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Generate Leads Join The Republic as a Business Development Associate

September 15, 2020

Create Knowledge Join The Republic as a Full-Time Editorial Assistant (Digital Publishing)

September 27, 2020

Current Issue #EndSARS and the Makings of a Historical Movement

December 23, 2020
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Vol. 4, No. 3

Russia’s Africa?
IN THIS ISSUE
COVER ESSAYS
⎈ Kremlin's Renewed Interest: Russia's Emerging Threat to Elections in Africa by Tabitha Mwangi x Chimwemwe Fabiano; ⎈ A New Imperialism? — Russia-Africa Relations in the Twenty-First Century by Blessing Simura x George Mudimu x Fadzai Chipato ⎈ A Changing Dynamic: The Evolution of Russia-Africa Relations by Aaliyah Vayez; and ⎈ The Kremlin's North African Gateway: A Discourse — Western Sahara, Crimea and Russia's Interest in Morocco by Dylan Yachyshen. Read the entire issue.  

Editors' Picks: Independence Day 2020

Recommended reading by The Republic's editors, on Nigeria 60 years after declaring independence.

  • Efuru Turns 50 6 Writers Visit Select Pages from Flora Nwapa's Debut Novel

    The RepublicFebruary 23, 2017
  • This photo is for our piece on 'The Controversial Legacy of Obafemi Awolowo

    An Irony of History The Complicated Legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo

    Chukwudi UkonneAugust 31, 2020
  • This image is for our piece on the Prophetic Vision of Chinua Achebe.

    The Prophetic Vision of Chinua Achebe Reclaiming Africa's Past, Writing Its Present, Shaping Its Future

    Boluwatife Akinro and Joshua Segun-LeanJanuary 13, 2020
  • “We Remember Differently” What Really Happened in Biafra

    Dominique OtigbahMarch 10, 2018
  • This photo is for our piece on Language and the Ghost of Our Colonial Past.

    Nollywords Lionheart, Language and the Ghost of Our Colonial Past

    Ore OgunbiyiNovember 18, 2019
  • For the People, Without the People The Crisis of Representation in Nigerian Politics

    Dafe oputuMay 9, 2019
  • Nigerian Military Leadership Obasanjo 1977

    Nigeria’s Arrested Development A History of Accidental Presidents

    Chukwudi UkonneApril 17, 2020
  • This photo is for our piece on the nigerianization of crimes in South Africa.

    Phobia or Scapegoatism? The Nigerianization of Crimes in South Africa

    Hakeem OnapajoSeptember 20, 2019
  • This photo is for our piece on Nigeria and the US visa ban

    A Wake-Up Call? The Recent Travel Restrictions on Nigerians

    Zainab UsmanMarch 9, 2020
  • This image is for our piece on Lagbaja, Our Second Democracy Superhero

    Lagbaja, Something for You The Legacy of Our Second Democracy Superhero

    Olamide Adio OlanrewajuDecember 6, 2019
  • This image is for our piece titled 'Poet, in the Time of Buhari'

    Poet in the Time of Buhari Nigeria at 59

    Moyosore OrimoloyeOctober 1, 2019
  • Pseudo Hope: A Discourse On Nigeria's Vision 2020 and Future Development

    Pseudo Hope: A Discourse On Nigeria's Vision 2020 and Future Development

    Bibiana Ossai and John I. BabalolaApril 3, 2020

The Latest Online

    • Tunrie Bisi-Afolabi

      ‘Writers are Guardians of Truth.’ Tunrie Bisi-Afolabi’s First Draft.

      Motunrola Bisi-AfolabiJanuary 22, 2021
    • Sa'eed Husaini

      ‘I Edit as I Write, Unfortunately.’ Sa’eed Husaini’s First Draft.

