by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | animals, infectious diseases, news, poultry, public health and safety
London, March 24 (PA Media/dpa/GNA) — The Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom announced that avian influenza has been detected in sheep at a British farm previously affected by the virus among poultry.
A solitary sheep exhibited a recurring positive result during repeated milk tests after standard monitoring of animals at a location in Yorkshire, northeast England. This area had previously reported cases of avian influenza H5N1 among confined birds.
During the surveillance of animals on affected farms following the outbreak of the illness among dairy cattle in the United States, this discovery was made.
The sick sheep was euthanized out of compassion, and subsequent tests did not reveal any additional infections among the rest of the herd, according to authorities.
This marks the initial instance of the virus being detected in a sheep; however, authorities stated that this isn’t the first occurrence of avian influenza appearing in non-avian livestock elsewhere. They also noted that this doesn’t pose an elevated threat to the United Kingdom’s herd animals.
However, they urged all farmers and animal owners to remain watchful and implement strong biosecurity practices to safeguard their livestock and stop any potential spread should an outbreak occur.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, stated: “We have verified the presence of avian-origin influenza (H5N1) in one sheep at a farm located in Yorkshire.”
Stringent biosafety protocols have been put in place to halt the continued dissemination of the illness.
Although the threat to farm animals is minimal, I strongly advise all pet and livestock caretakers to maintain impeccable hygiene standards and to promptly inform the Animal Plant Health Agency about any indications of illness.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) emphasized that the situation was limited to a single small farm and posed no threat to food safety.
The NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, stated: “There isn’t a danger to consumer food safety, and it’s crucial to emphasize this point.”
What this demonstrates, however, is the significance of biosecurity and grasping the true meaning of biosecurity.
In the realm of sheep farming, we typically associate the phrase with merely acquiring livestock. However, in this case, sheep and poultry shared the same farmland, leading to the spread of avian influenza.
He mentioned that the blending of stocks should be prevented when certain areas of England were implementing compulsory accommodation for birds because of avian influenza outbreaks.
Professor Ian Brown, who leads a team at the Pirbright Institute—a premier facility focused on researching animal diseases—commented that discovering avian influenza in a sheep that had been near infected birds wasn’t surprising.
It’s premature to assess if the virus can propagate further among sheep, as this case involved a single small farm with only a few birds and sheep.
However, he noted: “This underscores the significance of isolating different species and upholding proper agricultural sanitation.”
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | bitcoin, blockchain, business, cryptocurrency, future of cryptocurrencies
Growing adoption of Bitcoin is becoming more prevalent across Africa. An increasing number of enterprises, people, and even monetary institutions are opting for cryptocurrencies over conventional banking methods for transactions. Given the economic volatility, inadequate banking facilities, and high costs associated with money transfers in many parts of the continent, Bitcoin is emerging as a practical financial option. This trend highlights the potential benefitsBitcoin could bring to the region economically.
Bitcoin price trends
is essential for investors, traders, and businesses across Africa looking to incorporate digital assets into their activities.
The Effect of Bitcoin on Africa’s Economic Landscape
North American countries have taken the lead in adopting Bitcoin; nonetheless, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have recently become frontrunners in Africa. The peer-to-peer crypto trading market throughout the continent surpassed $100 billion in 2023, positioning Africa as one of the quickest-expanding regions for blockchain tech, as stated in a Chainalysis report. Various elements driving this expansion encompass:
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Lower Reliability of Fiat Currencies – In countries like Zimbabwe and Nigeria where the local currencies exhibit poor liquidity, it is wise for residents to consider investing in Bitcoin as a way to mitigate potential financial losses from currency depreciation over time.
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Payments for Foreign Worker Transfers – Bitcoin proves beneficial for transfer payments as it removes the necessity of utilizing traditional remittance centers, which often impose exorbitant fees for processing payments.
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Financial Inclusion – A significant segment of Africa’s population remains outside the banking system. Consequently, Bitcoin emerges as a suitable substitute, providing a decentralized and accessible means for financial transactions without relying on traditional banks.
How Bitcoin’s Pricing Impacts Africa’s Markets
Businesses and individuals’ activities with bitcoin are directly proportional to its price trends and different nations have different ways through which they analyze this. Take Nigeria, for instance, where the e-commerce platform Patricia and several local sellers on Jumia have had to change their prices multiple times a day to keep in line with the fluctuating value of bitcoin. This has led to the platform’s volatility driving the pricing strategy of freelancers and remote workers who are paid in bitcoin and the currency has to be converted before being spent. As investor sentiment increases, so too does Bitcoin’s value, reaching 71,333 dollars in April of 2024, according to estimates from CoinMarketCap. The volatility, however, remains high and so there is a lot of uncertainty for African investors and businesses hoping to capitalize on the price movement.
The following elements have the greatest influence on Bitcoin’s price fluctuations:
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Widespread Acceptance and Institutional Investment – When companies boost their expenditures, this results in greater demand and an increased value of Bitcoin.
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Regulatory Shifts – Laws concerning cryptocurrencies vary significantly across different African nations and play a crucial role in shaping both the perception and valuation of Bitcoin.
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Market Speculation and Trading Activity – Bitcoin’s price fluctuations continue to be influenced by investors’ attitudes, particularly within the developing economies.
Regulation of Cryptocurrencies by African Governments
Regulations governing Bitcoin vary across African nations. Countries such as South Africa and Kenya exhibit skepticism yet are making efforts to adapt their policies so they can integrate cryptocurrencies into their economic systems. However, some other nations continue to show reluctance. Below is an overview of key policy shifts:
1. **South Africa**: Despite initial doubts, authorities are now seeking ways to regulate digital currencies.
2. **Kenya**: Similar to South Africa, Kenyan officials are exploring methods to bring crypto within regulatory bounds.
Other regions remain cautious about embracing these new financial technologies.
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In South Africa, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) introduced more comprehensive rules by categorizingcryptoassets asfinancialproducts.This representsa significantstep towardstricterregulations.
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In Nigeria, the Central Bank had earlier prohibited financial institutions from aiding cryptocurrency dealings. However, they are now moving towards permitting such activities following new permits issued to crypto exchange platforms. These licenses enable these entities to carry out regulated crypto operations subject to specific regulations.
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Kenya — The Capital Markets Authority aims to explore methods for regulating Bitcoin’s security aspects in order to minimize fraudulent activities.
The Influence of Bitcoin on E-Commerce and Small Enterprises in Africa
As cryptocurrencies gain wider acceptance, small businesses and
e-commerce businesses
are expanding the choice of paying for products and services using Bitcoin. Companies can lower expenses through:
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Reduced Transaction Costs – Making payments with Bitcoin typically incurs lower fees compared to transactions processed via credit cards. As an illustration, certain businesses in Ghana have started adopting Bitcoin as a means to circumvent expensive payment-processing charges, thereby boosting their profit margins and enhancing their overall financial performance.
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Decreased Transaction Lag – Bank transactions executed via blockchain eliminate the wait times linked to conventional banking systems.
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Entry into Worldwide Markets – Companies in Africa face no obstacles when interacting with international customers since they do not require currency conversions.
For example, Yellow Card is a cryptocurrency exchange operating across multiple African nations, facilitating Bitcoin trades. By 2024, Yellow Card had secured additional compliance certifications, enabling operations in over 20 African countries. This has positioned it as a key figure within the continent’s crypto landscape. The platform enables both enterprises and individuals to conduct seamless transactions using Bitcoin.
Obstacles and Dangers of Embracing Bitcoin in Africa
In contrast to its benefits, several challenges surround the acceptance of Bitcoin in Africa:
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Regulatory Ambiguity: Frequent changes in policy create challenges for companies and investors trying to find their way, though certain nations like South Africa and Nigeria are starting to implement more transparent regulations. For instance, Nigeria intends to oversee the trading of digital assets and exert greater control via licensed cryptocurrency exchanges; these licenses are anticipated to roll out in 2024.
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Price Fluctuations: Variations in Bitcoin’s cost may impact financial stability and trade activities for companies.
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Restricted Resources: A key factor for increased adoption is having access to the internet along with proficient computer skills.
