Nigeria News (Standard)
Regional Fertiliser Hub Raises Alarm as Soil Fertility Declines Across West Africa
Up to 65% of Africa’s productive land now degraded; experts warn of food security risk and urge urgent action
Up to 65% of Africa’s productive land now degraded; experts warn of food security risk and urge urgent action
Serious concerns have emerged over the worsening state of soil health and fertility across West Africa, with new reports indicating that as much as 65 percent of the continent’s productive land is already degraded. The warning came on Tuesday from the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health, which marked its second anniversary with a call for urgent intervention across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The body highlighted in its report that about 45 percent of Africa’s total land area now suffers from desertification, while nutrient depletion and unsustainable agricultural practices are further compounding the problem. These trends, experts say, threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on farming in states like Kano, Kaduna, Oyo, and Benue.
“We are witnessing a cycle of declining productivity and environmental degradation due to poor soil management, climate variability, and limited access to appropriate soil fertility solutions,” a statement from the Regional Hub read. The report added that inefficient fertiliser use—often due to lack of access or knowledge—has made it difficult to restore soil health at scale. “Fertilisers are essential for improving yields but only work effectively when applied correctly to healthy soils,” the body noted.
Agriculture remains central to both local economies and national GDP across West Africa, but stakeholders warn that ongoing land degradation could undermine gains in food production and worsen vulnerability to climate shocks. Experts point out that deteriorating soil quality not only reduces crop yields but also affects rural incomes and ecological balance.
The Regional Hub urged governments at all levels to increase support for sustainable farming practices, invest in farmer education on soil management, and improve access to high-quality fertilisers. As at now, there is no coordinated national response in Nigeria; however, agricultural agencies are expected to step up efforts ahead of the next planting season. The hub also called for greater collaboration between regional bodies and international partners to reverse current trends before they lead to a wider food crisis.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Insurgents Attack Chibok in Borno, Kill One and Set School Block Ablaze
Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA
Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA
Suspected insurgents launched a fresh attack on Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State on Sunday, killing at least one person and burning down a block of classrooms at a local school. The incident occurred late evening, causing panic among residents and raising new concerns over persistent insecurity in the region.
According to community members, the attackers stormed the area firing sporadically and setting fire to part of the secondary school before fleeing. The military responded to distress calls, but the assailants had already left by the time security operatives arrived at the scene. This latest assault comes despite ongoing military operations targeting insurgent hideouts in Borno and neighbouring states.
Chibok has become synonymous with insecurity since the 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, drawing international attention to the North-East’s security challenges. Many residents say repeated attacks have disrupted education and forced families to flee their homes, with rebuilding efforts hampered by fear of further violence.
A senior security official, who confirmed Sunday’s incident, said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible. “We are working closely with community leaders to gather information and ensure such attacks do not happen again,” he stated. Residents are calling on both federal and Borno State governments to increase patrols and invest more in local security infrastructure.
As at press time, authorities had yet to announce any arrests linked to the attack. The incident highlights ongoing threats faced by communities in Borno State, even as government claims progress in counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Chimamanda Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence in Son’s Death, Alleges Inquest Delay
Renowned author publicly shares letter to Euracare, claims facility is obstructing inquiry into circumstances of son’s passing
Renowned author publicly shares letter to Euracare, claims facility is obstructing inquiry into circumstances of son’s passing
Award-winning Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has openly accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos of medical negligence and attempting to frustrate an official inquest into the death of her son, Nkanu Nnamdi. Adichie made these allegations public on Saturday, 14 June, by releasing a letter she addressed to the hospital’s board in April via her verified Instagram account.
According to Adichie, Euracare initially supported calls for an inquest after what she described as ‘rumours of negligence’ surrounding her son’s passing. However, she claims the hospital later began to hinder efforts aimed at clarifying the circumstances that led to his death. In her statement, Adichie said she decided to publish the letter because maintaining silence would amount to enabling wrongdoing.
Adichie wrote: ‘I wake up every single morning with my heart racing. Did this really happen? My precious son, Nkanu Nnamdi. My KanKan, my diokpala. The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that.’ She further stated that her decision to go public was motivated by a desire for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to issues of medical accountability and transparency in private healthcare facilities across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. Many Nigerians have long expressed concern over alleged lapses in duty of care at some private hospitals and the perceived reluctance by such institutions to submit themselves fully to regulatory scrutiny following medical tragedies.
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has not issued a formal response as at press time. Calls for greater oversight and reforms within Nigeria’s health sector continue, with stakeholders urging authorities to ensure prompt and impartial investigations in cases involving alleged medical negligence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nollywood Actress Toyin Adewale Recalls Mistaking Davido for Scammer in Lagos Encounter
Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016
Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016
“I WAS THERE WHEN DAVIDO CALLED MAYORKUN FOR THE FIRST TIME “ – Nollywood Actress, Toyin Adewale.
Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has revealed she first suspected music star Davido was a scammer when he reached out to her son, singer Mayorkun, via social media in Lagos. Adewale made the disclosure during a recent interview, recounting how the family’s doubts gave way after Davido personally contacted and later met with Mayorkun in 2016.
According to Adewale, neither she nor Mayorkun believed the direct message sent by Davido was genuine at first, suspecting an impersonator was trying to deceive them. “After the cover he did went viral, he was with his brother when Davido sent a message, but we thought it was a scammer. Davido later said he would call. I was there when Davido called him, and he was so excited he almost went crazy,” Adewale said during the interview.
Mayorkun, who had posted a cover of Davido’s song ‘The Money’, caught the attention of the award-winning artiste, leading to an invitation to meet in person. During their meeting, Davido reportedly praised Mayorkun’s talent, gifted him money and other items, and facilitated his signing to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). Shortly after, Mayorkun recorded his breakout single ‘Eleko’ under the label and moved into Davido’s residence alongside his brother.
Adewale described how her initial fears subsided after visiting her son’s new home. She commended Davido’s respectful demeanour and support for Mayorkun’s career growth. “When I got there, Davido was very pleasant and respectful,” she said. The partnership propelled Mayorkun from relative obscurity to mainstream success in Nigeria’s music industry.
Mayorkun remained signed to DMW from 2016 until 2021 before moving on to release subsequent albums under Sony Music West Africa. His achievements include winning the ‘Next Rated’ award at The Headies in 2018. The singer holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos.
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Insurgents Attack Chibok in Borno, Kill One and Set School Block Ablaze
Chimamanda Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence in Son’s Death, Alleges Inquest Delay
Nollywood Actress Toyin Adewale Recalls Mistaking Davido for Scammer in Lagos Encounter
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