Nearly 100 people stayed glued in the Zoom room as the Jaswant Singh Khalra Memorial Lecture was delivered on 3rd Nov 2020. First the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Mr. Ahmed Shaheed, addressed the audience, which included hundreds others who watched the event on KTV satellite channel, YouTube channels of UNITED SIKHS, BOSS ( British Organisation of Sikh Students), Khalas TV and Basics of Sikhi.
Then Satnam Singh Bains, Barrister, delivered the Memorial Lecture, on how his team has carried on Jaswant Singh Khalra’s work in the Indian courts. What followed was a touching vote of thanks from Navkiran Kaur, Jaswant Singh Khalra’s daughter.
The event culminated with the launch of Gurmeet Kaur’s book ‘The Valiant- Jaswant Singh Khalra’ , by Mr Shaheed, followed by Gurmeet Kaur’s reply to: ‘Why did I write the book?’
We also heard a tribute from Jaswant Singh Khalra’s brother, Rajinder Singh.
The book may be ordered by leaving a phone message on +44 870 1993328 or email [email protected]
The politician was born in 1960, which means that Ayo Fayose age is 60 years old (as of 2020).
Where is Ayo Fayose from?
Fayose grew up in Oyo state but originally hails from Afao Ekiti in Irepodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Ayo Fayose educational background
Ayo Fayose began his early education at Saint Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Ibadan, in 1966 and obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1972. He proceeded to the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo State, in 1973, where he sat for and passed the School Certificate examination in 1979.
He was admitted for a one-year pre-National Diploma (Pre-ND) program at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, leading ultimately to a two-year Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program in Science Laboratory Technology, which he successfully completed in 1984.
He underwent his one-year mandatory industrial attachment at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan. He produced body and hair products during this period, naming them ‘Spotless.’
In 1985, Fayose was admitted for a Higher National Diploma (HND) program in Biological Sciences/Applied Medical/Biology by The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and graduated in 1987. He had his National youth service at Pepsi Nigeria Limited, Ibadan.
Ayo Fayose religion
The politician was born to a pastor and a prophetess, concluding that he grew up in a religious home.
Career
Ayo worked as the chief executive officer at Spotless Investment Limited, a group of companies, from 1988 until his election as the Governor of Ekiti State in 2003.
Before his election, Fayose served as Chairman of a Facts-Finding Committee set up by the Peoples’ Democratic Party and assigned to Kaduna State in 2003. He had served twice as a national delegate to the PDP national convention.
Ayo came to the limelight when he became the second executive governor of Ekiti state on May 29, 2003, after defeating the then incumbent governor, Niyi Adebayo. He was impeached on 16 October 2006 but came back to contest in 2014.
During the 2014 Governorship election in Ekiti State, Peter Ayodele Fayose was again the PDP flag bearer. He won the election and was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the new Governor, Ekiti State; he was inaugurated on 16 Oct 2014.
Fayose boasts of being the only Nigerian to defeat an incumbent two times historically.
Previous appointments
Here is a summary of his previous appointments:
Staff – Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State (Industrial Attachment)
Staff – Pepsi Nigeria Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State (National Youth Service Corps)
Chief Executive Officer, Spotless Investment Limited, 1988 to 2003
Governor, Ekiti State, May 29, 2003 to October 16, 2006
Chairman, PDP Adhoc Committee, 2006
Governor, Ekiti State, October 16, 2014 to October 16, 2018
Awards
The politician has received these awards:
Ekiti State “Leaders in Achievement” Honour Award (2002)
Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) University of Ado-Ekiti (2004)
Fellow of the Polytechnic Ibadan (FPI) 2005
Most Distinguished Alumnus of the Faculty of Science of the Polytechnic, Ibadan (2005)
Outstanding Governor of the year 2004 by the Ekiti Kete Association in North America (EKAINA)
Ekiti State “Leaders in Achievement” Award 2002
Captain of Reform Agenda for the Grassroot
Best Governor of the Year 2004 by the PDP, U.K. Branch
Most Practical Governor in the South West (2005)
Best Governor in the South West 2005 by the Global Excellence Magazine, Lagos
Best Governor Nigeria 2006 by the City People Magazine, Lagos.
