Month: April 2024

Limpopo Premier Stanley Chupu Mathabatha has welcomed the sentencing of five men, who murdered the Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Moses Maluleke, in July last year.

The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane sentenced the accused to life imprisonment on Thursday.

The court also sentenced Shumani Nemadodzi, Avhatakali Isaac Mudau, Wiseman Baloyi, Tshianeo Munyai and Pfunzo Lidzebe for conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

According to reports, Maluleke, who was 56 years old, was shot dead at his home in Xikundu Village while he was with his 18-year-old son, Ntokoto.

According to media reports, Ntokoto still suffers from the bullet lodged in his hips after being shot by the murderers.

‘This verdict marks a significant moment in our justice system, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of violent crimes and their familie
s,’ said Mathabatha.

The Premier said the loss of Maluleke was not only a tragedy for his family but also a profound loss for the community and the province, which he served with dedication and compassion.

‘His untimely death is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in combating crime and violence in our society. The bravery and resilience of his family, especially in the face of such adversity, have been a beacon of hope and strength for us all,’ said the Premier.

Mathabatha believes that the judgment will send a clear message that criminal acts will not be tolerated.

‘As we reflect on this case, let us remember the values that Mayor Maluleke stood for – service, generosity and community development. Let his legacy inspire us to work even harder towards creating a safer, more just Limpopo where every citizen can live without fear.

‘Our thoughts remain with the Maluleke family during this time. We hope that the verdict brings them some measure of solace and closure.’

The Limpopo provincial governme
nt has since reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the family and the community as they continue to heal from this tragedy.

Mathabatha reiterated government’s dedication to enhancing public safety, supporting law enforcement agencies and strengthening the justice system to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.

Source: South African Government News Agency

A Muslim cleric, Mohammed Abubakar on Thursday called on Nigerians to embrace Godliness and show of love as a lifestyle.

Abubakar, who is the head of ‘Masjidul Ansar’ mosque in One Man Village, Karu, Nasarawa State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, the period of Eid-el-Fitr and Ramadan is not just for merriment, but also a period to reflect on the spirituality and love exhibited by individuals and society as a whole.

Relating the just concluded Ramadan fast to school, Abubakar urged fellow Muslims and Nigerians to always adhere to the lessons and also learn to live with it.

‘If we can stay away from hurting our fellow human beings, robbing, cheating, killing and committing all manner of evil for that period of 29, 30 days, then, it shows we can stay without sins.

‘We should not forget what we have learnt during the period of Ramadan. We should pray and hope for more grace in our future endeavours and celebrations,’ Abubakar said.

He advised citizens
to go beyond the Sallah celebration and continue to share love and peace among themselves.

‘As we celebrate this Eid-el-fitr, haven learnt so much from Ramadan, irrespective of being rich or poor, we must, especially the rich, always extend food, money, clothing and arms to the poor.

‘We should consider everybody as one and desirable of each other’s love in different ways,’ he said.

Abubakar urged Nigerians to always pray for the nation’s peace and harmony.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Elifas Bisanda, the Vice-Chancellor, Open University of Tanzania (OUT), has called for the rejigging of educational curriculum in Africa, to focus on core societal needs, rather than western culture.

Bisanda said this on Friday while delivering the 13th Convocation Lecture of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, with the theme ‘Is Western Education still Relevant for Africa?’.

He said that the theme of the convocation lecture was borne out of several questions on the minds of Africans, if the current trend in education was still beneficial to the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convocation lecture is part of activities lined up for the 13th convocation of NOUN and the investiture of the third Chancellor of the university, Ewuare II, The Oba of Benin.

Bisanda, who is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, said it was time for Africa to put behind it the shackles of colonialism and move into the present realm of education that guarantees skills develop
ment.

Citing examples with some African and European countries, Bisanda noted that what distinguished the education in Africa from the West was the skills acquisition.

‘Skill acquisition is absent in our education in Africa, but it is present at every level of education in advance countries.

‘Our education should focus on societal needs so that our youths would be prepared to participate in the local economy when they leave schools.

‘Those who graduated previously from colleges and universities but cannot gain employment must be encouraged to go back to undertake technical and vocational education in order to gain new skills that are relevant for this age,’ he said.

The Tanzanian highlighted the lesson’s and the experiences of COVID-19 many people died in Europe and America, while many survived in Africa because of herbs prepared by herbalists.

‘We survived in Africa because local herbalists produced a lot of concoctions out of ginger, onions, garlic and many other herbs that killed the COVID-19 virus.

