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South African President Removes Higher Education Minister

Africa

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July 22, 2025

South African President Removes Higher Education Minister

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed the higher education minister from her position, his office said, after his party’s key coalition partner accused her of misconduct.

The removal of Nobuhle Nkabane from her post could help defuse tensions between Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), the two biggest parties in the coalition government, ahead of a budget vote this week.

The DA alleges that Nkabane helped engineer the appointment of ANC-connected individuals to the boards of skills development organizations and lied to parliament to cover that up.

Nkabane has denied the allegations against her, saying that it had been a privilege to serve in her position.

The DA welcomed Nkabane’s dismissal, the party stepped up its criticism of the minister after Ramaphosa fired its deputy trade minister for not receiving presidential permission for an overseas trip, in the latest spat between the two main governing parties.

The DA threatened to vote against the budgets of departments led by ANC ministers it has accused of wrongdoing, including Nkabane, potentially disrupting the national budget.

Lawmakers are due to consider the last major piece of budget legislation, the Appropriation Bill, on Wednesday.

Reuters/Hauwa M.

World Bee Day: FCT Distributes Free Equipment to Bee Farmers

News Feature

Omowumi Samuel

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July 22, 2025

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World Bee Day: FCT Distributes Free Equipment to Bee Farmers

The FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has distributed free associated seedlings of pollinator friendly trees to bee farmers corporatives, and the public for planting in their homes and farmlands in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The distribution of the seedlings was in line with the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, administration’s commitment to achieving the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Project Coordinator, FCT ACReSAL Project, Mrs. Caroline Opara, stated this at the commemoration of World Bee Day 2025 event organized by the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat in conjunction with the FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project and the Forestry Department in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.

Mrs Opkara, who is also the Director, Forestry Department, said suits (for beekeeping equipment) would also be distributed to selected schools during the school outreach programme, which will commence on Thursday in a bid to catching the attention of the youth, the future guardians of the ecosystem.

She said that the event was to raise public awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators in forestry, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, food security and nutrition in the environment.

“We are gathered here today in response to the call by the United Nations to promote beekeeping (Apiculture) as a sustainable livelihood and environmental conservation practice.

“To engage schools, youth groups, farmers, and forestry stakeholders in pollinator-friendly practices.

“To foster partnership and collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector on bee conservation initiatives,” she said.

According to her, given the growing concern over the rapid decline in bee populations, which poses a significant threat to the ecosystem, this year theme is apt as it speaks to the relevance of bee in nutrition.

“Today, we have assembled here a diverse group of stakeholders, consisting of bee farmers and students from various FCT schools.
“Their presence here is a powerful demonstration of our shared vision and mission to provide a thriving habitat for bees,” she said.

The FCT ACReSAL project coordinator explained that the protection of pollinator safeguards forests, combats climate change, and enhances livelihoods.

She pointed out that the FCT ACReSAL project has provided a platform to educate the public on the importance of pollinators in maintaining a healthy landscape and supporting climate smart agriculture.

She added that the project would “support biodiversity conservation as it aligns with the ACReSAL component B, which is community climate resilience to restore ecosystem functionality, because bee conservation directly contributes to biodiversity enhancement and natural regeneration of the forest ecosystem.

“Strengthen stakeholders’ engagement- to foster collaboration among government agencies, NGO’s, traditional institutions, schools, and community-based organizations, thereby strengthening the multi-stakeholder approach promoted by the ACReSAL project.”

“Demonstrate commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals- ACReSAL sponsorship of this year’s event underscores the leadership role of the project and the GoN’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat FCTA, Mr. Abdullahi Suleiman Ango in his remarks said efforts will be made to scale up support to Bee farmers by intensifying awareness campaigns targeted at schools, farmers and stakeholders across the FCT.

“Today, we will be distributing assorted seedlings of pollinator friendly trees for planting in our homes and farmlands.”

“Our goal ultimately, is to promote pollinator-friendly practices that will safeguard bee populations and consequently, food security,” he said.

He explained that beyond its ecological importance, apiculture or beekeeping stands as a vital commercial venture with immense potential.

“Honey, beeswax and other by-products, represent significant sources of income and employment, particularly in rural communities which are blessed with abundant forest resources,” he stated.

The Conservator General National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni, said that the National Park Service, as a frontline institution in biodiversity conservation in Nigeria, views pollinators-including bees,-as critical allies in sustaining the country’s protected ecosystems.

“The National Park Service under our mandate provide secure habitats for wild bees and other pollinators, supporting natural regeneration processes in forests, savannahs, and wetlands.” He said.

He explained that the Park Service would continue to partner in pollinator conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts across Nigeria.

This year’s theme, “Bee Inspired to Nourish Us All,” encourages collective efforts and participation in creating a supportive environment for bees to thrive.

