In a decisive move to combat a surge in suspected heavy metal poisoning cases, the Sokoto State Government has adopted a comprehensive treatment protocol to manage the crisis affecting several Local Government Areas (LGAs). The State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Umar Abubakar, disclosed that 34 patients from Tureta LGA are currently receiving specialized care at the Sokoto State Government Specialist Hospital. The government is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), which has deployed a team to investigate the outbreak and collect samples for analysis. To enhance response efforts, he explained, a special committee has…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
A new report by SBM Intelligence has revealed the devastating impact of Nigeria’s farmer- herder crisis, which has displaced over 2.2 million people and intensified food insecurity across the country. The report paints a grim picture of growing instability as violent clashes continue to disrupt livelihoods, drive up food prices, and fuel insecurity nationwide. Titled “A Threat to National Stability: How the Escalating Conflict Between Herders and Farming Communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt Has Spread South While Maintaining Its Grip on the Country’s Food Basket (2019-2025),” the report highlights how the conflict has evolved over the past six years, spreading…
The number of children dying globally before their fifth birthday declined to 4.8 million in 2023, while stillbirths declined modestly, remaining around 1.9 million, according to two new reports released on Monday by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME). Since 2000, child deaths have dropped by more than half and stillbirths by over a third, fueled by sustained investments in child survival worldwide. In 2022, the world reached a historic milestone when child deaths dropped slightly below 5 million for the first time. However, progress has slowed and too many children are still being lost…
Two years after President Ibrahim Traore assumed office as the military leader in Burkina Faso, significant strides have been recorded, particularly in the agricultural sector. Traore’s administration has prioritized the development of agriculture as a means to ensure food security, promote local production, and enhance rural livelihoods. Agriculture: A commitment to food security and local production President Traore’s dedication to agriculture has resulted in tangible growth and infrastructure development. Among his notable achievements are: Increased Agricultural Mechanization: Over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles were distributed to farmers, significantly enhancing mechanized farming and productivity. Access to…
As the global shift toward a low-carbon economy intensifies, coal has come under increased scrutiny, with many industrialized nations citing its environmental and health impacts. However, the African Energy Chamber (AEC)—the voice of Africa’s energy sector—is making a case for coal as an essential component of the continent’s energy mix. Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil & Gas Conference 2025, organized by the South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA), NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, emphasized that Africa cannot afford to abandon coal, given its role in driving economic growth and ensuring energy security. The AEC is a…
“I hereby direct the cessation of operations of all Voice of America (VOA) stations globally, effective immediately. This decision is in the interest of national security and fiscal responsibility.” – Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The above directive sent shockwaves through communities in Nigeria and across Africa, where VOA has long been a trusted source of independent news. For many, the station wasn’t just a broadcaster; it was a reliable voice, cutting through misinformation and offering clarity on global events. “VOA was like a lifeline for us,” said Sani Musa, a farmer in northern Nigeria. “It brought us news…
As glacier loss threatens global freshwater systems, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for stronger water conservation efforts as Nigeria joins the global community in marking the 2025 World Water Day. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, Utsev said the theme, “Glacier Preservation,” reflects the significance of global water security and the impact of climate change on freshwater resources. The minister noted that although Nigeria does not have glaciers, their rapid melting due to climate change is contributing to rising sea levels, erratic weather patterns, and freshwater shortages. He said this…
ASHENEWS reports that a major disaster was averted in Sokoto on Tuesday following the swift intervention of security agencies, fire services, and emergency responders after a fuel tanker overturned along the Gagi-Nakasari axis in Sokoto South Local Government Area. The tanker, carrying 45,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), fell while attempting to reverse at the Nakasari Roundabout, spilling fuel and posing a high risk of fire and explosion. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have been performing repairs or was improperly positioned during the maneuver, leading to the accident. Although no official statement had been released at the…
A growing number of countries are taking steps to decarbonize the building sector, but slow progress and inadequate financing continue to jeopardize global climate goals. These are the key findings of the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024-2025, published today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). The report, titled Not Just Another Brick in the Wall, highlights progress toward global climate targets while calling for greater ambition in six critical areas, including building energy codes, renewable energy adoption, and financing mechanisms. Global initiatives such as the Intergovernmental Council for…
The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has opened applications for the 2025 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), a prestigious initiative recognizing female agripreneurs who demonstrate innovation and excellence in agricultural value chains. The awards, which come with grants of up to $300,000, celebrate outstanding contributions by women in agribusiness across Africa. Since its inception in 2021, WAYA has honoured female entrepreneurs in three key categories: Young Female Agripreneur (for innovators under 35), Female Agriculture Tech Innovator (championing technological advancements in agribusiness), and Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise (enhancing the economic value of agricultural products). In 2024, AGRA expanded…