Friday

Cameroon's Paul Biya, a known French asset, shakes up military in wake of revolution sweeping through Africa

CC™ Politico

By Deji Komolafe

The President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, a known asset of France at the helm for over four decades, on Wednesday made major changes to the country’s ministry of defense.

The decision of Biya is coming as coups continue to spread on the African continent.

Some Presidents are taking proactive steps by reshuffling defense portfolios.

Among the posts reshuffled were the delegate to the presidency in charge of defense, air force staff, navy, and the police.

Biya came to power in a coup d'état in 1982. His early years on the saddle were marred by reports of oppression and human rights violations.

Although he subsequently allowed multiparty elections in the country, the 90-year-old has remained president since he rode to power.

Wednesday

Top 5 Inventions By Nigerians

CC™ Kaleidoscope 

By Oghenerume Progress

The people from this great African nation are also known to excel when exposed to the right environment and have made great impact in the world through art and music.

Nigerians have also made great strides in the field of innovation and inventions that have made the world a slightly better place. Here are five top inventions made by Nigerians;

1) Philip Emeagwali - Program for world's fastest computer

Dr-Philip-Emeagwali (Credit: How Africa News)

Born in Nigeria, Philip Emeagwali grew up to become a computer scientist who gained global recognition for his groundbreaking invention. Emeagwali is credited with the invention of the Connection Machine (CM).

This machine uses computational fluid dynamics for oil-reservoir modelling. It utilises 65,000 computer processors linked in parallel to form what is recognised as the fastest computer on Earth - performing 3.1 billion calculations per second, which is faster than the theoretical top speed of the Cray Supercomputer.

2) Seyi Oyesola - Hospital in a box

Seyi Oyesola (Credit: Glazia)

Seyi Oyesola is a Nigerian medical doctor who co-invented what is popularly known as “Hospital in a Box” or CompactOR.

As the name implies, Hospital in a box is a mini hospital that is a solar-powered life-saving operating room which can be transported to remote areas of Africa and set up within minutes. The renowned medical doctor gained his inspiration from shortage of power in rural places in Africa.

3) Emeka Nelson - Urine-Powered Generator

Emeka-Nelson (Credit: The Interview Nigeria)

Another Nigerian with a notable invention is Emeka Nelson who invented a urine-powered generator. This device converts urine into hydrogen gas, which is then used to produce electricity.

Nelson's invention solves two key problems - waste management and energy scarcity. This innovation showcases Nigeria's commitment to addressing environmental challenges through creative and practical means.

4) Otu Oviemo Ovadje - Emergency Blood Transfusion System

Otu Oviemo Ovadje (Credit: Innov8tiv)

After years of watching women die from internal bleeding during pregnancy, Otu Oviemo Ovadje, a medical doctor, invented the Emergency AutoTransfusion Device also called the Eatset.

This device is used to recover blood from a patient’s internal bleeding organs and then reinfuse the blood back into the patient’s blood system. Dr Ovadje's device works without electricity and forestalls blood loss, especially among pregnant women.

5) Mohammed Bah Abbah - Pot-in-pot Refrigerator

Mohammed Bah Abbah

Using knowledge from his grandmother, Mohammed Bah Abbah invented the pot-in-pot refrigerator - a refrigerating device that does not use electricity. Also known as zeer, this device allows perishable food to extend their shelf life rate. For example, meat can be stored in this device for up to two weeks instead of a few hours.

Aside from these notable Nigerians, others recognized globally for their inventions include; Arthur Zang (Cardiopad), Olu Atanda (self-lubricating layer for a data-storage device and disk), Nkiru Nwankwo (Digital drum), Brino Gilbert (Counter Collision Gadget) and Aloysius Anaebonam who holds 12 US patents for inventing different devices among others.

In all these inventions, one notable thing to note is that Nigerian inventors have consistently demonstrated their ability to address pressing global challenges through creative thinking and innovation and this cuts across different fields.


PULSE.NG

Tuesday

Coup: Gabonese citizens celebrate as soldiers remove ali Bongo from office

CC™ Editor's VideoSpective

Some citizens of Gabon have taken to the streets in the country to jubilate over the military coup in the early hours of Wednesday which ousted President Ali Bongo from office.

A video that has gone viral on the internet shows citizens of the country in the streets of the country celebrating the removal of Bongo.

As earlier reported, Gabon on Wednesday, became the latest African country in recent times where the military has executed a coup to remove the democratic government from power.

The Gabonese President, Ali Bongo, was deposed by the military on Wednesday 30th August 2023, days after winning the presidential election in the country.

Soldiers were said to have appeared on Gabonese national television in Gabon to announce that they had taken power.

The coupists also announced the annulment of Saturday’s election and the dissolution of the democratic institutions in the country.

Speaking on Gabon 1 and Gabon 24, the spokesman of the coupists said he was speaking on behalf of the “Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions.”

Following the development, some citizens were seen on the streets of the country jubilating and celebrating in apparent support of the military takeover.

Before Ali Bongo came into power, his father, Omar Bongo had ruled Gabon for 42 years. In total, the Bongo family had been in power for 56 years.