Author: Akintayo Adams

African leaders are convening in Beijing for the China-Africa forum, seeking funds for major infrastructure projects amid rising global competition for resources and influence. Over the past decade, China has strengthened its ties with African nations through extensive loans, which have led to significant development projects but also raised concerns about debt. With African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia relying heavily on Chinese financing for key initiatives, some face mounting repayment challenges, forcing leaders to negotiate more favorable terms during this summit. China, as Africa’s largest trading partner, accounted for $167.8 billion in bilateral trade during the first half…

BUA Cement Chairman, AbdulSamad Rabiu, disclosed that his company’s initiative to sell cement at a reduced price of ₦3,500 per bag in 2023 was undermined by dealers who exploited the plan by selling the product for as high as ₦8,000. BUA had sold over a million tons to these dealers at the target price, intending to make cement affordable. However, due to factors like the Naira’s devaluation and fuel subsidy removal, the company could not sustain the initiative and regulate the dealers’ price hikes effectively. “Some were selling at ₦7,000 and ₦8,000 per bag. They made a lot of money…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed satisfaction working for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) government. During the PDP Congress in Port Harcourt, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to the Tinubu administration, stating he had no regrets and was unapologetic about his decision. His appointment as the only opposition member in Tinubu’s cabinet, after contributing to Tinubu’s electoral victory in Rivers State, has drawn criticisms, which Wike dismissed with confidence, saying those who are unhappy should “hug a transformer.” He said, “We are fully in government. We are fully in Tinubu’s government. I have…

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the release of $800 million by the federal government to support Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative. This fund will be used for building substations and distribution lines in several DISCO regions across the country. Adelabu, on a tour in Beijing, also highlighted efforts to increase power generation to 6,000 MW by year-end, with goals of achieving 30 GW by 2030, 30% of which will come from renewable energy. He further emphasized the need for a new super grid to modernize Nigeria’s outdated infrastructure. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Beijing, China, for an official visit after departing from Abuja and making a brief stop in the UAE. His visit includes key engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on signing various MOUs related to the green economy, agriculture, satellite technology, and national planning. Tinubu will also attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where he will represent ECOWAS and Nigeria, addressing topics of peace, security, and regional cooperation with other African leaders. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.

Nigerian singer Timaya caused a stir on X after accusing clergyman Apostle Johnson Suleman of being a “liar.” He wrote: “Apostle Sulaiman too LIE.” The comment sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some supporting Timaya while others criticized him for attacking a man of God. Users shared varied responses, from jokes to warnings, with one commenter suggesting Timaya might face spiritual consequences for his remarks. The incident ignited lively conversations online, with many joining the discussion on the controversial topic. Oyindamola wrote: “Na why e block me be that 😭😂” livinb4leavi warned: “Don’t talk to my papa like that, he’s a real man of god,…

A Nigerian couple who met during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1983 has gone viral as they celebrate 39 years of marriage. Their son, Damilola Praiseworth, shared the heartwarming story and pictures on X, praising his parents for their enduring love. He proudly noted that they have been together for 41 years, and despite life’s challenges, they remain as close as ever. He captioned the post, “They lied when they told you that married couples can’t stay happy forever. I have seen these two go through life and are still so in love, enjoying each other’s company like…

Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, representing Taraba State, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. Her win was announced in a video by Africa Fact Zone on Saturday night. She will represent Nigeria on the global stage in Mexico at the Miss Universe grand finale in November. Her triumph highlights her resilience, recalling the controversy surrounding her disqualification from the Miss Universe South Africa competition. After being crowned, she expressed that her victory is “a call for unity,” signifying that her crown represents more than just beauty. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.

Nigeria’s average cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) rose by 1.9% in July 2024, reaching ₦1,265 per adult per day, up from ₦1,241 in June. According to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the CoHD was highest in the South West at ₦1,581, and lowest in the North West at ₦956. The report noted that the rise in the CoHD has outpaced both general inflation and food inflation in recent months. These figures exclude transportation and meal preparation costs. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.

Following a protest at the University of Ibadan over tuition hikes, the institution’s management has directed all students to vacate the campus by 2 pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024, with the school shutting down for three weeks. The decision follows a meeting between the management and student union leaders. The institution will remain closed until September 20, 2024, with hostel reopening on that day, and exams rescheduled to start on September 23, 2024. Despite the closure, students have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met. Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.