Author: damazah@gmail.com

Fighters from the Iran-backed Houthi group have seized territory close to the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea – a key trade gateway that links Asia and Europe. Houthis have said they pose no threat to international shipping but have reiterated their intention to target vessels from Saudi Arabia.Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on the Red Sea for oil exports since the US and Israel’s war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.At least 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting escalated last week, according to the United Nations.BBC Verify’s Thomas Copeland reports.Produced by Aisha Sembhi. Graphics by…

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a “fireside chat”, as finance ministers and central bank governors from G20 countries meet in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S., September 1, 2026. Sam Wolfe | Reuters”A large bank” will be sanctioned by the U.S. next week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday.”We’re going to do it on Monday because we want to honor the memory of our fallen citizens on 9/11. But watch this space on Monday,” Bessent said during an appearance on “Real ​America’s Voice,” without naming the financial institution nor the country. The announcement comes after the Trump administration sanctioned the…

NASA has released a document that provides some initial details about the proposed United States Space Academy, and it’s clear that the space agency wants to move quickly in establishing the institution. According to the document’s timeline, NASA seeks a groundbreaking for a permanent campus no later than next year, the first class to be enrolled and begin studies in temporary facilities in 2028, and a transition to a permanent campus in 2031. What will that campus look like? NASA is seeking a permanent site with at least 300 acres for the Space Academy, which aims to “prepare a new…

Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed during the 2023 presidential campaign. Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has disagreed with reactions to his recent criticism of Peter Obi, saying Nigerians focused on his reference to the former Anambra State governor rather than the broader argument he was making about the 2027 presidential election. In a recent interview with Seun Okinbaloye, Baba-Ahmed had stirred controversy after saying none of the leading contenders for the 2027 presidency, including Obi, whom he deputised in the 2023 election, had the capacity to fix Nigeria. However, speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, Baba-Ahmed said…

Nigeria has commenced local production of insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of efforts to strengthen malaria prevention and reduce reliance on imported health products. The new facility, Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, is the first in the country to manufacture dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The ministry announced the development in a press release posted on its X account on Thursday and signed by its Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako. The facility, owned by Vestergaard Sarl, will produce “PermaNet® Dual,” a mosquito net designed to address the growing challenge…

A stormy season is forecast for the UK with the chances of wet and windy weather higher than normal, particularly from November.”The latest seasonal forecasts suggest an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions as we move through autumn, which would be consistent with the historical influence of El Niño events,” Met Office Chief Meteorologist Ian Lisk said.El Niño – or the warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean – is continuing to strengthen and is expected peak in November or December as a historic event.However, it is just one of several factors that could affect the UK’s weather. “While this…

It’s been more than a week since the NBA brought the hammer down on the Los Angeles Clippers for cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard, concluding a year-long investigation. But the drama involving the Clippers is far from over. Leonard was hit with a $700,000 fine, but no suspension or voided contract, which the star gladly accepted in hopes that the investigation’s resolution would clear the path for his trade to the Toronto Raptors to be finalized. However, that trade remains in limbo and it’s not clear when the two sides might finally make official the trade that was first reported as…

On Wednesday, Sir Tom, 86, said in a statement he had been offered a “much-reduced role” on the series, which he was “not thrilled about”.”The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance,” he added. “They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me.”He concluded: “The only thing I know right now is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”Cheryl launched her career with pop group Girls Aloud and later had several…

Nigerian Afrobeat-Rap artiste, songwriter, entertainer and entrepreneur, Midas, popularly known as 100% Midas, has released a new single titled “Never Give Up” as he intensifies his push to establish a strong presence in the Nigerian and international music scenes. The inspirational track, which fuses elements of Afrobeat and rap, is currently available across major digital music platforms and adds to the artiste’s growing catalogue of music centred on hope, perseverance and positive social values. Midas, whose real name is Masheni Midas Efe, hails from Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas of Delta State. Born in Okumagba Layout, Warri, and…

Olam Agri has entered the ruminant nutrition market with the launch of its Tru Value cattle feed range, marking a significant expansion of its Integrated Feed & Protein (IFP) business. The launch broadens Olam Agri’s feed portfolio beyond poultry and aquaculture, strengthening its position as a provider of nutrition solutions across key livestock sectors. Tru Value was launched at an event in Nigeria, where Olam Agri already has a strong presence in poultry and aquaculture feed production. The country is one of Africa’s largest livestock markets, with rising demand for animal protein and ongoing efforts to improve herd productivity creating…