Kaduna State, Nigeria – Early this morning in Kabala Costain, Kaduna North Local Government Area, groups of youth, men, and women came together to sweep and clean the streets in preparation for the annual Maulud celebration.   The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement as residents worked hand in hand to beautify their community. According to the participants, the cleaning exercise is a symbolic way of welcoming the day that marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him), which will be celebrated tomorrow.   One of the young participants, during a brief interview, expressed his happiness:   “This day is very important to us. We are not only celebrating the birth of the Prophet but also showing unity, discipline, and love for our community. By cleaning the streets, we want to create a welcoming environment for everyone.”       The exercise united people of different ages and backgrounds, reflecting a strong spirit of togetherness as the community eagerly awaits the Maulud festivitial  

Kinshasa, DR Congo – The United Nations has expressed grave concern that all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may have committed war crimes.   A new UN report highlights widespread abuses, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the targeting of civilians, as fighting between government forces, armed militias, and rebel groups continues to escalate in the eastern region.   The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged Congolese authorities and international partners to ensure accountability, stressing that the cycle of impunity fuels further atrocities. Humanitarian agencies warn that millions remain displaced, with food insecurity worsening in affected provinces.

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali government has rejected the planned deportation of citizens from Finland and Switzerland, citing concerns over alleged corruption and irregularities in the repatriation process.   Officials in Mogadishu say the deportation scheme has been marred by a corruption scandal involving fraudulent documents and questionable agreements with foreign agents. The Ministry of Interior stressed that Somalia would not accept deportees until transparency and due process are guaranteed.   The decision has strained relations with Finland and Switzerland, both of which had initiated repatriation of Somali nationals whose asylum applications were denied. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the safety and welfare of returnees given Somalia’s fragile security situation.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Tensions are rising in the Horn of Africa as Ethiopia expressed unease over Egypt’s reported plans to deploy troops to Somalia. The development comes amid renewed hostilities between both countries over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).   Ethiopian officials view Cairo’s military involvement in Somalia as a potential security threat, arguing it could destabilize the already fragile region. Analysts say the move reflects Egypt’s broader strategy of countering Ethiopia’s growing regional influence, particularly as negotiations over the Nile dam project remain deadlocked.   Somalia, which has longstanding security challenges with Al-Shabaab insurgents, has welcomed Egypt’s support, deepening suspicions in Addis Ababa. Experts warn the military presence could escalate diplomatic tensions, with regional stability hanging in the balance.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and compassion as the nation joins the Muslim faithful to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud.   In his goodwill message on Wednesday, Wike emphasized the importance of tolerance and mutual respect among citizens, noting that the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings centered on compassion and peaceful coexistence.   The minister further called on residents of the FCT to remain law-abiding and contribute to strengthening national unity, stressing that peace is the foundation for development and progress.   He assured that his administration will continue to prioritize security and the welfare of residents, while supporting initiatives that foster religious harmony across the territory.

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Nigeria for Europe to begin his annual leave, according to a statement from the Presidency.   The trip is part of his scheduled break after months of intense national and international engagements. The Presidency did not disclose the exact duration of his stay in Europe but noted that he is expected to use the period for rest and personal time.   During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima will oversee official duties in line with constitutional provisions.   The visit comes amid heightened discussions on Nigeria’s economic reforms, security challenges, and preparations for key international summits in which the President is expected to participate upon his return.

Lagos, Nigeria — Analysts have warned that a financial meltdown in Africa would have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, given the continent’s growing influence in international trade, finance, and resource supply.   Experts note that Africa’s role as a hub for critical minerals, oil, gas, and agricultural exports means that any major economic disruption could impact global supply chains, investment flows, and financial markets.   Institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have repeatedly stressed the need for fiscal discipline, economic diversification, and debt sustainability across African states to prevent vulnerabilities that could spill over internationally.   The warning comes amid rising debt levels, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainties in parts of the continent, raising concerns about potential shocks to global stability.

Enugu State, Nigeria — The Dangote Group has denied ownership of a truck reportedly involved in a fatal road accident in Enugu, clarifying that the vehicle does not belong to its fleet.   In a statement issued on Sunday, the company stressed its commitment to road safety and corporate responsibility, adding that it has consistently put in place strict measures to ensure that only authorized and branded trucks operate under its name.   The conglomerate further appealed to the public and media to verify information before publication, noting that incidents of misattributed vehicles have become increasingly common and could tarnish its corporate reputation.   Authorities in Enugu confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the true ownership of the truck and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

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.

Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria — The Governor of Zamfara State is set to represent Nigeria at the upcoming 5th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference in Algiers, Algeria.   The conference, organized under the platform of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), will bring together policymakers, investors, and development partners to explore opportunities for regional cooperation and sustainable investments across the continent.   The Zamfara governor is expected to highlight Nigeria’s subnational investment opportunities, while also addressing challenges facing African states in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and energy transition.   Analysts believe his participation will further position Zamfara as a growing hub for investment dialogue within Nigeria and across Africa.

Johannesburg, South Africa — Dentsu Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the continent’s marketing and communications landscape by leveraging data-driven strategies, digital innovation, and creative solutions tailored to African markets.   The global marketing giant, through its African arm, is focusing on building stronger brand-consumer connections, enabling businesses across diverse sectors to better navigate the complexities of a fast-evolving digital economy.   Industry experts say Dentsu Africa’s push is timely, as companies increasingly seek integrated solutions to reach Africa’s young, tech-savvy population, which continues to drive consumer trends and digital adoption.   Speaking on the company’s vision, executives highlighted their dedication to capacity building, talent development, and sustainable practices, ensuring that African creativity and innovation remain central to global marketing conversations.

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships to modernize agriculture and enhance food security.     Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, stated this in a press statement issued to DAILY POST on Wednesday.     According to the statement, the Governor disclosed this in Senegal when he led a high-powered delegation to the Africa Food Systems Summit in Dakar to explore new agricultural partnerships aimed at transforming the state’s food systems and driving inclusive economic growth.       He explained that agriculture is a central pillar of his administration’s 12-Point Agenda under the vision of building “a Greater Jigawa.”     “Jigawa is already Nigeria’s leading producer of wheat, rice, sesame, and hibiscus flower,” Namadi said.     “We will continue to build on these achievements and utilize the full potential of our vast arable land and resilient farming population.”     The statement said that during the summit, Governor Namadi met with Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Chairman of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), on ways of strengthening collaboration between Jigawa and AGRA. The discussions focused on practical strategies to boost productivity, strengthen market access, and improve the competitiveness of rice and wheat farmers.   The summit, which runs from September 1 to 4, 2025, brings together leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders from across Africa to deliberate on building resilient and sustainable food systems.