Author: Akpan Akata

A seeming greedy Ugandan woman who may have set her eyes on being one of the top society ladies has been ripped naked by an outcome of a DNA test. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a molecule that contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce. These instructions are found inside every cell and are passed down from parents to their offspring. According Africa Fact Zone, the woman whose name was withheld, took her husband to court over what she described as inability to provide financial support for their child. She then prayed the court to…

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Researchers appear to have found a temporary solution to the coral disease that has continued to have a devastating impact on the world’s coral reefs. Researchers from the Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have found a promising treatment intervention that could halt the destruction. In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research team details its attempts at treating individual sections of Florida’s Coral Reef – Montastraea cavernosa or Great Star Coral, more specifically – that was recently hit by an outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease. Diving to a depth of up to 10 metres underwater, the…

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A proposal for the clearance of about $413 million in arrears on loans owed by Sudan to African Development Bank has been approved by the Boards of Directors of the Bank Group. The approval marks a major milestone in the country’s re-engagement with international financial institutions and the global economy. The proposal enables the Bank to proceed with clearing Sudan’s arrears with the African Development Bank Group, with the support of the United Kingdom and Sweden. The UK will provide bridge financing to clear Sudan’s arrears to the African Development Fund, while Sweden has committed to providing grant financing of…

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In the last decade, United Nations refugee agency, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), says weather-related crises have triggered more than twice as much displacement as conflict and violence. The UN agency has published data showing how disasters linked to climate change likely worsen poverty, hunger and access to natural resources, stoking instability and violence. The data coincided with Earth Day on April 22. Afghanistan to Central America, droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather events are hitting those least equipped to recover and adapt”, said the UN agency, which is calling for countries to work together to combat climate change and mitigate…

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Founder and CEO of Saudi solar energy firm, Desert Technologies (DT), Nour Mousa, has discussed projects in solar PV and grid connected electricity access across Nigeria and other markets, among more than 200 high-level decision-makers, market participants and stakeholders from around the world. During his participation in a live online conference titled Renpower Nigeria Investors 2021, from March 31 to April 1, Mousa revealed plans to provide large-scale financing to electrify villages in the sub-Saharan region. The conference provided the participants with an opportunity to learn about the future of the renewable energy market and the Nigerian government’s plans to generate…

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A new continent-wide survey on trade finance has shown constrained global financial conditions caused by COVID-19 led to massive portfolio outflows from Africa, exceeding $5 billion in the first quarter of 2020. The report found that about $3.1 billion left the South African market alone. Launched on April 15, the African Trade Finance Survey Report(link is external) examines how trade finance has evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the role it can play in overcoming the social and economic fallout of the disease. The survey was conducted by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank(link is external)), jointly with the UN Economic Commission for Africa…

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World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Pulse Survey (WHO) has revealed that no substantial global change has been made since the first survey was conducted in the summer of 2020. That implies that over one year into the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic and 90% of countries are still reporting one or more disruptions to essential health services. There are some signs of progress though. In 2020, countries surveyed reported that, on average, about half of essential health services were disrupted. In the first three months of this year that figure has dropped to just over one third of services. Many countries have now stepped up efforts to mitigate disruptions. These…

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International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) shows that over one million people are displaced across 178 accessible locations in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and neighbouring Afar and Amhara. This data was collected through a monthly Emergency Site Assessment (ESA) which has been in place since the conflict in Northern Ethiopia erupted in November 2020. The assessment, conducted from March 2 to 2, revealed that there are some 1,000,052 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Tigray region, another 45,343 in Afar region and 18,781 in Amhara region. The data suggests that IDPs are fleeing to towns and cities to seek humanitarian assistance and gain access to essential…

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United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for commitment to restoring the planet, and to making peace with nature, in his message to mark International Mother Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22. This year’s observation is taking place as the planet is at “a tipping point”, he said, as humanity continues to abuse the natural world. Marking the International Mother Earth Day in 2019, the United Nations debated how best to build “an equitable and sustainable future” for all, through enhanced education and climate action, on the road to a key international summit on the issue due to take place in September.…

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United Nations labour agency, International Labour Organisation (ILO) has launched ILO Green Week to explore what a green future of work could look like, and how we can get there. This is coming as the world grapples with the devastating economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. The ILO event is highlighting how a just  transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies can take place while also addressing the imperatives of decent work. In May 2018, the UN labour agency said that action to combat climate change could create millions of new job opportunities and “more than” offset losses in traditional industries. It made the announcement…

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Nearly six months since conflict erupted, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says disturbing reports have continued to emerge of widespread abuse of civilians in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. UNICEF’s spokesperson James Elder, after returning from a visit the northern Ethiopian region said,“there is no clear end in sight” to the conflict. Last December, the UN announced that agreement has been reached with the Ethiopian Government to allow “unimpeded, sustained and secure access” for humanitarian supplies to reach those in need across areas now under its control in Tigray. Confirming details of the deal at UN Headquarters in New York, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric…

