Chris Infotainment

CSIR Research Staff Association Holds 36th Annual General Meeting The Research Staff Association (RSA) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently held its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review past achievements, evaluate progress, and elect new executives to lead its initiatives for the next two years (2025-2027). The event took place at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Nyankpala, near Tamale, and brought together a diverse group of attendees, including directors of CSIR institutes, RSA members, executives, and research and development partners from across the country. The AGM was themed “Accelerating Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security in Ghana: The Role of Transformative Research, Development and Partnerships.” This theme focused on enhancing resilience in food and nutrition security through targeted research, innovation, and collaborative partnerships. The discussions emphasized the importance of addressing challenges su...

The Ongoing Crisis of Pollution in the Sirsiya River Birgunj, Oct. 25 – Despite the sacred significance of the Chhath festival, pollution levels in the Sirsiya river continue to rise, causing frustration among local residents. This issue has sparked outrage, especially as devotees perform rituals along the riverbanks during this important religious event. The main concern is the discharge of untreated waste from industries located along the Parsa-Bara Industrial Corridor. These factories are accused of ignoring the sentiments of those who come to the river for spiritual practices. According to Brijeshwar Prasad Chaudhary, secretary of the Sirsiya river and Birgunj pollution-free campaign, these industries have been disregarding repeated calls to stop dumping industrial residue into the river during the festival. "In previous years, industries would halt waste discharge at least a week before Chhath, but this year they have continued without concern," he said. Social acti...

Kogi State Launches New Livestock Development Initiatives The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) has made significant strides in enhancing livestock development across the state. As part of its efforts, the project has distributed 21 motorcycles to Livestock Extension Agents operating in the 21 Local Government Areas. These motorcycles are intended to improve mobility and support the delivery of extension and advisory services at livestock value chain clusters. In addition to the motorcycles, 1,000 livestock extension manuals have been handed out to farmers across the 64 value chain clusters. These manuals aim to provide practical guidance and information on best practices for livestock management and production. Another key component of the initiative involves the provision of veterinary medical equipment to the Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock Development, in Lokoja. The equipment includes laboratory tools, meat i...

A New Era of Environmental Governance in Punjab Every winter, Punjab is engulfed by the choking haze of smog—a phenomenon that brings life to a standstill, disrupts economic activity, and triggers widespread respiratory ailments. For years, citizens have endured this annual ordeal with little hope of relief. However, this year promises to be different. Under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Government has rolled out a comprehensive framework to counter the menace. Leading this ambitious drive is the province's dynamic and enterprising Senior Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, whose energy and expertise have given new momentum to Punjab's environmental policy. Marriyum Aurangzeb's passion for environmental protection is neither new found nor symbolic. Before entering politics, she spent nearly a decade with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan), serving in senior leadership roles and spearheading several international campaigns. W...

Leadership and Insurance Initiatives at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has taken significant steps to ensure the well-being of its staff and the continuity of leadership within the organization. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to institutional resilience and long-term success. During a recent courtesy visit by officials from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the Executive Secretary and CEO of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, emphasized the importance of sensitizing staff on the insurance scheme proposed by the NSITF. This call for awareness was made during a meeting held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos. Dr. Akutah, who was represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Alhaji Mustapha Zubairu, highlighted the council’s dedication to prioritizing staff insurance and health. He pointed to existing policies that have already had a positive impact on employees’ lives. Dr. Akutah also requested that the NSITF strengthen...

Dhaka Ranks Fifth in Global Air Quality Index Dhaka has emerged as the fifth city globally with the worst air quality, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) report. At 9:02 am this morning, the city recorded an AQI score of 169, which falls into the 'unhealthy' category. This ranking highlights the growing concern over air pollution in the capital of Bangladesh. The AQI is a critical tool used to measure and communicate the quality of the air in different cities. It provides information on how clean or polluted the air is and what health risks might be associated with it. The index considers several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. These pollutants contribute to the overall air quality and can have severe impacts on public health. In the current list of cities with the most polluted air, Pakistan's Lahore leads the pack with an AQI score of 360, followed by ...

NNPCL Medical Services Limited Joins Global Efforts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month The NNPCL Medical Services Limited (NMSL) has taken part in the global celebration of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2025. The initiative focuses on promoting early detection, regular screening, and lifestyle modifications as essential strategies to save lives. During the awareness campaign, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, emphasized the company’s dedication to improving health and wellness among its employees and local communities. He highlighted the importance of addressing breast cancer, which remains one of the most prevalent and deadly diseases affecting women worldwide. “Breast cancer is a major health concern, but early detection can significantly change outcomes,” Ojulari said. “With consistent screening, timely diagnosis, and increased awareness, we can reduce mortality rates and enhance the quality of life for those affected.” Oj...

Empowering Women for Sustainable Development Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has taken a significant step towards fostering economic inclusion and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta by launching an initiative aimed at empowering 2,000 women from host communities along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). This comprehensive entrepreneurship and financial literacy program is designed to uplift women and girls from over 215 host communities. At the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting held in Rivers, Imo, and Abia States, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement, highlighted the importance of this initiative. He emphasized that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training to equip women with the tools necessary for economic empowerment. Progress and Implementation The PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has already completed data capturing in Po...

The Growing Concern Over Overseas Export of Korean Genome Data Genome data, which contains the totality of genetic information that can identify genetic characteristics, disease risks, and drug responses, is considered one of the most sensitive biometric data. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the potential misuse of this data as it is being exported overseas without proper oversight. According to a response from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, obtained through a request by a People Power Party lawmaker, there has been no compilation or inspection of approvals and reports regarding the overseas export of human body information, including genomes, over the past five years. The ministry stated that there are no provisions in the Bioethics and Safety Act regarding the approval or reporting of the export of human body information, including genomes, overseas. This lack of regulation means that the government does not manage or supervise the overseas export of g...

The Scottish Government's Handling of the Deposit Return Scheme Under Scrutiny A court in Edinburgh recently heard allegations that the Scottish Government was "utterly irresponsible" in its approach to a failed recycling initiative. The case centers around the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which aimed to introduce a 20p deposit on single-use drinks containers made from plastic, metal, or glass. The scheme was ultimately abandoned, leading to significant financial losses for companies involved. Lord Alister Jack, the former Scottish Secretary, described the government’s efforts as “a comedy of errors.” He criticized the way the scheme was managed and the lack of transparency regarding its potential risks. According to Lord Jack, the Scottish Government failed to adequately communicate these risks to businesses that were investing heavily in the project. Financial Losses and Legal Implications Biffa Waste Services, one of the companies affected by the scheme’s collapse,...

Community Protests Over Refusal to Connect Transformer Residents of the Ireakari community in Ilisan Remo, located within the Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, took to the streets on Saturday to protest what they describe as the refusal of officials from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to connect their newly installed transformer to the national grid. This issue has led to years of power outages and economic hardship for the community. The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Ireakari community is tired of pitch darkness,” “IBEDC, connect light to our transformer,” and “Gov Dapo Abiodun, call IBEDC to order.” They expressed frustration over the erratic power supply, which has significantly impacted business activities and increased insecurity in the area, leading to incidents of armed robbery and other crimes. A Longstanding Struggle for Reliable Power Speaking during the protest, Mr. Taiwo Idowu, the Secretary of the Ireakari Community D...

A New Era of Education and Technology in Rivers State In a significant move aimed at enhancing education and promoting technology-driven learning, the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has partnered with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to commission a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre and upgraded learning facility at Baptist High School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen human capacity and foster innovation within Nigeria’s educational system. The project, overseen by the NCDMB’s Institutional Strengthening Division, marks another milestone under the Federal Government’s Human Capacity Development framework. It aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which emphasizes the importance of developing local talent and ensuring that Nigerians play an active role in the country's industrial growth. Representing the Executive S...

The funeral of the late Yang Zhenning, who passed away at the age of 103, was held at the Yetan (Ceremonial Hall) of the Revolutionary Cemetery on Babaoshan (Eight Treasure Mountain) in Beijing on the morning of the 24th. Citizens arrived early, holding white chrysanthemums and photos of Yang Zhenning, forming a long line that extended to the parking lot. This spontaneous gathering highlighted the deep respect and admiration for the first Chinese Nobel laureate in physics. Mo Yan, the first Chinese Nobel laureate in literature, expressed his grief in a poem titled "In Mourning for Teacher Yang Zhenning," writing, “He was a guest who descended like an immortal, leaving fragrance for a hundred generations as he departed.” Babaoshan is a significant location where Chinese leaders and senior national figures are laid to rest. It is uncommon for this site to allow public condolences, which indicates the high regard in which Yang Zhenning was held. Some analysts suggest that the...

First Mosquito Sighting in Iceland Signals Major Ecological Shift For the first time, mosquitoes have been detected in Iceland, marking a significant change in the global distribution of one of the world’s most dangerous pests. This development has raised concerns among scientists about the potential impact on both human health and local ecosystems. The discovery was made by insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason in Kjós, who initially reported a "strange fly" on a Facebook group. Upon closer inspection, he identified it as a female mosquito. Entomologists at the Natural Science Institute of Iceland confirmed that three mosquitoes—two females and one male—were captured using red wine traps designed to attract moths. This event is part of a broader trend linked to global warming. As Iceland experiences rising temperatures due to warm air flows from the south, the conditions are becoming more favorable for mosquitoes to survive and reproduce. Higher heat accelerates mosquito deve...

Federal Committee on Agriculture Reviews Kharif Crops and Sets Rabi Targets The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA), led by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, recently convened to assess the performance of the Kharif Crops 2025-26 season and approve production targets for the upcoming Rabi Crops 2025-26. The meeting brought together provincial agriculture ministers, secretaries, and senior officials from both federal and provincial departments. Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, ensuring food security, and improving the living standards of farmers. He emphasized that the agriculture sector is the backbone of the national economy and plays a vital role in national growth, rural prosperity, and employment generation. The minister also stressed the importance of better price mechanisms, access to credit, and availability of quality inputs to support farmers effectiv...

Understanding Volcanic Activity Through Earthquake Patterns Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is located on the east coast of Sicily. It has experienced multiple eruptions each year, with the most recent one occurring in June of this year. While scientists have long been able to predict eruptions to some extent, a new study published in Science Advances introduces a groundbreaking method that focuses on analyzing earthquake patterns. This approach could lead to earlier and more accurate predictions, allowing for better preparedness. Current Methods of Volcano Prediction Scientists currently monitor Mount Etna by collecting data from various sources, including seismic, geological, geophysical, and geochemical indicators. These measurements help them understand how magma moves through the upper crust of the volcano. When magma reaches the surface, it transforms into lava, signaling an impending eruption. However, there is often limited time between receiving...

Chevron Nigeria Limited: A Key Player in Domestic Gas Supply Chevron Nigeria Limited has solidified its position as the leading supplier of domestic gas in Nigeria, a role it has consistently maintained since 2015. The company's commitment to providing high-quality gas has not only strengthened the nation’s energy security but also contributed significantly to industrial growth and development. Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs at Chevron Nigeria Limited, emphasized that the company has supplied more high-quality domestic gas than any other producer in the country. This achievement highlights Chevron’s pivotal role in supporting various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Supporting Energy Security and Industrial Growth Oduselu highlighted that Chevron’s gas supply plays a crucial role in supporting the power sector, industries, and households across Nigeria. By ensuring a steady flow of gas, the company helps maintain energy stability, whi...

“My skin, a non-slip tape attached to and detached from the bottom of skis, fell off four times in one day. I folded it and placed it under my armpits and navel to thaw, then pressed it tightly against the ski and hugged it. I love you! Don’t fall off!” (November 10, 2024, Day 3 of the operation) Every day, I sent a single-line message to the emergency contact network. I had installed an application called ‘Inrich,’ which is a GPS device that allows me to send my location and messages. Inrich automatically updated my movement distance on an online map every hour. Anyone could check how many kilometers I had walked and what the weather was like. Antarctica has no internet, and only satellite phones can communicate. It was a survival report of sorts, proving that I was still walking at a normal pace today in a space cut off from the world on the opposite side of the globe. I thought people would guess my well-being from the single sentence I sent daily. I couldn’t burden those watching...

Intensified Anti-Smuggling Campaign in Adamawa/Taraba The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has significantly escalated its anti-smuggling efforts, leading to a series of major interceptions across several border corridors. These operations have resulted in the recovery of 20,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other goods valued at N112.6 million in duty-paid terms. During a press conference held at the Customs House in Yola, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Garba Bashir, announced these developments. He outlined the command's latest operations aimed at curbing trans-border crimes and safeguarding public health. Key Seizures and Their Implications According to Comptroller Bashir, the seized 20,600 litres of PMS were packed in 824 jerrycans, each with a 25-litre capacity. The other recovered goods included 91 cartons of expired Tramadol capsules, 54 cartons of foreign soaps, and 64 pieces of complete raw donkey skins intended for illega...