News

You need Africa today more than before, Tinubu tells world leaders

President Bola Tinubu has declared that, with the abundant resources in Africa, especially in the solid minerals sector, the continent does not need to wait for aid and grants from the global community.

President Tinubu also said that, with the enormous resources in the continent, the world needs Africa today more than before.

These, among others, were contained in his keynote address at the high-level event of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, “Africa’s Natural Resources Shaping the Future,” on Tuesday in New York, USA.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africans have learned from the experiences of the slave trade and commodity export.

He said that the continent can see the persistence of the injustice of unequal trade relations despite the agreements between the ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries and the European Union or the United States programme, AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), or even the ongoing implementation of trade agreements.

The Nigerian President further said that it was with utmost conviction that the great people of Africa have reached a critical moment in their long struggle for social, economic, and political independence, adding, “Now is our time to seize the chance to change the narratives that have been our lot that I stand before you today to set a new agenda of transformation.”

He said the beautiful fact of Africa’s ugly past of colonial and neo-colonial exploitation was that before the continent was plundered and overpowered with the technological innovation of the gun, “our ancestors and their counterparts from Europe were friends, business allies, and mutual sovereigns.

“Africa’s merchants exchanged trade articles such as leather, gold, ivory, and palm oil for cotton, silk, gin, and mirrors.”

Citing an example, Tinubu said, “In 1485, the Portuguese, led by John D’Aveiro, established trade with the Kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria. According to our historical records, during the reign of Oba Esigie (1504-1550), the Kingdom of Benin established diplomatic ties with Portugal.

“Both kingdoms exchanged ambassadors, and a school for learning the Portuguese language was established in the Benin Kingdom. The cultural exchange was so engaging that Oba Esigie learned and spoke Portuguese! For most of Africa before colonisation, this was the character of the relationship between our ancestors and the white men from Europe.

“Commercial relationships led to political relationships until the visitors became greedy and upset the cordial harmony by unleashing the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the most devastating depopulation that mankind has ever witnessed.”

He said that he foresaw the resurgence of that era of commercial partnership, mutual diplomatic relations, and economic collaboration after exploiting each other, enslaving each other, and killing each other for over three centuries, noting that the world has realised the futility of hatred and the fatality of one man exploiting another.

He said that the greatest force for global unity and cohesion today is technology, as he opined that communications technology has shrunk the world into a global village and turned strangers into neighbours.

“It has dissolved boundaries and created a world without borders. Telecommuting has transformed the world of work into virtual hubs of co-creation. Wherever you turn, young brilliant innovators are raising the bar, leading the charge of progress into the smart world.

“One of the factors in this development is revolutions in battery technology. Evolution in lithium-ion technology enables the manufacturing of portable consumer electronics, laptops, computers, cellular phones, and electric cars. We live in a world of electronic mobility in which lithium-powered batteries provide higher specific energy, higher energy density, higher energy efficiency, longer cycle life, and longer calendar life.

“This development powers the global struggle against carbon emissions. It promotes a greener world that tames destructive floods and excessive heat, two consequences of global climate under pressure that millions encounter and thousands fail to survive.

“The global need for new battery technology has triggered a new scramble for Africa’s critical minerals. Africa possesses 92 per cent of global reserves of platinum, 56 per cent of cobalt, 54 per cent of manganese, and 36 per cent of chromium.

“These are the minerals employed in the manufacturing of the new batteries. In short, the world needs Africa today more than ever.

“Africans have learned from the experiences of the slave trade and commodity export. We can see the persistence of the injustice of unequal trade relations despite the agreements between the ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries and the European Union or the United States program, AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), or even the ongoing implementation of trade agreements.

“Whenever and wherever we accept the age-old role of supplier of raw materials to global industry, we end up with the short end of the stick.

“Our people don’t want to wait for your aid and grants anymore. A situation in which the raw minerals are extracted from our countries, exported, refined, and sold to us as finished products merely consolidates the foundations of our misery and pushes us further down the depths of underdevelopment.

“We seek to break free by localising the whole mineral value chain from extraction to processing to sales within our countries. We have skilled men and women, talented graduates in any discipline you desire, with immense capacity to learn and innovate.

“We have put in place policies to promote direct foreign investment and ease the repatriation of profits; we have introduced tax holidays and incentives for the importation of machinery and migration of professionals with expertise and experience.

“The governments in Africa are working day and night to improve the ease of doing business. We are improving our energy, transportation, and housing infrastructures and facilities. We are simplifying our business rules in line with international best practices, and we are containing threats to security, law, and order.

“Specifically, my administration has adopted the principle of local value addition as conceived by the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake. Key to this strategy is attracting companies involved in manufacturing lithium batteries, concentrates, and components to set up their businesses and domesticate the value chain from extraction to production in Nigeria.

“With over 226 million hardworking, fastidious subscribers, we offer an immediate market for local purchases and international exports. This has been demonstrated by the boom in the 10 billion dollar telecom market in our country, manifesting an internationally competitive annual growth of 5.20% per annum.”

He highlighted alarming statistics from the United Nations Development Programme, revealing that over 328 million people in the poorest countries are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

He stated, “Poverty worsened for the first time in two decades, particularly for low-income and middle-income earners,” underscoring the urgency for transformative strategies.

In his address, the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, proposed a paradigm shift from merely exporting raw minerals to processing them locally into finished goods.

He defined local value addition as transforming raw minerals into semi-finished or finished products, which would enhance capital formation and create jobs across Africa.

He said, “By moving from commercialization to industrialization, we can significantly raise the contribution of the solid minerals sector to our GDP.”

“The initiative has already gained traction, with ten new mineral processing projects underway in Nigeria focusing on lithium, gold, bauxite, and other valuable resources.”

He called on African leaders to unite in this endeavour and urged global mining companies to partner with African nations to foster industrialization in the solid minerals sector.

“We seek to localise the entire mineral value chain from extraction to processing within our countries,” he said.

He said that the initiative represents a unique opportunity for Africa: “This is our chance! Together, we can transform our continent from suppliers of raw minerals to equal partners in the global mining industry.”

Secretary-General Moses Engadu, at the inaugural high-level roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), stressed the vital role of Africa’s natural resources in shaping not only the continent’s future but also that of the world.

Engadu welcomed esteemed leaders, including Nigerian Vice President Shettima and Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, stating, “Today, we gather to discuss how Africa’s wealth can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic empowerment.”

The Secretary-General urged African nations to unite in their approach to resource management. “No natural resources should leave our borders as raw materials. We must promote a common agenda,” he said.

He also announced plans for the Africa Minerals and Metals Exchange, aimed at facilitating regional collaboration and ensuring fair market value for African commodities.

The roundtable provided a platform for leaders to discuss strategies for harnessing these resources effectively.

US

Biden congratulates Trump, invites him to White House

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President Joe Biden called Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory Wednesday and invited his Republican successor to hold a meeting in the “near future,” the White House said.

In his call with Trump, “President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together,” a White House statement said.

Biden also spoke with Kamala Harris and “congratulated the Vice President on her historic campaign,” the statement said, adding that the president on Thursday “will address the nation to discuss the election results and the transition.”

News

Harris calls Trump to congratulate him on election win

US Vice President Kamala Harris called Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him for winning the 2024 presidential election, one of her senior aides said, following a bitter and contentious race.

Democrat Harris discussed with Trump the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans, said the aide speaking on background, confirming that Harris will deliver remarks in Washington later Wednesday.

News

Morocco 2025: Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, Simon, 19 others gear up for Benin, Rwanda

Captain William Ekong, Atalanta of Italy’s Ademola Lookman, effervescent winger Moses Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and 19 other players will seek for six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this month.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen has also called goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze. Home-based defender Victor Collins will join up with the group for the first time, and there is a return for gangling forward Sadiq Umar, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain.

Defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are also listed, while France-based defender Gabriel Osho will hope to play his first competitive game for fatherland, after his inability to honour a first call-up in the summer due to injury.

The Super Eagles will fly directly to Abidjan on 11 November, for the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th November, before traveling down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, 18th November.

Currently top of their Group D, the Super Eagles will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points.

However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi, who have one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two matchdays.

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England) Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho

(Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)

News

US Elections: President-Elect, Trump thanks X boss, Elon Musk for his support

Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the 2024 United States presidential race, has publicly lauded tech mogul and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for his remarkable contributions, specifically his deployment of the Starlink satellite service in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Speaking to his supporters on Wednesday, Trump praised Musk as a “super genius” and recognized his efforts during the hurricane’s destructive impact on the southeastern United States in October.Hurricane Helene left communities across the southeast struggling, with critical infrastructure downed and thousands in need of urgent assistance.

In response, Musk’s Starlink satellite network provided much-needed internet connectivity, especially in North Carolina, which faced significant communication challenges.

Trump emphasized the importance of this rapid support, saying, “I told Elon they need it badly in North Carolina. Can you get it? He had that there so fast, it was incredible. It saved a lot of lives.

They saved a lot of lives.” Trump’s remarks underscore the critical role that Starlink played in relief efforts, enabling first responders and affected residents to stay connected, access vital information, and coordinate rescue operations.Trump’s admiration for Musk extended beyond the immediate context of the hurricane response.

