Welcome to the 29th edition of News in Africa Online publication. We feel like shouting TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday – but we know that our hands will soon get back on the grill to roll out another publication next Tuesday. All the same, we do relish what we have put together for you here.
The Nigerian economy is still pulling itself out from the woods. There is no doubt that corruption contributed immensely to the recession that the country suffered in recent times. President Muhammadu Buhari is not an economist but he has suggested a fine economic axiom. The owners of the looted assets that his administration has recovered are scared to come forward to claim them. So, the assets will be sold and the money will be ploughed back into the economy. Does that not sound logical and smart?
See our entry on Governance. General Gnassingbe Eyadema ruled Togo for close to forty years. The only legacy he left for his people is his son, Faure. By the time the Togolese knew what was happening in 2005, Faure had become well ensconced in Government House as President. Now, more than twelve years down the line, President Faure Gnassingbe wants to sit-tight in office like his dad. But times have changed. The youths are resisting the idea. But the President has found a fine ploy – by accepting endless rounds and series of peace talks to while away the time.
On Environment, we have a must-read report. Some people say it is better to stay without basic amenities such as water, electricity, good roads, and so on, than to lose them suddenly after getting used to them for a long time. We need to ask the residents of Cape Town in Africa how they feel about the impending cut in their public water supply. Well, before asking questions, click on the report, first.
Nigeria once had a military Head of State. The ones before and after him did not mind being addressed as General, which was their rank in the Army. But this particular one preferred to be called President even when he knew that he was not elected. Last year, he said he was quitting elective politics. Some of us heaved a sigh of relief. Now, even in old age, his body movement shows he still eyes political leadership. Stop guessing who this guy is. Click on our Politics column.
Mauritania is between West and North Africa. One finds it difficult to classify the country geographically. But in terms of economic development, the African Export/Import Bank, Afrexim Bank, knows how to classify Mauritania. The World Bank also knows how to do it. You need to understand the indices at play. See our entry on Business.
We seldom feature women in Our Personality Profile column. But that is when we do not find those who fit into the bill we hold at press time. Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija is real heavy weight. She is a woman with valuable substance. We serve you her profile in our own style.
Let us say a few words about the feature in our Sports column. The score line in Home and Away matches, whether at club or national level, can easily be predicted. You beat me on your ground and I beat you in the return leg on my own turf. But Akwa United of Nigeria seems to have erased this notion. See the report for yourself.
We can go on and on talking about our reports. What we serve you here reflects who we are – your one-stop-shop for the snappy analyses of trending African stories. Enjoy it!
Pat I. Chukwuelue
Editor-in-Chief
