An economist has warned that Zimbabwe's current economic stability remains fragile due to significant structural weaknesses. Carren Pindiriri, speaking at an insurance conference in Victoria Falls, stated that while the economy shows improved performance with 6% growth projected for 2025, underlying issues pose serious risks.
Pindiriri explained that a high informality rate of 76.1 percent and a public debt exceeding 23 billion US dollars threaten sustained stability. He noted that price and exchange rate instability directly reduce demand for insurance, as high inflation increases premium costs. The local Zig currency has held steady recently, but he cautioned that any sharp policy changes could trigger new inflationary pressures.
He...
The Margi community in Adamawa State has introduced a new national attire to foster greater unity. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who is from Madagali Local Government Area, received special recognition during the unveiling ceremony at Ribadu Square in Yola.
Governor Fintiri expressed his profound pride in his Margi heritage, describing his community as courageous, hardworking, and resilient. He characterized the new attire as a symbol of identity and a connection to ancestral traditions, referencing historical garments like the pizhi, dzar, and gumbara.
He encouraged all Margi people to wear the outfit with honor. The event gathered traditional rulers, political figures, and representatives from neighboring ethnic groups.
A human rights organization leader, Alaowei Cleric Ebikonbowei, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The Chairman of the Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade stated that this action would help establish peace, particularly within the South East region.
Ebikonbowei argued that Kanu's continued detention would not resolve the nation's existing security problems. He noted that the separatist leader commands significant popular support. The legal practitioner also observed that Kanu had previously dismissed his legal team, including Senior Advocates, and had been disruptive in court. He expressed hope that Kanu would now allow his lawyers to proceed with an appeal.
The Federal Government has denied issuing any directive for a nationwide school closure, labeling a viral social media message as false and misleading. A ministry spokesperson, Boriowo Folasade, stated that the alarming notice did not originate from any official government or security agency.
The public was advised to rely only on verified information from official channels, including federal and state education ministries. This clarification follows a previous government decision to shut down 47 schools in northern regions, a move prompted by recent student abductions in states like Niger and Kebbi.
The International Human Rights Commission in Nigeria has expressed alarm over a coordinated pattern of student abductions, citing three school attacks within a single week. The commission's Country Director, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, stated these are not random incidents but suggest a deliberate strategy.
The group highlighted a major security failure, referencing reports that security personnel were withdrawn from certain schools just before the attacks occurred. It called for an immediate government rescue operation for all abducted students and an independent investigation into the security withdrawals.
The commission insisted that those who aided the attacks must be prosecuted. It urged the creation of a specialized School...
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called for a voluntary day of fasting to seek divine intervention for the state's ongoing security issues. He made this request during a recent broadcast, urging citizens to remain united and steadfast.
Governor Zulum expressed that collective prayer and fasting could strengthen communal faith. He asked religious and community leaders to support this initiative, citing a history of impactful communal supplication in the region.
The governor also reassured the public of his administration's dedication to improving security and stability. He further promised that his government would supply necessary resources to support local farmers and boost agricultural production.
Governor Uba Sani has urged the Arewa Consultative Forum to continue guiding policy and preserving unity as the north's intellectual core. His remarks, delivered by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe at the group's anniversary, commended the ACF as a vital platform for regional stability.
The governor pledged collaboration with the forum, the federal administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other partners to build a secure and prosperous north. He outlined his administration's Kaduna Peace Model, which combines inclusive governance with community engagement to confront security challenges. This approach, he stated, has restored calm and allowed farmers to return to their land.
He also highlighted his government's progress in...
The Lagos State Government is escalating its demolition of illegally constructed buildings, with recent operations targeting the Ikate-Elegushi and Lekki-Ikoyi areas. Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency, alongside the House of Assembly and the Office of Urban Development, are removing structures that violate regulations. These buildings were found encroaching on drainage channels, built under power lines, or exceeding approved limits, creating public safety and environmental hazards.
Sylvester Ogunkelu, Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Development, stated that the assembly supports this enforcement, noting that unregulated construction strains infrastructure in the densely populated state. Acting General...
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has mandated a statewide shutdown of all educational institutions following the kidnapping of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri. He characterized the incident as an unfortunate and preventable event, urging security agencies and community leaders to collaborate on rescue operations. The order affects every primary and secondary school, both public and private, and will remain in effect indefinitely. This extended closure will also serve as an early holiday break for students. Authorities continue to determine the precise number of abducted individuals.
