The academic achievements of Prof. Iya Abubakar, former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria continue to shine at the University of Ibadan (UI), 67 years after his graduation. This was confirmed by the Head of the Mathematics Department at UI, Dr. Murphy E. Egwe, during a goodwill message at Prof. Abubakar’s 90th birthday celebration on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The event, held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, was jointly organized by the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria and the Nigeria Computer Society. Dr. Egwe, an associate professor, described Prof. Abubakar’s academic record as unparalleled. He revealed…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
Niger’s authorities have suspended the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for three months following its coverage of an alleged extremist attack that reportedly claimed the lives of dozens of Nigerien soldiers and civilians. The government accused the BBC of disseminating false information, which it claims destabilized public order and undermined troop morale. The controversial BBC report, aired in Hausa, stated that gunmen killed over 90 soldiers and 40 civilians in two villages near the Burkina Faso border. The French broadcaster Radio France Internationale (RFI) also reported the incident, describing it as a jihadi assault with the same death toll. However, Niger’s…
TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of global ICT solutions provider Angola Cables, has announced plans to establish a new Point of Presence (PoP) at the Lagos Rack Centre facility. This strategic move aims to enhance low-latency interconnectivity and Cloud access across West Africa. Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria and West Africa, highlighted the initiative as a critical step in leveraging Angola Cables’ extensive backbone network to provide businesses and communities with faster, more affordable access to digital content and services. “The new PoP at Rack Centre represents a significant advancement in West Africa’s digital infrastructure, delivering faster and more reliable…
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), at its December 2024 meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, shared a total sum of N1.727 trillion to the three tiers of government as Federation Allocation for November 2024 from a gross total of N3.143 trillion. A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga on Friday, said from the stated amount inclusive of Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Exchange Difference (ED), the Federal Government received N581.856 billion,…
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced the scrapping of the office of the Chief of Staff and the removal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, citing health reasons. The shakeup, announced on Thursday by the Director-General of Media, Sanusi Dawakintofa, aims to optimize the cabinet’s performance and ensure better political and administrative alignment. Among the key changes, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has been reassigned from Commissioner for Local Government to Commissioner for Higher Education. Cabinet reshuffle highlights Chief of Staff Office Scrapped: Shehu Wada Sagagi’s office has been eliminated as…
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Thursday that Zimbabwe is bracing for another dry spell that could push millions of already struggling citizens deeper into hunger. The persistent drought, driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon, is among the worst Southern Africa has experienced in decades, leaving countries like Zimbabwe grappling with severe food shortages. Despite earlier forecasts that rains would begin in October to mark the start of the six-month rainy season, the country has experienced only sporadic rainfall, with a few days of rain in late November offering little relief. Communities bear the brunt In…
The Chad National Transitional Council (CNT) has elevated General Mahamat Idriss Déby to the prestigious rank of Marshal, equating him with his late father, Idriss Déby Itno, who previously held the title as president of Chad. The decision, made on December 10, 2024, passed overwhelmingly with 160 votes in favour, two against, and six abstentions in the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS)-dominated council. Chad’s rank of Marshal is reserved for military leaders who have demonstrated exceptional success in safeguarding the nation against insurgencies. The late Idriss Déby Itno, who ruled Chad for 30 years, earned this rank in 2020 after…
In a landmark move for regional energy integration, Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil jointly announced the first-ever export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, to Cameroon. This milestone, resulting from a strategic collaboration between the two companies, underscores their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region’s growing energy demands. Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, stated: “This first export of PMS to Cameroon is a tangible demonstration of our vision for a united and energy-independent Africa. With this development, we are laying the foundation for…
The Aliko Dangote-led Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) has delivered emergency relief materials valued at N1 billion to the Government of Borno State for onward distribution to persons affected by the 2024 flood in the State. During the handover ceremony held yesterday in Maiduguri, the Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Hajara Modu, said the committee was committed to supporting flood-affected communities. Representing the co-chairmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, the Secretary said that the distribution of food and non-food items fulfills the pledge made by the committee at the…
Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is constitutionally barred from contesting the 2026 presidential election, putting to rest debates surrounding his eligibility. Delivering the verdict, Justice Arnold Shilimi affirmed that while Lungu was permitted to contest the 2021 election, the constitutional limit of two five-year terms prevents him from seeking another term. The court’s decision came in response to a petition filed by Lusaka businessman Michelo Chizombe, who argued that Lungu’s attempt to contest a third term violated Zambia’s constitution. Lungu’s political journey began when he assumed the presidency in 2015 following the death of President…