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Applications open for Tech Policy Press fellowship for journalists, changemakers

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Applications open for Tech Policy Press fellowship for journalists, changemakers

TECH Policy Press has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 fellowship programme, a fully funded opportunity designed for journalists, researchers, lawyers, and public policy professionals passionate about the intersection of technology and democracy.

Tech Policy Press is seeking applicants worldwide, with a special invitation to voices from the global majority and underrepresented communities in media. 

Successful candidates will work remotely on year-long, part-time projects beginning in January 2026. Each fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend, editorial guidance, mentorship, and access to an international peer network.

“The programme will begin in January 2026 and run for twelve months. Notification of acceptance is expected by early December 2025. Fellows’ work will be showcased through the Tech Policy Press website, newsletter, podcast, and special events to ensure broad visibility.

“Stipends will be distributed quarterly, supporting fellows in fully dedicating themselves to their projects throughout the year,” it said.

Fellows are expected to publish work monthly, ranging from investigative journalism and policy analysis to multimedia storytelling. Their contributions will be showcased across the Tech Policy Press website, newsletter, podcast, and special events.

Applications close in October, with notifications expected by early December 2025.

Interested journalists can apply through the official application form here: 

Crowds build as Hilda Baci begins world jollof record attempt

Itoroabasi Uduak UDO
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Crowds build as Hilda Baci begins world jollof record attempt

CHEF Hilda Baci has officially begun her bid to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, with the Guinness World Records (GWR) sending its good wishes, as the attempt kicked off at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The record body confirmed the attempt in a comment under Hilda’s Instagram post, writing: “Best of luck Hilda and team!”

Hilda, who gained international fame in 2023 after breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon, is attempting to prepare 250 bags of rice in a specially designed 22,619-litre pot.

The ICIR reported that the event was relocated to Eko Hotels to accommodate the large turnout, with over 20,000 people registered as of Thursday, September 11, to attend.

Before she began, the chef was seen praying with her mother for strength and endurance.

She later shared a playful update on social media: “Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself. In just a few hours, this same pot will carry thousands of servings of Nigerian jollof history in the making.”

Festive Atmosphere

As early as 8:30 a.m., crowds had already gathered outside the venue, and by 9:20 a.m., entry was granted to fans, media crews, and well-wishers. Although cooking had not started by 1:30 p.m., the atmosphere remained electric.

Food vendors set up stalls offering delicacies, snacks, and drinks from across Nigeria, turning the venue into a mini food fair. Content creators and influencers moved around with cameras, documenting the vibrant scene.

Excitement soared when music came on at 12:56 p.m., with many in the crowd dancing as security operatives and paramedics stood by to maintain order and ensure safety.

Voices from the ground

Nollywood actor Charles Bond, Hilda’s close friend, expressed confidence in her determination.

“One thing about Hilda is that once she’s convinced about something, she does it. I love the energy I’m seeing—everybody is excited, everybody is waiting. People are eating, and our food is getting more attention,” he said.

Similarly, Blessing Okechukwu, Creative Director of BAT Events and Chops and one of the vendors present, described the attempt as more than just about jollof rice.

“For me, this is a moment of pride, dishing out a taste of Nigeria’s unity and vibrancy to the world,” she said.

Hilda, who made headlines worldwide with her 2023 Cook-a-thon record, is hoping to etch her name in history once again, this time by giving Nigeria the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, a dish cherished as a cultural pride across West Africa.

Merck Foundation opens 2025 media awards for reporting on diabetes, hypertension

Mustapha USMAN
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Merck Foundation opens 2025 media awards for reporting on diabetes, hypertension

THE Merck Foundation has opened entries for the 2025 Media Recognition Awards on Diabetes and Hypertension, inviting journalists from Africa, Latin America and Asia to submit stories that highlight healthy living and the importance of preventing and detecting the two diseases early.

The annual awards, organised in partnership with several African First Ladies, seek to honour outstanding reporting that can help curb the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. 

Eligible applicants include journalists working in print, radio, online and multimedia platforms across Southern, West and East Africa, French- and Portuguese-speaking African countries, as well as Latin American and Asian nations.

According to the foundation, entries must be sent by email to submit@merck-foundation.com no later than 30 October 2025, with the subject line Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”. 

Submissions should include the applicant’s name, country, category of application and contact details. 

The foundation also noted that multiple entries are allowed to increase the chances of selection.

It added that winners will be chosen by a committee chaired by Merck Foundation chief executive, Rasha Kelej, a senator, and will be contacted directly before a public announcement is made on the foundation’s website and social media channels.

The awards are supported by First Ladies from several African nations. Each winner in Print, Online, Radio and Multimedia will receive USD 500, according to the call for applications.

Established in 2017 as a German non-profit organisation, Merck Foundation runs the initiative under its Capacity Advancement and Diabetes Blue Point programme to encourage media professionals to educate the public on lifestyle changes and health checks that can reduce the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.

Climate Home News calls for story pitches on critical mineral supply chains

Mustapha USMAN
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Climate Home News calls for story pitches on critical mineral supply chains

CLIMATE Home News is inviting journalists worldwide to pitch story ideas examining the extraction, processing and governance of critical minerals essential for the global shift to clean energy.

The independent climate publication, in its call for application, is seeking news and investigative pieces on how supply chains for key raw materials, such as lithium, nickel, copper and rare earths, can be made more sustainable and accountable.

“The race to secure minerals and metals used to manufacture clean energy technologies has ushered in a new era for mining and natural resource diplomacy,” the outlet said in a statement.

“However, the world is at risk of trading one crisis for another without robust regulations and practices to ensure that mineral extraction and processing don’t come at the expense of environmental protection and respect for human rights.”

The organisation are particularly interested in stories that track global governance efforts, spotlight technological advances to reduce environmental impact, and examine policies designed to address social conflict in mineral supply chains.

The proposal could also explore developments in the global governance of mineral supply chains, the impact of global trade deals and restrictions on those supply chains and their winners and losers, and the financial mechanisms supporting developing countries’ green industrialisation and clean-energy manufacturing.

It encouraged journalists with at least three years’ experience and a strong background in climate, energy, mining or business reporting to apply.

Climate Home News said it is offering a standard rate of $0.46 per word for news stories of up to 800 words, with higher fees negotiated for investigative work.

It added that pitches should outline the central idea in no more than 250 words, list potential sources, and include a brief summary of the reporter’s experience with links to three recent stories.

Pitches can be submitted on a rolling basis to project editor Chloé Farand at chloe.farand[at]outlook.com, with “Pitch” in the email subject line.

Sowore defies SSS order to delete post criticising Tinubu

Bankole ABE
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Sowore defies SSS order to delete post criticising Tinubu

HUMAN rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has rejected a directive by the State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), that his deletes a social media post criticising President Bola Tinubu.

In a letter addressed to the SSS Director-General and shared on his official X handle on Friday, September 12, Sowore described the agency’s action as “unlawful, insidious, and fundamentally defective.”

The SSS had accused him of publishing “criminal, false, and malicious” content against the president and demanded a retraction. But Sowore argued that the security agency lacked power to act as a proxy for Tinubu in alleged defamation matters.

Citing the 1985 Court of Appeal ruling in Arthur Nwankwo v. State, Sowore maintained that criminal defamation laws were unconstitutional.

He added that freedom of expression was guaranteed under Section 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“You have no business telling me how to criticise the president. The determination of the Nigerian people to reclaim their country from thieves in power is unwavering,” he declared, vowing to continue his activism.

Sowore also recalled his history of confrontations with security agencies, including arrests during his student union days, his prolonged incarceration in 2019 on treason charges, and the SSS refusal to obey multiple court orders for his release and the return of seized properties.

The SSS had earlier petitioned X Corps, demanding the suspension of Sowore’s verified handle, @YeleSowore, over a post it described as “misleading, offensive, and a threat to national security.”

In a letter dated September 6, 2025, the agency claimed Sowore disparaged the president in a post he made on August 25, 2025,  part of which read: “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The SSS said the post attracted condemnation and sparked protests from Tinubu’s supporters, warning it could fuel political unrest.

It further alleged that Sowore’s comments violated provisions of the Criminal Code Act, the Cybercrimes Act 2025, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

But responding on Sunday, Sowore confirmed that X Corp had formally contacted him about the SSS request.

He vowed not to yield to pressure, insisting his criticism of the government was consistent with his long-standing activism and the fight against misrule in Nigeria.

 

 

 

Court jails ex-Brazilian president for 27 years over coup plot

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Court jails ex-Brazilian president for 27 years over coup plot

BRAZIL’S Supreme Court has handed former president Jair Bolsonar a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to stage a coup.

The ruling concluded a landmark trial that has polarised the country and sparked outrage from the United States.

In a four-one ruling on Thursday, the judges found the 70-year-old far-right former leader guilty of conspiring to topple Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after losing to the leftist leader in the October 2022 election.

Prosecutors said the plan failed only due to a lack of support from military top brass.

Although Bolsonaro’s conviction was secured once the fourth judge delivered the decisive third vote, the ruling was finalised only after all five judges had cast their decisions.

“An armed criminal organisation was formed by the defendants, who must be convicted based on the factual circumstances I consider proven,” said the fifth judge, Cristiano Zanin, Lula’s former lawyer.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers condemned the ruling as “incredibly excessive” and said they would appeal, “including at the international level.”

In addition to leading a “criminal organisation,” the former president faced charges of being aware of a plot to assassinate Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre Moraes.

Bolsonaro was likewise convicted of inciting the January 2023 riots, in which hundreds of his supporters stormed Brazil’s Supreme Court, Presidential Palace, and Congress just a week after Lula’s inauguration.

He did not appear in court for the verdict, instead monitoring the proceedings from his home in Brasília, where he remains under house arrest.

Alongside Bolsonaro are seven co-defendants, including ex-ministers and senior military officials who were also found guilty, while the former army captain, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, insisted he was being targeted by political persecution.

Bolsonaro’s son, Flavio Bolsonaro, a senator, said his father was “holding his head high in the face of this persecution, because history will show that we are on the right side.”

He added that his allies would fight “all their might” to rally congressional backing for an amnesty bill.

Bolsonaro’s conviction followed one of the most consequential and polarising trials in Brazil’s recent history, culminating in a tense four-day vote.

The United States swiftly reacted to the conviction of the man once nicknamed “the Trump of the tropics” after his 2019 election victory.

Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, warned that the United States “will take appropriate action” in response to what he described as a politically driven ‘witch hunt.’

Brazil’s Foreign Ministry fired back, declaring it would not be cowed by Rubio’s ‘threats.’

Trump, who imposed heavy tariffs on Brazil in retaliation for Bolsonaro’s prosecution, described the verdict as “quite surprising.”

He praised Bolsonaro as a “good president” and “good man” and said his legal woes were “very much like they tried to do with me.”

In addition to imposing tariffs, Washington has also slapped sanctions on Moraes and other Supreme Court justices.

Since Brazil’s return to democracy in 1985 following two decades of military rule, Bolsonaro has become the fourth former president to be convicted.

Lula served 19 months in prison between 2018 and 2019 on corruption charges that were later annulled.

The 79-year-old veteran politician, whose popularity had waned ahead of Bolsonaro’s trial, has since gained a boost from the confrontation with the United States.

Positioning himself as the defender of Brazil’s sovereignty against what he calls US interference, he has also signaled his intention to seek re-election next year.

Resident doctors commence five-day warning strike

Mustapha USMAN
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Resident doctors commence five-day warning strike

THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday, September 12, began a five-day nationwide warning strike after the Federal Government allegedly failed to meet its demands for unpaid allowances, salary arrears and other outstanding welfare issues.

The association announced the industrial action in a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” signed by its Secretary-General, Oluwasola Odunbaku, saying the strike commenced at 8:00 a.m.

It directed all centre leaders to guide their members to down tools accordingly.

“Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday).

“All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” Punch reported the directive to have read.

The ICIR reports that the strike is the culmination of months of warnings and missed deadlines.

The association first issued a 21-day ultimatum in July 2025 over unpaid entitlements, including the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), five months of salary arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), outstanding specialist and hazard allowances, and the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance. 

The doctors also raised concerns over delays in issuing postgraduate certificates, the downgrading of qualifications from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and unresolved welfare disputes in Kaduna and Oyo states.

After the initial deadline expired, the doctors extended it by 10 days to enable the Federal Government to meet their demands or face a nationwide strike. 

That ultimatum elapsed on September 10, prompting a last 24-hour grace period on Thursday, September 11, that ended without any concrete government response.

The association said it was disappointed that despite these repeated extensions and engagements, the government had not addressed critical issues in the demands.

The latest industrial action, declared by the resident doctors also came amid the ongoing warning strike by the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter (ARD-FCT)

The development, was announced on Monday, September 8, in a communiqué signed by ARD-FCT President, George Ebong, and other executives, warned that continued neglect of the sector could trigger a complete breakdown of healthcare delivery in the nation’s capital.

They are demanding urgent recruitment of health workers, provision of functional equipment, regular payment of salaries and allowances, among others.

NUPENG threatens to resume strike, accuses Dangote of agreement breach

Harrison EDEH
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NUPENG threatens to resume strike, accuses Dangote of agreement breach

BARELY 48 hours after the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) suspended its strike, the union has alleged that the management of the Dangote Refinery had reneged on the resolutions reached.

In a statement jointly signed on Thursday, September 10, by its President and General Secretary, Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, respectively, NUPENG threatened to resume the suspended industrial action following an alleged breach of the agreement reached with the oil firm, the Federal Government, and all truck drivers who are members of NUPENG-PTD.

“We are by this statement placing all our members on red alert for the resumption of the suspended nationwide industrial action and calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade 1 Support Our Dream Union Congress, all regional and global working people, and civil society organisations to rise in support and solidarity against this threat of the capitalist world,” NUPENG stated.

The union claimed that at a meeting convened by the State  Security Services (SSS), otherwise known as the Department of State Services (DSS) and attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of its employees.

It further stated that, notwithstanding the resolution reached and signed at the office of the DSS on unionisation of the workers, truck drivers who were NUPENG-PTD members for several years were ordered to remove the union’s stickers from their trucks yesterday.

The statement partly read, “We call on the Federal Government not to allow the Navy and other security agents who are paid by the resources of this country to be used with impunity against the laws and people of this country.

“Security agents should not allow an individual to ride roughshod with impunity, even while not observing terms of agreement reached in meetings in which security agents facilitated, along with ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The union had suspended its strike on Tuesday following an agreement with the management of Dangote Refinery to recognise workers’ rights to unionise, The ICIR reported.

The deal was reached at a closed-door meeting convened by the SSS and attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, confirmed the outcome, while the Ministry of Labour said it would issue a formal statement.

The resolution followed a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Monday, September 8, 2025, after NUPENG threatened to embark on a strike over the company’s initial refusal to recognise workers’ union rights.

Dangote refinery commences free delivery of petrol on September 15

The Dangote refinery announced that it would commence the free direct supply of petrol across the country on September 15.

The refinery announced the development in a post on its X page on Thursday.

According to the post, the scheme will begin in 11 states, adding that the refinery will “subsequently expand our operations into other states”.

The plant said the product would be sold at an ex-gantry price of N820 per litre.

Dangote Refinery listed the states to include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara states.

According to the refinery, petrol will be delivered to retail outlets in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti at N841 per litre, while the product will be sold for N851 per litre in Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara states.

“All petrol station owners nationwide are invited to register for free delivery and other benefits,” the post reads.

On June 15, Dangote Refinery announced its acquisition of 4,000 new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered tankers to enhance its fuel distribution capacity across the country.

The refinery, on June 29, said its nationwide petroleum products distribution scheme would save Nigerians over N1.7 trillion annually.

Analysts said the fuel distribution could benefit the end users, but it might negatively impact the downstream sector.

 

Eko Hotel hosts Hilda Baci’s world jollof festival

Itoroabasi Uduak UDO
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Eko Hotel hosts Hilda Baci’s world jollof festival

NIGERIAN chef Hilda Baci’s much-anticipated World Jollof Festival will be held at the Eko Hotel, GINO, the brand behind the event announced on Thursday, September 11.

In a statement, the company confirmed that the festival would take place at the hotel’s car park B on Friday, September 12, instead of Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, earlier announced for the event. The festival is free for all attendees at the new venue, also located on Victoria Island.

According to the organisers, the new venue provides a larger and more prestigious stage to accommodate the overwhelming number of guests who have already registered. With capacity for thousands, it is expected to host one of Nigeria’s most memorable cultural and culinary celebrations.

Beyond the Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt, the festival will feature food exhibitions, cultural displays, live entertainment, and immersive experiences aimed at celebrating jollof rice as a symbol of identity, resilience, and community.

Oreoluwa Atinmo, Marketing Director of GBfoods Nigeria, said the decision to change the venue was driven by the need to host the event safely and comfortably.

“To accommodate this event safely and comfortably, we have moved the event to Eko Hotel Car Park B, a venue that truly reflects the scale and ambition of what we are about to achieve,” she said

“This world record attempt is a celebration of jollof, and it deserves a space that allows more people to share in the experience, enjoy the culture, and be part of an unforgettable moment in our history.”

Baci, who is at the centre of the festival, expressed excitement about the event, saying the new venue would make the celebration “bigger, bolder, and more unifying.”

She added: “The outpouring of love and support since we announced the attempt has been mind-blowing, with thousands already registered to be part of this historic celebration,” Hilda said.

“Jollof represents who we are, our culture, our togetherness, and our shared pride. With Gino, I am excited to make history, and I invite everyone to come, celebrate with us, and witness this feat of passion, food, and heritage.”

As of Thursday, the organisers said over 20,000 participants had registered for the event.

Background

Baci first announced the endeavour on Instagram in August, disclosing that it would require a colossal pot measuring six metres in both width and height.

She disclosed plans to cook 250 bags of rice using a specially designed pot with a capacity of 22,619 litres, expected to be filled up to 80 per cent.

She explained that the record-breaking jollof would required ingredients such as garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, rosemary, curry, and other spices. The pot itself, measuring six metres in width, 1.1 metres in height, and 1.3 metres in depth, had already caved in under its weight during preparations.

In June 2023, Hilda was recognised by GWR as the holder of the longest individual cooking marathon after cooking for over 100 hours, surpassing the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in 2019.

However, her reign was short-lived as Irish chef Alan Fisher later surpassed her feat, cooking for 119 hours and 57 minutes.

Now, with the World Jollof Festival, Hilda aims to reclaim global recognition while bringing Nigerians together in a historic celebration of food and culture.

Husband can adopt wife’s surname, South Africa’s apex court rules

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
Husband can adopt wife’s surname, South Africa’s apex court rules

SOUTH Africa’s highest court has ruled that men in the country are legally permitted to adopt their wives surnames.

The ruling marks a significant step forward for gender equality in marriage.

In a win for two couples who challenged the law, the Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday, September 11, that the section 26(1)(a) to (c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, which had restricted men from taking their wives’ surnames under specific conditions, amounted to gender-based discrimination.

According to media reports, Henry van der Merwe faced a bureaucratic wall when attempting to register himself under his wife’s surname, Jana Jordaan, while Andreas Nicolas Bornman was prevented from hyphenating his surname to include that of his wife, Jess Donnelly-Bornman.

The couples contended that the law was outdated and patriarchal, infringing on the equality rights guaranteed by South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution.

They first won their case in the High Court but sought confirmation of the ruling from the Constitutional Court.

The Free State Society of Advocates also joined the case in support of the couples.

They argued the law reinforced harmful stereotypes by denying men a choice that women already had the right to adopt their spouse’s surname.

A media report said neither Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, nor Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mamoloko Kubayi, opposed the couples’ application, leaving Parliament responsible for amending the Births and Deaths Registration Act and its regulations before the ruling can be implemented.

Following the ruling, the invalid sections of the Act will remain suspended for 24 months to give Parliament time to amend the law.

In the meantime, men are now permitted to take their wives’ surnames at the point of marriage.

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