The Nation Newspaper

Category: Inside Africa

  • Sudan says 87 killed when security forces broke up protest in June

    THE Head of a Sudanese Investigative Committee said yesterday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces.

    Fath al-Rahman Saeed, the head of the committee, told reporters that 17 of those killed were in the square occupied by protesters and 48 of the wounded were hit by bullets.

    Some security forces fired at protesters and three officers violated orders by moving forces into the sit-in, he said, adding that an order was also issued to whip protesters.

    Read also: Military, civilians reach power-sharing deal in Sudan

    Opposition medics have said 127 people were killed and 400 wounded in the dispersal, while the Health Ministry had put the death toll at 61.

    The sit-in outside the Defence Ministry in the capital Khartoum was a focal point for protests that led to the ouster of longtime President Omar al-Bashir on April 11.

    “Some outlaws exploited this gathering and formed another gathering in what is known as the Columbia area, where negative and illegal practices took place,” Saeed said.

    “It became a security threat, forcing the authorities to make necessary arrangements to clear the area,” he said.

  • Top 10 fun places in Lagos you can visit this weekend

    The weekend is here and it’s time to relax, unwind, forget about the stressful week, meet new people, hang out and most importantly, spend time with family and friends.

    Sometimes, a weekend trip is all you need to have a fun, memorable, and rejuvenating experience. If you live in Lagos or you plan to visit for the weekend, here are 10 fun places in Lagos you can visit.

    1. Get Arena

    Located opposite Lagos Oriental Hotel, Get Arena offers the finest Go karts in Lagos. It’s an ideal location for a family outing or a group hangout. You can create your own racing league, enjoy corporate competitions or tournaments for the adults and the kids. After an exhilarating ride, you can feast on a salivating spread of fine dishes and most sumptuous cocktails.

    2. Omu Resort

    Omu Resort offers so many recreational activities to enable you to loosen up and erase, completely, the stress of the week. The resort comes with a package deal that includes – Zoo, Amusement park, Go kart, Quad biking, Archery, Wax Museum, Kayaking/Boating and lots more.

    3. Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park

    Although not located in Lagos (10 minutes drive from Berger), Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park is a place to hang out with your kids and give them a treat after a hectic school week. It has a world-class amusement park with exciting outdoor rides, amazing indoor games for kids, and the family to have an unforgettable fun experience.

    Hi Impact Planet

    4. Lekki Conservation Center

    Lekki Conservation Centre is a park that offers an escape from the everyday hustle life of Lagos and it is located on Lekki Peninsula. It prides on its canopy walk that happens to be the longest canopy walk in Africa.

    Lekki Conservation Centre

    5. Barracuda Beach Resort

    Located in Lekki, the beach resort is one of the best private beaches in Lagos. It is an ideal location for family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team bonding as well as time out with friends. Barracuda Beach offers a serene private getaway to locals and tourists alike.

    Barracuda Beach

     

    Read More: Kachins Fashions unveils products in Lagos, Abuja

    6. La Campagne Tropicana Resort

    One of Africa’s most visited beach resort, La Campagne Tropicana, is a tropical getaway situated on a piece of isolated nature along the Lekki Expressway. The resort lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Ikegun Lake.

     

    La Campagne Tropicana

    La Campagne Tropicana offers comfortable accommodation with 29 well-equipped chalets, luxury tents, a private swimming pool and the perfect beach for picnics. Each en suite tent at the overlooks the beach and comes designed with a private bathroom, a flat-screen television, a minibar, a fully-equipped kitchen, tea/coffee making facilities and a private balcony.

    7. The Mall

    Lagos has several malls in different locations and most of these malls have cinemas like Filmhouse, Silverbird, Genesis Deluxe, and Ozone Cinemas. Also, you could grab something to eat and play games with your family and friends at the mall.

    palms-shopping-mall
    Some of the malls in Lagos are Maryland mall, Maryland, Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja, Leisure mall/Adeniran Ogunsanya mall, Surulere, The Palms, Lekki, Novare Lekki mall, Lekki, E center, Yaba, and Festival Mall, Amuwo Odofin

    8. Nike Art Gallery

    Nike Art Gallery is an art gallery in Lagos owned by Nike Davies-Okundaye. The gallery is arguably the largest of its kind in West Africa. Housed in a five-storey tall building, it boasts a collection of about 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists.

    Nike Art Gallery
    You can go there to learn about Nigeria’s history, try your hands on crafts, take loads of pictures, take a cup of coffee at the cafe and it’s totally free!

    9. Freedom Park

    Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown Lagos in Lagos Island, Nigeria which was formerly Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prison. It was designed by the Architect Theo Lawson. The Park was constructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigerians. Freedom Park will transport you to what life was like in Nigeria in the past through theater and drama events, old school live bands, prison setting with its popular amphitheater where you watch plays like a Greek.

     

    Freedom Park

    Fun Fact: The park used to be a prison but was remade to stand for something better, alive and peaceful.

    10. Terra Kulture

    Terra Kulture is a one-stop venue for the creatives. If you and your family/friends are interested in music, visual arts, culinary, film, fashion, design or dance, then this place is perfect for you!

    Terra Kulture
    The Terra Kulture building is home to a restaurant, a craft shop, a library, a language school and theatre, and its central feature; the art gallery. It is proud to have hosted readings by renowned Nigerian authors such as Wole Soyinka, Sefi Atta, Chimamanda Adichie, and others for book readings.

     

    Have a blissful weekend!

  • Cholera death toll in northern Cameroon rises to 48

    The number of people killed by an outbreak of cholera in the North and Far North regions of Cameroon has risen from two in April to 48, officials of the Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday said.

    Arabo Saidou, an official of the ministry said 775 others have been diagnosed with the disease.

    ”The outbreak of the disease is caused by failure to abide with hygienic regulations.

    ”Access to drinking water is very difficult in this semi-arid part of the country and people tend to drink just anything.” Saidou said.

    On Monday, Cameroon’s Minster of Public Health, Manaouda Malachie, said the situation was “alarming” stressing on the need for the population to respect “basic hygiene rules”.

    Read Also: ‘Adamawa ready to receive 4,000 citizens from Cameroon’

    ”The public should take necessary measures to improve hygiene in their homes in order to help the government’s efforts to control the disease,” Saidou said.

    For many years, cholera has been a common occurrence in Cameroon’s northern regions where floods during raining season are recurrent.

    In April, health officials of the country said cholera killed at least two people and 19 suspected cases registered in North region, barely four months after the government declared the country free of the disease.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Namibia’s education minister resigns after corruption verdict

    Following a guilty verdict delivered in Windhoek’s High Court, Namibia’s Minister of Education Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa tendered in her letter of resignation on Tuesday.

    The high court on Monday found Hanse-Himarwa guilty of corruption and corruptly using her office for gratification.

    She also used her former position as Hardap governor in 2014 when she placed some of her relatives on a list of housing beneficiaries under the country’s mass housing initiative.

    President Hage Geingob has accepted the resignation.

    READ ALSO: Buhari felicitates with Namibian former president, Sam Nujoma at 90

    The presidency said that due to the guilty verdict and in line with Geingob’s commitments toward transparency and battling corruption, he would have been left with no option but to relieve Hanse-Himarwa of her ministerial duties.

    Hanse-Himarwa, in a statement released by the education ministry, said she understands “the seriousness of the conviction” and is “mindful of the president’s strong views on transparency and accountability.”

    Before being appointed as education minister on March 20, 2015, Hanse-Himarwa was governor of Hardap region.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

     

  • S/African President lauds launch of African free trade agreement

    President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday lauded the launch of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) saying the agreement will catapult the economies of many African countries onto a higher growth trajectory.

    Ramaphosa said the agreement “was a milestone that fulfils a dream crafted by the founders of the Organisation of African Union (OAU) 60 years ago when they conceptualised an integrated Africa.’’

    He made the comment after attending the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) on July 7 to July 8 in Niamey, Niger.

    The summit marked the entry into force of the AfCFTA and formally launched the operational phase of the African Internal Market.

    Ramaphosa said South Africa stands to significantly benefit from being part of the world’s largest single market encompassing 55 countries with a combined population of 1.2 billion people and a combined GDP of 3.2 trillion U.S. dollars.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria and economic benefits of AfCFTA

    He called the implementation of the agreement as a platform for African countries to trade among themselves and reap the benefits of the tariff-free area.

    According to the President, one of the key spin-offs is expected to be greater focus and urgency for infrastructure development across the continent to support economic activities.

    The AfCFTA, among its major aspirations, calls for a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investment, paving way faster establishment of a customs union.

    Once fully operational, the free trade accord is projected to boost the level of intra-Africa trade by more than 50 per cent by the year 2022, according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa. (Xinhua/NAN)

     

  • African Union high-powered delegation to attend Trade Conference in the U.S.

    Following a successful launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the 12th Extraordinary Summit in Naimey, Niger, the African Union (AU) is set to send a high-powered delegation to the 2nd edition of the Trade with Africa Business Summit in Chicago. The delegation would be led by His Excellency Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Trade Commissioner andChampion of Trade award recipient. Ambassador Muchangawill deliver a resounding keynote address on AfCFTA.

    “According to the World Bank, U.S. controls 40% of global wealth and remains an important trade partner for Africa.  With manufacturing steadily shifting to Africa, the timing isright for U.S. business leaders to develop effective strategies towards the region particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and for Africa’s exporters to maximize the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Trade with Africa Business Summit represents an effective platform to facilitate trade discussions andit provides a front row sit to business leaders looking to engage, build partnerships as well as educate themselves on the growing economic impact Africa is having on the global market.” said Toyin Umesiri, CEO NazaruLLC. and Founder of the Trade with Africa Business Summit.

    The Trade with Africa Business Summit brings together global business leaders, policy experts, investors, entrepreneurs, development agencies, financial institutions and supply chain and logistics experts geared towards increasing trade with Africa. This year’s event would be held at the McDonald’s Hamburger University – Oak Brook on August 1st and 2nd with Press Conference and VIP reception scheduled for the evening of July 31st. This year’s event would be marked with powered side-line meetings, public speeches, panel discussions, workshops and direct engagement between investors and government representatives and it positions the Chicago Metropolitan area and the State of Illinois as a favorable destination for Africa’s business & political leaders looking to create new trade partnerships in the U.S.

    Confirmed speakers include:

    • His Excellency. Ousmane Ba, Ambassador of Mauritania to the United States of America
    • His Excellency Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Trade Commissioner – African Union
    • KanayoAwani, Managing Director Intra-African Trade Initiatives, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) – Cairo, Egypt
    • Colonel William Wyatt, Director African Studies – U.S. Army War College Carlisle, Pennsylvania
    • Levi Uche Madueke Head, Africa’s Strategic Partnerships Bureau of the Chairperson, African Union Commission (AUC)
    • Dylan Piatti, Sr. Chief of Staff Deloitte and Chairman E-Commerce Forum Africa
    • Andrew S. Nevin, Chief Economist -PWC Africa
    • LaTaunya Darden, Business Development Expert, U.S. Export Import Bank (EXIM)
    • Shakira Motan, Trade Commissioner, South African Consulate – Chicago
    • Michael Mugisha CNBC Africa – Senior Producer & News Anchor
    • Edward T. Hightower, Author of Motoring Africa: Sustainable Automotive Industrialization

    Theme of the 2019 event is: Growing U.S. – Africa Trade, Trade Financing & Developing Africa’s Supply Chain. Topics to be covered discussion include but not limited to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Market Entry Strategy, Export & Import, Securing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Trade Financing, Supply Chain and Logistics, Sustainable Agriculture, Block-chain Technology, Manufacturing, E-Commerce as an Engine of Growth, Healthcare, Infrastructure and Youth & Women Empowerment.

    “Africa offers new markets for U.S. made products. Similarly, U.S. serves as an untapped market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for authentic African products (raw and manufactured). I am excited to host the AU delegation as well as attendees, speakers and sponsors from all over the world including several African countries. The Trade with Africa Business Summit represents and effective platform to facilitate trade at scale.with stakeholders from the world’s next economic frontier.” Concludes Toyin Umesiri

    The event is sponsored by Nazaru LLC., Westrock Coffee and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with several other organizations.

  • Kenyatta flags off Safari rally

    Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta said the country’s expectation was to see the Safari Rally return to the World Rally Championships on Friday when he flagged off the 51 cars competing.

    Kenyatta said the Safari Rally is held in high esteem in Kenya and is very much part of the national psyche, started in 1953 as part of the coronation of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.

    It was part of the World Rally Championship for many years until 2002, when it was axed for lack of finance and government support.

    However, the president of International Automobile Federation (FIA) has sworn its support during a visit Kenya 2015 thus the event is now running as a Candidate race for the WRC this year.

    Read Also: Kenyatta outlaws abuse of people on social media

    Kenyatta said that after this hurdle, the Safari rally will be back in the 14-leg WRC starting 2020.

    “Rallying has deep roots in Kenya’s national psyche.

    “Many generations of Kenyans were raised against the background of impressive rally races, criss-crossing our nation, and looking up to motoring legends.’’ said Kenyatta on Friday in Nairobi.

    Kenyatta added that he was confident that not only will Safari Rally being a full series event for the WRC, but also the Kenyan flag will feature on the winning podium.

    “I can confirm that the government through the ministry of sports is eager to lend a hand wherever the industry and sponsors may require.’’ (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Weekend treat: How to prepare peppered snails

    Snail is an exotic meal due to its expensive nature. But it’s not frequently cooked in Nigerian homes compared to beef, chicken, fish or goat meat. The price of snails ranges from N800-N1500 and in a small proportion.

    Snails are one of the easiest foods to cook, however, in some cultures, it’s forbidden to eat snails.

    They say due to its slimy nature, it can make one “slow”. In some others, a meal mustn’t be served without snails.

    Follow the recipe below to find out how to prepare peppered snails

    INGREDIENTS

    1. Snails (depends on the number of people you are cooking for)

    2. Atarodo pepper

    3. Onions

    4. Seasoning Cubes

    5. Salt

    6. Oil

    Read Also: Nigerian delicacies you should try this weekend

    COOKING DIRECTIONS

    * Thoroughly wash the snails in a bowl to remove the slimes

    * Then, place the snail in the pot and add salt and other seasoning cubes. Leave to boil for about 30 minutes.

    * Use a manual blender to grind the pepper and onions.

    * Put them in a pot with already heated oil and stir-fry the mixture.

    * Add your seasoning to it.

    * After stir-frying, add the already boiled and tender snail. Stir for about 3-5 minutes.

    Voila! Your peppered snails are ready.

  • Military, civilians reach power-sharing deal in Sudan

    Sudan’s ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups reached an agreement to share power during a transition period leading to elections, setting off street celebrations by thousands of people.

    The two sides, which have held talks in Khartoum for the past two days, agreed to “establish a sovereign council by rotation between the military and civilians for a period of three years or slightly more,” AU mediator Mohamed Hassan Lebatt said at a news conference.

    They also agreed to form an independent technocratic government and to launch a transparent, independent investigation into violent events in recent weeks.

    The two sides agreed to postpone the establishment of a legislative council. They had previously agreed that the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition would take two-thirds of a legislative council’s seats before security forces crushed a sit-in protest on June 3, killing dozens, and talks collapsed

    The streets of Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city across the Nile River, erupted in celebration when the news broke, a Reuters witness said.

    Thousands of people of all ages took to the streets, chanting “Civilian! Civilian! Civilian!”

    Young men banged drums, people honked their car horns and women carrying Sudanese flags ululated in jubilation.

    “This agreement opens the way for the formation of the institutions of the transitional authority, and we hope that this is the beginning of a new era,” said Omar al-Degair, a leader of the FFC.

    Read Also: ‘How Sudanese president fell’

    “We would like to reassure all political forces, armed movements and all those who participated in the change from young men and women … that this agreement will be comprehensive and will not exclude anyone,” said Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the Transitional Military Council.

    “We thank the African and Ethiopian mediators for their efforts and patience.

    “We also thank our brothers in the Forces for Freedom and Change for the good spirit,” said Dagalo, who heads the Rapid Support Forces accused by the FFC of crushing the sit-in.

    Opposition medics say more than 100 people were killed in the dispersal and subsequent violence. The government put the death toll at 62.

    (Reuters)

  • Hope for South Africa’s Eskom as dollar bonds rally

    Dollar-denominated bonds issued by South Africa’s Eskom gained on Thursday after a senior treasury official said the government was weighing extra options to support the struggling state power firm.

    The 2023 issue added 0.7 cents in the dollar, while the 2028 issue gained 0.5 cents in the dollar, according to Tradeweb data.

    Ian Stuart, Acting Deputy Director General for the National Treasury’s Budget Office, had told Reuters that the support included swapping Eskom’s debt for government bonds or ring-fencing it in a special account.

    Stuart said that various scenarios were being considered for resolving the “large and complex” issue, with implications for South Africa’s credit rating, a key criterion.

    Read Also: 24 killed in South Africa bus crash

    “We are looking at which option is best both in terms of fiscal costs and support for the reform process,” he said.

    “Support could take the form of ongoing subsidies, or the firm’s debt could be moved off its balance sheet to the government or into a special purpose vehicle.

    “A switch to South African government bonds will be looked at, but we have to confirm the legalities of each option and implications for ratings agencies,” he said.

    He said discussions were at an early stage, adding that it had yet to be clear which option would be chosen.

    Eskom, which supplies more than 90 per cent of the country’s electricity, has this year been forced into rolling nationwide power cuts that have eroded growth in an already fragile economy. (Reuters/NAN)