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Hundreds of Protesters March Against Trump’s Redistricting Push

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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Hundreds of Protesters March Against Trump’s Redistricting Push

Pro-democracy activists and labor groups held hundreds of rallies and other events across the United States on Saturday protesting the Trump administration’s push for Texas to redraw its congressional map in favor of Republicans.

Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke was among those who spoke on Saturday in Texas, from which dozens of Democratic state lawmakers fled to deny Republicans the quorum needed to vote on a redistricting plan that President Donald Trump had demanded.

“They do this because they are afraid,” O’Rourke told an audience on Saturday, speaking of those attempting redistricting. “They fear this power they see here today.”

Drucilla Tigner, executive director of pro-democracy coalition Texas For All, told Reuters pro-democracy and labor groups held over 300 events attended by tens of thousands of people in 44 states and Washington, D.C.

Many of the more than 50 Texas Democrats who fled the state have been staying in Illinois, also the site of protests on Saturday. The Texas lawmakers in Illinois are out of reach of civil arrest warrants that could be acted on within Texas.

The Texas Democrats kept the map from coming to a vote during a special session Governor Greg Abbott called that ended Friday. Abbott immediately called a second special session.

Abbott said that redistricting plans, legislation to increase flash flood safety in the wake of deadly July flooding, and other legislative work remains undone because Democrats are absent.

California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled a redistricting plan in his state that he says would give Democrats there five more Congressional seats, possibly offsetting any Republican gains in Texas.

The Texas House Democrats said in a written statement on Thursday that they will only return to Texas if their state’s special legislation is ended and once California’s redistricting maps were introduced.

 

 

Source:Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

German Foreign Minister Condemns Aggressive China Amid Japan Trip

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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German Foreign Minister Condemns Aggressive China Amid Japan Trip

Germany’s foreign minister on Sunday Condemned what he called the “aggressive behaviour” of China in the Taiwan Strait ahead of a trip to Japan and Indonesia, and stressed the need to strengthen internationally binding rules.

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul praised Japan’s solidarity with Europe over Ukraine as he prepared to board a plane, and highlighted the importance and economic potential of the two populous Asian countries.

His ministry also published a separate statement from Wadephul in which he expressed concern about China.

“China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also affects us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global co-existence are at stake here,” the minister said.

“We are countering this together through our commitment to an international order, which is supported by the strength of the law and binding rules for all.”

Tensions have simmered between China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific region over territorial claims.

Earlier this week the Chinese military said it monitored and “drove away” a U.S. destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the U.S. Navy said its action was in line with international law.

Wadephul’s criticism of China comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington that aims to work towards a peace settlement in Ukraine.

China, a major trading partner but also rival of Germany, has stood by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, causing friction with Western powers over the conflict. Beijing says it is not helping Russia’s military and is not a party to the war.

 

 

Source:Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

Uganda Inaugurates Gold Mine to Strengthen Export Sector

Chidimma Anikwenze
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Uganda Inaugurates Gold Mine to Strengthen Export Sector

According to a statement from the president’s office, Uganda has inaugurated its first large-scale gold mine, a $250 million Chinese-owned project in the country’s east that will also refine the bullion to 99.9% purity.

The landlocked East African country, which has a variety of minerals including copper, cobalt and iron ore, wants to expand its mining industry and position itself as a major gold producer and exporter.

Uganda raised $3.4 billion last year from gold exports, according to central bank data, this is about 37% of the country’s total export revenue. The figure includes the re-export of gold brought into the country, with nearly all its domestic production from small-scale artisanal miners.

While its gold export earnings have increased in recent years, it is still far behind Africa’s largest bullion producer Ghana, which raised $11.6 billion from shipments of the metal last year.

The President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni said in a statement issued late on Saturday that, ” In order to wake up in the minerals sector, we must have full value addition for all minerals like gold, lithium, tin among others.”

The Wagagai Gold Mining Project, owned by Wagagai Mining (U) Limited and covering just over nine square kilometres in Busia district, was inaugurated by Museveni on Saturday.

The plant, which has started operations, is expected to process 5,000 tons of gold ore per day and produce about 1.2 metric tons of refined gold a year, according to the statement. That compares to Uganda’s total domestic production of just 0.0042 tons in 2023.

Museveni added that Uganda will use the revenue generated by exporting gold to develop assets such as power stations and the country’s railway.

Landlocked Uganda is currently constructing a 2.7 billion euro ($3.16 billion) standard gauge railway to reduce the cost of transporting its exports and imports via neighbouring Kenya.

President Tinubu Mourns Business Mogul, Isyaku Ibrahim

Lateefat Ibrahim
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President Tinubu Mourns Business Mogul, Isyaku Ibrahim

President Bola Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to the family and associates of business leader, politician, and sports promoter, Isyaku Ibrahim, who died on Saturday in Abuja.

In a condolence message signed by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the deceased’s contributions to Nigeria through his chain of businesses, political involvement, and community leadership.

