The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Pairwise, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have launched the Yam Optimized Architecture through Gene Editing (YOAGE) project, an innovative initiative aimed at transforming yam farming. This four-year project seeks to introduce novel genetic variations to reduce labor and environmental impacts associated with traditional yam staking, while enabling mechanized farming in Nigeria, where yam serves as a vital staple crop. YOAGE focuses on developing bushy-type yam varieties by identifying the genes responsible for plant growth. Using Pairwise’s Fulcrum Platform technology, the project will optimize gene editing for more efficient yam cultivation. Collaboration…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) LL.B Class of 1978 on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, presented a solar power system to the university to support the Faculty of Law, providing electricity to the theatre halls and staff offices. The solar system, which costs N11 million, includes a 10KVA inverter, 6.6KW solar panels, and a 30KW lithium battery backup package. During the brief but vibrant ceremony, Prof. Auwalu Hamisu Yadudu, Deputy President of the ABU LL.B Class of 1978, handed over the project to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala. Yadudu, who represented the Class President, Prof. Momodu Kassim Momodu, explained that members…
In today’s world, businesses are increasingly aware that operating sustainably is no longer just an option—it’s essential. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles continue to reshape industries globally, Nigerian companies are recognizing that integrating these values into their operations is vital for long-term success. It helps companies manage risks, meet regulations, and build stronger relationships with stakeholders and investors who prioritize sustainability. To support this shift, Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with PwC, NGX, UNIDO ITPO Nigeria, LBS Sustainability Centre, LCCI, NECA, and Sterling Bank, is excited to host ESG Series 4.0 on October 25, 2024. This event will…
The De Renaissance Patriots, a socio-cultural organization for Lagos State indigenes, has raised concerns about a proposed bill in the Lagos State House of Assembly seeking to amend the state’s Local Government Administration Law. In a letter dated October 22, 2024, addressed to the Speaker, Mudashiru Ajaiyi Obasa, the foundation argued that local governments cannot achieve full autonomy without the restoration of their constitutionally assigned revenue sources. At an emergency meeting held on October 18, 2024, the Patriots reviewed the bill and criticized its provisions, including the replacement of the state’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) with 37 Area…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has pointed to the principle of regionalism as the core issue hindering Nigeria’s progress, describing it as the root of the country’s challenges. Obasanjo made this statement in Abeokuta on Tuesday during a visit from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau. Reflecting on Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Obasanjo noted that the same regionalism adopted then continues to persist today, hampering national unity. He emphasized that the focus should not be on where a leader comes from but rather on what they bring to the table in terms of development…
The Dangote Group has clarified that no fresh legal case has been filed against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) or other parties involved in a dispute that began in June 2024 and led to a formal filing in court on September 6, 2024. In light of ongoing discussions prompted by President Bola Tinubu’s directive concerning the Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Naira Initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), significant progress has been made. ALSO READ Dangote seeks N100bn damages against NNPCL ALSO READ Dangote now 65th world richest person with $28bn ALSO…
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, praying it to nullify import licenses the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and six others secured to import refined petroleum products into the country. It also sought general damages in the sum of N100 billion against the NNPCL and an order of court directing the NNPCL to seal off all tank farms, storage facilities, warehouses, and stations used by the defendants to store all refined petroleum products imported into Nigeria. The plaintiff, in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, is querying the propriety of the license issued to the…
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) plays a critical role in safeguarding South Africa’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the backbone of South Africa’s defence infrastructure, the SANDF processes vast amounts of personal information, but also classified information essential to its operations, intelligence and planning. Given this crucial function, the SANDF is expected to maintain the highest level of security when it comes to protecting its data systems. However, there have been recent allegations that its data systems were “compromised” by an installer’s SIM cards and open access Wi-Fi. It was reported by City Press that the computer management…
Polaris Bank is organizing an open workshop for all classes of Journalist across the media spectrum as one of its critical CSR intervention meant to positively impact key stakeholders. This is part of its ongoing commitment to continually empower the Nigerian media and enable it play the critical watchdog role in the society, The 2024 media workshop with the theme: “Integrating AI tools in Contemporary Media practices for Innovation and Excellence” falls within the Bank’s intervention programs under its Education/Capacity Building Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) pillar which deepens media relations, and contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s media landscape. Scheduled…
“The trade of governing has always been monopolised by the most ignorant and the most rascally individuals of mankind.” — Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Last week, we examined how certain leaders tend to overlook their inadequacies while scrutinising the failings of others. We likened them to individuals whose cerebral configurations had been exchanged with those of donkeys upon their ascension to leadership. Consequently, one may never restore their cognitive faculties, no matter how fervently one endeavours to reboot one’s senses. One such leader endeavoured to persuade his audience that Nyesom Wike’s appointment as a minister in an opposition party government was not…