Author: Tunde

A Firsthand Account of President Tolbert’s Assassination Joseph C. Kekula, a former member of President William R. Tolbert Jr.’s Special Security Service, shared his personal experiences of the morning of Liberia’s coup d’état in 1980 during a recent interview, providing a unique perspective from inside the Executive Mansion. Kekula challenges the longstanding belief that “white men” were responsible for Tolbert’s assassination, asserting that the armed men he observed were members of the Armed Forces of Liberia. He recalled receiving a warning about a coup shortly before the attack, but said Tolbert dismissed it, believing his soldiers would not harm him.…

Two inmates have died following a cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The outbreak was confirmed through laboratory tests conducted on September 23 by the medical team at the facility and local health authorities. The first signs of the outbreak appeared on September 17, when an inmate exhibited symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. That inmate was promptly treated at the centre’s medical facility, and emergency medical protocols were implemented the next day as health workers ramped up their interventions and monitoring. One of the fatalities occurred within…

The memorandum of understanding signed in June aimed to establish a ceasefire and attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The 14-point agreement stipulated that Iran would refrain from developing nuclear weapons and that the US, Iran, and their allies would cease military operations on “all fronts.” It included provisions for ending a US naval blockade and other sanctions. Additionally, Iran committed to facilitating the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait. However, the agreement collapsed as both sides resumed attacks, with Iran targeting vessels it claimed were attempting to cross the strait without permission. In response, the US…

Betts Insurance Company (BIC) was officially launched on 18 September 2026 at the Lagoonda Entertainment Complex in Aberdeen, Freetown. The event highlighted the firm’s focus on technology and strong governance. Key attendees included the Minister of Trade and Industry, along with executives from banking and insurance sectors. Mr Claudius Bert-Williams, Chairman of the Board, praised BIC’s independence along with their commitment to effective governance. “Governance is fundamental,” he noted, reinforcing the company’s dedication to merit and sound processes. BIC plans to offer a variety of simple-to-purchase insurance products, including personal, home, and auto insurance, as well as business policies and…

University of Eswatini Seeks Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is inviting applications for the position of Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic). This comes as the university embarks on a significant Transformation Programme, backed by the Government Reforms Implementation Committee. The initiative aims to ensure long-term sustainability, enhance governance, modernise academic delivery, and vastly improve the student experience. The Pro Vice Chancellor will report to the Vice Chancellor and will play a crucial role in shaping the university’s academic future. Responsibilities include leading efforts in academic transformation, curriculum renewal, quality assurance, research and innovation, digital learning, and overall…

More than 70,000 customers in the north-eastern United States lost power on Saturday as a powerful nor’easter battered the region, creating hazardous conditions expected to persist throughout the weekend. Forecasters warned of strong winds capable of uprooting trees and heavy rainfall that could cause flooding. Tens of millions of residents are in the storm’s path, which has already begun to lash the area with strong winds and rain. Dangerous flooding is anticipated along the mid-Atlantic coast, particularly in New Jersey and Delaware, as noted by the National Weather Service (NWS). In Surf City, New Jersey, streets were flooded, and homes…

The Ministry of Finance, alongside the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, has initiated the National Policy Hearings for the FY2027 Budget at the Miatta Civic Centre in Brookfields, under the theme “Building Resilience to Create Jobs.” Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially opened the hearings, which gathered government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders to establish the country’s fiscal and development priorities. In his keynote address, Jalloh highlighted the importance of sound public resource management. He stressed the need for realistic revenue assumptions and warned against creating “wish lists” without realistic funding in mind. He…

Fighting between Ethiopian government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has escalated, leading to significant fears of a regional spillover. Reports indicate a surge in violence as both sides continue to clash. Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ruling UDPS party and the opposition are trading blame for violent outbreaks during recent protests. Tensions are high as both sides accuse each other of inciting unrest. In Morocco, the Authenticity and Modernity Party is seeking to form a coalition aimed at tackling pressing voter concerns, primarily the ongoing cost of living crisis. This situation highlights the increasing…

British couples are facing significant financial losses after the Ovom Care IVF clinic in Portugal filed for insolvency, disrupting ongoing treatments and leaving many patients stranded. This incident has been labelled as the “biggest disaster” in the global IVF sector. Despite continuing to accept payments and administering treatments shortly before its closure, Ovom Care has informed many patients that they are ineligible for refunds, as they didn’t pay by credit card to avoid currency conversion fees. Reports indicate that those affected can register their claims for prepaid treatments with the insolvency administrator. One couple reports losing over £30,000, while another…

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, outlined his country’s vision for greater ownership of artificial intelligence (AI), data, and digital infrastructure at the Global Africa Business Initiative’s Unstoppable Africa 2026 platform in New York. Speaking on September 21 during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, he urged African nations to transition from merely consuming foreign technologies to creating and co-owning them, which will be crucial for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Dr Sengeh highlighted Sierra Leone’s “Country-as-AI-Lab” strategy, promoted by President Julius Maada Bio. This initiative aims to establish policy frameworks, innovation hubs, and strategic partnerships…