In a landmark initiative to drive technological advancement and youth empowerment, Nigerian Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District has trained and empowered 250 youths with in-demand digital and technical skills tailored to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. The comprehensive capacity-building programme, hosted at her residence in Kogi Central, featured focused training sessions in key sectors. These included Drone Security and Environmental Sustainability for 80 participants, Advanced Welding and Fabrication Techniques for 50 beneficiaries each, and Renewable Energy Installation and Data Analytics for another 70. This strategic empowerment project is part of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing employability,…
Author: Tosin Onisuuru
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed to sign a peace accord by August 18, following months of Qatari-led mediation efforts. Both parties formalized their commitment by signing a Declaration of Principles during a ceremony held in Doha on Saturday, a document obtained by Reuters confirms. The agreement marks a significant step forward, even as crucial matters such as prisoner releases and territorial withdrawals remain unresolved. Talks began in April, but frustrations over the slow pace of negotiations and stalled confidence-building measures have persisted on both sides. The United States has played a supporting…
A Ugandan health expert has hailed the approval of the world’s first malaria drug formulated specifically for newborns as a critical and long-overdue milestone in the fight against malaria in Africa. Krystal Birungi, a scientist with Target Malaria, emphasized that the new drug fills a significant treatment gap that has long endangered infants across the continent. “This development is especially crucial for Uganda, where malaria remains the leading cause of death among children,” she told reporters. “Treating babies under the age of five has been a persistent challenge, especially when available medications were only suitable for children over 5kg. This…
The establishment of the Botswana-Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) marks a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation between the two Southern African nations. According to report, the BNC replaces the previously inactive Joint Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation, aiming to inject new energy into bilateral relations. The agreement was officially signed by Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Dr. Phenyo Butale, and Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lejone Mpotjoane. The commission is designed to enhance collaboration in key sectors including trade, tourism, agriculture, mining, water management, education, and diplomatic dialogue. Dr. Butale stressed the urgency of moving beyond symbolic gestures…
U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common and typically non-life-threatening vein disorder, following a series of medical evaluations. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the 78-year-old exhibited swelling in both lower legs and bruising on his right hand. She noted the bruising was due to frequent handshakes during diplomatic engagements and reassured the public that the conditions were “benign.” White House physician Sean Barbabella confirmed the diagnosis after conducting comprehensive tests, including bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds. These tests ruled out more serious vascular conditions like deep vein thrombosis or…
The United Kingdom is poised to make a historic change to its electoral system by lowering the voting age to 16 for general elections. The move, announced Thursday by the British government, would place the UK among a small group of nations with one of the lowest voting ages globally. This decision follows a key campaign promise by the ruling Labour Party, which pledged to reform the country’s democratic framework after assuming power last year. The proposal is part of a broader effort to modernize the electoral system and tackle what many describe as a “crisis” in democratic engagement, marked…
Ghana’s President has ordered an end to the provision of fuel benefits for politicians, a decision aimed at demonstrating responsible leadership during the country’s ongoing economic crisis. The government says this action reflects its commitment to leading by example as citizens are being urged to make sacrifices. This measure is part of a broader fiscal strategy to reduce government spending and redirect funds toward critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. According to Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the move aligns with the administration’s efforts to rebuild public trust and ensure more efficient governance. “This is part of efforts…
Three Kenyan soldiers have been killed after their patrol vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along a road near the country’s eastern border with Somalia, according to a statement from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). The explosion occurred on Tuesday morning between Sankuri and the coastal town of Kiunga, located just 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the Somali border. The military confirmed the loss late Tuesday, stating, “Regrettably, three gallant soldiers succumbed to their injuries. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice.” While al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-affiliated militant group based in Somalia, reported on its website that at least…
The body of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina State, as preparations continue for his burial. The late president’s remains were flown from London on Tuesday morning aboard a Nigerian presidential aircraft. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several family members accompanied the body on the flight. Upon arrival, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, members of the Katsina State Executive Council, and other dignitaries were present to receive the remains. Buhari will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura,…
Nigeria has lost one of its most revered traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who passed away at the age of 91. The announcement of his passing was made public on Sunday, July 13, 2025, just hours after the death of his longtime friend and former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. The double loss has plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the political, cultural, and religious spectrum. A Monarch Like No Other Oba Sikiru Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at just 26…
