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Category: Environment

  • Rema’s ‘RAVAGE’ EP Breaks Spotify Nigeria’s First-Day Streaming Record for an EP

    Rema’s ‘RAVAGE’ EP Breaks Spotify Nigeria’s First-Day Streaming Record for an EP

    By Milcah Tanimu

    In the wake of his ongoing international success, Rema has released a new 5-track EP titled ‘RAVAGE,’ which became available on various streaming platforms on October 27, 2023.

    Data collected by TurnTable Chart, Nigeria’s leading music chart publication, has revealed that ‘RAVAGE’ EP has set a new first-day streaming record for an EP on Spotify Nigeria.

    Within its initial 24 hours of release, ‘RAVAGE’ EP accumulated an impressive 957,378 streams on Spotify Nigeria, marking a significant milestone.

    This EP is a strong testament to Rema’s remarkable year, especially after the global success of his hit single ‘Calm Down’ with Selena Gomez. ‘Calm Down’ achieved peak positions of No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart. It also dominated charts in the Middle East, India, and North Africa and became the most-streamed Afrobeats song on Spotify and YouTube.

    With ‘RAVAGE’ EP, Rema further solidifies his claim to the Afrobeats throne, showcasing his unique style that highlights his generational talent. The record-breaking achievement underscores Rema’s immense popularity in Nigeria, where he continues to captivate audiences.

  • African Countries With Their Potential Wealth Generating Resources

    African Countries With Their Potential Wealth Generating Resources

    Africa, a continent of astounding diversity and rich cultural heritage, is also blessed with a vast array of resources that have the potential to drive economic growth and development.

    From the sweeping deserts to lush rainforests, each African country boasts a unique blend of resources that shape its economic trajectory.

    Here is a list of all African countries along with some information on the resources that have the potential to contribute to their economic development:

    1. Algeria: Natural gas and oil reserves can provide significant revenue.

    2. Angola: Abundant oil and diamond resources are central to its economy.

    3. Benin: Agriculture, including cotton, palm oil, and cocoa, contributes to its economy.

    4. Botswana: Diamonds are a major source of revenue, along with mining and tourism.

    5. Burkina Faso: Gold mining and agriculture, particularly cotton, are important sectors.

    6. Burundi: Agricultural products like coffee and tea are crucial for its economy.

    7. Cabo Verde: Tourism, services, and fishing contribute to its economy.

    8. Cameroon: Oil, timber, and agricultural products like cocoa and coffee are key.

    9. Central African Republic: Mining (diamonds, gold, uranium) and agriculture are vital.

    10. Chad: Oil and agriculture, including livestock and cotton, are important sectors.

    11. Comoros: Agriculture and fishing are central to its economy.

    12. Congo (Brazzaville): Oil, timber, and mineral resources play a significant role.

    13. Congo (Kinshasa): Rich in mineral resources like cobalt, copper, and diamonds.

    14. Cote d’Ivoire: Cocoa, coffee, and oil contribute to its economy.

    15. Djibouti: Strategic location for trade, port services, and limited mineral resources.

    16. Egypt: Tourism, Suez Canal revenue, and natural gas are economic drivers.

    17. Equatorial Guinea: Oil and gas resources are the backbone of its economy.

    18. Eritrea: Agriculture, mining, and potentially significant mineral deposits.

    19. Eswatini: Agriculture, particularly sugarcane and forestry products.

    20. Ethiopia: Agriculture, including coffee, and growing manufacturing sector.

    21. Gabon: Rich in oil, manganese, and other mineral resources.

    22. Gambia: Agriculture, tourism, and fishing are key sectors.

    23. Ghana: Gold, cocoa, and oil are significant contributors to its economy.

    24. Guinea: Bauxite and iron ore are valuable resources.

    25. Guinea-Bissau: Agriculture and fishing contribute to its economy.

    26. Kenya: Agriculture, tea, coffee, tourism, and geothermal energy.

    27. Lesotho: Water resources and textile manufacturing are important.

    28. Liberia: Iron ore, rubber, and agriculture play vital roles.

    29. Libya: Oil reserves are central to its economy.

    30. Madagascar: Rich in minerals (nickel, cobalt), agriculture, and tourism.

    31. Malawi: Agriculture, particularly tobacco and tea, is vital.

    32. Mali: Gold mining and agriculture are key sectors.

    33. Mauritania: Abundant mineral resources, particularly iron ore and gold.

    34. Mauritius: Tourism, textiles, and services are economic drivers.

    35. Morocco: Phosphates, agriculture, and growing industrial sector.

    36. Mozambique: Natural gas, coal, and agriculture are important.

    37. Namibia: Diamonds, uranium, and fisheries are central to its economy.

    38. Niger: Uranium and agriculture, including livestock, are significant.

    39. Nigeria: Oil, agriculture, and a growing tech industry are economic pillars.

    40. Rwanda: Coffee, tea, tourism, and ICT are important sectors.

    41. Sao Tome and Principe: Fisheries, agriculture, and potential oil reserves.

    42. Senegal: Fishing, phosphates, and agriculture contribute to its economy.

    43. Seychelles: Tourism and fishing are economic drivers.

    44. Sierra Leone: Diamonds, agriculture, and fisheries are significant.

    45. Somalia: Agriculture, fishing, and potentially oil resources.

    46. South Africa: Diverse mineral resources, agriculture, and manufacturing.

    47. South Sudan: Oil reserves are central to its economy.

    48. Sudan: Oil, agriculture, and minerals play important roles.

    49. Tanzania: Agriculture, mining, and tourism are key sectors.

    50. Togo: Phosphates, agriculture, and mining contribute to its economy.

    51. Tunisia: Tourism, textiles, and agriculture are significant.

    52. Uganda: Agriculture, including coffee, and potential oil reserves.

    53. Zambia: Copper mining, agriculture, and tourism.

    54. Zimbabwe: Mineral resources like platinum and agriculture.

    The wealth potential of these resources can vary based on factors like market demand, technology, infrastructure, governance, and global economic conditions. Effective management, sustainable practices, and inclusive policies are essential to ensure that these resources contribute to the long-term prosperity of these African countries.

  • Environmental Day: FCT Youths Move to Tree Planting For Climate change

    Environmental Day: FCT Youths Move to Tree Planting For Climate change

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Youths in the FCT under the umbrella of #Oneyouthonetree in the Federal Capital Territory have moved to advocate for more tree planting to protect the environment against climate change.

    The Executive Director of #Oneyouthonetree campaign, Baba Yahaya flagged- off of the of tree planting at Wuye District to mark 2023 United Nations International youth tree planting day in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Yahaya said that the tree planting project which will soon be extended across the country is aimed at shielding the environment from climate change at all levels.

    According to him, the campaign was a platform to mobilizing youths to take action on sustainable environment.

    Yahaya commended the Helpline Foundation for The Needy, Abuja, and former Minister of state for the FCT group, popularly called Team Ramatu Tijani Aliyu and other groups for supporting the youth tree planting project.

    “We mobilize youths to participate in tree planting especially in areas of environmental challenges, by encouraging youth to participate in the campaign to promote good environment.”

    “The campaign has started with 200 trees here in Abuja, we will take it to all states of the Federation.”

    Former Special Assistant on environment and climate change to the erstwhile minister of state for the FCT, Rekiyat Fache noted that climate change was affecting the whole world and must be taken serious.

    Fache said that the tree planting would assist in curbing heat wave in the society, which according to her was becoming a challenge across the globe.

    The case of heat wave is all over, FCT is not an exception so we the youth with full support from Team Ramatu, Helpline Foundation and other groups will continue to plant trees. We have started with 200 trees in Abuja, and it will be extended to other parts of the country, she disclosed.

  • Asake expresses gratitude and excitement over Headies nominations, stating, “This means a lot to me.”

    Asake expresses gratitude and excitement over Headies nominations, stating, “This means a lot to me.”

