One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough about a subject to think you’re right, but not enough about the subject to know you’re wrong- Neil Tyson
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
By Abdallah el-Kurebe I August 21, 2025: A newly released FAOSTAT analytical brief unveils striking transformations in global land use over the past two decades, capturing both the resurgence of cropland and the retreat of permanent pastures. The findings underscore the relentless intensification of agriculture—and the environmental consequences that come with it. Key takeaways Cropland expansion vs. pasture declineBetween 2001 and 2023, the world saw a significant shift in agricultural land allocation. Cropland expanded by approximately 78 million hectares, while permanent meadows and pastures shrank by 150 million hectares, resulting in an overall 2% contraction of total agricultural land. Global…
Healthcare has emerged as one of the weakest links in governance across Nigeria, according to the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI). The report shows that while some states are making progress in public health delivery, most citizens remain dissatisfied with the quality, access and affordability of healthcare services. The national assessment released in Abuja by Phillips Consulting (PCL) and made available to newsmen on Thursday showed the performance index. The firm evaluated 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) using both objective data (70 per cent) and citizen perception (30 per cent) across critical governance indicators. The report said…
Nigeria’s rice milling industry stands at a critical crossroads. Despite the country’s vast potential to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production, millers continue to grapple with insecurity, smuggling, high input costs, and inconsistent government policies. In this exclusive interview with Abdallah el-Kurebe, ASHENEWS Editor-in-Chief, Peter Dama, National Chairman of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and Chairman of the CARF-FSD Board of Trustees, Nigeria Chapter, speaks on the current state of the industry, the strategies being pursued to make Nigerian rice more competitive, and the urgent policy interventions needed to unlock growth. He also highlights ongoing collaborations with ECOWAS and…
Meet the “Ayam Cemani”, a rare and striking chicken from Indonesia that fascinates farmers and collectors worldwide. The chicken can cost up to $9,000. All-black appearance: Ayam Cemani is known for its entirely black body—feathers, beak, tongue, skin, and even bones! This unique trait is caused by a genetic mutation called fibromelanosis. Rarity makes it expensive: These chickens are extremely rare. Limited supply and high demand drive the price up, making them the most expensive chicken in the world. Cultural significance: In Indonesia, this chicken is valued in rituals and traditional ceremonies. It is believed to bring luck, prosperity, and…
In a first for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya will jointly host the 2027 tournament. This will mark an unprecedented collaboration between three African nations to stage the continent’s premier football event. This landmark decision highlights growing regional cooperation and promises to elevate the profile of East African football on the continental stage. The tournament will be hosted across multiple venues, with significant infrastructure investments underway in all three countries. Tanzania is constructing a 30,000-seat stadium costing $112 million, which will be named in honor of its President, Samia Suluhu Hassan. Nearby, Kenya is…
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has announced the signing of a $100 million livestock offtake agreement between Nigeria and the Saudi Export and Import Bank. Bago, who disclosed this during the FirstBank Agric and Export Expo in Lagos, said the deal would begin with an initial $10 million tranche. He explained that the agreement is expected to open Nigeria to a livestock market worth about $2.5 billion annually in the Middle East, following disruptions in supply from the Sahel and Sudan. According to him, the deal will not only cover meat but also other by-products such as tripe,…
A sweeping new analysis published in The Lancet has reinforced growing concerns that air pollution—especially from tiny airborne particles—significantly increases the risk of dementia. Researchers from the University of Cambridge conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 51 studies across several countries, involving more than 29 million people who had been exposed to outdoor air pollution for at least one year. The findings highlight fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and black carbon (soot)—all of which are emitted from vehicles, power plants, industries, and wood burning—as major contributors to dementia risk. Each 10 µg/m³ increase in PM₂.₅ was associated…
China has introduced a rare “two-headed” fire truck that can drive at full speed in either direction without turning, ideal for emergencies in tunnels or narrow streets. First seen in Nanjing, the $1.43 million MAN BAI Janus 4000 “Bifronte” carries 4,000 liters of water, 500 gallons of foam, and full firefighting gear. Inspired by the deadly 1999 Mont Blanc Tunnel fire that killed 38 people, the truck was designed in Germany and built in Italy. Capable of 120 mph both ways, fewer than 10 exist in Asia, making it a lifesaving rarity. China has introduced a rare and innovative “two-headed”…
Invasive white Italian snails in Australia are using mutated mucus enzymes to withstand pesticides, posing a growing threat to the country’s agriculture, a new study has revealed. Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) discovered that trails left by the white Italian snail Theba pisana contained high levels of an enzyme capable of neutralising pesticide toxins, effectively making the pests resistant to conventional control methods. “This mutated enzyme has previously been found in insects like ticks and flies that developed chemical resistance over time,” said UniSC PhD researcher and lead author Inali Lutschini. “Its abundance in land snails,…