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Over the past week, more than 2,000 refugees have fled their homes into neighboring Chad as a result of recent fighting between government forces and rebels in northern Central African Republic (CAR). The humanitarian crisis is already causing serious concern within the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR. Donor countries and institutions are being persuaded to be generous in raising funds needed for the UN Mission in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Before now, High Commissioner for Refugees had registered more than 5,200 refugees in Chad who fled intensified fighting between government forces and rebels in the north of their…

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United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has underlined the global body’s solidarity with Chad following the death of the country’s leader, announced on Tuesday. President Idriss Déby died from injuries sustained in clashes with rebels in the north over the weekend, according to state media reports. Guterres says he was deeply saddened to learn of Deby’s death, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Guterres has expressed his profound condolences to the President’s family, and to the people and Government of Chad. “President Déby was a key partner for the UN and made significant contributions to regional stability, particularly as part…

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The world seems to be gradually approaching hell’s gate as extreme weather events combined with the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic are dangerously impacting millions of lives around the globe. This is so because the Earth’s temperature has continued to rise unabated, with 2020 being one of the three warmest years on record. According to the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) flagship State of the Global Climate report, the global average temperature in 2020 was about 1.2-degree Celsius above pre-industrial level. That figure is “dangerously close” to the 1.5-degree Celsius limit advocated by scientists to stave off the worst impacts of climate change.…

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International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Food Science and Technology Associate Scientist, Emmanuel Alamu, has revealed that Edible Fish Meal (EFM) used in biscuit making process is serving as a source of macro and micronutrients while trying to reduce wheat flour input. According to him, ‘’the biscuit is nutritionally beneficial to children and adults and is easy to store and carry, making it a perfect everyday snack and meal alternative.’’ Alamu is a Nigerian working with IITA, Zambia. He holds a doctorate degree in Food Chemistry with over 12 years of research experience and strong analytical skills in food science…

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African Development Bank (AfDB) is investing in high-growth sectors that have the potential to create 25 million jobs and promote women’s economic empowerment over the next decade. To achieve this, the Bank is conducting a study that aims to stimulate investment in the jewellery manufacturing value chain on the African continent. The study intends to gain a better grasp of the contribution of the jewellery manufacturing industry and it’s potential for job creation for women and youth in Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Guinea and Mozambique. During the latest webinar, Fashionomics, which is about Africa’s jewellery manufacturing potential, industry experts said the…

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Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced five mechanisms and regulations for pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, local media reported. The announcement is coming as the United Arab Emirate (UAE) proved its mettle time and again. In recent months, the UAE not only managed to safely reopen its borders but implemented one of the world’s fastest vaccination drives, and became the first Arab country to reach Mars. And launch ambitious strategies such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Operation 300Bn to spur local industry. This Ramadan is a time for all of us to reflect on…

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There is a fresh mass displacement of up to 65,000 citizens in volatile North-East Nigeria as a spate of crashes involving armed security forces and insurgent groups. The United Nations says the situation in the troubled region is threatening humanitarian assistance, as armed groups go “house-to-house” hunting for aid workers. Despite improvements in the humanitarian situation in the Lake Chad region, the latest development is forcing millions to continue remaining dependent on lifesaving assistance. A top United Nations relief official is already urging greater international support for the region to safeguard the progress achieved. “There is still a big humanitarian…

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With the African Union (AU) Commission, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), launched a new Africa-wide framework to boost trade and improve food security. According to FAO, the initiative will help “unlock the potential” of the agricultural sector to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent, and promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement that began in January, establishing the world’s largest free trading area, in terms of countries participating. “The framework provides a timely catalyst for the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, sustainable development and prosperity in Africa”, FAO Assistant Director-General Abebe Haile-Gabriel, AU Commissioner Josefa Sacko, and AfCFTA…

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Netherlands’ Foreign Affairs Ministry  and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has launched a Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions initiative (COMPASS). COMPASS is a global initiative, in partnership with 12 countries, designed to protect people on the move, combat human trafficking and smuggling, and support dignified return while promoting sustainable reintegration. The initiative is centred on a whole-of-society approach which, in addition to assisting individuals, will work across all levels – households, communities, and the wider communities – and encompasses the following partner countries: Afghanistan, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, and Tunisia. Director…

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Among the objectives of the new Global Diabetes Compact launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is increasing access to affordable insulin. The development comes as the risk of early death from diabetes is increasing, underscoring why countries must tackle the disease and bring treatment to all who need it, 100 years after the discovery of insulin. Under a plan launched by WHO in November 2019, overly expensive insulin was a thing of the past. It was life-changing news for millions of diabetics, coming ahead of the  World Diabetes Day that year. Announcing the initiative in Geneva, the UN agency said that it…

