“I am driven to use cycling to mobilize funds, support, and raise awareness to ignite and sustain community-led change through education and empowerment in underserved Ghanaian communities,” Adjei said. Calling Ghana a “sports-enthusiastic nation,” he hopes to “use the power of sports–cycling to champion education.”

His journey serves as a platform to increase awareness of the importance of education in transforming lives, whilst raising funds to support sustainable and localised education initiatives. He also hopes to inspire action and representation, encouraging others to pursue their dreams while giving back to society and creating a level playing field for inclusive participation, MyJoyOnline reports.

EduSpots, a registered NGO in Ghana and the United Kingdom trains more than 400 volunteers (catalysts) who run 50 community learning centres known as “spots.”

Adjei’s effort adds to a growing wave of Ghanaian endurance adventurers using overland travel to support charitable causes and promote national identity.

In 2023, a group of Ghanaian tourism enthusiasts, known as Wanderlust Ghana, drove overland from Accra to London to spotlight African adventure tourism and raise awareness around philanthropy and Pan-African connectivity.

Other prominent figures have also made significant contributions to global well-being. American tech mogul Bill Gates , through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has donated $75.8 billion, targeting global health initiatives and poverty eradication. Fellow American Warren Buffett has pledged to donate over 99% of his wealth, with $32.1 billion already contributed toward education and healthcare, setting a benchmark for altruistic leadership.

Philanthropy aimed at advancing democracy and human rights has also seen remarkable contributions. George Soros has donated $32 billion globally through his Open Society Foundations, promoting equality, transparency, and civil liberties. Similarly, MacKenzie Scott has redefined impactful giving, allocating $14 billion to causes like racial equity and education, with a focus on uplifting marginalized communities.

Efforts to drive innovation and sustainability are being led by visionaries like Michael Bloomberg, who has invested $12.7 billion in public health and environmental initiatives, and Hong Kong-based tycoon Li Ka-Shing, whose $10.7 billion has supported global education and healthcare projects. Elon Musk, known for his forward-thinking initiatives, has contributed $7.6 billion toward renewable energy development and disaster relief.

These global philanthropists illustrate how wealth can serve as a powerful tool for addressing some of humanity’s greatest challenges, from healthcare and education to sustainability and human rights. Their efforts not only shape communities worldwide but also set a precedent for how the world’s wealthiest can leave a lasting impact.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 US presidential elections. He expressed eagerness to work collaboratively on security and peace initiatives vital for Somalia's development. This highlights the ongoing robust partnership between Somalia and the US, especially in the context of previous military engagements where Trump had ordered the withdrawal of US troops from Somalia, which was later reversed due to strategic implications.

US cancels $1.14 billion of Somalia's debt

The USA has made strides in alleviating Somalia's financial burden by cancelling  $1.14 billion of the nation's debt, representing roughly a quarter of its remaining obligations. This pivotal agreement aligns with ongoing debt forgiveness efforts aimed at Somalia's recovery from its tumultuous history of civil war and state disintegration. President Mohamud acknowledged the unsustainable nature of this debt and expressed gratitude for the US's support, with the US ambassador celebrating this agreement as a landmark effort towards stability in Somalia’s economy. As Somalia engages in initiatives like the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, it is primed for necessary financial reforms, although governance and political stability continue to be pressing concerns for private creditors.

Qatar charity improves water access to 10,000 Somalis

Qatar Charity has recently inaugurated two artesian wells in the Warshiekh region of Somalia, significantly improving access to clean water for nearly 10,000 local residents. Prior to this intervention , inhabitants faced considerable challenges and health risks by travelling up to 10 kilometres for water. This project has been well-received, especially by the local water minister, as it not only addresses water scarcity but also supports agricultural development in the region. This year alone, Qatar Charity has executed 327 water and sanitation projects throughout Somalia, benefiting approximately 285,000 individuals.

Ethiopian embassy in Somalia set to be relocated

The Ethiopian embassy in Somalia is set to relocate from its controversial position at the presidential palace in Mogadishu back to its original site. This decision comes in response to public outcry regarding the embassy's placement amidst deteriorating relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi reinforced that the embassy's location was deemed inappropriate, pledging a swift relocation. Tensions between the nations have been exacerbated by Ethiopia's contentious agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty and national integrity.

Somali convicted in New York for planning attack similar to 9/11 

A federal jury in New York has convicted Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a 34-year-old member of the al Shabaab terrorist group, of conspiring to execute a terrorist attack reminiscent of the 9/11 attacks on the US. Abdullah faces multiple charges, including conspiring to commit murder and supporting terrorism. His background includes training in Somalia and attending flight school in the Philippines, where he conducted research into targeting US infrastructure and gaining access to aircraft cockpits. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams underscored the serious implications of Abdullah’s actions as an attempt to replicate one of history's profound terrorist events. Abdullah is due for sentencing on March 10, with the possibility of life imprisonment for one of the charges raised against him.

Known as the "horse whisperer," Baker communicates with her horses using her voice, a technique she developed at RDA's Park Lane Stables in Teddington, London. "I can't use my legs at all when I ride, so I have to find another way to encourage the horse to go forward for me," she told AFP.

"I think horses just have a magical way of understanding what you're asking them to do," she added. "It doesn't matter whether you're able-bodied or whether you have a disability, they have a sixth sense."

This vocal communication is permitted for Paralympic riders, unlike able-bodied competitors.

While mentoring young riders at Park Lane, one of 450 RDA locations across the UK, Baker shared her experiences. The RDA has received notable recognition, including being named the charity for this year's London International Horse Show from December 18-22.

Natalie O'Rourke, the founder and manager of Park Lane Stables, raised £1.4 million ($1.8 million) through crowdfunding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Young riders like nine-year-old Elle Dimitrijevic have shown remarkable improvements in confidence and physical ability. Her mother, Angela, shared how the experience has shifted their focus to what Elle can achieve rather than her limitations.

With around 13,000 volunteers, the RDA is supported by individuals like 14-year-old Yohannes "Yo Yo" D'Allio, who has been volunteering for over two years. He expressed his love for horses, saying, "They don't judge you; you can be whoever you want to be."

RDA CEO Michael Bishop spoke about the emotional impact the organization has on families. He shared stories of parents moved to tears by the positive changes in their children after RDA sessions, noting that these experiences help foster a sense of normalcy and connection within families.

Onakoya, 29, surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds, set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebo and Sjur Ferkingstad. Playing against Shawn Martinez, a US chess master, Onakoya adhered to strict guidelines mandating continuous play by two participants for the entire duration. The players were allowed only five minutes of break for every hour of gameplay.

Support for Onakoya's endeavour poured in both online and at the scene, with spectators entertained by African music as the marathon progressed. Despite the nature of the challenge, Onakoya emphasised that the record attempt was "for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education."

Meanwhile, the Guinness World Record has yet to publicly comment on Onakoya's achievement, as the organization is known to typically take several weeks to verify new records.

Tinubu congratulates Onakoya

However, Onakoya's accomplishment has already sent waves worldwide, drawing praise from notable figures such as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement, Tinubu congratulated Onakoya for his extraordinary feat, hailing him as a symbol of Nigeria's resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on the global stage. He commended Onakoya for leveraging his passion for chess to drive positive change, particularly in providing educational opportunities for disadvantaged African children .

He wrote, “I congratulate Tunde Onakoya on setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria's resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim. I celebrate this Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for his rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess.”