In a groundbreaking development, a woman in Britain has given birth following a womb transplant, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine.
Grace Davidson, 36, from southern England, who was born without a functioning womb, became the first woman in the UK to receive a womb transplant in early 2023.
Her sister, Amy, donated her womb as part of the Womb Transplant UK living donor programme.
Grace underwent the transplant at the Oxford Transplant Centre and subsequently received in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment at HCA UK’s Lister Fertility Clinic.
After close monitoring at the Churchill Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, Grace delivered a healthy baby girl via caesarean section in February 2025. Both mother and baby are doing well.
Grace and her partner, Angus, named their daughter Amy Isabel, in honour of her sister Amy and Miss Isabel Quiroga, who co-led the transplant operation.
The birth represents a remarkable achievement in reproductive medicine, with more than 100 womb transplants carried out globally and more than 50 healthy babies born from the procedure.
Dr Ippokratis Sarris, a consultant in reproductive medicine, hailed the birth as an extraordinary advance in science and care.
Though the procedure remained suitable for only a small number of women, it offered hope to those unable to conceive or carry their own children, such as those born without a viable womb or who lose their wombs due to cancer or other conditions.
Womb Transplant UK, the charity behind the living donor programme, continues to fund research and transplant operations, with plans to help more women in the future.
The charity is supported by public donations, which help cover the costs of the transplant surgeries and related research. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Eyasu Elias, Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Agriculture, has described its adoption of a step-by-step soil restoration strategy as a critical approach to a broader commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
This is according to Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.
Fana quoted the the minister as making the description at the launch of the soil restoration programme, stated that the initiative goes beyond merely providing temporary solutions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme will concentrate its efforts in three particularly vulnerable regions of Amhara, Oromia, and Central Ethiopia, where soil degradation has reached alarming levels.
The initiative combines Ethiopia’s proven Green Legacy reforestation strategies with innovative regenerative farming techniques.
Farmers will receive hands-on training in contour farming, organic fertilisation, and climate-adaptive water conservation methods through a network of field schools.
Recognising women’s pivotal role in agriculture, the programme includes special provisions to ensure female farmers, who manage nearly half of smallholder operations, can fully participate in and benefit from the training.
Government officials outlined a phased implementation approach, beginning with demonstration plots to showcase effective techniques before expanding to wider areas.
A robust monitoring system will track improvements in soil quality and crop yields throughout the duration of the programme.
The soil revival programme forms part of Ethiopia’s broader commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
It builds upon existing soil amendment efforts while introducing new, locally adapted solutions to restore the nation’s agricultural productivity for future generations. (TV BRICS/NAN)
Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, has called on the global community to collectively address the menace of hate speech and genocide ideologies, which could trigger devastating genocidal conflicts.
Bazivamo stated this on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of 31 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka 31).
The commemoration had has its theme:”Remember-Unite-Renew.”
He warned that ignoring the red flags of hate speech and genocide ideologies, or failure to address them, could lead to a tragic repetition of history.
The High Commissioner stressed that vigilance and proactive measures were crucial to combating narratives that incited division and violence.
Reflecting on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda which resulted in the loss of over a million lives, Bazivamo said the world must learn from the past to prevent similar atrocities in the future.
“The scars of genocide run deep and linger long after the dust has settled.
“We must recognise that hate speech does not manifest in isolation.
“It germinates from ideologies that seek to dehumanise and divide, ultimately paving the way for violence,” he said.
He noted that current rising global polarisation and the weaponisation of digital platforms spread hateful narratives reminiscent of the environment that led to the genocide.
The envoy, therefore, called for urgent collective global action to curb the menace of hate speech and genocide ideologies.
“This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it is a challenge that demands the attention and concerted effort of the entire international community,” he emphasised.
Bazivamo further called for a renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in international human rights treaties, including the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
He urged nation-states to not actively combat genocide ideologies but also fulfill their obligations to prevent hate-driven violence.
The High Commissioner also expressed concern over the existence of denialism and revisionism surrounding the events of the genocide.
According to him, such narratives perpetuate hatred and undermine Rwanda’s ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation.
Bazivamo encouraged all stakeholders, governments, civil society, and individuals to engage in open dialogue, promote education on the dangers of hate speech, and uphold the values of truth and justice.
“As we gather today to remember the victims, let us also commit to being vigilant against divisive ideologies that threaten our humanity.
“We must ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not merely a slogan, but also a principle that guides our actions,” he said.
Also speaking, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, referred to the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres message which highlighted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as a premeditated act, not a spontaneous outburst of violence.
Represented by Mrs Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Fall noted that majority of victims were Tutsis, besides Hutus and others who opposed the genocide.
“As we reflect on the events that unfolded, we must draw parallels to current societal divisions,” he stated.
He cautioned against the rising narrative of “us versus them” that exacerbates societal polarisation.
Fall noted that the weaponisation of digital technologies promoted hate, which further sowed division, and spread falsehoods.
He urged states to fulfill the commitments they made in the global digital compact to address online violence and hate, and societal obligation under international humanitarian law.
The Resident Coordinator also called on countries to promptly sign the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
Nigeria and Sweden on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through enhanced trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement was reached during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Princess Victoria, is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.
Shettima said Nigeria would continue to be a dependable ally of Sweden in all seasons.
According to him, both countries are poised for a partnership “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.”
Shettima described the Crown Princess’s visit to Nigeria as opening doors to deeper institutional relations and greater cultural exchange between both nations.
He noted that the visit was not only a continuation of dialogue but also a new chapter for both nations.
“This moment opens the door to deeper institutional ties, stimulates business-to-business collaboration, and fosters greater cultural exchange.
“We are particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion.
“These are areas where Sweden has much to offer, and Nigeria is eager to learn,” the VP said.
The vice-president recalled his high-level engagement in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in October 2024, when he represented President Bola Tinubu.
He pointed out that the visit marked a turning point in the bilateral relations between both countries.
” From the warm hospitality extended by the Swedish government to the visionary discussions we had with Your Royal Highness, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the captains of Swedish industry.
” We returned to Nigeria energised by a new momentum—one that has since translated into tangible outcomes for both our peoples.
“Our meetings in Sweden in 2024 were not ceremonial; they were catalytic.
” They opened doors to strategic collaborations and renewed our commitment to making Nigeria a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
“One of the most consequential outcomes of that visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Ericsson to support 5G innovation across our country.
“Beyond the digital frontier, Swedish enterprises continue to invest in Nigeria’s human capital and sustainable development.
“We applaud SchoolTry, the Swedish edtech company, for its continued work in transforming educational outcomes in Nigeria.”
Shettima told the Crown Princess that the aforementioned partnerships were “building blocks in a broader architecture of cooperation.
” This positions Sweden as a key partner in Nigeria’s journey towards digital inclusion, educational reform, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy transition.”
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
Earlier, Princess Victoria expressed optimism about deepening relations between Sweden and Nigeria, stating that the current era called for enhanced collaboration.
“It would be wonderful for Sweden to have a physical trade office in Nigeria.
“This is something that should have been done long ago,” she said.
Mr Andreas Carlson, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing.
Also speaking, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Mr Andreas Carlson, praised the growing partnership between the two countries.
“We see numerous opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in innovation, the tech sector, and other areas where we can learn from each other.
“This collaboration will help shape a better future for our people,” Carlson said.
He announced that Sweden’s trade office in Nigeria was set to officially open Tuesday (tomorrow), further solidifying a bilateral relationship that had spanned over 65 years.
“There has also been a strong business relationship between both countries. The MoU signed during your visit to Stockholm is a testament to this,” he added.
Carlson highlighted that Sweden had established five innovation hubs across Africa, with the largest located in Lagos.
“There is great potential in sectors like health, agriculture, and more,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, also spoke about ongoing discussions with the Crown Princess.
According to him, they touch on trade and investment, agriculture, green energy (including solar and green hydrogen), ICT, and business outsourcing, particularly in relation to employment for skilled Nigerian workers.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Technical Aid Corps, planned to collaborate with countries interested in hiring Nigerian workers in a structured manner to reduce irregular migration.
In a related development, vice president Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Swedish tech giant, Ericsson, by swiftly operationalising the MoU signed earlier in 2024.
Shettima made this known while receiving a delegation from Ericsson to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The team was led by Mr Patrick Johansson, the company’s Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
He noted that Ericsson had been part of Nigeria’s digital evolution, recalling the firm’s pioneering role in the early stages of the country’s tech ecosystem.
“She has remained a faithful partner in progress and a collaborator in our transformation journey,” Shettima said.
He commended Ericsson for its investment in innovation hubs and support for small businesses in Nigeria, calling it a testament to the firm’s enduring partnership with the country.
“We cherish our relationship with Sweden and your company,” Shettima added.
“We are a large nation with a tech-savvy population. Many of Africa’s tech unicorns are Nigerian-based. The future is Nigeria.”
On his part, Johansson emphasised the importance of deepening Ericsson’s partnership with Nigeria through grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, Mr Majda Lahlou Kassi, the company’s Vice President and Head of Customer Units, West and South Africa at Ericsson Middle East & Africa, said Nigeria occupied an important place in the company’s history.
He said Ericsson believed in Nigeria’s potential and was proud of the existing relationship, especially the possibilities for growth in the local market and entrenchment of a digital culture among the citizenry.NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Analysts have expressed concern over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on global economic stability.
During a global virtual session on Monday, experts analysed the tariffs imposed on key trading partners, including China, Canada, the European Union, and members of the Quad alliance.
They noted that while the goal of the tariffs was to protect American industries, the unintended consequences could be far-reaching, potentially jeopardising supply chains, driving up consumer prices, and undermining economic recovery.
The analysts described tariffs as a tax on the cost of imported goods, often passed on to businesses and consumers.
They warned that the average American household could face an additional 1,200 dollars in annual expenses due to these measures.
Rather than pursuing protectionism, the analysts suggested the U.S. could lead through collaboration, advocating for diplomatic engagement over punitive tariffs in resolving trade disputes.
They emphasised that trade policies based on transparency, reciprocity, and mutual respect were more likely to secure long-term economic resilience.
Given the deep interconnection between the U.S. economy and the global market, especially with its top trading partners, the analysts warned that the tariffs risk destabilising these crucial relationships.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, criticised the tariff strategy, highlighting its role in increasing production costs and undermining investor confidence.
She noted that the ripple effects of higher import costs would be felt across everyday life, from groceries to gadgets.
She said this could significantly affect U.S. companies relying on imported materials and components.
Lagarde said industries such as automotive, technology, and manufacturing would be particularly impacted by these increased costs.
Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, cautioned that such tariffs could trigger a recession, with the U.S. economy bearing much of the damage.
He explained that the tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, erode U.S. export competitiveness, and damage relations with key trading partners, including China, Canada, the EU, and members of the Quad alliance.
Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, observed that the U.S. tariff policy had highlighted economic differences and structural inefficiencies in the U.S. economic and governance systems.
He argued that the policy would not address these issues but instead escalate uncertainty, negatively impacting the livelihoods of Americans.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday clarified that Nigeria is not on the list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar issued the clarification through his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
The minister said Saudi authorities have officially confirmed that the viral memo suggesting Nigeria’s inclusion in the ban list is false.
He called the document, which named Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan and others as banned, misleading and inaccurate.
“The Saudi Tourism Centre confirmed no such directive exists. Current official travel guidelines only apply to the Hajj pilgrimage.
“To clarify, the only restriction concerns tourist visa holders during the Hajj period,” Tuggar said.
Holders of tourist visas cannot perform Hajj, enter or remain in Makkah between April 29 and June 11 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH).
“The Hajj visa remains the only valid entry permit for pilgrims during that time,” the minister stressed.
Tuggar advised the public to ignore the misleading memo and confirm travel details through official sources before making plans.
“Sharing unverified information causes confusion and may affect travel arrangements,” he warned.
“For accurate updates, travellers should consult official Saudi sources, the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, or recognised diplomatic channels,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Taiwanese Government has called on the Federal Government to partner with Taiwan in realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic revitalisation.
Mr Andy Liu, Chief Information Officer of Taiwan’s Government in Nigeria, made this appeal during a media chat held on Monday in Lagos.
