Recent data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveals that three African countries—Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria—are among the top 37 nations globally by share of the population using the internet. Leading the global ranking are Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both boasting full internet penetration at 100%. Norway follows closely with 99%, while South Korea (98%), Malaysia (97%), Switzerland (96%), and the United Kingdom (95%) also rank high. On the African continent, Egypt is the standout with 72% usage, followed by South Africa at 70%, and Nigeria at 36%. While Nigeria’s penetration rate is lower, its large…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
An Abuja-based farmer, Mr. Andrew Nanfwang, has urged the federal government of Nigeria to accelerate nationwide access to TELA maize seeds, following the remarkable performance of the genetically modified (GM) crop on his farm. Speaking during a visit by representatives from several federal agencies, Mr. Nanfwang explained how the drought-tolerant TELA maize variety helped him overcome a prolonged dry spell that affected most maize fields in his area. “This year, we experienced a drought that lasted over three weeks. Most farms in my locality were severely impacted, but my TELA maize withstood the dry spell,” he said. “People constantly stop…
Four Nigerian federal agencies have given a thumbs-up to the performance of genetically modified (GM) maize and cowpea after inspecting demonstration farms in a “Seeing is Believing” tour. The tour was led by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and included officials from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA). It was aimed at deepening the agencies’ understanding of GM crop performance and biosafety regulation in Nigeria. Guiding the delegation through the fields, Dr. Yarama Ndipaya of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) showcased the…
Three Nigerian teenagers, Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Hadija Kalli, have been awarded fully-funded scholarships by the Atiku Abubakar Foundation (AAF) in recognition of their exceptional performance at the TeenEagle Global Finals. This is contained in a letter dated August 5, 2025, signed by the Acting Secratey of the Foundation, Prof. Ahmadu Shehu and sighted by ASHENEWS. The trio, who emerged as global champions in different categories of the prestigious international academic competition, were celebrated for their excellence and resilience. The Foundation commended the students for their “remarkable success.” Seventeen-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi particularly stood out for her mastery of the…
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to announce plans to launch its long-anticipated single currency, the ECO, by 2027. This initiative will replace the CFA franc—a colonial-era currency printed and regulated in France—marking a symbolic and economic step toward regional integration and greater financial independence for West African nations. ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray highlighted that the ECO’s rollout will begin with member countries ready to meet stringent economic criteria, while offering support to others to catch up. Unlike previous plans that awaited unanimous readiness, this phased approach aims to accelerate the ECO’s introduction as a key…
A growing number of scientists and public health experts are demanding that U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. release the scientific data that informed the controversial decision to cancel a $500 million federal investment in next-generation mRNA vaccine research. The abrupt termination of the program—announced with limited detail—has sparked concern and confusion across the scientific community, especially given the central role that mRNA vaccines have played in combating COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. At the heart of the controversy is the lack of transparency surrounding the evidence and deliberations that led to the cancellation. Professor Andrew…
Libreville, Gabon — Gabon has entered a strategic partnership with Global Fishing Watch (GFW), a leading nonprofit that uses satellite technology to track global fishing activities. The move is designed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in June 2025, outlines a collaborative framework between Gabon’s Ministry of the Sea, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Global Fishing Watch, and its partner organization Trygg Mat Tracking. The agreement will significantly boost Gabon’s Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) efforts by leveraging cutting-edge vessel tracking technologies and data-sharing…
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting cattle, caused by the LSD virus, which belongs to the Capripoxvirus genus—closely related to sheep and goat pox viruses. It is primarily transmitted through insect vectors, especially mosquitoes, making its spread more prevalent in warm seasons. How does LSD affect cattle? LSD presents itself in an epidemic form, often spreading rapidly within herds. Key clinical signs include: ✍️Firm nodules and lumps on the skin✍️Inflammation of lymph nodes✍️Swelling (edema) of the limbs and chest✍️Fever and fatigue✍️Diarrhea✍️Sharp drop in milk production✍️Infertility and miscarriages in breeding cows In addition to…
LAGOS, Nigeria – As his presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB) draws to a close, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to Africa’s economic transformation, pledging to continue mobilizing global capital for the continent beyond his current role. Adesina, whose tenure as AfDB President ends on September 1, 2025, made this vow in a keynote address titled “Tilting Global Capital for Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Africa” at the Standard Chartered Africa Summit held in Lagos on July 31. “Together, let us tilt global capital to unlock Africa’s assets. As I step into a new future, you can…
The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, has assured the Delta State Government of its inclusion in the second phase of the Smallholder Farmers Initiative—pending the successful acquisition of a new grant for the project. Abdullahi gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from Delta State, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, during a familiarization visit to the Agency. Also on the delegation were the Special Adviser on Agriculture, George Oyefia, who represented the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as the Delta State Coordinator, Mrs. Christie Eruotor.…