The United States has raised concerns that Nigeria’s newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage remains far below the poverty threshold and is inadequate to improve living standards. In its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released on August 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of State observed that despite the increment, the wage’s real value has been eroded by inflation and currency depreciation. With the naira’s current weakness, ₦70,000 equals just $47.90 per month, making it among the lowest statutory wages globally. Nigeria below poverty benchmark The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $2.15 per day, which…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Researchers from Southeast University in China and Purdue University have developed an innovative cement that can actively cool buildings by reflecting sunlight and radiating heat, potentially revolutionizing urban construction and climate change mitigation. This “supercool cement” maintains surface temperatures up to 5.4°C (9.7°F) cooler than the surrounding air under peak sunlight, reducing the need for traditional air conditioning. The key lies in microscopic crystals of a natural mineral called ettringite embedded in the cement surface, which act like tiny mirrors reflecting solar radiation and releasing heat into the atmosphere. Buildings currently account for about 40% of global energy use and…
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appealed to all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timelines set by the Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2026 Hajj operations. The commission stressed that there would be no deadline extensions for visa processing, payments, or contractual agreements, urging all stakeholders to make early preparations. NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, made this known in Abuja on Thursday during the Post-Hajj Stakeholders’ Meeting with Licensed Tour Operator Companies. The statement was issued by the commission’s Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafii Mohammed. Elegushi warned stakeholders to strictly follow the official Saudi Hajj…
74% report AI is making insider threats more effective, and 53% expect insider threats to increase
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has quietly returned to Nigeria after spending about one month in the United Kingdom. The former governor of Kano State, who resigned as APC Chairman in June citing health concerns, was said to have traveled to London for medical treatment amid speculation over his wellbeing. Reliable sources confirmed that Ganduje arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, slipping back into the country without fanfare. His return followed weeks of uncertainty, during which several reports claimed he was rushed to a London hospital in critical condition. Those…
One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough about a subject to think you’re right, but not enough about the subject to know you’re wrong- Neil Tyson
By Abdallah el-Kurebe I August 21, 2025: A newly released FAOSTAT analytical brief unveils striking transformations in global land use over the past two decades, capturing both the resurgence of cropland and the retreat of permanent pastures. The findings underscore the relentless intensification of agriculture—and the environmental consequences that come with it. Key takeaways Cropland expansion vs. pasture declineBetween 2001 and 2023, the world saw a significant shift in agricultural land allocation. Cropland expanded by approximately 78 million hectares, while permanent meadows and pastures shrank by 150 million hectares, resulting in an overall 2% contraction of total agricultural land. Global…
Healthcare has emerged as one of the weakest links in governance across Nigeria, according to the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI). The report shows that while some states are making progress in public health delivery, most citizens remain dissatisfied with the quality, access and affordability of healthcare services. The national assessment released in Abuja by Phillips Consulting (PCL) and made available to newsmen on Thursday showed the performance index. The firm evaluated 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) using both objective data (70 per cent) and citizen perception (30 per cent) across critical governance indicators. The report said…
Nigeria’s rice milling industry stands at a critical crossroads. Despite the country’s vast potential to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production, millers continue to grapple with insecurity, smuggling, high input costs, and inconsistent government policies. In this exclusive interview with Abdallah el-Kurebe, ASHENEWS Editor-in-Chief, Peter Dama, National Chairman of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and Chairman of the CARF-FSD Board of Trustees, Nigeria Chapter, speaks on the current state of the industry, the strategies being pursued to make Nigerian rice more competitive, and the urgent policy interventions needed to unlock growth. He also highlights ongoing collaborations with ECOWAS and…
Meet the “Ayam Cemani”, a rare and striking chicken from Indonesia that fascinates farmers and collectors worldwide. The chicken can cost up to $9,000. All-black appearance: Ayam Cemani is known for its entirely black body—feathers, beak, tongue, skin, and even bones! This unique trait is caused by a genetic mutation called fibromelanosis. Rarity makes it expensive: These chickens are extremely rare. Limited supply and high demand drive the price up, making them the most expensive chicken in the world. Cultural significance: In Indonesia, this chicken is valued in rituals and traditional ceremonies. It is believed to bring luck, prosperity, and…