Liu said a partnership between Nigeria and Taiwan could bring immense benefits, considering Nigeria’s rich natural resources and Taiwan’s technological and digital innovation expertise.
He noted that such cooperation could drive development in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and energy.
“President Tinubu declared during his November 2022 campaign that he aimed to transform Nigeria’s South-East into the ‘Taiwan of Africa’,” Liu recalled.
“We have never felt prouder. Taiwan stands ready to support the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Taiwan and Nigeria are both members of the World Trade Organisation and share the values of free trade and economic cooperation.
“We are eager to work together to strengthen ties in sectors like mining, agriculture, and energy development.
“Taiwan is willing to offer technological expertise to help harness Nigeria’s abundant resources in a mutually beneficial partnership,” Liu stated.
He praised Nigeria for its strong democratic culture, noting the country’s dedication to upholding democratic values and processes.
Liu drew comparisons between Nigeria and Taiwan, highlighting their shared commitment to democratic ideals and national development.
“Nigeria and Taiwan both regard democracy and development as key guiding principles.
“Both nations believe in democratic values that ensure citizens can freely elect their leaders.
“We, the Taiwanese people, truly commend Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance.
“We also share core values such as freedom of the press and speech; our media is vibrant, just like Nigeria’s.
“Given these shared democratic ideals, cooperation between Nigeria and Taiwan should be both natural and highly complementary,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
By Mufutau Ojo
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in the global information and broadcasting sector to strengthen Nigeria’s information dissemination framework.
This pledge was made on Monday during discussions with prominent broadcast and information companies at the ongoing National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show 2025 in Las Vegas, United States.
Speaking at the event, Idris said the Bola Tinubu administration remained committed to adopting cutting-edge technologies and acquiring state-of-the-art equipment for Federal Government media organisations to ensure effective service delivery.
“Strategic communication is essential to ensuring that the policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda reach the Nigerian people effectively,” he stated.
The minister also highlighted the government’s plans to invest in upgrading facilities and replacing outdated infrastructure in radio, television and other media institutions.
According to the minister, this will improve the dissemination of credible, balanced and objective information to the public.
Idris further said that the government would explore collaborations and partnerships that would allow local broadcasters to benefit from emerging technologies and industry-specific training opportunities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had visited exhibitions showcasing hardware and software solutions during the event.
Items exhibited included broadcast antennas, transmitters and studio equipment which are pivotal for enhancing broadcasting capabilities.
NAN also reports that Thomas King, Chairman of KINTRONIC Laboratories and Enrico Vaccari, Chief Operating Officer of Axel Technology SRL, had expressed their organisations’ readiness to partner with the Nigerian government.
Gianluca Baccalini, Chief Operating Officer of System Engineering Solutions and Khiran Keerodhur, Chief Operating Officer of Thomson Broadcast, among others, also expressed commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape and regulatory agencies.
Idris is leading a delegation of chief executives of agencies in his ministry to the NAB event.
Members of the delegation included the Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammad Ali, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority, Salihu Dembos.
Others are the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu; and Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Lekan Fadolapo.
Also in the delegation is the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace.
The forum, NAN reports, is to strengthen broadcast collaborations and form strategic alliances.
The NAB event, running from Saturday to Wednesday, has as theme: “The Technology, The Trend, The Future.”
NAN also reports that the forum is focusing on a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence, cloud visualisation, creator economy as well as sports production and streaming.(NAN)(nannews.ng)
Mr Hocine Mezoued, the Ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria, says the flag-off of the Algires-Abuja flight by Air Algerie, is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria.
Mezoued said this on Sunday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the Algires-Abuja route by the Algerian national flag carrier.
The envoy said that, Algeria was doing its best to contribute to improve the Intra-African connectivity through its national flag carrier, which has a fleet of 55 aircraft.
“Our compatriots were often forced to travel thousands of kilometers outside the continent to find a connecting flight to Abuja. This new direct flight will open a myriad of economic opportunities for both destinations.
“The business communities and companies will no longer have any reason not to come to Nigeria or Algeria to do business and also to invest.
“This opens also the way to strengthen exchanges in the fields of tourism and culture. It will certainly give impetus to human and inter-university exchanges between our two countries,” he said.
The envoy said that further goals would be achieved in the coming months, on the way to consolidating bilateral relations between both countries.
He described the inauguration of the flight as part of the efforts made by both countries to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the human mobility and the economic fields.
Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the development marked a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.
Keyamo was represented by Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
He said that air travel played a vital role in economic development, adding that the introduction of the new Algiers-Abuja route represents a crucial step towards deeper bilateral relations.
The minister said that it would highlight both countries’ commitment to working collaboratively to unlock the socio-economic potentials within their respective borders.
He, therefore, urged Air Algerie to treat Nigerian passengers with dignity and respect as its flight commences operations.
He said that the commencement of the flight operation would bring both countries closer while strengthenning bilateral relations.
Ms Hosnia Kaouah, Head of Commercial Division for Air Algerie, said that the inauguration of the Algiers-Abuja Flight perfectly illustrated the ambition to further connect Africa with itself and the rest of the world.
Kaouah said that the potential African market was estimated at 200,000 annual passengers.
According to her, it represents a significant opportunity to rank Algiers Airport as a competitive transit hub between West Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
“The inauguration is also part of a broader dynamic, supporting the programme initiated by African Airline Association (AFRAA) which aims to develop cooperation with other African airlines to improve connectivity between their flights.
“Air Algerie’s new direct flight route connecting Algiers to Abuja will kick-start with two weekly flights in the first phase. The flight will empower the link of our great nations,” she said. .
Tje News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Air Algerie was established in 1962. It is a public economic joint stock company operating in a mix of African, European and selected Asian and American routes.
The inaugural flight was witnessed by the Minister of Budget, Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Cuban Ambassador, Ms Miriam Palmero with other diplomats, and representatives of aviation agencies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of African Union Commission (AUC), has underscored the need for adequate investment in Africa Peace Fund to bolster growth.
Adeoye gave the advice in Abuja during his working dinner with the theme: “Africa and global shift in governance, peace and security; a compelling agenda for ECOWAS and AU legacy solutions.”
Adeoye said, “The Peace Fund today by member states is $400 million endowment, but we have only the mandate to spend the interest.
“How much is the interest? $27 million a year, but we need $15 million a month in Somalia, like I said. So the challenges are enormous, we have to use our own resources.
“We have to call on the big powers on our continent, Nigeria, South Africa, Angola, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco, among others. These are what we call the tier one countries in the African Union system.
“They pay the largest, but they can do more for the sake of this country because for sure the days are over when we will be looking out to the West or to the North.
“South-South cooperation is what we need that can make it happen.”
He stated there is nothing called the United States of Africa, saying African countries should work closely together to build the continent from the bottom up, not the top bottom.
According to him, no one could impose the United States of Africa from a conference and hope the people would buy it, “it must be built from grassroots”.
“I think this is what the African Union is doing with its regional integration agenda, building with the rest and working closely for the United States of Africa.
“In the long term, it will come naturally. You already have a United States of Europe because you can walk into any part of the 27 European countries without much ado, no immigration.
“Such will not happen overnight. ECOWAS is a leader in that, and we can encourage more of the communities to do so,” he added.
He commended the call for the committee of Ten for the United Nations Security Council Reform, adding we have to keep walking the talk and invest in an inclusive, legitimate UN Security Council.
He promised to partner with civil society more in the peace and security domain, advising it champions not just first generation of political and civil rights, also women, economic, social, and cultural rights.
“Nigeria is the only country in Africa that has continuously served in the African Union Peace and Security Council.
“Nigeria has continued to champion peace and security in all ramifications, the huge view we have for peace and security can be reduced because peacekeeping has become an industry.
“We are not in the peacekeeping mode. We are in the peace enforcement mode, and we have to enforce peace as the Nigerian forces have been fighting against Boko Haram,” he advised.
Earlier, Amb. Musa Nuhu, Nigerian Permanent Representative to ECOWAS. said the gathering had become apt to advance democracy and effective governance, as well as boost human and peace dividends, which is critical for AU Member States.
“What we are bringing forward is African problems, and that implies we have to take ownership and ensure we mobilise peace process.
“We must also provide the political will in order to tackle our challenges,” Nuhu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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