground complex from within one of the wards.

Separately, the IDF shared footage of its troops locating rocket-launching positions in civilian areas, amid efforts to uncover and destroy Hamas’s infrastructure. The group was alleged to have used such sites to fire rockets at Israeli population centres. Hagari said troops found four underground launchers some five meters (16 feet) from a children’s swimming pool, and around 30 meters from residential homes in the northern Gaza Strip, footage showed. Another clip showed troops locating a number of rocket launchers within a children’s playground and amusement park compound. They also fire from next to water desalination plants.

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According to a statement on Tuesday by the Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer, Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), British High Commission, Ndidiamaka Eze said : “The UK will contribute £1.62 billion ($2 billion) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15. The GCF is the largest global fund dedicated to supporting developing countries to reduce global emissions and helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

“The pledge represents a 12.7% increase on the UK’s previous contribution to the GCF for the period of 2020 to 2023, which was itself a doubling of the UK’s initial funding to establish the fund in 2014.”

At the G20 Summit, the British Prime Minister called on leaders to work together ahead of the COP28 Summit this December to both reduce their countries’ own carbon emissions and support vulnerable economies to deal with the consequences of climate change.

Addressing G20 leaders, Mr. Sunak said: “The UK is stepping up and delivering on our climate commitments, both by decarbonising our own economy and supporting the world’s most vulnerable to deal with the impact of climate change.

“This is the kind of leadership that the world rightly expects from G20 countries. And this government will continue to lead by example in making the UK, and the world, more prosperous and secure.”

According to the statement, the UK has led international efforts to help developing countries tackle climate change, including by pledging to spend £11.6 billion on international climate finance between 2021 and 2026.

The announcement marks a major contribution towards this commitment and follows the Prime Minister’s announcement at COP27 that the UK would triple funding for climate adaptation.

Since 2011 UK climate aid spending has helped over 95 million people cope with the effects of climate change and reduced or avoided over 68 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Reacting, UK High Commissioner in Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery said: “This recent contribution to the Green Climate Fund makes the UK one of its largest donors. The GCF is expected to deliver for developing countries like Nigeria, supporting a transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy and creation of jobs, promoting food security and tackling poverty.

“Nigeria is vulnerable to and increasingly impacted by climate change, and must be supported to access high quality climate finance proportionate to its size and needs. Therefore, we would like to see the GCF actively supporting Nigeria’s ambitious climate goals and working closely with the Nigerian Government to facilitate access and utilisation of the fund.”

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