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Going by Bloomberg’s report, technology giant, Microsoft is acquiring Nuance Communications, a leader in speech to text software, for $19.7 billion. In a post announcing the deal, the company said this was about increasing its presence in the healthcare vertical, a place where Nuance has done well in recent years. In fact, the company announced the Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare last year, and this deal is about accelerating its presence there. Nuance’s products in this area include Dragon Ambient eXperience, Dragon Medical One and PowerScribe One for radiology reporting. The acquisition the announcement represents the latest step in Microsoft’s industry-specific cloud strategy. The acquisition also builds…

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Around 20,000 persons have been displaced by a volcanic eruption on a Caribbean island. They are currently in need of shelter. The entire population in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, has been left without clean water and electricity since last week. It is due to last week’s eruption of La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Citing reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, pointed out that about 20,000 evacuees on the Caribbean island are currently in need of shelter. “The eruption has affected most livelihoods in the northern part of…

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Media and Communications Assistant for International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in South Sudan, Nabie Loyce, says some 30,000 internally displaced people have fled danger from years of communal violence to live at a United Nations’ Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in the country. According to him, ‘’a daily danger still lurks, often from something virtually everyone who arrives here carries inside. Human waste and its treatment are unavoidable subjects everywhere people gather. In places like Malakal—where men, women and children all face health care challenges under stressful conditions—waste management can be the difference between well-being and a raging contagion such…

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Institute for Security Studies’ (ISS) Senior Research Adviser on Emerging Threats in Africa, Karen Allen, says the absence of robust safeguards leaves many countries in the continent vulnerable to data manipulation. Within a year, much of the world has adopted the norm of wearing masks to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the political jostling that such face coverings have come to represent, it has become a social norm driven by circumstance. Scholars have undertaken extensive work on the life cycle of norms to demonstrate how they cascade into society and eventually become internalised. But to what extent does technology have a normative function…

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International Standard Organisation (ISO) has made public its new international guidance for hydropower plants. Small hydropower (SHP) plants provide a clean, renewable and inexpensive source of energy that can be implemented virtually anywhere where there is enough water. A great solution for supplying electricity in remote rural areas, its usefulness is clear, yet its potential remains largely untapped. A new series of guidance documents has just been published with the aim of stimulating the market everywhere, particularly where it is needed most. The three-part ISO IWA 33, Technical guidelines for the development of small hydropower plants, specifies the general principles and basic requirements…

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Research Officer for the Lake Chad Basin Programme of Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Teniola Tayo, Dakar and Communications Specialist with Development Alternatives, Inc, Pelumi Obisesan, say a holistic strategy is needed to decelerate the growth of the kidnapping economy in the country. Schools in North-West Nigeria recently reopened after a months-long shutdown by state governments due to increasing kidnappings. Between December 2020 and March 2021, there were at least five student-related kidnappings in the northern region. However students aren’t the only victims. And the problem isn’t exclusive to the north. Nigeria Security Tracker data shows that kidnap-for-ransom cuts across regions and socio-economic…

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The humanitarian situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, remains “dire”, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General has said. This is even as the UN early last December announced that agreement has been reached with the Ethiopian Government to allow “unimpeded, sustained and secure access” for humanitarian supplies to reach those in need across areas now under its control in Tigray. Confirming details of the deal at UN Headquarters in New York, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that the safe passage of aid supplies and staff also extends to the Ethiopian regions of Amhara and Afar, bordering Tigray, where fighting between federal and regional forces,…

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Political risk consultancy, Menas Associates, in its monthly intelligence report on Morocco says the African country’s new cannabis legalisation has major political consequences. Cannabis production is big business in Morocco which is world’s largest producer with almost 50,000 hectares of land dedicated to cultivating the crop. Its mountainous topography and comparatively hot humid climate in certain parts of the country such as the Rif are ideal for growing the plant. Unofficial estimates put the amount produced in 2020 at 700 tonnes which had an estimated value of $23 billion. Around 90,000-140,000 families support themselves through cannabis cultivation with women traditionally…

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US security official is expressing concern about Russia’s growing military presence in the Arctic coastline. The Defense Post quotes Pentagon spokesman, Thomas Campbell, as claiming that the continued build-up of Russian military bases implies establishing control over areas in the Arctic that are soon to be ice-free. Russia is continuing with efforts to strengthen its military presence on the country’s Arctic coastline as shown in new satellite images provided by space technology company, Maxar. CNN was able to acquire copies of the images which showed a continuing build-up of Russian military bases and hardware, as well as an underground facility believed to be a storage area…

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