The month of November 2017 is about to bow out. But it will not be without accomplishing its fore-bodings. It will be recalled that it was in the month of November, fifty-four years ago, that one of the most handsome young men to have bestrode the American White House was assassinated. Africa shared deeply in the grief that followed. We have a report related to the ugly event.
In Nigeria, the ides of the month tended to cut both ways – left and right – bringing both cheers and tears in its strides. Anambra state folks went to the polls on Saturday, the 18th, to elect the state’s helmsman for the next four years. The next day as the majority of the voters were jubilating at the news that the incumbent governor had been re-elected, one of the truly beloved sons of the state and, indeed a patriot, in every sense of the word, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, quietly bowed out of this sinful world. News in Africa Online captured both events.
Let us still consider some of the historic events of November. Zimbabwe is on our mind. Everything about the country’s former dictator, Robert Mugabe, is news. He has always been in the news. Now, he is the news itself. For about forty years, he has been pushing Zimbabweans around – hiring and firing them – at will. He has reached his own end. This week, the military and the parliament jointly fired him from the presidency after 37 years. We have the report.
Political succession issues have continued to generate a lot of heat in Africa. From Liberia to Kenya, Cameroon to Congo DR, and from Uganda to Zimbabwe, politicians keep jostling for presidential power. Although they do not always accept election results, they agree that it is the civilized way of deciding who attains political power. The case of Kenya is instructive. First, there was a presidential poll. Following its cancellation by the Supreme Court, a re-run was ordered. The main opposition candidate decided to boycott the re-run poll, in the hope that the apex court would sympathize with his position and possibly, order a third election. The re-run was held and despite Raila Odinga’s stance, the Supreme Court upheld the exercise. So, Odinga has apparently misfired. Where does that leave Kenya?
Stand by, because the women have come marching in. Some career fields such as Medicine, Science and Technology, used to be the exclusive preserve of men. Not anymore. Mention the most intricate branch of science and you will be surprised to learn that Nigerian women have not only flocked to the place but also have earned higher degrees there. Many of them have really stooped and put their fingers on the grind in areas where men used to hold sway. This week, we have turned our searchlight on 5 of such women. It is a must-read.
Ghana is not usually associated with the exploits in agriculture. President Nana Akufo-Addo wants to change this old narrative. His government’s emphasis on looking inwards also extends to the products of the soil. His administration is providing incentives for farmers in Ghana to optimally maximize their potentials. For instance, the marking of Farmers Day in the country used to be a low profile event. There are vital signs to show that this year’s event will be different. Browse through our report on this matter.
We did not leave out your other favourite slots – Politics, Economy, ICT, Travel/Tourism, Health, Diaspora Matters, Environment, Entertainment and Sports. You have so much being served you on one page. Enjoy!
Pat I Chukwuelue
Editor-in-Chief
