Monday, July 31, 2017

Video - Africa's biggest black gold producer Nigeria calls for a shift in strategy



Africa's biggest oil producer Nigeria is calling for a drastic shift in business strategy among the continent's oil producers to cope with tumbling fortunes in the oil industry. West Africa's largest economy spearheads the Association of Africa oil producers. Acting president Yemi Osinbajo has asked the association's technical committee to urgently craft a new strategy for the continent.

Mass arrests in Nigeria over gay sex

More than 40 men have been arrested Nigeria over the weekend for performing homosexual acts, police say.

They are due to appear in court later.

Nigerian newspaper Punch reports that the police raided a hotel in Lagos State on Saturday afternoon and says the hotel was cordoned off while the investigation was carried out.

Homosexual acts are punishable by up to 14 years in jail in Nigeria, while gay marriage and shows of same-sex affection are also banned.

Same-sex relations are explicitly banned in 72 countries, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

The number of states that criminalise same-sex relations is decreasing annually, though, with Belize and the Seychelles repealing such laws last year.

Nigeria is one of a small number of countries which has gone against a global trend.

The country has had a ban on gay relationships since 1901, and in 2013 also outlawed same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Video - Designers awake to new age of "modest" couture in Nigeria



In Nigeria women who like to dress modestly have found a place in the fashion industry. An alternative catwalk, which showcases full-body couture, is growing in popularity - especially among Muslim women.

Video - 8 people killed, 15 rescued from Lagos building rubble



Eight people were killed and fifteen rescued, when a four-storey building collapsed in a densely populated area of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos. Rescue operations have since ended and the site has now been condoned off. Officials of the Lagos State building Control Agency blame the collapse on foundation failure caused by excessive load on the building. A telecommunication mast had been erected on the building weeks ago without the necessary approval.

Video - Nigeria stocks surge to three year high



Nigerian stocks continue a rally witnessed for the last 17 successive days, an achievement last accomplished in 2001. The market crossed the 37,000 point level on Thursday to close 1.37 percent stronger at 37.245 points. The level was last seen in November 2014. On Wednesday stocks surged 3.4 percent to hit the 32-month high. The rise has been attributed to positive results from several mid-sized firms that have announced half-year earnings. It is also being seen as a sign that Nigeria's economy is on the road to recovery. Governor Godwin Emefiele said recently that Nigeria is likely to emerge from a recession this year.