Skip to main content

Posts

826 MILLION PEOPLE STILL LIVE IN EXTREME POVERTY — UN'S 2026 WARNING RAISES URGENT QUESTIONS ABOUT AFRICA'S FUTURE

  As the United Nations marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, its latest figures expose a troubling global reality: economic advancement has not eliminated deprivation, while millions of children continue to grow up without the conditions necessary to develop their abilities. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs ABUJA, NIGERIA — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 Despite extraordinary advances in technology, industrial production and global economic development, an estimated 826 million people worldwide continue to live in extreme poverty , according to figures highlighted by the United Nations as the world observes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The annual observance, held every October 17, draws international attention to the conditions confronting people experiencing poverty and the urgent need for effective policies that protect human dignity. This year's commemoration comes under the theme “United for Peace and Human Rights,” with a sp...
Recent posts

AFRICA FINANCE CORPORATION TARGETS IRON ORE AND URANIUM INVESTMENTS — CAN AFRICA TURN MINERAL WEALTH INTO INDUSTRIAL POWER?

  As global competition for strategic minerals intensifies, the Lagos-based development finance institution is exploring new investments across Africa. But the bigger challenge remains whether the continent can transform its natural resources into sustainable industries, employment and economic prosperity. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs LAGOS, NIGERIA — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 Africa's mineral resources are attracting renewed international investment attention as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) moves to expand its involvement in iron ore and uranium projects across the continent. The Lagos-based development finance institution is exploring opportunities to finance new mining projects as governments and multinational industries intensify efforts to secure reliable supplies of strategically important minerals. The development was disclosed by Franklin Edochie, AFC's deputy director and head of mining and metals, during a mining industry conference in Cape Town, South ...
  President Bola Tinubu has nominated officials to fill vacancies at Nigeria's electoral commission. As the Senate prepares to scrutinise the nominees, attention turns to the independence, competence and credibility of the institution responsible for conducting the 2027 elections. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs ABUJA, NIGERIA — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated six individuals to fill positions at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including national and resident electoral commissioner vacancies, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections. The nominations were announced on Friday, October 16, in an official statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the Presidency, the nominations became necessary following the expiration or impending expiration of the tenures of serving electoral officials. The President also recommended the reappointm...

UNICEF, BORNO LAUNCH YOUTH-LED NUTRITION INITIATIVE — BUT WHO IS PROTECTING THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA'S CHILDREN?

A new initiative is mobilising young Nigerians to develop affordable nutrition solutions for vulnerable mothers and children, highlighting the urgent need to protect childhood development before deprivation becomes a lifelong disadvantage. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Borno State Government, has launched a youth-led nutrition initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity and preventing acute malnutrition among vulnerable children and pregnant women. The programme, officially introduced in Maiduguri on Thursday, October 15, 2026, seeks to engage young people in developing affordable, nutritious meal plans using locally available food ingredients. Known as the Youth-led Nutrition Challenge, the initiative represents an effort to combine youth creativity, community participation and professional nutrition expertise in addressing one of the most serious threats to c...

OPAY'S $467 MILLION REVENUE: CAN NIGERIA OWN THE WEALTH ITS DIGITAL ECONOMY CREATES?

  As the financial technology company prepares for a potential $4 billion New York stock market valuation, plans for a Nigerian listing raise important questions about investment opportunities, local ownership and the future of African entrepreneurship. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs LAGOS, NIGERIA — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 Nigeria's rapidly expanding financial technology industry has reached another significant moment as OPay Limited moves towards a proposed listing on the New York Stock Exchange, supported by financial disclosures showing substantial revenue growth and increasing profitability. The company's latest registration statement, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on October 9, 2026, reveals that OPay generated approximately $467.1 million in revenue during the first six months of 2026, compared with $197.5 million during the corresponding period in 2025. The figures represent revenue growth of approximately 136.5% within one year. E...

IMF RAISES AFRICA'S 2026 GROWTH FORECAST TO 4.5% — BUT WHY ARE MILLIONS STILL STRUGGLING?

  The International Monetary Fund projects stronger economic performance across sub-Saharan Africa, but inflation, debt obligations and persistent development challenges threaten to limit the benefits for ordinary citizens. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs ABUJA, NIGERIA — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 Africa's economic outlook has received a significant boost following the International Monetary Fund's upward revision of its 2026 growth forecast for sub-Saharan Africa to 4.5%, reflecting the region's resilience amid global economic uncertainty. However, the improved projection comes with serious warnings about rising inflation, public debt, declining development assistance and the vulnerability of African economies to international disruptions. According to the IMF's October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook, released on Thursday, October 15, the region is expected to maintain economic growth of approximately 4.5% in both 2026 and 2027. The revised 2026 projection rep...

NIGERIA REVIEWS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN AS GOVERNMENT, UNICEF TARGET MORE JOBS BY 2030

As Nigeria strengthens its youth employment strategy, fresh investments in digital skills and entrepreneurship raise a critical question: Will government programmes finally translate into sustainable jobs for millions of young Nigerians? By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs ABUJA, NIGERIA — THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 Nigeria has commenced a review of its national youth employment framework in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen job creation, entrepreneurship and access to sustainable economic opportunities for young Nigerians. The development comes amid renewed investment in digital technology, vocational education and creative industries, with government agencies and international development partners increasingly focusing on connecting skills acquisition to measurable employment outcomes. According to reports published on Thursday, October 15, the review of the Nigeria Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYE...