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A new measure aimed at safeguarding children in England will see the introduction of a register to track children who are not enrolled in school. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, set to be presented to Parliament Today, seeks to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education while enabling local authorities to provide necessary support where required. According to the Department for Education, the register will help councils identify children who are not in formal education, ensuring that no child “slips through the cracks.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the bill as a “seminal moment for child protection” and emphasized the government’s commitment to putting children first. A key part of the bill will be the introduction of a unique identifier number for children, similar to the national insurance number used for adults. This system will enable better tracking of children across services, making it easier for local authorities to intervene if a child’s home environment is deemed unsafe or unsuitable. The proposed legislation will also grant local authorities the power to prevent parents from home-educating their children if the child is under a child protection plan. Parents would need permission from their local council to withdraw their child from school in such cases. This reform follows a tragic case involving 10-year-old Sara Sarif, who was removed from school to be home-educated by her father and stepmother just four months before her death. Her case has highlighted the potential risks of unmonitored home education. Protecting Vulnerable Children The Labour government says the bill will ensure that schools and teachers are central to decisions regarding child safeguarding. Local authorities will be empowered to step in if they believe a child’s safety or wellbeing is at risk. These changes come amid growing concerns about the number of children being home-educated in England. Government data indicates a 20% rise in home education this year, and the Education Policy Institute estimates that up to 300,000 children may be entirely missing from the education system. Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, a long-time advocate for child protection reforms, welcomed the bill, describing it as a “landmark measure.” “I have called on successive governments to introduce a unique identifying number for children and a register of all children not in school,” she said. “Writing these two landmark measures into law will be of huge significance for any child currently at risk of harm in this country. It must now be supported by proper data-sharing between organisations so no child can become invisible in the system.”   The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is expected to come into force by 2025, marking a significant shift in how child protection and education oversight are managed in England.

A deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin has left two people dead, including a teacher and a teenage student, while six others sustained injuries. The attack was carried out by a 15-year-old female student who was later found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities. The incident occurred within a study hall where students from mixed grades were present. The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, who also went by the name Samantha, was a student at the school. Reports indicate that she attended classes before the shooting began. A second-grade student was the first to alert authorities by calling in an active shooter report. Police Chief Barnes stated that the police had no prior interactions with the alleged shooter. Two of the six injured students are in critical but stable condition with life-threatening injuries, while four others sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two of those students have since been discharged from the hospital. The tragic event has prompted authorities to appeal for witnesses who may have seen or heard the attack. Investigators hope these witness accounts will shed light on the attacker’s possible motive. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release the official cause of death following an autopsy. Meanwhile, the community is grappling with shock and grief. Abundant Life Christian School, which serves about 400 students from kindergarten through high school, remains at the heart of the ongoing investigation. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community support during this time of mourning and have encouraged anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation. This report is based on information released by Wisconsin law enforcement and verified by local news sources.

Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary has announced a final investment decision (FID) on the Bonga North deep-water project, marking a significant step toward boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production. The project will be linked to Shell’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, where the oil major holds a 55% stake. The Bonga North project is expected to help maintain production at the Bonga oil field, one of Nigeria’s key offshore energy assets. According to Shell, the project has an estimated recoverable resource volume of over 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Once operational, it is projected to reach peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil per day (boepd), with first oil expected by the end of the decade. This development underscores Shell’s commitment to sustaining its operations in Nigeria amid shifting global energy dynamics. The Bonga North project is seen as a crucial element of Nigeria’s strategy to enhance offshore production and stabilize its oil exports.

Three West African countries ruled by military juntas: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, have announced visa-free travel and residency rights for citizens of the 15-member regional bloc, Ecowas, ahead of their planned withdrawal from the organization. The leaders of the three nations stated that the decision was made “in the spirit of friendship” and aimed at strengthening the historic ties that have existed among African people for centuries. This move comes as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger prepare to formally exit Ecowas in January 2025, after refusing the bloc’s demands to restore democratic governance. Ecowas Offers Grace Period for Reconsideration During a summit in Nigeria on Sunday, Ecowas leaders acknowledged the trio’s decision to leave but extended a six-month grace period for them to reconsider. Negotiations, led by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, will run from January 29 to July 29, 2025. The Ecowas Commission, headquartered in Abuja, has been tasked with developing modalities for future relations between the two blocs during the transitional period. However, Ecowas has yet to decide if it will grant citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger the same visa-free access and residency rights within the bloc. New Alliance of Sahel States Emerges The decision to allow visa-free travel and residency coincides with the formation of a new regional bloc known as the Alliance of Sahel States, led by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The new alliance’s chairman, Mali’s military ruler Assimi Goïta, emphasized that Ecowas citizens will retain their right to “enter, circulate, reside, establish, and leave” the territories of the Alliance of Sahel States. This move is seen as a gesture of goodwill, signaling that the departing countries still wish to maintain positive relations with Ecowas despite their exit. Tense Relations and the Role of External Powers Tensions between Ecowas and the three military-led states have been mounting since military coups occurred in Mali in 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023. In response, Ecowas suspended the membership of all three nations, urging them to reinstate civilian rule. However, the juntas resisted, accusing Ecowas of being too closely aligned with Western powers. Instead, the three nations have leaned towards strengthening ties with Russia, which they see as a strategic partner in combating jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region. This shift in alliances has further strained their relationship with Ecowas. Impact on Ecowas’ Unity and Resources The impending withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger marks the first split in Ecowas since its founding in 1975. Their departure would see the bloc lose 76 million of its 446 million people and more than half of its total geographical land area. Observers fear that this move could undermine regional unity and hinder efforts to boost economic and security cooperation across West Africa. Ecowas Commission President Omar Touray described the development as “disheartening” but praised the ongoing mediation efforts. While Ecowas leaders are still hopeful for a resolution, the juntas have remained firm. After a ministerial-level meeting in Niamey, Niger’s capital, the three states declared in a joint statement that their decision to leave Ecowas was “irreversible.” Looking Ahead With the January 2025 exit date approaching, all eyes are on the outcome of negotiations led by Senegal and Togo’s presidents. The departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from Ecowas raises questions about the future of regional integration and security cooperation in West Africa. As the transition period unfolds, both sides will have to navigate a complex web of diplomatic, economic, and security challenges.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the release of $181.7 million to Rwanda following the completion of key reviews of the country’s financial support programs. The announcement came after the IMF’s executive board concluded its fourth review of Rwanda’s Policy Coordination Instrument, the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and the second review under the Standby Credit Facility. The IMF reaffirmed Rwanda’s strong economic outlook, forecasting growth of 8.3% for 2024 and 7.0% in 2025, following an 8.2% expansion in 2023. “Rwanda’s economy has shown resilience, supported by robust growth in key sectors and a recovery in agricultural production,” the IMF said in its statement. It highlighted that inflation remains stable within the central bank’s target range, a result of effective monetary policy. Despite these gains, Rwanda continues to face economic challenges. The IMF flagged external vulnerabilities, including a widening current account deficit and exchange rate pressures. These factors remain a key focus as the country seeks to strengthen its financial stability. The disbursement of funds from the IMF is seen as a significant boost for Rwanda’s economy, providing vital support for ongoing development initiatives and efforts to maintain sustainable growth.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Neurocrine Biosciences’ new drug, Crenessity, to treat classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare genetic disorder affecting hormone production in the adrenal glands. This approval offers a new option for managing the condition in adults and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older. CAH is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, a vital hormone that helps regulate stress, while producing excess androgens, a testosterone-like hormone. To manage the condition, patients typically require higher doses of glucocorticoids, a type of steroid, to control androgen levels. Crenessity works by reducing excessive androgen production, thereby lowering the amount of glucocorticoid treatment required. This dual-action approach helps maintain hormonal balance with less reliance on steroids. The FDA’s approval is based on evidence from two clinical trials involving 182 adults and103 children with CAH. In the first trial, 122 adults were administered Crenessity twice daily, while 60 participants received a placebo over a 24-week period. Results showed that patients taking Crenessity reduced their daily glucocorticoid dose by 27%, while also keeping levels of androstenedione — a key androgen hormone — under control. In comparison, the placebo group only achieved a 10% reduction in glucocorticoid dosage. The second trial evaluated 69 pediatric patients who received Crenessity twice daily and 34 who took a placebo for 28 weeks. The pediatric group taking Crenessity reduced their daily glucocorticoid dose by 18%, while the placebo group experienced a 6% increase in their glucocorticoid dosage. This approval marks a significant development for patients living with CAH, as it offers a more effective way to manage the condition with reduced reliance on high doses of glucocorticoids. By addressing the root cause of excess androgen production, Crenessity may provide a better quality of life for those affected by this challenging disorder.

In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s National Assembly has impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, suspending him from office following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The decision has thrown the nation into political uncertainty halfway through Yoon’s presidency. The National Assembly, South Korea’s unicameral legislature, voted 204 to 85 in favor of impeachment on Saturday. Three members abstained, while eight votes were declared invalid. This marks the second impeachment vote against Yoon in just over a week. With Yoon’s suspension, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of interim president. In a statement, Han assured the public of his commitment to stability, saying, “I will devote all my strength and efforts to ensure stable governance.” The case now moves to South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to deliberate and rule on Yoon’s fate. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will become only the second South Korean president to be successfully removed from office through this process. Yoon’s move to impose martial law had sparked widespread criticism and protests, with opponents accusing him of overreach and undermining democracy. The impeachment underscores deep political divisions within South Korea and raises questions about the country’s political stability in the coming months. The outcome of the Constitutional Court’s ruling will be pivotal in determining South Korea’s political trajectory. As the nation waits, Prime Minister Han faces the challenge of maintaining governance amid heightened political tensions. Photocredit: wikimedia CommonsNews

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended Dr. Ichor Tersagh Smart, a lecturer at the  Joseph  Sarwuan  Tarka  University  of  Agriculture  (JOSTUM),  Makurdi,  in  connection with the abduction of Mrs. Susan Anyagh, the wife of his colleague, Paul Anyagh, who chairs the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) JOSTUM chapter. The kidnapping took place last Saturday, December 7, 2024, along Otukpo Road in Makurdi, when Mrs. Anyagh was ambushed and taken hostage by a group of armed men. According to a statement released by the police on Friday, December 13, 2024, the victim was later found along Yandev-Ugbema Road and quickly transported to the Primary Healthcare Clinic in Ameladu for medical attention. Police spokesperson SP Anene Sewuese Catherine confirmed that after regaining consciousness, Mrs. Anyagh recalled a disturbing encounter during her abduction. As she was taken in the vehicle, she noticed Dr. Smart, a fellow academic, standing nearby. Desperate for help, she called out to him, but he reportedly turned away without offering assistance. The situation escalated when her captors received a phone call from Dr. Smart, who allegedly ordered that she be killed. The assailants, in an apparent attempt to avoid detection, reversed the vehicle upon spotting a police checkpoint and took Mrs. Anyagh to a secluded spot. There, they demanded a ransom of 1.35 million Naira, which they took from her, before using a vehicle jack to strike her on the neck, leaving her unconscious. In a swift response to the crime, the Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Steve H. Yabanet, directed all patrol units and checkpoints to be mobilized for the victim’s rescue and the arrest of the kidnappers. The police have since confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and have yet to clarify Dr. Smart’s alleged role in orchestrating the crime. Authorities are working to uncover the full details behind this disturbing incident, which has shocked the local academic community and raised concerns over the safety of residents in the region.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is set to receive three million doses of the mpox  vaccine  from  Japan  next  week,  marking  a  significant  step  in  efforts  to  protect vulnerable children from the potentially deadly infection. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Vaccination campaigns against mpox are already under way in DR Congo, which has been identified as the epicentre of the outbreak. However, until now, there have been no vaccines available for children, who are particularly at risk from the disease. The arrival of the doses will enable children aged zero to five to be vaccinated, a critical move considering that over 44% of the 10,533 confirmed mpox cases in the country are among children under 15, according to the latest Africa CDC data. Japan  pledged  in  September  to  donate  doses  from  its  national  stockpile  of  LC16m8 vaccines, which were initially developed by local firm KM Biologics for smallpox but have also been found effective against mpox. However, the donation faced delays due to a legal hurdle. With the issue resolved, the arrival of the vaccines is expected to boost hopes of curbing the outbreak, which the World Health Organization has declared a global public health emergency. The vaccine will be administered using a bifurcated needle, a method that involves pricking the skin 15 times to deliver the dose. This approach is expected to increase vaccination efficiency and ensure broader coverage for the most vulnerable children in DR Congo.

The UK government has unveiled plans to grant ministers the final authority on approving large onshore wind farms, a shift from the current practice where local councils have the decisive role. This change aims to streamline decision-making for large-scale energy projects, which often face significant local opposition. The proposal was announced on Friday by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as part of the government’s “ambitious” action plan to achieve 95% clean energy in the UK by 2030. The initiative also includes giving the energy regulator the power to prioritize projects waiting to connect to the National Grid. This move would bring large onshore wind projects back under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime in England, aligning them with other energy infrastructure projects. Under the new plan, the government would have the final say on wind farm projects larger than 100MW, effectively removing the power of local councils to block such developments. The change is intended to speed up the approval process and support the country’s decarbonization goals. However, the proposal has faced criticism. Coutinho argued that Labour’s “rush” to decarbonize the electricity system by 2030 could lead to higher electricity prices, exacerbating financial hardship for people across Britain. “We need cheap, reliable energy, not even higher bills,” she said. In response, Miliband highlighted the risks of relying on gas, which exposes consumers to price fluctuations. He emphasized that the public would still be consulted on new wind farm projects, but the secretary of state would have the power to make the final decision, ensuring national priorities like tackling climate change are met.