      Sa'eed HusainiDecember 18, 2020
    • Emmanuel Iduma illustration

      ‘How Do You Distinguish between History and Memory?’ Emmanuel Iduma’s First Draft

      Emmanuel IdumaDecember 11, 2020
    • ‘Music Has Always Been a Part of My Process.’ Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀’s First Draft

      Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀December 4, 2020
    • Edo State’s Struggle for Meaning The 2020 Edo State Governorship Election in Retrospect

      Ope AdetayoNovember 30, 2020
    • ‘The Impetus of My Life and Work is Love.’ OluTimehin Adegbeye's First Draft

      Olutimehin AdegbeyeNovember 27, 2020

Special Focus: COVID-19

Expert Roundtable

  • covid 19 nigeria

    Weathering the Storm COVID-19 and the Case for Universal Basic Income in Nigeria

    Oluwaseyi SomefunJune 12, 2020
  • This photo is for our essay on A monstrous Overlap

    A Monstrous Overlap COVID-19 and the New Climate Change Imperative

    Oluwaseun OguntuaseOctober 16, 2020
  • This photo is for our post on Ebola, COVID-19 and other unprofitable diseases.

    Unprofitable Diseases Ebola, COVID-19 and the Return of Industrial Policy in Africa?

    Francisco PerezNovember 17, 2020
  • COVID 19 Pandemic Africans used to test drugs

    Echoes of History COVID Vaccine Tests in Africa

    Muzz MuhammadJune 5, 2020
  • How COVID 19 affects the environment

    The Vengeful Outdoors? The Environmental Drivers of COVID-19

    Amirah YusufMay 8, 2020
  • This photo is for our essay

    (Purse) Strings Attached From Dependency to Decolonization in Global Health

    Paula AkugizibweAugust 14, 2020
  • Two Windows COVID-19 and the World Bank’s Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility

    Gbolahan BadmusNovember 23, 2020
  • This photo is for our essay on Southern Africa's Persistent Dilemma

    Southern Africa’s Persistent Dilemma Coronavirus and the Lost Legacy of the AIDS Epidemic

    Liam James KingsleyNovember 2, 2020
  • ‘Only Science Can Save Mankind’ Coronavirus, the Death of Religion and the Resurrection of Science

    Abdulbasit KassimJuly 3, 2020
  • COVID-19 and the Palliative Force of Religion

    ‘Where is God in All of This?’ COVID-19 and the Palliative Force of Religion

    Abdulbasit KassimJune 19, 2020
  • Muhammadu Buhari addresses the nation on coronavirus

    ‘COVID-19 is a Big Scam’ Citizens’ Distrust and the Challenge of Combating Coronavirus in Nigeria

    Hakeem Onapajo and Jelili AdebiyiMarch 30, 2020
  • COVID-19, Pandemics and Reconciling Religious Faith With Science

    God the Master Scientist COVID-19, Pandemics and Reconciling Religious Faith With Science

    Abdulbasit KassimJuly 17, 2020

From Our Latest Issue

  • Kremlin’s Renewed Interest Russia’s Emerging Threat to Elections in Africa

    Tabitha Mwangi and Chimwemwe FabianoJuly 24, 2020

A Changing Dynamic The Evolution of Russia-Africa Relations

Aaliyah VayezSeptember 14, 2020

A New Imperialism? Russia-Africa Relations in the Twenty-First Century

Blessing Simura, George Mudimu and Fadzai ChipatoAugust 24, 2020

The Kremlin’s North African Gateway? Western Sahara, Crimea and Russia’s Interest in Morocco

Dylan YachyshenJuly 31, 2020
    • A New Scramble in the Horn of Africa

      A New Scramble in the Horn of Africa The Multipolar Contest for Africa’s Eastern Region

      Stephen PaduanoJuly 27, 2020
    • This photo is for our essay on A New Doctrine? Understanding Russia and the New Scramble for Africa

      A New Doctrine? Understanding Russia and the New Scramble for Africa

      Taigh AdebajoAugust 7, 2020
    • This photo is for our essay on 'The Dynamic Evolution of Russo-African Relations'

      The Dynamic Evolution of Russo-African Relations Africa’s Struggle for Agency in a New Power Tussle

