🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Instagram experiences global outage, users report login and server errors
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Instagram, a social media platform owned by Meta, experienced a widespread outage on Tuesday, affecting thousands of users globally. Reports of problems began surging around 10:10 p.m., with over 8,100 users reporting issues. Users attempting to log in encountered "5xx Server Error" messages, indicating server-side problems. In the United States, complaints started rising around 4:55 p.m. Eastern Time. Many users turned to X to confirm the disruption, with some noting this was not the first outage recently. Meta had not issued an official statement regarding the cause of the outage. This incident follows a similar widespread outage a week prior that affected Facebook and Instagram, leaving millions unable to access their accounts and logging many out of Facebook's main website, mobile application, and Messenger service.
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AC Milan and Real Betis are reportedly monitoring Nigerian forward Christantus Uche, who is set to return to Getafe after a loan spell at Crystal Palace. Uche's time at Crystal Palace concluded without a permanent deal, as he made 14 appearances across all competitions with one assist. His loan agreement stipulated that Crystal Palace would pay €20m if he started 10 Premier League matches, a threshold that was not met. Getafe is open to selling Uche if a suitable offer is received. AC Milan had previously shown interest in Uche before his move to Crystal Palace. Real Betis is also reportedly monitoring the situation, though Getafe may be reluctant to sell to a domestic rival. Uche is expected to be reintegrated into the Getafe squad while the club remains open to offers.
Must ReadProfessor Emmanuel Ojo of the University of Ilorin has warned that West Africa risks a cycle of military takeovers if governments do not address governance challenges and declining public confidence in democratic institutions. Speaking at Koladaisi University, Professor Ojo stated that the rise in military interventions, particularly in the Sahel, is linked to public dissatisfaction with civilian governments over insecurity, economic difficulties, unemployment, and perceived leadership failures. He noted that weak governance and declining trust in democratic institutions create conditions where military rule is seen by some as an alternative. Professor Ojo identified weak democratic consolidation, legitimacy crises, poor institutional capacity, economic challenges, fragile national identity, and external interference as contributing factors to the return of military interventions. He argued that political leaders' failure to deliver inclusive development and accountable governance could continue to weaken civilian administrations. Professor Ojo also linked support for some military governments to resentment among young Africans over perceived foreign domination. He urged African governments to prioritize transparency, accountability, and people-centered policies, emphasizing that stronger democratic institutions, improved civil-military relations, and economic development are crucial to preventing further military takeovers. Temitope Bello, Acting Director of Research and Dev
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Joanah Gigi, has cautioned orphanage operators in the state to adhere strictly to child adoption laws and regulations or face sanctions, including facility closure. During a meeting with private orphanage operators in Yenagoa, Commissioner Gigi emphasized that all adoption matters must be handled in collaboration with the ministry. She urged operators to ensure all dealings with prospective adoptive parents comply with legal frameworks and established procedures. Gigi stated that the meeting was held to brief stakeholders on new national policies and strategies on child adoption and welfare, designed to address previous loopholes and strengthen the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women, children, and families in the adoption process. She stressed that any adoption without approved procedures, proper documentation, and ministry certification is illegal, and violating orphanages will be sanctioned. The Commissioner announced that unscheduled monitoring visits to orphanages would soon commence to assess compliance. Mrs. Agnes Oloye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, noted that the Bayelsa State Government supports children in its orphanages until age 18. Mr. Olufemi Koleola, CEO of Blossom Orphanage, welcomed the new policies but suggested they should also address pressure from prospective parents seeking quick adoption processes.