‘
But the World Health Organisation (WHO) did not recognise those concoctions and hence were not prescribed and administered by doctors in some hospitals.

‘Some rich people went to hospitals that were admitting western drugs and perished there; meanwhile, poor people who used traditional concoctions, including steam infusion, survived. I salute all our traditional herbalists for saving our continent,’ he said.

According to Bisanda, there seems to be a conspiracy theory by the West against Africa to ensure that development is stunted.

He pointed out that the skills possessed by Africans were destroyed by the western world when they came to colonise Africa.

‘While the West is determined to keep us Africans where we are, we must take affirmative action to get out of this mess they have imposed on us, while our resources are being taken away.

‘Our forefathers could make canoes and boats for fishing and water transport, but when the colonialists came, they did everything they could to kill our indigenous skills
.

‘In Uganda, they cut off the thumbs of all blacksmiths so that they could not forge or cast tools as their thumbs were the main actor in the process of blowing air in the furnace.’

He added that learning no longer take place in the classrooms, but on the fields and by practical experiences since the advent of iinternet and the fourth industrial revolution. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on Thursday signed the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) Host Country Agreement.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the signing ceremony was held during a media briefing on Thursday in the Bahamas.

NAN reports that the 31st AAM2024 will be hosted in Nassau, Bahamas, from June 12 to 15, 2024 with the theme ‘Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa.’

Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, in his remarks, said the signing ceremony was an important boost for the Bahamas and Africa and the Caribbean (AfriCarabian) visions.

‘It is with immense pride that we officially sign the agreement for the Bahamas to host the AAM in June.

‘Our ancestral history is marked by strength in the face of adversity, duty and creativity amid scarcity and the pursuit of self-determination.

‘Our dreams, hopes and aspirations are encapsulated in this moment as we look
forward to a future where Africa and the Caribbean stand shoulder to shoulder not just in solidarity but for economic collaboration for mutual prosperity.’

Davis said the AAM2024 meeting in the Bahamas was a symbol of what Africa and the Caribbean could accomplish through duty and collaboration.

‘ In today’s world amid economic and environmental challenges, instead of building more walls, we choose to build bridges of trade, innovation, financial integration and most importantly bridges connecting our people and culture.

He said the Bahama’s commitment to the mission was underscored by the preparations underway to ensure the AGM stood as a forum for dialogue and impact deliberations and collaborations.

‘ We are setting the stage for discussions to aid us in navigating the challenges of our times which include inclusivity, and the digital transformation of our economy.

‘For the bank and our partners, we extend our deepest gratitude for entrusting us with the honour of hosting this significant event.

‘Tog
ether we are celebrating the spirit of partnership, economic union of dreams, dreams of our ancestors and dreams of future generations that we pledge to realise through unity, collaboration and mutual respect.’

Davis said that in November 2022 The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries signed an agreement with AFreximbank to forge a future for the advancement of the African and Caribbean people and their economies.

The prime minister said Afreximbank’s commitment to expanding operations in the Caribbean was seen in its establishment of the Caribbean Africa Bank, adding that it was an example of potential for development in the region.

‘ As we come for the meetings, it will be remembered for the decisions made and agreements signed but also more significantly as Africa and the Caribbean came together for a better future,’ he said.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said the signing of the agreement would solidify the partnership between Afreximbank and the Caribb
ean.

Oramah said the partnership would form a platform for global Africa to take its destiny into its hands.

He said he was grateful to the prime minister, the government and the people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for the honour of agreeing to host the AAM2024.

‘ By holding the 31st AAM, we collectively make a strong commitment to elevating the collaboration between the Afreximbank, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the entire Caribbean region to a higher pedestal.

‘It bears testament to the depth of your government’s appreciation of the importance of our unique partnership in catalysing shared growth and prosperity for all of Africa and the Caribbean.

‘It affirms commitment to ensure inclusiveness and bring the bank’s services to the doorsteps of the people.

‘Bringing the meeting to the Caribbean also offers us the opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made so far between Africa and the Caribbean.’

Oramah said the bank was working with the government of the Bahamas to develop an Afro-
Caribbeann marketplace in the Bahamas.

He said, when completed, it would be a permanent marketplace that would house manufacturing warehouses, and be a distribution and logistic hub for various tradable merchandise that Africa and the Caribbean would produce.

‘It will finally establish the Bahamas as a gateway into the Caribbean and we hope the government will work with us diligently to bring this project to completion.’

