Category: Inside Africa

A pan-Nigeria anti-sabotage organisation, The Natives, has appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that no life of a Nigerian citizen is lost in war-torn Sudan.

Since the power of supremacy began between the two leading generals in Khartoum, the country’s capital, hundreds of people have been reportedly killed in the conflict.

But appealing to the Nigerian government, Supreme Leader of the Natives, Hon. Smart Edwards in a statement in Abuja called on all politicians across the party lines and well-meaning and high-placed Nigerians to use their contacts to ensure the safety of all Nigerians residing in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum.

Read Also: Sudan: 40 buses move 2,400 Nigerian students to Cairo

According to Edwards, while the initial efforts put in place by the Nigerian government to ensure evacuation of Nigerians are noted, The Natives demand that more needs to be done by the government and all well-to-do Nigerians to ensure immediate evacuation of our brothers and sisters who are helpless students and youths in the war-torn country.

He said: “Save our helpless students and youths Please, and ensure  AVE OUR no life is lost. We recognise efforts put in place so far but we demand that more are done and done urgently. We, the Natives, believe that the Nigerian government can evacuate our brothers and sisters trapped in Sudan, and we are urging all the stakeholders to ensure that no life of a Nigerian is lost in the ongoing crisis,” Edwards said.

Edward expressed confidence the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will promote peaceful coexistence, and fairness and ensure justice for every segment of the country.

While calling on Nigerians to learn a lesson of peace in the ongoing Sudan experience, The Natives Supreme Leader said: “No sacrifice is too much to ensure peaceful coexistence in the country.

He added: “We, the Natives, have vehemently been in the forefront of the campaign against disunity, segregation, discrimination, fake news and sabotage that could lead to anarchy, animosity, tribal and religious sentiments among Nigerians.”

The statement also called on all African leaders, African Union, ECOWAS and other world leaders to intervene dispassionately and give no room to negligence in the ongoing crisis in Sudan and ensure the restoration of peace to the Nation.

The intense military clashes in Sudan have escalated in past weeks. Sudan is in a volatile region bordering the Red Sea, the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa.

Down memory lane, civil unrest in Sudan has a long history, dating back to its independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. 

Caught in between the current in-fighting are millions of civilians who have made their support for a democratic government clear. 

But amid the chaotic situation, different countries across the world are scrambling to evacuate their stranded nationals in Sudan. 

The fighting has since left thousands of foreign nations including aid workers and diplomats stranded in the conflict-hit country. 

The warring sides, after several calls from other countries, have agreed to help foreign nationals leave Sudan by road, air and sea.

Read Also: Sudan: 40 buses move 2,400 Nigerian students to Cairo

Meanwhile, as the death count rises, thousands of citizens in affected areas are equally fleeing the embattled region to neighboring nations including South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia and Egypt. 

Here are quick facts about the conflict:

1) The current conflict revolves around in-fighting between two rival groups: the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group known as the RSF or Rapid Support Forces. 

2) The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a paramilitary group led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo also known as Hemedti and the Sudanese army is headed by Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. 

3) The two Generals are in disagreement over the proposed transition to civilian rule in Sudan. 

4) The two were once close allies and worked together to plan the military takeover of Sudan in October 2021, which short-circuited the country’s democratic transition. Recently, talks to resume the path towards democracy had been in progress.

5) Burhan and Dagalo agreed to a framework agreement with political parties and pro-democracy organisations under international pressure, but the agreement was ambiguous on crucial issues of contention, like how the RSF would be incorporated into the armed force and who would have ultimate control.

4) The power struggle also has its roots in the years before a 2019 uprising that ousted the dictatorial ruler Omar al-Bashir — who built up formidable security forces that he deliberately set against one another.

5) Now, both Generals are locked in a power struggle that turned violent on April 15, 2023. Since then, members of the RSF and the Sudanese army have engaged in gunfights in the capital, Khartoum, as well as elsewhere in the country. 

6) While mediators have hoped for a smooth transition, the bitter rivalry between two rival groups is getting worse.  

Both Generals Burhan and Dagalo have strong powerful foreign backers, making them potentially vulnerable to growing diplomatic pressure.

Alpha Global Childcare is set to host a groundbreaking webinar aimed at providing support, training and inspiration to early years practitioners, administrators, managers and caregivers worldwide, with a particular focus on Africa.

A statement signed by Caroline Popoola, Founder/CEO, Alpha Global Childcare read that the webinar would be part of the company’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize early years education in the region.

According to the statement, the event will be a platform for corporate organizations and the public sector at large to join hands with the company to educate and equip amazing practitioners, educators and nursery owners alike.

“The webinar will cover topics such as maintaining and building a supportive work culture in a childcare setting, managing learner’s behaviour in early years, and leadership in early childhood education.

“Leadership is key to supporting and sustaining quality in early childhood education, care settings, and creating a stimulating environment for staff and children.

“Alpha Global believes that setting the tone for a positive learning experience is essential, and that creating an environment where children feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn is key,” the statement read.

Alpha Global further emphasized the importance of creating an environment where staff is motivated, which is an essential part of a supportive work culture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the event was tailored for Early Years Educators, early years practitioners, school Administrators/managers and caregivers worldwide with a particular focus on Africa.

Alpha Global, one of the leading childcare providers in the United Kingdom, aims to replicate the excellence found across Alpha Childcare centres in the UK.

“Our vision is to become a leading provider of childcare in global cities. We aspire to replicate the excellence found across Alpha Childcare centres in the UK. We have a proven model that works!,” the CEO said.

Established in 2004, Alpha Global offers bespoke childcare services and currently operates in 16 locations, including Nursery Settings, After-school & Breakfast clubs, and Holiday clubs.

The company believes that quality education starts from early years, which is why it dedicates time and resources to organizing webinars and conferences. The upcoming event will give passionate educators the opportunity to learn globally, learn across silos from other schools and educational bodies, and get support from charitable organizations.

“Our goal is to educate, enable, encourage, and empower parents, educators, and childcare practitioners with practical skills and tips to raise wholesome children into successful young adults who will bring positive results to a consistently changing world,” she added.

The Alpha Global Early Years Education Webinar is set to take place on Saturday, April 15. Participants can also register for the event on the company’s website.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan; Former President of Tanzania, late John Magufuli; Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor; Former President of Botswana, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama (retd); Emmanuel Osadebay and many other prominent Africans have been honoured with the African Heritage Award. 

The maiden edition of The African Heritage conncert and awards which held in Kigali, Rwanda on April 1, 2023 was to celebrate and honour distinguished African personalities, who have dignified themselves through remarkable achievements across the globe.

In his acceptance speech, Emmanuel Osadebay, the Executive Director, T200 Foundation noted that the award and recognition will spur him to commit his time and resources to achieving zero hunger by 2023. According to him “I know that there is so much to be done. The challenges we face are complex and daunting and they require sustained efforts and commitment from all of us. So today, as I accept this award, I pledge to continue to support African communities in need of our collective help.”

Read Also: Why Akpabio is best man for Senate President, by Jonathan’s men

T200 Foundation has impacted many vulnerable communities in need of food. The organization fed 9000 hungry Nigerians in two months, both in Borno State and Durumi IDP camps. The organization’s goal is to significantly contribute to the actualization of zero hunger in Nigeria by 2030. T200 Foundation is set to unveil Nigeria’s first Hunger Report, which will be unveiled in Abuja as part of the events to mark World Hunger Day on May 28, 2023. 

The award event which brought leaders from different countries across different sectors, achieved the organizer’s aim to foster African culture of excellence and promote Afrocentrism. The African Heritage Awards and Concert is a celebration and global recognition of outstanding achievements made by Africans, including those residing in the diaspora, in areas of Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment/Arts and Culture, Science and Technology, and Social Innovation.

On Friday, 24th March 2023, Start-Rite Schools Abuja was honoured with the prestigious Africa Outstanding School of the Year Award at the 1st Africa Education Summit which held in Kigali, Rwanda.

This was in recognition of the school’s exceptional commitment to providing quality education in Nigeria, meeting specific criteria in several key areas including – excellent learning environment, well-trained and experienced staff, staff welfare, appropriate facilities, student-teacher ratio, discipline among teachers and students, communication with parents/guardians, and global citizenship education.

The 1st Africa Education Summit was organised by the Global Skills Hub (United Kingdom), LION Outreach (United States of America) and Africa Project Against Suicide (APAS). It was hosted by the University of Rwanda and brought together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the continent to discuss critical issues affecting the education sector in Africa with reference to mental health challenges. Some of them include: Mr. Honey Olawale (Director, Global Skills Hub), Dr. Jerry Vreeman (LION Outreach), Prof. Abraham Haileamlak Mitike (University of Rwanda), Prof. Adesegun Fatusi (Keynote Speaker and Vice-Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria), Prof. Lilian Salami (Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Nigeria), Hon. Gerald Phiri (Member of Parliament, Republic of Malawi), Prof. Thomas Achia (Strathmore University, Kenya), Prof. Durodoluwa Oyedele (Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria) and Dr. Victor Matabane (Head of APAS Health Committee, South Africa) among others.

In receiving the award, the Chairman, Start-Rite Schools Advisory Board, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba OFR, CON, SAN, congratulated the management, students and faculty of Start-Rite Schools for a well-deserved recognition. He asserted that the award was one of many to come hinting that with the potential to achieve even greater heights and make a significant impact in the global education landscape, the world will hear Start-Rite Schools. To this end, the Chairman reiterated Start-Rite’s commitment to providing world-class education and raising the bar for academic excellence in Nigeria. 

In reference to lessons learnt from the Rwandan Genocide, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba inspired the students to imbibe the values of active global citizens and remain committed to upholding the message of peace, unity and humanity. The Ag. Principal, Mr. Femi Akinlade also charged students against divisiveness with emphasis on the need to draw lessons from the Rwandan experience where a citizen does not identify him/herself by tribe but simply as a Rwandan. He also encouraged them to focus on their studies, avoid the temptation to engage in bad behaviour, and work towards building a productive, supportive and sustainable society.

The CEO of Travel by Self, Victor Ola, is prepared to unveil how Nigerians can relocate to Canada through sponsored Visa in a free workshop training.

In a time where it seems like everyone who wants to relocate to Canada has to go through the study route, Ola is changing the narrative.

The Nigerian-born Canadian citizen’s goal is to help as many Africans as possible relocate to Canada through the easiest means possible. He is set to hold a free workshop, exposing how Nigerians can relocate to Canada through the sponsored Work Route.

Speaking to reporters, Ola said: “ I know there are a lot of Nigerians who are not interested in studying first or can’t even afford to study first as a relocation pathway to Canada. This webinar has come to help Nigerians change the narrative.”

Speaking on the workshop, Ola stated that considering the high rate of employment opportunities in Canada, employers over there are very interested in employing immigrants and sponsoring their relocation to Canada.

He said: “The sponsored work visa pathway is the best Canadian relocation pathway for people who want to relocate at the cheapest possible cost. You do not have to write IELTS or have proof of funds. Some Canadian employers will even go as far as paying for your visa, your flight and providing accomodation. Did I forget to mention that you can also relocate with your spouse and children?”

Ola, who has held free workshops like the Canada PR Formula and the No IELTS to Canada webinar, spoke about why he decided to show Nigerians a different Canadian relocation pathway.

“For some years now, I have focused on teaching Nigerians how they can relocate to Canada through the Express Entry and Study Pathway and it has been amazing.

“We have helped over 1,000 people from Nigeria and all over the world relocate to Canada through the aforementioned pathways but I noticed that there was still a group of people who couldn’t use those pathways.

“These people couldn’t afford to relocate to Canada via Express Entry and they didn’t want to go back to school either. So I decided to introduce this sponsored work visa P
pathway to them.

“I relocated to Canada a few years back and I too wish I had relocated via the sponsored work visa pathway. It’s a good way to relocate without breaking the bank or running into debt! All you have to do is get a Canadian sponsored job while you are still in your home country, apply for a work visa once you get the job and relocate with your family once your visa is approved. The beautiful thing is you can do this on your own without paying any agent.”

Speaking on what participants of this free workshop should expect, he said: “I will be teaching every participant how they can craft a winning Canadian CV and get a good success rate on all their Job applications.

“I will be showing them how to apply for a Work Visa. I will also be sharing some side hustles they can do to increase their income in Canada. I will also be showing them how they can all do these within 180 days or less.”

Victor Ola is an immigration expert. He relocated to Canada via a fully funded scholarship and has since become a citizen of Canada. He is committed to teaching Africans, especially Nigerians, how they can relocate to Canada with ease.

Since he started, he and his team at Travel By Self have helped over 1,000 people relocate to Canada and start their dream life. His free webinar is held daily on his website and instagram.

By Ibrahim A. Badmus

According to statista.com, Nigeria’s unemployment rate is estimated to be around 33% by the end of 2022. But why is there such high unemployment in Nigeria? Possible reasons may include the government’s failure to fully understand the severity of the situation, inadequate development policies, flawed planning frameworks, and a poor understanding of the relationship between national productivity and self-employment.

Nigeria has a large artisan economy, as evidenced by the large number of university graduates who are unable to find work in industries. Students with STEM backgrounds, who could potentially drive industrial growth, are often attracted to the financial services sector due to the lack of industrial opportunities. Students are encouraged to acquire skills that will allow them to be self-employed, but this has not resulted in significant national productivity. In my opinion, the key to addressing the persistent unemployment problem in Nigeria and other underdeveloped and developing economies is industrialization. Nigeria seems to be moving in this direction, but it is important to proactively recognize the potential drawbacks and design the right policies, regulations, and frameworks to achieve sustainable growth.
The process of industrialization involves the transformation of a society from agrarian to industrial, with the development of new technologies and processes that enable the mass production of goods and the growth of industries and markets. Although industrialization has brought many benefits, such as increased productivity and economic growth, it has also resulted in adverse effects on the environment, society, and individuals.

Industrialization has harmed the environment due to the growth of industrial activities, leading to increased pollution from releasing harmful chemicals and pollutants. This has caused significant damage to the natural world, including loss of biodiversity, degraded air and water quality, and climate change. For example, releasing effluents and wastes from a fertilizer plant into a water body like the lagoon can introduce chemicals such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and caustic, which are used in wastewater treatment plants. These chemicals can alter the physicochemical characteristics of the water, leading to increased conductivity, total dissolved solids, and other changes that can be harmful to aquatic life.
Human and plant exposure to ammonia and other gaseous substances can occur during plant upsets. These substances include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen dioxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxides (SOx), which are potent greenhouse gases emitted from steam power plants. A cloud of urea dust from the urea plant drying section is also released into the atmosphere. In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, residents are often exposed to particulate matter like soot, which, according to government sources, is said to be caused by illegal refinery operations.
Industrialization has led to the overconsumption of natural resources, such as water and fossil fuels, which has contributed to environmental degradation and resource depletion. For instance, plants near water sources like lagoons may use the water for their operations. The water is treated and used for cooling, generating steam and power, and producing drinking water. Similarly, natural gas is a common fossil fuel used in fertilizer companies for firing boilers and producing hydrogen through steam reforming. This process also produces carbon dioxide, which is captured using methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) solution and reacted with ammonia under high pressure to create urea. However, natural gas is often flared, showing the exploitation and depletion of these resources.

The expansion of industries has often displaced local communities and traditional ways of life, leading to the loss of cultural knowledge and practices. This can have a profound impact on individuals and communities, affecting their identity and sense of belonging. In addition, the growth of industries has also led to inequality and political instability as wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few. This is exemplified in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, where pressure groups and militants protest against the exploitation of crude oil by international oil companies. This threatens Nigeria’s oil production capacity and leads to economic instability, as the country is heavily dependent on oil exports for foreign exchange earnings.

In addition to its negative impact on the environment and society, industrialization has also had negative effects on individuals. The growth of industries has often resulted in the exploitation of workers, who are often subject to poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours. This can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of workers, as well as for their families and communities. For example, research has shown that exposure to ammonia can lead to decreased sexual performance in men. OSHA reports that exposure to about 50 ppm of ammonia can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat. Workplace hazards in industries such as fertilizer plants can include dehydration from working in high temperature environment, burns, noise, and vibrations.