In addition to other ventures, the late statesman founded the Jos-based Mighty Jets Football Club, which flourished for decades.

Notable politicians

The late businessman was an influential chieftain of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic. During the transition to civil rule in 1998, he joined other notable politicians to form the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

President Tinubu condoled with the government and the people of Wamba, Nasarawa State and prayed for the soul of the late politician.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Rice Farmers Blame Middlemen for Consistent Price Hike

Omowumi Samuel
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Rice Farmers Blame Middlemen for Consistent Price Hike

Some members of the rice farmers associations have blamed the continuous hike in the price of the product in Nigeria on the activities of unscrupulous farmers and middlemen in the sector.

The rice farmers leaders made this known in separate interviews with Newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

The Vice-chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Sakin Agbayewa, said the consistent fluctuations in the price of rice could be linked to human manipulations in spite of government’s efforts.

“As regards the high price of rice, I think we are taking one step forward and five steps backward.

“Some few months ago, the Federal Government came out with a waiver, giving some companies a small waiver to import rice into the country, in order to crush the price. And while that was on, did they mobilise the local farmers? That is where the issue lies.

“Although few farmers were empowered by the Federal Government with a 75 per cent reduction on the cost of production, others were given fertilisers for free.

“Now, the question is this, those local farmers who were empowered, did they really cultivate anything?

“The main issue is that the rice price hike can be linked to a cartel that wants to frustrate government’s effort,” Agbayewa said.

READ ALSO:Stakeholders Seek Government Support for Ebonyi Women Rice Farmers 

According to him, while the waiver was on, they actually imported rice into the country and the price came down, but while they were importing, they were also warehousing.

“Now that the importation waiver is over, the cartel is creating artificial scarcity.

“Also, some of the farmers who cultivate local rice, it’s not that we do not produce enough, but some farmers only capitalise on the shortage in the system.

“And with the shortage, they are now repacking local rice in foreign bags for selfish reasons. They do this to sell at high cost because they know Nigerians have this high taste for foreign things.

“There is a high level of insincerity and dishonesty among our people. Some unscrupulous farmers, middlemen and even retailers can be blamed for the current hike,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Lagos State chapter, Mr Raphael Hunsa, called on the government to relate with the real farmers for the price of rice to drop.

“The price of rice will continue to go up if the government fails to support local rice farmers.

“The price will go higher and higher because cultivation of local rice is quite different from importation rice.

“And what can we do to resolve that issue consistent price hike in rice is to support the rice farmers in the right way.

“Though government is trying and we don’t dispute that, but they should let their interventions get to the right hands.

“They should invite local rice farmers to a roundtable for formulation of the right policies and programmes for the sector.

“So, we know our problem, they should ask us and we will tender our problem. It is now left for the government to resolve the problem through the normal channel. And with that the price of rice will come down,” Hunsa said.

He also urged local rice farmers not to sell off the interventions provided by the government but should utilise them for the growth of the sector.

APC Candidate Wins Jigawa Federal Constituency By-Election

Aisha John-Mark
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APC Candidate Wins Jigawa Federal Constituency By-Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the APC candidate, Mukhtar Rabiu, as the winner of the Garki/Babura federal constituency bye-election in Jigawa State.

According to the Returning Officer of the election, Prof. Isma’il Ibrahim, who announced the results after collation, the APC candidate got 38,449 votes, the PDP candidate, Isah Auwalu Manzo, polled 13,519, and the NNPP candidate, Sabo Salisu, had 2,931 votes.

It could be recalled that the seat became vacant after the member representing the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives, Hon. Isa Dogonyaro, passed away in May 2024 after a brief illness.

The Minister of Defence, as well as the Minister of State for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Ahmad, who is also from Jigawa State, voted in the election.

Speaking, the minister of state for education, Mrs. Ahmad, expressed her confidence in the peaceful conduct, adding that she was optimistic that the APC would emerge victorious at the end of the exercise.

The by-election was held under an adequate security presence, which included the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and others.

 

 

By-Elections: President Tinubu Congratulates Winners Across 12 States

Lateefat Ibrahim
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By-Elections: President Tinubu Congratulates Winners Across 12 States

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated winners of Saturday, August 16, bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on the saturday by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,
President Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the polls and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which he said are enablers of enduring democracy.

The President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, “mostly devoid of violence.”

President Tinubu also congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for what he described as the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.

Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Saturday 16th, held by-elections in 16 federal and state constituencies, as well as senatorial districts, across 12 states of the federation.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Governor Hails NYSC for Promoting Culture at Anambra Cultural Carnival

Foluke Ibitomi
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Governor Hails NYSC for Promoting Culture at Anambra Cultural Carnival

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its steadfast commitment to promoting and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through unity-driven activities.

 

This commendation came during the 2025 Batch B, Stream I Inter-Platoon Cultural Carnival held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area, on Saturday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Martin Agbili, Governor Soludo described the carnival as more than a colorful showcase of tradition but a powerful reaffirmation of the unity and diversity that define Nigeria.

“Every dance, song, and attire displayed today tells the story of our diverse heritage,” Agbili stated on behalf of the Governor. “By proudly showcasing your cultures, you are preserving history while promoting one of Nigeria’s greatest strengths, unity in diversity.”

He lauded the NYSC as a vital partner in Anambra’s vision of empowering youths and fostering national integration, noting that the State, under Soludo’s leadership, remains a beacon of culture, innovation, and progress.

In her address, the Anambra State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, echoed similar sentiments, describing the cultural carnival as a “living celebration of Nigeria’s soul.”

“This is more than entertainment; it is a reminder that our differences are not barriers, but bridges, beautiful connections that bind us as one people,” she said.

She praised the energy, creativity, and open-mindedness of the Corps members, emphasizing that their participation demonstrates the enduring relevance of the NYSC’s mission of national unity.

Mrs. Ojisua also extended appreciation to the Anambra State Government, the host communities, and traditional rulers, particularly His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Peter Nwokike Anugwu, Eze-Ukwu of Mbaukwu, and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Engr. Joel Maduadichie Egwuonwu, Eze-Udo II of Umuawulu, for their unwavering support and fatherly presence.

Carnival Committee Chairman, Mr. Benson Ifeanyi Obi, highlighted the creativity and passion displayed throughout the event. He commended the tireless efforts of the planning team, NYSC officials, and participants for delivering a vibrant celebration of culture.

“As we celebrate our cultural heritage, let us also embrace the diversity that makes our nation strong and resilient,” Obi said. “Let us learn from one another and come together in the spirit of unity and joy.”

The carnival featured traditional performances from all ten platoons, showcasing cultural dances, storytelling, traditional cuisine, and native attire. Side attractions such as “Catching the Train,” sack races, and filling-the-can games added to the festive atmosphere.

In the end, Platoon 8 emerged as the Most Decorated Platoon, while Platoon 5 bagged the award for Best Presentation, and Platoon 10 was honored with the Best King and Queen titles.

INEC Confirms APGA Victory in Onitsha North By-Election

Aisha John-Mark
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0
INEC Confirms APGA Victory in Onitsha North By-Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Ifeoma Azikiwe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) the winner of the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election held on Saturday, August 16.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Ibiam Ikwo-Ekpe of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, announced the results late Saturday evening.

Azikiwe secured the victory with a total of 7,774 votes, surpassing her closest rival, Mrs. Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who garnered 1,909 votes.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Ezennia Chuka Ojekwe, received 1,371 votes, while Ms. Njideka Ndiwe of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) obtained 655 votes.

Mrs. Azuka, widow of the late lawmaker who represented the constituency before he died in early 2025, was seeking to succeed her late husband.

With this victory, Azikiwe will join Nkechi Ogbuefi of the Labour Party, representing Anaocha 1 State Constituency, as one of the two female legislators in the upcoming eighth Anambra State House of Assembly.

Both are expected to be inaugurated by the Speaker, Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze.

 

Israeli Military Aims to Relocate Residents to Southern Gaza

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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0
Israeli Military Aims to Relocate Residents to Southern Gaza

Israeli military said that Gaza residents will be provided with tents and other shelter equipment starting from Sunday ahead of relocating them from combat zones to the south of the enclave “to ensure their safety.”

This comes days after Israel said it intended to launch a new offensive to seize control of northern Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban centre, in a plan that raised international alarm over the fate of the demolished strip, home to about 2.2 million people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Sunday said that before launching the offensive, the civilian population will be evacuated to what he described as “safe zones” from Gaza City, which he called Hamas’ last stronghold.

The shelter equipment will be transferred via the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza by the United Nations and other international relief organisations after being inspected by defence ministry personnel, the military said.

A spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expressed concern over Israel’s plans to relocate people to southern Gaza saying it would only increase suffering.

But the U.N. body welcomed Israel’s recognition that shelter is a desperate need and that tents and other shelter equipment will be allowed again into Gaza. “The UN and its partners will seize the opportunity this opens,” the spokesperson said.

The U.N. warned on Thursday that thousands of families already enduring appalling humanitarian conditions could be pushed over the edge if the Gaza City plan moves ahead.

Palestinian and United Nations officials have said no place in the enclave is safe, including areas in southern Gaza where Israel has been ordering residents to move to.

The military declined to comment when asked whether the shelter equipment was intended for Gaza City’s population estimated at around one million people presently, and whether the site to which they will be relocated in southern Gaza would be the area of Rafah, which borders Egypt.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday that the plans for the new offensive were still being formulated.

The Palestinian militant faction Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, said that the military’s announcement “as part of its brutal attack to occupy Gaza City, is a blatant and brazen mockery of international conventions.”

However, Israeli forces have already increased operations on the outskirts of Gaza City over the past week. Residents in the neighbourhoods of Zeitoun and Shejaia have reported heavy Israeli aerial and tank fire.

Residents there have also reported explosions throughout the day, resulting from Israeli tank shelling against homes in the eastern parts of the neighbourhood.

 

 

 

Source:Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

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