Africa's Largest Remittances (Money Sent From Abroad By Citizens) in 2022

Photo: sokodirectory.com

Remittances, or money sent by citizens abroad to their home countries, are a vital source of income for many African countries. In 2022, Africa received an estimated US$54 billion in remittances, up from US$49 billion in 2021. This represents a 10% increase in remittances over the previous year.

The top five countries in Africa that received the most remittances in 2022 were:

Egypt: US$32 billion

Nigeria: US$21 billion

Morocco: US$10.75 billion

Ghana: US$4.7 billion

Kenya: US$4.027 billion

These five countries accounted for over 60% of all remittances received in Africa in 2022.

Others are:

Tunisia: US$3 billion

Senegal: US $2.9 billion

Ethiopia: US$2.5 billion

Algeria: US$1.83 billion

Zimbabwe: US$1.66 billion

Remittances are important for a number of reasons. They can help to improve household incomes, reduce poverty, and boost economic growth. They can also help to finance education, healthcare, and other essential services.

The increase in remittances in 2022 can be attributed to a number of factors, including:

• The strong performance of the global economy

• The rise in the number of Africans living and working abroad

• The availability of new and cheaper ways to send money

• The continued growth of remittances is expected to play a key role in supporting economic development in Africa in the years to come.

Here are some of the benefits of remittances for Africa:

Reduce poverty: Remittances can help to reduce poverty by providing a source of income for families and communities. In some cases, remittances can even lift families out of poverty altogether.

Boost economic growth: Remittances can boost economic growth by increasing household spending and investment. This can lead to increased production, employment, and income.

Finance education and healthcare: Remittances can be used to finance education and healthcare. This can help to improve the quality of life for millions of Africans.

Support development: Remittances can be used to support development projects in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and social services. This can help to improve the lives of millions of Africans.

Remittances are a vital source of income for many African countries. They can help to reduce poverty, boost economic growth, and support development. The continued growth of remittances is expected to play a key role in supporting Africa's economic development in the years to come.

Ebi, Oshoala, Ordega Announced Among Nigeria's Super Falcons Squad for 2023 FIFA World Cup

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the 23-man squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

The squad, which is made up of a mix of experienced and young players, is led by captain Onome Ebi, who is making her ninth World Cup appearance. Other notable players in the squad include Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala, Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre, and experienced forward Desire Oparanozie.

The Super Falcons are drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and debutant Republic of Ireland. They will open their campaign against Canada on July 21, before facing Australia on July 27, and Republic of Ireland on July 31.

The Super Falcons are the most successful team in African women's football, having won the African Women's Championship a record 11 times. They are also the only African team to have reached the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup, which they did in 1999.

The Super Falcons will be hoping to go one better at this year's World Cup and win their first title. They will face a tough challenge, but they have the talent and experience to do it.

Here is the full squad:

• Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi (Rivers Angels), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris Saint-Germain), Yewande Balogun (FC Robo)
• Defenders: Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City), Onome Ebi (CSKA Moscow), Osinachi Ohale (Rivers Angels), Halimatu Ayinde (Avaldsnes), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Rofiat Imuran (Bayelsa Queens)
• Midfielders: Toni Payne (Sevilla), Christy Ucheibe (Feyenoord), Halimat Ayinde (Avaldsnes), Deborah Abiodun (Bayelsa Queens), Gift Monday (Rivers Angels)
• Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid), Ifeoma Onumonu (Angel City), Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow), Uchenna Kanu (FC Zurich), Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Jiangxia)

Coach: Randy Waldrum

PHOTOS: Boss Mustapha Hands Over To George Akume

The outgoing SGF, Boss Mustapha has finally handed over to Sen. George Akume, the incoming SGF.

The handover can be confirmed from a post on the official Twitter handle of the the Office of the SGF, @officialOSGF.

The caption reads "Handing over of official documents by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, CFR, to the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. (Dr) George Akume, CON, on Wednesday, 7th June, 2023 in Abuja."

Karim Benzima's Achievements With Real Madrid

Football world has been buzzing with news of Real Madrid captain, Karim Benzima's move to Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia.

The move means Benzima would be playing in the Saudi Professional League alongside former Real Madrid team mate Christiano Ronaldo.

During his stay with Real Madrid, Benzima won 25 trophies, equaling Marcelo as the most decorated player in the club's history. His trophies include 5 Champions League, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, 3 Copas del Rey and 4 Spanish Super Cups.

Benzema's most prolific achievement with Real Madrid was winning the Champions League in 2022-23 where he scored 15 goals in the competition, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against Manchester City.

Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2009 and logged in to become one of the most prolific goalscorers in the club's history. He scored over 300 goals for Real Madrid, making him the club's fifth all-time leading scorer. He is also the club's leading scorer in the Champions League, with 86 goals.

At Real Madrid, Benzema was named in the UEFA Team of the Year four times and was also named the La Liga Player of the Year once. He is considered to be one of the best strikers in the world and was a key member of the Real Madrid team that won four Champions League titles in the last five years.

He is known for his clinical finishing, his ability to link up with teammates, and his work ethic. He is also a leader on the field and has been praised by his teammates and coaches for his positive attitude.

Benzima celebrates 25 trophies with Real Madrid

Here is a list of Karim Benzema's achievements with Real Madrid:

5 Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022)

5 Club World Cups (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022)

4 European Super Cups (2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018)

4 La Liga titles (2012, 2017, 2020, and 2022)

3 Copa del Rey titles (2011, 2014, and 2017)

4 Spanish Super Cups (2012, 2017, 2020, and 2022)

UEFA Team of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2022

La Liga Player of the Year: 2022

Karim Benzema is a true legend of Real Madrid and one of the best strikers in the history of the club. He has won more trophies with the club than any other French player. He was a key player for Real Madrid and is expected to continue to win trophies with his new club in the years to come.

What You Should Know About The Youngest Mother in the World

Lina Medina with her son
Photo credit: ati

It was Sunday evening and we were hanging out at a public house. After light meals of "Akpukpa" ('moi-moi') with fried ice-fish came the discussion about child bearing age which turned into an argument that no body below 12 years can have a baby. Some of us affirmed and some others were against.

While the argument was heating up I brought out my phone and did a little research and that was when I came across the name Lina Medina, the youngest mother in history. Honestly, what I found out was a bit shocking to me.

Lina Marcela Medina de Jurado, a Peruvian woman became the youngest confirmed mother in history when she gave birth at the age of five years, seven months, and 21 days.

Medina was born September 23, 1933, in Ticrapo, Peru, a small village in the Andes Mountains. She was first taken to the doctor by her parents when her stomach was becoming bigger, thinking she had a tumor. After carrying out an X-ray doctors were shocked to discover that she was six months pregnant and that her abdomen was already the size of a full-term baby.        

You would be thinking, How did she mange to give birth? Well, on May 14, 1939, Medina gave birth to a healthy baby boy by caesarean section. The baby weighed 5 pounds, 8 ounces and was named Gerardo.

Medina's pregnancy was caused by precocious puberty. Know what's that? That is a rare medical condition that causes children to begin puberty at a very early age. The cause of precocious puberty is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. At least that is what I found out.

Some experts believe that she may have had a rare condition called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency. A condition that causes the body to release gonadotropins, which are hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs and the testes to produce sperm.

Medina's case has remained a medical mystery up to this day. And yeah, there have been other cases of young girls becoming pregnant, but none as young as Medina.

Medina's story is a reminder of the dangers of child sexual abuse. In her case, the father of her child was never identified. Some people have accused her father of raping her, but this has never been proven.

After giving birth, Medina moved to Lima, Peru, with her son Gerardo and they lived a relatively normal life. At Lima, Medina received an education and worked as a seamstress (a weaver). Gerardo grew up to be a healthy and normal boy.

It is written that Gerardo died from a bone marrow disorder in 1979 at the age of 40. Medina remarried and had more children.

Lina Medina's story is a tragic one, but it is also a story of resilience and hope, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and has had a lasting impact on the world. And although she faced incredible challenges at a young age, she was able to overcome them. She overcame the challenges of her early pregnancy and she went on to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Her case has been studied by doctors and researchers for decades. She is a reminder of the dangers of child sexual abuse and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of precocious puberty. And not just that, her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. It has also inspired others who have faced challenges in their lives.

In 2018, Medina was honored by the Guinness World Records for her achievement. She is still alive today and is the oldest living person to have given birth.

How Burna Boy Sold Out London Stadium

Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy made history on Saturday, June 3, 2023, by becoming the first African artist to sell out London Stadium. The sold-out show was a major victory for Burna Boy, who has been steadily rising in popularity over the past few years.

So, how did Burna Boy sell out London Stadium? Here are a few factors that contributed to his success:

His global reach: Burna Boy has a large and dedicated fan base all over the world. He has toured extensively in Europe, North America, and Africa, and he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Drake, Beyoncé, Kanye West and Rihanna.

His unique sound and critical acclaim: Burna Boy's music is a fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and hip hop. Burna Boy has been praised by critics for his unique sound. His latest album, "Love, Damini," was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. His sound is both traditional and modern, and it has appealed to a wide range of listeners.

His energetic and charismatic live performances: Burna Boy is known for his energetic and high-energy live performances. He is a charismatic performer who knows how to get the crowd moving. He is a talented dancer, and he often interacts with the crowd during his shows. His performances are always a party, and fans love to sing along to his songs.

His fan support: Burna Boy's fans are incredibly passionate and dedicated. They have been known to sell out shows in minutes and travel long distances to see him perform. His songs have been streamed millions of times on Spotify and Apple Music thanks to his numerous fans across the world.

His strong social media presence: Burna Boy is very active on social media, and he uses it to connect with his fans and promote his music. He has over 20 million followers on Instagram, and he often posts videos and photos of himself. He is also known for his candid and humorous posts, which have helped him to build a strong personal brand.

All of these factors contributed to Burna Boy's success in selling out London Stadium. His sold-out show is a major victory for African music, and it is a sign of the continent's growing global influence.

Burna Boy is a talented artist with a unique sound and a strong work ethic. He is a rising star in the global music scene, and his sold-out show at London Stadium is just the beginning.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF): Responsibilities And Challenges

Shagari House, Office to the Government of the Federation

On Friday, 2 May, 2023, the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, issued a statement announcing the appointments of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief of Staff (CoS) and the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS).

In the statement, the president in a meeting with Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), named former Benue State Governor and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, Sen. Dr. George Akume, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

To some of us Akume's appointment is a thing of enormous joy and happiness, especially those of us who are from the North-Central zone and Benue State in particular.

While we were celebrating I came to understand that a way too many people have no idea what it is to be Nigeria's SGF.

What are the responsibilities, duties of the SGF? Some were asking. I tried giving some light but that was to a few persons and my explainations might not have been enough.

And so I decided to put it out in writing in the hope of reaching more people who may not know what it is to be SGF.

Responsibilities

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is the most senior civil servant in the Nigerian government. The SGF is appointed by the President and is responsible for ensuring the effective coordination and monitoring of the implementation of government policies and programmes.

The SGF is a key figure in the Nigerian government and plays a vital role in ensuring that the government is able to effectively deliver on its promises to the people.

The SGF has a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Overseeing the work of the Federal Executive Council (FEC)

• Advising the President on matters of policy and administration

• Coordinating the activities of the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)

• Representing the government at national and international events

• Ensuring that government finances are managed efficiently and effectively

• Promoting good governance and transparency in government

In addition to the above, the SGF also has the following specific responsibilities:

• Preparing the agenda for the FEC meetings

• Ensuring that the decisions of the FEC are implemented

• Monitoring the performance of the MDAs

• Appointing and dismissing senior civil servants

• Representing the government in legal matters

• Providing advice to the President on matters of national security

Challenges

The SGF is a powerful, critical and influential figure in the Nigerian government and politics. The SGF is responsible for ensuring that the government's policies are implemented effectively and efficiently. The SGF also plays a key role in advising the President on a range of issues and just like every leadership position, the SGF is not without some challenges.

The following are some of the key challenges facing the SGF:

• The SGF must balance the competing demands of the different ministries and departments of government.

• The SGF must ensure that the government's policies are implemented effectively and efficiently, even in the face of limited resources.

• The SGF must provide sound advice to the President on a range of complex and challenging issues.

• The SGF must maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people.

Conclusion

The SGF is a demanding and challenging position. However, the SGF also has the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of Nigeria. The SGF can help to ensure that the government is effective and efficient, and that the Nigerian people are represented and protected. The SGF is also responsible for ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.

I stand to be corrected in case I'm wrong about some of the responsibilities of the SGF. You can as well add more of them in the comment box below.

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