Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has said that ideas showcased at the Enugu Tech Festival will be assessed for commercial viability. Udeh spoke at the Enugu Tech Festival 2026, themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” held at the Enugu International Conference Centre. He said: “I am making a firm commitment that the Tech Fest will not simply end as an event. “The products exhibited and ideas presented will be collated and rigorously evaluated for commercial viability. “Those with strong potential will receive funding support through collaboration between the Federal Government, Enugu State, and interested…
Author: Newsdesk
IndiGo on Saturday temporarily suspended flights to and from the Middle East in view of the evolving situation in Iran. The recent strike by the US and Israel on Iran has led to widespread flight disruptions across the Middle East. Airlines, including Emirates and Etihad, have faced airspace closures, impacting international travel. Airlines are rerouting or cancelling flights, emphasizing the need for passengers to monitor flight statuses closely. “In view of evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and the Middle East, all flights to and from the Middle East are cancelled till 0000 hrs,” it said in a post on X.…
Sri Lanka on Sunday began National Drug Prevention Week as part of the government-backed “A Nation United” campaign, aimed at curbing illegal drugs and expanding rehabilitation and public awareness efforts. The initiative which aims to suppress the sale of illegal drugs and help people with drug addiction access rehabilitation. The programme also seeks to raise public awareness and encourage social dialogue on how to address the drug crisis. During the week, officials will run an island-wide awareness campaign at state institutions and schools, with programmes involving government ministries and affiliated institutions. Organisers said that they also planned new awareness activities…
…signs MoU with Aleph Technical Services Akwa Ibom State Government and Aleph Technical and Advisory Services have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, for the management of government owned hospitality facilities across the State. The MoU was signed on Friday February 27, 2026, at Government House, Uyo, shortly after Governor Umo Eno returned from a working visit to the Federal Capital City, Abuja and CSS Farms in Gora, Nasarawa State. The MOU covers four facilities in the State including Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Four Points by Sheraton, Ibom International Hotel, and the ARISE Palm Resort. In his remarks at…
Indigenes of Ikwere, Obiakpor, and Etche Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers are set to benefit from a free eye-screening programme courtesy of ADIafrica, a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Ashenews gathered through NAN reports that the initiative is aimed at promoting accessible healthcare. International President of the NGO, Dr Prince Mbachi, disclosed this at the flag-off of the two-day eye-screening outreach held in Port Harcourt on Saturday. Mbachi said no fewer than 340 persons were expected to benefit from the exercise in the state. He explained that the outreach was organised by ADIafrica in collaboration with the Stephen and Judith Igwe…
Dangote Cement Plc has signed a $1 billion agreement with Sinoma International Engineering for the construction of 12 new cement plants and the expansion of existing facilities across Africa. The deal was disclosed by MarketForces Africa following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos on Friday. The agreement supports Dangote Cement’s drive to scale production, expand its market footprint, and consolidate its leadership across the continent. Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, described the projects as key enablers for reaching a production capacity of 80 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030. He said the expansion aligns with the Group’s Vision 2030 agenda, which targets $100 billion in…
Abia State Government has finalised the acquisition of Afro Beverages from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), marking another step in its industrial revival agenda. Governor Alex Otti disclosed the development on Friday during the February edition of his monthly media parley at the Government House in Umuahia. Afro Beverages is among five moribund industries identified by the administration for revival as part of efforts to boost manufacturing output and create jobs in the state. Speaking at the briefing, Otti said the government had concluded the acquisition process and was already engaging potential investors. “The State Government has completed the acquisition of Afro Beverages…
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States have signed a $1.2bn strategic health agreement aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system and expanding disease prevention programmes over the next five years, according to a joint statement issued Thursday. The partnership, covering the period from 2026 to 2031, combines $900m in targeted assistance from the US government with a commitment by Kinshasa to contribute $300m through progressively increased domestic health expenditure. Officials from both governments described the agreement as a long-term investment designed to improve healthcare delivery while encouraging greater national ownership of public health financing. The deal reflects…
Regional military leaders in West Africa have renewed calls for closer operational cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signalling a pragmatic shift toward collective security despite ongoing political tensions across the region. The commitment followed high-level security talks held Thursday in Freetown, Sierra Leone, chaired by President Julius Maada Bio in his capacity as ECOWAS chairperson. Defence chiefs and senior officials gathered to accelerate plans for deploying a multinational force aimed at countering escalating extremist violence threatening both Sahelian and coastal states. Officials stressed that coordination between ECOWAS and…
The Nigeria Customs Service has formally handed over five live pangolins to the Green Fingers Wildlife Foundation for rehabilitation and eventual release back into their natural habitat. Speaking during the handover on Saturday in Bauchi, the Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D Bauchi, Mr Abdullahi Ka’ila, said the gesture was made on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi He noted that the action underscores the service’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species. “The rescued pangolins were intercepted during anti-smuggling operations and subsequently handed over to the Green Fingers Wildlife Foundation for professional care, rehabilitation and…