SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Try "researchers"
Home Blog Page 691

Kenyan Activist Defiant After Court Appearance

Hauwa Mustapha
-
0
Kenyan Activist Defiant After Court Appearance

Outspoken Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has dismissed the government’s attempt to link him to anti-government protests, calling it a weak and desperate move to silence dissent.

Mwangi appeared in court on Monday, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, a case stemming from his alleged role in the youth-led demonstrations that have gripped the country for months.

The charge sheet accused Mwangi of illegally possessing three tear gas canisters.

His lawyer, Njanja Maina, strongly denied the allegations, calling them fabricated.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission also condemned the case as a “trumped-up accusation.”

Mwangi was released on bond shortly after the hearing, outside the court, he delivered a defiant message to journalists, calling President William Ruto a “real terrorist.”

“Because we are terrorizing Ruto’s heart and Ruto knows that he’s going home, because Ruto is a real terrorist,” Mwangi said. “So we guys are not terrorists, we’re terrorists’ hunters. We’re hunting Ruto to leave power because he’s killing us and we’re tired of being killed by our government.”

The arrest follows a raid on Mwangi’s home over the weekend, during which his wife, Njeri Mwangi, said security agents seized electronic devices and spoke of terrorism and arson.

Many had feared Mwangi would be charged with terrorism.

In court, Mwangi distanced himself from organizing the recent protests, crediting young Kenyans, the so-called “Gen Z” movement with leading the charge.

“These kids are saying we want real change and that’s why they’re protesting. They are so brave that when they leave their homes, they even write obituaries,” he said. “So this route tying to personalize the struggle for a better Kenya, about personality, it is very weak.”

The protests erupted in mid-2024 after President Ruto proposed a controversial set of tax increases.

Demonstrators have since expanded their demands to include action against corruption and what they describe as the regime’s broken promises to ordinary Kenyans.

As activists prepare for fresh demonstrations on August 8 dubbed “nane-nane” Mwangi made it clear the fight for a more accountable government is far from over, even as the state seeks to silence its critics through legal pressure.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Zamfara Establishes Small Claims Court to Boost Businesses

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
-
0
Zamfara Establishes Small Claims Court to Boost Businesses
As part of commitments to boost business activities, the Zamfara state government has amended some business enabling laws, established five small claims courts to boost business class in the state.
Zamafara state Deputy Governor, Mallam Mani Mummuni, announced this at a town hall meeting with stakeholders on State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) organised by Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) held in Gusau, the Zamfara state capital.
The Deputy Governor explained that PEBEC was established to oversee Nigeria’s Business Environment Reforms Intervention with dual mandate of removing bureaucratic and legislative constraints to doing business.
“Zamfara State Government has keyed into this very important initiative of the Federal Government, by constituting State Ease of Doing Business Council. However, the program was also domesticated under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER)”, Mallam Mummuni explained.
According to him, the State Government amended many of its Business Enabling Laws, at the same time enacted new ones either by Legislation or Executive Orders regarding to Land Administration, Simplified Tax Regime, Improved Deployment of Infrastructures, Waivers, Business incentives and determination of commercial disputes.
“One of the important areas is the establishment of Five (5) small Claims Courts and provision of Practice Directions to these Courts for the betterment of our business class,” he stated.
Resilient Economy
In his remarks, the Zamfara state Focal person PEBEC, Sani Bukkuyum, who doubled as the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Planning, urged stakeholders at the meeting to actively participate in the meaningful discussions, come with solutions, that would assist government’s efforts in building a resilient and inclusive economy for all to benefit.
“Let us make Zamfara, a state with a future, where our businesses thrive, with more development,” he said.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Aminu Guraguri, Permanent Secretary Donor and Multi Literal Agency, Hajiya Saadatu Abdu Gusau, described the meeting as timely and would go a long way in realising various business potential in the state.
“Zamfara State is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, and with the right policies, partnerships, and reforms, we can unlock its full economic potential”, they said.
She noted that the proactive steps taken by the state government to improve ease of doing business, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance investors’ confidence are ways toward a promising Zamfara state.
“Today’s dialogue provides a valuable platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and align strategies for a more business-friendly Zamfara.
“By working together, we can address challenges,streamline processes, and implement policies that will make Zamfara a model of economic prosperity in Nigeria”, they noted.

China Ships 31 Electric Mining Trucks to Africa

Hauwa Mustapha
-
0
China Ships 31 Electric Mining Trucks to Africa

China sent a fleet of 31 pure electric mining trucks to Africa for use in a copper mining project in Zambia.

The trucks are provided by Breton Technology, a Chinese high-tech company specialising in green construction machinery.

They will be used by an African branch of China’s state-owned company 15th Metallurgical Construction Group.

“The overseas cooperation [is] the first large-scale deployment of electric mining trucks at one go to a mining project in Africa. It will help further upgrade the local mining equipment”, said Li Wenjie, the chairman of China 15th Metallurgical Construction Group’s construction trade company in Africa.

Breton Technology is responsible for providing a zero-carbon mining robot system, including electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and clean energy technologies.

“We believe that in the near future, unmanned mining fleets will be seen operating in Africa”, said Teng Fei, head of strategy and overseas business at Breton Technology.

The mining trucks are expected to reach Durban in South Africa after a 20 to 25 day journey.

China has pledged $5 billion to Zambia’s mining industry by 2031, despite controversies surrounding the environmental and social impact of Chinese-owned mines.

In February, a spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine contaminated a major Zambian river.

The failure of a dam at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mining facility allowed 50 million litres of acidic waste to be released into a stream leading to the Kafue River.

Signs of pollution were detected at least 100 kilometres downstream from the facility.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Rivers State Seeks Stronger Military Intelligence to Tackle Maritime Crimes

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
-
0
Rivers State Seeks Stronger Military Intelligence to Tackle Maritime Crimes
The Government of Rivers State has decried the persistent fragmentation of intelligence and lack of synergy among security stakeholders, describing it as a major impediment to the fight against maritime crimes in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by participants of the Advanced Defense Intelligence Officers Course 15 of 2025 from the Defence Intelligence College,The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-, stressed the urgent need for stronger inter-agency coordination to combat evolving maritime threats. The visit took place at the Government House, Port Harcourt the state capital.
Vice Admiral Ibas emphasised that effective collaboration among critical security and intelligence agencies—including the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police, Nigerian Customs Service, Directorate of State Services (DSS), and NIMASA—is essential to addressing complex maritime crimes such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism.
“Our nation’s maritime domain is a vital artery of economic prosperity, national security, and sovereignty,” he stated. “In an era where maritime threats are growing in sophistication, no single entity can effectively combat these challenges alone,” he said.
He commended the multi-agency composition of the visiting delegation and praised their course theme, “Maximising Intelligence Collaboration as a Catalyst for Enhanced Maritime Security,” as timely and strategic.
Recommendations
To enhance intelligence coordination, Vice Admiral Ibas proposed:
  1. Strengthened Information Sharing – Improved data exchange among agencies, state governments, and international partners.
  2. Inclusion of Local Stakeholders – Engaging fishing communities, port workers, and oil facility operators in intelligence frameworks.
  3. Technology-Driven Solutions – Deployment of real-time surveillance systems and AI-enabled threat analysis.
  4. Reinforced Regional Partnerships – Enhanced cooperation through the Gulf of Guinea Commission and collaboration with neighboring coastal states.
“Maritime security is inherently transnational,” he noted. “Strengthening partnerships with neighboring states and international maritime organizations  will amplify our collective capacity to secure our waters.”
Highlighting Rivers State’s strategic importance as a coastal hub with major ports and oil export terminals, Vice Admiral Ibas reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies through community-based intelligence, local vigilance initiatives, and policy reforms.
“Our communities must not just be observers but active stakeholders in the security architecture,”  “We are reviewing a maritime security engagement strategy and are willing to support joint trainings, provide logistic assistance, and promote policies that facilitate seamless intelligence collaboration,” he said.
 Field Study Mission
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Rear Admiral Effah Patrick, Commandant of the Defense Intelligence College, Abuja, explained that the visit was part of a field study to deepen participants’ understanding of intelligence collaboration in maritime security.
“Our aim is to explore how a collaborative intelligence framework can bolster Nigeria’s efforts in securing our maritime environment. The insights gathered will inform actionable recommendations for the Nigerian intelligence community,” he said.
Vice Admiral Ibas urged security and intelligence agencies to adopt a unified, innovative approach, emphasising that sustained progress hinges on transparency, trust, and continuous communication among all stakeholders.
Hauwa Abu

