News
South Africa and Nigeria Team Up to Harness Lithium for Green Energy and Economic Growth
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has highlighted the nation’s strong interest in collaborating with Nigeria to harness the vast potential of critical minerals, especially lithium.
This effort aims to accelerate the transition to green energy and bolster the development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, South Africa, on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, noting that Nigeria’s substantial lithium reserves could serve as a cornerstone for the industrialization of the electric vehicle sector.
The South African president also urged the private sector, as well as development finance institutions, to play a pivotal role in driving forward this initiative.
He called for collaborative efforts to build essential infrastructure and ramp up manufacturing capabilities within the green energy and EV sectors.
Ramaphosa stressed that the potential for cooperation extends beyond energy and automotive industries, particularly into pharmaceuticals, where both nations could capitalize on mutual growth opportunities.
South Africa, which has already developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan, is primed for large-scale investments in renewable energy and green technologies in the coming years.
The country’s ambitious plans reflect its commitment to the global shift toward a low-carbon economy, and Ramaphosa emphasized the need for both countries to leverage their abundant natural resources for green industrialization.
He called on businesses from both nations to actively support these initiatives and work together to ensure that critical minerals like lithium are processed at their source.
President Ramaphosa also took the opportunity to express South Africa’s strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the prestigious G20 group of the world’s major economies.
During the official launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, Ramaphosa pledged that South Africa would “keenly” back Nigeria’s efforts to secure membership in the influential economic bloc.
His support was further reiterated in discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a meeting with officials from both nations at the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Nigeria and South Africa.
The G20, which has long been considered a platform for the world’s leading economies, had previously been represented by South Africa and the African Union alone from the continent.
With the African Union joining the G20 last year, thanks in part to South Africa’s lobbying efforts, Ramaphosa voiced the importance of expanding African representation within the group.
He urged that more key African nations should be included in the G20 to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard, stressing that the continent, often overlooked in global discussions, deserves greater attention and recognition.
News
“We Must Not Burn Down Our Only Nation With Terror and Violence” – Peter Obi Urges
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate and influential political figure, has raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, specifically bringing out the increasing cases of kidnapping and killings across the nation.
In a statement shared on his X handle, he decried the alarming frequency of these crimes and called for immediate action to address the menace.
Obi expressed deep worry over how this wave of insecurity has affected every aspect of national life.
He picked examples from the agricultural sector, where farmers are forced off their farmlands by threats of violence, to the educational and health sectors, where teachers, lecturers, and healthcare workers are becoming frequent targets of kidnappers.
In one of the most recent incidents, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala, Anambra State, was brutally killed.
This tragic event was followed by the kidnapping of two Reverend Sisters, both key contributors to the education sector.
One is a school principal, while the other is a teacher.
The former governor also questioned the extent of the problem, asking how many cases go unreported if the reported ones are already so overwhelming.
He urged the government to deploy all available resources to combat insecurity, rescue those in captivity, and restore peace in affected areas.
Additionally, he made a heartfelt appeal to the perpetrators, urging them to abandon their criminal activities and adopt peaceful ways of life.
“Nothing justifies these kidnappings and killings. We must not burn down our only nation with terror and violence,” Obi stated.
News
Wildfire Rages in Los Angeles And Forces Mass Evacuations
Wildfire erupts in Los Angeles causing evacuation in certain neighbourhood counties. The fire stared out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday and approached the landmark Hollywood sign.
Many people including celebrities lost their home due to the fire and others had to evacuate before the fire reaches them. It was reported that 5 people died due to the fire and more than 137,00o people have evacuated their homes.
The fire fighters and the government are trying to manage the fire however due to the high winds and dry weather the fire keeps spreading.
The fire has destroyed many buildings including museums, schools, homes, pet shelters and many more. The government are still responding to the calls and trying to deal with fire to prevent more damages.
News
Governor Abba Yusuf Says He’s Focused on Serving Kano, Not Worried About 2027 Re-election
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has made it clear that he isn’t concerned about the possibility of re-election in 2027.
Speaking in Kano, the governor emphasized that his focus is on delivering results during his current term, not on political pressures for a second term.
Yusuf explained that his priority is fulfilling the mandate given to him by the people of Kano, stressing that his achievements in office will be the measure by which he should be judged.
“What I am concerned about is not re-election.
I am more focused on delivering the dividends of democracy in this first term,” he said.
“I want the people of Kano to assess my performance at the end of this tenure.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Yusuf reminded his audience that he won the 2019 and 2023 elections against formidable opponents, despite not holding any political office at the time.
He credited his victory to the will of Allah and stated that his future was in His hands.
“I am destined to be a Governor,” Yusuf declared, adding that whether or not he serves a second term depends entirely on God’s will.
“If Allah wills it, I’ll serve a second term. If not, then I won’t. So, why should I bother myself?”
Yusuf also made it clear that he would not succumb to any political pressure on his mandate.
“My performance will speak for me, not political pressure,” he said confidently.
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