International

By Uzair Adam 

The global internet user base has grown consistently in recent years, with countries with larger populations leading the charge. 

However, some smaller nations also boast impressive online activity.

According to Exploding Topics, here are the ten countries with the largest number of internet users:

1. China – 1.05 billion: With its massive population, China tops the list with an estimated 1.05 billion internet users, accounting for 74.36% of its population.

2. India – 692 million: India ranks second, with 692 million people online, representing 49.15% of its population.

3. United States—311.3 million: The U.S. has 311.3 million internet users, which translates to a high penetration rate of 93.79%.

4. Indonesia – 212.9 million: Indonesia has 212.9 million people online, with a penetration rate of 77.76%.

5. Brazil – 181.8 million: Brazil has 181.8 million internet users, covering nearly 85% of its population.

6. Russia – 127.6 million: Russia follows with 127.6 million users, almost 90% of its population.

7. Nigeria – 122.5 million: Nigeria ranks seventh globally, with over 122.5 million internet users, more than half of its population.

8. Japan—102.5 million: Japan has 102.5 million internet users, which is more than 80% of its population.

9. Mexico – 100.6 million: Mexico has 100.6 million people online, with nearly 80% penetration.

10. Pakistan – 87.35 million: Pakistan rounds out the top 10 with 87.35 million internet users, despite only 40% of its population being connected.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Donald Trump struggled to maintain his composure as Vice President Kamala Harris confronted him on key issues during their first debate.

The discussion, marked by sharp exchanges, centered around topics like abortion rights, Trump’s legal challenges, and his overall fitness for office, as both candidates sought to gain an edge in the close race.

Harris, a former prosecutor, managed to unsettle the 78-year-old Trump, who responded with several inaccurate statements. One particularly tense moment occurred when Harris criticized Trump’s rallies, suggesting that attendees often leave due to “exhaustion and boredom.”

She also accused Trump of lying and insulting American women through his policies, particularly regarding abortion.

Harris condemned Trump for supporting abortion bans that provide no exceptions, even in cases of rape or incest, and highlighted the real-life consequences these laws have on women’s healthcare, particularly for those facing miscarriages or other emergencies.

In response, Trump defended his role in the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, which led to the reversal of Roe v. Wade, and insisted that the issue was better handled at the state level.

He also repeated the false claim that Democrats support the execution of babies after birth, a statement Harris rebuked as “insulting to the women of America.”

When asked about his position on a national abortion ban, Trump avoided a direct answer and shifted the conversation to student loans.

By Dr. Abdulkadir Lawan

A putatively held belief is that the banditry and crime in the Zamfara region of Nigeria cannot be unconnected to the politics of gold and other natural resources mining. But something deadlier than politics, a stealthy by-product of crude extraction methods at the core of gold mining, might have played a leading role in the increase in crime we are witnessing today in the region. 

In the early 2000s, possibly due to the recent change in rule from a military to a democratic one, a renewed gold interest in Zamfara resulted in a mini gold rush. Women and men in the villages would dig out rock ore and extract the gold through crushing and grinding; the resulting dust was contaminated with lead. Some even brought this newfound work to their homes, contaminating their food, water, clothes, and, most dangerously, children. What followed in child deaths from lead poisoning created an unintended raucous through polio vaccination outreach and ended up inviting several efforts to clean up the areas and treat the surviving children.

It is well known that lead is dangerous, even in small doses. It mimics calcium in the body and can be stored in bones, continuing to poison the body even years after initial exposure. The brain is the most sensitive organ to lead. It basically blocks the release of neurotransmitters, which causes headaches and memory loss, and children are especially susceptible. There is no doubt among scientists that lead exposure can cause permanent learning disorders and behavioural problems.

Studies on baby teeth showed that even lead exposure well below the “safe” level results in delayed learning, decreased IQ and increased behavioural problems. There was a direct correlation between lead in children and the inability to graduate from high school in the US. While the CDC has since lowered the acceptable levels of lead in children’s blood from 60ug/dL to 3.5ug/dL over the years, there is no safe lead level as far as it is known today.

Globally, about 65% of all unexplained intellectual disability are believed to be caused by lead. Many countries have monitored the levels of lead exposure in their children over time. In Nigeria, we have little to no data nationwide. A particular US data, however, shows troubling correlations. 

Violent crimes steadily rose from the 1970s to the 1990s before abruptly declining. The troubling part? A graph of average preschool blood lead levels looked strikingly similar to crime levels roughly twenty years apart. The question was whether kids exposed to higher levels of lead grew up to commit more crimes.

The same pattern appears in Britain, Canada, and Australia. In another study, the lead concentrations in the blood of those arrested for violent and anti-social behaviour could not have been more correlated with their behaviour. This shows that lead is at least very likely responsible for some of the increase in crime. 

Whatever the reason for the resurgence of artisanal gold mining in Zamfara in the early 2000s, children raised in that period were in their early teens and 20s when the country began to witness an upsurge in bandit activities at the start of 2010. Thankfully, considerable clean-up efforts and community sensitisation mean there is an unlikely recurrence of lead poisoning effects on this scale around the region. A decline in violent activities can only then be hoped for. 

Glissading along the same line, the biggest source of lead pollution worldwide was the tetraethyl lead compound that was added to gasoline to make leaded fuel. Nigeria completely phased out leaded gasoline in 2004, as did all other countries between 1986 (Japan) and 2021 (Algeria). Nigeria witnessed a record period of civil violence from the 1970s until about the early 2000s. The current crop of our, in my opinion, clearly cognitive-declined politicians was the most exposed to vehicular lead poisoning in the same generation as the perpetrators of multiple violent religious and ethnic crises.

The dangers of lead had already been known for hundreds of years. In 1786, Benjamin Franklin remarked that lead had been used for far too long considering its known toxicity – “This, my dear friend, is all I can at present recollect on the subject. You will see by it that the opinion of this mischievous effect from lead is at least above sixty years old. And you will observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known and exist before it is generally received and practised on.” 

Scientists decided to add lead to fuel one hundred and fifty years later (i.e., after Benjamin Franklin’s speech). Almost one hundred years after that, the juveniles among our (Nigerian) citizenry were exposed to lead, leaving a nation to wonder why there is so much crime in our time.

Dr. Abdulkadir Lawan wrote via abdullwn@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Four Nigerians have been sentenced to a combined total of 13 years in prison in the UK for their involvement in forging over 2,000 marriage certificates, which allowed people to live in the UK illegally.

Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, and Adekunle Kabir were found guilty after a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday.

The individuals were accused of making fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications between March 2019 and May 2023.

They provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documents to help Nigerian nationals remain in the UK.

An investigation by Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigators, in collaboration with Home Office International Operations based in Lagos, uncovered over 2,000 forged marriage documents.

Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, emphasized the group’s significant abuse of UK immigration laws, noting their sole motive was financial gain.

Onifade and Shodipo were both convicted of conspiracy to facilitate illegal immigration and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.

Kabir was found guilty of possessing an identity document with improper intention but acquitted of obtaining leave to remain by deception.

Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.

Moran stated that the convictions serve as a warning to other gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals for financial gain and reiterated the UK’s commitment to securing its borders and stopping such illegal activities.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Petrol and electricity are the oxygen of any nation. Once these two crucial resources are restricted, the country struggles to breathe. Many Nigerians were surprised to learn that Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta surged significantly to $2.8 billion in 2023, up from zero importation between 2017 and 2022. 

On the other hand, the majority of Nigerians were unhappy with the news that the $19 billion Dangote Refinery is struggling due to a poor supply of crude oil and other hindrances from government agencies that are supposed to support such a national asset.

For most Nigerians, Dangote Refinery represents hope and the expectation of lower petroleum prices. Regardless of people’s opinions about Dangote, he has accomplished what Nigeria has failed to achieve in decades. In fact, in the last ten years, only six countries in the world have managed to build new massive petroleum refineries, including the Dangote Refinery. 

Other countries that have built refineries include China, which has added multiple new refineries like the 400,000 barrels per day (b/d) Yulong Petrochemical Plant and the 300,000 b/d Shenghong Refinery; Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery with a capacity of 615,000 b/d, which started operations in 2021; Saudi Arabia’s Jazan refinery with a capacity of 400,000 b/d, also operational since 2021; and Oman’s Duqm Refinery, with a capacity of 230,000 b/d, which commenced operations in 2022. Additionally, India has expanded its refining capacity with new units at the Ratnagiri refinery.

Nigeria’s importation of petroleum products was initially intended as a temporary solution to the insufficient supply from its four state-owned refineries. However, due to inefficiency and corruption, this temporary measure has become a permanent solution.

In Nigeria, the prices of refined petroleum products are heavily influenced by import-related factors. There are over ten components contributing to the landing cost of petrol, including freight, port charges, the NMDPRA 1% levy, storage costs, marine insurance, fendering, the NMDPRA COQ and NOA, Q&Q analysis, letter of credit fees, and interest. Additionally, the high exchange rate further inflates the price of imported petrol. To eliminate these extra costs, local refining is the only viable solution. Nigeria’s only option for now is the Dangote refinery.

Many Nigerians, ordinary citizens, and bureaucrats view the $19 billion Dangote refinery as an asset and a blessing. It has the potential to liberate Nigeria from decades of dependence on petrol importation, which is one of the major causes of pressure on the Naira and the scarcity of the dollar. The refinery will position Nigeria on the map of nations exporting crude and refined petroleum products and fertiliser. 

Dangote Fertiliser is one of the largest fertiliser plants in the world, with an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes of urea. Nigeria’s yearly urea fertiliser needs are only 1.5 million metric tonnes. 

Dangote has already demonstrated his capability in the cement industry. With Dangote Cement, Nigeria is a net exporter. Nigeria boasts one of the largest cement industries in Africa, with a combined production capacity of over 58.9 million metric tonnes per year among major producers. It leads the cement industry in West Africa, hosting at least 12 registered companies. Dangote Cement is the largest producer in Nigeria and West Africa, contributing over 35.25 million metric tonnes per year (Mt/yr) to the region’s cement capacity. Due to Dangote’s significant cement production capacity, Nigeria satisfies not only its domestic cement needs but also exports to neighbouring countries, enhancing regional trade and economic integration.

Let the Dangote refinery be! It will transform the Nigerian oil and gas industry into a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on international media outlets to provide fair, accurate, and objective coverage of Nigeria.

Receiving a BBC delegation in his office on Thursday, August 15, Idris emphasized the importance of balanced reporting, highlighting both challenges and positive developments in the country.

Idris emphasized the importance of balanced and unbiased reporting and highlighted that Nigeria, like other countries, faces challenges. He also urged the international media to provide a complete and nuanced portrayal rather than focusing solely on negative aspects.

While acknowledging press freedom, Idris encouraged international media to showcase Nigeria’s progress and achievements. He commended the BBC’s expansion in Nigeria, including its Hausa Service studio relocation to Abuja, engaging 200 Nigerians.

Idris also appreciated the BBC’s capacity-building initiatives for public media journalists and requested similar support for private outlets.

BBC’s Director of Global News, Jonathan Munro, praised Nigeria’s strong reputation for the BBC, citing 30 million weekly visitors to their news services, making Nigeria their third-largest international audience.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday, August 14, depart Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on a three-day official visit to honour the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

President Tinubu will meet with the Equatorial Guinean President at the Presidential Villa on arrival, where meetings will be held between the two leaders and agreements, particularly on oil and gas and security, signed.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other members of his cabinet who will be involved in the signing of agreements and review of opportunities to improve bilateral relations.

By Abubakar Idris

As Nigeria celebrates International Youth Day 2024, the nation finds itself at a pivotal moment in its journey towards sustainable development. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” resonates deeply with Nigeria’s demographic reality. With over 60% of our population under 25, the country is uniquely positioned to harness its youth dividend in the digital age.

The Nigerian tech ecosystem is flourishing, driven by the ingenuity and determination of its young innovators. From fintech to health tech, agritech to civic tech, young Nigerians leverage digital tools to address pressing societal issues and contribute to sustainable development. Their efforts are transforming various sectors of the economy and positioning Nigeria as a hub for technological innovation in Africa.

In the fintech sector, companies like Flutterwave, co-founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, have revolutionised digital payment solutions across Africa, facilitating economic growth and financial inclusion. Similarly, PiggyVest, founded by Somto Ifezue, Odunayo Eweniyi, and Joshua Chibueze, is reshaping how young Nigerians save and invest, promoting financial literacy and security. Fara Ashiru Jituboh’s Okra is another standout, providing data infrastructure that enables secure and seamless financial transactions by connecting bank accounts to various financial services.

The health tech sector has also seen remarkable innovations. LifeBank, founded by Temie Giwa-Tubosun, is tackling the critical issue of blood shortages by connecting blood banks with hospitals and clinics. Tito Ovia’s Helium Health is streamlining hospital administration and patient care, improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery across the country. Meanwhile, Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson’s Healthtracka offers at-home lab testing services, providing Nigerians with accessible and affordable healthcare options.

In the agricultural sector, youth-led digital transformation is crucial to Nigeria’s economy and is making significant strides. Farmcrowdy, founded by Onyeka Akumah, is an innovative agritech platform that connects farmers with investors and markets, boosting productivity and livelihoods in rural areas.

As we celebrate these success stories, nurturing the next generation of innovators is crucial. Initiatives like Andela, founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, are pivotal in this regard. By providing world-class training to young developers, Andela is creating job opportunities and building a robust talent pipeline for Nigeria’s tech industry. Similarly, CodeLn and Devcenter equip young Nigerians with the skills to thrive in the digital economy.

The push for sustainable development through digital innovation must be inclusive. Women in Nigeria’s tech industry are breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence and impact. Fara Ashiru Jituboh’s work with Okra makes financial data more accessible, directly addressing the challenges of financial inclusion that many Nigerian women face. Tito Ovia’s role at Helium Health is particularly significant in a sector where women often have limited access to healthcare. Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, through Healthtracka, addresses the often-overlooked need for accessible and affordable healthcare.

While these examples showcase the immense potential of Nigerian youth in the digital space, many challenges remain. Access to reliable internet, consistent electricity, and affordable devices are hurdles for aspiring innovators, especially in rural areas. However, these challenges also present opportunities for further innovation and problem-solving.

The Nigerian government has recognised the importance of digital innovation for sustainable development. The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and the Nigeria Startup Act (2022) are significant steps towards creating an enabling environment for tech startups and young innovators. The Act includes provisions for a Startup Investment Seed Fund, tax incentives for startups and investors, capacity-building initiatives in higher education institutions, and streamlined regulatory processes for startups.

Practical initiatives like the NCC Technology Hub, launched by the Nigerian Communications Commission, are also crucial in nurturing digital innovation. This hub serves as an incubator for tech-driven ideas, providing a supportive environment for young Nigerians to turn their innovative concepts into reality.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that fully realising the potential of Nigerian youth in digital innovation will require continued effort and investment. Improved infrastructure, education reform to include digital skills and entrepreneurship training, increased funding for youth-led startups, mentorship programs, and supportive policies are all crucial elements in creating an environment where digital innovation can thrive.

On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the achievements of our youth and recognise their role as leaders in the global digital revolution. The journey “From Clicks to Progress” is well underway, with young Nigerians leveraging technology to tackle some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. Their creativity, resilience, and determination are the driving forces that will lead Nigeria toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

As we move forward, let us continue to empower and support our youth, ensuring that Nigeria keeps pace with global technological advancements and leads the way. The future of sustainable development in Nigeria is digital, and it is in the capable hands of our youth. Their innovative spirit promises progress and a transformation that will resonate for generations to come.

Abubakar Idris wrote via abkidris99@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has revealed that the United Kingdom government has so far given not less than 430,000 visas to Nigerians seeking to study and relocate to the European nation in 2024.

Montgomery disclosed this in a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja on Wednesday.

He also assured the Federal Government that they would provide adequate security measures in place for Nigerians in the UK.

He noted that the UK remains a safe place despite the ongoing unrest, which highlighted the country’s diverse population.

He further added that 60 special courts have been set up to “tackle criminal activities related to the unrest”.

Also speaking on security, Montgomery further stated that 400 people have been apprehended in connection with the violence, with the government actively pursuing justice against those inciting unrest through hatred and misinformation online.

On her part, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerian casualties have been reported so far in the UK uproar.

She said NIDCOM “is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London and other diaspora groups, none of which have reported any incidents involving Nigerian nationals”.

She praises the UK government for its swift actions, especially the arrests, advising Nigerians to remain safe and vigilant and adhere strictly to the travel advisories issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) as her running mate for the upcoming November election, according to sources close to the matter. 

Walz, 60, emerged as a surprising choice for the vice-presidential spot, gaining traction following a recent cable news interview where he described some Republicans as “weird.” 

This characterization was subsequently adopted by national Democrats, The Hill reports. 

Walz’s selection comes after speculation initially centered on other high-profile Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D). 

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to appeal to the left, given his strong liberal credentials. 

Other potential candidates, such as Shapiro and Kelly, had faced criticism from progressive groups—Shapiro for his management of pro-Palestinian protests during the Israel-Hamas conflict, and both for their positions on union issues.  

Walz’s Midwestern background is also considered a key factor, particularly as Trump has been intensifying his campaign efforts in Minnesota, a state Biden won by 7 points in 2020. 

With Trump and JD Vance increasing their efforts to flip the state, Walz’s presence on the ticket could strengthen support in this crucial region. 

Harris is expected to make the formal announcement about her vice-presidential running mate today (Tuesday), ahead of a week of joint campaigning in key battleground states.