The Discourse

Thousands took to the streets in Nigerian cities in anti-government protests against the high cost of living in the country, driven by crippling inflation and a devalued currency. The demonstration resulted in the Police using tear gas to disperse crowds in the apital, Abuja, and in the nation’s second largest city, Kano, and other cities. Many Nigerians blame the cost-of-living crisis on reforms...

In a bold push for transformative change, Nigerian youth are gearing up for a nationwide peaceful protest from August 1 to 10, 2024, demanding a more equitable society with effective leadership, affordable food, zero hunger, and a reduced cost of living. The movement, undeterred by warnings and opposing views from certain political quarters, aims to bring attention to the pressing issues plaguing...

Uganda is joining the streak of protests in Africa, following the unending demonstrations in Kenya. How will this play out with an old hand of President Yoweri Museveni? Yoweri Kaguta Museven, Ugandan President is Africa’s fourth-longest-serving head of state. My guests are Ruth Adong, a journalist and, most recently, a podcaster and V incent Kasozi , a  journalist  based in Kampala,  Uganda .

We continue in the conversation on the Gen Z organized protests in Kenya. This episode features Brenda Wanjiru, a youth peace and security advocate and Harry Kivayiru, a member of the Gen Z Movement.

All over Africa, protest movements are emerging. We have seen thousands of people taking to the streets of Kenya and other countries; they demonstrate, tweet and blog for more democracy, self-determination and against authoritarian governments. In this series of the Gen Z revolution editions, the first part centres around the protests in Kenya, incidentally organized by young Kenyans who have forc...

This episode of the Discourse focuses on the unending security challenges in Nigeria. Authorities in Nigeria may be running out of time to secure the release of the hostages in northwestern Kaduna state, as the kidnapping gangs have vowed to kill the captives if their demands are not met. My guests will tell us why the Army is finding it difficult to take out the bandits and their activities, whic...

In a major step forward in the practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Economic Commission for Africa has launched an online trading platform that will facilitate trading between buyers and suppliers when the agreement starts next year. Known as the African Trade Exchange (Atex), the business-to-business e-commerce platform will not only improve cross-bord...

The call for a reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force has heightened, seeing young Nigerians hitting the streets to reiterate the calls. In recent days, More Nigerians are coming to join in the protest, while those in the diaspora have been showing massive support. These include Nigeria’s top UFC Champion Israel Adesanya. Today’s podcast takes a look at th...

The call for a reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force has heightened, seeing young Nigerians hitting the streets to reiterate the calls. SARS unit of the Nigerian Police force is one of the 14 units under the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). The unit is charged with the prevention and investigation of armed robbery, one of the most serious c...

The recent hike in the fuel pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol from N138.62 to N151.56 by the Nigerian government, has been eliciting reactions from across boards. Recall the country’s Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), said the new product price adjustment will take effect from September 2, 2020. It however did not state the Expected Open Market Price of th...

Amnesty International has called for an end to the incessant attack on the media and journalists in Nigeria. The human rights organisation made the call while condemning the verbal attack on a Daily Trust reporter, Eyo Charles, in Calabar,  South-south Nigeria by a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode. A statement released on Amnesty International called for the pattern of attacks on...

A military coup on Tuesday led to the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita after several months of protests by Malians over his government. The Centre for Democracy and Development CDD, in a statement by its Director, Idayat Hassan, noted that the respect for the rights of all detained officials, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita, is a non-negotiable pathway to resolve the poli...

Former Nigerian President and special envoy of ECOWAS, Goodluck Jonathan is in Mali for the second time in continuation of efforts to resolving the socio-political crisis that has rocked the landlocked country. The former Nigerian President attended the swearing-in of the new members of the Constitutional Court and met various actors in the crisis that the country is going through. Liken to the ca...

Former Nigerian President and special envoy of ECOWAS, Goodluck Jonathan is in Mali for the second time in continuation of efforts to resolving the socio-political crisis that has rocked the landlocked country. The former Nigerian President attended the swearing-in of the new members of the Constitutional Court and met various actors in the crisis that the country is going through. Liken to the ca...

One of Africa’s largest supermarket chains, Shoprite, has begun a formal process to exit Nigeria. In a trading update published on Monday, the South African-based company said the decision was made after “approaches from various potential investors, and in line with its re-evaluation of the Group’s operating model in Nigeria.” The company said when it reports its results for the year, its business...

Recently, a viral video of a group of doctors in the United States of America, where  Dr. Stella Immanuel, is at the centre of a controversy over unproven and potentially dangerous claims that an anti-malaria drug can treat Covid-19. However, The Guild of Medical Directors is a body of owners of private hospitals in Nigeria and collectively responsible for the management of about 70% of the h...

The crisis in Mali seems unending as Leaders of the June 5 movement say they will not negotiate with the government of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The opposition coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to removing President Keita and his regime. However, the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) appointed former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan as an envoy to try and resolve...

THE findings of the over 200 scientists that the coronavirus could be airborne have generated lots of reactions from the scientific quarters. What then will be the case if the virus could travel longer in the air? Does that mean the human to human transmission goes beyond just droplets?

South Africa took some of the most drastic measures in the world to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus, but one has generated fierce debate like no other: a ban on the sale, and even transport, of alcohol. However, drinkers say their rights are being impinged on and bottle shop owners and liquor companies that are going broke. On the other: a public health system that is unburdened by tho...

The political scenario in Ghana is heating up as the country prepares for its general elections come December 2020. The contenders? Incumbent President Nana Akufo-Ado has been in power since January 7 2017. A former Attorney General and Minister of foreign affairs under John Kufour led administration. His ruling party New Patriotic Party nominated him for re-election. Ghana-based political analyst...

The Dubai Police Force, United Arab Emirates (UAE) released details of the alleged fraud committed by, Raymond Igbalode better known as Hushpuppi. The security agency said they have been tracking Hushpuppi and his gang for about four months. THE arrest was dubbed “Fox Hunt 2.”

The outbreak of the global pandemic has left holes in the pockets of many, including Nigerian celebrities. With a desperate move made recently by a Nigerian artiste, breaking government Covid19 laws clearly indicates how critical the situation could be.

Eighty-seven Sierra Leonean women, plus two fellow nationals suspected of being the ringleaders, were arrested in Dakar after a nearly three-week undercover operation. The women had arrived in Senegal by road via Guinea, a trip of more than 1,300 kilometres (800 miles), and had paid the traffickers between 350,000 and 400,000 CFA francs ($600-700 / 525 to 600 euros) each. The gang planned to send...

In this episode, media entrepreneur Gloria Orji-Emodi (@FabulosGloria) speaks about the loss and gains of the COVID 19 pandemic as well as how Nigerian celebrities are struggling to stay afloat. 

For the past 20 years the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has been battling the introduction of a single currency for the subregion known as ECO. However, pre-colonial masters like France have been interfering knowing that once the likes of Senegal, Ivory Coast and other francophone countries adopt the eco, this may affect the long hold and influence on these countries. To this...