He described the billionaire entrepreneur as “a character” and “a special guy,” attributing Musk’s success and innovation to his unique intelligence and drive. Trump noted, “He’s a super genius. We have to protect our geniuses; we don’t have that many of them.” This statement not only reflects Trump’s appreciation for Musk’s skills and achievements but also his broader belief in the value of supporting talented innovators who contribute to the nation’s progress.

In recent years, Musk has been an outspoken supporter of Trump’s policies and has aligned with the former president on key issues, particularly in the realms of business and technology. Musk’s support for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign has gone beyond verbal endorsement; he has reportedly made financial contributions aimed at bolstering Trump’s efforts to reclaim the White House.

Musk’s backing reflects a partnership built on shared interests and values, particularly around economic growth, technological advancement, and a commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit.

As a pioneer in space exploration, electric vehicles, and satellite technology, Musk’s influence has permeated various sectors of the American economy and global innovation.

His Starlink initiative, a satellite internet network designed to provide high-speed internet access in remote or underserved areas, has proven its value in times of crisis, including this recent disaster response.

Through his dedication to innovation and swift action during Hurricane Helene, Musk has demonstrated the potential of technology to address real-world challenges, earning him recognition not only from Trump but also from communities that benefited from his support.

In praising Musk, Trump highlighted a central theme of his 2024 campaign: the importance of fostering American talent and protecting the country’s innovators.

His remarks suggest that he sees figures like Musk as essential to driving America’s future, and his relationship with the tech visionary illustrates a broader vision for a nation where public and private sectors collaborate to solve critical issues and strengthen resilience against future challenges.

News

Democratic Lessons: Atiku Advocates for Integrity in Nigerian Elections After US Vote

Former Vice President of Nigeria and prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has recently reflected on the outcome of the United States presidential election, underscoring valuable lessons he believes Nigeria should adopt.

Atiku’s remarks come in the wake of the U.S. election, which concluded with former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, emerging as the President-elect after a victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Atiku, who ran as the PDP presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, addressed Nigerians through a statement that highlighted his belief in the importance of electoral integrity.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic journey could greatly benefit from studying and implementing the practices that contributed to the credibility of the recent U.S. election. According to Atiku, the success of the election in the United States was not merely a testament to the candidates involved, but also to the effectiveness of an electoral system that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the sanctity of the ballot.

He expressed hope that the peaceful transition of power seen in the United States would inspire Nigerian leaders to prioritize free and fair elections.

“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome,” Atiku stated. This, he elaborated, is essential to maintaining public confidence in electoral institutions and fostering a culture where political outcomes reflect the will of the people.

Atiku’s comments highlight his advocacy for electoral reforms in Nigeria, as he has long been an outspoken proponent of measures aimed at strengthening the democratic process and making elections more transparent.

Atiku went further to express his hope that the incoming Trump administration would support democratic principles internationally, especially in nations like Nigeria where political processes are often marred by allegations of irregularities.

He stated, “It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.

”Additionally, Atiku extended a warm message of congratulations to the American people, acknowledging their commitment to democracy and the power of the vote.

“My warm congratulations go out to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice,” he remarked.

Atiku’s message serves as a call to action for Nigeria’s electoral body and political stakeholders to commit to reforms that would enhance the electoral process.

He advocates for a system in which every citizen’s vote counts and where electoral outcomes are uncontested due to credibility.

For Atiku, this is a vital step in restoring Nigerians’ faith in democracy, ensuring that future elections are free of violence and manipulation, and paving the way for a democratic system where leaders are chosen by the genuine choice of the people.

News

Ododo, Makinde mourn COAS Lagbaja

Governors Usman Ododo and Seyi Makinde of Kogi and Oyo States respectively have mourned the death of the COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde have mourned the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, calling his demise a huge loss to the country.

Ododo’s condolence was contained in a statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

Ododo said the departure of the gallant and brave Army Chief was sad at a time when the fight against insecurity in Nigeria had gathered momentum.

He noted that the late Gen. Lagbaja was a “fearless General, an indomitable fighter, a tactical genius and an uncompromising warrior determined to stamp out terrorism and banditry from Nigeria.”

The governor extended his heartfelt sympathies to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Military establishment, the government and people of Osun State and the family of the departed hero.

He called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure that his dream of a secure and safe Nigeria does not die with him and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde on Wednesday also described the death of Lagbaja as a sad loss to the country.

Makinde described Lagbaja as a patriot and one of the finest military officers produced by Nigeria.

He expressed condolences to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased COAS as well as the government and people of Osun State on the demise of their illustrious son, praying to Allah to grant repose to his soul.