The wooden vessels make up 90 percent of all the boats, and account for the majority of fatal accidents that have claimed thousands of lives over the years. However, safety experts said the government also needs to strengthen its safety measures campaign, such as requiring passengers to wear life jackets and enforcing a ban on night travel and overloading of boats.
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Statistics by the United Nations health agency indicate Nigeria has the third biggest shortage of healthcare workers globally. The professionals migrate abroad annually partly due to poor pay and insecurity. Experts now want the government to put measures in place to counter this trend.
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Chappal Waddi (also called Gangirwal) translates to 'Mountain of Death' in Fulfulde. Fulfulde is a language spoken by the Fulani people.
It is known as the mountain of death because of an insurmountable gully in the southern corner of the range. Despite the name, it’s very easy to climb.
It takes about two days to reach the peak of the mountain. So, it’s not just an impromptu trip; hikers have to be prepared and come along with appropriate camping gear, outfits, and food so they can set up camp while enjoying the great outdoors.
It is located in Taraba State, near the border with Cameroon, on the edge of the Gashaka Gumti Forest Reserve and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park on the Mambilla Plateau.
The Gashaka-Gumti National Park is Nigeria’s largest national park and covers 6,731 sq km, which is about 3 times the size of Greater London. The park was created by a federal decree in 1991.
Tourists to the park are able to relish grasslands, abundant forests, magnificent highland plateaus, tranquil lakes, rocky mountains, rich wildlife, and diverse ethnic cultures, all within just one safeguarded space.
This peak holds a special place in the hearts of the Mambilla people, intertwined with their ancient beliefs and stories passed down through generations.and herders use it to feed their livestock.
The mountain is kept by the conservation efforts of many organisations and groups like Gashaka Gumti National Park and the Nigeria Park Services, Africa Nature Investors (ANI), Amansale Community, Serti Community, Nguroje Community, and Tour Operators (TVP Adventures and Nature Connects).
Truly, Nigeria is a beautiful country that remains unexplored by its citizens and even tourists.
By Temi Iwalaiye, Pulse Nigeria
In a statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed concerns that the pump price of petrol in Nigeria continues to exceed market values, raising questions about the fairness of pricing for consumers.
This marks a significant 20.23% decrease from ₦1,219 per litre recorded in August 2024, according to data from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
The decline is attributed to fluctuations in both the Naira-dollar exchange rate and the international price of crude oil.
As of the end of trading on Friday, the Naira stood at ₦1,678.87 to the dollar, with Brent crude priced at $73.63 per barrel.
This contrasts with the rates in August, when crude was priced at $80.72 per barrel, and the Naira exchange rate was ₦1,611 per dollar.
Despite the lower landing cost, petrol remains expensive at the pump in Nigeria. The retail price of petrol ranges from ₦1,060 to ₦1,200 per litre at various stations, including those operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The price of petrol had already surged from ₦617 per litre in August 2024 to over ₦1,060 per litre by November 2024.
The Dangote Refinery has recently announced ex-depot prices of ₦960 and ₦990 per litre for petrol delivered by ships and trucks, respectively.
In a statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed concerns that the pump price of petrol in Nigeria continues to exceed market values, raising questions about the fairness of pricing for consumers.
By Segun Adeyemi, Pulse Nigeria
Many small businesses now rely on solar for their energy needs after public electricity costs surged. Solar companies are easing adoption by offering installment payment options, making it more accessible.
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