      Chukwudi UkonneAugust 17, 2020

Introducing 'First Draft'

Our New Column Featuring Authors on Books, Reading & Writing

    • Introducing ‘First Draft’: Our New Column Authors and Prominent Figures on Books, Reading and Writing

      The RepublicFebruary 4, 2020
    • ‘Writer, Write.’ Moyosore Orimoloye's First Draft

      Moyosore OrimoloyeFebruary 5, 2020
    • This photo is for our piece on Ore Ogunbiyi's First Draft

      ‘Editing Feels Like Taking Vitamins.’ Ore Ogunbiyi’s First Draft

      Ore OgunbiyiFebruary 12, 2020
    • This photo is for our piece on 'The Lesson is in the Design' Merlin Uwlaka Interview

      ‘The Lesson is in Design’ Merlin Uwalaka’s First Draft

      Merlin UwalakaFebruary 19, 2020
    • This photo is for our piece on ‘The Story Comes With Its Own Style’ Sada Malumfashi's First Draft

      ‘The Story Comes With Its Own Style’ Sada Malumfashi’s First Draft

      Sada MalumfashiFebruary 26, 2020
    • This photo is for our piece on Political theorist Ẹniọlá Ànúolúwapọ́ Ṣóyẹmí’s First Draft

      ‘Finish the Damned Thing’ Ẹniọlá Ànúolúwapọ́ Ṣóyẹmí’s First Draft

      Eniola Anuoluwapo SoyemiMarch 4, 2020
    • This photo is for our piece on Dominique Otigbah's First Draft

      ‘Who has time for undecided authors?’   Dominique Otigbah’s First Draft

      Dominique OtigbahMarch 11, 2020
    • Joshua Segun-Lean's First Draft

      ‘Every Time You Decide to Write, What Is at Stake for You?’ Joshua Segun-Lean’s First Draft

      Joshua Segun-LeanMarch 18, 2020
    • Moyosore Orekoya First Draft

      ‘Talent not nurtured is useless.’ Moyosore Orekoya’s First Draft

      Moyosore OrekoyaMarch 25, 2020
    • Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún

      ‘Language is resilient’ Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún’s First Draft

      Kọ́lá Túbọ̀súnApril 1, 2020
    • Saratu Abiola

      ‘Are the people in this story I’m telling recognizably human?’ Saratu Abiola’s First Draft

      Saratu AbiolaApril 8, 2020
    • Oreva Olakpe

      ‘Write Something Every Day’ Oreva Olakpe’s First Draft

      Oreva OlakpeApril 15, 2020

Economic Issues

  • ierra Leone’s Alluvial Diamond Industry

    Poor Institutions or Unfair Power Dynamics? Notes from Sierra Leone’s Alluvial Diamond Industry

    Shaquille GilpinJuly 6, 2020
  • This photos for our piece on the understated significance of Nigerian market women.

    Women Like Olabisi The Understated Significance of Nigerian Market Women

    Aderonke Adeola and Donna EtiebetOctober 30, 2019
  • Maga Don Pay Nigeria's Culture of Cybercrime

    Stephen AgwaiborSeptember 6, 2019
  • This photo is for our piece on disinformation in Nigeria

    Disinformation Era The Politics of Information in the Digital Age

    Alhassan Pereira IbrahimSeptember 7, 2019
  • This photo is for our peice on Gendering Social Protection

    Gendering Social Protection The Lessons for Africa

    Chimezie AnajamaFebruary 14, 2020
  • Reading China What to Read on Africa-China Relations

    Oreva OlakpeNovember 17, 2018
  • Where are African Victims? In the Emerging Working Class Anti-Globalization Discourse

    Moses E. OchonuJuly 6, 2017
  • This is for our piece on Work in the Digital Economy.

    The Grind Goes Online Work in the Digital Economy

    Marie EhinomenSeptember 18, 2019
  • Electricity Line and Sunset at Dopemu, Lagos, Nigeria

    Electrons Are Free but Not Electricity Finding the Right Price for Electricity in Nigeria

    Tam AlexNovember 18, 2020
 

International Issues

  • ierra Leone’s Alluvial Diamond Industry

    Poor Institutions or Unfair Power Dynamics? Notes from Sierra Leone’s Alluvial Diamond Industry

    Shaquille GilpinJuly 6, 2020
  • The Politics of Compassion US Immigration Policy and the Conflicted American Archetype

    Aarshin KarandeAugust 12, 2017
  • currency union

    Putting the Cart before the Horse? The Problem with a Currency Union for West Africa

    Oluwaseyi VincentMay 11, 2020
  • This photo is for our essay on 'A New Imperialism?'

    A New Imperialism? Russia-Africa Relations in the Twenty-First Century

    Blessing Simura, George Mudimu and Fadzai ChipatoAugust 24, 2020
  • This photo is for our essay on Southern Africa's Persistent Dilemma

    Southern Africa’s Persistent Dilemma Coronavirus and the Lost Legacy of the AIDS Epidemic

    Liam James KingsleyNovember 2, 2020
  • AI

    Deep Unlearning? AI and Africa’s Struggling Public Institutions

    Victor FamubodeMay 29, 2020
  • Nigerian Military Leadership Obasanjo 1977

    Nigeria’s Arrested Development A History of Accidental Presidents

    Chukwudi UkonneApril 17, 2020
  • No More Insufficient Funds Yahoo Yahoo and Cybercrime’s International Ecosystem

    Adewale OloworekendeAugust 28, 2019
  • This photo is for our essay on A Post-Coup World

    A Post-Coup World? Mali and the Slow Decline of Military Dictatorships

    Promise Frank EjioforOctober 7, 2020
 

Historical Issues

  • Lessons of Discord The Repressive Dimensions of Pan-African Nationalism

    Brooks MarmonNovember 9, 2020
  • History Keeps Me Awake at Night

    Africa Will Always Have History Art and Literature in My Sleepless Pursuit of African Pasts

    Adams AdeosunJuly 10, 2020
  • This photo is for our piece Against Imperialism.

    Against Imperialism Chinua Achebe, Joseph Conrad and the Representation of Africa

    Vina NwekeNovember 20, 2019
 

Political Issues

  • This photo is for our piece on Nigeria's Sovereign Wealth Fund.

    Who’s Afraid of Saving Money? The Political Economy of Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund

    Daniel OlikaSeptember 16, 2019
  • Between Fulani Herdsmen and Farmers National Security under Buhari

    Chijioke NwosuApril 23, 2017
  • This photo is for our essay on 'A New Imperialism?'

    A New Imperialism? Russia-Africa Relations in the Twenty-First Century

    Blessing Simura, George Mudimu and Fadzai ChipatoAugust 24, 2020
  • #eEndSARS governance

    Looting as Catharsis #EndSARS and the Crisis of Governance in Nigeria

    Promise Frank EjioforDecember 22, 2020
  • Reading China What to Read on Africa-China Relations

    Oreva OlakpeNovember 17, 2018
  • This photo is for our essay on Rethinking African Progress | African Development and the Significance of Sacrificial Generations

    Rethinking African Progress African Development and the Significance of Sacrificial Generations

    Abel GaiyaSeptember 7, 2020
  • Western Sahara, Crimea and Russia’s Interest in Morocco

    The Kremlin’s North African Gateway? Western Sahara, Crimea and Russia’s Interest in Morocco

    Dylan YachyshenJuly 31, 2020
  • The Great Unravelling The Disintegration of the Nigerian State

    Chris NgwodoDecember 6, 2017
  • This photo is for our piece on the nigerianization of crimes in South Africa.

    Phobia or Scapegoatism? The Nigerianization of Crimes in South Africa

    Hakeem OnapajoSeptember 20, 2019
 

Social Issues

  • Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún

    ‘Language is resilient’ Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún’s First Draft

    Kọ́lá Túbọ̀súnApril 1, 2020
  • A Day Without Women The #WomensMarch and Feminism in Trump's America

    Chidinma Irene NwoyeFebruary 23, 2017
  • This photo is for our piece Against Imperialism.

    Against Imperialism Chinua Achebe, Joseph Conrad and the Representation of Africa

    Vina NwekeNovember 20, 2019
  • The Blacker the Berry Race and the Devaluation of Black Lives in America

    Oyinkansola AdepitanMarch 1, 2019
  • This photo is for our piece on Dominique Otigbah's First Draft

    ‘Who has time for undecided authors?’   Dominique Otigbah’s First Draft

    Dominique OtigbahMarch 11, 2020
  • Creating Africa Africa in the Global Contest of Looking and Representation

    Boluwatife AkinroJune 24, 2019
  • Politics of Exposure The Visual Economy of HIV/AIDS in South Africa

    Boetumelo Julianne NyasuluJune 26, 2020
  • This photos for our piece on the understated significance of Nigerian market women.

    Women Like Olabisi The Understated Significance of Nigerian Market Women

    Aderonke Adeola and Donna EtiebetOctober 30, 2019
  • This image is for our piece on Hijabs, Respectability and What it Actually Means To Be Free

    When We Talk of Freedom Hijabs, Respectability and What it Actually Means to be Free

    Hauwa Shaffii NuhuOctober 14, 2019
 

Technological Issues

  • AI

    Deep Unlearning? AI and Africa’s Struggling Public Institutions

    Victor FamubodeMay 29, 2020
  • On a Coding Diet The Place for STEM Development in Nigeria

    Fife OgundeSeptember 3, 2019
  • This photo is for our essay on Southern Africa's Persistent Dilemma

    Southern Africa’s Persistent Dilemma Coronavirus and the Lost Legacy of the AIDS Epidemic

    Liam James KingsleyNovember 2, 2020
  • This photo is for our piece on disinformation in Nigeria

    Disinformation Era The Politics of Information in the Digital Age

    Alhassan Pereira IbrahimSeptember 7, 2019
  • How COVID 19 affects the environment

    The Vengeful Outdoors? The Environmental Drivers of COVID-19

    Amirah YusufMay 8, 2020
  • This photo is for our interview with Dennis Osadebe

    Dennis Osadebe’s Near Future Art in The Republic V3 N3

    The RepublicSeptember 9, 2019
  • Teetering on the Edge of a Cliff Safeguarding Nigeria's Future Workforce

    Misan RewaneSeptember 6, 2019
  • This photo is for our essay on The Economic Impacts of Internet Shutdowns

    Government Control in the Digital Age The Economic Impacts of Internet Shutdowns

    Osaye AjariDecember 2, 2020
  • This image is for our piece on African tech for African problems

    African Tech for African Problems Should We Be Celebrating Big Tech in Africa?

    Emeka Joseph NwankwoSeptember 7, 2019

CURRENT ISSUE

Current-Issue

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Latest

On the National Red Line Negotiating Nigeria’s ‘Non-Negotiable’ Unity

January 27, 2021

For the Community, By the Community COVID-19, Design and Handwashing Infrastructure in Nigeria

January 25, 2021
Tunrie Bisi-Afolabi

‘Writers are Guardians of Truth.’ Tunrie Bisi-Afolabi’s First Draft.

January 22, 2021

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The Republic
President Buhari replaces military service chiefs. President Buhari replaces military service chiefs.⠀
-⠀
On Tuesday, 26 January 2021, Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, replaced the top military commanders after months of pressure over his response to the widespread insecurity in the country. The spokesman for the presidency, Garba Shehu, said to Reuters news agency that some of the commanders had resigned while others retired.⠀
-⠀
In 2020, the Nigerian house of representatives and other notable governors in the country demanded the resignation of the military service chiefs as they felt they were underperforming—given the widespread insurgency in the North and the dramatic rise of criminal gangs who kidnap for ransom.⠀
-⠀
Shehu announced the newly appointed service chiefs; Maj-Gen Leo Irabor as Chief of Defence Staff; Gen I Attahiru as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A Z Gambo as Chief of Naval Staff and Air-Vice Marshal I O Amao as Chief of Air Staff.⠀
-⠀
The replaced chiefs were appointed by Buhari in 2015 after he was elected for his first presidential term. They have served for more than five years—making their tenure the longest since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. President Buhari thanked the outgoing commanders for their ‘overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to our dear country’.  ⠀
-⠀
According to the BBC, Nigerians, who see this move as long overdue, hope the new security chiefs will work to make the country safer, but analysts say more needs to be done to provide the military with the right equipment and funding, as well as looking after the welfare of troops before any tangible changes will be seen.⠀
____________⠀
📝: Tomisin, Editorial Assistant.⠀
📷: Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari speaks at a campaign for his re-election, in Uyo, Nigeria December 28, 2018. Tife Owolabi / REUTERS
Questioning Nigeria’s unity =/= asking for seces Questioning Nigeria’s unity =/= asking for secession. #OnSite⚡
- 
In our latest online essay, writer, Chukwudi Ukonne, examines the negotiation of Nigeria’s ‘non-negotiable’ unity and how it differs from calls for secession. 
- 
According to Ukonne, the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria should be given room for democratic assessment, without being regarded as a plot to break up the country. He explains that, ‘Nigeria, having come into being through the forceful imposition of foreign rule which denied the indigenous peoples the opportunity to determine the terms of their co-existence, continues to be held together by bonds of superficial unity.’ 
- 
Ukonne argues that requests made for renegotiating the terms of Nigeria’s unity should not be automatically equated with calls for secession. He explains that though the basis of Nigeria’s unity is a question the nation continues to grapple with, the formation of new independent nations does not guarantee the absence of the internal strife that has plagued Nigeria for decades. This, according to Ukonne, is evident in the ‘social intimidation and political ostracization’ that was present in the former secessionist state of Biafra. 
- 
Ultimately, Ukonne argues that the establishment of Nigeria’s unity, which has always been considered non-negotiable by Nigerian leaders, begins with the government’s commitment towards a unity that is ‘subject to periodic appraisals and democratic renegotiations.’ 
- 
Do you agree with Ukonne? Let us know in our comments. For more on this topic, click the link in our bio. 
___________ 
📝: Chukwudi Ukonne 
📷: Nigeria's independence in 1960. Nigerian Archives.
Biden cancels Trump’s ban on transgender America Biden cancels Trump’s ban on transgender Americans joining the military.⠀
-⠀
According to BBC News, newly-sworn-in American President, Joe Biden, issued an executive order on 25 January that reversed former president Donald Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the US military.⠀
-⠀
According to Aljazeera, Trump first ordered the ban in 2017. The policy was challenged in courts and described as ‘discriminatory’ before it eventually took effect in January 2019. It drew protests from gay rights advocates who slammed the ‘bigoted’ and ‘irresponsible’ order.⠀
-⠀
Trump’s announcement of the ban on Twitter in 2017 indicated ‘tremendous medical costs and disruption’ as reasons for the ban. Transgender people already serving were allowed to continue, but new transgender recruits were banned from enlisting. According to data from the US Department of Defence analyzed by the Palm Center, there were 8,980 active-duty transgender troops in the US military in 2019.⠀
____________⠀
📝: Wemimo, Editorial Assistant.⠀
📷: American troops training soldiers near Agadez, Niger. April 2020. Tara Todras-Whitehill / New York Times.
Today in 1950, the Indian constitution took effect Today in 1950, the Indian constitution took effect.⠀
-⠀
On 26 January 1950, the Indian constitution took effect, making the Republic of India the most populous democracy in the world. Today is also celebrated as Republic Day in India.⠀⠀
-⠀
The constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949. It replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the country's fundamental governing document, and the Dominion of India became the Republic of India. The original Constitution of India was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, an Indian calligrapher. ⠀
-⠀
The Constitution of India is described as the supreme law of India and provides its citizens with six fundamental rights. These rights are the right to freedom, right to equality, cultural and educational rights, right to constitutional remedies, right against exploitation, and right to privacy. The constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, and is the longest constitution of any sovereign country in the world, having a preamble, 22 parts with 448 articles, 12 schedules, five appendices and 115 amendments.⠀
-⠀
Additional Historical Fact: Did you know that Nigeria-India relations date back to the 1950s? According to the High Commission of India, India established its Diplomatic House in Lagos in November 1958, two years before Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960. Presently, India is one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa.
___________⠀
📝: Etashe, Editorial Assistant⠀
📷: Members of the Constituent Assembly signing the Constitution. Bloomberg Quint
Nigerian soldiers reportedly shoot civilians in Im Nigerian soldiers reportedly shoot civilians in Imo State. ⠀
-⠀
According to Premium Times, residents of Orlu community in Imo State, eastern Nigeria, reported heavy shootings by officers of the Nigerian army on Monday, 25 January 2021.⠀
-⠀
The shootings were said to have resulted from a clash between officers of the Nigerian army and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) established by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group. ⠀
-⠀
According to Arise News, reports from eyewitnesses state that the clash occurred after an attack was made on some soldiers, who had assaulted some youths in the town on Sunday, 24 January. The reports note that the soldiers returned later at night in retaliation, and with reinforcements on Monday. The army is reported to have shot sporadically at civilians, leading to the death of several residents.⠀
-⠀
Following the shoot-out, the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodima, held an emergency security council meeting and directed security agencies to ‘fish out without fail, all those behind the carnage and immediately bring them to book.’ As an interim measure to restore peace, the governor has ordered a dusk to dawn curfew (6 pm to 6 am) in some local government areas within the state, namely Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre. ⠀
___________⠀
📝: Etashe, Editorial Assistant⠀
📷 Nigerian soldiers stand at the ready at the headquarters of the 120th Battalion in Goniri, Yobe State. AUDU MARTE / AFP
An African solution to COVID-19? #OnSite⚡ - In o An African solution to COVID-19? #OnSite⚡
-
In our latest online essay, design practitioner, Mambidzeni Madzivire, and industrial designer, Nifemi Marcus-Bello, explain a design-driven approach to developing an effective handwashing station in response to COVID-19.
-
They explain that COVID-19 has increased the demand for handwashing infrastructure and has 'generated high levels of contribution and collaboration in the fields of clinical medicine, scientific research, and engineering globally'. One of these contributions is an effective design-driven handwashing system the authors designed.
-
According to Madzivire and Marcus-Bello, in designing this system, they used different design techniques. These techniques included human-centred design, accessibility design, inclusive design, and industrial design.
-
The authors explain that human-centred design is 'anchored by using ethnographic methods to develop insights about a person, their needs and their environment.' For the handwashing station, Madzivire and Marcus-Bello conducted 'in-depth interviews with various stakeholders in the healthcare environment, including nurses, doctors and users living with physical disabilities'. This, the authors argue, allowed them to design a solution that completely matches the handwashing needs of the public.
-
Another design technique they note is the accessibility design which provides accessibility to every human including those living with a disability. 'In order for a product to be considered accessible', they explain, 'it must make the experience available to all, including people living with disabilities'. Ultimately, according to Madzivire and Marcus-Bello, creating a handwashing station in a Nigerian healthcare facility will have 'greater long-term impact not only for COVID-19 but for other infectious diseases as well'.
-
For more on this topic, their research and the designs, click the link in our bio.
____________
📝: Mambidzeni Madzivire & Nifemi Marcus-Bello
📷: Three healthcare workers at C.H. Rennie Hospital in Kakata, Margibi County in Liberia. Dominic Chavez / World Bank.
-
The effective handwashing station designed by Marcus-Bello and Madzivire.
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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.