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…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
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…
The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, on Wednesday began a nationwide training of basic school teachers on digital pedagogy and remote teaching. The five-day training, which will also focus on e-learning, climate literacy and green life skills, is taking place simultaneously in Kaduna and Lagos, with the participants drawn from the 26 states and FCT. It has as its theme, ‘Digital Pedagogy, Remote Learning, E-Learning, Climate Literacy and Green Life Skills.’ The training was organised by the Institute in collaboration with the Universal Basic Commission (UBEC). Declaring open the workshops, NTI’s pioneer female Director-General, Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, said they represent…
South Korea’s previous defense minister was stopped from attempting suicide while in detention over last week’s martial law, officials said, as police were reported to be raiding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office Wednesday in their intensifying investigation. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party also plans to submit a new motion to impeach Yoon for his December 3 declaration that imposed martial law. Yoon’s ill-conceived power grab has paralyzed South Korean politics, frozen its foreign policy, and rattled financial markets, greatly reducing his chances of completing his five-year term and casting a turbulent shadow over one of Asia’s most robust democracies. Shin Yong Hae, commissioner general of…
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has disclosed why he encourages his daughters to retaliate if their husbands slap them. He made this known at the National Dialogue Conference on Gender-Based Violence, GBV, prevention from an Islamic perspective themed: ‘Islamic Teachings and Community Collaboration for Ending Gender-Based Violence.’ Sanusi disclosed that domestic violence and wife battery form 45 percent of cases in nine Shari’a courts of Kano in the past five years. According to Sanusi, he usually tells his daughters this when they are getting married. “You can take that verse and say that as a husband, I’ve been…
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) has increased its scrutiny of fintech startups by fining two of the country’s most prominent unicorns, Moniepoint and OPay, ₦1 billion each in the second quarter of 2024. This is according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter, who told TechCabal that several other fintech companies were also penalized, the two firms were the hardest hit. The penalties followed a routine CBN audit of the fintech sector, which revealed compliance issues. According to two sources familiar with the process, these regulatory checks are a standard procedure for banks and financial institutions under CBN…
South Korea has imposed a travel ban on its president, Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial and failed attempt to impose martial law last week. The travel restriction, enacted on December 9, prevents Yoon from leaving the country as he faces an investigation into alleged insurrection. This marks an unprecedented turn of events for the embattled leader, whose declaration of martial law on December 3 was swiftly overturned. According to Reuters, Yoon is being investigated for attempting to use martial law to consolidate power, a move seen by critics as an unconstitutional overreach. While South Korean presidents typically enjoy immunity…