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Nigeria Plunged into Darkness Again as National Grid Loses Over 2,000 Megawatts Amid Federal Condemnation of Air Force Attack on Ikeja Electric

8th March, 2025 at 06:51
By Our Reporter

Lagos, Nigeria – March 8, 2025 – Many parts of Nigeria were thrust into darkness once again on Friday, March 7, 2025, as the national power grid suffered a significant collapse, losing over 2,000 mega

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Lagos, Nigeria – March 8, 2025 – Many parts of Nigeria were thrust into darkness once again on Friday, March 7, 2025, as the national power grid suffered a significant collapse, losing over 2,000 megawatts of electricity. This marks the second major power supply disturbance of the year, exacerbating the country’s chronic energy woes. The grid failure coincided with a stern condemnation from the federal government regarding a violent incident the previous day, where personnel from the Nigerian Air Force attacked the headquarters and facilities of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) in Lagos, leaving several people injured and critical equipment vandalized.

National Grid Collapse: A Recurring Nightmare
The latest grid collapse occurred on Friday, though exact details of the timing remain unclear as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has yet to release an official statement. Preliminary reports suggest that power generation plummeted from a peak above 2,000 megawatts to near-zero levels, disrupting electricity supply across multiple states. This incident follows a similar collapse on February 12, 2025, when generation dropped from 2,111.01 megawatts to 390.20 megawatts, according to Sahara Reporters. That event, also confirmed by Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies, was the first grid failure of the year.
Posts on X and prior news reports indicate widespread frustration among Nigerians, with some users noting that this is at least the 14th grid collapse in the past 14 months. The nation’s grid, despite an installed capacity of 13,500 megawatts, rarely distributes more than a third of that due to aging infrastructure, vandalism, and systemic inefficiencies. The frequent outages have forced households and businesses to rely heavily on costly diesel and petrol generators, a burden worsened by rising fuel prices since the removal of subsidies in 2023.
Energy analysts point to multiple factors behind the collapses, including underinvestment in transmission lines, attacks on infrastructure—particularly in the northern regions—and an imbalance between power generation and demand. Just weeks ago, on February 12, Ikeja Electric reported a system outage at 11:34 AM WAT, with restoration efforts ongoing in collaboration with stakeholders. Yesterday’s event suggests that these efforts have yet to yield lasting stability.
Federal Government Condemns Air Force Attack on Ikeja Electric
Adding a dramatic twist to the energy crisis, the federal government issued a strong rebuke on Friday over an incident that unfolded the previous day, Thursday, March 6. Personnel from the Nigerian Air Force stormed the headquarters of Ikeja Electric in Lagos, reportedly in retaliation for the disconnection of power to an Air Force facility due to unpaid electricity bills. The attack left workers and journalists injured, with facilities vandalized and equipment damaged, further threatening the region’s fragile power distribution network.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the assault as “unfortunate and a matter of grave concern,” emphasizing its detrimental impact on an already strained power sector. In a statement echoed by Punch Newspapers on X at 21:04 WAT on March 7, Adelabu said, “The attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of our nation’s critical power distribution companies, by the Nigerian Air Force is totally condemned.” Posts on X from users like
@ayotem4real
at 16:44 WAT on March 6 detailed the chaos, alleging that the Air Force personnel engaged in “vandalising, kidnapping, and destroying public properties,” calling for resistance against such actions.
The incident has sparked outrage among citizens and energy stakeholders, with many questioning the military’s response to a routine billing dispute. Ikeja Electric, one of the largest distribution companies serving Lagos and its environs, has not yet quantified the full extent of the damage, but the attack could delay restoration efforts following the grid collapse. The federal government has promised a thorough investigation, though no timeline for accountability or reparations has been specified.
A Nation in Crisis: Power and Security Collide
Friday’s dual crises—the grid collapse and the fallout from the Air Force attack—underscore Nigeria’s intertwined challenges of energy reliability and institutional dysfunction. The loss of over 2,000 megawatts comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic pressures and public discontent over inconsistent power supply. Businesses, already reeling from high operational costs, face yet another setback, while households endure prolonged blackouts.
The timing of the grid failure, on the same day as the government’s condemnation, raises questions about potential links between the attack and the power disruption, though no evidence currently supports this speculation. Analysts suggest that the damaged equipment at Ikeja Electric’s facilities could have compounded the grid’s instability, but the TCN will need to clarify the precise cause once investigations are complete.
Public Reaction and the Road Ahead
Sentiment on X reflects a mix of exhaustion and anger. Nigerians have long criticized the government and power sector stakeholders for failing to deliver on promises of reform, such as Adelabu’s ambitious pledge last year to achieve 6,000 megawatts by the end of 2024—a target that remains elusive. The privatization of the power sector in 2013, intended to improve efficiency, has instead left the nation stuck at around 4,000–5,000 megawatts for decades, a stark contrast to South Africa’s 40,000 megawatts for a population half Nigeria’s size.
As restoration efforts begin, distribution companies like Ikeja Electric and others are likely working with TCN to bring power back online, though no official updates were available by 06:46 AM WAT on Saturday, March 8. The federal government faces mounting pressure to address both the immediate crisis and the deeper systemic issues, including securing infrastructure, resolving payment disputes without violence, and investing in a grid that can withstand the demands of over 200 million people.
For now, Nigerians brace for more uncertainty, caught between the darkness of a faltering grid and the turbulence of a nation struggling to power its future.

