Big data analytics and Nigeria’s healthcare

Traditionally, growing avocados requires lots of water. But entrepreneurs in Nigeria are attempting to grow them in a new water-saving and sustainable way by using drip irrigation systems and recycling water.

Nigerian makeup artist-turned Tiktok sensation, Oni Mary, has wowed her audience with her skillful use of makeup to create faces of popular figures in Nigerian history. Her ability to draw life-like images on her chest while facing a mirror has earned her over 7,000 followers with thousands of views for each post.

Nature has its very own information storage technology: DNA. For millions of years, the double helix has been the primary code for all living things. But could DNA also become the ultimate storage solution for our digital information? We take a closer look in this edition of Down to Earth.

The Federal Government has blamed delays in completing some major projects, including railways, on the paucity of funds. Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in this exclusive with Guardian TV spoke on the delay in the execution and completion of all railway projects. He also gave insight into the kind of leader he would want to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 as well as the reasons for the increasing insecurity in the South-South.

The Lions of Teranga reign supreme! Senegal have put a new name on the AFCON trophy after beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties. It was a final of the goalkeepers as Senegal's Edouard Mendy and Egypt's Mohamed Abou Gabal, aka Gabaski, made some stunning saves to keep out the opposition. Gabal in particular thwarted a 5th minute Sadio Mané penalty. But after no team could be separated after 120 minutes, Mané made amends from the penalty spot to send his team into delirium. Jean-Emile Jammine is joined by Sports Editor Simon Harding, Sports Reporter James Vasina and Eurosport's Ruben Slagter for this special edition.

Nigerian civil servant and mother of four Grace Ekang has been having chest pains lately, and when she sneezes, black stains appear on her handkerchief. Inside her house in the Rivers state city of Port Harcourt, Ekang has noticed that the soot gathering on her floor is getting heavier. She and other residents blame this on illegal, makeshift oil refineries scattered across the Niger Delta.

A student who set up a not-for-profit project in lockdown has helped 3,000 refugees out of period poverty. Ella Lambert, 21, who studies at the University of Bristol, launched the Pachamama Project last year. The initiative which has 1,000 volunteers globally, makes and distributes reusable sanitary pads to refugees.

Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Friday.⁣

In northern Ghana, farmers lose some 25% of their animals to diseases every year. Feed and water shortages are also a problem. A startup has developed an app to help farmers get their animals vaccinated to reduce losses.

Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday.⁣

The everyday life of young people has now been restricted by the coronavirus pandemic for two years. The personal and societal consequences are devastating — and will have impacts long into the future.

The mandate requires all employees in care homes, hospitals, doctors' offices and outpatient clinics to prove they are vaccinated against COVID-19. An emergency motion had attempted to delay its enforcement.