Africa
Climate change: EU increases $300 billion yearly financial offer to poor countries

The European Union, on Saturday, increased the offer made by wealthy countries to assist the poorest countries most affected by climate change to $300 billion annually.
According to report, this is an attempt to save negotiations that the developing world warned were about to collapse.
The two-week UN climate negotiations stretched into an extra day.
And negotiators searched for a consensus into the night in a windowless sports stadium in the Caspian Sea city of Baku.
Developing countries that are suffering from increasing drought and other disasters rejected an early offer of $250 billion year by 2035 on Friday, in what is expected to be the hottest year on record.
In a hottest ever recorded year, developing countries bearing the brunt of rising drought and disasters flatly rejected on Friday an initial offer of $250 billion per year by 2035.
According to two negotiators, the EU is pressing wealthy nations to increase the amount to $300 billion.
This includes the US, UK, and Japan.
However, the negotiators added that there were restrictions on other aspects of the larger climate agreement that was being discussed at the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan.
Since fossil fuels are the primary cause of global warming, Europeans in particular want an annual review of international efforts to phase out these sources.
Saudi Arabia has opposed this, attempting to weaken a historic commitment made at COP28 last year to move away from coal, gas, and oil.
Eamon Ryan, the Irish environment minister, stated that he was “hopeful” for a settlement.
Ryan disclosed that a more definitive picture would become apparent later in the day when a revised text is anticipated.
“We need to get an agreement.
“This is important that we give hope to the world, that multilateralism can work, that we are responding to the climate crisis”, Ryan told AFP.
He claimed that while the necessity for further funding for the developing countries was acknowledged, “we also have to put a halt to the advancement of fossil fuels”.
The African Group of Negotiators’ chair, Ali Mohamed, told AFP that following the original $250 billion offer, which he described as “a big mockery,” there had been “good discussions” on money.
He stated that developing countries had made clear that immobility would “lead to a failure of COP”.
“No deal is better than a bad deal”, he said.
Numerous people at risk
A network of over 300 activist organizations supported Mohamed’s position.
This also serves as Kenya’s climate change envoy, according to report.
They also called on developing countries to maintain their resolve.
The non-governmental organizations accused industrialized countries in a letter of trying to evade their legal climate financing duties.
“You claim to champion a rules-based system, yet flout the rules when they don’t suit your interests, putting at risk billions of people and life on Earth”, they wrote.
Rich countries argue that expecting greater direct government funding is politically unfeasible.
Donald Trump, who is skeptical of both foreign aid and climate change, was elected president-elect of the United States earlier this month.
Right-wing opposition against the green agenda has also been observed in a number of other Western nations.
The draft agreement proposes a bigger total aim of $1.3 trillion annually to address disasters and rising temperatures.
Although, the majority would come from private sources.
The $100 billion that wealthy countries already provide under a promise that is about to expire would be increased by even $250 billion.
A group of developing nations said that the gains were less than anticipated because of inflation.
Others demanded at least $500 billion.
The Saudis’ battle for fossil fuels
According to experts hired by the UN to evaluate the requirements of developing nations, $250 billion is “too low”.
They opined that wealthy countries ought to be contributing at least $390 billion by 2035.
Brazil, the host of the COP30 next year, raised this sum.
The country argued that wealthier nations alone should bear the $390 billion burden.
China, the biggest emitter in the world, is one of the newly affluent rising economies that the US and EU have urged to contribute.
China is still considered a developing country by the UN.
Though it offers climate aid, it wants to continue doing so voluntarily.
Oil-rich Saudi Arabia has pushed hard for softer language on fossil fuels.
Like China, Saudi Arabia has fought against being forced to offer help, according to a seasoned campaigner from a developing nation.
It mentioned that China has largely taken a low-key and cooperative position in Baku.
The Saudi objective was “turning back the clock,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned on Friday.
The authoritarian nation of Azerbaijan has been charged with not having the resources and knowledge necessary to lead such intricate talks.
This authoritarian nation reportedly depends on the sale of gas and oil.
The summit began with its chairman, Ilham Aliyev, denouncing Western countries and praising fossil resources as a “gift of God.”
Africa
Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.
“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.
Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.
He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.
The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.
He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.
Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”
General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.
He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”
Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.
He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.
They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.
General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.
He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”
He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.
Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.
He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”
The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.
General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.
Africa
‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
Africa
Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.
The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.
To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.
This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.
On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.
On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.
This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.
Why Express Entry Remains Key
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Impact of the Rising CRS
The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.
Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.
Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.
With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.
Canada’s Immigration Targets
Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.
The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.
With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.
What Applicants Should Do
Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.
Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.
For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.
The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.
With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.
However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.
Africa
Japan Designates City as Hometown for Nigerians

The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.
The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.
This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.
At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:
Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,
Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.
Nigeria-Japan Partnership
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.
The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.
Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Japan’s Vision for Africa
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.
He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:
Private sector-led sustainable growth,
Youth and women empowerment.
Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.
What This Means for Nigerians
For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.
It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.
This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad
Africa
Kenyan Police Exhume Five More Bodies Linked to Starvation Cult

At least five more bodies, including two children, have been exhumed in coastal Kenya in connection with the country’s most infamous starvation cult.
Police confirmed on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the discovery is linked to the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” a tragedy that shocked the world in 2023.
The fresh graves were found near Binzaro village in Kilifi County’s Chakama area, according to Robert Kiinge of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He revealed that officers had excavated at least 27 sites spread across a five-acre plot.
“We retrieved five bodies,” Kiinge confirmed.
He explained that most of the remains were in advanced stages of decomposition, suggesting they had been buried more than a year ago.
However, one of the victims may have been buried as recently as seven to eight months ago.
Tragically, two of the bodies were those of children, estimated to be between five and seven years old.
Kiinge added that the evidence strongly pointed to a link with the original Shakahola massacre, where more than 400 victims of a starvation cult were discovered in 2023.
The cult was led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is currently on trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of manslaughter. Mackenzie has denied all charges, but his followers have continued to draw scrutiny from investigators.
So far, 11 people have been taken into custody in connection with the new graves.
Three of them, however, are being treated as victims rather than suspects.
“The people we have in custody today are followers of Mackenzie,” Kiinge told reporters, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.
Post-mortem examinations are expected in the coming days to determine the exact cause of death.
Until then, police have avoided speculation.
The renewed discoveries come just weeks after a Mombasa court adjourned Mackenzie’s trial due to new evidence.
The case has reignited national debate about the regulation of fringe religious movements in Kenya.
Following the Shakahola tragedy, the Kenyan government introduced stricter oversight measures for religious organizations.
However, these proposals have been met with resistance from some groups, who argue that tighter controls infringe on constitutional protections separating church and state.
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