In a move to boost Nigeria’s sugar self-sufficiency and empower local farmers, the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has unveiled the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) — a flagship initiative designed to help farmers transform their land and passion into profitable, sustainable enterprises. The programme seeks to identify, organise, and support outgrowers across different categories, from smallholder to commercial farmers. Through the SODP, participants will gain access to land, quality inputs, financing opportunities, and technical assistance, in partnership with leading sugar operators and other strategic partners. According to the NSDC, the initiative aims to deepen local sugarcane production, enhance job…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with U.S.-based Entanglement, Inc. to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, and quantum innovation across Africa and the Middle East. The partnership combines Cassava’s vast digital infrastructure — including high-speed fibre networks, GPU-enabled compute, and regional data centres — with Entanglement’s expertise in AI, cyber security, and quantum-inspired technologies. It aims to deliver transformative solutions in sectors such as cyber security, healthcare, climate sustainability, and data centre efficiency across Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and the Gulf region. “This partnership comes at an…
Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has said that no officer or soldier on lawful duty will be punished over the altercation that occurred between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11. Abubakar stated this on Wednesday, November 12, during a ministerial briefing to flag off activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja. “We, at the Ministry and indeed the Armed Forces, will always protect our officers on lawful duty. We are looking into this…
A single infusion of an experimental gene-editing drug appears safe and effective for cutting cholesterol, possibly for life, according to a small early study released Saturday. The study, which involved 15 volunteers, found one infusion of a drug that uses the CRISPR gene-editing technique could safely reduce cholesterol, as well as levels of harmful triglycerides, by about half. “Rather than a lifetime worth of medicine, we have the potential to give people a cure,” said Dr. Luke Laffin, a preventative cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic who helped conduct the study. “It’s very exciting.” The results of the study were presented Saturday…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Egypt has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the seventh country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and the 27th worldwide to achieve this milestone. “I congratulate Egypt for reaching this milestone and liberating its people from trachoma,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This shows the power of national leadership, strong surveillance, and community engagement in ending an ancient disease.” Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, remains a public health problem in 30 countries, affecting about 1.9 million people. Egypt’s journey against trachoma dates back…
Lebanese authorities have released Hannibal Gadhafi, son of late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, after he paid $900,000 bail, ending a decade-long detention over allegations of withholding information about a missing Lebanese cleric. One of his lawyers, Charbel Milad al-Khoury, confirmed to the Associated Press that Gadhafi was freed Monday evening after completing paperwork. Two security officials also confirmed the release. “Hannibal is officially free and has the full right to choose his destination,” al-Khoury said, declining to disclose further details for security reasons. The release followed a decision by Lebanese authorities last week to lift a travel ban and reduce…
The Publisher of WikkiTimes, Haruna Mohammed Salisu, has been confirmed as a speaker at the upcoming Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC), scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The conference, which will bring together over 1,500 journalists from more than 100 countries, is one of the world’s largest gatherings dedicated to strengthening investigative reporting and defending press freedom. Mr Mohammed will join a panel discussion titled “Privacy vs. Accountability: Countering Regulations that Affect Investigative Journalists.” The session will explore how investigative reporters worldwide navigate tightening privacy laws, data-protection rules, and legal intimidation that threaten press freedom. ALSO READ WikkiTimes gains global…
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has called for a decisive shift from talk to action at COP30, urging world leaders to prioritize a farmer-first climate breakthrough that places soils, youth, and food systems at the heart of global climate action. The call comes as the UN Climate Conference (COP30)—widely described as both the “Implementation COP” and the “COP of Truth”—opens in Belém, Brazil. AGRA is urging governments and development partners to translate pledges into practical finance and policy packages that build resilience among Africa’s smallholder farmers, create jobs for youth, and unlock growth across food economies.…
The Federal Government has attributed the recent drop in food prices across Nigeria to its targeted market interventions, increased production, and sustained investment in the agricultural sector. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the 47th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security held in Kaduna on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Kyari said ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aim to achieve food sovereignty — ensuring Nigeria produces what it consumes while guaranteeing accessibility, availability, and affordability for households. “We are already beginning to witness a decline in…
As the world prepares for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, from November 10–21, 2025, concerns are mounting over Tanzania’s suitability to lead Africa’s climate negotiations amid questions about its democratic record. Tanzania, which currently chairs the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), is expected to steer the continent’s agenda on climate justice, gender equality, energy transition, and the emerging issue of Loss and Damage. However, critics argue that the country’s internal governance challenges undermine its moral authority to represent Africa on a global platform grounded in fairness and accountability. Recent reports of electoral irregularities, suppression…