South Africa’s efforts to accelerate infrastructure investment, create jobs, and drive economic growth have received a major boost with the World Bank Board of Executive Directors’ approval of the South Africa Blended Finance Platform for Resilient Infrastructure Program. The program establishes a new Credit Guarantee Vehicle (CGV) to help mobilize private capital for resilient infrastructure, with the World Bank—alongside national and international development partners—supporting South Africa’s reform agenda. South Africa’s growth has averaged less than one percent over the past decade, while unemployment remains above 30%, with young people being disproportionately affected. Persistent bottlenecks in electricity, freight logistics, and water services continue…
Author: Newsdesk
Vodacom launched the 2026 cohort of the UN Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator at Vodacom World in Johannesburg, welcoming 98 young professionals from across Africa to develop commercially viable business solutions aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a three-time Top Employer and consistent top-ranked participant in the prestigious global programme since 2023, Vodacom is leveraging its participation to strengthen its talent pipeline, foster a culture of innovation, and equip high-potential young professionals with the skills and opportunities to drive sustainable business solutions. “This programme embodies what Vodacom stands for, which is empowering people to innovate for a…
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed a Federal High Court judgment that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan. The convention held from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2025. On Oct. 31, 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja restrained INEC the outcome of the national convention. In a unanimous judgment on Monday, a three-member panel of the appellate court resolved the four issues for determination against the PDP. It held that the appeal by the PDP was without merit…
The Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to creating an enabling environment, where women could thrive professionally and financially. Lawal, in a statement issued to newsmen to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) on Sunday, said the bank joined the global community in celebrating the IWD. He restated the bank’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empower women and support initiatives that fostered inclusive growth across the society. The IWD celebrated annually on March 8, provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women across all sectors, while highlighting the need to accelerate action…
Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria, Sen. Nicholas Ukachukwu, says the institution has created a N50 billion endowment fund to drive cutting-edge research and innovation. Ukachukwu disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja during an interview on the sidelines of the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony. He said the initiative would ensure research undertaken at the institution produces practical solutions and measurable societal impact. “We set up this university to be a centre for research and the N50 billion endowment fund will focus on special categories of research and disciplines,” he said. Ukachukwu said the university would support research from discovery…
Ethiopian Airlines has launched eight flights operated entirely by women to mark International Women’s Day, highlighting the growing role of female professionals across Africa’s aviation industry. The flights departed simultaneously from Addis Ababa on March 8 to destinations across Africa, Europe and Asia, with every operational role — from cockpit to ground handling — carried out by women. The initiative comes at a time when Africa’s aviation sector is experiencing renewed growth, with airlines expanding routes and rebuilding capacity as international travel demand continues to rebound. According to the airline, the programme aims to celebrate women’s achievements in aviation while encouraging…
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, the appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by a faction of the PDP led by a former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, which had challenged the jurisdiction of the lower court to entertain the suit. Ashenews gathered that the appeal formed part of nine harmonised appeals brought…
The village head of Ikot Obong village in Ikpa Ibekwe clan in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Eteidung Gordon Etukeren, has demanded the sum of N50 million as damages from those who dumped a dead corpse in his palace, saying he and his family had been exposed to psychological trauma and health challenges from the stench oozing from the corpse. It was gathered that some aggrieved persons reportedly dumped a corpse in the palace of the village head, without his consent. The incident that occurred last Saturday was the high point of a dispute between the…
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has settled the medical bills of a pregnant woman and her husband, who are currently receiving treatment for severe burns following a fire incident in Ekpoma. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, on Sunday. It was stated that the governor made the intervention during a visit to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where he also paid the medical expenses of several other patients admitted in different wards of the hospital. Speaking with journalists after the visit, Okpebholo explained that the pregnant woman had initially…
The Nigerian Army Medical Corps has commenced the first stream of its 2026 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP) for nurses, focusing on strengthening public health nursing and promoting health equity. The programme, organized by the Directorate of Nursing Services of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), is themed: “Public Health Nursing and Health Equity: Leaving No One Behind.” Declaring the programme open in Kaduna on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, described…