Author: damazah@gmail.com

The 10th France-Nigeria Business Council, held on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi recently, underscored the growing economic partnership between Nigeria and France as Paris expands its engagement beyond its traditional Francophone allies. With bilateral trade reaching $4.7 billion in 2025 and Nigeria remaining the largest destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa, the summit showcased how the two countries are translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible investments spanning banking, energy, hospitality, agriculture and other strategic sectors, Uzoma Mba reports As France looks beyond its traditional Francophone comfort zone in Africa, Nigeria, a country with no colonial history with Paris, has…

The United Nations and partners are expanding relief operations following Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes, while supporting the government’s response to the humanitarian crisis. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the update during a news conference at UN headquarters in New York on Monday. “We and our partners are continuing to scale up assistance to impacted people by the earthquakes, in coordination with the government,” Mr Dujarric said. Two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck north-central Venezuela on 24 June, only 39 seconds apart, causing widespread devastation. A preliminary assessment by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimated direct physical…

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially brought the curtain down on his illustrious FIFA World Cup career, confirming that Portugal’s Round of 16 defeat to Spain in Dallas marked his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. The legendary forward made the announcement shortly after Portugal’s elimination, saying he leaves the tournament with no regrets, having given everything for his country. Speaking to SportTV after the match, the 41-year-old admitted he was saddened by the manner of Portugal’s exit but remained at peace with his contribution. “I’m fine, sad to leave the World Cup this way. But as I said yesterday at the…

…as Pan-Atlantic University holds Media Roundtable 2026 Webinar   As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape newsrooms worldwide, media professionals and academics have cautioned that the technology should complement, not replace, the principles of accurate, ethical, and people-centred journalism. Media and education experts at the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) 2026 Media Roundtable to examine the evolving landscape of African journalism under the theme, ‘The Future of African Media: AI, Monetisation and Editorial Integrity,’ insist that AI should enhance, not replace, good journalism. Richard Ikiebe, chairman of the board of directors at BusinessDay Media Limited, emphasised that Africa’s greatest challenge is not…

In hospitals across the US, patients and staff have become accustomed to seeing a one-armed, four-foot high, friendly-looking white robot going about its business.Nurses have been known to greet Moxi, as the robot is called by its maker Diligent Robotics, with a “good morning”, a high five or even a hug.Moxi – which shuttles medical supplies around hospitals – might respond by displaying its heart-shaped LED eyes and a beep beep greeting of its own.”We get a lot of feedback that Moxi feels like a part of the team,” says Todd Brugger, chief operating officer at the Texas-based robotics company,…

Sir George served in Sir Tony Blair’s government, first in the Home Office between 1997 and 1999, and then in the Northern Ireland Office until 2001.He was knighted in the 2019 Birthday Honours for parliamentary and political service.Born in Prescot, Sir George was educated at Huyton Secondary School before working as a fitter, engineer and further education lecturer.Before entering Parliament, Sir George began his political career in local government in 1971. He later served on Knowsley Borough Council, becoming its deputy leader before he was elected as MP for Knowsley North.Boundary changes saw a new Knowsley constituency created in 2010.Seven…

Folarin Balogun’s controversial return to the United States team ended in disappointment on Monday as Belgium produced a dominant display to eliminate the World Cup co-hosts with a 4-1 victory in their Round of 16 clash in Seattle. Balogun, who was cleared to play after FIFA suspended the implementation of his automatic one-match ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, started as the Americans’ lone striker but failed to make a meaningful impact before being replaced by Haji Wright after 90 minutes. The defeat ended the United States’ hopes of reaching their first World Cup quarter-final since 2002…

Ryan S. ClarkJul 6, 2026, 10:14 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN.Multiple AuthorsFor the fourth time in the past five World Cups, the U.S. men’s national team met its end in the round of 16, this time with a 4-1 loss Monday to Belgium at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field).Belgium took a 1-0 lead thanks to Charles De Ketelaere scoring in the ninth minute, an ominous sign for the Americans. The U.S. entered Monday with a 0-0-7 record in World Cup knockout games after giving up the first goal.Although Malik Tillman’s free kick tied the score in…

The Hollywood Bowl was by no means a lonely bowl Sunday night, as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass returned to pack the storied venue for the first time in 59 years. The Brass’s Cahuenga Pass comeback came not a moment too soon, with the band leader proudly bragging about his age… as one does, and should, when one is this undiminished by the years. “This is a dream come true for me,” Alpert crowed. “I never thought I’d be doing this at 91.” Some of the rest of us might have imagined it, if only because Alpert clearly has…

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, will deliver the keynote address at the 5th Anambra Man of The Year Awards, organisers have announced. Themed “Unstoppable Anambra,” this year’s event will celebrate the achievements of distinguished Anambra indigenes who have excelled in various fields of human endeavour while promoting the state’s culture of excellence and innovation. According to the organisers, Prof. Anyaehie’s keynote is expected to highlight the resilience, innovation and leadership that have shaped Anambra’s development and inspired its people. The AMTY Awards have, over the years, featured notable personalities as keynote speakers, including Stella…