The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned what it described as a disturbing rise in clampdowns on press freedom across Nigeria. In a statement issued in Lagos, the IPC SPJ-Hub said data collected from its press freedom monitoring between January and June 2025 revealed an unrelenting trend of attacks on journalists and media practitioners. The centre cited three alarming incidents between June and July as evidence of the growing hostility towards the press. The incidents include the prolonged detention of Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori, a former staff member of Africa Independent Television…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The Nigerian government has unveiled a 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) to transform the country’s agricultural sector, with Vice President Kashim Shettima declaring that youth-led innovation will be central to the nation’s food systems transition. The plan forms a key part of Nigeria’s national strategy to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2036), adopted by African Heads of State to enhance food and nutrition security across the continent. Speaking on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at a high-level dialogue between African youth agri-food entrepreneurs and African leaders during the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment…
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Tuesday launched the 2025 sales and distribution of fertiliser, seeds, pesticides, and agro-allied chemicals to farmers at subsidised rates across the state. The flag-off ceremony took place in Gwadabawa Local Government Area. Governor Aliyu announced that the state government has invested ₦5.3 billion in procuring the essential farming inputs for the current wet season. With a 40% subsidy, farmers will now pay ₦28,800 for a bag of NPK fertiliser and ₦29,800 for a bag of Urea. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and improve farmers’ livelihoods. “We are committed to…
A 44-year-long epidemic could soon be brought under control, following the groundbreaking approval of the first HIV drug offering 100% protection through twice-yearly injections. This landmark medical achievement holds the potential to save millions of lives worldwide. Furthermore, its manufacturers are ensuring affordable global access by entering into royalty-free licensing agreements with six generic drug producers for its manufacture and distribution. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted approval to lenacapavir, marketed as Yeztugo. This innovative drug belongs to a class called capsid inhibitors, offering near-complete protection against HIV infection, a condition that currently impacts…
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has again raised alarm over Nigeria’s ballooning public debt, decrying what he described as “reckless and unaccountable borrowing” by the current administration. In a strongly worded statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi revealed that following the Senate’s latest approval of external loans totalling $21 billion, €2.2 billion, and ¥15 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal cycle, Nigeria’s total debt burden has now surged to an unprecedented N187 trillion — with fears it could exceed N200 trillion before the year ends. “This brings our total debt to about N187 trillion,”…
Efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and improve global mental health are facing significant setbacks as unhealthy industries exert pressure on governments, prompting a weakening of the upcoming United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs. Health advocates are warning that the current draft of the declaration—set for adoption during the High-Level Meeting (HLM4) at the UN General Assembly in September 2025—has been stripped of meaningful commitments due to lobbying from the tobacco, alcohol, processed food, and fossil fuel industries. Instead of firm commitments, the revised document now employs diluted language, replacing terms like “implement” and “enact” with “consider” and “encourage.” This…
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately plunging Nigeria into a dangerous debt trap with its recent push for a $21 billion loan request. The party described the move as reckless and insensitive to the country’s already dire economic situation. In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi, the ADC warned that the loan request, recently approved by the National Assembly, is not only excessive but also unsustainable. He said the APC government has shown a troubling pattern of relying heavily on borrowing without a clear and convincing…
Molasses is a thick, dark, and sweet liquid that remains as a byproduct after sugar is extracted—primarily from sugarcane. Once the cane is crushed and boiled to extract sugar crystals, the leftover syrup is known as molasses. Though not pure sugar, it is rich in soluble sugars and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, along with various beneficial organic compounds. How molasses supports sustainable agriculture 1. Fuel for soil microorganisms: When diluted with water and applied to the soil, molasses acts as a quick energy source for beneficial bacteria and fungi. This stimulates microbial activity, accelerates the breakdown…
Across the globe, there are a few nations where cattle outnumber humans, illustrating the vital role livestock farming plays in their economies, cultures, and rural ways of life. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and New Zealand each have more cows than people, highlighting their strong ties to the beef and dairy industries. In Argentina, the cattle population reaches approximately 54.2 million, surpassing the country’s 45.5 million residents. Known for its expansive pampas and rich beef traditions, Argentina’s livestock industry is both an economic powerhouse and a cultural icon deeply woven into national identity. Brazil, home to one of the world’s largest cattle…
A Chinese startup, Unitray Robotics, has launched a cutting-edge autonomous delivery robot that is set to redefine urban logistics. The robot is designed to handle last-mile delivery operations efficiently in various settings such as campuses, residential areas, and business parks. What sets Unitray’s robot apart is its high level of autonomy and robust obstacle-avoidance system, allowing it to navigate complex urban environments with ease. The robot can carry a payload of up to 100 kilograms and travel at a top speed of 15 km/h. It is equipped with advanced sensors and LiDAR technology for real-time environmental mapping and obstacle detection.…