International
WHO Urges Trump To Reconsider Pulling Out USA from Membership
The World Health Organization, WHO, has urged United States President, Donald Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw the country from its membership.
Recall that the president, shortly after assuming office, yesterday, had signed an executive order to withdraw the country from the global health body.
He cited a string of reasons for his action, among which included WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its alleged failure to adopt urgently needed reforms.
Trump further alleged that while WHO demands what he referred to as “unfairly onerous payments” from the United States, China pays less.
Reacting to the action of the United States President, the World Health Organization, said it hopes “the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”
The WHO’s reaction read:” The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization. millions of people around the globe.”
The WHO’s reaction read:” The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.
“WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.
“The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.
“For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.
“Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO.
“With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries.
This work continues. “We hope the United States will reconsider, and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe. “
International
‘128 journalists killed worldwide in 2025’,says IFJ
Meanwhile, the IFJ said that across the globe, 533 journalists were currently in prison – a figure that has more than doubled over the past half-decade.
• Journalists at work
A total of 128 journalists were killed around the world in 2025, more than half of them in the Middle East, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said Thursday.
The grim toll, up from 2024, “is not just a statistic, it’s a global red alert for our colleagues,” IFJ general secretary Anthony Bellanger told AFP.
The press group voiced particular alarm over the situation in the Palestinian territories, where it recorded 56 media professionals killed in 2025 as Israel’s war with Hamas ground on in Gaza.
“We’ve never seen anything like this: so many deaths in such a short time, in such a small area,” Bellanger said.
Journalists were also killed in Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Peru, India and elsewhere.
Bellanger condemned what he called “impunity” for those behind the attacks. “Without justice, it allows the killers of journalists to thrive,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the IFJ said that across the globe, 533 journalists were currently in prison – a figure that has more than doubled over the past half-decade.
International
In pictures: New Year welcomed around the world
The London Eye is illuminated by the fireworks display in central London. Credit: PA Media
Fireworks lit up the midnight sky over Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House during New Year’s Day celebrations in Australia. Credit: AFP via Getty Images.
The UK rings in the new year with a spectacular fireworks display over London’s Big Ben. Credit: EPA
The London Eye is illuminated by the fireworks display in central London. Credit: PA Media
Scotland welcomes 2026 with world-renowned fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. PA Media
Fireworks light up the sky over the Brandenburg Gate during celebrations in Berlin. Credit: EPA
Crowds on Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France enjoy a light show and fireworks on the Arc de Triomphe. Credit: EPA
A firework display from the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower welcomed in the New Year. Credit: Shutterstock
Then Australia lit up the sky over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Credit: Shutterstock
Source: BBC
International
Doumboya wins Guinea presidential election
Doumbouya, 41, faced eight rivals for the presidency but the main opposition leaders were barred from running and had urged a boycott of the vote held over the weekend.
•Guinea President Mamady Doumbouya (C) greets supporters during his final campaign rally ahead of the country’s presidential election in Conakry on December 25, 2025. (Photo by PATRICK MEINHARDT / AFP)
Guinea’s junta chief Mamady Doumbouya, who had pledged not to run for office after he seized power four years ago, has been elected president.
Doumboya secured a sweeping majority of the vote – 86.72 percent of the first-round vote, according to the General Directorate of Elections, well over the threshold that would trigger a runoff vote.
Voter turnout stood at 80.95 percent, according to Djenabou Toure, head of the General Directorate of Elections, on Tuesday
Doumbouya, 41, faced eight rivals for the presidency but the main opposition leaders were barred from running and had urged a boycott of the vote held over the weekend.
Doumbouya had placed well ahead in districts of the capital Conakry, often winning more than 80 percent, according to official partial results read out by Toure earlier on RTG public television.
He had a similar lead in several other areas, including Coyah, a town near Conakry, and in other parts of the country, such as Boffa and Fria in the west, Gaoual in the northwest, northern Koundara and Labe, and Nzerekore
NNPP dissolves Kano executive
Malami: FHC adjourns bail ruling January 7
NJC Disowns Viral Report on Alleged “Integrity Test” Failure by 34 Judicial Nominees
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News3 days agoPolice arrests Kidnappers in “Love Nwantiti” with victims
-
News19 hours agoNew Year Forgiveness: Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Others
-
Business19 hours agoMAN woos CBN, MOF for manufacturing refinancing facility
-
Business3 days agoNECA faults ban on sachet alcohol
-
Crime3 days agoSuicide bomber confesses: I was paid N100,000 to bomb worshippers in Maiduguri
-
Politics3 days agoPeter Obi officially defects to ADC party
-
Business3 days agoBREAKING: Heirs Energies Acquires 20.07% Stake in Seplat Energy from Maurel & Prom in $496-500 Million Deal
-
Politics3 days agoAtiku welcomes Peter Obi to ADC