Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Anthony Joshua’s driver charged after deadly crash in Nigeria

    Anthony Joshua’s driver charged after deadly crash in Nigeria

    Nigerian authorities have formally charged a driver involved in a catastrophic highway collision that resulted in two fatalities and minor injuries to world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode faces multiple criminal counts including dangerous driving causing death, reckless operation of a vehicle, and driving without proper documentation.

    The incident occurred Monday along the critical Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor when the vehicle transporting Joshua and his companions collided with a stationary truck. The crash claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, both associates of the champion boxer.

    Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi detailed that Kayode, after receiving medical treatment, was taken into custody on Thursday and subsequently granted bail set at 5 million naira (approximately $3,480). The defendant remains in remand until satisfying bail conditions, with trial proceedings scheduled to commence on January 20.

    Joshua, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was discharged from medical care on Wednesday after being declared clinically stable for home recovery. The boxing champion maintains deep connections to Nigeria, having attended boarding school there during his childhood and holding Nigerian citizenship alongside his British nationality.

    Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promotional organization, confirmed the athlete’s intention to remain in Nigeria despite the traumatic incident. The case has sparked renewed scrutiny of road safety standards and enforcement practices throughout Nigeria’s transportation network.

  • Salah goals & Hakimi return – six things from Afcon 2025’s group stage

    Salah goals & Hakimi return – six things from Afcon 2025’s group stage

    The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) transitions into its high-stakes knockout phase, setting the stage for dramatic encounters after a group stage that saw continental powerhouses assert their dominance. Tournament hosts Morocco, alongside formidable contenders Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, all secured top spots in their respective groups without suffering a single defeat, signaling their intent to claim the prestigious title.

    Algeria’s captain, Riyad Mahrez, emerges as the tournament’s current top scorer with three crucial goals, while Egypt’s iconic forward Mohamed Salah has already matched his personal best Afcon tally with two decisive strikes, including a masterful ‘Panenka’ penalty against South Africa.

    Despite the commanding performances from favorites, the tournament narrative has been enriched by remarkable underdog stories. Mozambique, ranked 102nd globally, achieved a historic first-ever Afcon finals victory to advance, while Sudan’s national team, operating against the devastating backdrop of an ongoing civil war that forced them to play all qualifiers overseas, heroically reached the last 16 for only the second time since their 1970 championship triumph.

    Tanzania created their own piece of history by progressing to the knockout stage with just two points—the lowest total ever for a third-placed team since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019. Benin also ended a 15-match wait for their first Afcon victory in regular time, earning a challenging matchup against Egypt.

    Significant subplots continue to unfold, particularly regarding the fitness of Morocco’s star defender and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi. The Paris St-Germain full-back made his long-awaited return from an ankle injury as a substitute against Zambia, though questions remain about his readiness for starting intensity.

    The tournament has been notably affected by uncharacteristic weather conditions for North Africa, with persistent torrential downpours and cold temperatures creating challenging playing environments. Despite the adverse weather, Morocco’s state-of-the-art facilities—developed in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal—have impressively withstood the conditions, providing excellent pitches throughout the group stage.

  • Anthony Joshua’s driver charged over Nigeria crash that killed two

    Anthony Joshua’s driver charged over Nigeria crash that killed two

    Nigerian authorities have formally charged the driver employed by former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua following a catastrophic highway collision that resulted in the deaths of two key team members and left Joshua injured. The incident occurred on Monday along the densely trafficked Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State.

    Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, faced four distinct charges at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court this Friday, as confirmed by police sources to the BBC. The charges encompass causing death by dangerous driving, operating a vehicle recklessly and negligently, driving without due care and attention, and critically, driving without a valid license. The court granted Mr. Kayode bail set at 5,000,000 Naira (approximately £2,578), remanding him until the bail conditions are satisfied. The judicial proceedings have been adjourned until January 20th.

    The fatal crash claimed the lives of Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene after the Lexus SUV, in which Joshua was a passenger, collided with a stationary truck. Joshua sustained injuries and received hospital treatment before being discharged on Wednesday.

    In an official joint statement, officials from Ogun and Lagos states conveyed the British-Nigerian boxer’s profound grief, describing him as ‘heavy hearted’ over the loss of his close friends and colleagues. Following his release from medical care, Joshua visited the funeral home where the bodies of the deceased were being prepared for repatriation.

    The tragedy struck just hours after Joshua shared a light-hearted Instagram video of himself playing table tennis with Mr. Ayodele, underscoring the personal bond between them. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, expressed his condolences on social media, paying tribute to the ‘energy and loyalty’ of the departed team members and offering prayers for their families and for Joshua during this challenging period.

    Joshua, who has familial roots in the Sagamu area near the crash site, was reportedly en route to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the accident. The boxer had been in Nigeria following his recent victory in a high-profile bout against Jake Paul on December 19th. Paul himself responded to the news on X, emphasizing that ‘life is much more important than boxing’ and expressing his prayers for all those affected.

  • VK Group unites 1,000 staff and families for festive mega-event

    VK Group unites 1,000 staff and families for festive mega-event

    In a spectacular display of corporate unity and familial bonding, VK Group orchestrated a monumental year-end celebration that brought together approximately 1,000 participants at its premises on December 27, 2025. The event marked the company’s annual family gathering, strategically designed to transcend traditional corporate hierarchies by integrating blue-collar workers, senior executives, clients, and their families in a shared festive experience.

    The gathering served as a tangible manifestation of VK Exhibitions & Decor Industry LLC’s foundational ‘people-first’ philosophy. By extending invitations to family members across all organizational levels and sister companies, the event evolved from a conventional corporate function into a vibrant community festival that mirrored the inclusive and multicultural ethos of the United Arab Emirates.

    Entertainment excellence was ensured through the hosting capabilities of Dubai-based celebrity anchor Joe Mohan, known professionally as VoiceGuyJoe, who facilitated an evening filled with dynamic musical and dance performances. The event garnered significant attention from dignitaries including Abhimanyu Singh Kargwal from LABOUR and MADAD, who observed firsthand the robust rapport between management and workforce.

    VK Group’s dedication to holistic employee development was prominently showcased through its commitment to creating a ‘360-degree growth environment.’ This comprehensive approach encompasses year-round sports tournaments, cultural initiatives, and structured training programs that simultaneously address professional advancement and personal well-being.

    The recognition ceremony formed a pivotal component of the evening, with over 60 staff members receiving honors for their exceptional loyalty and performance. During this segment, Radheshyam Jangid, Managing Director and CEO, delivered an inspirational address connecting the company’s past achievements with future aspirations.

    Jangid emphasized the deeper significance of the gathering: ‘This celebration transcends retrospective analysis of 2025; it represents our collective future-building endeavor. The presence of our families and children reinforces the fundamental purpose behind our diligent efforts. We are establishing a legacy of unity that will define our trajectory as we enter 2026. Our organizational strength derives not merely from physical assets but from the happiness and security of every family represented here.’

    Reflecting on his three-decade journey in the UAE, Jangid acknowledged the nation’s role in providing safety, opportunity, and growth, while committing to continued industrial excellence benchmarks. He specifically credited the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for cultivating the secure, tolerant, and prosperous environment that enables diverse families to thrive collectively.

  • BITS Pilani Dubai Campus concludes 2025 Young Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamp for school students

    BITS Pilani Dubai Campus concludes 2025 Young Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamp for school students

    BITS Pilani Dubai Campus has successfully concluded its 11th Young Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamp (YEB 2025), marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurial education for secondary students. The five-day intensive program, designed for Grades 9-12 participants, transcended conventional learning by implementing a comprehensive framework-based methodology that guided young minds through the complete venture creation lifecycle.

    The bootcamp’s academic rigor was evident from its inaugural address by Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director of BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, who emphasized that entrepreneurial education extends beyond business creation to developing resilience, structured reasoning, and solution-oriented thinking. The program featured notable industry voices including Laila El Atfani, who highlighted youth innovation’s role in building inclusive economies, and seasoned entrepreneurs Rizwan Adatia and Prateek Suri who shared practical insights on scaling enterprises through disciplined leadership.

    Academic sessions led by faculty members from the UAE, United States, and India covered the entire entrepreneurial spectrum—from ideation and business model design to financial literacy, revenue strategies, and investor pitching. The curriculum incorporated cutting-edge technical workshops on 3D printing, space technology applications, and sustainable materials, creating crucial connections between engineering innovation and commercial ventures.

    The program emphasized applied learning through startup founder interactions and an industry visit that provided operational exposure to manufacturing processes and innovation workflows. This practical approach culminated in a competitive pitching event where student teams presented original business concepts addressing global challenges in sustainability, renewable energy, food safety, worker welfare, and inclusive commerce.

    Team TAERS claimed top honors with their innovative concept for harvesting renewable energy from high-speed trains, while Team FreshGuard secured second position with a smart food shelf-life monitoring solution. Team SwapSole earned third place with their modular footwear innovation. The valedictory ceremony featured Mahesh Advani, CEO of MyGovindas UAE, and Hitesh Bhayani, who encouraged students to pursue purpose-driven ventures focused on long-term value creation.

    According to Prof. Trupti Gokhale, the bootcamp successfully translated ideas into actionable plans, equipping participants with unprecedented confidence, clarity, and leadership capabilities. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to developing future-ready innovators through academic excellence, ethical grounding, and strong industry alignment.

  • A tall building under construction collapses in Nairobi, with 4 believed to be trapped

    A tall building under construction collapses in Nairobi, with 4 believed to be trapped

    NAIROBI, Kenya — A multi-story residential structure undergoing construction in Nairobi’s South C district collapsed on Friday, triggering an extensive emergency response operation with at least four individuals confirmed trapped beneath the debris.

    Rescue teams comprising multiple agencies are currently conducting search and recovery operations at the disaster site. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the deployment of a specialized response unit to manage the critical situation, with workers meticulously excavating through concrete rubble in a race against time.

    Geoffrey Ruku, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, provided official confirmation regarding the number of persons trapped during a press briefing at the incident location. The human dimension of the tragedy emerged through emotional appeals from relatives, including Safia Ali Aden, whose brother remains among those trapped. She recounted receiving a desperate telephone call from her sibling from beneath the wreckage, pleading for accelerated governmental intervention.

    While investigation into the structural failure remains ongoing, authorities have yet to determine the precise cause of the collapse. This incident revives concerns about construction safety standards within Kenya’s capital, where rapid urbanization and high housing demand frequently lead to regulatory compromises.

    The catastrophe echoes previous building failures that have plagued Nairobi’s development landscape. A 2015 national audit initiated by the presidency—following eight separate collapse incidents that resulted in 15 fatalities—revealed alarming statistics: approximately 58% of structures within the city failed to meet basic construction standards according to the National Construction Authority’s assessment. This recurrent pattern highlights persistent challenges in enforcing building code compliance and development oversight.

  • Do you have nomophobia? UAE doctors warn against excessive use of mobile phones

    Do you have nomophobia? UAE doctors warn against excessive use of mobile phones

    Medical professionals across the United Arab Emirates are raising concerns about the psychological phenomenon known as nomophobia—the irrational anxiety experienced when separated from mobile devices. This condition, while not formally recognized as a standalone diagnosis in psychiatric manuals, manifests through tangible symptoms including sleep disturbances, heightened irritability, concentration difficulties, and anxiety episodes when phones become inaccessible.

    According to research cited in the International Journal of Research Studies in Education, an astonishing 94% of American mobile users experience this condition, with UAE clinicians confirming parallel patterns emerging in Middle Eastern populations. Dr. Omar Bin Abdulaziz, Psychiatry Specialist at NMC Royal Hospital in Abu Dhabi, notes that patients rarely self-identify with nomophobia specifically, but present with related symptoms that reflect how deeply smartphones have integrated into daily existence.

    The UAE’s hyper-connected environment, where phones serve as essential tools for work, family communication, and safety, creates particular vulnerability among adolescents and young adults. Dr. Sreevidhya Srinivas of Medcare Camali Clinic observes that digital connectivity’s central role in Emirati society has made phone dependency increasingly visible in clinical practice, with younger populations demonstrating reduced emotional resilience and poor sleep hygiene linked to device overuse.

    Clinical red flags indicating problematic usage include compulsive checking behaviors, sleep pattern disruption, social withdrawal, declining academic or professional performance, and physiological reactions such as trembling or palpitations during phone separation. For adolescents, emotional dependence on digital validation and inability to cope with boredom without technological stimulation serve as additional warning signs.

    Treatment approaches emphasize balance rather than prohibition, with clinicians recommending practical strategies such as phone-free bedrooms, gradual disconnection periods, and reduced non-essential notifications. Family-based interventions prove particularly effective for younger demographics, combining clear boundaries with parental modeling of healthy device usage. Mental health professionals simultaneously address underlying anxiety or mood disorders that frequently contribute to unhealthy phone dependence.

    While comprehensive UAE-specific data remains limited, regional studies suggest similar trends throughout Arab nations, particularly affecting young adults and female demographics. Despite its non-classified status in diagnostic manuals, nomophobia has become a regular screening consideration in Emirati clinical settings, reflecting growing professional recognition of technology’s psychological impact.

  • Desert to dairy farm: Inside Mleiha’s Sharjah factory that produces 600 tonnes of milk daily

    Desert to dairy farm: Inside Mleiha’s Sharjah factory that produces 600 tonnes of milk daily

    In an extraordinary feat of agricultural innovation, Sharjah’s central region has witnessed the transformation of arid desert into the world’s largest A2A2 cattle breeding facility. The Mleiha Dairy Factory, spanning 20,000 square meters, now produces approximately 600 tonnes of milk daily through cutting-edge technology and rigorous quality control measures.

    The production process exemplifies modern agricultural excellence, beginning with automated milking systems that minimize human contact while maintaining superior hygiene standards. Fresh milk is immediately transferred to temperature-regulated stainless-steel tanks, preserving quality from the outset. Insulated tanker trucks maintain an unbroken cold chain during transportation to the processing facility.

    Upon arrival, the milk undergoes comprehensive safety assessments before progressing through automated filtration and treatment units. Technicians continuously monitor the process to ensure consistency and food safety standards. The packaging phase utilizes automated filling and sealing machines, with quality control personnel overseeing production lines. Finished products are stored in climate-controlled environments before rapid distribution to retailers.

    The facility’s A2A2 genetic cattle lineage produces milk renowned for its enhanced digestibility compared to conventional dairy, containing natural fat and protein content without artificial additives. This nutritional profile has driven significant consumer demand since the brand’s 2024 launch.

    Beyond fresh milk production, Mleiha has expanded its product range to include flavored milk, yogurt, laban, and labneh, all manufactured within the same controlled environment. Distribution has grown from Sharjah to encompass Dubai and other emirates, with plans for further expansion as production capacity increases.

    This project represents a landmark achievement in food resilience strategy, demonstrating how technological investment and sustainable practices can convert challenging environments into productive agricultural centers while supporting local manufacturing initiatives.

  • Watch: Four men rescued from boat teetering on dam edge

    Watch: Four men rescued from boat teetering on dam edge

    A dramatic water rescue operation successfully extracted four individuals from a critically precarious situation after their vessel experienced complete motor failure and drifted toward a dam’s precipice. Emergency response teams executed a high-stakes operation to secure the boat and its occupants before it could be pulled over the dam’s edge.

    The incident, which unfolded under dangerous conditions, required specialized water rescue techniques to stabilize the situation. First responders utilized advanced equipment and training to approach the compromised vessel while managing the strong currents near the dam infrastructure.

    Marine safety experts emphasize that mechanical failure represents one of the most common causes of water emergencies, particularly near dam structures where water flow patterns create additional hazards. The successful outcome highlights the importance of professional emergency response capabilities and the critical nature of immediate reporting when watercraft experience mechanical difficulties.

    Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the mechanical failure while commending the coordination between various emergency services that prevented potential tragedy. The rescued individuals received medical evaluation at the scene and were reported to be in stable condition following the harrowing experience.

  • Dozens missing after boat carrying 200 migrants sinks off Gambia

    Dozens missing after boat carrying 200 migrants sinks off Gambia

    A vessel carrying approximately 200 migrants en route to Europe met with tragedy off the coast of The Gambia, resulting in at least seven confirmed fatalities and numerous individuals missing, according to official statements from the country’s defense ministry.

    The maritime disaster occurred around midnight on Wednesday near Jinack village in the North Bank Region. The ill-fated boat, which was attempting the perilous Atlantic crossing to Spain’s Canary Islands, subsequently overturned and was discovered stranded on a sandbank.

    Search and rescue operations led by The Gambian Navy have successfully recovered 96 survivors thus far, with emergency crews continuing their efforts to locate additional passengers. Ten of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical treatment.

    Authorities indicate that several victims are not Gambian nationals, with identification procedures currently underway to establish their nationalities. The rescue mission has deployed multiple naval vessels alongside assistance from local fishing boats.

    This tragic incident highlights the increasingly common yet extremely dangerous migration route across the Atlantic Ocean that African migrants undertake in attempts to reach European shores. Official statistics reveal that nearly 47,000 individuals reached the Canary Islands in 2024 alone, while Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras estimates that over 9,000 migrants have perished attempting this journey.

    The Gambia has emerged as one of the primary transit points for migrants embarking on hazardous sea and land journeys to Europe. In response to growing migration pressures, the European Union has recently established agreements with several North African nations aimed at reducing irregular migration patterns.