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AMA, Health

Shaping Nigeria’s Future through Early Childhood Development

MaraviPost Leave a comment

Washington, USA, 07 April 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Nigeria has made meaningful progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, but inclusive growth must accelerate substantially to improve livelihoods—this partly depends on how effectively it invests in its people, create jobs, and starting in early life, according to the April 2026 Nigeria Development Update (NDU).

Titled Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development, the report notes that while recent bold reforms have strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals, enhancing Nigerians’ productive capabilities will be critical to translating these gains into better living standards and jobs.

Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.0% in 2025, similar to 2024, driven mainly by services such as ICT, financial services, and real estate, with mild expansion in other sectors. Inflation has eased notably, falling to 15.1% year‑on‑year in February 2026, down from 26.3% a year earlier, supported by tight monetary policy, reduced exchange rate volatility, and improved food supply. Despite these gains, household incomes have yet to recover fully and poverty remains high, highlighting the need to lower inflation further and complement stabilization with investments that expand economic opportunity and jobs.

Nigeria’s external position remained positive in 2025, supported by stronger non‑oil exports, resilient remittances, and renewed portfolio inflows. The current account surplus reached 4.8% of GDP, while gross external reserves rose to $45.5 billion, equivalent to 8.7 months of imports. On the fiscal side, stronger non‑oil revenues lifted Federation Account receipts to 8.5% of GDP, although spending pressures widened the consolidated fiscal deficit modestly to 3.1% of GDP.

The Middle East conflict is expected to have mixed but manageable effects on Nigeria. Higher oil prices will boost revenues and exports, but higher energy, fertilizer, and shipping costs, alongside second-round effects, will add to inflation. Global risk aversion could tighten financial conditions and pressure the exchange rate, which should remain flexible to cushion shocks. Fiscal policy should leverage the windfall to rebuild buffers and provide targeted support to vulnerable households, avoiding blanket subsidies. Monetary policy should remain tight, supported by lower import barriers on inputs and food. Clear, consistent policy communication will help anchor expectations. Deepening macro and structural reforms will increase resilience going forward.

However, macroeconomic stability alone is not sufficient. The NDU underscores that human capital development is a key channel through which macroeconomic gains can translate into improved living standards and jobs—and that channel begins early. Investments during pregnancy and early childhood shape long-term productivity and shared prosperity. Yet outcomes in Nigeria remain weak and unequal: about 110 out of every 1,000 children die before age five, 40% are stunted, and more than half are not developmentally on track before entering school.

“Nigeria has made efforts to stabilize its economy, but welfare gains are still modest. Moreover, the conflict in the Middle East adds pressures. Sustaining and deepening macroeconomic stabilization, as well as addressing structural constraints, will be critical to translating reform dividends into faster, more inclusive growth, jobs and improved living standards,” said Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. “Investing early in nutrition, health, caregiving, safety and early learning is one of the most powerful ways Nigeria can convert today’s reform gains into higher productivity, better jobs, and lasting poverty reduction.”

Improving early childhood outcomes requires a more integrated approach—bringing together nutrition, health, responsive caregiving, early learning, and children’s living environments, including access to water and sanitation, into a coherent and continuous package of support. This includes defining a basic package of services from pregnancy to age five, improving targeting and delivery, engaging private sector and community providers, and aligning financing and coordination with measurable outcomes.

“The outlook for Nigeria’s economy remains cautiously optimistic. Growth is projected at 4.2% over 2026-2028, supported by continued macroeconomic stabilization, ongoing structural reforms, and increased investment. Inflation, which is still high, is expected to fall gradually, albeit more slowly than previously expected due to pressures from the Middle East conflict”, said Fiseha Haile, World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

Contacts
In Abuja:
Mansir Nasir,
+234 803 354 6639
mnasir@worldbank.org

The post Shaping Nigeria’s Future through Early Childhood Development appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Health

Shaping Nigeria’s Future through Early Childhood Development

MaraviPost Leave a comment

Washington, USA, 07 April 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Nigeria has made meaningful progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, but inclusive growth must accelerate substantially to improve livelihoods—this partly depends on how effectively it invests in its people, create jobs, and starting in early life, according to the April 2026 Nigeria Development Update (NDU).

Titled Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development, the report notes that while recent bold reforms have strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals, enhancing Nigerians’ productive capabilities will be critical to translating these gains into better living standards and jobs.

Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.0% in 2025, similar to 2024, driven mainly by services such as ICT, financial services, and real estate, with mild expansion in other sectors. Inflation has eased notably, falling to 15.1% year‑on‑year in February 2026, down from 26.3% a year earlier, supported by tight monetary policy, reduced exchange rate volatility, and improved food supply. Despite these gains, household incomes have yet to recover fully and poverty remains high, highlighting the need to lower inflation further and complement stabilization with investments that expand economic opportunity and jobs.

Nigeria’s external position remained positive in 2025, supported by stronger non‑oil exports, resilient remittances, and renewed portfolio inflows. The current account surplus reached 4.8% of GDP, while gross external reserves rose to $45.5 billion, equivalent to 8.7 months of imports. On the fiscal side, stronger non‑oil revenues lifted Federation Account receipts to 8.5% of GDP, although spending pressures widened the consolidated fiscal deficit modestly to 3.1% of GDP.

The Middle East conflict is expected to have mixed but manageable effects on Nigeria. Higher oil prices will boost revenues and exports, but higher energy, fertilizer, and shipping costs, alongside second-round effects, will add to inflation. Global risk aversion could tighten financial conditions and pressure the exchange rate, which should remain flexible to cushion shocks. Fiscal policy should leverage the windfall to rebuild buffers and provide targeted support to vulnerable households, avoiding blanket subsidies. Monetary policy should remain tight, supported by lower import barriers on inputs and food. Clear, consistent policy communication will help anchor expectations. Deepening macro and structural reforms will increase resilience going forward.

However, macroeconomic stability alone is not sufficient. The NDU underscores that human capital development is a key channel through which macroeconomic gains can translate into improved living standards and jobs—and that channel begins early. Investments during pregnancy and early childhood shape long-term productivity and shared prosperity. Yet outcomes in Nigeria remain weak and unequal: about 110 out of every 1,000 children die before age five, 40% are stunted, and more than half are not developmentally on track before entering school.

“Nigeria has made efforts to stabilize its economy, but welfare gains are still modest. Moreover, the conflict in the Middle East adds pressures. Sustaining and deepening macroeconomic stabilization, as well as addressing structural constraints, will be critical to translating reform dividends into faster, more inclusive growth, jobs and improved living standards,” said Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. “Investing early in nutrition, health, caregiving, safety and early learning is one of the most powerful ways Nigeria can convert today’s reform gains into higher productivity, better jobs, and lasting poverty reduction.”

Improving early childhood outcomes requires a more integrated approach—bringing together nutrition, health, responsive caregiving, early learning, and children’s living environments, including access to water and sanitation, into a coherent and continuous package of support. This includes defining a basic package of services from pregnancy to age five, improving targeting and delivery, engaging private sector and community providers, and aligning financing and coordination with measurable outcomes.

“The outlook for Nigeria’s economy remains cautiously optimistic. Growth is projected at 4.2% over 2026-2028, supported by continued macroeconomic stabilization, ongoing structural reforms, and increased investment. Inflation, which is still high, is expected to fall gradually, albeit more slowly than previously expected due to pressures from the Middle East conflict”, said Fiseha Haile, World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

Contacts
In Abuja:
Mansir Nasir,
+234 803 354 6639
mnasir@worldbank.org

The post Shaping Nigeria’s Future through Early Childhood Development appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA

For Somalia, Building Climate Resilience is Key to Unlocking Long-Term Growth and Jobs

MaraviPost

Washington, USA, 05 March 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- A new World Bank Group report finds that cost‑effective and smart development investments, particularly in climate-smart agriculture, resilient cities, disaster risk management, and stronger institutions, could cut projected economic losses for Somalia by half and deliver more stable, productive jobs for its people.

Launched today by the Government of Somalia and the World Bank Group, the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for the Federal Republic of Somalia emphasizes the importance of linking adaptation to employment and productivity, which can enable Somalia to convert resilience investments into job opportunities, advancing its ambition to reach middle‑income status by 2060.

“Our focus is to ensure that climate action directly benefits our communities while building a stronger, more resilient Somalia,” said Bashir Mohamed Jama, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for Somalia. “Our priority is to ensure that climate resilience supports economic stability and opportunity for our people. This report provides valuable analysis to guide coordinated action across sectors and strengthen collaboration with our partners”.

Somalia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate shocks. Without urgent action, climate change could reduce Somalia’s GDP by up to 13.5 percent by 2060, compared to a scenario without climate impacts, undermining growth and employment and exacerbating fragility.

“Building a climate‑resilient Somalia is a shared responsibility. Through coordinated leadership, evidence‑based policy, and strong partnerships, Somalia can turn climate challenges into opportunities for employment and productivity,” said Hideki Matsunaga, World Bank Country Manager for Somalia. “With smart investments, particularly in resilient rural livelihoods, climate‑smart cities, and stronger institutions, Somalia can break the cycle of vulnerability, create jobs, and unlock its development potential.”

Somalia has made important strides in state‑building and macroeconomic stabilization, completing the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative debt relief process in 2023 and acceding to the East African Community in 2024. However, decades of conflict, weak institutions, recurrent droughts and floods continue to erode livelihoods, displace millions, and strain public services. The report emphasizes that integrating climate and development strategies can reduce vulnerability while supporting private‑sector‑led growth and job creation, shifting from crisis response toward sustained economic opportunity.

Investments in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, water management, and climate‑smart agriculture are not only cost‑effective, but they are also essential for protecting lives, supporting growth, and sustaining jobs and livelihoods in communities affected by conflict and displacement. Analysis shows that higher‑quality growth and targeted climate action can sharply reduce economic losses from climate change compared to a business‑as‑usual scenario.

At the same time, the report notes that while Somalia will continue to rely on external funding in the near term, over the longer term it will need to take stronger leadership in planning, implementing, and financing climate action. Deepening partnerships with the private sector will be essential to translate resilience investments into durable employment and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

Contacts
In Nairobi:
Lydia Gachungi
lgachungi@worldbank.org

In Washington:
Daniella Van Leggelo Padilla
dvanleggelo@worldbank.org

About Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs)
The World Bank Group’s Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs) are new core diagnostic reports that integrate climate change and development considerations. They will help countries prioritize the most impactful actions that can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and boost adaptation, while delivering on broader development goals. CCDRs build on data and rigorous research and identify main pathways to reduce GHG emissions and climate vulnerabilities, including the costs and challenges as well as benefits and opportunities from doing so. The reports suggest concrete, priority actions to support the low-carbon, resilient transition. As public documents, CCDRs aim to inform governments, citizens, the private sector and development partners and enable engagements with the development and climate agenda. CCDRs will feed into other core Bank Group diagnostics, country engagements and operations, and help attract funding and direct financing for high-impact climate action.

The post For Somalia, Building Climate Resilience is Key to Unlocking Long-Term Growth and Jobs appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA

Congo Basin Countries Forge Strategic Path to Carbon Markets with Roadmaps to Monetize Forest Wealth

MaraviPost

Washington, USA, 24 February 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Six countries of the Congo Basin—Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo—are working to take bold steps to unlock results-based payments and climate finance. The newly launched Strategic Roadmaps for Carbon Market and Climate Finance in the Forest Sector for the Congo Basin Countries developed with support from the World Bank, serve as blueprints to transform the region’s vast forest wealth into a powerful engine for climate-resilient growth and sustainable development and green jobs.

These roadmaps provide country-specific blueprints to help High Forest, Low Deforestation (HFLD) Congo Basin countries to engage credibly and effectively in global carbon markets, mobilize results-based finance, and transform their forest assets into engines for climate-resilient growth. Tailored to each country’s readiness and institutional landscape, the roadmaps build on the foundational data from Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem Accounts to create a comprehensive framework aligning nature and climate goals with national development priorities. As part of the World Bank’s broader Analytical and Advisory Services (ASA) for the Congo Basin, these roadmaps aim to shift the region’s development narrative—from one of forest loss or degradation to forest-led growth.

“Forests across the Congo Basin offer more than global climate regulation—they represent critical financial assets and a development opportunity,” said Chakib Jenane, World Bank Regional Practice Director Western and Central Africa Region. “These roadmaps provide the crucial link and show how countries can convert natural capital into tangible investments that generate revenues, jobs, and resilience for local communities.”

The roadmaps call for stronger institutional coordination, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, and robust digital, and Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. While countries like Gabon, Republic of Congo are advancing with pilot results-based agreements and REDD+ progress, others like Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic are in the early stages of development. Opportunities abound also in Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The roadmaps highlight the gaps and prioritize key actions that will allow countries to harness the potential from carbon markets and climate finance.

“Carbon markets can be a game-changer for Congo Basin countries—but only if the right enabling conditions are in place,” said Cheick Fantamady Kanté, World Bank Division Director for Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo. “These strategic roadmaps provide a practical end-to-end guide for governments to operationalize carbon finance, with a focus on good governance, private sector engagement, and benefits for local communities.”

Developed through broad stakeholder consultations and grounded in national priorities, the roadmaps support countries to:

  • Align national frameworks with Paris Agreement Article 6.2 and 6.4.
  • Build digital and institutional capacity for MRV readiness.
  • Clarify the legal and fiscal treatment of carbon credits.
  • Engage the private sector and ensure the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples.
  • Attract long-term climate investment and technical partnerships.

These carbon market climate roadmaps represent a convergence of jobs, environment, and economic agendas.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

The post Congo Basin Countries Forge Strategic Path to Carbon Markets with Roadmaps to Monetize Forest Wealth appeared first on African Media Agency.

Entertainment

Sister Wives’ Christine Brown Confirms She and Ex Kody Are Distant Cousins

Maravi Post Reporter

Christine Brown is no longer married to Kody Brown, but she confirmed on Sister Wives that they are still related — by blood!

“I knew growing up that I would have to marry a convert because I was literally related to everybody in the church,” Christine, 53, explained to her husband, David Woolley, during the Sunday, December 28, episode of the TLC series.

She then revealed, “I did marry a convert, but I was still related to him too. Yeah, I’m related to Kody.”

Christine, who grew up in a polygamist household, noted she is a distant cousin of Kody, to whom she was spiritually married from 1994 to 2021.

Sister Wives’ Christine Gets the Ick as Ex Kody Admits He ‘Used to Love’ Her

“Third cousins once removed is fully legal. Fully,” she said with a laugh. “Polygamy is not legal. I’m third cousins once removed from Kody.”

David, 61, was speechless, only muttering a “wow” after hearing his wife’s familial relation to her ex-husband.

Christine’s former sister wife — and still close friend/family member — Janelle Brown, however, said it was a running joke in their household that Kody and Christine were family before they tied the knot.

“There was always this joke about [how] they were cousins, but they are so distantly related it’s ridiculous,” Janelle, 56, told the cameras. “I think in polygamist families, this kind of stuff happens all the time.”

Sister Wives’ Kody Admits His Trust With Christine Was ‘Killed’ Before Apology

Janelle clarified, “It wasn’t the kind of relationship where, like, you saw each other at the family reunion — like, it was a very distant relationship. But they would always joke about being cousins. It just is a small community.”

Janelle knows firsthand how small the world of polygamy can be due to her own familial connections.

Prior to marrying Kody in 1993, Janelle was married to Meri Brown’s brother, Adam Barber, for two years. (Meri, 54, was Kody’s first wife, whom he wed in 1990. The couple confirmed their split in January 2023.)

“I think we might have lived together physically, actually lived together for, like, six months,” Janelle said of her and Adam’s marriage during a November 2024 appearance on the “Reality Life With Kate Casey” podcast, teasing it “qualifies” as a “starter marriage.”

Christine Brown Confirms She and Ex Kody Brown Are Distant Cousins on Sister Wives
Janelle, Christine, Kody, Meri and Robyn Brown. Joe Pugliese/TLC/Everett Collection

Janelle’s family crossovers didn’t stop there, as her late mother, Sheryl Usher, was spiritually married to Kody’s late father, Winn Brown, after meeting through the couple.

“My mom came to save me from the polygamists because no daughter of hers was going to marry some into some crazy cult,” Janelle recalled on a November episode of Sister Wives. “And she ended up marrying Kody’s dad.”

Sheryl and Winn tied the knot in 1992, one year before Janelle became Kody’s second wife. Sheryl and Winn remained in a plural marriage until his death in 2013. Janelle, meanwhile, confirmed her separation from Kody in December 2022.

Christine and Janelle Brown Agree Kody Has ‘Slipped Into’ Monogamy

While Christine’s connection to Kody comes as a surprise to some, it wasn’t the only focus of this week’s episode. Kody finally made his way to Cedar City, Utah, to meet up with Meri and finish his self-described ex-wives apology tour.

The conversation was rocky at best, with Meri and Kody getting into more than one argument during their time together. While Meri took issue with Kody bringing up her friends’ allegedly talking badly about him, he tried to refocus the attention on his apology.

“Listen, [an] apology is so needed here because this is still so toxic. And I apologize for that,” Kody told Meri at one point, referring to their constant bickering.

Meri bluntly asked, “Do you apologize that you are toxic to me, or are you just being general?” to which Kody replied, “Yes, I apologize that I am toxic to you, Meri, or was toxic to you.”

As Kody continued to use the word “apologize,” it ate away at his former first wife.

“You got to stop with the ‘apologize’ word. The more you use it, the more it feels insincere,” Meri shared, noting it “doesn’t trigger” her but it “validates that it doesn’t feel like this is a sincere conversation.”

Meri explained, “Your use of the word ‘apologize’ feels very extreme and very forced to me.”

Christine Brown, Janelle Brown Share ‘Sister Wives’ Relationship Status

Kody confessed, “I’m actually uncomfortable, Meri. I triggered the minute we got together. I apologize for that.”

Despite a lot of back-and-forth between the pair, they ended the conversation with a hug — but very different feelings about what had transpired.

“From here out, I hope the swords are down. If we can move forward in the future, just making sure that we are very kind, we might be able to remain in good places with each other,” Kody told the cameras.

Meri, meanwhile, revealed, “I’m not sure at this point, you know, what this all means. There’s been a lot throughout this whole divorce process, throughout the property process, things that I’ve discovered since then. But it doesn’t affect me. I’m not listening to what he says.”

Sister Wives airs on TLC Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.

Entertainment

Stovepipe Jeans Are the Elevated Denim Trend to Wear in 2026

Maravi Post Reporter

The names of trending denim silhouettes keep getting more interesting. In recent months, we’ve seen cigarette jeans, cocktail jeans and sweatpant jeans, but there’s one other style that’s getting a bit of buzz as we head into the new year: stovepipe jeans. The flattering cut is definitely one to keep on your radar, since it’s on track to become 2026’s most popular denim style.

Stovepipe jeans are a cross between slim and straight styles, maintaining the same width from the thigh down while gently grazing your leg. They fall right in between skinny and bootcut options, and have the uncanny ability of making legs look miles long. The silhouette is inherently streamlined and polished for a more sophisticated look, and can even be worn for dressier occasions (even if you aren’t sporting a black wash).

The best thing about stovepipe jeans? They flatter every body type and truly stand the test of time. This is one trend you won’t want to skip. So get ready to shop for your new favorite pair of stovepipe jeans, below.

Stovepipe Jeans Are the Elevated Denim Trend to Wear in 2026

1. Our Favorite: The stovepipe style puts mom jeans to shame — especially this pick that offers a good amount of stretch and cool details, like the lightly frayed hem and light, worn wash.

2. Patchwork Pockets: This stovepipe look gets a fun upgrade with cheeky pockets that add a little flair while still being functional.

3. Classic Black: If you don’t own black jeans, let this pair of Levi’s be the one you add to your closet. The stovepipe silhouette flatters all body types while the hue feels more elevated than blue denim.

4. Commit to It: If you are anti low-rise denim, Madewell’s stovepipe jeans will convert you. This style lands right below your belly button and still offers plenty of support. No muffin top here!

5. Off the Cuff: Prepare for summer now with some cute, cropped and cuffed L’Agence stovepipe jeans. They were made for long walks on the beach.

What Are Pencil Jeans? Meet the Denim Style That’s Going to Be Everywhere in 2026

6. A Complete Steal: If you haven’t explored Quince’s denim options, this stovepipe style is a great place to start. It’s made with the perfect amount of stretch, has a vintage vibe and it’ll run you just $50.

7. A Total Novelty: Looking for a truly unique pair of stovepipe jeans? This Abercrombie style features a suede lace-up front that acts as a built-in accessory.

8. Worth the Splurge: For a pair of jeans that might last you for the rest of your life, we recommend Moussy Vintage’s stovepipe style. This denim immediately conforms to your body and lengthens your legs, making you look like a supermodel.

9. Options on Options: There’s a reason these stovepipe jeans are Abercrombie’s bestseller. The toughest decision you’ll have to make is selecting the wash — there are 12 to choose from.

10. Double Take: The price tag on Old Navy’s stovepipe jeans required a second glance. We can hardly believe these are just $22.

11. For the Curvy Girls: Straight styles are notoriously tricky to shop for when you have a curvy lower half. Old Navy added extra room along the thighs and waist of this pair for a glove-like fit.

12. Petites Please: Those under 5’4 won’t need to worry about their stovepipe jeans looking too long. This pair from Banana Republic Factor comes in petite sizing, ensuring the fit is just right.

13. Channeling the ’90s: In case you needed any confirmation that the stovepipe silhouette is timeless, this pair from Gap was inspired by the ’90s and is still kicking 30 years later.

I’m 5’3″ — And I Found These 16 Petite-Friendly Jeans That Fit Like a Glove

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Entertainment

13 Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for Beauty and Fashion Lovers

Maravi Post Reporter

‘Tis the season to go shopping! With Hanukkah underway and less than one week until Christmas, there’s no time like the present to buy some presents for loved ones.

Not quite sure where to start? I’m here to help! Score these last-minute gifts for your favorite ladies or treat yourself to new looks for the new year.

Sephora Perfume Sampler Set

Sephora perfume sampler
Sephora

This Sephora perfume sampler set is the ultimate beauty deal! Not only will you get to try 20 different fragrances (a $169 value!), but you’ll also receive a redeemable voucher that allows you to choose a full-size bottle at no extra cost.

$98.00
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Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set

Cozy Earth pajama set
Cozy Earth

Made with a soft knit from bamboo, these Cozy Earth pajamas are breathable and buttery-soft! This lightweight set will help keep you cool at night so you can get your best beauty sleep. Available in 13 different colors, including this beautiful sky blue toile.

Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set

Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set

Women’s Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set

Women’s Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set

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                <div class="content-prices"><div class="sale-discount-wrapper"><span class="shopping-price">Was <s>$168</s></span><span class="shopping-price__savings">You Save 40%</span></div><span class="shopping-price__sale">On Sale: <span class="sale-price">$101</span></span></div>

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Skims x Slip Silk Contour Eye Mask

Skims x Slip eye mask
Skims

Speaking of beauty sleep, Slip’s silk eye masks have truly enhanced my nighttime experience. No more wake-up calls from early morning light!

Thanks to the silky-smooth material, stretchy band and contour eye design, this luxurious eye mask allows me to sleep in without irritating my skin. And this exclusive Skims color is good as gold! Even my boyfriend is a fan.

$90.00
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Splits59 x MZ Wallace Leggings

Splits59 workout set
Splits59

Allow me to introduce you to Splits59, an activewear brand on the rise delivering fashion-forward designs in buttery-soft fabric. These high-rise leggings from the MZ Wallace collab channel Sporty Spice vibes with the side stripes!

$128.00
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Belmond Portofino Coffee Table Book

Belmond Portofino book
Revolve

I’m a sucker for a chic coffee table book. If you want to be transported to Italy from the comfort of your couch, then this Assouline Portofino book is your one-way ticket. Luxury in lime green!

$120.00
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Ugg Tazz II Shearling Platform Slipper

Ugg Tazz slippers
Nordstrom

Run to score these cozy Ugg slippers before they sell out! Honestly, I’m shocked that this popular pair is still in stock. I wear my Tazz shoes with longer sweatpants or wide-leg jeans to keep me warm in style.

$145.00
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Vuori Trench Coat

Vuori trench coat
Vuori

Warning: you will never want to take this Vuori trench coat off! Soft as a sweatshirt and easy as a robe, this cozy coat is the perfect piece for grabbing coffee, boarding a flight or going for a walk.

$198.00
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Summer Fridays Holiday Beauty Set

Summer Fridays lip balm set
Sephora

The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask and Lip Butter Balm are cult-favorite beauty products! And now you can score the bestselling moisturizer along with two limited-edition lip balm flavors: Toasted Marshmallow and Hot Cocoa. Yum! Spread these goodies out as stocking stuffers or gift the trio to one lucky recipient.

$48.00
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MZ Wallace x Splits59 Duffel Bag

MZ Wallace x Splits59 bag
Splits59

My current crush is this duffel bag from the MZ Wallace x Splits59 collab. The royal blue trim! The six interior and eight exterior pockets! The cutie detachable pouch! This duffel is a dream for the gym, travel or everyday errands.

$315.00
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IGK Frizz and Flyaway Hair Taming Wand

frizz taming wand
Sephora

Having a bad hair day? Tame frizz and flyaways on the go with this IGK hair wand! Small enough to fit into your purse, this gel product will keep your slick-back buns solid and your blowouts secure.

$24.00
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Hammitt Leather Handbag

Hammitt bag
Hammitt bag

I’ve never been one to spend thousands of dollars on a designer handbag. But if you want the luxury look at a more affordable price, then you should shop this Hammitt handbag!

Crafted from pebbled leather with gold details, this bag can convert from a wristlet to a shoulder bag to a crossbody. Small yet spacious!

$295.00
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Jaxon Lane Eye De-Puffing Duo

eye de-puffing-duo
Jaxon Lane

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MZ Wallace Quilted Crossbody Bag

MZ Wallace crossbody bag
MZ Wallace

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Entertainment

Josh Peck and Robby Hoffman Debate Where to Keep a Menorah During Hanukkah

Maravi Post Reporter

Josh Peck and Robby Hoffman have vastly different ideas about a few core aspects of celebrating Hanukkah.

“You taught me something that is a little bit of a Jewish superstition. It’s not a superstition, but it’s inappropriate to blow out the candles on a menorah,” Peck, 39, told guest Hoffman, 36, during a recent episode of his “Good Guys” podcast. “You were not pleased with me.”

Hoffman stated that “it’s not OK” to ever blow out the candles on a menorah.

“It’s like a Yahrzeit candle,” she said, referring to the traditional 24-hour candle to honor deceased relatives in the Jewish religion. “Just let it go. It’s, like, one person had a candle that burned everything down. You never heard of it again.”

Time in Tinseltown: See How Celebs Celebrate With Décor, Traditions and Style Tips

Peck speculated that candles catching on fire probably “happens a lot” because many menorahs are placed in a windowsill next to fabric curtains.

“We always had the menorah, my mother did on the stove with a lot of tin foil,” Hoffman said. “Just grab some in foil, there’s nothing tin foil can’t do. It’s a to-go box, it’s a tray [or] it’s a cover. There’s nothing it can’t do.”

Peck, for his part, revealed that he’s “a menorah-in-the-sink guy.”

Josh-Peck-IG-79944376_782563302212625_1280739651156941319_n
Josh Peck and his son in 2019. Courtesy of Josh Peck/ Instagram

“Is that nuts?” the Drake & Josh alum said. “It just kind of looks like I’m hiding it ‘cause you’re supposed to put it in the window.”

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, takes place every winter and celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by the Maccabees. The holiday — it starts at sundown on Sunday, December 14, this year — is often marked by individuals who practice Judaism lighting candles on a menorah for eight consecutive nights.

While Peck’s sink storage may help prevent a fire from breaking out, Hoffman had qualms about the symbolism.

“I think it’s not a great look,” the Hacks actress said. “It feels like you’re washing it down.”

Interfaith Celebrity Couples Who Celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah

Hoffman was raised in a Hasidic Jewish family but has since strayed from the conservative rules. She still identifies with the religion, though, and has even taught wife Gabby Windey about her traditions.

“She’s desperate to [convert],” Hoffman said on a 2023 episode of Bethenny Frankel’s “Just B” podcast, referring to her now-wife. “I’ve said nothing. We don’t need. At this point, when people go, ‘Important to you Jewish?’ I say, ‘It’s over, what are we talking about?’ She’s so into it.”

Windey, 34, further revealed that she had been getting a crash-course in Judaism since she and Hoffman started dating earlier that year.

“I get a Jewish history lesson almost every day, which I love and I die for now,” the former Bachelorette said. “There’s so much culture, I mean truly.”

Windey also noted that she had been learning a few Yiddish phrases from Hoffman, too.

“I like the number things [with] the 18. I was at the spa the other day, and I looked for a multiple of 18 to put my stuff in ‘cause this is probably good luck,” Windey said. “I’m buying it just for the fun of it.”

AMA, Environment

African Countries Urged to Seize Economic Opportunities Through New Climate Plans

MaraviPost

UN Climate Chief highlights potential for millions of new jobs, secure energy, rising living standards

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 15 September 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/UN News- African governments are being encouraged to present their new national climate plans as opportunities to supercharge economies and boost living standards across the continent, as deadlines approach for all countries in the Paris Agreement to submit these plans.

“Strong new national climate plans are blueprints for stronger economies, more jobs and rising living standards, across all African nations. Strong plans open the door to new industries, large-scale investment, more affordable clean energy accessible to all, and more resilient infrastructure, as climate disasters hit African nations harder each year,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.

“Africa is not just on the frontlines of climate impacts; it is also at the forefront of solutions. Right across the continent, we are already seeing massive potential and innovations which cut planet-heating pollution and build more climate-resilient economies. Strong new national climate plans are the key to converting that potential into real-economy outcomes at scale, including the millions of new jobs they create,” Stiell added.

The United Nations is calling on all countries to submit their new plans, formally called Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs, as soon as possible ahead of key milestones, including the UN Secretary General’s September Climate Summit and November COP30 in Brazil. September will be an important milestone, but submissions will continue in the run-up to COP30, with each plan helping to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius and protect all peoples, while also unlocking jobs, growth, and economic benefits at home.

While particular responsibility rests with the largest economies, whose choices determine the global trajectory of emissions, it is essential that every nation puts forward its most ambitious plan, both to strengthen humanity’s collective response and to drive each nation’s own prosperity and security.

Examples from Across Africa

  • In South Africa, the NDC process is framed around a just transition that protects workers and communities while scaling renewables to strengthen energy security. International partnerships are signalling momentum, bringing together governments, public financiers, and private investors to support South Africa’s shift from coal to clean energy – growing from USD 8.5 to 11.6 billion.
  • Nigeria is advancing a whole-of-government and society approach, linking climate action to job creation, poverty reduction, and improved energy access. Over 85 million people still lack electricity, making decentralised renewables critical. Large-scale solar is expected to generate 33,905 direct green jobs by 2030, the micro-solar sector is already employing youth as “energy officers,” the Great Green Wall has restored more than 5 million hectares, and the country’s extensive mangroves provide carbon storage and flood protection. With a population projected to surpass 400 million by 2050 and GDP already over USD 470 billion, Nigeria has unparalleled potential to be a powerful leader in Africa’s green transition. Its upcoming climate plan is being designed as a national investment strategy to generate millions of green jobs by 2035 and secure a strong share of the USD 2.2 trillion global clean energy market. The transformation is already underway: over 170 solar mini-grids are already operational, bringing reliable electricity to nearly 6 million people, while young entrepreneurs are driving innovation in recycling, clean transport, and sustainable agriculture.
  • Morocco has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy, with the Ouarzazate solar complex among the largest in the world. It stands as a positive example of how national ambition can deliver clean power at scale.
  • Recent milestone UN climate events, including Climate Week in Ethiopia and the Adaptation Expo in Zambia, have showcased innovative and practical new climate solutions emerging right across African nations, helping them to be scaled up and replicated across the continent and globally.

Africa Leading the Way

Momentum for strong climate action by and for African nations is building following the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa last week, where leaders called for climate action to be treated as a driver of development and investment; and the Nairobi Declaration agreed by African leaders at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi in September 2023, which highlighted the continent’s role as a driver of global solutions. Countries are being urged to turn political signals into concrete plans that deliver for people and economies, echoing Simon Stiell’s message that delivery is the essential driver of climate justice and economic opportunity.

Through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, African nations can build resilient regional supply chains, export green goods and services, and foster shared prosperity across borders.

Climate finance remains central and a vital enabler of stronger climate actions by vulnerable and developing countries. Climate finance is not charity but an investment in shared prosperity, essential to convert climate ambitions into real-economy outcomes, strengthen global supply chains which all economies rely on, and ensure the vast benefits are spread much more widely across all nations in Africa and the developing world.

The COP29 UN Climate Conference in Azerbaijan last year reached a new global agreement to triple climate finance to USD 300 billion per year. This must be delivered in full, and a new Finance Roadmap expected at COP30 in Brazil this November will be key to scaling climate finance to USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of UN Climate Change.

Follow UN Climate Change social media accounts for the latest climate news and stories:

About Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

NDCs are the central mechanism under the Paris Agreement through which countries outline plans to reduce emissions and build resilience. Done well, NDCs serve as investment roadmaps that attract capital, create jobs, lower health costs, and deliver affordable, secure clean energy. Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit new NDCs every five years. The third round of NDCs are due in 2025 and will detail countries’ intended climate actions through 2035.