Oramah said no fewer than 4,000 participants were expected at the AAM2024 adding that the opening ceremony would be held on June 13, which would be attended by Heads of State and Heads of governments.

He said others in attendance at the meetings would be African/Caribbean leaders and senior government officials, African and non-African policymakers, corporate leaders, bankers, academics and other thought leaders.

Oramah said there would be keynote presentations by policymakers and economists and a dedicated session to showcase trade and investment opportunities in the Caribbean and the B
ahamas as well as sessions on youths, innovations and the creatives.

He said the 3rd Annual AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) will be incorporated into the AAM2024.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some charity organisations and orphanages in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for donating bags of rice to less privileged and vulnerable households in the territory.

The groups were among the 48 organisations supporting the distribution of the rice to beneficiaries across the capital.

The representatives of the organisations said during the distribution exercise in Abuja, that the gesture was life-changing and described it as a true service to humanity.

One of them, Mrs Khadija Oladipupo, Lead Programme Officer, Mission for Education, Social and Health, said that the donation had helped in nourishing and uplifting the needy in benefiting communities.

‘Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our population, especially those in need,’ she said.

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer, Gajiya Charity Foundation, Hafsat Gimba, commended the Foundation for the support, which she described as a ‘generous assistance’.

‘The items have b
rought immense relief and comfort to the less privileged in the society during these hard times. Your kindness and compassion have touched their hearts profoundly.

‘The rice has eased their burdens and provided them with the necessities they desperately needed.

‘Knowing that there are individuals and organisations like ADF, who care deeply about the well-being of others, filled me with hope and renewed faith in humanity,’ Gimba said.

In the same vein, the President, Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta, said: ‘Your commitment to supporting marginalised communities, particularly women with disabilities, exemplified your dedication to social responsibility and compassion.

‘Through your donation, you have not only alleviated the immediate needs of persons with disabilities, but also demonstrated solidarity and empathy towards our cause.’

Speaking further, the President of JADAFIA Group, Mrs Rakiya Bamalli, said that the support had enabled the group to expand its Ramadan outreach programmes.

Bamal
li said that the items distributed during the outreach included food packages, iftar meals and essential supplies to families and communities facing hardship.

This, she said, had made a significant difference in the group’s efforts to provide relief to those in need in communities.

Also, Mr Femi Akosile of Bimbola, Nutrition and Health Foundation, said that the rice had been distributed to families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

‘Your contribution has made a significant impact on our efforts to support those in need in our communities.

‘We want to sincerely say that your partnership and commitment to making a positive difference in our communities are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have had the opportunity to work with you,’ Akinsile said.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the exercise in Abuja, Mrs Azeeza Jibril of 1Ummah Foundation, said that the donation was impacting positively on the lives of the beneficiaries.

She identified other organisations supporting the distribution exercis
e in the FCT as Hope for Survival Children’s Home, Gishiri, Child to Child Charity Foundation, and Gajiya Charity Foundation.

Others are Dagam Pilame Community Association, Eeqra Foundation/Orphanage, and Support Our Troops Foundation for Widows, Leprosarium-Yangoji, Karmajiji Disabled Colony, NASFAT Foundation, and JIBWIS Group among other groups.

The company’s spokesman, Mr Anthony Chiejina, explained that the distribution of the rice was under the foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme.

Chiejina said that the initiative was in continuation of ADF’s commitment to supporting the government in alleviating economic hardship among poor Nigerians.

He said that a total of one million bags of rice were being distributed across the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.

He added that the exercises began in March, with official inauguration in Kano and Lagos states.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Principal Staff Officers, Commanders and commanding officers are to appraise Nigerian Army’s operations, training and other activities within the first quarter of 2024.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the operational activities would be reviewed at the COAS First Quarter Conference 2024 holding in Abuja from April 15 to April 19.

He said the conference would allow participant and the Nigerian Army make projections for the second quarter of the year, as well as holistically review the counter terrorism, counter insurgency and internal security operations across the country.

According to him, participants will have the opportunity to gain insight into the next transformational agenda of the COAS.

He added that the conference would also witness presentation of briefs on army training, operations, administration, logistics and other events, as captured in its
2024 Forecast of Events.

‘During the conference, far-reaching decisions to shore up the efficiency of the service would also be taken into consideration.

‘Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps, Formations, and Field Commanders, Commandants of NA Schools and Tri-Service Institutions, as well as selected officers serving in key deployments are expected to be in attendance,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria