Author: The North Journals

Oumou Sangaré, often called “The Songbird of Wassoulou,” is a living testament to the power of music as a vehicle for cultural preservation, social change, and empowerment. Born on February 25, 1968, in Bamako, Mali, to a lineage deeply rooted in the traditions of the Wassoulou region, Sangaré has soared beyond the confines of her origins to become a global ambassador of West African music. Early Life and Musical Genesis Sangaré’s musical journey began in the bustling streets of Bamako, where she sang to support her mother after her father left the family. Her raw talent was evident from a…

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia   Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for the establishment of a combined maritime task force to tackle security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. He also proposed Lagos State as the headquarters for the task force, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security. President Tinubu made this call on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the African Union’s (AU) deliberations on the report of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The discussions centered on peace and security in Africa, along with the biennial review of the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps…

In an effort  to display goodwill and humanitarian support, the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja has donated 100 tonnes of dates to the Nigerian government. The donation, facilitated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), is aimed at supporting vulnerable families across Nigeria and further strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. The consignment, comprising 50 tonnes allocated to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and another 50 tonnes to Kano State, underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global humanitarian relief efforts. His Excellency, Ambassador Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, formally announced the donation on Monday, February…

Nigeria has been named the Digital Trade Champion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, a recognition of the country’s remarkable strides in digital enterprise and innovation. The prestigious endorsement came during the 38th Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Nigeria’s leadership in advancing digital trade across Africa was celebrated. The protocol, which was adopted in February 2024, aims to harmonize digital trade policies across the continent, fostering seamless e-commerce, fintech expansion, and cross-border digital transactions. Former Nigerien President and AU AfCFTA Champion Mahamadou Issoufou lauded Nigeria’s commitment, particularly for…

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) kicked off the week on a bearish note as market capitalisation declined by 0.10%, closing at N67.345 trillion from an opening value of N67.418 trillion. The All-Share Index (ASI) followed suit, shedding 0.10% to settle at 107,937.74 points. Despite the dip, trading activity remained robust, with investors exchanging securities worth N12.806 billion across 17,095 deals. Market sentiment was mixed, as 20 stocks posted gains while 42 recorded losses, signaling a cautious approach by investors. Top Gainers and Losers Leading the pack of gainers, Nigerian Breweries surged by 10% to close at N36.30, while Cadbury trailed closely…

The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram in the North-East, pledging to accelerate ongoing recovery efforts in the region. Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, made this declaration during a visit to Governor Babagana Zulum in Borno State as part of his tour of North East Development Commission (NEDC) projects. Ahmadu emphasized that the Federal Government is prioritizing interventions across key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, to restore normalcy and improve the lives of affected communities. “The government remains resolute in ensuring that the North-East regains its lost…

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, has underscored the need for stronger economic collaboration between Nigeria and the Middle East, emphasizing the role of the Nigerian diaspora in driving financial growth. Speaking with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Governor for Monetary Affairs, Talal Al-Humond, on the sidelines of the Emerging Markets Economies Conference in Riyadh, Cardoso highlighted key lessons from Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and tourism development. He praised the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategies, which have transformed its financial landscape and positioned it as a global investment hub. Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to strengthening…

In a significant economic shift, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate dropped to 24.48% in January 2025 following the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This marks a sharp decline from the 34.80% recorded in December 2024, providing a fresh perspective on the nation’s economic landscape. Statistician-General Adeyemi Adeniran explained that the CPI rebasing, last conducted in 2009, was necessary to reflect contemporary consumption patterns and the rise of emerging sectors in the economy. The update aims to offer a more accurate representation of inflation trends and price movements across various goods and…

The House of Representatives has scheduled a public hearing on tax reform bills for February 26, 2025, in a move aimed at gathering community input on proposed changes to Nigeria’s tax system. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary, emphasizing the need for broad-based contributions to shape a more effective and business-friendly tax regime. A 36-member Special Committee has been set up to oversee the hearing, ensuring expert insights into tax administration and the economic impact of the reforms. The committee, chaired by Rep. Abiodun Faleke, with Seidu Abdullahi as deputy, includes experienced lawmakers such as Alhassan Ado-Doguwa,…

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has called on the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) to embrace new technologies and foster continuous improvement to maximize the country’s natural resources. Speaking at the 60th NMGS Conference and Exhibition held in Abuja, Kyari emphasized the crucial role of innovation in boosting revenue generation across Nigeria’s resource sectors. He highlighted the need for modernized mining practices, data-driven exploration techniques, and policy enhancements to drive sustainable growth. Themed “Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water and Construction Sectors through Innovation,” the conference brought together industry…