Birthday: First Lady Felicitates Wife Of Vice President

Lantana Nasir
-
0
Birthday: First Lady Felicitates Wife Of Vice President

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu is rejoicing with the wife of the country’s Vice President, Nana Shettima, as she marks another birthday.

In a message she issued on Tuesday, the First Lady praised the wife of the Vice President for her service to humanity and the nation at large.

She said: “Congratulations, Your Excellency on your 50th Birthday Anniversary. As you celebrate this day, I rejoice with you, your husband, children, grandchildren, family, friends and loved ones.

“Your life has been one of service, dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of your family and upliftment of not only your beloved State, Borno State, but Nigeria as a whole.”

The First Lady said her relationship with Mrs Shettima has been wonderful and very supportive as they implement the programmes of the First Lady’s pet project; Renewed Hope Initiative.

“Working with you has not only been pleasurable but complementary. I say thank you for being a worthy partner. I pray you celebrate many more years in divine health, peace, joy and happiness. Happy 50th Birthday Nana,” the First Lady added.

Nigeria Strengthens Child Protection With Reforms, New Initiatives

Lantana Nasir
-
0
Nigeria Strengthens Child Protection With Reforms, New Initiatives

In a significant demonstration of commitment to child welfare, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reiterated Nigeria’s steadfast dedication to the protection and advancement of every Nigerian child.

Speaking during an official visit by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to Nigeria, led by  Robert Nanima, the Minister addressed recent allegations of child rights violations in parts of the country and outlined the government’s multi-layered strategy to safeguard children, support families, and strengthen legal protection frameworks.

“Child protection, development, and family cohesion are not just policy objectives — they are national imperatives.

 “While the allegations remain under investigation, Nigeria continues to take proactive and systemic steps to create a safe, just, and nurturing environment for every child,” Minister Imaan stated.

The Honourable Minister outlined a series of landmark reforms and programs designed to protect vulnerable children and support family systems which includes: the Review of the Child Rights Act to ensure full domestication across all 36 states, with a focus on enhancing child-friendly justice and enforcement, establishment of a Child Protection and Development Agency to streamline all efforts under one institutional framework among others.

The Ministry is championing a bold new initiative — the “See Something, Say Something, We Do Something” campaign, providing citizens with accessible platforms to report abuse, exploitation, and neglect. This will ensure real-time responses and justice for affected children.

In his remarks, Nigeria’s Country Rapporteur and Head of the Delegation, Hon. Robert Nanima, appreciated Nigeria’s hospitality and transparency. He emphasised that the Committee’s visit was part of a fact-finding mission to assess the reported concerns and understand the local context.

“We are not here to indict but to collaborate. Nigeria’s willingness to engage and share its efforts shows true leadership in child rights. Africa must work as a community to give its children a future they deserve,” said Nanima.

He was accompanied by other members and some technical experts 

The Honourable Minister was joined by key officials including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Director of Child Development, Head of Press and Public Relations and the Special Adviser to the Minister.

As Nigeria continues to lead with empathy, evidence, and accountability, Minister Imaan reiterated “that child protection will remain a core pillar of national development.”

