Author: Tunde

Sierra Leonean innovator Andrew Sahr Norma is turning food waste into clean cooking gas through his company, EcoIgnite. Operating in Freetown, Makeni, and Waterloo, Norma has developed a biogas digester that converts food waste into safe and efficient cooking gas for households and restaurants. Norma believes his biogas digester addresses waste pollution, reduces reliance on firewood and charcoal, and contributes to sustainable development goals. Sierra Leone produces approximately 802,000 tonnes of food waste annually, much of which ends up in rubbish dumps. The decomposition of this waste releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Freetown alone generates…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has detained several vessels for breaching cabotage regulations during a targeted enforcement operation in Nigerian waters. On Wednesday, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, announced that Operation Sea Guardian resulted in the arrest of vessels such as MT HOLMES, MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, JS GRATITUDE, and MT BORA in the Lagos maritime area. Some ships that have addressed their infractions have since been released. Edward explained that Operation Sea Guardian aims to enhance regulatory compliance by verifying cabotage obligations, assessing charges, and ensuring adherence to maritime laws. Intelligence…

Yemeni government forces and allied Popular Resistance fighters clashed with Houthi fighters on the western outskirts of Taiz on Wednesday, 21 October, near the city’s old airport and Jabal Han mountain. The internationally recognised government claimed its troops repelled the attack and conducted air strikes against Houthi positions, vehicles, and a missile launchpad in the vicinity. These claims have not been independently confirmed. Videos captured a government tank firing at Houthi positions amidst the sound of gunfire. The fighting intensifies as Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city, faces increasing pressure from Houthi forces, which have nearly surrounded it and disrupted key supply…

Nigeria has reported its first confirmed case of Ebola during the ongoing outbreak, as fears rise about the potential for further spread across Africa. The patient, a woman who arrived in Abuja from Uganda, tested positive for the virus, according to the Health Ministry. The case was confirmed on Tuesday after the woman began showing symptoms on 7 October and was admitted to a private hospital on 11 October. Health Minister Muhammad Pate stated that authorities are tracing 44 people who may have been in contact with her, aiming to contain the outbreak. This marks an escalation in the outbreak…

The world has missed the chance to limit global warming to 1.5°C, now exceeding the threshold by over 0.1°C, according to a new United Nations report. The UN Environment Programme’s “Emissions Gap Report 2026: The Point of Return” reveals that decades of inadequate climate action have made it impossible to stay within the 1.5°C limit without a substantial overshoot. To stay on the least damaging path assessed, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035, and 69% by 2040 from 2025 levels. However, if countries fully implement their current climate pledges, emissions might only…

The publisher of Haitian-Canadian author Thélyson Orélien has confirmed that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of his novel “It Was Either That or Die.” Although Orélien initially denied the allegations, Canadian publisher Boréal stated on Wednesday that a further investigation uncovered new information indicating AI involvement in the writing process. As a result, Boréal announced it would end its professional relationship with Orélien. The publisher noted it could not determine the extent of AI usage and may never have definitive answers regarding its involvement. They had previously attempted to work with Orélien to gather evidence for his defence,…

On Saturday, 10 October 2026, a Mental Health Awareness Walk took place from Youyi Building to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, Freetown. Organised by the Directorate of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases, along with the Ministry of Health and Orange Sierra Leone, the event drew hundreds, including healthcare professionals, youth groups, and members of the public. The walk aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote understanding and acceptance within the community. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba praised Orange Sierra Leone for its role in supporting mental health initiatives and addressing stigma. Dr. Abdul Jalloh, a consultant psychiatrist,…

A drone strike on Amiet Market in the disputed border region of Abyei killed at least 153 people and ignited a fire that continued to burn on Tuesday, a local official reported. The caretaker information minister of Abyei, Yohanna Akol Ngor, attributed the attack to Sudan’s military. Akol confirmed the rising death toll, stating on Tuesday that the situation remains dire as the fire persists. The motive behind the assault has not been established, and independent verification of the perpetrators was not possible. Sudan’s military has yet to comment on the incident. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that over 20…

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard during discussions with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on Wednesday. Hubbard was captured by Russian forces, accused of being a mercenary — an allegation he denies — and was sentenced to seven years in prison in a closed trial in 2024. Putin confirmed that Hubbard was at the airport, to which Witkoff added that Hubbard was “going home to his family.” US President Donald Trump stated that he had directly requested this release from Putin in a phone call last week, claiming, “The United States,…

Lenses Behind Bars: A Prosecutor Becomes an Inmate By Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Esq. After a long career in prosecution, I found myself on the other side of the legal system, spending almost a week as an inmate at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road. I won’t discuss the details of my detention, but I want to share insights gained from this experience, especially about the thousands of Sierra Leoneans still behind bars long after my release. Pademba Road was intended for a small fraction of its current population. While designed for just over 2,000 inmates, it now houses more…