Conclusion
Bitcoin is progressively emerging as an essential element of Africa’s financial landscape by offering banking solutions or substitutes, streamlining money transfers, and promoting inclusivity. Specialists anticipate that Africa will further embrace Bitcoin as a principal means of payment and cross-border remittance service for digital monetary activities. However, this shift depends on implementing supportive regulations. Despite ongoing issues with price fluctuations and regulatory hurdles, comprehending market behavior and advancements within the Bitcoin sphere can aid both investors and enterprises in grasping the evolving African economic environment. If steps are taken, Africa could leverage targeted technological integration to boost economic progress and drive innovation via Bitcoin usage.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | european football, football clubs, nigeria, soccer, sports
Nine long months have passed since Nigeria’s last match in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, yet every Super Eagles supporter knows that securing two victories in their upcoming international matches is crucial if they hope to support their team at the tournament in North America next year. While failing to win might not completely dash their qualification hopes, it would certainly complicate Nigeria’s plans for preparation as they aim to return to the final stage after missing out since 2018.
Having made their World Cup debut in the USA back in 1994, the Super Eagles have typically participated in most tournaments since then; however, this present team could potentially fail to qualify altogether should they not see improvements in their performance over the coming months. Among these talented players, some standouts come to mind.
sports betting sites
Still, they maintain faith in one of Africa’s most successful soccer powers. However, supporters are worried because the overall progress of what were considered minor teams in Africa suggests that securing spots in big competitions can no longer be taken for granted.
The ongoing campaign initially started back in 2023 when they had an unimpressive tie with Lesotho. This was succeeded by another stalemate against weaker opposition, Zimbabwe, which raised questions about Jose Pereiro’s position as manager. His standing improved somewhat following his guidance of Nigeria to the finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations; however, he departed shortly thereafter. The legendary figure Finidi George stepped into the role next but failed to turn things around, resulting in defeats to both South Africa and Benin. Eventually, Augustine Eguavoen assumed command specifically for the successful qualification campaign for the 2025 African Cup of Nations—but once again, there has been a change at the helm since then.
The recent appointment has sparked considerable debate. Being the inaugural non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles at the helm, Eric Chelle must be aware that many may question whether he is suited for this role. With experience primarily managing teams in France’s lower divisions and guiding the Mali national side to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before being dismissed due to a weak performance in World Cup qualifiers, Chelle now steps into one of the greatest challenges of his professional journey from coaching in Algeria.
After the upcoming international break, there will still be four matches left to play in September and October. However, the match against Rwanda and the subsequent home game against Zimbabwe might prove pivotal not only for Chelle’s prospects but also for Nigeria’s aspirations of competing in the United States next year. With only one spot secured for the final tournament and Rwanda leading the pack at present, even securing a tie wouldn’t ease the pressure on Nigeria—but it would certainly inject some optimism into what has become an intensely competitive race. Currently, both Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin hold seven points each from their four fixtures; Lesotho trails slightly behind with five points, followed closely by Nigeria with three points. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe sits last having accumulated merely two points across its four outings.
On paper, the Super Eagles look to be in a good position to be able to take maximum points from the upcoming games. The squad is full of star players performing in some of the top European leagues, as well as both the last two African Players of the Year, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. It could be argued that those two have both dipped in form since winning their awards but they still have the experience and talent that should push the team forward. The likes of Moses Simon, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey add to what seems to be a formidable squad. The Rwandan squad, in comparison, plays most of their football domestically and Zimbabwe is considered one of the weakest teams in the group.
Even though the 2023 African Nations Championship provided some relief, failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar came as a massive disappointment for both Nigeria and its supporters. The Super Eagles had grown accustomed to showcasing their talents on the global stage at major international competitions. Missing out once more must weigh heavily on everyone connected with Nigerian football. Given that the 2026 World Cup will feature even more teams than ever before, it seems unimaginable that Nigeria would sit this one out.
Nigeria has joined the ranks of leading countries participating in the World Cup festivities – Image source: Pixabay
With
Six matches remaining in the qualification stage.
Even with potential setbacks in the upcoming matches, the Super Eagles could still have an opportunity. The top four teams among the group runners-up across all six qualifiers will advance to the second-round playoff stage. This phase includes two semi-finals followed by a final match to decide which nation will secure Africa’s spot at the inter-confederation play-offs. While this provides Nigeria with a renewed shot at qualification, it remains a precarious path forward when taking into account the competitive standing of other African countries facing similar challenges—and ultimately having to face off against a side from elsewhere globally.
Eric Chelle aims to orchestrate a series of favorable outcomes that elevate Nigeria’s standing within the qualifying group—ideally securing their spot at the World Cup. As one of Africa’s prominent figures on the international scene, Nigeria has consistently showcased talented athletes capable of excelling globally. It would be unfortunate were they unable to advance to the 2026 World Cup Finals. Winning both upcoming matches could significantly alleviate pressure and steer the Super Eagles toward success.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | education, government, politics, young people, youth
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing Nigerian youth with the necessary skills to ensure they can actively participate and excel on the international level.
Tinubu made this statement during the official launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He emphasized that being an exceptional country with a median age of 17 years, Nigeria boasts one of the most youthful demographics globally.
Stanley Nkwocha, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President for Media and Communications, made this announcement in a statement released on Monday. The title of the statement reads: ‘Empowering Nigerian Youth to Become Key Competitors on the Global Stage.’
At the launch, Tinubu, who was represented by Shettima, outlined sectors where the government plans to equip the youth with top-tier training, such as digital literacy, technical abilities, business acumen, and involvement in the creative sector.
He emphasized that a country’s achievement turns feasible when “its kids can sleep assured of their spot in an evolving world.”
Tinubu noted that this distinctiveness serves as an encouragement to meet the challenge of positioning Nigeria as the third-most populous country globally by 2050, with more than half of its population expected to consist of individuals younger than 21 years old.
As stated by the Nigerian leader, NiYA will concentrate on three key sectors: enhancing education and developing skills, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering leadership and civic participation.
By providing top-notch education in digital literacy, technical abilities, entrepreneurialism, and the creative sector, we aim to empower our young people to excel globally.
Programs such as the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters will offer financial assistance, guidance, and resources to budding business owners,” he stated. “Additionally, founding a National Youth Development Bank will guarantee access to the necessary funds to transform concepts into successful enterprises.
Tinubu stated that the NiYA represents a daring approach to addressing Nigeria’s poor standing in terms of human capital development, high unemployment rates, and other obstacles hindering national advancement. He affirmed that over the coming two years, the academy will equip and empower millions of young Nigerians.
“It will provide them with the abilities, information, and chances required to measure up against global competitors. This isn’t merely a commitment to their tomorrow; it’s a pledge to the country’s upcoming era,” he further stated.
Acknowledging that the safety of the country’s workforce depends on establishing a strong, skill-focused educational setting, the President stated that his government has achieved notable progress toward advancing the nation’s human capital growth plan.
He continued: “Yet, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Nigeria’s Human Capital Index ranking remains below its potential, with youth unemployment and learning poverty presenting critical barriers to progress.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect lives disrupted, dreams deferred, and futures left uncertain. The Nigerian Youth Academy is our commitment to changing this narrative.”
“The Nigerian Youth Academy will nurture the next generation of leaders, training them in governance, policy-making, and community development. We believe that the success of this initiative rests not in Abuja alone but in the communities where real change is felt.”
Earlier, Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, explained that the initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with marketable skills.
“The President assured Nigerian youth that they would be provided with an opportunity to realize their aspirations; countless young Nigerians aspire to secure gainful employment and lead prosperous lives,” he stated.
The Minister noted that NiYA aims to “upscale and bridge the skill gap in the job market and will close the gap so that many youths can be empowered with the skills needed for the job.
“This initiative is aimed at every young person in Nigeria. NiYA embodies Mr. President’s commitment to assist all youths in shaping a brighter future and generating opportunities not only for themselves but also for their families,” Olawande stated.
The Minister encouraged young Nigerians to grasp this chance, emphasizing that it presents all Nigerian youths with the opportunity to acquire skills, become actively involved, and steer their own futures.
Additionally, Mr. Wale Edun, who serves both as the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, extended his congratulations to the recipients of the N1 million grant awarded to six representatives from NiYA. These individuals represent each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions and will use this startup fund to support themselves as they launch their initiatives aimed at developing skills among young people and promoting entrepreneurship.
Mr. Edun stated that NiYA represents a daring and ambitious move toward fulfilling President Tinubu’s pledge to support the empowerment of Nigeria’s youth.
He stated that NiYA resonates with the ambitions of more than sixty million young Nigerians aged between 18 and 35, both within Nigeria and abroad, who crave knowledge, skills, and opportunities.
We understand that in today’s global digital economy, skills hold greater value than mere certifications. This is precisely why NiYA stands out; it goes beyond being merely an educational platform.
“It serves as a launching platform for a fresh cohort of Nigerian entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and founders who can effortlessly connect with the global community from their seats via the internet,” he noted.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, government, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare
On Monday, Nigeria’s First Lady and Senator Oluremi Tinubu committed ₦1 billion towards eradicating tuberculosis in Nigeria by the year 2030.
This contribution mirrors a comparable sum donated to the cause in March 2024, coinciding with her designation as both Global and National Stop-TB Champion.
“I wish to contribute an extra N1 billion from the Renewed Hope Initiative to combat tuberculosis in Nigeria,” stated Mrs. Tinubu during the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach event held at the Sauka Village, located on Airport Road in Abuja.
The Senior Special Assistant for Media with the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Busola Kukoyi, made this announcement in a statement released on Monday entitled, ‘Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI contributes N1 billion to bolster efforts against tuberculosis.’
She characterized the disease as a Public Health Crisis requiring immediate action, appealing to Nigerians to undergo testing and be aware of their Tuberculosis status.
The First Lady stated that eliminating TB by 2030 is a shared duty among government officials, traditional and religious figures, lawmakers, young people, medical professionals, entities from the private sector, NGOs, grassroots organizations, as well as international collaborators.
The data presented in the World Health Organization’s 2024 Global TB Report are concerning. In Nigeria, tuberculosis claims a life every seven minutes.
“This indicates that during our brief stay at this event, numerous additional lives could be lost if we fail to take swift and decisive action,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu contended that the widespread occurrence of tuberculosis in Nigeria is intolerable, and everyone needs to contribute their efforts to combat this preventable and treatable illness.
As the Ambassador for Global and National TB Control, I renew my pledge to tackle the epidemic of tuberculosis within our country.
I am committed to promoting greater financial investment and policy changes to enhance tuberculosis control initiatives, as well as rallying resources and collaborations to back TB awareness and treatment programs.
“I am committed to continuing the amplification of TB survivor voices and combating stigma and discrimination. Additionally, I pledge to guarantee that women, children, and marginalized communities receive equitable access to TB treatment,” she vowed.
The First Lady highlighted that the administration has focused on increasing TB testing and treatment facilities throughout Nigeria to guarantee free and readily available care for everyone. Additionally, they aim to bolster grassroots healthcare networks to better serve marginalized groups and improve financial support as well as collaborations to expand TB control initiatives.
For World Tuberculosis Day 2025, the First Lady stated in her personal message that eradicating TB can be achieved through “our collective action, funding effective strategies, and guaranteeing access to vital treatments for everyone requiring them.”
Today, on World Tuberculosis Day 2025, I stand with the international community in renewing our pledge to eradicate one of the globe’s most lethal contagious illnesses, tuberculosis.
Aligned with this year’s theme, ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,’ we are encouraged to understand that defeating tuberculosis becomes achievable when we join forces, commit resources to effective strategies, and guarantee access to vital treatments for everyone requiring them.
As the national and global champion for stopping tuberculosis, I embrace this role with profound personal dedication. The battle against TB isn’t merely a matter of policy; it’s deeply personal to me, as I’ve experienced the sorrow of losing a dear friend to the disease. This serves as a stark reminder that TB continues to pose a significant health risk, particularly when left unrecognized and unaddressed. We cannot afford to let additional lives be claimed by an illness that can both be prevented and cured.
She urged all Nigerians to treat tuberculosis with seriousness, stating, “Should you experience a continuous cough lasting over 14 days, unexpected weight reduction, night sweats, or fevers, kindly go to the closest healthcare center for complimentary TB screening and therapy. Tuberculosis can be cured, and prompt medical intervention preserves lives.”
In his earlier comments, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, stated that eliminating tuberculosis in Nigeria by 2030 is achievable, particularly since President Bola Tinubu has instructed the ministry to enhance the overall health and welfare of Nigerians.
In immediate reaction to the appeal from the Sapeyi of Garki, Dr. Usman Kupi, who requested a Primary Health Centre for the Sauka Community, the First Lady guaranteed their request would be fulfilled after having an urgent conversation with the Minister regarding the matter.
A health lecture covered the aspects of tuberculosis including its causes, symptoms, preventive measures, diagnostic methods, and treatments. Additionally, screening for the condition took place during the Community Outreach event.
The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2025 is ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,’ with the local slogan being ‘We Fit Do Am.’
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