Rape Verdict: Women Affairs Minister Hails Nasarawa Judge

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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July 22, 2025

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Rape Verdict: Women Affairs Minister Hails Nasarawa Judge

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has commended the landmark judgment delivered by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, which sentenced Ahmadu Yaro to 21 years’ imprisonment for the rape of a three-month-old baby in Adogi village.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the verdict as a bold reaffirmation of the justice system’s duty to protect the most vulnerable members of society — children.

“The Ministry reiterates that such inhuman violations will never again be confined or excused. Justice will be visible, survivor-focused, and unrelenting,” she said.

She noted that the case underscored the relevance of the Child Rights Act (CRA), now domesticated in all 36 states of the Federation, but insisted that domestication must be followed by robust enforcement.

“This is a courageous and commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in protecting the most vulnerable among us — our children,” the Minister stated.

She applauded the Chief Judge for her decisive pronouncement and praised the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Barr. Isaac Danladi, for his personal appearance in court, which she said reflected renewed institutional commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence.

“We applaud the Chief Judge for her firm pronouncement and leadership from the bench, as well as the extraordinary dedication of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Barr. Isaac Danladi, whose personal appearance in court signals a renewed institutional will to confront sexual and gender-based violence with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim affirmed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, acts of violence against women and children would no longer be ignored, concealed, or treated lightly.

She also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for fostering an environment where justice can prevail.

“This verdict is not only a victory for the victim’s family but a powerful reflection of a state administration that places the safety, dignity, and rights of women and children at the core of its governance. His leadership continues to signal that impunity will not be tolerated in Nasarawa State,” she said.

The Minister reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse face the full weight of the law, while survivors receive care and dignity.

She called on all states to emulate Nasarawa’s stance and urged families, communities, law enforcement, and the judiciary to work together in building a Nigeria where every child is safe, protected, and valued.

“Let this ruling serve as a turning point — one that inspires institutional courage, deepens our national resolve, and signals to all offenders that Nigeria will no longer shield those who violate her children,” she emphasised.

PIAK

Zambia Signs $1.1b Deal to Build Major Refinery

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

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July 22, 2025

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Zambia Signs $1.1b Deal to Build Major Refinery

Zambia has signed a landmark agreement to build a $1.1 billion crude oil refinery and energy complex in Ndola, marking a significant step toward energy self-sufficiency.

Announced Monday, the project will process around 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day enough to meet the country’s entire current fuel demand and potentially supply neighboring nations in the future.

The refinery, to be located in Zambia’s Copperbelt province, is expected to drastically reduce the country’s dependence on costly fuel imports and save millions of dollars annually.

Officials say “the project aligns with Zambia’s long-term economic goals by boosting energy security, creating jobs, and strengthening regional trade links. Construction timelines and investors are expected to be detailed in the coming months”.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Information Minister Reaffirms Media’s Role in Democracy

Peace Piak Kanu

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July 22, 2025

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Information Minister Reaffirms Media’s Role in Democracy

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has underscored the critical role of the media in nation-building, stating that the responsibility of nurturing Nigeria’s democracy largely rests on the shoulders of the press.

Speaking at the annual Blueprint Newspaper Public Lecture, Impact Series, and Awards in Abuja, Idris acknowledged the challenges within the information ecosystem but maintained that the media remain resilient and vibrant.

“In doing that job, you have an enormous responsibility to hold government and leaders to account, but even as you do that, you also have to know that because of your vantage position and the critical role you play, you can also help. If you don’t take care, your actions may be injurious to society,” he said.

He added that it was important for the media to exercise discernment in distinguishing between right and wrong to avoid causing division or destabilising the country.

According to Idris, President Tinubu fully supports the media and recognises its pivotal role in national development.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an ardent supporter of the media. He knows that the media is very crucial in nation-building, and he has told me severally that I should go and do my job as best as I deem fit, being a professional myself. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not in any way, form, or shape, stifle or stand in the way of the progress or the work of the media in this country. But all of us media professionals have to come together to walk this delicate path and ensure that society is being kept together while also holding leaders and government to account,” the Minister stated.

Idris, while reaffirming the President’s commitment to championing press freedom, commended the event organisers and the awardees, noting that their selection was entirely at the discretion of the newspaper without external influence.

“I thank you for keeping the flag flying. I haven’t visited that office in about a year now, but I guess I will. I wanted to see whether they would indeed keep this flag flying. I am proud and happy that what we started has continued to flourish,” he said.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Mahe, revealed that the government is laying the groundwork to transform Nigeria into a globally competitive livestock-exporting nation through bold reforms and strategic investments.

