N32,000 minimum pension: FEPPPAN urges Tinubu to include excluded DBS pensioners

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

**Showers Encomium on Tinubu Over Efforts on Retirees’ Welfare**

The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the recently approved N32,000 minimum pension to retirees of seven defunct parastatals who were omitted from the increase.

The association described such inclusion as a just and befitting Pensioners Day gift that would further demonstrate the President’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and justice for all retirees.

In its 2025 Pensioners Day Celebration message, jointly signed by the President General, Elder Benjamin Amakko, and the General Secretary, Mr. Franklin Erinle, FEPPPAN appealed to President Tinubu to graciously direct the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to include pensioners from the seven defunct parastatals who were wrongly excluded from the N32,000 pension increase.

The affected entities, the statement noted, include the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), NITEL/MTEL, Peoples Bank, Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, Nigeria Insurance, and the Petroleum Institutes.

FEPPPAN expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his administration’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of retirees, especially for ensuring regular and prompt payment of pensions across the country.

The association said the President’s compassion has brought renewed hope and dignity to many senior citizens who once suffered neglect, noting in particular his approval of palliatives for pensioners to ease the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal.

“That gesture speaks volumes of a listening and humane leader,” the statement read.

However, FEPPPAN urged the Federal Government to release the three-month N25,000 palliative already approved by the President to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on pensioners nationwide.

The Association also called on all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to prioritize pensioners’ welfare by ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, and by providing affordable healthcare and housing tailored to the needs of senior citizens.

“These are not privileges; they are rights earned through decades of loyal service to our beloved country,” FEPPPAN declared.

Celebrating Nigeria’s senior citizens as heroes of service, the Association saluted the strength, dignity, and legacy of pensioners who gave their best years to the growth and stability of the nation.

“You are the pillars upon which our nation stands tall,” it said. “You gave your youth, your strength, your skills, and your best years in service to Nigeria. Today, we say with pride: You are our pride, our inspiration, and our moral compass.”

The message, titled *A Salute to Our Heroes: Celebrating the Strength, Dignity, and Legacy of Nigeria’s Senior Citizens*, described October 5 as a special day in the heart of every pensioner—one proclaimed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Day, set aside to honour the invaluable contributions of the nation’s elders to peace and progress.

FEPPPAN urged every pensioner to wear this day as a badge of honour, adding that their labour and sacrifices are written not only in national policy but also in the living memory of the nation they helped to build.

The Association praised pensioners as beacons of integrity, discipline, and service, whose legacy continues to inspire younger generations.

“Your story teaches that dedication and integrity are never in vain,” it stated, stressing that the Nigeria of today stands firmly on the foundation of their sacrifices.

Reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of retirees, FEPPPAN pledged to continue engaging constructively with government to ensure that no pensioner is left behind.

Finally, the Association extended goodwill to all senior citizens, both in the public and private sectors, wishing them good health, long life, peace of mind, and the respect they truly deserve.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/n32000-minimum-pension-fepppan-urges-tinubu-to-include-excluded-dbs-pensioners/

EU Council calls for life sciences investment fund

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

EU governments are planning to launch a European Life Sciences Investment Fund as part of a coordinated strategy to make Europe a more attractive destination for private investment in research and innovation.

At a meeting held in Brussels on September 30, research ministers approved Council conclusions focused on life sciences for enhancing EU competitiveness. These conclusions call on the European Commission to explore the feasibility of establishing a dedicated fund through the European Investment Fund (EIF), which is part of the European Investment Bank Group.

Strong and innovative life sciences are essential for the Union’s sustainable global competitiveness, sovereignty, security, and autonomy. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of European citizens, addressing societal and environmental challenges, and supporting the green transition.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/life-sciences/eu-council-calls-life-sciences-investment-fund

‘Country That Bombs Its Own People…’: India Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls It Out Over Systematic Genocidal Campaign – Video

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

**India Reminds World of Pakistan’s Campaign of Genocidal Mass Rape in Bangladesh During UN Security Council Debate**

India has reminded the world of Pakistan’s campaign of “genocidal mass rape” of women in Bangladesh during its struggle for independence, as Islamabad attempted to divert attention from its record through “misdirection and hyperbole.”

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, made these remarks during a Security Council debate on Women, Peace, and Security held on Monday. Reacting to Pakistan’s attempt to bring up Kashmir during the debate, he said:

“This is a country that conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army.”

He added, “The world sees through Pakistan’s propaganda.”

The reminder of Pakistan’s atrocities in Bangladesh came amid responses from the Dhaka regime, led by Mohammad Yunus, to Islamabad’s overtures.

Harish described Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad’s, criticism of India as a “delusional tirade” that brought in Jammu and Kashmir — “the Indian territory they covet.”

He stated, “A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole.”

Pakistan has a pattern of inserting its view of Kashmir into nearly every UN discussion, regardless of the topic, despite the fact that none of the other 192 countries raise the Kashmiri cause.

Although Ahmad accused India of repression in Pakistan, security forces in the part of Kashmir occupied by Islamabad killed at least 12 people last week during efforts to brutally crush demands for government reform.

—

**UN Secretary-General Highlights Progress and Challenges in Women, Peace, and Security**

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to the landmark Security Council resolution adopted 25 years ago this month, which elevated women’s roles in preventing conflicts, peace negotiations, and peacebuilding.

He acknowledged progress made since then, noting that women have “led local mediation, shaped new laws, and advanced justice for survivors of gender-based violence.” The number of women peacekeepers has doubled, and gender provisions in peace agreements have become more common.

However, Guterres warned, “But gains are fragile and – very worryingly – going in reverse.” He pointed to troubling global trends such as increased military spending, more armed conflicts, and alarming brutality against women and girls.

—

**India’s Commitment to Women in Peacekeeping**

P. Harish called the adoption of the Council resolution a “transformative moment that fundamentally reshaped our understanding of peace and security — recognising that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full and equal participation of women.”

He emphasized that India’s commitment to the principles behind the resolution predates its adoption by several decades. Indian medical officers pioneered women’s participation in peacekeeping, joining UN operations in Congo as early as 1960.

In 2007, India contributed the first all-female Formed Police Unit in UN history, which was deployed in Liberia. This unit “catalysed a transformation in Liberian society, inspiring local women to join law enforcement and participate actively in rebuilding their nation,” Harish said.

He also highlighted the achievements of Kiran Bedi, the first woman officer of the Indian Police Service, who made history at the UN as its first female Police Advisor and head of the United Nations Police Division in 2003.

Harish concluded, “It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping; rather, it is whether peacekeeping can do without women.”

India has invested in building women’s leadership in peacekeeping through the Indian Army’s Center for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi. The Center launched a special course in 2016 for women military officers, with officers from dozens of countries having participated so far.

—

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/country-that-bombs-its-own-people-india-hits-back-at-pakistan-at-un-video

Products by students and alumni to be sold at John Hansard Gallery

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

As part of a new collaboration for the university’s retail initiative, Re: So, the John Hansard Gallery will be selling products on-site. This exciting partnership allows gallery visitors to engage directly with the work of three talented graduates. The items available for purchase include typographic prints, one-of-a-kind bookmarks, and stickers featuring a bespoke motif.

John Hansard Gallery’s duty manager, Jessica Willis, shared her enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“We are delighted to be a new stockist of Re: So products and to support the work of early career creatives from Solent University. Re: So is a fantastic resource for students, and it’s so exciting to see the fresh and innovative talent that’s emerging through their programme.”

Bookmarks handmade by illustration graduate Liberty Baker are now available to buy at the gallery as part of this initiative. Ms. Baker expressed her gratitude for the opportunity:
“I’m super grateful to have this opportunity. There is a great beauty in the uniqueness of each piece because you never know what the final outcome will look like, which is exciting. I hope that this exposure will allow more people to be inspired to create their own.”

Providing a platform for emerging designers is the central aim of Re: So, showcasing the creativity and talent of Solent University graduates.

[READ MORE: Young Southampton artist brings fresh energy to Sarisbury Green sign]
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25506813.john-hansard-gallery-selling-solent-university-students-work/?ref=rss

David’s pick sets up winning FG as Bucs beat Seahawks 38-35 in duel between Mayfield and Darnold

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

SEATTLE (AP) — Lavonte David slid toward the middle of the field in anticipation as Buccaneers teammate Antoine Winfield Jr. pressured Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. After a deflection off defensive end Logan Hall’s helmet, David found himself in the right spot to intercept Darnold with 58 seconds left.

His pick set up Chase McLaughlin’s 39-yard field goal as time expired, and Tampa Bay escaped with a thrilling 38-35 win over Seattle on Sunday.

“Got a good read, and was able to make it to a good spot to read the quarterback,” David said. “When I (saw) the ball coming in the air, I had to have it.”

Baker Mayfield tied it for the Bucs (4-1) by throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard with 1:08 remaining. That left time for Darnold and the Seahawks (3-2), but David made one of the few standout defensive plays in a game dominated by offense as the teams combined for 889 yards.

In a duel between quarterbacks who struggled with the teams that drafted them, then spent a season together in Carolina before reviving their careers elsewhere, Mayfield and Darnold combined to throw for 720 yards with just 10 incompletions.

Mayfield finished 29 of 33 for 379 yards and two touchdowns, and his 87.9% completion percentage was the highest by any quarterback in a game this season. The Bucs needed every one of those successful throws to bounce back from last week’s loss to Philadelphia.

“He was sharp,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said. “Baker doesn’t try to have two subpar games in a row. He was still (ticked) from last week.”

Darnold was 28 of 34 for 341 yards with four TDs and the one costly interception while throwing off his back foot toward the middle of the field.

“At the end of the day,” Darnold said, “I got to protect the football in that situation and can’t give them a short field to put the game away like that.”

Tampa Bay took over at the Seattle 36. Rachaad White ran three times for 15 yards to get the Bucs well within McLaughlin’s range, Mayfield took a knee to run the clock down, and McLaughlin ended it with his third field goal of the day.

Entering the afternoon, Seattle’s defense had allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL. But without injured regulars DeMarcus Lawrence, Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon, the Seahawks struggled to slow down the Bucs, who converted 7 of 11 third downs.

“I have to do better with our defensive game plan and execution and how we call it,” coach Mike Macdonald said. “When you put up a performance like that, it means that I didn’t prepare them well enough. It hurts. It stings.”

Tampa Bay led 13-0 late in the second quarter thanks to two field goals by McLaughlin and one of two rushing TDs by White, but Seattle went ahead 14-13 early in the third on a 5-yard TD run by Zach Charbonnet.

The Bucs pushed back ahead 28-21 near the end of the period. Darnold threw two TD passes in the fourth quarter, the second a 21-yarder to Tory Horton that gave Seattle a 35-28 lead.

“Sam was great. Played a tremendous football game,” Macdonald said. “Thought we were going to have a chance to win the game there at the end.”

Instead, Tampa Bay became the first team in NFL history with four wins by three points or fewer in its first five games.

“I think this was the fourth two-minute drive that we’ve had this year out of five games,” wide receiver Emeka Egbuka said. “NFL is down to the wire a lot of the time. So, you have to have someone at quarterback that has that capability, and Baker has that for sure.”

**Buckeyes Have a Big Day**

Two receivers out of Ohio State were the main beneficiaries of the high-level quarterback play. Egbuka had seven catches for 163 yards and a touchdown while Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished with eight receptions for 132 yards and a score.

Mayfield, in his eighth season, said he’s never seen a rookie who’s more prepared than Egbuka.

“He’s well-rounded, and not just in football but in life,” Mayfield said. “I think he’s grounded, and I think he’s genuine in everything he does. He’s intentional, and you just don’t see that often.”

Egbuka leads all rookies with 445 receiving yards.

**Barner Breaks Out**

Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has four touchdown catches this year, matching his total from last season. Barner, in his second year out of Michigan, caught all seven passes thrown to him, including two for TDs.

The Seahawks released veteran Noah Fant in the offseason, clearing the way for Barner to break out.

“I am able to get open, get an opportunity, and I feel like Seattle’s a great fit for me,” Barner said.

**Sick Kicker McLaughlin**

McLaughlin, who went 3 of 3 on field goals, was on the Bucs’ injury report Saturday with an illness.

“He probably needs to be ill more often,” Bowles said. “It wasn’t quite the Michael Jordan flu game, but give Chase McLaughlin his flu game here in Seattle. He did a heck of a job.”

**Injuries**

– **Buccaneers:** RB Josh Williams was evaluated for a concussion in the third quarter and did not return.

– **Seahawks:** LB Derick Hall sustained an oblique injury and CB Riq Woolen was evaluated for a concussion, forcing both out of the game.

**Up Next**

– **Buccaneers:** Host San Francisco next Sunday.

– **Seahawks:** Visit Jacksonville next Sunday.

—

**AP NFL:** [https://apnews.com/hub/nfl](https://apnews.com/hub/nfl)
https://fox5sandiego.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-davids-pick-sets-up-winning-fg-as-bucs-beat-seahawks-38-35-in-duel-between-mayfield-and-darnold/

Glenside teacher, author, and mother launches book and business to highlight passion for math

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

Glenside resident Shameeka Browne is a mother of five, business owner, and teacher who has recently added another accomplishment to her resume: author. Browne’s new book, *Queen of 24*, tells her personal story while also highlighting her passion for math.