Doyin Okupe Passed on at 71

7th March, 2025 at 14:22
By Our Reporter

On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu led tributes following the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, who passed away that morning at the age of 72. In a statement is

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On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu led tributes following the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, who passed away that morning at the age of 72. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Okupe’s passing, describing him as a medical doctor, politician, communicator, and strategist who played "a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape." The President highlighted Okupe’s bold and articulate advocacy for national development, noting that his death occurred at a time when his wealth of experience and insight remained invaluable to the nation.
Doyin Okupe, a prominent figure from Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, had a political career spanning over three decades. He served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan and as Special Assistant on Media to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Okupe held notable positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), and was active in several political parties, such as the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, where he was the national leader. More recently, he served as the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election. Beyond politics, Okupe contributed to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and as the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Okupe’s family, friends, and associates, while also commiserating with the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, for the loss of an esteemed son and leader. He acknowledged the enduring impact Okupe had on his home state and the significant void left by his passing in the hearts of those who knew him. The President concluded his tribute by praying for the repose of Okupe’s soul and for comfort for all those mourning the loss of the departed patriot.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspended by the Senate

6th March, 2025 at 17:20
By Our Reporter

As of March 6, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has been suspended for six months. This development follows a series of events that escalated te

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As of March 6, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has been suspended for six months. This development follows a series of events that escalated tensions between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, culminating in her suspension by the Senate on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Background

The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when Senator Natasha protested a reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber, which she claimed was done without her consent. This led to a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio, who ordered her removal from the session. Following this incident, Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, alleging that her troubles in the Senate stemmed from rejecting his advances. She submitted a petition to the Senate detailing these claims, which was dismissed by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on procedural grounds.

Suspension Process

On March 6, 2025, the Senate Committee on Ethics, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, presented its report during a plenary session. The committee found Natasha guilty of "unparliamentary conduct" and violating Senate rules, citing her confrontation with Akpabio and her subsequent allegations. The panel recommended a six-month suspension, effective immediately, which the Senate adopted via a majority vote. Reports indicate that Natasha was not given an opportunity to speak in her defense before the vote, a point that has sparked criticism.

Terms of Suspension

The suspension includes several punitive measures:

Natasha is barred from all legislative activities and from accessing the National Assembly premises.

Her office is to be locked, and she must return all Senate properties in her possession.

Her salary, security details, and other allowances are to be withdrawn during the suspension period, though some reports note that her aides' salaries may continue following an intervention by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

She is prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator, both locally and internationally.

The committee stipulated that the suspension could be reviewed if Natasha submits a written apology to the Senate.

Natasha’s Response

Following the suspension, Senator Natasha described the decision as an "injustice" that "will not be sustained." In a statement reported on March 6, 2025, she expressed determination to challenge the ruling, though specific legal or procedural steps she might take remain unclear at this time. She had previously claimed during an Arise News interview that Akpabio blocked her motions in the Senate and suggested she meet him privately, where he allegedly implied she would benefit from complying with his advances.

Public and Media Reaction

The suspension has generated significant attention. Some observers have questioned the fairness of the process, noting the lack of a formal investigation into Natasha’s harassment allegations and the denial of her chance to speak before the vote. Others see the suspension as a consequence of her defiance of Senate protocol. The situation has been widely covered by Nigerian media outlets, including BBC News, Channels Television, and The Punch, with reports highlighting both the official narrative and Natasha’s counterclaims.

