New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    ABUJA, NIIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The Federal Government has shortlisted 65 student innovators from a pool of 30,639 applicants for the final stage of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG).

    According to a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the applicants were drawn from 404 tertiary institutions nationwide, reflecting the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial potential within Nigeria’s university system.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a strategic investment in nurturing future innovators and job creators. He noted that the performance of the shortlisted candidates demonstrated creativity and ambition, adding that the programme would strengthen a pipeline of entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.

    Launched in December 2025 in partnership with the Bank of Industry, the S-VCG provides up to N50 million in equity-free funding to support student-led ventures at the commercialisation stage, enabling them to scale solutions, create jobs, and boost innovation-driven development.

    The selection process involved AI-based screening, independent human validation, and assessment by a committee comprising representatives from government, academia, industry, and the investment ecosystem. Criteria included scalability, feasibility, founder capability, and impact potential.

    Finalists will participate in a venture development bootcamp from March 26 to 29, featuring pitch sessions, workshops, and investor feedback. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 29.

    Dr Alausa emphasised that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and supporting student entrepreneurship as a driver of national development.

  • Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

    Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have deployed vessels to safeguard Filipino fishermen following continued harassment by Chinese Coast Guard ships in the Bajo de Masinloc area. The move comes after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats reported intimidation last weekend.

    In response, two PCG vessels and five fishery patrol boats were dispatched to the area, providing protection and logistical support such as fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to extend fishing operations and ease rising fuel costs.

    PCG Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Concerns, Jay Tarriela, confirmed the deployment, noting that PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also ordered a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight. The aerial patrol documented six China Coast Guard vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship operating nearby.

    Significantly, the PCG recorded a China Coast Guard vessel announcing via live radio broadcast its intent to conduct a “clearing operation” within coordinates spanning 15°05’N, 118°10’E to 14°14’N, 118°25’E.

    The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to defend Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea, pledging to uphold international law and protect the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen against external threats.

  • APC screening committee tells Chairman Yilwatda to ‘take a bow’ as 2026 convention screening kicks off

    APC screening committee tells Chairman Yilwatda to ‘take a bow’ as 2026 convention screening kicks off

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention 2026 has formally screened the Party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. In recognition of his leadership, the committee, chaired by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, asked him to “take a bow,” a gesture symbolising commendation and respect.

    The APC had earlier announced that all aspirants who purchased and submitted Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for national offices at the convention were required to attend the screening exercise scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

    In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, and signed by H.E. Isa Yuguda, Secretary of the Aspirants’ Screening Committee, the party clarified that all aspirants must appear in person and arrive promptly with relevant supporting documents for verification.

    The screening marks the official commencement of the convention process, setting the stage for what the APC describes as a transparent and orderly exercise in line with its internal democratic procedures.

  • Governor Umo Eno inspects Victor Attah Airport upgrade, driving Uyo toward West Africa’s emerging aviation hub

    Governor Umo Eno inspects Victor Attah Airport upgrade, driving Uyo toward West Africa’s emerging aviation hub

    UYO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State in Southern Nigeria, has inspected the ongoing remodelling and upgrade works at the Victor Attah International Airport, which is being prepared to commence international flight operations.

    Following the tour, Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the steady progress achieved by the contractors. He noted: “We are putting all critical requirements of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in place to ensure a smooth and successful take-off. While a few gaps have been identified, steps are already being taken to address them and fast-track completion.”

    The governor commended the contractors for their diligence and praised the officials of the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, for their strategic contributions. He described the project as a landmark effort in transforming Victor Attah International Airport into a major aviation hub in West Africa.

    Governor Eno further urged the Ibom Air team to continue deploying their expertise as the state works toward positioning the airport as a regional aviation powerhouse, emphasising that the benefits will extend beyond Akwa Ibom to the wider subregion.

  • EU announces €288m grant to Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, and digital sectors

    EU announces €288m grant to Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, and digital sectors

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has announced €288 million in support for Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, finance, migration, climate, and digital public infrastructure sectors.

    The announcement was made at the EU-Nigeria Ministerial Conference in Abuja under the EU-Nigeria Partnership. Stefano Signore, Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, said the project represents accelerated investment under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. He noted that health and agriculture are priorities, aimed at improving standards, infrastructure, local manufacturing, and inclusion. He also emphasised stronger cooperation on sustainable migration, providing better life options for returnee migrants.

