Afghanistan has started to bleed again as fighting between the Taliban and the government forces has reportedly resumed in the restive southern province of Helmand. A report by The Defense Post quoted officials as saying that the resumption of violence ended a three-day ceasefire agreed by the warring sides to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Violence has soared as the United States military presses ahead with a plan to withdraw all of its troops by September, bringing an end to a 20-year military operation in Afghanistan. Clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces erupted early on Sunday when the insurgents attacked security checkpoints on…
Author: Akanimo Sampson
Foreign exchange scarcity is currently deepening in Nigeria in spite of the fact that oil prices have remained above $50 per barrel. To cushion the situation, the Buhari administration is warming up to make a Eurobond market call. Insiders in the Presidency have already hinted about the decision to raise foreign currency loans. As part of his administration borrowing plan, President Muhammadu Buhari has requested Legislative approval for new external borrowing of $6.18 billion. Nigeria under President Buhari’s watch is seeking to raise $3 billion or more in Eurobonds as part of the new debt rising profile. Due to reduced…
Regional troops deployed to combat terrorists in the Sahel region of Africa are currently scaling up the tempo of their operations. This is even in spite of the deteriorating security situation and the reverberating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A senior UN peacekeeping official is however, telling the Security Council that efforts must be matched by a spirit of solidarity among their global partners. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, told delegates that the fight against armed groups in the Sahel has intensified since late 2020. He described the Joint Force first deployed in 2017 by the “Group of Five” (G-5) Sahel countries –…
Technology giant, Apple, has entered the high-paced world of Cryptocurrency mining and storage. Going by a research report of RBC Capital Markets, Apple’s market value could rise by almost 25 percent if it brings the cryptocurrency platform to its ecosystem. Given the Cupertino giant has an ultra-secure wallet app, the move could make the USA the global leader in crypto assets. This fact is further strengthened by the trust shown by Elon Musk in bitcoin, who bought $1.5 billion worth of cryptocurrency, shaking the future of digital money prospects. Apple has treaded with caution regarding digital currency, as they banned cryptocurrency wallets…
HTC is about to take the high-tech telephone global design market in a storm. Its latest phone is promising to be a game-changer. Some market watchers are even saying it may be another failed attempt at greatness. Either way, it’s worth addressing that HTC has put some serious innovation into its latest phone. Before now, HTC has not been doing too much since the Vive. Those who know better say their phones have not gained much traction in the past few years as Samsung, LG, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oneplus and the other companies have gradually overtaken it and a few other…
Benjamin Hubert of Layer, one of the best London-based studios has designed a new wearable crypto-wallet. Hubert is an award-winning British design entrepreneur, founder and Creative Director of Layer. He is said to have completed the transition from eponymous designer brand to a larger entity with a wider reach. For Financial Times, Hubert is a ”design ace, professional and poised, is having a moment… small wonder he is going places fast.” On its part TIME magazine says, ”what if you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Benjamin Hubert aims to answer that question and others that might cross an eco-conscious mind.” However, aside…
After a week of violence between the Jewish state and Palestinian militants, Israeli air strikes hammering the Gaza Strip, left more than 200 people dead as international calls for de-escalation went unheeded. The Defense Post reports that Israel launched dozens of strikes across the crowded coastal Palestinian enclave controlled by Islamist group Hamas. Quoting AFP journalists and the army, the US newspaper says flames lit up the sky as explosions shook Gaza city, pointing out that the strikes caused widespread power cuts and damaged hundreds of buildings, local authorities said. No casualties were immediately reported. West Gaza resident Mad Abed Rabbo, 39, expressed “horror…
Oil prices appear to be tumbling again after reports indicate that virus caseloads are making a strong comeback in Asian countries. As a result, it is dousing positive projection from the International Energy Agency (IEA). In many Asian countries, fear of slower than expected economic and global oil demand recovery will keep prices down this week, some analysts say. Disturbingly, this is coming at the time when the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) are pushing for gradual increase in output. In the oil market, the international benchmark Brent crude settled at $68.61 per barrel after it shed…
Nigeria in 2023, its next cycle of general elections, will be on a global spotlight, a British envoy has said in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. According to the top diplomat, the world’s spotlight will be on Nigeria during the 2023 general elections and concerted efforts must be made to improve the country’s democracy. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said so after a closed door meeting with Governor Nyesom Wike, at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday. “The importance of these elections, how crucial they are, not just for Nigeria’s democratic journey, but for Africa…
Unarguably, the rampaging COVID 19 pandemic has made more clear than ever the need for and role of digital technologies to strengthen and scale innovations to assist smallholders farmers and other value chain actors. At the onset of the pandemic last year, movement restrictions and the cycles of lockdowns in different countries threatened to slow down progress among farmers and other partners. Into this void, new digital technologies and tools promoted by the International Potato Center (CIP) and its partners are transforming agricultural extension and markets for sweet potato and potato agri-food systems by ensuring the timely provision of technical information…