Personal life
Ayo Fayose got married to his lovely wife, Feyisetan Fayose, in 1988. Feyisetan is four years younger than him – she was born in 1964, while the politician’s birth year is 1960. She is a human rights activist, as well as a generous philanthropist. She is especially concerned about female rights.
Ayo Fayose children
Ayo and Feyisetan’s marriage is blessed with 5 children:
Joju
Nigba
Boluwatife
Rogba
Tomiwa
Blocked bank accounts
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission froze four Zenith Bank accounts allegedly used by Fayose to launder money for his Ekiti governorship election in 2014.
The judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, had granted the EFCC on June 24 2016 an order freezing all the funds in the said accounts in Zenith Bank. 2 of the accounts belong to Ayo while the third belongs to his hotel Spotless Hotel in Ado Ekiti. The fourth account was operated by one of Ayo’s aides, Abiodun Agbele.
The EFCC alleged that those accounts possessed funds, said to be about N4.7 billion, stolen from the office of the National Security Adviser, with most of the money secretly retained by Ayo for his personal use after the election.
Ayo Fayose is an outspoken politician who is also the former governor of Ekiti State. The politician is known for being fearless when it comes to matters affecting the Nigerian people.
READ ALSO: Fireboy DML biography: Age, real name, girlfriend, Apollo album
Legit.ng recently covered the story of Fireboy DML, one of the fast-rising Afro-Life singers from Nigeria. The musician became popular following the success of his single titled Jealous. You will be surprised to find out that the celebrity is only 24 years old, but he has made significant achievements in his career.
The musician recently released his sophomore album, Apollo. Apollo was released on August 20, 2020, under the YBNL Nation record label. The 17-track album comes after the success of his debut album Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, which was released on November 29, 2019.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s securities markets regulator, today publishes its third Annual Statistical Report (Report) analysing the European Union’s (EU) derivatives markets. It provides a comprehensive market-level view of the EU’s derivatives markets in 2019, which had a total size of €681tn gross notional amount outstanding, a decrease of 5% on 2018. The Report is based on data submitted under the European Markets and Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
Steven Maijoor, Chair, said:
“This year’s EU derivatives report reflects the improving quality of data reported under EMIR to present a comprehensive picture of derivative markets. It shows in particular that the clearing obligation, which began in 2016, continued to reduce systemic and counterparty risk in 2019.
“The collection and analysis of this data helps ESMA meet its financial stability and orderly markets objectives, by contributing to our risk assessment capability, facilitating regulatory authorities’ oversight and enhancing supervisory convergence across the EU.”
Highlights
The reduction in the total market size during 2019 was driven mainly by currency and equity derivatives, which fell by 15% and 35% respectively. Interest rate derivatives grew in the first half of the year, but later fell back and finished unchanged over the year;
OTC trading still accounts for the majority of the trading with the share growing to 92% from 90%. The total share executed on trading venues (which includes some OTC trading) fell from 17% to 15%, driven by a fall in exchanged-traded derivatives;
Exposures continue to be highly concentrated in relatively few counterparties, particularly investment firms, credit institutions and CCPs. In all markets, a few large counterparties are widely connected to other market participants; and
The UK remains the dominant market for transactions within the EEA as well as with third countries. There were some signs of UK-US exposures growing slightly, while UK-EEA exposures fell.
EMIR data continues to improve. In this year’s report, the removal of an over-reporting counterparty improved data for both 2018 and 2019, enabling a refinement of 2018’s statistics.
The report also includes an analysis of a specific derivatives market, credit default swaps (CDS), presenting market structure and trends statistics for 2019 and some CDS-specific indicators. A second article analyses the initial margins collected by CCPs, by asset, levels of concentration, and explores systemic risk.
