A fertilizer is any material of natural or synthetic origin that is applied to soil or to plant tissues to supply plant nutrients. Fertilizers may be distinct from liming materials or other non-nutrient soil amendments. Many sources of fertilizer exist, both natural and industrially produced. By Ibraheem Dooba Fertilizer has become costly these days. In Nigeria, some brands are selling for over N40,000. This makes fertilizer the most significant expense for our farmers. Not to mention, chemical fertilizers harm both our soil and our health over time. However, there’s no need to worry. You can now produce your own fertilizer that is both affordable and safe. While our…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
It all started as a small cough. Shola waved it off, saying it was just the dusty weather and nothing serious. The next minute, he started wheezing. He tried to breathe in, but his lungs did not cooperate. Then his chest tightened, and he clutched his shirt, with his eyes wide in panic. It was asthma. He tried to call for help, but my voice was hidden in his throat. Luckily, his neighbors saw him struggling. They told him to “calm down,” but his breathing only got worse, and his lips started turning blue. That was when they knew it…
Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is a surgical procedure used for permanent female sterilization. During the procedure, both fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked to prevent eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus, thereby preventing pregnancy. It is considered a highly effective form of contraception. Factors that lead to the decision to undergo BTL Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is a surgical procedure in which both fallopian tubes are blocked, cut, or sealed to prevent pregnancy. It is a form of permanent female sterilization. Several factors can lead to the decision to undergo BTL, including: Family planning: Women who…
In the heart of Northwest Nigeria, where economic hardship continues to take its toll on the masses, there stands a man whose name is synonymous with hope, relief, and unwavering generosity. Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, a political figure deeply revered by his people, has carved a niche for himself in the hearts of the downtrodden. He is more than a politician; he is a beacon of light for those who find themselves at the mercy of hunger, despair, and suffering. His intervention in the lives of the poor has often meant the difference between life and death, between dignity and…
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…
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…