Beer prices hike again for the third time This Year Amid Economic Strain in Nigeria Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 14, 2024 ​ Popular Breweries in Nigeria (Beverages) Nigerian Breweries, the country's leading and most established brewing company, has declared another increase in beer prices due to escalating production costs. This marks the third price adjustment in less than twelve months, intensifying the financial burden on consumers seeking refreshment. The revised pricing is set to commence on Friday, closely following the previous adjustment a month ago. In the face of Nigeria's dire economic challenges, the brewery reported a significant net loss of 106 billion naira ($66 million/£53 million) last year. The naira's depreciation has notably inflated the cost of importing essential brewing ingredients, contributing to the financial strain. The broader manufacturing sector is similarly affected, with numerous local businesses raising product prices to counter the economic downturn, described as the most severe in recent decades. The scarcity of foreign currency, crucial for importing raw materials, coupled with inadequate power supply, stands out as primary obstacles for production and commercial operations in Nigeria. The ripple effects of heightened food and transport expenses have exacerbated the situation, plunging an increasing number of Nigerians into poverty. This price surge from Nigerian Breweries is a reflection of the broader economic hardships faced by industries and consumers alike. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Kenyan President Faces Tough Choices Amid Bloodshed and Protests Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond Jun 26, 2024 President Ruto William Kenyan President William Ruto addressed the nation with a message of sadness and strength after a day of protest, turmoil, and bloodshed. Describing the protests against his policies as "legitimate" but "hijacked by a group of organised criminals," Ruto warned that his government would use all means at its disposal to prevent a repeat of the violence. "Today's events mark a critical point on how we respond to threats to our peace," he stated. "We will ensure a situation of this nature does not recur again." The president's message aimed to regain control after days of escalating street protests. On Tuesday, the violence peaked with at least five people shot dead and hundreds injured. In the longer term, some fear the challenges ahead for Ruto are far from simple. Elected in 2022 with pledges to cut corruption, bolster the economy, and help the poor, Ruto now faces a rebellion against a crucial finance bill he insists is vital for nation-building. The opposition Ruto faces extends beyond parliament, with a movement fueled by social media discontent growing into widespread street protests. In Nairobi, key government buildings, including the governor's office, city hall, and parliament, were set ablaze. Protestors had threatened a "total shutdown," resulting in a chaotic and violent day marked by teargas and live fire from police. Ruto's refusal to abandon his budget amid the turmoil reflects his commitment to addressing Kenya's debt crisis, which exceeds $80 billion and consumes more than half of the annual tax revenues to service. Earlier this year, Kenya secured a restructuring of its international debt, boosting the currency's value. Ruto, recently recognized as a leading African statesman, argues that increasing taxes is preferable to cutting public services to control state finances. The finance bill, set to become law next Monday, introduces new or increased taxes on various items, though some contentious taxes were dropped after public consultation. Despite Ruto's focus on green energy and tech, his past association with a government marred by corruption undermines public trust in his tax policies. Many blame the financial woes on corruption, leading to a reluctance to accept higher taxes. The events in Nairobi highlight Ruto's precarious position. Condemned for a heavy-handed response to protests, he faces a determined youth-led movement, posing the biggest challenge to authority since Kenya's independence in 1963. The coming days are crucial, with a likely continued showdown between the government and its people. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

South Africa's Top Court Bars Zuma from Election, Impacting ANC's Prospects Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah May 21, 2024 ​ South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma in the middle with his supporters South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma has been barred from running for parliament in this month's election, following a ruling by the constitutional court. The court declared that Zuma's 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 disqualified him from standing in the May 29 election, as the constitution prohibits anyone with a prison sentence of 12 months or longer from holding a parliamentary seat. Zuma, who resigned as president in 2018, has been campaigning for a new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), which he founded after falling out with the African National Congress (ANC). The MK party, led by secretary-general Sihle Ngubane, stated that the ruling does not affect its campaign and that they would take direction from Zuma on their next steps. Opinion polls indicate that the ANC's majority is at risk after 30 years in power, with MK posing a significant threat, particularly in Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal where he remains popular. In 2021, Zuma's imprisonment led to riots in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in over 300 deaths and widespread looting. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the rule of law and stated that security forces are prepared to handle any potential violence following the court's decision. Despite Zuma's disqualification, his photograph will remain on the ballot paper as the registered leader of MK, although his name will be removed from the list of parliamentary candidates. Also read: Jacob Zuma Rallies Support in Soweto for Upcoming General Election An Ipsos poll from April showed MK with around 8% support compared to the ANC's 40%. While the ANC is expected to receive the most votes, it may need to form a coalition if it fails to secure over 50% of the vote. Zuma, speaking at an MK rally in Soweto, promised free education for disadvantaged children and job creation, appealing to his base ahead of the election. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Cameroonian Mbappe to Miss Real Madrid's Pre-Season Tour Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 16, 2024 Kylian Mbappe addresses the media during his official unveiling as a Real Madrid player. Kylian Mbappe will not join Real Madrid's squad for their pre-season tour of North America. According to The Athletic, Mbappe will begin his pre-season training at the Valdebebas training centre on August 7, while the rest of the team departs on July 28. Real Madrid's pre-season schedule includes friendly matches against Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea . However, Mbappe, who was unveiled on Tuesday, will not participate due to his involvement with France at Euro 2024. Real Madrid’s management, along with head coach Carlo Ancelotti, have decided that Mbappe should take a period of rest and recuperation. The 25-year-old forward is expected to go on vacation before resuming training in early August. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Annually, an Average of 1,382 Shipping Containers Go Missing at Sea, According to Report Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 2, 2024 ​ The journey toward absolute safety of ships is far from over In an enlightening revelation by the World Shipping Council (WSC), the maritime industry has witnessed a significant downturn in the number of shipping containers lost at sea. The latest figures suggest an annual average loss of 1,382 containers up until 2019, which, while substantial, represents only a fraction of global shipping operations. Notably, the year 2022 marked an epoch of minimal losses, with merely 661 containers misplaced out of the staggering 250 million transported, underscoring a notable achievement in maritime safety. Despite this progress, the journey toward absolute safety is far from over. The variance in container losses, including a sharp increase between November 2020 and January 2021 where 2,675 containers were lost, accentuates the unpredictable nature of maritime logistics. The largest spike in losses since 2013 was observed during this period, bringing to light the myriad challenges the shipping industry faces. Human error remains a significant factor, with issues such as the misdeclaration of container weights, inadequate packaging, and suboptimal stowage planning compromising container security. However, an emerging and formidable challenge is the impact of climate change. Alterations in weather patterns, particularly in the Pacific Ocean, and the most potent Northern Pacific winds recorded since 1948 have heightened the risks, leading to an increased incidence of containers being dislodged and lost at sea. The repercussions of these losses extend beyond mere financial implications, posing severe threats to marine ecosystems. Incidents such as a recent ship breakdown, which led to the release of 6,000 pounds of sulfuric acid, underscore the potential environmental dangers associated with lost containers. Over 50% of such losses are attributed to ship groundings and structural failures during stacking, highlighting critical areas for improvement. In response, the shipping industry has seen the implementation of stricter regulations aimed at curbing the frequency of these incidents. These measures, coupled with enhanced safety protocols, offer a beacon of hope for further reductions in container losses. As the industry moves forward, the emphasis on safety and environmental preservation remains paramount, with each lost container representing a multifaceted threat that demands vigilant mitigation. As we navigate the complexities of global trade, the decline in lost shipping containers stands as a testament to the industry's resilience and commitment to continuous improvement. However, the path to a zero-loss future is intricate, necessitating unwavering dedication to safety, sustainability, and technological advancements . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Ghana gears up for the postponed 2023 African Games, set to commence on March 8, 2024. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 5, 2024 ​ Empowering Through Sports: Ghanian Female beach volley ball players Ghana's Preparation for the African Games Ghana is poised to host the eagerly anticipated 2023 African Games, with local organizers asserting the country's comprehensive readiness despite earlier setbacks due to marketing rights disputes that delayed facility construction. This event marks a pivotal moment for West Africa, showcasing Ghana's extensive preparations in infrastructure, accommodation, logistics, and minor accreditation delays, notably affecting the Cameroon team. The Significance of the African Games in Ghana Scheduled to kick off with an opening ceremony in Accra on March 8 and wrap up on March 23, the African Games hold a special place in the continent's sports history, dating back to 1965. Despite facing challenges such as damage to the warm-up track, the organizing committee, along with key bodies like the Africa Union, Anoca, and the Association of African Sports Confederations, is committed to a successful execution of the Games. Ensuring a Seamless Sporting Celebration As Ghana gears up to host athletes and officials from across Africa, the focus remains on delivering a flawless event that not only spotlights athletic prowess but also cements Ghana's status as a significant host within the regional and international community. Despite existing concerns, the excitement surrounding the Games underscores a unifying celebration of sportsmanship and cultural exchange. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Ethiopia Prepares for 2024 Green Legacy Planting Season Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 27, 2024 ​ Young healthy trees in an afforastated land Addis Ababa, May 26, 2024 – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that preparations for this year’s Green Legacy planting season are well underway. Planting sites are being readied and seedlings continuously cultivated. "Our annual program, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, combating climate change, reversing deforestation, and reducing land degradation, involves communities, schools, and organizations working together to plant billions of trees," Abiy shared on social media. Launched in June 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative is a flagship program of Prime Minister Abiy . Ethiopia has planted 32.5 billion tree saplings nationwide under this initiative, with a target to plant 50 billion trees by 2026. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Nigerian Military Launches Major Crackdown on Militants and Oil Thieves Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Apr 12, 2024 ​ The Nigerian military on a huntfor Islamist militants In a decisive week-long operation, the Nigerian military has reported significant success against Islamist militants in the north and rampant oil theft in the Niger Delta. Major-General Edward Buba, the Defence spokesperson, announced on Friday that; " The operation resulted in the killing or wounding of 188 militants, the arrest of 330 suspects, and the rescue of 133 kidnap victims. The security forces also dealt a heavy blow to oil thieves in the Niger Delta, arresting 36 suspects and dismantling numerous illegal oil refining operations. Approximately 270 weapons and over 5,000 rounds of ammunition were seized during the raids. General Buba emphasized the military's commitment to eliminating terrorism and enhancing national security. "Our troops are demonstrating remarkable efficiency and will continue their robust operations against these threats nationwide," he stated. The crackdown also saw the destruction of 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks, and over 20 illegal refining sites, with nearly 700,000 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces, including Islamist insurgency, separatist violence, and extensive oil theft, which have plagued the nation's stability and economic prospects. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

President William Ruto Suspends School Reopening Amid Flood Crisis in Kenya Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 4, 2024 ​ Kenya, President William Ruto In response to the severe flooding impacting large parts of Kenya, President William Ruto has announced an indefinite postponement of school reopenings nationwide. The decision, aimed at ensuring the safety and preparedness of educational facilities, comes as many schools have been damaged by the ongoing natural disaster. During a press briefing on April 3, President Ruto urged Members of Parliament to redirect more funds from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) towards the reconstruction of affected school infrastructures. This move is critical to support the extensive repairs needed in the wake of the floods. "The Ministry of Education is directed to postpone the dates of reopening of all schools in the country for the second term until further notice," stated Ruto, emphasizing the government's commitment to student safety and educational integrity. Further addressing the nation, Ruto praised the community spirit and the efforts of institutional volunteers who have rallied to assist during this crisis. He also made a strong appeal to the public to heed safety alerts and avoid dangerous behaviors such as crossing flooded paths or driving on waterlogged roads. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu also highlighted the issue, issuing new guidelines for school reopening originally scheduled for May 6. These guidelines involve collaboration with National Government Administration Officers to secure alternative accommodations for those displaced by the floods, including using some schools as temporary shelters. The government's focus remains on ensuring the safety of its citizens and minimizing the educational disruption caused by the floods. President Ruto's call to action reflects an urgent need for community cooperation and legislative support to navigate this challenging period effectively. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Kenya Enhances Mombasa Port Connectivity for East Africa Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Feb 19, 2024 ​ Mombasa Port's East African engine for trade connections Regional Logistics Kenya is taking decisive steps to improve the operational efficiency at the Port of Mombasa, aiming to persuade Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan to utilize this strategic maritime gateway more effectively. By streamlining clearing processes and introducing technological advancements in billing and cargo tracking, Kenya seeks to enhance the ease of trade for its landlocked neighbors. Infrastructure Upgrades and Technological Innovations The adoption of cutting-edge technologies at the Mombasa Port is central to Kenya's strategy to boost its appeal. Enhanced cargo processing systems and the incorporation of digital tracking are expected to minimize delays and losses, thereby ensuring a smoother trade flow. This technological leap is poised to redefine the logistics landscape, offering unparalleled efficiency and reliability. Revitalizing Rail Connectivity A key component of Kenya's outreach involves the revival of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, in collaboration with Uganda. This infrastructure project aims to establish a direct rail link from the Mombasa Port to Kampala, with future extensions to Rwanda and South Sudan. By improving rail connectivity, Kenya and Uganda are laying the groundwork for a more integrated and efficient regional transport network. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Tragedy at Sea: 89 Migrant Bodies Recovered Off Mauritania's Coast Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Jul 5, 2024 Migrants aboard a traditional fishing boat navigate the waters off the coast, highlighting the perilous journey many undertake in hopes of reaching Europe Coastguards in Mauritania have recovered 89 bodies of migrants from a boat that capsized in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday. Nine people, including a five-year-old girl, were rescued, but dozens more are missing. Survivors report that the vessel, a traditional fishing boat, set sail last week from the Senegalese-Gambian border area with 170 people on board. It capsized off Mauritania's south-western coast. Mauritania is a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe from West Africa , with thousands of boats departing from the country last year. The most common destination on this perilous route is Spain's Canary Islands. According to the Spanish government, nearly 40,000 people arrived there last year, doubling the number from the previous year. Desperate to reach Europe, migrants often travel in overloaded boats. More than 5,000 migrants died while trying to reach Spain by sea in the first five months of 2024, according to estimates by the Caminando Fronteras charity. In April, the EU granted Mauritania €210m (£177m; $225m) in aid, with almost €60m allocated to combat undocumented migration to Europe. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Football: Haller Ruled Out of Today's Champions League Match Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Apr 16, 2024 ​ Ivorian International Football Player. Photo:parismatch Borussia Dortmund's Sébastien Haller to Miss Champions League Quarterfinal Against Atlético Madrid Borussia Dortmund forward Sébastien Haller has been sidelined for Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Atlético Madrid due to a recurrence of his left ankle injury. Dortmund’s coach, Edin Terzić, confirmed the setback on Monday, stating, "Haller injured his ankle again unfortunately. He will now have complete rest for a week. There will be a final diagnosis on Saturday to determine the downtime a little more precisely. We assume he won’t be available for two to three weeks.” Haller had previously demonstrated his resilience and scoring prowess by netting a critical goal in Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat at Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the quarterfinals. However, the injury occurred early during Dortmund's Bundesliga victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach this past Saturday. Despite recovering from the same left ankle injury to compete and score in the Africa Cup of Nations final, securing the title for Ivory Coast, Haller faced repeated setbacks. His return to Dortmund's starting lineup on Saturday marked his first league start since mid-September, but he was forced to leave the field in the ninth minute due to the injury. This news comes after Haller courageously returned to professional football last year following his recovery from testicular cancer, marking a significant comeback in his sports career. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024