    Ahmed Ololade, the fast-rising Nigerian singer known as Asake, has reached out to the Headies Awards organizers regarding his nominations for the 2023 awards. Taking to Instagram, Asake expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Headies Awards organizers for recognizing him with nominations in eight categories.
    Among other award categories, Asake was nominated for Next Rated, Best Male Artiste, Album of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Song of the Year.

    The YBNL signee thanked the organizers and said he is grateful for the nomination.

    “Thank you @the_headies for the nominations. This means a lot to me.”

  • Tiwa Savage risks losing endorsement deals over sex tape scandal

    Tiwa Savage risks losing endorsement deals over sex tape scandal

    Popular Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage may lose some endorsements and her public image damaged as she battles a scandal which has sparked up controversy on social media.

    On Wednesday, social media was agog, following the release of a sex-tape allegedly involving the singer and her boyfriend.

    Though Tiwa is yet to confirm or deny whether she is the one captured in the video, she had earlier in an interview with American OAP, Angie Martinez of Power 105.1, raised the alarm that she was being blackmailed by an unknown person with a sex tape

    She had expressed concerns about what the blackmailer could do with the clip even as she claimed that the video was accidentally posted on Snapchat by her lover, who immediately deleted it.

    Although she maintained that she would not pay a dime to the blackmailer, Tiwa feared that the intimate clip could negatively affect her career and public image.

    Some Nigerians who doubted the singer opined that the alleged sex tape ‘scandal was a publicity stunt for her now released remix of ‘Somebody’s son” ft Brandy.

    But Tiwa Savage stated that those saying it was a publicity stunt were merely disappointed that she was able to control the narrative and not allow the ‘blackmailer’ destroy her.

    However, Tiwa’s alleged sex tape was eventually released. The blackmailer released the tape in the dead of Tuesday night and by morning, it had already taken over every gossip corner.

    Fans were stunned when the singer’s intimate moment with her lover was seen. The girl in the sex tape had a striking resemblance to the ‘Koroba crooner, many argued.

    With the social media space thrown into a fresh noise, Tiwa who seemed not bothered showed off the diamond encrusted wristwatch she purchased.

    Although it is not confirmed if the woman in the viral video is Tiwa Savage or if the released clip was that which the 41- year-old spoke of, the singer has remained mute on the issue.

    Many have condemned the blackmailer for releasing the footage while other chide the songstress who is not a stranger to controversies for being careless.

    Condemning the actions, some Nigerians said the clip was released because she bragged about ‘controlling the narrative.

  • BBNaija’s Stars, Erica and Laycon finally reconcile

    BBNaija’s Stars, Erica and Laycon finally reconcile

    Former BBNaija housemates, Laycon and Erica have settled their differences.

    Erica made this known in a new video on her Instagram page.

    Recall that the duo had the biggest fight of the ‘lockdown’ edition which led to Erica’s disqualification.

    After the altercation, the hatred between the two ex-housemates lingered even during the reunion show in June.

    Although Erica had during the reunion said she doesn’t care about Laycon, the duo have now reconciled.

    They were spotted in a video hanging out together on Friday.

    In the video, Erica said she was cool with Laycon.

    She captioned the video, ‘We are cool.”

    Laycon also hailed Nigerians in the footage.

    The Singer and actress also followed each other on Instagram.

    Meanwhile, a new season of Big Brother Naija will be airing on Saturday, July 24th, 2021.

    The winner of the new season will walk away with N90 million worth of prizes.

  • Wet Season: NGO urge residents of Gombe to plant more trees

    Wet Season: NGO urge residents of Gombe to plant more trees

    A Gombe-based NGO, Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), on Tuesday advised residents of Gombe State to seize the opportunity of the wet season to plant more trees in the state.

    Mr Ismail Bima, the NGO’s Chief Executive Officer, in an interview with our correspondent in Gombe, said with the growing threat of desertification, collective effort was needed to reverse the menace.

    Bima said that desertification posed a “very serious challenge to Gombe State, the country and even the world and the pace of land degradation and the impact of climate change are pointers that we need more trees.’’

    He said tree planting had proven to be one of the best strategies in the effort to halt desertification and “that’s why the state government has embarked on massive planting of trees, raising and reviving nurseries”.

    He said that with such efforts from the state government under the ‘Gombe Goes Green (3G)’ initiative, communities, especially in Dukku, Funakaye, Nafada, and Kwami should complement the tree-planting project to support government.

    “The rains are here and as farmers and residents plant their crops, we must also plant trees. It should not be the work of the state government and NGOs only to plant trees.

    “Communities and residents must plant trees in their farmlands and houses as these will help improve the environment and provide the so many benefits that come from trees.’’

    According to him, JEI has planted thousands of tree seedlings in schools and communities and we are still planting because we want our environment to be cared for.

    He noted that agro-forestry which involved growing trees in farmlands by farmers was a good strategy to improve soil and water conditions and increased resilience to droughts and floods.

    He commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for initiating the 3G project to plant one million trees every year, adding that with proper implementation, Gombe State would be greener in the future.

    Bima also advised communities in Gombe State to protect their forest and communities by discouraging indiscriminate felling of trees as well as allocating lands for massive tree planting exercise.

    He also appealed to residents to embrace environment-friendly alternative energy sources of cooking.

    Bima said this would reduce the pressure on wood for cooking purposes, which was the biggest reason for indiscriminate tree felling in rural communities across the state and beyond

  • Ogoni people want FG to build contaminated soil management center

    Ogoni people want FG to build contaminated soil management center

     Ogoni Liberation Initiative on Monday called on the Federal Government to build a contaminated soil management centre of excellence in Ogoni land in Rivers.

    It said in a 24-point communiqué issued at the end of a summit held last weekend that the decayed and polluted Ogoni environment should be comprehensively cleaned up, restored and continually managed to stem further degradation.

    “Decades of spills and pollutions caused by oil exploration and exploitation have impacted negatively on our people and there should, therefore, be a health audit in Ogoni land and consequent establishment of medical research institute there.

    “Ogoni people are ready to participate in all forms of business with the state and Federal Government as well as international corporations for the development of our land, provided the businesses are anchored on Ogoni development,’’ the communiqué stated.

    Our correspondent reports that the summit, tagged: “Ogoni Economic Recovery, Industrial Development and Investments’’ had investors’ representatives from Nigeria, Kuwait, Turkey, Dubai, the United states of America, Canada, Japan in attendance.

    It was held at Bori in Ogoni land.

    Before the communiqué was issued, Mr Steven Barreru, who spoke on behalf of the team of investors. said those polluting the environment anywhere were committing crime and should be punished.

    He said the team was interested in starting with the provision of potable water in Ogoni land and would immediately sink potable water wells in each community.

    He added that the team would also train Ogoni youths in different skills, improve on health and recreational facilities and requested the support of Ogoni people to actualise the projects.

    In his contribution, King Godwin Giniwa, leader of Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers of Ogoni kingdom, commended the team of global investors for their plans and pledged the support of Ogoni people.

    Giniwa who is also the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom, assured the team of safety and peaceful environment and urged Ogoni youths to also support the team for the development of Ogoni land.

    The Gbenemene also received a boat gift from a Yousef Ahmod, from Kuwait.

    In another address, SP Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer in Bori urged Ogoni youths involved in criminal activities to surrender their arms and embrace peace, saying they should cooperate with the investors to develop Ogoni land. 

  • Environmental sanitation: Mobile court prosecutes 22 offenders in Lafia

    Environmental sanitation: Mobile court prosecutes 22 offenders in Lafia

    A mobile court handling environmental-related cases, on Saturday prosecuted 22 persons for violating sanitation laws in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    The Prosecutor, Mr Abubakar Mohammed, who is also a Chief Environment Officer, told the court that the 22 persons were transacting their private businesses while environmental  sanitation was in progress.

    Mohammed said that the offences violated Section 9 (2), of the state’s Environmental Sanitation Law.

    He, therefore, urged the court to sanction them accordingly to serve as deterrent to others.

    The Judge, Mr Shittu Umar, convicted and sentenced them to between two and four months jail terms respectively.

    He, however, gave them the option of fines of between N5, 000 and N10, 000.

  • 5 Animals that went extinct in 2020

    5 Animals that went extinct in 2020

    This year has seen hundreds of thousands of people lose their lives to coronavirus, but in the animal world full-blown extinctions continue to stalk various species. 

    Environmental experts have long been warning that we are entering a sixth ‘extinction event’ – and the realities of those fears have become ever clearer in 2020, with countless types of animals now considered extinct.

    The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) latest report said that more than a quarter of the species it has on its Red List are now ‘threatened with extinction’ – some 35,765 out of 128,918 species. 

    It comes as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) warned that animal populations have declined by an average of almost 70% in less than 50 years, as eco-systems break down and animals struggle to cope in a rapidly changing world.

    READ ALSO: Troops rescue 23 victims, arrest bandits’ collaborator in Katsina

    Climate change, human actions, a loss of habitat and other factors have combined to leave many animals facing a bleak future – and some facing none at all.

    Here, we take a look at five species that have been officially labelled extinct this year and five more that may be set for the same fate in 2021 and beyond.

    Though there is some dispute about what should count as ‘extinct’ – and many animals not seen for years are still not given the classification – this list is based largely on the IUCN Red List, which tracks the status of animal species.

    See list below:

    1.Splendid poison frog: This wonderfully-named creature is one of three Central American frog species to have been newly declared extinct. The tiny red animal, from Panama, was highly sought after for the pet trade, and the IUCN has admitted it does not know if the animal could still be alive in a private collection.  

    Elsewhere, 22 frog species across Central and South America were listed as critically endangered. The main driver of the declines is said to be a disease called chytridiomycosis.

    2.Smooth Handfish:  Greenpeace highlight how this species, which lived on the sea floor, is the first marine species to be declared extinct in ‘modern times’.

     Remarkably, the animal was last seen in 1802 and, despite extensive searches, has not been found since.

    That highlights how difficult it is to officially declare a species ‘extinct’ and suggests many other types of fish may well never be seen again, despite not yet falling into the same category. Will McCallum, Head of Oceans at the environmental pressure group, explained: ‘The smooth handfish, declared extinct this year, was the first marine species to be declared extinct in modern times, unfortunately showing that even the seafloor is not safe from the extinction crisis.

    ‘For ocean life to recover and thrive we need to put at least 30% of the oceans off limits to all human activities. It’s vital that the world’s governments also commit to legally binding national biodiversity objectives.’

    3. Jalpa false brook salamander:  The newt-like creature used to be relatively common in Guatemala but has not been recorded for decades. Females used to guard their clutch of eggs in the highlands and only lived in the Jalapa region. There are very few pictures available of the little creatures, who have slightly curved tails and various cousins in the false brook subspecies. Since the Jalpa lived in trees and wood, logging and farming activities are believed to have been a major contributor to its decline.

    4.Spined dwarf mantis: This insect lived in shrubland in central Italy and confirmation this year that it is extinct bodes badly for other similar creatures around the world. Only one specimen was ever found, in Tolentino, many decades ago.  But the praying mantis has countless sub species and a high number of them are concerning experts at the IUCN. The closely-related Canary Dwarf Mantis, found only on La Palma in the Canary Islands, is in decline and endangered. There is better news, however, for the Giant Asian Mantis, which is now increasing in number and in the category of least concern.

    5.Bonin pipistrelle bat: Like the handfish, this animal is also likely to have actually died out years ago.   Only one specimen has ever been found but it was only officially classed as extinct in this year’s Red List.  London’s Natural History Museum has that specimen – though it is not on display to the public because of its scientific importance. Roberto Portela Miguez, a Senior Curator in Charge of Mammals, told Metro.co.uk: ‘The sad fact is that we know next to nothing about this species and even the reason for the extinction of Sturdee’s Pipistrelle is not known yet.

    SOURCE: Metronews Uk