Media enquiries: press@unfccc.int

The post African Countries Urged to Seize Economic Opportunities Through New Climate Plans appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business, Environment, Health, Politics

UN and Ethiopia urge Africa Climate Summit to send a clear message: COP30 must deliver for African nations

MaraviPost

Climate Week in Addis Ababa shows: “Africa is a colossal coiled spring of climate action possibility”

UNFCCC/Ramzy Youssef

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 5 September 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/UN News- The Africa Climate Summit next week is an unmissable opportunity to send a clear global message, according to a powerful joint statement issued today by UN Climate Change and the Government of Ethiopia: “Africa is ready to supercharge climate action, but COP30 must ensure Africa is fully enabled to do so.”

The joint statement – issued at Climate Week today in Addis Ababa – comes as nations around the world prepare for the crucial COP30 global climate conference in Brazil in November.

The statement – from H.E. Dr Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, and Mr Simon Stiell, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary – sets the stage for the Africa Climate Summit starting this coming Monday 8 September, in Addis Ababa.

“This Climate Week has shown that no continent holds greater potential than Africa for climate actions that transform lives and economies for the better. With the world’s youngest population, vast natural resources, unparalleled renewable energy potential, and extraordinary diversity and human ingenuity, Africa is a colossal coiled spring of climate action possibility,” said the statement.

“This Climate Week has shown that African innovators are putting forward pioneering solutions, to boost climate resilience and cut planet-heating emissions. However, it has also highlighted again that only a fraction of this potential has yet been realized. Global decarbonisation is charging ahead, with clean energy investments hitting $2 trillion last year alone, driving economic growth and millions of new jobs, but only a fraction of that investment is flowing to African nations.”

The two leaders pointed to recent United Nations climate COPs delivering concrete global outcomes that should materially benefit Africa and other developing nations.

“But to realize these benefits, COP30 must take the next concrete steps forward: with ambitious outcomes which convert agreements into results on the ground, and scalable solutions which drive a new era of implementation… Because when all nations are empowered to take bold climate actions, this strengthens the entire global economy and lifts up all the world’s 8 billion people,” the statement concludes.

Read the full Joint Statement at this link: Joint statement by UN Climate Change and the Government of Ethiopia | UNFCCC

UNFCCC/Ramzy Youssef

During the Climate Week, Ethiopia also announced its bid to host the COP32 UN Climate Conference in 2027.

“We have the capacity, the facilities, the location, the connectivity to host the much-anticipated climate summit,” Ethiopian President H.E. Taye Atske-Selassie said.

The joint statement and announcement of Ethiopia’s bid for COP32 cap a highly productive Climate Week attended by delegates from 119 countries, and hundreds of representatives from NGOs, investors and other international organizations.

During the Climate Week, in focused workshops and “implementation labs” over 40 initiatives driving implementation were featured, so they can be replicated in other markets and scaled up. Noura Hamladji, UN Climate Change Deputy Executive Secretary said:

“Climate Week has been about connecting the international climate process to people’s daily lives. We’ve worked together here in Addis to help translate pledges into actions. From community mini-grids to recycling innovations in Kibera, Kenya; to green bonds in Morocco and digital platforms tracking ambition across the continent: we’ve heard from innovators of climate action that is profitable, scalable, and irreversible.”

The Climate Week also advanced work on key issues being negotiated at COP30 in Brazil, across issues including climate adaptation, finance pathways, and a just transition.

Negotiators also participated in solutions-focused workshop, as part of Climate Week’s new approach this year, aiming to bring the intergovernmental process and real-economy implementation closer together. By clustering mandated meetings in the COP process together, the Climate Week also delivered cost savings and efficiencies.

Mrs Hamladji thanked the Government of Ethiopia for its leadership in hosting the Climate Week: “Ethiopia has long stood as a symbol of African independence, a founding member of the United Nations, and today the diplomatic capital of Africa — home to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa”.

“This is a country whose influence in regional diplomacy, security, and sustainable development, together with its innovative and dynamic society, made it an ideal setting for the week’s vital work”.

H.E. Dr Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopian Minister of Planning and Development said:

“By gathering here for Climate Week, a global platform for Parties and non-Party stakeholders, we reaffirm Addis Ababa’s role as a hub of the Global South, a place where ideas are exchanged, partnerships forged, and practical solutions launched. This Climate Week is not just an event. It is a bridge between negotiation and implementation. It is where ambition meets action, where commitments are translated into real solutions that reach communities, restore ecosystems, and advance sustainable development.”

Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP29 in Azerbaijan said:

“Each region has its own challenges and solutions. This high-level ministerial event convened by the COP29 Presidency within the Climate Week in Africa will serve as an important space for in-depth engagement on Africa’s core challenges, with a focus on potential solutions through maximizing the opportunities for effective actions.”

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of UN Climate Change

More information and visuals

Download visuals from the UN Climate Change Flickr Album

More information about the Climate Week is at this link

Follow UN Climate Change’s social media accounts:

Media enquiries: press@unfccc.int

The post UN and Ethiopia urge Africa Climate Summit to send a clear message: COP30 must deliver for African nations appeared first on African Media Agency.

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