“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has already developed a National Livestock Acceleration Strategy to tackle key sectoral challenges such as poor market access, low productivity, disease control, and weak value chains. From cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, camels to donkeys, our numbers show massive potential. We are laying the groundwork for a livestock economy that is safe, sustainable, and globally competitive. But to unlock this, we need deliberate commitment and partnerships with the private sector, researchers, development partners and the media,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing efforts, including livestock traceability systems, disease-free zones, improved feeding, veterinary services, and regulatory frameworks aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s livestock export readiness.

On her part, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stressed the need for deliberate women’s empowerment in the sector.

“The theme of this event is apt, and it excites me because, as you are aware, 70% of the smallholder farmers are women. And the main goal of the youth agenda of this excellent development for women is to build the women’s economic power. It’s not enough to be 70% in the sector. We’re going to show the way. The Women Affairs Ministry is in collaboration with the Livestock Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry. We will empower women to be able to not only feed Nigeria but to feed Africa and the world at large. So this is something that is apt, and we look forward to achieving that. Because when women’s economic power is being built, a lot of the problems that we have in this country will disappear,” she said.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to well-deserving Nigerians.

The Public Lecture, with the theme “Exploring the Potentials of Livestock Employment in Nigeria: Finding Workable Solutions to Sectoral Challenges,” attracted stakeholders from across the livestock, agriculture, security, business, and policy sectors.

PIAK

Lawmakers Hold Hearing on NiMet Amendment Bill

Peace Piak Kanu

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July 22, 2025

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Lawmakers Hold Hearing on NiMet Amendment Bill

The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology has convened a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022.

The bill, sponsored by former Chair of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Mr Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, aims to provide a clear framework for NiMet’s cost recovery across various sectors of the economy, particularly non-aviation sectors.

The proposed amendment seeks to strengthen NiMet’s capacity to fulfil its mandate, promote efficiency, enhance infrastructure, ensure safety, and improve staff welfare.

Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Isiaka, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to a people-oriented legislature.

“We remain committed to ensuring that agencies like NiMet have the capacity to support national growth, uphold transparency, respond effectively to climate change and hazardous weather, and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities,” he stated.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun, assured stakeholders that the committee would carefully consider all oral and written submissions before delivering amendments aligned with the law.

He stressed the importance of NiMet’s mandate in ensuring the safety of lives on land, in the air, and at sea — a task he said requires collective responsibility.

Director-General/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, in his presentation, emphasised that cost recovery is a globally accepted practice and vital for the Agency’s sustainability.

“Cost recovery ensures that NiMet remains effective in fulfilling its statutory functions and in providing services essential to various sectors of the economy,” Professor Anosike stated.

The hearing attracted stakeholders from across socio-economic sectors, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), trade unions, and former NiMet Director-Generals — Engr. Jide Adeniji, Dr Anthony Anuforom, and Professor Mansur Matazu.

PIAK

Togolese Ruling Party Wins Municipal Elections

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

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July 22, 2025

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Togolese Ruling Party Wins Municipal Elections

1,150 seats for the Union for the Republic (UNIR), 51 for the National Alliance for Change (ANC), and 38 for the Union of Forces for Change (UFC).

The preliminary results for Togo’s municipal elections, which were held last week, designated a clear winner: the presidential party.

Raking in 75.3% of the votes, UNIR capitalised on these elections, the first to be organised since a constitutional reform that could allow president Faure Gnassingbé to rule the country for life.

Voter turnout was low, with most polling stations in the capital Lomé empty during the elections.

This followed the repression of popular protests against Gnassingbé at the end of June.

The result is not yet official and political parties still have time to contest it until five days following the announcement of the results.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Kaduna Inclusive Farming Initiative Empowers People With Special Needs

News Feature

Omowumi Samuel

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July 22, 2025

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Kaduna Inclusive Farming Initiative Empowers People With Special Needs

People with special needs are increasingly becoming successful farmers in Kaduna State after scores of them embraced modern agriculture as a means to improve their livelihoods.

This effort is part of a specially designed farming initiative aimed at helping them become self-reliant, rather than depending on charity or handouts from people.

On a dedicated farmland located in Kaduna town, a group of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) farmers have adopted modern farming techniques to support themselves, especially during this rainy season. Which the aim is to produce farm products to feed themselves and the families.

A visually impaired farmer William Makia who uses simple farm tools, said he has been farming in the area for a long time with the sole purpose of providing for his family.

According to him, “I am blind. The reason I farm is to feed my family. I don’t beg, and I have never begged in my life. I do not like begging.”

Makia added that he enjoys farming and even shares his harvest with able-bodied neighbours, which helps strengthen community bonds and cooperation.

“I use a hoe for farming. I use a cutlass and other hand tools for weeding and general farm work,” he said.

His farm is neatly organized, with rows of beans, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, and vegetables like tomatoes and okra, located at the Rehabilitation Board School premises.

He emphasized that embracing smart farming practices is essential to bring down high cost of food affecting everyone in the society.

On the other hand, Joshua Mathew, a man with paraplegic, who is also part of the group. Despite limited mobility, always drags himself across his farm to tend to his crops. He said, “What people should understand is that I farm intensively to feed my family. I grow maize, rice, and other food crops to reduce the high cost of living.”

He stressed that despite his condition, farming is not as difficult as many people believe.while called on the government to support them so they can continue to be self-reliant.

Due to the high cost of fertilizer, many farmers in the area have resorted to using organic manure as a more affordable alternative.

Even with low rainfall this year, these farmers remain committed. They continue to work diligently, applying modern farming techniques to ensure quality food sufficiency.

“We all agree that we are physically challenged, but the fact is we can produce food crops to feed our families. Yes, we need fertilizer support to boost our morale and improve our farming,” said the group.

This inclusive farming initiative, known as Inclusive Smart Farming, aims to integrate the PwDs into agriculture as a strategy to combat hunger and poverty in Nigeria. The programme is already showing promising results.

The President, Association of People with Special Needs in Nigeria, Rilwan Abdullahi emphasized the importance of inclusive smart farming systems in boosting agricultural production among the PwDs.

According to him, “This is an effort to become self-reliant, therefore, we call on the authorities to support these farmers and ensure they are included whenever agricultural inputs like fertilizers are distributed.”

He added that across Nigeria, many PwDs are actively engaged in serious farming—producing both food and cash crops and should be supported with fertilizers and appropriate farming implements.

Currently, these resilient farmers are fully dedicated to agriculture as a means of sustaining themselves, refusing to resort to begging.

The PwDs in Nigeria are becoming successful farmers. However, they often express frustration at being excluded from government distribution programmes of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs.

A Science and Environment Journalist from the African Climate Reporters (ACR), who visited these farms noted that, despite their disabilities, this farmers maintain exceptionally clean and organized fields due to the time and effort they dedicate to weeding and maintaining their farmlands

Gombe Governor Establishes Committee to Oversee Inclusive Distribution of Fertilisers

News Feature

Omowumi Samuel

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July 22, 2025

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Gombe Governor Establishes Committee to Oversee Inclusive Distribution of Fertilisers

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has approved the formation of the Gombe State Committee on the Distribution of Fertiliser for the 2025 farming season.

The committee has been mandated to ensure a transparent, efficient, and equitable distribution of fertiliser to farmers throughout the state.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives.

Its membership comprises key stakeholders from various sectors, including government departments, civil society organisations, and security agencies.

The full composition of the committee is as follows:

Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives – Chair
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development – Member
Special Adviser on Agriculture and Farmer-Herder Coordination – Member
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture – Member
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Ibrahim Yakubu Usman – Member
Representative of Civil Society Organisations – Member
Representative of Persons with Disabilities – Member
Chair, House Committee on Agriculture – Member
Chair, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe State Chapter – Member
Representative of the Nigeria Police Force – Member
Representative of the Department of State Services (DSS) – Member
Representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) – Member
Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture – Secretary

Professor Njodi stated that the establishment of the committee reflected Governor Yahaya’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that all eligible farmers across Gombe State had fair access to essential agricultural inputs during the 2025 farming season.

Nigerian Senator Empowers Constituents with Multimillion-Naira Poultry Farming Packages

News Feature

Omowumi Samuel

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July 22, 2025

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Nigerian Senator Empowers Constituents with Multimillion-Naira Poultry Farming Packages

The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha, has once again empowered a fresh batch of constituents on poultry farming.

Beneficiaries drawn from across the four local government areas of Kwara Central received essential poultry farming kits, including 200 day-old chicks, feed, and cash support to help them kick-start their businesses.

Speaking at the empowerment programme held in Ilorin, Senator Mustapha represented by his legislative aide, Tunde Abdulkadir, said the empowerment is for another set of beneficiaries under the ongoing poultry farming empowerment initiative.

He noted that all beneficiaries had earlier undergone comprehensive training in modern poultry farming techniques by the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI).

Senator Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to revitalize the agricultural sector and promote economic self-reliance.

He urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying the skills acquired during their training to build sustainable and profitable ventures.

Also speaking, Mr. Muyiwa Michael, a representative of ARMTI, described the programme as a valuable opportunity for constituents, especially women and youth. He praised Senator Mustapha’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and encouraged beneficiaries to use the support wisely.

One of the beneficiaries, Arije Funsho Abdulgafar, described the programme as a timely intervention that will help reduce unemployment and poverty across the district. He expressed deep appreciation to the Senator for his continued support.

Another beneficiary, Zainab Ishola, applauded the initiative, noting that it had equipped her with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in poultry farming. She thanked Senator Mustapha for his dedication to youth and women empowerment.

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