Author: Rareview

By Ono Yima The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has vehemently condemned the allocation of N10 billion for the rent and furnishing of residences for National Assembly presiding officers in the 2024 supplementary budget. The group described the move as a blatant case of "state capture," warning that such fiscal irresponsibility compromises the independence of democratic institutions and undermines the public interest. HURIWA’s criticism follows a media report revealing that the allocation, labeled under the budget item “Renting and Furnishing of Presiding Officers of the National Assembly,” is intended for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and their deputies, Barau Jibrin and Ben Kalu. This controversial expense was part of the N288 billio...

By Ali Elias Current National ChallengesPoverty: Over 100 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty, with 150 million in multidimensional poverty.Economic Decline: Nigeria's GDP has dropped from $574 billion (2014) to $200 billion, making it the fourth-largest economy in Africa.Security Concerns: Nigeria ranks 143rd out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index, with widespread displacement and insecurity.Food Insecurity: The country ranks 110th out of 127 on the Global Hunger Index, with many unable to afford basic food items.Energy Crisis: Frequent grid failures have led to Nigeria being dubbed the "generator country."Corruption and Mismanagement: High levels of fiscal irresponsibility and constitutional disregard persist.Rising Debt: National debt has surged from N15 trillion in 20...

By Els William A Catholic priest in Imo State is in police custody following a tragic shooting incident on church grounds during a New Year’s Eve mass. According to reports, the priest allegedly shot a young boy who was using fireworks within the premises. The shooting resulted in one fatality, while another person was hospitalized.  The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, which occurred in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area, on December 31, 2024. "We are aware of the incident. The priest is in custody, and an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the case," Okoye told SaharaReporters.  Although the police have not disclosed the names of the priest or the deceased, Okoye assured that updates ...

Photo credit: Business Insider Africa By Ali Elias A piece of space debris believed to be part of a launch rocket landed in a remote Kenyan village this week, frightening residents but causing no injuries. The Kenya Space Agency identified the object as a separation ring from a rocket and confirmed it weighed over 1,100 pounds and spanned more than eight feet in diameter.  “Such objects are usually designed to burn up as they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere or fall over unoccupied areas, such as the oceans,” the agency said, calling the incident “an isolated case.”  The debris fell in Makueni County, southeast of Nairobi, flattening trees and alarming residents. “I heard a loud bang,” said Joseph Mutua, a local. “I looked up and saw a large circular object glowing red...

Starlink, a division of SpaceX, is poised to revolutionize mobile communication with its Direct-to-Cell service, which leverages its extensive satellite network to enable voice calls on standard LTE-compatible smartphones—without requiring any hardware upgrades.  This innovation could redefine connectivity by eliminating reliance on traditional cell towers. Whether deep in a rainforest, sailing across vast oceans, or exploring remote deserts, users will be able to make calls from virtually anywhere on Earth.  Compatibility Across Major Smartphones  According to a letter from SpaceX to the FCC, the technology has been successfully tested with popular smartphone brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. These tests demonstrated seamless communication using the PCS G Blo...

Photo credit: Sahara Reporters By Ali Elias The government of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) has announced that French troops stationed in the country will begin their withdrawal in January 2025, marking a significant shift in the nation’s military posture and its ties with France.  President Alassane Ouattara made the announcement during his end-of-year address, describing the decision as part of the modernization of Ivory Coast’s armed forces. “We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces,” Ouattara stated. He further noted that the Port Bouet military base, which has long housed French troops, would be handed over to Ivorian control.  France has maintained a military presence in Ivory Coast since the country's independence in 1960, with u...

By Ali Elias The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy's capacity to rival global standards in shipbuilding and repair. Speaking in Port Harcourt during an inspection of ongoing projects at the Naval Shipyard Limited (NSL), Ogalla expressed pride in the Navy’s achievements and potential. “I came to look at some of the activities they are engaged in, and I’m quite impressed,” he stated. The CNS, accompanied by Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, and other senior officers, inspected key projects, including the refurbishment of houseboats, construction of the Ibom Ferry for Akwa Ibom State (70% completed), and ten operational boats for naval operations (90% completed). Other highlights included the nearly complete ...

Chinedu Chukwurah By Ali Elias In a modest home nestled in Lagos’ Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Nedu, an untrained but passionate artist, is crafting his mark in the world of sculpting and metal arts. His journey, guided by nothing but passion and intuition, has become an inspiring narrative of creative ingenuity and resilience.  “Art is lucrative,” Nedu shared nonchalantly during a recent visit. “I just sold one of my old works for ₦300,000 (about $188).” Despite lacking formal training, his dedication has transformed his side practice into a thriving creative venture.  A Backyard Studio of Wonders  The Stump Nedu’s home doubles as a sanctuary of artistic expression. His enclosed backyard, shaded by a carport, serves as his workshop. There, sculptures and metal wo...