Germany is set to hold early federal elections on Sunday 23 February, following the collapse of the coalition government formed by the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Free Democrats (FDP) in November 2024. A total of 29 parties have qualified to compete in the election, though only nine will be on the ballot nationwide. These include the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, …
Read More »Nigerian scholar advocates socialist Pan-Africanism for continental transformation
In a compelling inaugural lecture delivered on 5 February 2025 at the University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Political Economy, passionately advocated for the adoption of socialist Pan-Africanism as a transformative pathway for Africa’s resurgence and Nigeria’s development. His lecture, provocatively titled “Armageddon?”, delved into the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with its …
Read More »Germany marks Black History Month with nationwide events
Germany is observing Black History Month (BHM) this February with a range of events celebrating the culture, history and contributions of people of African descent. Originally an American tradition, the Month has steadily gained recognition in Germany, with various organizations and communities hosting programs that highlight both historical narratives and contemporary issues faced by Black people in the country. In …
Read More »What Trump’s Comeback May Mean for Africa by Prof Farooq Kperogi
Farooq Adamu Kperogi*, a Nigerian-American professor, author and media scholar, explores the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Africa as well as for Black people in America. He cautions against unrealistic expectations of a conservative cultural revival hoped for by the religious right in Africa and warns of possible dangers to the continent’s economic and political interests. A …
Read More »EU mandates free real-time bank transfers: What it means for consumers
On 9 January 2025, a significant change was implemented in the European Union’s banking system: all banks are now required to accept real-time euro transfers. This mandate, established by an EU regulation, ensures that customers can send and receive funds instantly, 24/7, with transactions completed within ten seconds. Prior to this regulation, while standard SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfers …
Read More »Lagos: The Glitz and the Grind of ‘Detty December’
‘Detty December’ has become synonymous with Lagos’s vibrant end-of-year celebrations, attracting Nigerians from the diaspora and international visitors eager to partake in the city’s dynamic festivities. The term, a playful adaptation of “dirty,” signifies the uninhibited revelry that characterizes the holiday season in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. Detty December has become an annual homecoming that fosters reunions with family and …
Read More »Germany prepares for early elections following coalition collapse
Germany is gearing up for snap federal elections on 23 February 2025 after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition of the SPD, Greens and FDP. The breakup followed the sack of ex-Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP in early November, after months of internal disputes, primarily over the 2025 budget, which culminated in the FDP withdrawal from …
Read More »New documentary tackles Oury Jalloh’s mysterious death
Berlin, Germany – 27 November 2024 │A new six-part documentary series, Warum verbrannte Oury Jalloh? (Why Did Oury Jalloh Burn?), premieres today on the ARD Mediathek. The series delves into the controversial and tragic death of Oury Jalloh, an asylum seeker from Sierra Leone, whose mysterious death in police custody, in Dessau on 7 January 2005, has sparked nearly two …
Read More »Voluntary return: What are the main reasons for people to return from Germany to their countries of origin?
To many people, it may come as a surprise that people decide to voluntarily leave the country to which they immigrated. However, the reality for migrants is that not all applications for asylum or residency are approved, leaving many in a situation where they have to consider leaving Germany. This is just one reason, why a total of 10,762 people …
Read More »StartHope@Home: New Perspectives for Returnees through Entrepreneurship Training
Berlin – One of the main concerns migrants have when considering returning to their countries of origin is finding a job to provide for themselves and their families. They may be out of touch with the job market back home, or unsure whether the skills gained in Germany will lead to employment. For many, starting their own business presents a …
Read More »Bazaar Berlin 2024 delights with global craftsmanship and culture
The 2024 edition of Bazaar Berlin drew an impressive 35,000 visitors to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from 6 to 10 November, offering a vibrant marketplace of unique goods from across the globe. With over 500 exhibitors representing 58 countries, the fair showcased a stunning array of handmade products, ranging from fashion and jewelry to home décor and artisanal foods. This …
Read More »Baqers offers Nigerians abroad a sweet way to stay connected with loved ones
In a world where so many Nigerians live far from their homeland, it can be hard to show up for those important moments in the lives of their loved ones. Whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, an anniversary or just because you miss someone, A cake-gifting service can help you send a sweet reminder that no matter where you are, …
Read More »NDIS 2024: Unlocking Diaspora Investments for Nigeria’s Prosperity
The 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) will take place from 5-7 November at the State House Conference Center, Presidential Villa, Abuja. This year’s theme, “Adapting Stability Through Diaspora Investment: Navigating The Path To Prosperity,” reflects the critical role that the Nigerian diaspora plays in shaping the nation’s economic stability and future development. The NDIS is convened by Nigerians in …
Read More »Seeking Solutions: Bonn conference tackles Europe’s migration challenges
The 5th Conference of the German Network for Forced Migration Studies took place from 16-18 September in Bonn, bringing together over 400 participants from around the world for in-depth discussions on forced migration. Maarit Thiem, who led the BICC organising team, addresses the conference’s opening/Photo: Seddy Saidykhan Researchers, practitioners, students, and stakeholders, including refugee and migrant organizations, explored the many …
Read More »Study reveals widespread prejudice within German police
A recent study commissioned by the German government has revealed that approximately one-third of police officers observed racist remarks made by colleagues within a one-year period. This finding is part of a comprehensive report on the everyday experiences and attitudes of police officers, conducted by the German Police University. The study (Motivation, Einstellung und Gewalt im Alltag von Polizeibeamtinnen und …
Read More »German-Kenyan Migration Deal: What You Should Know
Germany and Kenya have recently signed a migration and labour agreement aimed at addressing Germany’s need for skilled workers while discouraging irregular migration. Signed in Berlin on 13 September 2024 by Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Musalia Mudavadi, and witnessed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto, …
Read More »Special: Expert reveals gives vital tips on how to make car accidents less traumatic experiences
Documenting the scene will help protect your legal rights and make it easier to claim compensation Seeing a doctor, even for minor injuries, is vital for maintaining a record of the accident Be prepared for an accident by keeping recording equipment in your car, an expert warns Getting caught up in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. It’s …
Read More »SPECIAL: Wole Soyinka at 90
Wole Soyinka, the literary giant and human rights icon, turns 90 on 13 July. Considering the gamut of his creative work as a dramatist, poet, novelist, essayist, memoirist and wordsmith, the emeritus professor of comparative literature could arguably be described as Africa’s greatest man of letters ever. In 1986, Soyinka became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in …
Read More »African literature after Soyinka’s Nobel Prize
For a continent whose merits have been overshadowed by wars, natural disasters, poverty and human displacements, the Nobel Prize for literature awarded to the Nigerian Wole Soyinka in 1986 must have come as a shock to those audiences with little knowledge of the presence of a wealth of contemporary African literatures. This shock could only be the result of years …
Read More »Wole Soyinka: An Enemy of Dictatorship
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka turns 90 on 13 July. Femi Awoniyi and Michael Nnaji look at the life of the literary giant as a political and rights activist in the service of humanity. Born Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka on 13 July 1934 in Abeokuta, south-western Nigeria, this truly great man of many parts is often wrongly reduced to the Nobel Prize …
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