ESMA will continue to report on its analysis on an annual basis.
Did you know that hackers attack an average of 2,244 times a day? They can have an impact even on our personal lives.
“Cybercrime will never happen to me.”
We all think this way until it does happen. As more of our life moves online, we need to be aware of how to stay safe.
Did you know that hackers attack an average of 2,244 times a day globally, causing damage to the economy and hurting businesses? They can even have an impact on our personal lives!
Phishing, hacking, data leaks and other cyber threats are among the biggest global risks of the decade after climate change (WEF). This is why one of the top priorities of the EU is to make the internet a safer place for everyone. That means protecting your personal data while you browse, but also safeguarding key infrastructure from cyberattacks, and ensuring we think through the risks of new technologies.
From raising awareness to fighting cybercriminals, here are seven ways the EU works to keep you safe online.
October is not only about pumpkins and Halloween: it is also Cybersecurity Month. This year, the European Cybersecurity Month is raising awareness of risks online and encouraging everyone to ‘ThinkB4UClick’.
Being safe online is about getting the basics right. Think before you click, install anti-virus software, choose your passwords smartly, and keep your devices locked when you are away.
These are simple tips and tricks you can follow to protect yourself online.
2. Protecting the little ones
Today, young Europeans are growing up with YouTube and Instagram. The internet opens doors to many new experiences, stimulating learning and creativity. However, children can also be exposed to online bullying and sexual harassment. This is why the EU has put in place several measures to protect them, foster digital literacy and fight against online child sexual abuse.
For instance, the EU provides a support network to every European country with a Safer Internet Centre, which you can call free of charge to seek help from experts on consent, data protection, online privacy and more.
3. With strong EU rules, your privacy matters
When you access the web, you often entrust personal information, such as your name, address, and credit card number, to your Internet Service Provider or to the website you are using. Most commonly, you give your personal data in exchange for a service or information.
EU rules such as the ePrivacy Directive and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensure that this data is treated carefully, does not fall into wrong hands and that you have more control over how it is used. The EU is proud to have the strongest and most modern Data Protection rules in the world, rules which are becoming a global standard.
4. Digital skills make the world go round
The EU has taken the lead on cryptography know-how and cybersecurity. However, as in any fast-paced field, keeping pace with the needs of the cybersecurity industry and investing in new digital skills is crucial.
The EU has taken many steps to encourage the development of digital skills by modernising education. The EU provides grants for master’s, PhD and post-graduate research and promotes upskilling and reskilling opportunities, with a particular emphasis on digital skills.
With more trained IT and cybersecurity professionals and a more digitally-skilled public, we are all safer online.
5. Working together to fight cybercrime and prevent attacks
Increased cyber attacks during the coronavirus crisis have shown how important it is to protect our hospitals, research centres and other infrastructure. Cybersecurity is one of the Commission’s priorities and the Recovery Plan for Europe includes additional investments in cybersecurity. We are also taking strong action to strengthen cybersecurity capacities: we will soon update legislation in the area of cybersecurity, with a new Cybersecurity Strategy coming up by the end of 2020, and will invest in cybersecurity research and capacity building.
Whether you are buying products in online shops, making bank transactions or searching for a job, a lot of your personal data is shared online. Cybercriminals aim to intercept online banking transactions, steal identities and harass people. This is why the Commission monitors and updates EU law on cybercrime and supports law enforcement capacity across EU countries. We are also working with the European Cybercrime Centre in Europol, the central hub for criminal information and intelligence. It offers operational and analytical support to investigations in all EU countries.
On top of that, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA has a very wide ambit and works on various topics including protecting smart grid electricity networks, eHealth systems, big data and much more. It provides support to all EU countries and ensures cybersecurity is embedded across all domains of EU policy.
