Kavango East Annual Teachers Tournament taking place next month

The Kavango East Annual Teachers Tournament is expected to see increased participation from additional education circuits in various regions across the country this year.

This is according to Chester Mutangara, the chairperson of the tournament’s organising committee, who told Nampa in an interview Monday that this year’s event is scheduled to take place in Rundu from 20 to 24 September 2023,

The tournament, a fixture since 2018, provides an avenue for teachers from diverse educational circuits to compete in different sports disciplines, including football, netball, and volleyball, while also engaging in recreational activities.

On Monday, Mutangara informed Nampa that the tournament’s objective is to foster camaraderie among teachers, allowing them to unwind and be seen in a different light beyond the confines of the classroom. Additionally, it aims to assist educators in alleviating the stress they encounter throughout the year.

He further noted that this year’s tournament is backed by Sanlam Namibia, which is contributing N.dollars 100 000 in sponsorship.

“We have always worked closely with Sanlam as a valuable partner as they are always willing to sponsor our school sports in the region as well. On top of that, many teachers have insurance policies with the institution,” Mutangara explained.

Registration for the event has started, with registration fees standing at N.dollars 1 000 for football teams and N.dollars 700 for both netball and volleyball teams.

The winning football team will secure N.dollars 8 000 along with a trophy. The second-placed team will earn N.dollars 6 000 and silver medals, while the third-placed team will receive N.dollars 3 500 and bronze medals. The fourth-placed team will be awarded N.dollars 2 500.

For netball and volleyball, the winning teams will receive N.dollars 4 000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will get N.dollars 3 000 and medals, and the third-placed teams will receive N.dollars 2 500 and medals.

Last year, 18 circuits took part in the tournament. The Shinyungwe circuit from the Kavango East Region secured the football trophy, the Ndinyona circuit from the same region triumphed in volleyball, and the Outapi circuit in the Omusati Region was the first-placed team in netball.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Group assures of Adelabu’s performance as minister of power

A political group named Adelabu Support Group has assured Nigerians that the recent appointment of Mr Adebayo Adelabu as Minister of Power will ensure stable electricity across the country.

The group also congratulated the former deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the appointment.

This is contained in a congratulatory statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Mr Olatosho Akinrinola and Publicity Secretary, Mrs Oke Aina on Sunday in Ibadan.

It expressed confidence in Adelabu’s capability to make the power sector a reliable cornerstone for economic growth.

“We are confident in Adelabu’s dedication, loyalty and ability to deliver as minister of power.

“The nation can look forward to a brighter future where blackouts become a thing of the past and power becomes a reliable cornerstone for economic growth,” the group said.

It expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Adelabu, while applauding him for his consistent ability to identify talents.

The group said that Adelabu would bring his wealth of experience, proven track records and understanding of economic dynamics to bear in his new role in the energy sector.

It said that Adelabu’s remarkable ability to navigate complex challenges and his dedication to driving sustainable energy solutions would reshape the landscape of power generation as well as distribution.

The group assured Nigerians that Adelabu’s tenure would usher an era of innovation, efficiency, and progress.

“His forward-thinking strategies will surely address critical issues such as energy access, infrastructure development and renewable energy adoption.

“President Tinubu’s astute decision in appointing Adelabu underscores his commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and fostering strategic leadership within his administration,” it said.

It commended the president for considering Adelabu’s dedication to public service as well as unwavering pursuit of excellence towards achieving his vision of a more robust and self-reliant energy sector.

“As Adelabu assumes his new role, we, his people, citizens and industry stakeholders alike are filled with optimism.

“Yes, by His grace, his leadership will lead to a power sector that not only meets the needs of today, but also paves the way for sustainable and prosperous tomorrow,” the group said.

The group said that Adelabu’s appointment is a testament to the government’s commitment to progress and incredible capacity of our nation’s leaders.

“With Adelabu, Nigeria is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards an electrifying future.

“President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership is duly acknowledged for making this bold step towards a brighter and more empowered Nigeria,” it said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Petrol subsidy removal meant for development – APC Nat. Secretary

Sen. Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that the removal of petroleum subsidy by President Bola Tinubu is for the development of the country.

Basiru said this at a reception organised in his honour by members of the party on Saturday in Osogbo.

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He said that in the last two months when the subsidy had been removed, government had been able to save about N2 trillion.

The APC national secretary said that Nigerians must be ready to support the Federal Government to take the country to a higher level.

Basiru also urged party members in the state to continue to work for the progress of APC.

He said those who worked against the party in the last general elections are now ripping the consequences.

“I want to thank all our supporters for standing with the party in the last general elections.

“APC garnered more than 113,000 votes in Osun Central Senatorial District in the last election.

“President Bola Tinubu won in Osun Central Senatorial district in spite of all the intimidation and harassment by the thugs,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Ade Adetimeyin, the Chairman of Ondo State APC, appealed to members of the party in the state to be united and always work for its progress.

Adetimeyin, who spoke on behalf of South-West APC Chairmen, said Basiru has the pedigree to lead the party.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Humanitarian Day: Red Cross engages over 4000 volunteers in Zamfara

The Nigerian Red Cross Society on Saturday says it has engaged over 4000 volunteers rendering various humanitarian services in the state.

The State Red Cross Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Bello, disclosed this in Gusau at a symposium to commemorate the 2023 World Humanitarian Day in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the day is: “No Matter What” In a World Beset by Challenges”.