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said the initiative builds on the 2023 EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue, which launched the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy in Nigeria. Bagudu described the partnership as a deepening of ties anchored on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and sustainable investment. Represented by Minister of State Doris Anite-Uzoka, he highlighted reforms under President Bola Tinubu to stabilise the economy, strengthen fiscal sustainability, and create an enabling environment for private-sector growth.

    Bank of Industry (BoI) CEO Olasupo Olusi said the partnership with the European Investment Bank channels long-term financing into healthcare and agriculture, central to Tinubu’s agenda for resilience and inclusive growth. Finland’s Under Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Jarno Syrjaia, announced Finland’s lead role in strengthening Nigeria’s digital public services and training three million technical talents. Finland’s HAUS and Estonia’s ESTDEV will implement the initiative, bringing European expertise in digital government and innovation.

    Uche Amaonwu, Country Director of the Gates Foundation, stressed the importance of supporting health manufacturing. He praised the BoI and PVAC for mobilising financing facilities to meet the needs of Nigerian health manufacturers.

    Breakdown of the €288m package includes: €23m for digital infrastructure, €108m in grants and loans to government, €50m for healthcare manufacturing, €5m for health and nutrition training, €85m for agribusiness lending, €1m for climate/agriculture expertise, and €16m for migration governance.

    The initiative underscores a modern partnership focused on shared prosperity, sustainable investment, and resilience.

  • Petroleum price hike: Gov Makinde approves N10,000 allowance for civil servants

    Petroleum price hike: Gov Makinde approves N10,000 allowance for civil servants

    POLITICS (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved a N10,000 monthly transportation support allowance for civil servants.

    Makinde announced this on Monday during the supervision of the YEAP-SAFER support disbursement and stakeholder engagement programme at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo Town. He said the initiative would run for an initial three months, starting in March.

    The governor explained that details of the disbursement guidelines would be communicated through official channels. He noted the measure was part of the state’s strategic response to economic challenges, particularly rising transport costs driven by the ongoing energy crisis, which has affected workers’ welfare and productivity.

    Makinde said the support scheme was designed to ease financial strain on civil servants while sustaining efficient service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hostilities broke out on Feb. 28 between Israel and the USA against Iran, leading to a surge in petroleum prices globally.

    In Nigeria, the pump price of petrol jumped from N860 per litre to between N1,320 and N1,500 at filling stations. The situation triggered sharp increases in transport fares and food prices. (NAN).

  • Kagame urges Rwandan leaders to shun self‑interest, embrace citizen‑centred governance

    Kagame urges Rwandan leaders to shun self‑interest, embrace citizen‑centred governance

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for an immediate end to the culture of leaders exploiting national resources for personal gain rather than serving the common good.

    Speaking at the Rwanda Military Academy – Gako during the closing of a national meeting of Central and Local Government leaders, Kagame emphasised that leadership must be rooted in responsibility and service to citizens.

    According to a statement from the Rwandan Presidency, participants at the meeting deliberated on strategies to strengthen citizen‑centred governance and improve service delivery across the country. Kagame warned leaders that the nation’s interests are inseparable from their own, stressing that selfish leadership undermines national progress.

    He cautioned: “Leaders, if you do not follow up on the work, if you do not follow up on the people under your responsibility so that they can tell you what they think and you can guide them… then whatever level you serve at, what are you really doing?”

    Kagame urged officials to move beyond titles and embrace selfless service, noting that being called “mayor” or “leader” should not be the end in itself. Instead, he said, leadership must be measured by the quality of service delivered to citizens.

    The president’s remarks reinforced Rwanda’s ongoing push for accountability, transparency, and citizen‑focused governance, positioning effective service delivery as the fulcrum of leadership in the country.

  • Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

    Netanyahu vows continued strikes in Iran war, claims killing of two nuclear scientists

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday held discussions with United States President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war involving the US, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    Netanyahu revealed that the talks focused on consolidating the “tremendous achievements” made by Israel and the US in the conflict, while exploring additional strategies to secure their war objectives in a framework that protects the vital interests of both nations.

    In a televised broadcast, on Monday, monitored by Newpost Africa, Netanyahu stressed that diplomatic engagements would not deter Israel from continuing military operations in Iran and Lebanon.

    “We are crushing the missile program and the nuclear program, and continuing to inflict severe blows on Hezbollah,” he declared. “Just days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists — and the hand is still outstretched.”

    The Prime Minister emphasised that Israel’s security priorities remain unchanged, regardless of the outcome of ongoing US talks with Iran. He insisted that Israel would safeguard its national interests under any scenario, reinforcing his government’s resolve to maintain pressure on Tehran and its allies.

    Observers note that Netanyahu’s remarks underscore Israel’s determination to pursue a hardline military approach while simultaneously engaging in high‑level diplomatic coordination with Washington. The statement also highlights the dual track of Israel’s strategy: combining battlefield operations with international negotiations to secure long‑term security guarantees.

  • Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    Rising debt forces 3.4 billion to spend more on loans than health or education

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Calls for a fundamental shift in global economic governance dominated discussions at the Impact Exchange in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from nearly 90 Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and experts gathered to advance a “Human Rights Economy.”

    The event, organised by UN Human Rights and the Universal Rights Group with support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, came amid warnings of rising inequality, surging debt, and austerity measures that could affect 85 per cent of the world’s population. “Austerity could slash investments in social protection, health, education, and the environment,” cautioned Nada Al‑Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    Speakers stressed that economic growth without access to healthcare, education, clean water, decent work, and a healthy environment risks deepening divides. The Human Rights Economy framework, they argued, prioritises people and the planet in fiscal choices, moving beyond GDP as the sole measure of progress.

    Claudia Fuentes Julio, Chile’s Permanent Representative and Vice President of the Human Rights Council, underscored how inequality erodes social cohesion and urged innovative strategies to strengthen democracies. Chile’s reforms include a universal guaranteed pension, free public health services, and gender‑responsive budgeting.

    From The Gambia, Cherno Marenah highlighted people‑centred budgeting and the removal of VAT on sanitary products, while Jawad Ali of Pakistan emphasised constitutional commitments to uplift marginalised communities. Spain’s representative, Miryam Naveiras, pointed to progressive taxation and the Sevilla Declaration as a roadmap for debt relief and climate‑sensitive economic planning.

    South Africa’s Mxolisi Nkosi called for a fairer global financial architecture, stressing that development is a right, not a privilege. Portugal and Malaysia echoed the need for reforms in taxation, trade, and education, while civil society voices urged the adoption of metrics that reflect well‑being, equality, and sustainability.

    Throughout the Exchange, participants agreed that even in tight fiscal times, progress is possible when human rights guide economic choices. OHCHR announced the expansion of its ESCR Knowledge Hub, showcasing promising practices from 2020–2024 to help countries operationalise the Human Rights Economy.

    The message was clear: systemic reform rooted in human rights is essential to confront inequality and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

  • Governor Mbah showcases Enugu’s investment potential to UK investors

    Governor Mbah showcases Enugu’s investment potential to UK investors

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has unveiled the state’s vast and profitable investment opportunities to investors in the United Kingdom.

    Highlighting sectors such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, technology, education, housing, and tourism, Mbah emphasised that “Enugu is open for business” under his administration’s “Tomorrow is Here” agenda. He noted that the state is building a private sector-driven economy anchored on ease of doing business, infrastructure expansion, and strong institutional frameworks that protect investments.

    Speaking at the UK–Nigeria Project Agglomeration Compact Dinner held at the House of Lords, London, on the sidelines of President Tinubu’s state visit, Mbah described the engagement as a platform to present Enugu as a credible investment destination. The session was convened by Mutandis Africa.

    “We highlighted our ongoing reforms and a strong pipeline of bankable opportunities across key sectors,” Mbah said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable growth.

    Since assuming office, Governor Mbah has pursued ambitious projects, including the Enugu Air project, smart schools, innovation hubs, and infrastructure expansion. In February 2025, he commissioned a $20 million Haier Group factory in Enugu, underscoring his drive for industrialisation.

    Mbah’s broader vision is to transform Enugu into a leading hub for business, tourism, and quality living, with a target of raising the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion to at least $30 billion within 4 to 8 years.