Context and Implications

This incident marks a rare and high-profile disciplinary action within the Nigerian Senate, raising questions about internal governance, gender dynamics, and the handling of misconduct allegations in the legislative body. Akpabio has denied the harassment claims, calling them unfounded and affirming his respect for women. The suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, will run until early September 2025 unless altered by a Senate .

Senate Plenary on 5th March, 2025

5th March, 2025 at 13:39
By Our Reporter

 

Based on the information provided about the Live Senate Plenary session from Wednesday, March 5, 2025, here is a comprehensive report:
The Senate convened to address several petitions and legislative

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Based on the information provided about the Live Senate Plenary session from Wednesday, March 5, 2025, here is a comprehensive report:
The Senate convened to address several petitions and legislative matters. Among the petitions discussed were one concerning a legal impediment and another regarding the dismissal of a Central Bank branch manager. Both issues were referred to the Committee on Ethics for further review and deliberation.
A notable moment in the session occurred when a point of order was raised concerning a petition presented by Senator Natasha. The petition was flagged as potentially violating Senate rules due to its connection to an ongoing court case. Senator Natasha responded by defending her petition, likely providing arguments to justify its relevance and adherence to Senate protocols.
The session also saw the introduction of several bills, which were presented and read for the first time. These bills covered topics such as leadership, certification, and the establishment or governance of federal universities. While specific details of each bill were not elaborated, their initial readings mark the beginning of the legislative process for these proposals.
A significant portion of the plenary focused on the David Umay University of Health Sciences Establishment Bill 2025. The Senate reviewed and approved the bill’s clauses and schedules, culminating in its passage. This legislation aims to establish a new university dedicated to health sciences in Uburu, Akwa Ibom State, reflecting an effort to enhance educational infrastructure in that region.
Additionally, the Senate considered a bill originating from the House for concurrence: the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act Amendment Bill 2025. This bill seeks to establish an Orthopedic Hospital in Kwara and Osun States indicating a push to expand specialized healthcare facilities. The Senate’s review of this bill suggests ongoing collaboration between the two legislative chambers to refine and advance healthcare policy.

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Arsenal Set to Host Chelsea in Crucial Premier League Showdown

15th March, 2025 at 06:53
By Our Reporter

 

Arsenal are gearing up for a high-stakes Premier League clash this Sunday as they welcome local rivals Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium. The match, scheduled to kick off at 2:30 PM GMT, promises to be

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Arsenal are gearing up for a high-stakes Premier League clash this Sunday as they welcome local rivals Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium. The match, scheduled to kick off at 2:30 PM GMT, promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams as they vie for supremacy in the English top flight. Fans can catch all the action live via streaming on Showmax.
Currently sitting in second place, Arsenal find themselves 15 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. Despite the gap, the Gunners remain steadfast in their belief that the Premier League title is still within reach. A victory against Chelsea could prove to be a significant step in closing the distance, especially with the season approaching its critical stages.
For Arsenal, this London derby is more than just bragging rights—it’s an opportunity to keep their championship dreams alive. Manager Mikel Arteta has instilled a sense of resilience in his squad, and the team’s recent performances suggest they’re ready to fight until the final whistle. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard will be crucial in breaking down a Chelsea side known for its tactical discipline and attacking flair.
Chelsea, meanwhile, head into the match with their own ambitions. Under their current management, the Blues have shown flashes of brilliance this season and will look to derail Arsenal’s title aspirations while bolstering their own standing in the league. With a talented roster featuring the likes of Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández, Chelsea pose a formidable threat.
The rivalry between these two clubs adds an extra layer of intensity to an already consequential fixture. Historically, matches between Arsenal and Chelsea have been tightly contested, often decided by moments of individual brilliance or tactical mastery. Sunday’s encounter is expected to be no different, with both teams desperate for the three points.
Fans tuning in on Showmax can anticipate a thrilling spectacle as Arsenal aim to keep their title hopes flickering and Chelsea seek to assert their dominance in this London showdown. Kickoff is at 2:30 PM GMT—don’t miss it!

 

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Entertainment News From South Africa

27th February, 2025 at 04:28
By Our Reporter

South Africa's entertainment landscape is vibrant, with notable developments across music, film, television, and cultural events.

Music

Tyla's Meteoric Rise: Twenty-three-year-old South African artist T

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South Africa's entertainment landscape is vibrant, with notable developments across music, film, television, and cultural events.

Music

Tyla's Meteoric Rise: Twenty-three-year-old South African artist Tyla has captivated global audiences with her unique fusion of pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and amapiano. Her 2023 hit "Water" amassed over 10 billion views on TikTok, propelling her to international fame. Despite challenges, including safety concerns and misconceptions about her identity, Tyla remains committed to representing South African culture. She aspires to expand her influence into acting, beauty, directing, and fashion.

30th Annual South African Music Awards (SAMA30): Held on November 2, 2024, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, the SAMA30 celebrated outstanding musical talents. Tyla emerged as the most awarded artist, securing four accolades. The event also honored Sipho Makhabane and Ringo Madlingozi with Lifetime Achievement Awards, while Oskido received the Chairperson's Award.

Film and Television

"Granny Lee" Biopic: Production is set to begin in April 2025 for a biopic titled "Granny Lee," chronicling the life of Johannesburg's 1980s disco icon and transgender trailblazer. South African actress Soli Philander will portray Granny Lee, with Alexandra Billings serving as executive producer. The film aims to highlight Granny Lee's influential role during the Apartheid era and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

"Drag Race South Africa" Announcement: The globally renowned "Drag Race" franchise is expanding to South Africa. Officially announced on October 20, 2024, "Drag Race South Africa" is slated to air on WOW Presents Plus, marking the franchise's first foray into the African continent. Casting for the inaugural season is scheduled to commence in 2025.

Showmax's New Original Series: Streaming platform Showmax has unveiled several South African original series, including "Youngins," a young adult drama set in a boarding school, and "Wyfie," an Afrikaans drama focusing on four university roommates. Both series premiered on February 12, 2024, showcasing local storytelling and talent.

Cultural Events

Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town: On November 6, 2024, Cape Town hosted the prestigious Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, initiated by Prince William to recognize innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The event featured appearances by celebrities such as Nina Dobrev and Heidi Klum, with performances by artists including Davido and Diamond Platnumz. South African TV presenter Bonang Matheba co-hosted the ceremony, marking the first time the event was held on African soil.

"I'm A Celebrity...South Africa" Returns: The spin-off series "I'm A Celebrity...South Africa" is set to return later in 2025, following the success of its inaugural season. The show features former contestants from the original series competing in challenges within South Africa's Kruger National Park. The upcoming season promises to bring more excitement as celebrities face the rugged wilderness.

South Africa's entertainment industry continues to flourish, with its artists and cultural events gaining international acclaim and contributing significantly to the global arts scene.

Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry Thrives: Music, Film, Fashion, and Cultural Heritage in the Spotlight

27th February, 2025 at 04:14
By Our Reporter

As of February 27, 2025, the Nigerian entertainment industry continues to thrive, showcasing remarkable achievements across music, film, fashion, and cultural heritage.

Music

Mobo Awards 2025: The recen

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As of February 27, 2025, the Nigerian entertainment industry continues to thrive, showcasing remarkable achievements across music, film, fashion, and cultural heritage.

Music

Mobo Awards 2025: The recent Mobo Awards celebrated outstanding contributions to music of Black origin. British-Nigerian artist Darkoo secured accolades for Best Female Act and Song of the Year with "Favourite Girl." Nigerian singer Ayra Starr was honored as both Best African Music Act and Best International Act, underscoring her global influence.

Qing Madi's Debut Album: Eighteen-year-old Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi released her debut album, "I Am the Blueprint." The 13-track collection reflects her personal growth and aims to resonate with Nigerian and African female audiences, making them feel heard and understood.

Asake's "Lungu Boy" Album: Nigerian artist Asake unveiled his third album, "Lungu Boy," blending Afropiano, hip-hop, and neo-fújì genres. The album narrates his journey from humble beginnings to global fame, featuring collaborations with artists like Stormzy and Travis Scott.

Film

"Tokunbo" on Netflix: The Nollywood thriller "Tokunbo" has garnered attention on Netflix. The film follows the protagonist, Tokunbo, a skilled driver entangled in a web of crime and political intrigue. Despite a complex plot, the movie's visual style and compelling performances have been praised.

Fashion

Lisa Folawiyo's Influence: Renowned Nigerian fashion designer Lisa Folawiyo continues to make significant strides in the fashion industry. Known for blending contemporary tailoring with traditional West African prints, her label, Jewel By Lisa, has gained international acclaim, with celebrities like Lupita Nyong'o and Issa Rae donning her designs.

Cultural Heritage

Revival of the Lijadu Sisters' Music: The music of the Lijadu Sisters, prominent in the 1970s and 80s, is experiencing a resurgence among a new generation of listeners. Their unique blend of juju, jazz, disco, funk, and Afrobeat, coupled with themes of social justice and women's rights, continues to inspire and resonate today.

The Nigerian entertainment scene remains vibrant and dynamic, with artists and creators making impactful contributions both locally and globally.

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Rivers State Executive Stands Firm: A Measured Response to Impeachment Threats

18th March, 2025 at 07:13
By Our Reporter

 

The executive branch of the Rivers State government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has responded with a measured yet firm stance to the recent initiation of impeachment proceedings by the Rivers

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The executive branch of the Rivers State government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has responded with a measured yet firm stance to the recent initiation of impeachment proceedings by the Rivers State House of Assembly. On March 18, 2025, as tensions escalated following the Assembly's issuance of a notice of gross misconduct against Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, the state government swiftly dismissed claims that the governor had been formally served with an impeachment notice. The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Barrister Joseph Johnson, emphasized that no official communication had been received from the Assembly, casting doubt on the procedural legitimacy of the lawmakers' actions. This response suggests an attempt by the executive to challenge the validity of the process from the outset, potentially setting the stage for a legal or political counteroffensive.
The executive's reaction reflects a broader strategy of de-escalation and resilience amid a politically charged atmosphere. The government has publicly called on the Assembly, particularly the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to reconsider its actions in light of their implications for the state's stability. This appeal highlights the executive's awareness of the potential consequences of a collapsed peace process, especially given the backdrop of a protracted political feud between Fubara and Wike. Rather than reacting with overt confrontation, the executive has positioned itself as a stabilizing force, urging dialogue and adherence to constitutional norms.
Furthermore, the Rivers State government has framed the impeachment moves as a distraction from its mandate to govern effectively. By emphasizing that no formal notice was addressed to the governor, the executive appears to be leveraging procedural technicalities to undermine the Assembly's efforts, possibly preparing to seek judicial intervention if the situation escalates. This approach aligns with legal opinions circulating among senior practitioners, who have suggested that Fubara could challenge the process in court if he perceives a threat to his constitutional rights. Overall, the executive's reaction blends defiance with caution, aiming to maintain governance continuity while navigating the complex political dynamics at play in Rivers State.

 

Education

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JAMB Announces 2025 UTME Commencement Dates

15th March, 2025 at 05:32
By Our Reporter

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially unveiled the dates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), bringing relief and clarity to millions of prosp

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially unveiled the dates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), bringing relief and clarity to millions of prospective tertiary institution candidates across Nigeria. The announcement, made earlier this week, marks the end of weeks of anticipation following the conclusion of the registration process, which saw over two million candidates sign up for the crucial entrance examination.
According to JAMB, the 2025 UTME is scheduled to commence on April 25, 2025, and will run until May 5, 2025. This 11-day window will allow the board to accommodate the large number of registered candidates—reportedly 2,030,627—across its expanded network of 870 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide. The examination, a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, remains a pivotal milestone for students aspiring to pursue higher education.
In a statement released by JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board emphasized its commitment to ensuring a seamless examination process. “The dates have been carefully selected to provide ample preparation time for candidates and to ensure the smooth conduct of the UTME across all centers,” Dr. Benjamin noted. He added that candidates should reprint their examination slips in the coming days to confirm their specific exam dates, times, and venues, which will be determined by the examination town selected during registration.
The announcement follows the successful completion of the UTME registration period, which ran from February 3 to March 5, 2025, for UTME candidates, and from March 10 to April 7, 2025, for Direct Entry (DE) applicants. JAMB also confirmed that an optional mock examination will take place on February 23, 2025, offering candidates a chance to familiarize themselves with the CBT format ahead of the main event.
This year’s UTME preparations have not been without challenges. JAMB recently adjusted its registration timeline to address technical issues and to vet CBT centers for compliance, suspending some facilities found to have used substandard equipment. The board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, assured stakeholders that these measures were taken to safeguard the integrity of the examination process. “We are determined to deliver an examination experience like never before, with improved technology and stricter oversight,” he said during a recent briefing.
The 2025 UTME continues to underscore JAMB’s role in standardizing Nigeria’s tertiary admission process. With the examination dates now set, candidates are urged to intensify their preparations and stay updated via JAMB’s official platforms. As the countdown begins, the nation watches eagerly, hopeful that this year’s exercise will pave the way for a new generation of scholars and professionals.

Lifestyle

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Ethiopian Lifestyle and Culture: A Tapestry of Tradition Amid East African Diversity

28th February, 2025 at 00:39
By Our Reporter
Ethiopia, the cradle of ancient civilizations and a mosaic of over 80 ethnic groups, boasts a lifestyle and culture that stand as a testament to its unbroken historical continuity and rugged indepen








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Ethiopia, the cradle of ancient civilizations and a mosaic of over 80 ethnic groups, boasts a lifestyle and culture that stand as a testament to its unbroken historical continuity and rugged independence. Unlike many East African neighbors, Ethiopia’s heritage is shaped by its resistance to colonial rule, Orthodox Christian legacy, and geographic diversity—from the highlands of Amhara to the arid expanses of the Ogaden. As of February 27, 2025, its 120 million people live a blend of timeless traditions and modern influences, offering a compelling contrast to the lifestyles and cultures of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia. This article explores Ethiopia’s distinctive way of life—its food, faith, family, and festivities—and compares it with the broader East African tapestry.
Ethiopian Lifestyle: Roots and Rhythms
Daily Life and Social Structure
Ethiopian lifestyle revolves around community and resilience. In rural areas, where 80% of the population resides, life is agrarian—farmers cultivate teff, barley, and coffee in the highlands, rising with the sun to tend fields or livestock. Urban centers like Addis Ababa pulse with a growing middle class, where tech startups and traffic jams signal modernization, yet traditional values endure. Extended families often live together, with elders revered as custodians of wisdom. Gender roles remain pronounced—men farm or work, women manage households—though urban women increasingly join the workforce, with 40% of Addis’s professionals female by 2024.
Cuisine: A Spicy Soul
Food is Ethiopia’s cultural heartbeat. Injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread made from teff, anchors meals, paired with fiery wats (stews) of lentils, beef, or chicken, spiced with berbere—a blend of chili, garlic, and fenugreek. Meals are communal, eaten from a shared plate with hands, symbolizing unity. Coffee, Ethiopia’s gift to the world, is ritualistic—roasted, ground, and brewed in jebenas (clay pots) during hours-long ceremonies that double as social bonding. Unlike much of East Africa, Ethiopia eschews colonial culinary influences, preserving a pre-industrial diet.
Religion and Rituals
Faith shapes daily life, with 62% of Ethiopians adhering to Orthodox Christianity—a 1,700-year-old tradition tied to the Aksumite Empire. Churches carved into rock, like Lalibela’s, draw pilgrims, while Timkat (Epiphany) sees mass baptisms in vibrant processions. Islam, practiced by 34%, thrives in the east, with Harar’s 82 mosques a cultural hub. Spiritual life is public—prayers echo from minarets and chants from tabots (ark replicas) blend into the soundscape. Secularism is rare; faith is identity.
Festivals and Arts
Ethiopia’s calendar brims with celebrations. Meskel, marking the finding of the True Cross, lights bonfires nationwide, while Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) in September welcomes spring with song and yellow daisies. Music—rooted in the pentatonic scale—features the krar (lyre) and masinko (fiddle), with artists like Teddy Afro blending tradition with pop. Dance, like the eskista shoulder-shimmy, is kinetic poetry. Literature, written in Amharic’s Ge’ez script, spans ancient epics to modern novels, reflecting a literary heritage rivaled only by Somalia’s oral poetry.
Comparison with East African Neighbors
Kenya: Urban Hustle Meets Pastoral Roots
Kenya’s lifestyle contrasts Ethiopia’s rural-traditional core with its cosmopolitan edge. Nairobi’s skyscrapers and Silicon Savannah tech scene define urban life, where 30% of Kenyans live—far more urbanized than Ethiopia’s 20%. Maasai and Samburu herders echo Ethiopia’s pastoralists, but Kenya’s British colonial past infuses tea-drinking and chapati into its diet, unlike Ethiopia’s insular cuisine. Swahili, a lingua franca, unites Kenya’s 40+ ethnic groups, while Ethiopia’s linguistic diversity (Oromo, Amharic, Tigrigna) fosters regional identities. Religion is pluralistic—Christianity (85%) dominates, but lacks Ethiopia’s ancient Orthodox depth. Festivals like Jamhuri Day celebrate independence, less tied to faith than Ethiopia’s rituals.
Tanzania: Coastal Cool and Communal Living
Tanzania’s laid-back coastal vibe, shaped by Swahili-Arab trade, contrasts Ethiopia’s highland intensity. Zanzibar’s spice markets and Dar es Salaam’s bustle reflect a maritime culture absent in landlocked Ethiopia. Tanzania’s ujamaa (familyhood) ethos mirrors Ethiopia’s communal meals, but its diet—ugali (maize porridge), fish, and coconut—leans simpler than Ethiopia’s complex stews. Christianity and Islam split evenly, with Zanzibar 99% Muslim, yet Tanzania’s faith is less ritualistic than Ethiopia’s pageantry. Music (taarab, bongo flava) and dance (ngoma) rival Ethiopia’s arts, but lack its scriptural roots. Tanzania’s safari tourism dwarfs Ethiopia’s historical sites in economic clout.
Uganda: Fertile Lands and Vibrant Faith
Uganda’s lush equator-straddling landscape supports a farming life akin to Ethiopia’s, with matoke (plantain) replacing injera as the staple. Kampala’s nightlife and youthful energy—60% under 25—outpace Addis’s slower urban pulse. Family structures are tight-knit, but Uganda’s 70+ tribes blend more seamlessly via English and Luganda than Ethiopia’s sharper ethnic lines. Christianity (84%) is fervent, with Pentecostal revivals outshining Ethiopia’s Orthodox solemnity, while Uganda’s 14% Muslim minority lacks Harar’s cultural weight. Buganda’s Kabaka festivals rival Meskel in pomp, but Uganda’s colonial overlay (tea, cricket) dilutes its precolonial purity compared to Ethiopia.
Somalia: Nomadic Resilience Amid Chaos
Somalia’s nomadic pastoralism—herding camels across arid plains—parallels Ethiopia’s Afar and Somali regions, but its lifestyle is starkly disrupted by decades of war. Clans, not Ethiopia’s ethnic federations, define loyalty, with Mogadishu’s fragile recovery a far cry from Addis’s stability. Cuisine leans on camel milk, rice, and goat, simpler than Ethiopia’s spiced feasts, reflecting scarcity over abundance. Islam (100%) unites Somalis, lacking Ethiopia’s Christian-Islamic duality, with Sufi traditions softer than Ethiopia’s Orthodox rigor. Oral poetry, a Somali hallmark, rivals Ethiopia’s literature, but music and dance are muted by conflict and conservatism.
Shared Threads and Divergent Paths
East Africa’s cultures share a communal ethos—meals, markets, and marriages bind families—but Ethiopia stands apart in its uncolonized pride and Orthodox anchor. Kenya and Tanzania bear British and German imprints, evident in language (Swahili, English) and governance, while Ethiopia’s Amharic script and imperial legacy resist such overlays. Somalia’s homogeneity contrasts Ethiopia’s mosaic, yet both grapple with pastoral-modern tensions. Uganda’s fertile optimism offsets Ethiopia’s rugged stoicism, but both cherish faith as a pillar.
Economically, Ethiopia’s coffee-driven growth (15% of exports) mirrors Kenya’s tea and Tanzania’s tourism, yet its state-led model diverges from their market-friendly paths. Conflict scars all—Ethiopia’s Tigray war, Somalia’s anarchy, Uganda’s LRA past—but Ethiopia’s scale and sovereignty set it apart. Climate binds them too: droughts hit Ethiopian and Somali herders, floods plague Ugandan and Tanzanian farmers, pushing adaptation through terracing or irrigation.
Conclusion: Ethiopia’s Unique Flame
Ethiopia’s lifestyle and culture burn with a fierce individuality in East Africa—a nation where ancient faith, fiery food, and familial bonds defy homogenization. Kenya’s urban dynamism, Tanzania’s coastal calm, Uganda’s green vitality, and Somalia’s nomadic grit each shine, but Ethiopia’s unbowed heritage and ritual richness carve a distinct niche. As East Africa modernizes, Ethiopia balances progress with preservation, a cultural lighthouse amid a region of vibrant, varied flames. Whether sipping coffee in a highland hut or dancing eskista under Meskel’s glow, Ethiopians live a legacy that both anchors and distinguishes them in this diverse corner of the world.

 

 

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