Bello noted that the society as a popular humanitarian service provider organised the event in recognition of the day and humanitarian services in general.

“In Zamfara, we have over 4000 volunteers comprising males and females who were trained in different areas providing various humanitarian services across the state.

“In Red Cross, apart from first aid, we give social services especially in the correctional centres, orphanage homes, disaster management, health services especially for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) among others.

“We operate neutrally while giving humanitarian services, we don’t discriminate, we consider human being first, we don’t operate in political, religious or tribal lines,” Bello explained.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters, Alhaji Salisu Musa, commended the Red Cross office in the state for organising the event.

Musa represented by the Director Administration of the Ministry, Malam Bashar Maradun, described the Red Cross as a pillar of humanitarian services.

“We are very proud with you, considering your capacity and performance in disaster management and other humanitarian services programmes.

“We appreciate the Red Cross for complementing the state government’s efforts in various humanitarian programmes in the state,” he said.

He thanked the international donors, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media as well as groups, associations and individuals for providing various food and non-food items to the IDPs in the state.

The commissioner reiterated the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal in the state to continue partnering with all stakeholders in addressing humanitarian crises resulting from insecurity.

Earlier,the State Acting Chairman of the society, Alhaji Usman Marafa, said the Nigerian Red Cross Society considers the day as an opportunity to appreciate the services of the volunteers and those organisations in humanitarian endeavours.

“The theme for this day speaks about the extent to which humanitarian workers around the globe who selflessly dedicated their lives to alleviating suffering and promoting the well-being of those in need.

“The Nigerian Red Cross Society wishes to use this day to reaffirm its commitment to Seven fundamental principles particularly humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence and voluntary service.”, Marafa added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Gov. Zulum presents N10m relief package to wounded soldiers

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has presented N10m relief package to soldiers wounded in the ongoing fight against insurgents in the state.

The package was presented to General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maiduguri, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla by the Borno Commissioner of Information and Security, Prof. Usman Tar and the Permanent Secretary Government House, Mustapha Busuguma.

During the presentation, Tar said the package was a fulfilment of the pledge made by Zulum during the Eid-el-kabir lunch for troops in Maiduguri, organized by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

“We are here to fulfil the pledge made by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

“You may recall that the governor was here on a Sallah day for an event, during which he expressed the commitment of the Borno State Government to the welfare of our troops and pledged a donation of N10m to wounded soldiers.

“This morning he despatched us to come and deliver the gift,” Tar said.

He expressed the state goverment’s commitment to continue to complement Federal Government in providing logistics and other support to improve troops’ welfare in view of their sacrifice in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

In his response, the GOC 7 Division, Maj.- Gen. Peter Malla, expressed appreciation to Zulum for his sustained support to the military in the state.

“Let me on behalf of Theatre Commander, welcome you to 7 Division and also express our appreciation to His Excellency for always supporting the military,” Malla said.

The GOC reiterated the commitment of the military to continue to sustain the relative peace enjoyed in Borno by eliminating the remnants of insurgents who insist on fighting in the state and region.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ibadan taught me to turn everything into opportunity – Shettima

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has described the ancient city of Ibadan as home where he learned to turn everything that comes his way into opportunity.

Mr Olusola Abiola, Director, Information, Office of the Vice President, in a statement, said Shettima spoke at a wedding reception at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The wedding was between Ibukun Okunmadewa, the bride, and Obafemi Omitiran, the groom.

The bride, Ibukun, is the daughter of Prof. Folusho Okunmadewa, whom the Vice President described as ‘my beloved teacher’.

Shettima, who laced his speech with the lines from ‘Ibadan,’ a poem by one of Nigeria’s greatest poets, John Pepper Clark, said that he was in Ibadan, not as a guest, but as a member of the bride’s family to receive guests at the wedding.

“So, I’m here to receive you as guests in this ancient city of memories. Ibadan is a home to me, a home that formed me and taught me to turn everything that comes my way into an opportunity.

“This would not have been easy without the patience of my beloved teacher, Prof. Folusho Okunmadewa, whose daughter, Ibukun and her groom, Obafemi, we are here to celebrate as they embark on a beautiful journey of discovering the essence of life.”

The Vice President said that the gathering for the wedding was not that of mere friends but a closely-knit family united by the traits of time, education and unbreakable bonds.

“As I look around this room, I’m not only reminded of a city that has woven its culture, values and aspirations deep into my being, but also of how fate has played a part in expanding relationships and families,” Shettima stated.

Extolling the virtues of the bride’s father, Prof. Okunmadewa, Vice President Shettima described him as “a beacon of wisdom and guidance for vast generation of scholars.

“I’m privileged to not only draw from this intellectual oasis of the University of Ibadan, but also to identify as a member of the family and as a qualified son of the soil.”

He said he knew how a father feels on a day that he is giving his daughter’s hand in marriage and prayed for the newly-wedded couple to deepen their love for each other.

“Giving away one’s daughter in marriage is one of the most profound bitter/sweet experiences in human existence.

“It is a reminder that life is a journey of luck, a journey of hope and a journey of change.

” But I have no doubt that you have instilled in Ibukun the moral discipline that she needs to carry on from this day, away from her first family. And I pray that her new life brings forth endless joy.”

Among dignitaries that attended the wedding reception were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal; Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno and former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

Others were the Country Representative of the World Bank in Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.

Shettima also attended the wedding reception of Suliat Alli and Abdulqudus Okeowo at the University of Ibadan before returning to Abuja.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria