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The upcoming event is poised to be a transformative milestone, not just for Yikodeen, but for Nigeria's broader industrial aspirations. With the completion of this significant expansion, Yikodeen now boasts the largest safety footwear manufacturing plant in West Africa—a remarkable 120,000-square-foot facility that can produce an astounding 5,000 pairs of safety boots daily. This figure stands in stark contrast to the company’s humble beginnings in 2016 when it could only manage a mere 20 pairs per day. What stories…

In a tragic turn of events, a former student has taken the lives of ten individuals, including himself, in a secondary school shooting in Graz, Austria. This incident marks the most devastating school shooting in the country's history. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner reported that among the deceased, six were male, and three were female. Additionally, twelve others were injured in the attack, though specific details regarding the victims have not been disclosed. Local media suggest that the majority of the victims were…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the trial of Derrick John Thompson commenced on Tuesday. The stakes couldn’t be higher in this case, which claims a significant place in the annals of recent Minnesota history. Thompson is accused of causing the tragic deaths of five Somali American women in a high-speed collision that, for many, has shaken the very fabric of the state’s Somali community, drawing not just local but national scrutiny. At just 29 years old, Thompson faces an uphill battle…

In a significant development, the inaugural group of white South Africans has been granted refugee status through a program initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Departing from Johannesburg, this U.S.-funded charter flight carried 49 individuals, marking a unique moment in the ongoing conversation about race, privilege, and identity in South Africa. The Afrikaners—comprising a white minority with roots in Dutch, German, and French ancestry—have historically played a pivotal role within South Africa’s segregated…

The Significance of the Recent U.S.-Ukraine Economic Pact On a pivotal Wednesday in Washington, D.C., history was made when Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent signed a landmark economic agreement. This contract not only lays the groundwork for future cooperation but also serves as a vital message in the current geopolitical landscape. The Treasury Department emphasized the significance of the deal, stating, "This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump…

In a remarkable leap forward for manufacturing in Nigeria, Guala Closures, a globally recognized leader in providing closure solutions for sectors such as spirits, wine, water, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and edible oils, has officially inaugurated its cutting-edge greenfield manufacturing facility in the Lagos Free Zone. This occasion marked not only the opening of a new facility but also a significant step in the company’s strategic vision for the African market. At the inauguration ceremony, which took place on a…

South Korea's Former Leader Yoon Suk Yeol Rejects Coup Allegations Over Martial Law Declaration South Korea's recently impeached President, Yoon Suk Yeol, insisted in court today that his brief declaration of martial law late last year "was not a coup d'état." Mr Yoon appeared at the Seoul Central District Court facing charges of inciting insurrection, charges he strenuously denies. The controversial martial law, lasting only around six hours before it was swiftly lifted amid strong parliamentary opposition and intense…

In a significant development, European finance ministers have reached a consensus on the necessity for a "unified stance" regarding US trade tariffs. This important dialogue took place during a recent assembly of both Eurozone and non-Eurozone members in Warsaw. Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Finance and President of the Eurogroup, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, "We recognize the need for a unified stance and approach in response to the change that is under way." This remark underscores the…

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not attend the International Criminal Court (ICC) in person for the opening of a hearing regarding crimes against humanity linked to his controversial drug crackdown. Instead, at 79 years old, he joined the proceedings via videolink, marking a historic moment as the first ex-Asian leader to face charges at the ICC. Duterte, appearing fragile in a blue suit and tie, briefly confirmed his name and date of birth during the hearing. Given the extensive flight from The Hague,…

Muslims gather for the Maghrib prayers at the newly launched mosque at the Somali Embassy in Nairobi on March 9, 2025. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat) Nairobi (AX) – On an ordinary Sunday, filled with an extraordinary sense of unity and hope, the Somali Embassy in Nairobi was the scene of a poignant event. Amidst an atmosphere of reverence and camaraderie, the embassy celebrated the inauguration of a brand-new mosque, a project brought to life through the munificent donations of Sultan Hussein Ali. As a respected member of the…