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We are interested in everything African, be it social, cultural, political, arts, entertainment and more. EYEGAMBIA- EYING GAMBIA & AFRICA

We are interested in everything African, be it social, cultural, political, arts, entertainment and more, our reporters will be bringing you up to date with all major happenings in all these sectors.

Obasanjo Says IMF Not Aligned With Africa’s Interests Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Monday that t...
09/09/2025

Obasanjo Says IMF Not Aligned With Africa’s Interests

Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Monday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) does not serve the interests of African nations, urging countries on the continent to develop independent economic frameworks tailored to local realities.

Speaking at an economic policy forum in Lagos, Obasanjo criticized the IMF’s approach to development financing and structural reforms, saying the institution often imposes policies that do not align with the socio-economic needs of African populations.

“We have tried the IMF prescriptions before, and we know where they led us,” Obasanjo said. “Africa must chart its own course. The IMF is not for us — its solutions are often foreign to our problems.”

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s head of state twice — first as military ruler from 1976 to 1979 and later as a democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007 — has been an outspoken critic of international lending conditions. He said African economies need patient capital and people-focused policy strategies, not austerity measures that undermine growth and social cohesion.

“We cannot keep accepting blueprints drawn from Washington or Brussels,” he said. “We need African solutions to African problems. That means thinking beyond loans and focusing on long-term investment in education, agriculture, and infrastructure.”

His comments come at a time when several African nations are facing debt distress and turning to the IMF for relief packages. While the IMF says its programs aim to restore macroeconomic stability, critics argue that its policies have often led to budget cuts in health, education, and food subsidies.

Obasanjo also called for stronger intra-African cooperation through platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying economic integration could reduce the continent’s reliance on foreign institutions.

“The real strength of Africa lies in Africans working together, not in depending on external actors who have their own interests at heart,” he said.

The former president urged current leaders to be bold in rejecting one-size-fits-all economic advice and to invest in homegrown expertise and innovation.

By O. Ubah

Nigeria and Colombia are in advanced discussions to establish a direct air link between the two countries, officials sai...
09/04/2025

Nigeria and Colombia are in advanced discussions to establish a direct air link between the two countries, officials said on Tuesday, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, tourism and diplomatic relations.

The proposed route would be the first non-stop commercial flight connecting West Africa and the Andean region of South America, and could be operational within the next year, pending regulatory approvals and airline partnerships.

"We are working closely with our Colombian counterparts to finalize the framework for direct flights between Lagos and Bogotá," Nigeria's Minister of Aviation said in a statement. "This route will open new opportunities for commerce, cultural exchange, and investment between our two nations."

Colombian officials echoed the sentiment, noting that the initiative aligns with Bogotá’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with African markets.

In addition, both governments are also see potential in expanding exports of oil, coffee, agricultural products, and technology services. The new air route is expected to reduce travel time from over 24 hours to just under 10, facilitating business and tourism.

Officials from both countries said further announcements would follow after a joint aviation summit scheduled for later this year.

By O. Ubah

A Nigerian father who was denied asylum in Britain three times has been granted permission to remain in the country afte...
08/23/2025

A Nigerian father who was denied asylum in Britain three times has been granted permission to remain in the country after telling immigration authorities that he is gay.

The man, who arrived in the UK more than a decade ago, had previously applied for asylum citing threats of violence in Nigeria but saw each application rejected by the Home Office. Facing deportation, he lodged a fresh claim arguing that returning to Nigeria would expose him to persecution due to his sexuality.

The practice of same-sex lifestyle is illegal in Nigeria and many African countries.

Immigration tribunals initially questioned the credibility of the man’s claim but ultimately ruled in his favour, citing risks to his safety if sent back. The decision grants him leave to remain, allowing him to work legally and live with his family in Britain.

Campaigners said the case underscores both the dangers faced by LGBT asylum seekers and the difficulties they encounter in convincing authorities of their claims.

The Home Office said it does not comment on individual cases but added that each asylum application is “carefully considered on its individual merits” and that Britain has a “proud record” of offering protection to those genuinely in need.

This development has come with lots of diverse opinions.

Nigeria has expelled 50 Chinese and Tunisian nationals accused of involvement in cybercrimes, the government said on Fri...
08/22/2025

Nigeria has expelled 50 Chinese and Tunisian nationals accused of involvement in cybercrimes, the government said on Friday, in one of the country’s largest mass deportations linked to online fraud.

Immigration officials said the suspects were detained in coordinated operations across Lagos and Abuja after months of surveillance. Authorities alleged they ran online scams, including identity theft and fraudulent financial transactions, targeting both Nigerian institutions and foreign companies.

Nigeria's Interior Ministry stated that they were found to be operating illegal cyber networks that compromise the economy and security. They reiterated that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for criminal elements, regardless of nationality.

The deportees were flown out of the country on Thursday after investigations concluded. Officials said computer equipment, forged documents and large volumes of digital records were seized during the raids.

Nigeria has been under growing pressure to tighten enforcement against cybercrime, which has damaged its international image and disrupted business confidence. The government has vowed to expand cooperation with international partners to track and dismantle transnational fraud syndicates.

By: O. Ubah

Japan welcomed 50 African heads of state and government on Thursday as the Tokyo International Conference on African Dev...
08/21/2025

Japan welcomed 50 African heads of state and government on Thursday as the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) opened in the capital, underscoring Tokyo’s push to deepen ties with the continent amid intensifying competition from China.

The three-day summit, co-hosted by the United Nations, World Bank and African Union, is expected to focus on investment, sustainable growth, peace and security. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to use the forum to advance infrastructure development, digital transformation, and health cooperation, while also promoting rule-based international order.

Diplomats said Tokyo is seeking to distinguish its approach from Beijing’s resource-driven engagement by highlighting “quality growth” and transparent financing. Japan is expected to announce new aid and investment commitments during the gathering, including climate resilience projects and private-sector partnerships.

African leaders welcomed the initiative, pointing to Japan’s record of long-term investment in human resource development. “We want partnerships that strengthen our economies and create jobs for our people,” said one delegate from West Africa.

TICAD, launched in 1993, has served as a major platform for dialogue between Japan and Africa. This year’s edition comes as global powers jostle for influence across the continent, rich in natural resources and youthful populations but facing acute challenges from debt burdens to conflicts.

The summit will conclude Saturday with a joint declaration outlining commitments on trade, security cooperation and sustainable development.

By O. Ubah

Africa’s largest cement producer, Dangote Cement, said on Monday it will build a new manufacturing plant in Côte d’Ivoir...
08/18/2025

Africa’s largest cement producer, Dangote Cement, said on Monday it will build a new manufacturing plant in Côte d’Ivoire as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in West Africa and meet rising demand in the region.

The factory, to be located near Abidjan, will have a capacity of around 3 million tonnes per year once completed, according to company officials. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the project creating hundreds of direct jobs and thousands more across the supply chain.

Côte d’Ivoire has seen steady growth in construction and infrastructure spending, driven by public investment in roads, housing and industrial zones, along with a boom in private real estate. Industry analysts say the new plant will help reduce reliance on cement imports and stabilize local prices, which have been volatile amid supply constraints.

“We see Côte d’Ivoire as a strategic market with strong long-term fundamentals,” a Dangote Cement spokesperson said. “This investment reflects our commitment to supporting regional industrial growth and ensuring self-sufficiency in cement supply.”

The Lagos-based company, which already operates factories in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and several other African countries, has been expanding aggressively across the continent. Its strategy has focused on building integrated plants that use local raw materials, lowering production costs and reducing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

Analysts said the new Ivorian facility aligns with the government’s push to attract industrial investment and promote local manufacturing. However, they cautioned that ex*****on risks such as power supply, infrastructure bottlenecks and financing costs could weigh on the project’s timeline.

The announcement comes as competition in West Africa’s cement market intensifies, with both multinational and regional producers racing to add capacity in response to urbanization and infrastructure growth.

Dangote Cement said the project will be financed through a combination of internal resources and external funding, though it did not disclose the investment amount or construction timeframe.

Botswana and Namibia have agreed to build a $2.5 billion cross-border oil refinery, aiming to cut reliance on imported f...
08/18/2025

Botswana and Namibia have agreed to build a $2.5 billion cross-border oil refinery, aiming to cut reliance on imported fuel and strengthen energy security across southern Africa, government officials said on Monday.

The facility, to be jointly owned and operated, will process imported crude oil into refined petroleum products for domestic use and potential export to neighbouring states. Authorities said construction is expected to take about five years once feasibility studies and financing arrangements are finalized. The project is forecast to create thousands of jobs during the building phase and provide long-term skilled employment when the refinery becomes operational.

Officials said the refinery will help reduce the financial burden of fuel imports, which currently absorb a significant share of foreign exchange reserves and contribute to volatile pump prices. By establishing local refining capacity, the governments aim to cushion their economies from global oil market shocks and supply chain disruptions.

“This initiative will not only improve energy resilience but also stimulate broader industrial development,” an energy ministry representative said.

Analysts note that while the project underscores growing momentum for regional energy cooperation, its success will depend on securing reliable crude supply contracts and ensuring strong environmental safeguards. Questions also remain over financing, with governments expected to pursue a mix of public investment, international lenders and private partners.

The refinery is part of a broader effort by both countries to diversify economies traditionally dependent on mining and agriculture. Officials said they expect the project to boost downstream industries, including petrochemicals and transport, while lowering fuel costs for households and businesses.

Industry observers caution that timelines for large-scale refinery projects are often subject to delays, but said the scale of political backing suggests strong commitment. If completed on schedule, the plant could begin operations early in the next decade.

By O. Ubah

Plot: Mali’s security forces arrested some military officers, including two generals and a suspected French agent.Accord...
08/15/2025

Plot: Mali’s security forces arrested some military officers, including two generals and a suspected French agent.

According to Mali’s security minister, the French national acted “on behalf of the French intelligence service, which mobilized political leaders, civil society actors, and military personnel” in the West African nation.

President Tinubu has set an ambitious goal for Nigeria growing the economy by 7% a year by 2027. This is more than doubl...
08/14/2025

President Tinubu has set an ambitious goal for Nigeria growing the economy by 7% a year by 2027. This is more than double the 3.13% growth recorded in the first quarter of this year, a figure boosted by a recent GDP rebasing that raised the economy’s size to $243.55 billion.

Speaking to his federal cabinet, Tinubu said recent reforms have strengthened Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability and improved investor confidence. But he admitted that low public savings remain a major hurdle.

Supporters see his reforms like scrapping decades-old fuel subsidies and allowing the naira to find a market-driven rate as tough but necessary moves to save money and attract foreign investment.

Critics, however, say poor implementation has left ordinary Nigerians struggling with higher prices, while security crises in the north and a slowing economy add to the pressure. Once Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is now on track to slip to fourth place this year, according to the IMF.

The African Union has called for the adoption of a world map that reflects Africa’s true size, citing concerns over long...
08/14/2025

The African Union has called for the adoption of a world map that reflects Africa’s true size, citing concerns over long-standing distortions in common map projections such as the Mercator projection.

Experts note that while the Mercator map is widely used for navigation, it distorts land sizes, making regions near the equator appear smaller, while enlarging areas closer to the poles. This means Africa, which covers about 30.37 million square kilometres (over three times the size of the United States), often appears smaller than it really is.

Proponents of the change say a more accurate projection such as the Gall-Peters map would give a fairer visual representation of the world’s continents, especially Africa, which is the second-largest continent by both area and population.

The AU hopes that this adjustment will promote a better global understanding of Africa’s scale, resources, and geographic significance.

📷: Reuters

*No Room for Xenophobia in Ghana, Says Ghanaian President, Mahama*Ghanaian President John Mahama on Friday declared that...
08/02/2025

*No Room for Xenophobia in Ghana, Says Ghanaian President, Mahama*

Ghanaian President John Mahama on Friday declared that there is no place for xenophobia in the country, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to hospitality, tolerance, and African unity.

Speaking at a government function in Accra, Mahama said his administration will continue to protect the rights of all foreign nationals residing in the country, especially those from fellow African states.
“Ghana’s history and values are built on openness and solidarity with our African brothers and sisters. There is no room for xenophobia in our land,” the president said.

“Our strength lies in our unity. Anyone who incites division or targets others based on nationality will face the full force of the law,” he added.

Ghana has long positioned itself as a beacon of Pan-Africanism, attracting diaspora communities and playing a mediating role in regional affairs.

The president’s comments are seen as both a domestic assurance and a regional signal amid shifting sentiments on migration and economic opportunity.

Officials say the government is also working closely with community leaders and law enforcement to monitor and address any incidents that may threaten social cohesion.

Congratulations to the Nigerian women team for winning their 10th WAFCON Championship after defeating Morocco 3:2.
07/27/2025

Congratulations to the Nigerian women team for winning their 10th WAFCON Championship after defeating Morocco 3:2.

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