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Nigeria Now A BRICS Partner Country- Brazil

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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Brazil’s government has officially admitted Nigeria as a partner country in the BRICS bloc, marking a significant milestone in its international diplomatic engagements.

The announcement was made by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry on Friday on the country’s official website, highlighting Nigeria’s pivotal role in advancing cooperation among Global South nations and advocating for the reform of international organizations.

With its status as Africa’s largest economy and the world’s sixth-most populous nation, Nigeria shares strategic interests with BRICS member countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Brazil, which currently holds the BRICS presidency for 2025.

In exercising its pro tempore presidency of BRICS, the Brazilian government announces today, January 17, 2025, the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of the grouping. The Brazilian government welcomes the Nigerian government’s decision.

”Nigeria becomes the ninth partner country of BRICS, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. This partner-country category was created at the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan in October 2024”

”With the world’s sixth-largest population—and Africa’s largest—as well as being one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS. It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governance—issues that are top priorities during Brazil’s current presidency”

Nigeria’s entry into BRICS provides an opportunity to expand its influence in global decision-making while fostering stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships with member and partner countries.

Violence: South Sudan Imposes Nationwide Curfew

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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South Sudan’s police imposed a nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Friday after a night of deadly rioting in the capital over the alleged killing of South Sudanese people by the army and allied groups in neighbouring Sudan.

In a broadcast on state television, police chief Abraham Peter Manyuat said the curfew would continue until further notice from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily to try to restore security and prevent the destruction of property.

“The police will not tolerate any violations,” he said.

The police said in a statement that at least three people had been killed and seven wounded on Thursday night in South Sudan’s capital Juba, some by bullets and machetes, when youths in several suburbs looted and vandalised shops of Sudanese people.

In Aweil, near the border with Sudan, three houses belonging to Sudanese people were burned, the police added.

On Friday, shops in many Juba suburbs were closed as police and other security forces tried to relocate Sudanese people to safer areas due to fears they could be attacked by rioters.

The riots follow the alleged killing of South Sudanese people by members of Sudan’s military and allied groups in the city of Wad Madani in Sudan’s El Gezira region.

On Tuesday the Sudanese army condemned what it called “individual violations” in El Gezira after human rights groups blamed it and its allies for ethnically-targeted attacks against civilians accused of supporting the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sudan’s military has been battling RSF fighters in a near two-year civil war.

South Sudan’s foreign ministry summoned Sudan’s ambassador over the alleged killings earlier this week, and President Salva Kiir Mayardit called for calm.

“It is crucial that we do not allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country,” his office said in a statement.

Israel Approves New Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release Deal

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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Israel’s government has approved the new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, allowing it to take effect on Sunday.

The conclusion came after hours of discussions that continued late into the night. Two far-right ministers voted against the deal.

The security cabinet earlier recommended ratifying the agreement, saying it “supports the achievement of the objectives of the war”, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

It happened after the prime minister’s office and Hamas both said they had finalised the details of the agreement, two days after it was announced by mediators Qatar, the US and Egypt.

Under the deal, 33 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza after 15 months of conflict will be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails during the first phase lasting six weeks.

Israeli forces will also withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza, displaced Palestinians will be allowed to begin returning to their homes and hundreds of aid lorries will be allowed into the territory each day.

Negotiations for the second phase – which should see the remaining hostages released, a full Israeli troop withdrawal and “the restoration of sustainable calm” – will start on the 16th day.

The third and final stage will involve the reconstruction of Gaza – something which could take years – and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies.

Qatar has said the hostages to be released during the first phase will include “civilian women, female soldiers, children, the elderly, and sick and wounded civilians”.

Israel says three hostages are expected to be released on the first day of the ceasefire, with more small groups freed at regular intervals over the next six weeks.

“We hope that in the future we will be able to finish the job in Gaza,” he added.

But far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he was “horrified” by the details of the agreement, including that “life-sentenced terrorists” would be released in exchange for the hostages, and urged other ministers to join him in voting against it.

The three-phase structure has also caused division and anxiety among some of the hostages’ families. They fear their relatives will be abandoned in Gaza after the first phase is done and are urging the government to ensure the second and third phases are also implemented.

“For 469 days our loved ones have been abandoned in captivity, and now, finally, there’s hope,” said Einav Zangauker, whose 25-year-old son Matan was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

“This agreement must be followed through to the end, to bring everyone home and end the war. Ending the war, returning everyone and returning to normalcy is in Israel’s interest.”

In the early hours of Friday, the prime minister’s office announced that the Israeli negotiating team in Doha had finalised the agreement.

Hamas also put out a statement which said the “obstacles” that emerged in relation to the terms of the deal had been resolved at dawn.

US Supreme Court Uphold Law To Ban TikTok

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the United States, potentially denying the video-sharing app to 170 million users in the United States on 19 January.

In a major defeat for TikTok, the court ruled that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government had demonstrated legitimate national security concerns about the Chinese company owning the app.

With this decision, the ban due to start Sunday, effectively stands even if lawmakers and officials across the political spectrum were calling for some sort of delay.

White House officials have told US media that they would not enforce the ban and leave it up to President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office a day later.

The law was an answer to widespread belief in Washington that the highly popular app could be used by China for spying or propaganda.

China’s Population Declines for Third Consecutive Year

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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China’s population has decreased for the third consecutive year, as reported on Friday by Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics. The figure for 2024 stood at 1.408 billion, down from 1.410 billion in 2023. This decline extends a demographic downturn following over six decades of consistent growth.

In 2023, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation. In response, Beijing introduced incentives and pro-fertility campaigns to combat declining birth rates, but these measures have yet to reverse the trend.

The drop in population for 2024 was less significant compared to 2023, which experienced a decline more than twice that of 2022. Despite ending the one-child policy in 2016 and allowing couples to have up to three children in 2021, China’s efforts to boost its population growth have fallen short. Rising living costs, increased female participation in the workforce, and higher education aspirations are cited as major reasons for the sustained decline in birth rates.

Experts predict the population decline will continue due to economic challenges faced by younger generations and ongoing gender discrimination in the labor market. Yun Zhou, a sociologist at the University of Michigan, noted that these factors compound the issue, with people over 60 expected to account for nearly one-third of China’s population by 2035.

New data revealed that by the end of 2024, the population aged 60 and above reached 310.31 million, just under a quarter of the total population and an increase from 297 million in 2023. However, the birth rate showed a slight rise to 6.77 per 1,000 people, attributed to delayed childbirth during the pandemic and a surge in marriages in 2023 and 2024, the Year of the Dragon.

Despite this temporary uptick, experts like Zhao Litao of the National University of Singapore emphasize that the long-term trends of declining births, population contraction, and rapid aging remain unchanged. Independent demographer He Yafu warned that without robust pro-natal policies, the proportion of the elderly population will continue to rise.

To address the aging workforce, officials announced plans in September to gradually raise the retirement age, previously set at 60—one of the lowest globally. The updated rules took effect on January 1, reflecting a shift from the days of scarcity and poverty when the original retirement age was implemented.

As the world’s second-largest economy, China now faces the dual challenges of slower economic growth and increased pressure on its pension and public health systems, driven by an aging population and falling birth rates.

Amad Diallo: A Journey Through His Football Career

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Born on July 11, 2002, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Amad Diallo’s passion for football ignited at a young age. At just eight years old, he relocated to Italy, where his journey in football truly began. Amad joined the youth team of Boca Barco in September 2014, displaying early signs of his exceptional talent and determination.

Rise Through the Ranks: Atalanta Days

Youth Career (2015–2020)

Amad’s potential caught the attention of several top clubs while at Boca Barco, and in 2015, he joined Atalanta’s youth system. His rapid progress was evident as he moved through the ranks:

  • 2015–16 Season: Started with the U-14s and quickly advanced to the U-15s, where he helped his team clinch the league title by scoring in the final against Roma.
  • 2017–19 Seasons: Scored 12 goals in 27 matches for the U-17s and contributed 18 goal involvements in 26 games for Atalanta’s U-19s, winning back-to-back Campionato Primavera 1 titles.
  • 2019: Played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Supercoppa Primavera triumph, providing two assists in a 2–1 victory over Fiorentina.

Senior Career (2019–2021)

Amad made his Serie A debut on October 27, 2019, scoring just four minutes after being substituted in during a 7–1 win over Udinese, becoming the first player born in 2002 to score in Serie A. He also featured in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League squad during this period.

Manchester United: A Star Emerges

2021–2023: Early Days and Loan Spells

In October 2020, Manchester United agreed to sign Amad for a reported fee of €21.3 million, rising to €37 million with bonuses. Officially joining the club in January 2021, Amad made an immediate impact:

  • Europa League Debut: Scored his first United goal with a clever header in a 1–1 draw against AC Milan.
  • Premier League Contributions: Assisted Mason Greenwood’s goal against Leicester City, marking a rare moment where two teenagers combined for a Premier League goal.

Amad gained valuable experience during loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland. At Rangers, he scored on his debut, while at Sunderland, he became their top scorer for the season, netting 14 goals, including a stunning free kick in the play-off semi-finals.

2023–25: Breakthrough at United

Returning to Manchester United, Amad showcased his growth and versatility:

  • 2023–24 Season Highlights: Scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Liverpool and his first Premier League goal against Newcastle United.
  • 2024–25 Season: Flourished under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Key performances included a hat-trick against Southampton and a match-winning goal against Manchester City in the derby. By January 2025, Amad had signed a new contract extending his stay until 2030.

Amad Diallo’s Historic Feat

At 22 years and 189 days old, Diallo became the second-youngest player to score a Premier League hat-trick for Manchester United, a record previously held by Wayne Rooney. This achievement not only underscores his burgeoning talent but also highlights his potential to be a key figure in United’s future endeavors.

International Career

Amad debuted for the Ivory Coast senior team in March 2021 during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He scored his first international goal through a stunning 97th-minute free kick in a friendly against Burkina Faso. Representing the U-23 team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Amad played in four matches, assisting a crucial goal in their win over Saudi Arabia.

Player Profile

  • Youth Career: Boca Barco (2014–2015), Atalanta (2015–2019)
  • Senior Career: Atalanta, Manchester United, Rangers (loan), Sunderland (loan)
  • International Career: Ivory Coast (2021–Present)

Legacy in the Making

Amad Diallo’s story is one of talent, determination, and resilience. From his humble beginnings in the Ivory Coast to making waves in European football, Amad’s journey is an inspiration to young footballers worldwide. With his skill, versatility, and relentless drive, the future looks incredibly bright for this rising star.

Botswana Expects 2025 Growth Rebound on Better Diamond Market

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

Botswana’s economy is expected to grow 3% to 4% in 2025 after a contraction last year, a senior government official said at a budget workshop on Friday, as the global diamond market is anticipated to recover.

The Southern African country’s economy shrunk 3.3% in the first three quarters of 2024, raising government expectation of a bigger contraction than the 1.7% forecast in December. An updated contraction estimate was not given.

“The domestic economy is anticipated to rebound in 2025 to a growth of 3-4%, reflecting a combination of base effects, the global recovery in the major diamond export markets and continued growth in the non-mining sector,” director of macroeconomic policy in the finance ministry, Walter Matekane, said.

Botswana’s economy is largely dependent on the export of diamonds, and declining earnings from the precious stone have limited government spending.

Diamond sales remained weak throughout 2024 and Debswana, a joint venture between Botswana and De Beers, lowered its production guidance for last year by about 6 million carats to 17.9 million carats.

Botswana expects a recovery in mineral revenues to narrow the budget deficit to 3.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025/26 from 6.75% of GDP forecast for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, a presentation by Matekane showed.

Botswana’s finance minister Ndaba Gaolathe is expected to deliver the 2025/26 national budget in February.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Growth of Poultry Sector

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

The Nigerian government through the Ministry of Livestock Development, has pledged the Federal Government’s support to revitalising the poultry sector and addressing the challenges hindering its growth.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar made the pledge during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), led by its Patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus.

Muktar highlighted the importance of immediate intervention and sustainable policies to strengthen the industry’s role in Nigeria’s economy and food security.

“The large-scale cultivation of maize, sorghum, and soy is imperative. Without these critical inputs, we cannot break free from the current challenges. Rest assured, progress is already underway,” Maiha stated, emphasising the ministry’s commitment to fostering partnerships for sustainable solutions.

In their presentation, the PAN delegation underscored the urgent need to enhance poultry productivity, urging the government to serve as the “buyer of last resort” for grains like maize and soya, which are essential for poultry feed production.

Such measures, they argued, would stabilise market prices and build reserves to bolster national food security.

The Association also advocated for a reduction in tariffs on imported micro-inputs and poultry production equipment, proposing a zero-duty policy to lower production costs and stimulate industry growth.

On import restrictions, PAN reaffirmed its support for sustaining policies that limit frozen poultry imports, stressing the importance of encouraging local production and attracting foreign investors to establish operations within Nigeria.

Speaking on financial challenges, the Association highlighted the high borrowing rates for agricultural production, with some farmers facing interest rates as high as 35 per cent. They called for the establishment of a dedicated Poultry Development Fund with single-digit interest rates to support farmers and drive industry growth.

PAN also urged the government to harmonise taxation policies to eliminate the burden of multiple levies on agricultural commodities, which inflate production costs and disproportionately affect small-scale farmers.

Additionally, the Association advocated for stringent quality control measures for poultry feeds and micro-ingredients to safeguard productivity and boost farmer confidence.

The Minister assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to addressing these concerns, reaffirming his resolve to work collaboratively with stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the poultry sector.

Nigeria Ranks 2nd Best Hotel Investment Destination

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

Nigeria has emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for hotel investments, due to its growing economy, expanding middle class, and increasing demand for hospitality services.

Its strategic location as a gateway to West Africa and its vibrant cultural tourism sector make it attractive to international investors. Key cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt attract global hotel chains and operators.

Nigeria secured the second position in global hotel investment rankings, propelled by nine new hotel deals signed in 2023. Leading international hotel chains, including Hilton and Radisson, each with three deals, Marriott International with two, and Leva Hotels with one, have demonstrated growing confidence in Nigeria’s expanding hospitality sector. This surge in investments highlights the country’s potential as a key player in the global hotel industry.

According to a report published by W Hospitality Group, covers all 54 African countries, including North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt), sub-Saharan Africa, and Indian Ocean islands (Seychelles, Mauritius, Comoros, and Madagascar).

Rank Country Hotels Rooms

1 Egypt 109 26,241 241

2 Nigeria 50 7,622 152

3 Morocco 52 7,169 138

4 Ethiopia 31 5,128 165

5 Cape Verde 16 5,056 316

6 Tunisia 18 4,121 229

7 Kenya 31 4,268 138

8 South Africa 22 3,427 156

9 Algeria 13 2,603 200

10 Ghana 19 2,568 135

Total – 361 68,203 189

It offers consistent, reliable, and comparable data on hotel development pipelines in Africa, capturing the activities of hotel chains already operating on the continent and those looking to enter for the first time.

The report that the hotel chains have signed deals in 41 African countries. West Africa takes the lead, with pipeline development activity in 14 of the 18 countries in the region.

Other countries at the top of the hotel development rankings include Morocco with 7,169 rooms, Ethiopia with 5,128 rooms, Cape Verde with 5,056 rooms, and Tunisia with 4,121 rooms.

Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana round out the top 10 countries by the number of rooms in the pipeline.

These countries represent significant growth in Africa’s hotel development sector.

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