Prospects for growth and recovery for Nigeria’s 2021 financial year are currently not appearing very positive. The country’s economy is seriously under threat as key indices tend to exhibit volatility in economic performance. After some two percent drop, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) posted at $443 billion in the fiscal year 2020 amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Nigeria’s GDP was however, projected to grow by 2.5% as the global economy recovers from the virus-induced shocks. But, some economic analysts are pinpointing that some developments in the domestic economy have heightened concerns about recovery and growth projection, downside risk…
Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) is urging the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to sustain the ban placed on the importation of some commodities in the country. The trade bloc says the continuation of the policy will further enhance local capacity. This is coming as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) via the MAAN-CBN Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) unveiled the first maize pyramids in Katsina State. On the occasion, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, also flagged off the 2021 Maize Wet Season Farming to target 500,000 hectares of maize in 2021. Emefiele explains that Nigeria is committed to attaining self-sufficiency in maize…
Transportation design student, Julien Lecreux, has penned the idea of a lightweight KTM adventure bike inspired by the E-XC Freeride. It is to give the existing KTM Freeride E-XC a major bump-up in performance styling and functional aesthetics. KTM brought the E-XC Freeride electric motorcycle to cater to the niche segment of clean energy-powered off-road dirt bikes back in 2018. This was their maiden venture into the electric bike segment, and the cool ride has resonated well with its prospective buyers. However, aptly dubbed the KTM Light Adventure Concept, Julien reimagines the electric bike with a sturdy x-shaped frame and a slightly…
US President, Joe Biden, has voiced his support for a ceasefire after eight days of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. A BBC report says Biden told Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that the US was working with Egypt and other countries on halting hostilities. But the US again blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for a cessation of violence. The conflict is now in its second week, with little sign of ending. At least 212 people, including 61 children, have died in Gaza, and 10, including two children, in Israel. Israel says most of those killed in Gaza are…
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has again taken on his arch political foe, Transportation Minister, Chibuike Amaechi. Wike is rubbing the worrisome spate of insecurity in Nigeria on the face of his Ikwerre kinsman. In 2011, Wike was Amaechi’s campaign manager when the minister was seeking re-election as Rivers governor. As an incumbent governor, Wike defeated Amaechi in the 2015 general election, and retained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the dominant party in the state. Ahead of the election year, Amaechi had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) hoping that he will easily deliver the state to…
A BBC report says 42 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on the territory on Sunday. Israel’s army say Palestinian militants have fired more than 3,000 rockets at Israel over the past week. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that further fighting could plunge the region into an “uncontainable crisis He pleaded for an immediate end to the “utterly appalling” violence. Early on Monday, Israeli warplanes launched 80 air strikes on several areas of Gaza City, shortly after Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets at southern Israel. The UN has also warned of fuel shortages in Gaza which could…
A new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU), Australia, has uncovered how to combat stress. According to the study, eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is associated with less stress. The study examined the link between fruit and vegetable intake and stress levels of more than 8,600 Australians aged between 25 and 91 participating in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study from Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. The findings revealed people who ate at least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables daily had 10 per cent lower stress levels than those who consumed less than 230 grams. The…
Outspoken Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says the decision of Southern governors on open grazing and other issues is irrevocable and must be respected. According to him, those opposed to resolutions taken by the governors in Asaba, the Delta State capital, should realise that no section of the country is inferior to others. Wike stated these during a grand reception held in his honour by the Ogoni ethnic nationality in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the state on Saturday. He governor announced that he has taken further steps to fulfill the resolutions reached by the Southern governors in…
Local innovator in Tanzania, Araika Mkulo, has designed a solution for cooling fruits. It is sourced from Acacia tree and can be used to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables which cannot survive the room temperature without the help of a refrigerator. “We source the gum from the Acacia tree which are indigenous here in Tanzania and we take it to the lab to change it into a liquid form and then we package it. All ingredients are safe to consume, naturally sourced and chemical free”, she said in an interview with The Citizen.. According to her, the normal shelf…
Top UN humanitarian official in South Sudan is calling for law enforcement along roads following the first killing of an aid worker in the country this year during an ambush in Budi, East Equatoria, on Wednesday. The aid worker was killed when assailants fired at a clearly marked humanitarian vehicle that was part of a team of international non-governmental organizations and South Sudanese health workers travelling to a health facility. The team was driving from Chukudum to Kapoeta in Budi County in an area that has seen several roadside ambushes this year. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Alain Noudéhou, has…
President Vladimir Putin of Russia, is favourably disposed to renewed multilateralism in global affairs. Putin and the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, have already discussed the importance of renewed commitment to multilateralism during their talks on Thursday. Guterres was in Moscow, at the invitation of the Russian Government, where he met with senior officials. The UN chief and President Putin met virtually, according to a readout of their meeting. The two leaders discussed the importance of renewed commitment to multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation in order for the international community to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Their talks…
Greek watermelon exporters are looking forward to a busy season as demand is rather high at the moment. Market watchers say the Greek watermelon season is about to kick off. Starting in week 20, the summer fruit will be exported mostly to European countries. According to Christos Mitrosilis, CEO of Greek fruit exporter Mitrosilis, there is already solid demand for watermelons, while the export is yet to begin: “Our watermelon export will start in week 20, the week of May the 17th. ”We can already see the demand being high at the moment. We feel this is a result of…
United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, says the mounting death toll, including children in the Palestine-Israel conflict is totally unacceptable. According to the UN chief, de-escalation of the conflict is “an absolute must”. Before now, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in November 2019, spelled out to the Security Council that regardless of any national policy declarations, Israeli settlement activities are “a flagrant violation under international law”, Regretting the United States’ announcement that it “no longer views settlements as inconsistent with international law”, Nickolay Mladenov told the 15-member Council that “the UN position remains unchanged”. And he…
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a civic group , has taken on the Legislative arm of the 36 state governments of the federation, blaming state legislators for the perceived failure of the local government system in the country. PLAC says local government autonomy came up for consideration in the Constitution review process under the 8th National Assembly ”but failed at the states, not having been passed by the required number of state legislatures”. According to the group on its website, it is now one of the subjects under review in the 9th Assembly’s Constitution review exercise. Interestingly, the Supreme Court in…
Political risk consultancy, Menas Associates, says it will be risky for the ailing President Muhammadu Buhari administration to ”totally dismiss” concerns about a coup in the country. In its Nigeria Politics & Security, a weekly intelligence report on the country, Menas Associates insisted, ”concerns about a coup cannot be totally dismissed. There are high levels of disaffection in the army’s junior officer ranks over the prolonged war against Boko Haram which has resulted in some being left on the frontline for years.” According to its intelligence report, ”this disaffection is fueled by: poor welfare conditions; the lack of adequate ammunition to…
Going by “clear and convincing evidence”, a United Nations team investigating Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s (ISIL) atrocities in Iraq has established a case of genocide against the Yazidi religious minority. The UN Security Council has been adequately briefed on the investigation outcome. In his final briefing to ambassadors, Karim Khan, Special Adviser and Head of the team, known as UNITAD, reported that investigators have reached a “landmark moment” in their work. They have finalised initial case briefs on two key priorities: attacks against the Yazidi community in the Sinjar region in northern Iraq, and the mass killing of…
A US vessel fired warning shots at more than a dozen Iranian fast attack boats which buzzed close to a US Navy submarine and escort ships in the narrow Strait of Hormuz on Monday, the Pentagon reportedly said. The Defense Post reports that in the second such incident in two weeks, 13 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy boats approached the seven US vessels at high speeds, closing within 150 yards (140 meters) before one of the US vessels fired 30 shots in two volleys, until they moved away, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. The report as no fewer than 12 people, including a…
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, is urging Nigerian Muslims, to use the period of Eid-el-Fitr and pray for the country to overcome her challenges. He said after supplications during the just concluded month of Ramadan, it was incumbent on the Muslims to pray that the Almighty Allah brings peace to our land. He said Nigeria faces challenges at the moment, “which is why as citizens, we should pray to our Creator for solutions even as leaders try their best to address the issues.” Gbajabiamila congratulated Nigerian Muslims for the successful completion of fasting in the Holy Month…
Roelof Nugteren of Luxaflor Roses, a 22-ha rose farm in the Zimbabwean town Concession, says things are going well in Zimbabwe. Not only the demand for their roses keeps rising, the agriculture and horticulture industry is being picked up in the country again as well. “Socially and economically it is a stable country making it more attractive to start a business.” Also at Luxaflor more expansion plans are in the pipeline and as they are now propagating their own plants too, they are eager to supply the new rose farms that are expected to be established in the future. The…
A new research led by Cornell University says it finds “little to no evidence” of a link between a person’s normal blood levels of vitamin D and risk of getting COVID-19. In the most comprehensive study of its kind to date, the research did not also find the severity of an infection. Multiple studies had suggested an association between vitamin D and COVID-19 risk, raising hopes that vitamin D supplements might help to prevent or minimise infections – speculation that has received widespread media attention and boosted consumer interest. The new study, however, which analysed a publicly available genomic data…
