Author: Yusuf Lawal

Google has announced the selection of 10 startups from across Africa for its Accelerator Programme, a three-month virtual program aimed at supporting startups in leveraging technology to solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The selected startups, from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, were chosen from nearly 1,000 applications, showcasing the remarkable talent and creativity in the African tech ecosystem. According to Google, startups play a pivotal role in driving economic development and technological innovation in Africa. By addressing local challenges with tailored solutions, these startups are creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life across the…

Lagos indigenous youths, under the Lagos Indigenous Youth Network, have vehemently opposed the planned hunger protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, citing concerns of political motivations and potential destruction. At a press conference on Sunday, youth leaders from the five divisions of the state gathered in Ikeja to express their concerns, stating that the protest appears to be driven by political interests rather than genuine public concern. Mobolaji Ogunlende, a leader in LIYN, highlighted intelligence reports suggesting that the protest is politically driven. He emphasized that the group is not against constructive engagement but will not support protests that may…

In a bid to revamp his cabinet and enhance governance, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has made significant appointments, including popular comedian Seyi Law as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment and Tourism. According to the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the appointments are effective immediately and aimed at boosting service delivery in the state. The governor has also appointed Senior Special Assistants on Social Investment, ICT, Strategic Communication, and Public Enlightenment, among others, to tackle various aspects of governance. Additionally, Special Assistants for mobilization and representation of non-indigenous communities in the state have been appointed to ensure inclusivity and diversity…

Nigerians are facing a harrowing experience as fuel scarcity continues to bite harder, with many depots for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) running dry and long queues building up at fuel stations across the country. The situation, which started on Friday, has worsened, with black marketers cashing in on the scarcity to sell petrol at exorbitant prices of up to N1,300 per litre and N1,500 per litre in parts of Lagos and Ogun states. In a bid to address the situation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) attributed the tightness in fuel supply and distribution to a hitch in the…

In a shocking move, Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party and parted ways with former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Okonkwo cited his disappointment with the party’s internal crisis and Obi’s failure to address it, stating, “I am committed, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness…but the current political parties, including the Labour Party, do not have what it takes to lead the country to greatness.” He likened a party to a political tree, saying, “A corrupt tree cannot produce good fruits regardless of the…

The Nigerian political landscape was thrown into mourning on Saturday with the sudden passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South in the National Assembly. According to reports, Ubah, who was also the CEO of Capital Oil, died in a London hotel, just weeks shy of his 53rd birthday. Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed the tragic news to our correspondent, leaving many in shock and disbelief. Ubah’s death comes as a devastating blow, especially given his narrow escape from an assassination attempt in September 2022, when his convoy was attacked by gunmen in Anambra State. Ubah, who was re-elected into…

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed that foreign mercenaries are involved in the proposed nationwide protest, citing credible intelligence at the disposal of the Force. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Egbetokun warned Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group. He noted that while some groups advocate for peaceful demonstrations, others promote violent protests, emulating recent events in Kenya. Egbetokun commended patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to concerns about sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence. He also acknowledged fears expressed by some individuals about enemies of…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has taken proactive measures to ensure public safety and security ahead of the proposed nationwide protest. A total of 4,200 policemen have been deployed across the nation’s capital, with a focus on strategic locations. According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the deployment aims to protect protesters, prevent hijacking by non-state actors, and maintain law and order. The police have also deployed explosive ordinance device experts to various locations, and will conduct raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties. Stop and search operations will also be carried out…

Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on US Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a “radical left lunatic” who will “destroy our country” if elected president. Trump claimed Harris supports the “execution of babies” due to her stance on abortion, saying she wants abortions to be allowed “right up until birth and even after birth”. Trump criticized Harris’s record on immigration, saying it has allowed communities to be “ravaged by migrant crime”, and dubbed her “unfit to lead”. Harris has received President Joe Biden’s endorsement after his decision not to seek reelection, and has hit the campaign trail with…

In a bid to tackle racism and offensive chanting, UEFA has imposed bans and fines on seven national federations who participated in Euro 2024. Croatia has been fined £41,978 and banned from selling tickets to their away fans for their next UEFA competition match due to racist and discriminatory behavior by their supporters. Similarly, the Romanian FA has been handed a £33,583 fine and will face a ticket sales ban for their next UEFA match. Albania has been fined £25,183 and given a one-UEFA match ban from selling tickets to their away supporters, suspended for a probationary period of two…