Author: Tunde

Violent protests erupted across France on Saturday over education and the rising cost of living, leading to significant unrest in major cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted that security forces struggled to manage the scale of the protests, resulting in nearly 2,400 arrests and about 1,000 police injuries. More than 1,500 shops were looted, and public buildings were set ablaze. Nuñez resigned, taking responsibility for the chaos, but President Emmanuel Macron rejected his resignation, opting to keep him in charge to ensure order and implement measures against looting. In a televised address, Macron attributed the violence to far-left extremists and…

Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed a grant of US$60.967 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to Sierra Leone as part of the Gavi 6.0 programme for 2026–2030. During a meeting with Dr Sania Nishtar, Gavi’s Chief Executive Officer, in Geneva, President Bio expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and Gavi. “We value your contribution in protecting our people’s health, especially our children,” he said. He highlighted the success of the collaboration, which has led to increased immunisation coverage and better healthcare access in underserved areas. President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the partnership by…

Political dynamics in various states have shifted following the recognition of the Rainbow Coalition, led by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). His inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council has prompted this change. Before the launch of the campaign council in Abuja last week, governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, strongly opposed the coalition, asserting their commitment solely to APC candidates. The coalition, as proposed by Wike, aims to support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while backing candidates from other parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic…

Thousands across Europe protested over the weekend against rising living costs, unaffordable housing, low wages, and strain on public services. Although specific grievances varied by country, the demonstrations underscored widespread frustration with household budgets. In France, hundreds of thousands participated in demonstrations, including students protesting over living costs and public services. While most marches were peaceful, some descended into chaos, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to promise to hold accountable those who “sought to bring down the Republic.” Notable incidents included fires at Limoges city hall and a tourist office in Lyon, as well as vandalism at town halls in Marseille,…

Her Excellency Dr Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), officially opened a Sierra Leonean-owned Afro-food processing facility in South East London today. She hailed the venture as a testament to women’s entrepreneurship, investment from the diaspora, and the agricultural potential of Sierra Leone. Arriving in the UK from Rome, Dr Bio went directly to Khadie Afro Foods, established and led by Sierra Leonean entrepreneur Khadie Dumbuya Alabi, also known as Khadie Fresh, and her husband, Femi Alabi. The opening took place at 36 Raymouth Road, SE16…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and local government leaders in Port Harcourt on Sunday. This visit marks the first time Wike has been to Fubara’s residence. The gathering comes two weeks after Wike led members of the Rainbow Coalition, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 elections, Kingsley Chinda, in discussions with the governor. It appears to be part of ongoing efforts to reconcile the two political factions following a period of unrest. Wike’s delegation included legislative members, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and the chairmen…

At least 39 people were hospitalised following a devastating fire at a military base in Alberta, Canada, on Saturday. Premier Danielle Smith reported that 19 of those injured are in critical condition. Patients were transported from Canadian Forces Base Wainwright to hospitals across Alberta, some suffering severe burns that may require intensive treatment for weeks or even months. Smith also confirmed that four service members lost their lives in the incident, which occurred during military training, marking one of the most significant peacetime tragedies for Canada’s military. The Canadian military has stated that, while investigations are ongoing, there is no…

Sheknatu Isata Bangura, a contestant in the upcoming Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant for the Central Area, marked World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with a community walk in Freetown. The event began at Youyi Building in Brookfields and concluded at Family Kingdom, involving health officials, community leaders, and members of the public to highlight mental health awareness. “I believe beauty should go beyond physical appearance,” said Bangura, a fifth-year medical student. “It must be combined with intelligence, compassion, and action.” Her roles as both a healthcare student and pageant contestant shape her perspective. She aims to use…

DAR ES SALAAM: Recycling Agricultural Waste into Fertiliser Market traders at Tandale Market in Dar es Salaam are recognising the value of what many consider worthless waste, such as banana peels, leftover vegetables, and unsold fruits. These organic materials can be transformed into fertiliser, providing a significant boost to crop production. By properly separating waste at its source, traders can send organic materials to a processing plant in Mabwepande, Kinondoni, where they will be turned into fertiliser. This approach aligns with the initiative “Waste Is an Opportunity,” which promotes the idea that waste can be a resource that supports economic…

Student-led protests have entered their sixth day in Albania, with demonstrators continuing to call for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. Rama has refused to step down, asserting that the protests pose a threat to Albania’s aspirations for European Union membership rather than to his government. In a live address on Facebook, Rama stated, “I am not being challenged… but a path is being challenged.” He urged Albanians to consider whether they prefer continued protests or EU accession, insisting that governments should change only through elections. Protests have erupted across central Tirana and other cities, fuelled by dissatisfaction over alleged government…