The growth of industrialization has often led to the loss of traditional ways of life and cultural practices as people move to cities and away from rural communities. This can have negative effects on the social cohesion and cultural identity of individuals and communities. For example, the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos, which was once a rural community, is being transformed into an urban center due to industrial activity. This has led to an influx of people and the conversion of fishing waters and farming lands into real estate, changing the lifestyles of local inhabitants. Increased traffic congestion is also a common effect of industrialization as more workers travel to work each day.

Laws should be enacted to create environmental protection agencies that are responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations. Industries should also be responsible for providing suitable and efficient waste disposal means and educating their workforce on the safe handling and disposal of chemicals. Constant safety training should be provided to staff about potential hazards and how to respond to emergencies. Technology can be used to track emissions in real-time to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Industries can also provide incentives through corporate social responsibility programs to the communities where they are located, and preserve local cultural identities through the creation of museums where appropriate.

While industrialization has had negative effects on the environment and society, it has also brought many benefits. It has increased productivity and economic growth, leading to the development of new technologies and services and improving the standard of living for many people. It has also created new jobs and opportunities, providing people with the means to support themselves and their families. However, it is important to recognize the negative side effects of industrialization and take action to mitigate and address them. This can include the development of policies and regulations to protect the environment, promoting renewable and sustainable forms of energy, and supporting local communities and cultural practices.

Badmus wrote via ibrahimabiolabadmus@yahoo.com

Nigerians living in the United Kingdom (UK) have established a group called ‘Nigerians in United Kingdom’ (NIUK) to improve the welfare of Nigerians residing there.
In a phone chat with The Nation, the President of the group, Benjamin Kuti said the group was established to unify Nigerians, provide career positions for those who relocate to the UK and provide various forms of support.

Kuti advised Nigerians to be law-abiding citizens, saying that it has not been simple for them to relocate to the UK, adding that Nigerians are skilled and ready to learn new skills.
He made a plea to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to support them so they may contribute to the expansion and development of Nigeria.

“The purpose of the community is uniting Nigerians in the United Kingdom. We are helping our people with personal growth, accommodations, careers, jobs, dating, networking, business, and immigration advice, and giving help to New Nigerians who just arrived in the United Kingdom a soft landing once they arrive in the UK.

“It’s not easy for Nigerians who just moved to the UK. Abroad is cold and also very lonely. I always advise everyone to be law-abiding because over here the laws are stringent and you won’t get a second chance if you break the rules. Most new Nigerians are students or they come to the UK with skilled visas. They’re ready to start a new life and always ready to learn to understand how the UK works.

“Nigerians can locate us on Twitter using the handle @NIUKCommunity. The Nigerians Diaspora commission can help us with advice and assist us at all times. We can share ideas and also how the Nigerian community in the UK can have a positive impact on our country.

“It’s difficult to help anyone most times because we don’t get any funding at all. All we do at present is just Tweet in the community and if anyone can help we raise money among ourselves which is all we can do for now. The community is legally registered with the company house in the UK,” he said.

Jollof Kitchen, a family-oriented food truck restaurant boasting of Nigerian culinary culture is gaining recognition in the United States, with its unique offering of Nigerian homemade gastronomies.

The restaurant has received admiring reviews. Visitors who have been there shared their experiences on their social media pages, hailing the restaurant for showcasing the Nigerian culinary culture to the world.

With authentic Nigerian food and menus like “African Delights” and Chop Til’You Belle Full amongst others Jollof Kitchen holds sway in the Bay Area, San Francisco, California, United States.

Jollof Kitchen started its food truck operation in 2018. It was the Jollof Festival winner in 2021 (Bay Area). It is presumed home to some of the best festivals, markets and events in the United States.

Read Also: Google celebrates jollof rice

“With utmost sincerity from our hearts, it is a chance to offer all who desire an authentic African Menu At Jollof Kitchen, our goal is that neighbors, friends, family as well as food aficionados experience a unique opportunity to eat well and connect deeply with our roots centered dishes prepared with love from locally sourced ingredients,” says the management.

“Jollof Kitchen is bringing you the real taste of African special delicacies. We are here to serve you in the best way conceivable, with authentic cuisines from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Senegal. Our jollof rice stands out with the best aroma of our home blend of spices collected from three different countries, reads a statement on their website.