Marrakech, Morocco — Survivors of the recent earthquake in southwestern Morocco are calling on their government to accelerate aid, warning that while billions are being pledged for World Cup infrastructure, many quake-affected communities remain neglected.
Eyewitnesses say that in towns like Amizmiz, Asni, and Moulay Brahim, relief has been patchy. Homes remain in ruins, clean water and medical support are scarce, and many displaced families say they have received neither compensation nor shelter funds promised during early recovery efforts.
One young woman in Amizmiz, whose home was destroyed, said, “We see roads being built for tourists, stadium lights being installed, but we sleep under plastic sheets in winter nights.” Her sentiments are echoed across the region, where survivors feel the government’s priorities favor showpiece projects over everyday human needs.
A local NGO, Al Amal, confirmed that many displaced families still lack basic necessities months after the disaster. Its director, Fatima El Idrissi, said: “World Cup spending is visible; relief spending is invisible.”
Government officials have defended the expenditure, saying that investments in infrastructure are also meant to leave a legacy and boost international standing. But critics argue that this justification does not address the urgent needs of quake victims who are struggling to get by.
Relief agencies are urging faster delivery of aid, transparent distribution of resources, and a shift in budget priorities—calling for more funds to be diverted from non-urgent infrastructure projects to immediate recovery and welfare assistance.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, Nigeria has recorded a sharp increase in fuel exports as several foreign refineries continue to experience shutdowns due to maintenance and operational challenges. Industry experts say the disruptions in overseas refining capacity have created supply gaps in regional and global markets, positioning the $20 billion Lagos-based refinery as a key supplier. The refinery, Africa’s largest, has already begun exporting refined products such as diesel and aviation fuel to markets across West Africa and beyond. Analysts note that the surge in exports highlights the strategic importance of Nigeria’s refining hub in ensuring regional energy security while also boosting foreign exchange earnings for the country. The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to progressively expand its product range to include petrol and other derivatives as operations scale up.
Importers in Nigeria have raised strong objections following a decision by an international shipping company to increase its surcharge fees by $500 per container. The development has sparked concerns among traders, freight forwarders, and industry stakeholders, who argue that the additional cost will further burden businesses already grappling with high exchange rates, inflation, and rising port charges. According to clearing agents at the Lagos ports, the sudden hike is unjustifiable and could lead to higher costs of imported goods in the Nigerian market. They stressed that consumers would ultimately bear the brunt, with prices of essential commodities likely to rise. Industry associations have called on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Federal Government to intervene, regulate shipping charges, and prevent arbitrary hikes that threaten trade facilitation. Analysts warn that if not addressed, the surcharge increment could discourage imports and worsen Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis.
The Chairman of SAGAMA HOMES and SAGAMA Construction & Engineering Ltd, Alhaji Ali Nuhu, paid a special visit to an orphanage in Kano State, where he donated essential food items to support the orphans and their caregivers. The donation included rice, pasta, cooking oil, and other essential food supplies aimed at easing the burden of the orphanage, especially at a time when the prices of food items are rising in the markets. Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Ali Nuhu explained that the gesture was part of SAGAMA's commitment to community development, as well as a way of showing care to those who need it most. “Caring for orphans and the less privileged is a responsibility we all share as members of the community. This donation may be small compared to the real effort required, but it is a step towards supporting these children,” he said. The management of the orphanage expressed deep gratitude for the visit and the donation, appreciating Alhaji Ali Nuhu for his generosity and kindness. They also prayed for his continued success in all his endeavors. This humanitarian act further demonstrates that SAGAMA Construction Ltd is not only committed to construction and infrastructure projects but also plays a vital role in supporting social welfare and caring for the less privileged in society.
Nairobi, Kenya – Tragedy struck in the Kenyan capital on Friday as a prominent lawyer was shot dead in a drive-by shooting, sending shockwaves across the legal community and the wider public. Eyewitnesses reported that unidentified gunmen opened fire on the lawyer’s vehicle in Nairobi, killing him instantly before speeding away. The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was said to have been involved in several high-profile cases. Police have since launched an investigation into the incident, describing it as a targeted attack. Authorities have assured the public that efforts are underway to track down the assailants. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned the killing, calling it a direct attack on justice and the rule of law, while urging security agencies to ensure the perpetrators face justice. The shocking incident has renewed concerns about rising insecurity in Nairobi, with many Kenyans demanding stronger government measures to combat violent crime.
Lagos, Nigeria — A Nigerian migrant has recounted a harrowing ordeal in Libya, claiming his employer trapped him and forcibly drained his blood before he was eventually rescued and returned home. The victim, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, shared his story during a press briefing in Lagos, organized by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). According to him, what began as a search for greener pastures through irregular migration commonly referred to as “Japa” turned into a nightmare of forced labor, abuse, and exploitation. NAPTIP officials confirmed that several Nigerians have suffered similar abuses in parts of North Africa, warning citizens against falling prey to traffickers and deceptive job offers abroad. Human rights groups have renewed calls for stronger government interventions, stressing the need for awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and safe migration pathways for young Nigerians.
Cairo, Egypt — President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has warned that Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza are undermining prospects for new peace treaties across the Middle East, saying continued violence and civilian casualties erode trust and make diplomatic breakthroughs far more difficult. Speaking at a joint press engagement, el-Sisi called on the international community to intensify efforts toward an immediate ceasefire and a just political solution to the Palestinian question, arguing that lasting regional stability depends on addressing the humanitarian crisis and restoring confidence among parties. Egypt, which has long acted as a mediator in Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy, reiterated its readiness to support renewed negotiations but stressed that meaningful progress requires a halt to operations that put civilians at risk and deepen regional tensions. Analysts say el-Sisi’s remarks reflect growing Arab concerns that military escalation risks derailing wider normalization efforts and could prompt wider instability across neighbouring states.
Abuja, Nigeria — Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved grievances involving work conditions, unpaid allowances, and shortages of medical supplies. The action, initiated by the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, has led to the suspension of non-emergency services at public hospitals across Abuja. In a statement, the doctors demanded immediate intervention from the FCT administration to address their concerns, warning that prolonged inaction could exacerbate health risks for patients awaiting care.
Zamfara State, Nigeria — The Nigerian military has confirmed the killing of five of its personnel in an attack by armed bandits in Zamfara State. The incident occurred during a routine patrol in a volatile area of the state, which has been plagued by recurring banditry and armed violence. According to military sources, the soldiers were ambushed while responding to intelligence reports of criminal activities in the region. The Defence Headquarters expressed deep concern over the incident, vowing that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice. Security reinforcements have since been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further attacks. This latest attack highlights the persistent security challenges facing the North-West region, where armed groups continue to disrupt lives, displace communities, and challenge state authority.