Foreign

UK Denies Israeli Government Delegation Access to Arms Trade Fair  

By Web News 197

                                                                                                                                               

UK says, Israeli government delegation will be invited to a global defence exhibition in London next month due to the Gaza war.

According to report, Israel’s defence ministry called the move a “deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination” and said it would be withdrawing and not setting up a national pavilion, as UK leaders have become more outspoken against Israel’s conduct in Gaza, including a recent plan to expand the war and take over Gaza City.

“There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” the UK government spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.

The defence expo, which is set to take place at Excel London from 9 to 12 September, is organised and run by a private company with backing from the government.

Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in October 2023 in response to the Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostage back to Gaza. Fifty hostages are still held there, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Israeli military actions in Gaza have since killed 62,966 people, including at least 18,592 children, the Hamas-run health ministry has said.

The UN has said Israel has restricted aid, and UN-backed experts have confirmed famine in Gaza City and its surrounding areas, with more than half a million people across Gaza facing conditions including starvation.

Israel, which controls entry of goods into the territory, has denied this report and defended its military operation as a fight against Hamas.

UK leaders have become increasingly critical of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

In March, the UK suspended talks on a trade deal with Israel, summoned the country’s ambassador and imposed fresh sanctions on West Bank settlers, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the military escalation in Gaza “morally unjustifiable”.

In recent months, Lammy said he was appalled and sickened by the plight of civilians in Gaza and called on Israel to allow in more aid.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Israeli strikes on a hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, “completely indefensible”.

After the Labour Party came to power last year, it suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, but did not include parts for the F-35 jet, which the government said it could not prevent Israel from obtaining as they are sent to manufacturers worldwide.

These jets have been used extensively in Gaza.

BBC/Taiwo Akinola

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Economy

I want to change Osun State narrative – Adeleke

By Web News 496

By Folake Oye

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says his administration will continue to be passionate about changing the narrative of the state from a civil service economy to a thriving industrial hub. 

Senator Adeleke made this known while declaring open the 2023 Osun Trade Fair organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 

Represented by the state Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Governor expressed happiness that the state under his watch, is gradually becoming an industrial hub open to many opportunities that abound in the state. 

He said the state was ready to welcome investors from other states and countries who are well prepared and ready to establish their business in the state for improved activities and better utilization of resources to bring about a robust and more profitable economy. 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo described the choice of this year’s theme “Unlocking the industrialization potentials of Osun state with focus on Agriculture, Mining and Micro, Small and Medium industries” as good and timely. 

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Economy

Ogun Pledges Conducive Environment for Investors

By Web News 678

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture sectors are the foundation and engine room of any thriving economy.

Governor Abiodun who stated this during the closing ceremony of the 11th Gateway International Trade fair held at the MKO Abiola Trade Fair complex, Abeokuta, said these sectors were necessary to boost food security, provide employment and shelter for the teeming populace.

Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun said his administration had put in place the necessary machinery towards ensuring the implementation of road maps for the socio-economic development of the state.

While giving the assurance that his administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for investors, Governor Abiodun promised that his government would continue to support the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture OGUNCCIMA for the overall development of the state.

In a remark, Ogun State Commissioner For Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Kikelomo Longe said the trade fair had Projected a vibrant business atmosphere of the State to the country in particular and the world at large.

Earlier, President OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye who pointed out that over 5,000 companies had taken the advantage of the trade fair to exhibit their products, promised that the Chamber would continue to promote socio-economic development in the state.

Bolanle Adesida