Africa emerges as a radiant powerhouse in the global diamond industry, as indicated by the latest data from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2022. Through Sputnik Africa’s meticulous analysis, the top ten diamond-producing nations on the continent are revealed, emphasizing their profound influence on the international market. Botswana takes the lead in this shining narrative, solidifying its position as Africa’s premier diamond producer, trailing only behind Russia on the global stage. With a remarkable production volume of 24.5 million carats and a value surpassing $4.7 billion, Botswana’s diamond industry resonates across borders, leaving an indelible mark. Following closely,…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
In a recent interview with the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), announced the corporation’s plans to initiate night operations before the second quarter of 2024. The move aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of the railway services. However, Okhiria highlighted that security concerns are the primary obstacle to implementing night operations. He emphasized that trains should operate at all times, but due to the prevailing security situation in the country, they have restricted their services to daytime operations. Okhiria outlined the ambitious expansion plan, stating, “We intend to bring…
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has issued a weather forecast, alerting citizens, especially those with respiratory issues like asthma, about potential health risks associated with dusty weather. The forecast, released on Tuesday in Abuja, predicts sunny and hazy conditions in the North and North Central states starting from Wednesday, January 3, 2024. While the North and North Central regions can expect a sunny and hazy atmosphere, coastal cities in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states may experience cloudy and hazy weather, with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening periods. NiMet strongly advises airline operators to obtain updated…
In a targeted drone attack on a Hamas office in Beirut, Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas, was killed along with five others. The strike occurred in the southern suburb of Daliyeh, escalating tensions beyond the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, but Mark Regev, an adviser to the Israeli Prime Minister, emphasized that it was a precise operation against the Hamas leadership. The drone strike, which occurred on Tuesday, was confirmed by both Hamas’ Al Aqsa Radio and Lebanon’s pro-Iranian Mayadeen TV, citing security sources. Al-Arouri, a prominent member of the…
Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, a staunch ally of President Bola Tinubu, has relinquished his position as the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This decision, shrouded in political intrigue, comes as MC Oluomo now sets his sights on vying for the National Presidency of the NURTW. Sources indicated that MC Oluomo’s departure from the Lagos leadership was not a voluntary move but rather a result of pressure from President Bola Tinubu. The decision was reportedly conveyed during a closed-door meeting at Tinubu’s residence, signaling a shift in…
Tensions escalate in the Horn of Africa as Somalia vehemently rejects a landmark port agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland. The deal, which grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence, faces strong opposition from Somalia, which views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory. The Somali government, declaring the agreement as having “no legal force,” has summoned its ambassador to Ethiopia for urgent deliberations. The pact, signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi, would allow Ethiopia to lease a strategic 20 km area around…
In response to widespread concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, and other stakeholders, the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), has decided to extend the deadline for 2024 Hajj payments. The new deadline is now January 31, 2024, offering an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in the sacred pilgrimage. The extension comes after NAHCON initially insisted on proceeding with the number of intending pilgrims who made payments before the original December 31, 2023 deadline. However, the Commission has acknowledged the inevitability of the extension, emphasizing that it was approved by the federal government in response to the heartfelt…
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has sounded a cautionary note to government Ministries, Agencies, Embassies, and High Commissions, alerting them to exercise caution regarding fraudulent diaspora groups posing with misleading political motives. In a press statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of NIDCOM, mentioned the deceptive activities of the Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF), an alleged arm of the Labour Party, masquerading as an authentic diaspora group. Notably, the NDF lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, raising concerns about its legitimacy. Abdur-Rahman emphasized the established practice of registered…
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State took matters into his own hands as he personally confronted and ordered the arrest of a soldier caught riding against traffic on the bustling Lagos-Badagry Expressway. A video capturing this intervention quickly went viral, igniting a debate among the public regarding the appropriateness of the governor’s actions. The footage shows Governor Sanwo-Olu halting his convoy and directing his team to apprehend the traffic-violating soldier. While some citizens applaud the governor’s strict stance, asserting that no one, including soldiers, should be above the law, others criticize what they perceive as an abuse of power. The…
In a Resolute Declaration against the Challenges Faced by Married Nigerian Women seeking Passport Data Changes, The Minister of interior, emerges as a vocal advocate for change. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, criticizes the arduous process faced by married Nigerian women, particularly the need to travel to Abuja for passport data changes. He deems it a “stupid practice” and questions the necessity for such inconvenience, proposing a more streamlined approach. Addressing members of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ABAT Media Centre and social media influencers in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo highlights the absurdity of women having to journey from…