The war against illicit drugs in Nigeria received a major boost on Wednesday as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commissioned 46 new vehicles for deployment to strategic commands and formations nationwide. This comes on the back of sweeping achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the arrest of 40,887 drug offenders — 45 of them drug barons — and the seizure of over 5.5 million kilograms of illicit substances in just two years. The commissioning ceremony, held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, saw high-profile endorsements from National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Attorney General…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Russian engineers have just tested a hypersonic passenger aircraft prototype that can fly from Moscow to New York in under two hours — without producing a deafening sonic boom. Built by the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) in partnership with several aerospace startups, the aircraft, nicknamed Strizh (“Swift”), uses a revolutionary “shockwave-canceling” fuselage design that manipulates airflow to muffle the sound normally generated when breaking the speed of sound. The plane’s body is shaped like an elongated diamond with a hollow central channel that redirects and diffuses pressure waves before they hit the ground. Combined with an active plasma field generator…
The Federal Government says it will revive grazing reserves across the country as part of efforts to end cattle wandering and boost livestock production. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, announced the plan on Tuesday during the National Pasture Planting Day at Kawu Grazing Reserve, Bwari, FCT. Maiha said the initiative aims to promote sustainable livestock development, improve animal nutrition, and empower millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. He described the move as a step towards climate-smart livestock systems and a future where herders no longer travel hundreds of kilometres in search of pasture and water.…
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a $3 million investment over the next two years to strengthen routine immunisation and primary health care in Kaduna State, aiming to accelerate progress towards universal vaccine coverage. Jessica Crawford, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, disclosed this during a high-level field mission to the state, which included engagements with top officials, health facility tours, and strategy meetings with partners. Crawford commended Kaduna for its strong leadership, coordination, and results in immunisation. She said the funding would build on these successes, address hard-to-reach areas, and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines. She explained that…
The African Union’s Information and Communication Directorate (ICD) has issued a final call for submissions to the third cycle of its prestigious AU Media Fellowship Programme, urging journalists, digital creators, and storytellers across the continent to seize the opportunity before applications close on August 14, 2025. Launched under the umbrella of Agenda 2063—Africa’s blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development—the fellowship is designed to amplify authentic African narratives, empower media professionals, and strengthen storytelling that reflects the continent’s dynamism and diversity. Fellowship overview and application details Enter the third cohort of the AU Media Fellowship — a 12-month programme running from…
The Ekiti State Government has partnered with Community Energy Social Enterprise Limited (CESEL) to deploy solar-powered irrigation systems across cluster farms. The state has backed this partnership with a ₦200 million investment to construct modular solar irrigation systems at strategic locations under the “Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture (BBYA)” programme. These systems will tap into perennial water sources to enable year-round farming—essential for mitigating the risks posed by unpredictable rainfall. The project will pilot deployment at targeted farm hubs in Ose Centre (Emure LGA), Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, and Aramoko. Speaking on the programme, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security,…
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on climate-resilient agriculture in Nigeria. AATF, a non-profit organisation, works to eliminate barriers preventing smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa from accessing transformative agricultural technologies that raise productivity, strengthen food security, and reduce poverty. NiMet, established under the NiMet Act of 2003, is mandated to collect, process, and disseminate meteorological data to support sustainable socio-economic development nationwide. At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Jean Baptiste Tignegre, AATF’s Regional Representative for West Africa, said the partnership reflects both organisations’…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), with the Minister of Environment to serve as Chairman of the Council. The Council will include Loanyie Barituka Victor, representing environmental NGOs; Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure, representing Niger Delta communities; Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia, representing the Ogoni community. ALSO READ Tinubu appoints new FCC chairman, 31 commissioners [FULL LIST] The nine oil-producing states will be represented by Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse. Alternate members include Rev. Canon Dr…
NIAMEY, Niger — Niger’s military government has taken over the country’s only industrial gold mine from Australian firm McKinel Resources Limited, accusing the company of multiple “serious breaches” of its operating agreement. The announcement was made on August 8, 2025, in a televised decree read by junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani. The move is another bold step in the regime’s bid to tighten control over strategic natural resources. The mine, located in western Niger and operated by Société des Mines du Liptako (SML) since 2019, has been struggling financially. According to the government, McKinel defaulted on a $10 million investment…
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is set to introduce the world’s first contraceptive that can prevent pregnancy for up to eight years, starting in Kenya. This new hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) releases progestin, a synthetic hormone, which thickens cervical mucus to block sperm and may also prevent ovulation. It is designed to be affordable, accessible, reversible, and low-maintenance, marking a significant advance in long-term family planning options. Kenya will be among the first countries to receive this innovation, alongside Nigeria and India, as part of a broader initiative by the foundation backed by a $2.5 billion investment aimed at…