EYEGAMBIA (2025)

08/07/2025

Nigeria has reaffirmed that its longstanding ban on nuclear testing remains in full effect, reiterating its commitment to global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the statement on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Dr. Robert Floyd. The vice-president emphasized that Nigeria remains resolute in supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and will continue to advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons testing.

“The ban on nuclear testing remains firmly in place in Nigeria. Our focus as a nation is on addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and the climate crisis—not nuclear armament,” Shettima said.

He described nuclear testing as dangerous and destabilizing, noting that its consequences threaten not just regions but the entire global community. “There are no winners in a nuclear conflict. The devastation it brings is total and indiscriminate,” he added.

Dr. Floyd welcomed Nigeria’s commitment, noting that the country's active support for the CTBT has been instrumental in strengthening the global verification regime. Nigeria hosts monitoring facilities that contribute to the organization’s international surveillance system, used to detect any nuclear test conducted worldwide.

The meeting was also attended by officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), who highlighted the country’s efforts in peaceful nuclear energy use and regulatory compliance.

Nigeria signed the CTBT in 1996 and ratified it in 2001. While the treaty has yet to enter into force globally due to the absence of ratification by key states, Nigeria remains among the countries actively championing its universal adoption.

The reaffirmation comes at a time of heightened international concern over arms proliferation and follows renewed global calls for progress toward the treaty’s full implementation.

05/07/2025

The richest black person in the world, Aliko Dangote said on Thursday that Africa has the potential to become “heaven” within five years if the continent embraces the right policies, investments, and leadership.

Speaking at the Africa Investment Forum in Lagos, Dangote, Africa’s richest man, said the continent must prioritize industrialization, infrastructure development, and regional integration to unlock its full economic potential.

“Africa is not poor. Africa is poorly managed,” Dangote said during a panel discussion. “With discipline, vision, and collaboration, we can turn this continent into heaven in the next five years.”

Dangote, whose conglomerate spans cement, agriculture, and oil refining, said regional trade barriers and weak logistics continue to limit growth across African markets. He urged governments to fully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and support private sector-led development.

The 67-year-old Nigerian industrialist has long advocated for African self-sufficiency. His 650,000 barrels-per-day oil refinery, recently commissioned in Nigeria, is seen as a major step toward reducing the continent’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

“We need to manufacture what we consume and create jobs for our youth. The opportunity is enormous, but the window is closing,” he said.

Dangote’s remarks drew both praise and skepticism on social media, with some describing the five-year timeline as overly ambitious given ongoing challenges in governance, security, and infrastructure across the region.

Africa’s population is expected to reach nearly 1.7 billion by 2030, with the continent projected to account for over 40% of the global workforce by 2100, according to the United Nations.

Dangote said failure to act now would lead to missed opportunities for future generations.

He further remarked that the future is in the hands of Africans and no one will develop Africa for Africans except Africans themselves

By O. Ubah

20/06/2025

President Macron calls on his "European friends" to secure Europe. He posted a photo on Facebook using the French-made jet called Rafale.

In the midst of the conflict in the Middle East, Macron recently triggered reactions online from young Africans after stating that no nation should interfere in the political affairs of a sovereign country.

He mentioned that it is strategically wrong for an outside force to forcefully change a regime of another nation.

On the other hand, the French president continues to face criticism from West African youth who express frustration over France's post-colonial relationship with African states.

What more can be done to secure the African continent?

18/06/2025

Mali has commenced work on a gold refinery marking a key step in the West African nation’s strategy to gain control over its mineral wealth and halt the outflow of unprocessed gold.

Located in Senou, on the outskirts of the capital Bamako, the facility is being built by Russia’s Yadran Group alongside a Swiss investment firm, with the Malian government holding a controlling stake. It is expected to have an annual processing capacity of about 200 tonnes—nearly quadruple Mali’s current gold output.

Under a revised mining code championed by interim President Colonel Assimi Goïta, all gold mined domestically must now be refined within Mali. The government aims to add value locally and reduce revenue lost to smuggling. Since 1980, Mali’s gold has been exported for refining and sale to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Switzerland.

Yadran’s president, Irek Salikhov stated that the refinery is also poised to serve as a regional processing hub for neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, which lack certified refining infrastructure.

Despite West Africa being rich in gold, few operational refineries exist across the region, raising concerns over transparency and traceability. Mali’s move is expected to stop smuggling that costs African economies billions yearly.

The project is part of Mali’s broader pivot away from Western partners towards Russian alliances following a 2021 coup. At the moment, no schedule has been provided for the refinery’s completion. Mali has said production will soon shift to local output before export.

By O. Ubah

08/06/2025

Ghana has extended several offshore oil licenses in a landmark deal worth $2 billion with a consortium of international energy partners, aiming to boost exploration and long-term production in the West African nation.

Under the agreement, licenses for key offshore oil blocks—including those operated by Italian energy major Eni, U.S.based Kosmos Energy, and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)—have been extended by up to 20 years. The extension will secure ongoing investment in existing infrastructure and support future drilling programs, officials said.

Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh said the deal reflects Ghana’s commitment to “providing a stable investment environment for international partners while maximizing value for the state.” He added that the government expects the move to help unlock additional reserves and sustain production levels beyond 2030.

The $2 billion package includes new commitments from partners to fund field development, exploration drilling, and local content initiatives. It is expected to inject fresh momentum into Ghana’s oil sector, which has faced production declines in recent years due to aging fields and limited new discoveries.

The revised licenses cover portions of the prolific Tano Basin, home to the Jubilee and TEN fields, and align with Ghana’s broader strategy to leverage its hydrocarbon resources amid a global push toward energy transition.

Ghana, which began commercial oil production in 2010, currently produces around 160,000 barrels per day. The government has said it aims to ramp up output and increase state revenues as part of its medium-term economic recovery efforts.

The deal comes as several African oil producers seek to renegotiate terms with investors to balance national interests with energy companies’ demands for fiscal certainty.

03/06/2025

Schools across Jamaica observed Africa Day on Friday, May 30, following a government directive to reschedule the event from its traditional May 25 date, which fell on a Sunday this year.

The annual celebration, recognised by the African Union and countries with sizable African diaspora populations, was held under the theme “Celebrating Africa: Up You Mighty Race, Resilient and Strong.”

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, coordinated the day’s events, aimed at reinforcing Jamaica’s cultural and historical ties to the African continent.

Schools were being encouraged to stage exhibitions, cultural showcases, and African-themed fashion shows, incorporating traditional music and imagery of notable African figures.
The ministry also urged schools to integrate civics into the day’s activities, with a focus on values such as unity, resilience and mutual respect — ideals reflected in this year’s theme.

The initiative aligns with Jamaica’s broader education goals, fostering positive values and strengthening national identity. Schools were also encouraged to collaborate with community groups and stakeholders to expand participation.

Highlighting historic and cultural links, spotlight were on countries such as Nigeria and Ghana who were the primary sources of enslaved Africans brought to Jamaica — as well as South Africa, noted for its post-apartheid ties with the Caribbean nation, and Ethiopia, revered by the Rastafari movement.

Celebrations included traditional dress parades, music, dance and tributes to African heritage, all intended to bolster awareness of the continent’s global contributions and enduring connection to Jamaica’s national identity.

By: O. Ubah

31/05/2025

Sidi Ould Tah, a seasoned Mauritanian economist and former finance minister, has been elected as the ninth president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The election took place during the bank's annual meetings in Abidjan, where Tah secured 76.18% of the vote in the third round, reflecting a strong mandate from the institution's 81 member countries.

Tah, 60, brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance. He previously served as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development and, most recently, as Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to April 2025. During his tenure at BADEA, he led a transformation that quadrupled the bank’s balance sheet and achieved a AAA credit rating.

The ADF supports over 30 of the continent’s poorest nations. The bank estimates that Africa requires over $400 billion annually to fund its structural transformation and is targeting $25 billion in its current replenishment round.

Tah is expected to focus on enhancing infrastructure development, promoting financial inclusion, and strengthening regional integration. He has expressed intentions to collaborate with Gulf states to bolster infrastructure projects across the continent. Additionally, he will oversee the development of the African Financial Stability Mechanism aimed at reducing debt vulnerability among member countries.

His election comes at a time when Africa is grappling with debt pressures, climate financing needs, and geopolitical risks. The AfDB recently announced the launch of the Africa Carbon Support Facility to enhance carbon markets across the continent, aiming to integrate carbon credits into African stock exchanges and increase their value.

Tah's leadership is anticipated to steer the AfDB through these complex economic landscapes, fostering sustainable development and economic resilience across Africa.

By O. Ubah

30/05/2025

Nigerian tech innovator Oluwatobi “Tobi” Oyinlola has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by developing the world's smallest GPS tracking device prototype, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records. The device, measuring just 22.93 mm by 11.92 mm, was created during his research tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Oyinlola's ultra-compact GPS tracker integrates a custom-printed circuit board, an onboard
microcontroller, an embedded antenna, and Bluetooth connectivity, all without requiring any
external antenna. This innovation has significant potential applications across various sectors, including medical microchips, wildlife monitoring, and personal safety devices.

Reflecting on his journey, Oyinlola shared that his fascination with technology began at the age of 13 when his secondary school in Nigeria received a donation of computers. “From the
moment I booted it up, I was absolutely captivated,” he told Guinness World Records

President Bola Tinubu congratulated Oyinlola on this remarkable achievement, stating, “You
have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!” Minister of Communications, Innovation
and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, also lauded the innovation, highlighting it as a symbol of
national pride and technological potential.

Oyinlola's accomplishment not only showcases individual brilliance but also underscores
Nigeria's growing footprint in global technological innovation.

By O. Ubah

29/05/2025

Kenyan Author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Champion of African Literature, Dies at 87

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the acclaimed Kenyan author and activist whose work helped redefine African literature and pushed for the use of indigenous languages in writing, has died at the age of 87, his family said on Wednesday.
Ngũgĩ died in Georgia, United States, where he had been living and teaching in recent years. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Born James Ngugi in 1938 in Limuru, central Kenya, Ngũgĩ rose to prominence in the 1960s with novels such as Weep Not, Child and A Grain of Wheat, which explored the struggles of ordinary Kenyans during British colonial rule and in the years following independence.

He later renounced writing in English, choosing instead to work in his native Gikuyu language in a move he described as an act of cultural liberation. His 1986 essay collection Decolonising the Mind became a foundational text in post-colonial literary studies.

“Language is not just a means of communication,” Ngũgĩ said in a 2019 interview. “It is a carrier of culture, a memory bank of a people’s history.”

Ngũgĩ's political engagement extended beyond the pages of stories. In 1977, he was detained by the Kenyan government following the performance of Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), a play critical of social inequality. He wrote his next novel, Devil on the Cross, on prison-issued toilet paper.

Following his release, he lived in exile, first in Britain and then the United States, where he held professorships at Yale University and the University of California, Irvine.

Despite frequent speculation, Ngũgĩ never received the Nobel Prize in Literature, though he was widely regarded as one of Africa’s most important literary voices. His later works, including Wizard of the Crow (2006) and The Perfect Nine (2020), continued to earn critical acclaim.

Kenyan President William Ruto described him as “a fearless advocate for African languages, dignity, and identity.” Opposition leader Raila Odinga said Ngũgĩ’s death marked “the passing of a literary and intellectual titan.”

He is survived by several children and grandchildren, many of whom have also pursued writing and academia. His family said details of memorial services would be announced soon.

By O. Ubah

27/05/2025

In several African communities, body size has traditionally been associated with status and prosperity. In Kenya, for instance, larger body types have often earned nicknames like “Boss” or “Mkubwa” - Swahili terms of respect that translate to “big man.”

However, growing awareness of health concerns has led to a shift in public conversation. Some younger political leaders, including the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, are now openly discussing personal health and weight management.

Kenya’s Ministry of Health notes that non-communicable diseases, including those linked to obesity such as diabetes, are now among the country’s leading causes of death, accounting for nearly 39% of annual fatalities.

26/05/2025

Uganda has paused its military cooperation with Germany following concerns over diplomatic engagement. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces cited recent developments involving German Ambassador Matthias Schauer as prompting the decision.

While Uganda raised concerns about internal matters, Germany has yet to make a public statement. The two countries have shared a longstanding relationship that includes military and technical support, as well as trade ties valued at over $335 million in 2023.

The development comes as Uganda prepares for its 2026 elections, highlighting ongoing global discussions around diplomacy and national sovereignty.

26/05/2025

Niger Tells Chinese Oil Workers to Leave Amid Rising Tensions Over Resource Control

Niger has asked some Chinese nationals working on oil projects to leave the country, in a move that could affect dozens of workers and further strain relations between the two countries, according to documents seen by Reuters.

The request, issued in official letters by Niger’s oil minister Sahabi Oumarou to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its joint venture refinery SORAZ, targets expatriate staff who have been in the country for more than four years.

The decision reflects a broader push by the Nigerien government to assert greater sovereignty over its natural resources and to prioritise jobs for local workers, an increasingly common stance among governments across the region.

In a letter dated 21 May, Oumarou told SORAZ he recognised the need for “a certain number” of employees to remain and suggested that departures would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

However, a separate letter to CNPC dated the day before struck a more confrontational tone, with the minister refusing a request for a private meeting with the company’s CEO and accusing the firm of failing to comply with Nigerien regulations.

Tensions have been mounting between the two sides in recent months. In March, Niger expelled three Chinese oil executives over what officials described as unfair wage disparities between local and foreign workers.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry defended CNPC’s record, saying the company had contributed “economically and socially” to Niger over many years. “Ensuring the long-term and healthy development of China-Niger oil cooperation is in line with the common interests of both parties,” the spokesperson said, adding that any disputes should be resolved through “friendly negotiations”.

CNPC has reportedly sought high-level talks with Niger’s military government since the expulsion of its executives, but with little success.
If the order outlined in the letters is enforced, dozens of Chinese employees may be forced to leave the country.

Niger’s move comes as it seeks to realign key economic partnerships and wrest greater control over strategic sectors, particularly energy and mining, following last year’s coup and the deterioration of ties with some Western allies.

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