AFRICA NEWS

1^st May 2024

By Adejide

FUEL SCARCITY MAR WORKERS DAY IN NIGERIA

International Workers regarded as May Day is celebrated by labourers and workers globally. It is promoted by International labour movement and it happens every 1st of May annually. Workers in Nigeria are usually elated to witness another of its kind and exchange pleasantries. But this year, fuel scarcity left many frustrated.

Just three days to Workers Day, motorists began to experience difficulties in fuel purchase at filling stations. The cause remains unknown. This resulted in turning to black market for quick rescue. Motorists and people dominate filling stations with long queues as Nigerians struggle to purchase fuel and get their various businesses going regardless of the high price.

Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu

In regards to this, transportation fare becomes hiked rubbing salt in the wound of workers that are already complaining of hardship. The working classes have being advocating salary increment for the past few months due to economic downslide and naira devaluation. In Nigeria, petrol price measures the price of other commodities. In simple sense, the higher the price of fuel, the higher the price of every other commodities.

Today, workers stayed tuned to their radios and televisions in expectant of presidential speech which could address the salary of workers. The presidency announced there will be 35% increment for specific workers, not the new minimum wage advocated. This left too little to admire by the NLC and TUC who quickly rejected it and stand by the proposed 615000 naira minimum wage.

Image showing NLC officials demanding salary increment

HEAVY FLOOD RAVAGED KENYA AND SEND SCORES TO EARLY GRAVE

Heavy flood have killed tens and displaced thousands in Nairobi, Kenya. Scores left missing for weeks from heavy rain which resulted in mass flooding ravaging parts of the country.

In Mai Mahiu, 76 people are still reportedly missing after the devastating flood scourged the town while 4 and 10 people were missing in Nairobi and Kenyan Eastern region respectively. Additionally, the flooding also caused displacement of 190,942 Kenyans and searching still continues. People experience bad smell in some areas suggesting dead bodies washed away must be hidden somewhere around. Residents were seen to have gathered in making efforts to dig with local equipment for rescues, a body was eventually pulled out of the flood debris earlier on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, 11 people and a dog were rescued from the flood waters, the countries Red Cross reported. The rescue was said to be challenging but was made easier with the flood waters gradually fizzling out. Recent report revealed 10 more people have died from the flooding bringing the death toll up to 179.

Nonetheless, weather experts forecasted heavy rain pour this month and warn it could aggravate the situation. Meanwhile, Kenyan President, William Ruto said on Tuesday that he has ordered the military to deploy personnel to help find missing people.

FRANCIS NGANNOU LOSES SON

Kobe, 15-month old son of Francis Ngannou dies. The former Cameroonian-French UFC heavy weight champion announced through social media with a heavy heart on Monday.

Ngannou, 37, posted while reflecting on his son’s death,”too soon to leave but he’s gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy.” Kobe sadly passed away on Saturday April 27, 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death still remain unknown.

Swiftly, world athletes, coaches, friends and fans have being sending their condolences to console the former MMA champion. Among all is his coach Eric Nicksick and UFC Star Conor McGregor who wrote” I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family this time” .

Ngannou ventured into boxing after retiring in UFC with a record of 17 wins and three losses including knockouts. His first two fights see him lost narrowly to current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua by knockout. It has been a great adventure for him in boxing no doubt.

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