In a hyperconnected world, ENISA aims to prepare Europe for the cyber challenges of tomorrow.
6. Thinking ahead on 5G networks — extra speed with extra protection
A revolution in how we stay connected is just around the corner. 5G is the 5th generation of mobile networks designed to meet society’s increased data and connectivity demands at greater speeds.
5G will have an impact on every aspect of our lives — from smart medicine and remote-controlled machinery to more efficient energy grids and connected cars.
To protect these future networks, we have had to change the way we think about security, which is not only a national issue but also a common challenge. The EU is working to provide guidance and measures to mitigate the new risks that come with 5G.
7. Tackling disinformation online
Nope, the Earth is not flat and no, 5G does not cause COVID-19. Seems straightforward, and yet we find disinformation everywhere online, also amplified by social media.
Online disinformation can have far-reaching consequences. It is a threat to democratic debate, and puts our health, security and environment at risk. The EU is therefore working to implement a clear, comprehensive and broad set of actions to tackle the spread of online disinformation in Europe.
On top of that, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA has a very wide ambit and works on various topics including protecting smart grid electricity networks, eHealth systems, big data and much more. It provides support to all EU countries and ensures cybersecurity is embedded across all domains of EU policy.
In a hyperconnected world, ENISA aims to prepare Europe for the cyber challenges of tomorrow.
6. Thinking ahead on 5G networks — extra speed with extra protection
A revolution in how we stay connected is just around the corner. 5G is the 5th generation of mobile networks designed to meet society’s increased data and connectivity demands at greater speeds.
5G will have an impact on every aspect of our lives — from smart medicine and remote-controlled machinery to more efficient energy grids and connected cars.
To protect these future networks, we have had to change the way we think about security, which is not only a national issue but also a common challenge. The EU is working to provide guidance and measures to mitigate the new risks that come with 5G.
7. Tackling disinformation online
Nope, the Earth is not flat and no, 5G does not cause COVID-19. Seems straightforward, and yet we find disinformation everywhere online, also amplified by social media.
Online disinformation can have far-reaching consequences. It is a threat to democratic debate, and puts our health, security and environment at risk. The EU is therefore working to implement a clear, comprehensive and broad set of actions to tackle the spread of online disinformation in Europe.
We aim to be a leader in the fight against online disinformation and the threat it poses to our shared values and democratic systems.
More info:
Safer Internet Centres: Across the EU, these centres offer support to people facing problems online.
In the wake of several terror attacks in Europe, MEPs will discuss ways to step up security cooperation and improve information exchange between police forces.
The Civil Liberties Committee will assess the state of play in counter-terrorism and the security strategy with Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and the German Presidency of the Council. Future developments regarding the so-called Prüm decisions and automated exchanges of information from DNA databases, fingerprints and car registration data, and the 2004 Advance Passenger Information (API) directive, which obliges carriers to collect passenger information, will play a central part in the debate.
Strengthening Europol’s mandate, the future action plan on integration and exclusion and current negotiations to ensure terrorist content is removed from the internet swiftly and efficiently are also likely to be raised.
When: Monday, 16 November, from 16.50 to 18.05.
Where: European Parliament in Brussels, József Antall (4Q2), and remotely.
Last week, MEPs held a plenary debate with Commissioner Johansson on the latest terror attacks and the need to further develop the counter-terrorism strategy, in parallel with additional efforts to promote fundamental freedoms and integration.
In today’s Big Story podcast, almost two weeks after the American election, leading social media platforms are inundated with false claims about the results. Claims that are supported and amplified by Donald Trump and key members of his administration. After talking tough regarding disinformation in the months leading up to the election, and even slapping warnings on the president’s posts, have Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok lived up to their promises?
And the big question: Will Twitter ever ban Donald Trump? Where would their business be without him?
GUEST: Jesse Hirsh, researcher and futurist, metaviews.ca
Britain’s Chief negotiator to the EU David Frost walks to Brexit trade negotiations, in London, Britain, November 13, 2020. [Reuters]
Britain and the European Union have made some progress in their negotiations for a post-Brexit trade deal but might not succeed in getting an agreement, Britain’s top Brexit negotiator said as he headed into further talks on Sunday.
“There has been some progress in a positive direction in recent days,” David Frost said on Twitter.
“We also now largely have common draft treaty texts, though significant elements are of course not yet agreed. We will work to build on these and get an overall agreement if we can. But we may not succeed.”
Read More
3/4 There has been some progress in a positive direction in recent days. We also now largely have common draft treaty texts, though significant elements are of course not yet agreed. We will work to build on these and get an overall agreement if we can.
— David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) November 15, 2020
Global efforts to promote divestment from fossil fuels expanded further as 47 faith institutions announced their divestment from fossil fuels on Monday, in the largest-ever announcement of its kind among religious leaders.
The Global Catholic Climate Movement in a statement said that 42 Catholic institutions and five other additional protestant and Jewish institutions have severed ties with the fossil fuel industry in a bid to help tackle the climate crisis. They join with nearly 400 other faith institutions that have divested from fossil fuels.
This announcement comes after the Vatican’s first-ever operational guidance on the environment was issued as part of the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical Laudato sí. The guidelines, signed by all of the Vatican’s dicasteries, encouraged Catholics to avoid investing in companies “that harm human or social ecology (for example, through abortion or the arms trade), or environmental ecology (for example, through the use of fossil fuels).”
Infographic map of faith institutions committed to divesting from fossil fuels
The Church’s commitment to clean energy finds its roots in its tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
On 16 November 1970, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Pope Paul VI reminded all that “everything is bound up together” in the “living design of the creator” and warned that we risked “provoking a veritable ecological catastrophe.”
Similarly, Pope Francis, in Laudato sí, reiterated that “everything is connected” in “one complex crisis which is both social and environment.” The Pope also pointed out that “we still lack the culture need to confront this crisis.”
Pope Francis has also convened an “Economy of Francesco” conference, scheduled to begin on 19 November 2020 to examine innovative ways Catholics are developing a sustainable economy, propelled by leadership from young people.
Commitment to solving the climate crisis
Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary-General of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (COMECE) said that the European Bishops joins the movement to divest from fossil fuels and encouraged others to also take concrete steps to solve the climate crisis.
He added that commitments to the Paris agreement is important, and the European Green Deal is a way of doing so, as “solving the climate crisis protects the human family from the dangers of a warming world, and decisive action is needed now more than ever.”
In the same vein, Inger Andersen, under-secretary-general of the UN and executive director of the UN Environmental Programme highlighted that “the economic power of faiths, turned to responsible investments and the green economy, can be a major driver of positive change, and an inspiration to others, as we rebuild better.”
BRUSSELS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) — The China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) on Sunday hailed the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement as “uplifting” amid global recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the presence of leaders of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the RCEP agreement was officially signed on Sunday, forging the largest free trade bloc in the world.
“The conclusion of this agreement offers an uplifting example of international economic cooperation, which has been affected by protectionism and unilateralism; and it has also injected confidence to boost global economic recovery hit by the recession,” said Zhou Lihong, chairwoman of the CCCEU.
“Right now, China and the EU are racing towards ending negotiation of the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) by the end of this year. We are looking forward to the conclusion of this long-awaited agreement,” said Zhou, who is former chair of Bank of China Luxembourg.
“We are also expecting to put bilateral free trade talks on the official agenda as soon as possible, which could then offer a solid framework of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation in the two major markets consisting of 1.9 billion consumers,” she added.
Based in Brussels, the CCCEU was founded in 2018 by a group of Chinese enterprises operating in the European Union (EU). It represents some 1,000 Chinese companies in numerous industries, such as finance, energy, transportation, manufacturing, ICT and artificial intelligence.
