African countries have called for stronger unity, trade integration, cultural diplomacy, solidarity, and inclusive development across the continent amid current security and economic challenges. The continent’s leaders and envoys made the appeal during the 2026 Africa Day celebration on Monday night in Abuja, themed “Advancing Africa’s Integration: The Role of Trade and Cultural Diplomacy”. Ashenews reports that Africa Day is observed annually on May 25 to honour the continent’s liberation from colonial rule and promote African unity, cultural diversity, and future progress. The envoys stressed the need for stronger cooperation among Africa’s 55 countries to advance peaceful coexistence, economic integration,…
Author: Newsdesk
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are partnering to strengthen maternal health and drive economic growth across Africa. The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on the sidelines of the AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on Tuesday. The agreement seeks to position maternal health and demographic resilience as key pillars of Africa’s economic transformation. AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah said both organisations would explore innovative financing and implementation mechanisms to support investments in women and young people. He said the areas of focus include digital training for…
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerian children to remain committed to learning, discipline, patriotism, and moral excellence as they prepare to become the country’s future leaders. The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the advice in a statement while congratulating Nigerian children on the 2026 Children’s Day celebration. According to the statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the agency’s Deputy Director of Communications and Media, Paul Odenyi, the NOA boss described Nigerian children as the hope, strength, and future of the nation. “Children’s Day serves as an important reminder of the collective responsibility of government, parents,…
The Kebbi Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a Hajj seat scam. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Usman Bashar, confirmed the arrests in a statement made available to reporters in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. According to him, the prime suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, was arrested alongside three others: Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro. Four other suspects identified as Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba, and Usman Bunza are still at large. Bashar said the arrests followed a complaint from the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency after it discovered that the names…
The Federal Government says it will bridge the information gap on ongoing development projects in Northern Nigeria through improved public communication, citizen engagement, and documentation of key interventions across the region. Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, said this at a summit organised by the Northern Project Coordination Office (NPCO) for student union leaders from tertiary institutions across the 19 northern states. Bala-Usman said the initiative would ensure citizens are fully aware of ongoing projects, their status, and areas requiring further government attention. “We seek to showcase what our government has done in Northern Nigeria, not…
Mr. Bernard Soepding, Chairman of Mikang Local Government Area in Plateau State, has donated 18 motorcycles to councillors to enhance effective service delivery. A statement by the council’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Nkat Lakai, quoted the chairman as saying the gesture would strengthen grassroots representation and enable lawmakers to reach their wards with ease. Soepding added that the motorcycles would help the councillors monitor projects, attend community meetings, and respond promptly to issues affecting residents. READ ALSO: PAAU approves 8 professorial, 17 reader promotions He urged the beneficiaries to use the motorcycles strictly for official purposes and maintain…
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised African countries for their achievements across various sectors of their economies. Putin made the commendation in a congratulatory message on Monday to African Heads of State and Government to mark the 2026 Africa Day celebration. Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25, marks the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union) in 1963. According to Putin, African countries have recorded notable economic and social progress while gaining greater influence on key international issues. “Constructive cooperation is expanding within the African Union and several sub-regional organisations. “Mechanisms for…
The Niger State Government is to revitalise the state’s moribund Library and transform it into a modern skills, innovation, and ICT hub, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nana, has disclosed. A statement by Mr. Yunusa Ibrahim, Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, quoted Nana as saying this during an inspection visit to the ongoing renovation works at the Library Board. Nana commended the Africa Initiative for Humanitarian Development, an NGO supported by Cultural Emergency Response Netherlands, for partnering with the government to restore and preserve intellectual and cultural materials damaged by years of environmental degradation.…
Prices of vegetables have spiked in Minna markets ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, according to a survey by reporters. The survey, conducted on Monday at Kure and Old Gwadabe markets, revealed that tomatoes, bell peppers, and hot peppers were the most affected. Traders attributed the hike to scarcity and rising transportation costs. A vegetable trader, Aliyu Magaji, told reporters that prices had risen significantly over the past few weeks. He said a large basket of tomatoes, which sold for N60,000 to N70,000 a month ago, now costs between N120,000 and N130,000. A big paint bucket of tomatoes that previously sold…
The Governing Council of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) has approved the promotion of eight lecturers to Professor and 17 others to Reader. The decision is contained in a statement by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, issued on Monday in Lokoja. According to Omale, the approvals were made during the council’s 72nd regular meeting held on Friday at the University Council Chamber, chaired by Prof. Mohammed Suleiman Audu. “The development reinforces the institution’s commitment to scholarship, research productivity, and institutional growth,” Omale said. He added that the council approved the promotions after reviewing recommendations from the Appointments and…