She hopes that her book, along with her business called Math is All Around Us LLC, will help children and their parents gain a deeper understanding of math. Through her endeavors and business, Browne aspires to open a space for teachers who want to try out new activities to teach math to their students and see if the exercises work in the classroom.

“I see that there is a greater need for families to be empowered with how they can help their child with their math education,” she said. “The great thing about passion is it becomes contagious, but it just can’t be the passion, it also has to be the love for the young people that are sitting in front of you.”

Browne credits her love for math to one of her teachers at Wagner Middle School, Mr. Plummer, who is featured in the book as well. She plans to release five more books, with each focusing on the varying age groups of her five children—from preschool to college.

“I want to help families understand the roles that they have in their child’s math education,” she said. “It truly does start at home, and the math that your child sees from the time that they wake up in the morning to the time that they go to bed at night—we can take advantage of that.”

During the writing and creative process, Browne faced some challenges. Uncertainty about having enough money to publish, fear that her story was not worthy of being published, and a publisher terminating two weeks before she was to show the cover to her family and supporters left her with feelings of inadequacy.

“I’m a math person, and it’s ironic that I put myself in the same position that I tell my students not to do,” Browne said. “When they say they are not math people, I prove to them that they are. But on the flip side, I was telling myself that I wasn’t a writer because who could be both? I can be both.”

Browne was able to find someone who could adequately reflect the story she was telling—an illustrator, Philly native Reggie Byers, who also had done some artwork at Wagner Middle School.

“I look at the cover, and I want to cry,” Browne said. “What was different about this illustrator was that I did not send him any pictures other than a picture of myself during that time in middle school and my family. When I tell you I saw the cover and said, ‘This looks like me.’”

She managed to sell over 200 copies before the book was released to the public, a real feat for most first-time writers. The book is currently available at [www.mathisallaroundus.org](http://www.mathisallaroundus.org), and she continues to help the next generation find their love and passion for math as a math specialist and content lead in the Lower Merion School District.

“Her passion for math is omnipresent in much of what she does and sees,” said Jameelah Hairston, a Glenside resident. “She challenges you to see how math is everywhere and present in many everyday activities and tasks.”

—

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https://www.phillytrib.com/business/glenside-teacher-author-and-mother-launches-book-and-business-to-highlight-passion-for-math/article_ffd2b50d-2ed3-4649-9c74-1a7b27608e28.html

Philrice testing rice farm pest control via drones

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is utilizing drone technology to spray herbicides and manage weeds in rice plantations.

According to PhilRice, researchers have discovered that drones can effectively control weeds in wet direct-seeded rice. This advancement has the potential to transform weed management into a modern farming practice.

“This is especially useful for large rice fields,” the institute noted, highlighting the benefits of adopting drone technology in agriculture.

https://business.inquirer.net/551041/philrice-testing-rice-farm-pest-control-via-drone

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry ‘Still Seething’ Over Meghan Markle’s ‘Deafening Silence’ Over His Charity Controversy — ‘She’s Posting About Everything Except Support for Her Husband’

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

**Prince Harry ‘Still Seething’ Over Meghan Markle’s Silence Amid Sentebale Fallout**

*Published: October 6, 2025, 6:00 p.m. ET*

Prince Harry is reportedly “still seething” over Meghan Markle’s decision to stay silent on the fallout surrounding his departure from his beloved charity, Sentebale. This comes even as Markle has returned to social media with announcements about new business ventures, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, stepped down from Sentebale earlier this year after a bitter clash with chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka regarding the charity’s direction. The fierce dispute — which spilled into the public eye and drew rebukes from the UK’s Charity Commission — left Harry “heartbroken,” according to sources close to the royal.

### Meghan Markle’s Silence Sparks Tension at Home

As the controversy surrounding Sentebale deepened, Meghan Markle, 44, kept her distance. Instead of speaking out, she focused on reviving her Instagram account and promoting the couple’s newly signed Netflix deal.

One insider revealed, “Harry feels completely deserted. Meghan’s sharing posts about everything except standing by him. He’s upset, isolated, and bewildered. He thought she’d say something, even once, to show she’s on his side—but her silence has spoken volumes.”

The source added that the tension between the couple has been “simmering for weeks,” describing late-night arguments at their Montecito home. “He’s still seething about it,” the insider said. “At this point, it’s less about the charity and more about feeling that she’s left him to handle everything on his own.”

### The End of an Era for Sentebale

Harry co-founded Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support children orphaned by HIV and AIDS. His resignation earlier this year, following a prolonged internal conflict, marked a painful end to nearly two decades of involvement with the charity.

The UK Charity Commission later criticized both Harry and Dr. Chandauka for allowing their disagreement to unfold publicly. Dr. Chandauka had previously accused Markle of causing a “stir” at a Sentebale fundraiser by making last-minute demands—a claim dismissed by Harry’s team but one that reignited scrutiny over the duchess’ role.

Since the incident, Markle has refrained from addressing the issue, despite growing momentum in her online presence.

### Markle’s Calculated Silence

A source close to the couple claimed that Markle’s silence is “totally intentional.” They explained, “This is a very delicate issue. Sentebale was Harry’s initiative from the beginning, and Meghan recognizes that. She’s staying quiet to prevent making things worse. She’s decided to back him behind the scenes instead of in public.”

However, others close to the Sussexes suggest that the duchess’ restraint has only deepened Harry’s feeling of isolation. A California-based friend said, “Harry thought Meghan would stand up for him—she’s always been outspoken about her truth. Her choice to stay quiet this time has left him feeling vulnerable.”

### Harry’s Next Move

Despite the strain in their relationship, Harry appears determined to move forward. His spokesperson confirmed that the royal exile is exploring ways to continue his humanitarian efforts in southern Africa.

“The duke remains absolutely committed to the cause he began nearly twenty years ago,” the spokesperson said. “All options remain on the table—whether starting a new charity or collaborating with others already working in the region.”

Yet, Markle’s reluctance to get involved has become impossible to ignore. “Now that Meghan and Harry have signed a new Netflix deal—said to be less lucrative but still noteworthy—people are questioning why she hasn’t spoken up for him,” a source commented. “She’s very outspoken when it comes to speaking on issues that affect her or that serve to promote her brand. Harry has always defended her publicly, even when it went against his family’s wishes. But right now, he appears to be on his own.”
https://radaronline.com/p/prince-harry-seething-meghan-markle-silence-charity-controversy/

Judge Won’t Immediately Block President Trump’s National Guard Troop Deployment to Illinois

Posted on 06/10/2025 by admin

A federal judge has declined to immediately block President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois.

US District Judge April Perry, a Biden appointee, opted not to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) but scheduled a hearing on the case for Thursday.

On Sunday, President Trump ordered 400 Texas National Guard troops to be deployed to Illinois and Oregon to protect ICE agents amid concerns over violent Antifa protesters. Following this, Texas announced it would send a total of 2,000 National Guard troops to Chicago, despite opposition from Illinois Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated. “You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it,” Abbott added.

The activation of the National Guard came after violence erupted in Chicago over the weekend. Far-left protesters reportedly used vehicles to box in ICE agents, escalating tensions in the city.

On Monday, Illinois and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking to block the troop deployment. However, the troops were already en route. “Defendants’ deployment of federalized troops to Illinois is patently unlawful,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul wrote, according to CBS News.

“Plaintiffs ask this court to halt the illegal, dangerous, and unconstitutional federalization of members of the National Guard of the United States, including both the Illinois and Texas National Guard,” Raoul added.

Governor Pritzker expressed strong opposition to the troop deployment, saying, “Illinois will not let the Trump administration continue on their authoritarian march without resisting.”

“We will use every lever at our disposal to stop this power grab because military troops should not be used against American communities,” Pritzker emphasized.

Meanwhile, a federal judge on Sunday evening temporarily blocked President Trump’s National Guard troop deployment to Oregon, underscoring the ongoing legal battles surrounding these decisions.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/judge-wont-immediately-block-trumps-national-guard-troop/

Salsanis Analytics

Monthly Archives: October 2025

EU Council calls for life sciences investment fund

‘Country That Bombs Its Own People…’: India Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls It Out Over Systematic Genocidal Campaign – Video

Products by students and alumni to be sold at John Hansard Gallery

David’s pick sets up winning FG as Bucs beat Seahawks 38-35 in duel between Mayfield and Darnold

Glenside teacher, author, and mother launches book and business to highlight passion for math

Philrice testing rice farm pest control via drones

Judge Won’t Immediately Block President Trump’s National Guard Troop Deployment to Illinois