Nigeria, Egypt Sign Strategic MoU to Boost Aviation Ties

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
-
0
Nigeria, Egypt Sign Strategic MoU to Boost Aviation Ties
The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has received the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdellatty, in Abuja for the formal signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Enhanced Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Egypt.
The agreement, which was initially conceived during the 2024 International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN) Conference, marks a significant milestone in the deepening of bilateral cooperation between both nations in civil aviation.
Speaking during the ceremony, the aviation minister described the signing as a “strategic breakthrough” that reflects the mutual commitment of both countries to strengthening connectivity, facilitating technical exchange, and opening new investment opportunities within their respective aviation sectors.
“This agreement is not only a fulfillment of the engagements we started during ICAN 2024 but also a bold step toward enhancing air connectivity, boosting tourism, promoting trade, and fostering knowledge transfer in aviation management and infrastructure,” Keyamo noted.
The enhanced BASA allows for expanded route access and operational flexibility for designated carriers from both countries, while the MoU covers technical cooperation, training, and infrastructure development initiatives.
On his part, Dr. Abdellatty expressed Egypt’s strong desire to build a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with Nigeria, particularly in sectors where aviation catalyzes broader economic growth. He commended Minister Keyamo for his visionary leadership and proactive drive to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that Egypt views Nigeria as a strategic partner on the continent.
Both ministers reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to implementing the provisions of the agreement in the spirit of mutual respect and shared progress.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, and representatives from the Egyptian diplomatic mission in Nigeria.
This development adds to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition its aviation sector through international cooperation, modern regulatory frameworks, and increased private sector participation in aviation infrastructure.
Hauwa Abu

NSIB Reaffirms Commitment To Safer  Transport 

Lantana Nasir
-
0
NSIB Reaffirms Commitment To Safer  Transport 

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing transportation safety across all modes in Nigeria, including air, marine, rail, and other land transport.

This enhancement will be achieved through a standardised, independent, and proactive investigative approach.

This was contained in a Press Statement issued to the Journalist by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Bureau Bimbo  Oladeji

The statement reads “With its expanded mandate as enshrined in the NSIB Act 2022, the Bureau is pioneering a new era of multimodal safety oversight, underpinned by globally recognised investigative practices and a clear mission to prevent accidents by learning from them.

“As part of this strategic vision, the Bureau is finalising two critical regulatory frameworks, the NSIB Casualty Investigation Regulations for the Maritime Mode of Transport and the Rail and Track Accident Investigation Regulations for the Rail sector. These instruments are tailored to Nigeria’s operating realities while drawing strength from international best practices.

“The maritime regulations are aligned with the IMO Casualty Investigation Code, establishing a standardised process for investigating accidents on inland waterways, ports, and Nigerian-flagged vessels.”

The rail investigation regulations, likewise, are being developed with due consideration for the unique operational structure and geographic scope of the Nigerian railway system, while referencing international norms in rail safety investigation.

These developments build upon the NSIB’s successful alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO Annexe 13 for air accident investigation, a framework that has guided aviation safety improvement worldwide and continues to inform Nigeria’s aviation sector reforms. 

By adopting this harmonised, mode-agnostic approach, the Bureau aims to create a unified culture of safety across the nation’s transport infrastructure.

Speaking on his vision and the Bureau’s direction, Captain. Alex Badeh Jnr, Director General/CEO of NSIB, noted: “The goal is not merely to investigate accidents, but to ensure that every finding and every safety recommendation becomes a cornerstone for safer transportation in Nigeria. 

“Our regulations are not only about compliance; they are about relevance, relevance to our waterways, rail systems, and the millions of Nigerians who depend on them daily.”

Crucially, the development of these regulations has been rooted in inclusive consultation, incorporating field visits to jetties, inland waterways, ports, and rail infrastructure across Nigeria. 

This practical engagement ensures the regulations are adaptable, devoid of theoretical ambiguities, and fully responsive to Nigeria’s transport landscape.

However, while NSIB remains responsible for conducting independent investigations and issuing safety recommendations, the responsibility for implementation lies with other critical agencies.

INSIB further calling on stakeholders such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to begin proactively building internal capacity for the adoption and implementation of NSIB safety recommendations.

Rema, Davido, Shallipopi Dominate H1 2025 Afrobeats – Spotify

Iyabode Jane Aluko
-
0
Rema, Davido, Shallipopi Dominate H1 2025 Afrobeats – Spotify

Spotify has published its Global Impact List for Nigeria, showcasing the top 30 Nigerian songs and tracks featuring Nigerian artists that have attracted notable international listenership in the first half of 2025.

The list is based specifically on streams generated outside Nigeria, reflecting the global influence of Afrobeats and Nigerian music.

Rema leads the chart with Baby Is It A Crime, a track that samples Sade’s iconic Is It A Crime. The single’s status as the most-exported Nigerian song in early 2025 further cements Rema’s global standing, following earlier achievements such as becoming the first Afrobeats act to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Davido, the multi-award-winning superstar, claims the most in total, driven by the success of his fifth studio album, 5ive. Burna Boy follows with five entries, led by Tatata featuring Travis Scott. Three songs from his recently released eighth album, No Sign of Weakness, also made the list.

Also Read: Rema Shines at Madison Square Garden in Landmark Concert

Other notable entries include Afrobeats stars Adekunle Gold, Asake, Ayra Starr, Teni, Omah Lay, and Shallipopi.

Fast-rising artist Chella earned the No. 4 spot with his hit single My Darling, while Minz also features on the chart via his collaboration on Ivorian artist Himra’s Number 1.

A standout inclusion is gospel singer Lawrence Oyor, whose track Favour gained viral momentum and has emerged as one of Nigeria’s biggest songs of the year so far.

Below is the complete list of the 30 Nigerian songs with the highest international streaming figures in the first half of 2025.

Reps Investigate 25 Insurance Companies over Financial Infractions

Confidence Okwuchi
-
0
Reps Investigate 25 Insurance Companies over Financial Infractions

The House of Representatives says it is investigating twenty five Insurance companies for financial Infractions.

The Chairman of the House Sub-Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Mr. Kwamoh Laori, made the disclosure at a meeting with the management of the Insurance companies, in Abuja.

He said that the committee scheduled the meeting based on petition based on infractions by the insurance companies which has led to the Nigerian government losing hundreds of billions of revenue from the companies.

He said that the companies were invited to agree or debunk those liabilities.

” This committee is saddle with the responsibility of a petition based on infractions from these insurance companies in respect of the operations and non compliance with certain statutory provisions. And of course, those infractions has resulted into federal government losing hundreds of billions of revenue from these insurance companies.

“That is why they are being invited and each of them have been served and given the extent of their liability and for them to come in and agree or debunk those liabilities. That is the essence of all these things we are doing here to ensure that what is due to the federal government comes to it through the operations of these private entities,” Mr. Laori said.

He said that it is the duty of the National Assembly to track revenue that should acrude to the federal government.

He said that the House is expected to investigate and put a stop to revenue leakages.

He noted that the the companies were expected to appear before the Committees to explain their financial standings, whether they have paid or not.

He however lamented that some of the companies ran to court prevent the siting of the committee.

“Some of the companies ran to court and have served the House with court process. It’s for us and the House to sit down and look at the process. If it in no way goes to the basis of what we are doing here, we would definitely proceed but if it does, then we have to await for the decision of the court in respect of that,” he said.

He pointed out that running to the court is the companies trying to” throw in the spanner into the world of the National Assembly”.

He also pointed out that the committee would continue to insist on the Chief Operating Officers of the companies to appear before the Committees rather than sending unqualified representatives.

” We have insisted that the Chief Operating Officers appear in persons so that they can answer some of the questions. Like you can see, one of the COOs sent somebody that could not answer any of those allegations that are before the committee, that is not good. That is why the committee still makes the order that only the COO that will appear in person, so, that they can come and answer for these allegations that are against them,” he noted.

He stated that it was the same people that would say that the Nation Assembly is not doing it’s job.

Mr. Laori indicted the National Insurance Commission for not doing their job.

” NICON, of course has a supervisory role in respect of that and I’m not holding brief for them. But, I think if they are doing their job, we will not be here talking about this. So, I expect them to sit up. It’s because there are certain lapses somewhere, that is why today we are doing what we are doing here in terms of investigation,” he added.

Seventeen of the companies who went to court, sent their attorney, Mr. Abimbola Kayode to represent them at the hearing.

Confidence Okwuchi

1...690691692...3,362Page 691 of 3,362

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE

Voice Of Nigeria Mission is “Reflecting Nigerian and African perspectives in our broadcasts, winning and sustaining the attention, respect and goodwill of listeners worldwide, particularly Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora … making Nigeria’s voice to be heard more positively in the shaping of our world.”

More from CN

Contact

© Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service