The Punch Pending

1 month ago Politics

Prosperity rituals: Legal in pulpits, criminal in shrines

The recent conviction and imprisonment of Chidozie Nwangwu, a traditional spiritual practitioner in Anambra State — under the banner of regulating supernatural claims and protecting the public — exposes a deeper problem than public safety. It exposes constitutional hypocrisy. When the coercive powe…

Source: The Punch

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1 month ago Politics

Doctors’ suspension: Medical directors demand fairness, balance in disciplinary actions

The Guild of Medical Directors has called for a balanced, fair, and humane approach to the regulation of medical practice, stating that disciplinary actions must protect patients while also safeguarding the sustainability of the nation’s healthcare system. The guild noted that suspension should be …

Source: The Punch

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The Punch Pending

1 month ago Politics

Humanitarianism and the crooked timber of crisis

Humanitarianism is crooked timber. I appropriate Immanuel Kant’s famous observation about humanity, later popularised by Isaiah Berlin, that “Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.” Kant was wary of idealism but still believed in the possibility of moral progress. B…

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1 month ago Politics

Women group seeks collaboration to advance gender justice

A women’s advocacy group, Women N Media, has called for greater collaboration to dismantle structural barriers preventing women and vulnerable groups from accessing equal justice. The call was made during the 15th edition of the International Women’s Day Summit, Empowerment and Stewardship Awards 2…

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The Punch Pending

1 month ago Politics

IWD 2026: Northern leaders, groups call for renewed women’s protection

As the world commemorated the International Women’s Day 2026, leaders and groups across northern Nigeria intensified calls for women’s empowerment, protection, and inclusion. Government officials, humanitarian organisations, and community leaders also emphasised the urgent need for practical polici…

Source: The Punch

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1 month ago Politics

Global equities slide amid rising Middle East unrest

Global financial markets faced a seismic shock on Monday as the intensification of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran sent crude oil prices soaring above $120 per barrel. The violent escalation, which has targeted critical energy infrastructure and effectively halted transit th…

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1 month ago Politics

31% of Nigerian women face physical violence – Report

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa has called on the federal and state governments to adopt stronger protections and more inclusive policies for Nigerian women. This advice came as the world marked the 2026 International Women’s Day. In a statement on Sunday by the CAPPA’s…

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1 month ago Politics

Investors urged to focus on structural resilience in banking

As the 31 March 2026 recapitalisation deadline for Nigerian banks enters its final stretch, a new directive from market analysts is shifting the conversation from simple regulatory survival to long-term competitive dominance. BusinessNG’s Banking Market Intelligence Unit has issued a fresh advisory…

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1 month ago Politics

Lagos, Mexico partner on culture, tourism

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Mexican government to strengthen cultural exchange and unlock tourism opportunities. Sanwo-Olu said this on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Alf…

Source: The Punch

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1 month ago Politics

NBF eyes six gold medals at Commonwealth Games

The Nigeria Boxing Federation has set a target of six gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, as 40 boxers prepare to enter a camping and assessment phase from which the final 10 representatives will be selected. Vice President of the NBF, Omonlei Imadu, who spoke at the close of the…

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BBC Africa Pending

1 month ago Politics

Guinea opposition leader Diallo calls for 'direct resistance' as political parties dissolved

Guinea opposition leader urges 'direct resistance' after 40 parties dissolved Guinea's main opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo has said that "direct resistance" to the country's coup leader–turned–president is now the only remaining path to change, after the authorities dissolved 40 political p…

Source: BBC Africa

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BBC Africa Pending

1 month ago Politics

Ghana calls on Commonwealth to condemn attack on its peacekeepers in Lebanon

Ghana calls on Commonwealth to condemn attack on its peacekeepers in Lebanon Ghana has called on the Commonwealth to condemn Friday's missile attack on its United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon which injured four of its soldiers. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa did not say who wa…

Source: BBC Africa

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BBC Africa Pending

1 month ago Politics

Cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast face bitter times as chocolate market slumps

Bitter times for cocoa farmers as chocolate market slumps The price of chocolate bars has shot up across the world over the past year, meaning they can feel like a luxury - yet West Africa's cocoa farmers have not been reaping the benefit. In fact, many are in a desperate state as they have not bee…

Source: BBC Africa

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1 month ago Politics

Kenya weight-loss treatments boom as attitudes to beauty change

Weight-loss treatments boom as Kenyan attitudes to beauty change In Kenya, where being overweight was once perceived as a sign of wealth and success, a drive to shed the pounds is now taking hold. Surgical procedures and weight-loss drugs are growing in popularity, with some influencers detailing t…

Source: BBC Africa

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1 month, 1 week ago Politics

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Why young women took up arms to fight Abiy Ahmed's government

The young women who fought in Ethiopia's last civil war and don't want to see another one Twenty-two-year-old Abeba Amdu has seen some of the best years of her life consumed by war - and she has no wish to see another conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which some fear could be about to …

Source: BBC Africa

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The Punch Pending

1 month, 1 week ago Politics

Nigeria better positioned to tackle Almajiri, out-of-school children crisis — Minister

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has declared that Nigeria is now better positioned to decisively confront the longstanding challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children across the country. Alausa made the assertion on Sunday while addressing the Committee of States Commissioners of Educ…

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1 month, 1 week ago Politics

2027: Ogun senatorial aspirant calls for fairness, women inclusion

An aspirant for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, Olamide Davis-Talabi, has called for a level playing field in politics, stressing the need for greater opportunities for women in leadership. Davis-Talabi made the call on Saturday during an interfaith programme held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State …

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1 month, 1 week ago Politics

Anambra begins demolition of illegal structures at Onitsha main market

The Onitsha North Local Government Council has commenced the demolition of illegal structures at the Onitsha Main Market, saying the exercise is aimed at restoring the original masterplan and improving trading activities in the commercial hub. This was disclosed in a post shared by Anambra State Ne…

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The Punch Pending

1 month, 1 week ago Politics

NDLEA arrests wanted drug kingpin after 13 years, busts Imo meth laboratory

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a wanted drug kingpin, Reginald Peter Chidiebere, who had been in hiding for 13 years over alleged involvement in cocaine and heroin trafficking. This was disclosed in a statement signed and released by the agency’s Director of Me…

Source: The Punch

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1 month, 1 week ago Politics

Kebbi gov orders probe after 140 students escape school fire

Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has ordered the constitution of a high-powered investigative committee following a fire outbreak at Nurul Haqq Quranic and Arabic School in Birnin Kebbi. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, gutting several hostels and classrooms and triggering panic amon…

Source: The Punch

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