Day: June 14, 2024

The Attom Foundation, an NGO in collaboration with some football legends will on Saturday play a Charity Champions Cup to raise awareness and funds for the eye treatment of over 10, 000 Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the much anticipated match is billed for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Reigning African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen and some Super Eagles stars will join African legends like Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Eboue among others.

Yahaya Attom, the Founder/CEO of Attom Foundation, disclosed this at a pre-match news conference on Friday in Abuja.

He said the charity match will go a long way in raising awareness about the plight of Nigerians in need of eye treatment.

He said the goal is to raise awareness and ultimately provide medical assistance to over 10,000 indigent Nigerians.

Attom who was represented by Emmanuel Ugonna, a comedian popularly known as Craze Clown, said the foundation has offered free surgery to over 2,0
00 Nigerians in Maiduguri as part of it’s outreach.

He said going forward, the foundation plans to have mobile eye clinics in each of the 36 states of the country in line with international best practices.

‘Our plan is to have 36 mobile eye clinics across all states in the country where you can have eye tests, cataract surgeries and so on.

‘Each of the mobile clinics costs 250,000 dollars so you can see what we are talking about, we have four already at the Lagos port,’ he said.

Earlier, Super Eagles stand-in captain, Kenneth Omeruo urged Abuja fans to troop to the stadium to enjoy good football for a noble cause.

‘When the foundation contacted me, I had no hesitation because am also involved in charity, especially as it involves the blind, my foundation is also supporting some schools.

‘Abuja is also my city, so am proud to be part of this project, we have Jay Jay here, Kanu is here and a lot of other legends,’ he said.

Dr Ozy Okonokhua, a public health optometrist and partner for the charity match de
cried the the lack of access to eye care/ treatment for most Nigerians, especially in the rural areas.

Okonokhua said about 84 per cent of blindness in Nigeria are preventable/ avoidable with early checkup, treatment or surgery.

He said the north-east and northern part of Nigeria has the highest number of people with blindness/visual impairment, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to reverse this trend.

According to him, HMC is partnering with the Attom Foundation to raise awareness and give some intervention and free consultation to Nigerians in this regard.

Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, a dance instructor/fitness coach, who is the Project Director for the Foundation assured of a world class event on Saturday.

NAN reports that the event was graced by ex-internationals and celebrities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Money Lenders Association, has commended the continuous actions by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to sanitise the digital lending space in Nigeria, saying it is a welcome development.

Chairman of the Association, Mr Gbemi Adelekan, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said efforts of the FCCPC resulted in growth of online lending applications.

Adelekan, also the Managing Director of Trafalgar (Kwikpay Credit), said that the use of online lending applications, when compared to traditional financial institutions, had witnessed significant growth in the past few months.

He, however, noted that this growth also led to increase in default rate due to the economic situation and financial constraint for some customers.

He furthered stated that the growth in the industry had also attracted licensed players and some unregistered operators that were violating the consumer rights in the country.

Adelekan recalled that in August, 2022, the FCCPC issu
ed interim guidelines on the registration of digital lending platforms in the country.

These guidelines, he stated, were necessary to curb these unlawful practices in the eco system and help to sanitise the industry.

According to him, the FCCPC has made significant progress in monitoring this important sector as the commission continues to investigate and track most of these illegally operating DMLs.

‘While most licensed Digital Money Lenders (DML) are operating their loan app business ethically, in compliance with the prevailing laws of the land and lending principles, we also have a few bad eggs in the industry.

‘Most of these unscrupulous lenders are unregistered and without the required licenses, thereby contravening various regulations and guidelines introduced by FCCPC and the various regulatory bodies of the government.

‘These illegal operators use threatening and arm-twisting tactics as part of their collection strategy,’ he said.

Adelekan stated that the continuous investigation and surveillanc
e by the commission demonstrate its commitment to tackling these unwholesome practices head on.

He said that as of today, over 230 digital money lenders have been registered by FCCPC with 88 existing loan operators put on watch list.

He noted that the commission had also delisted 47 Loan apps from operating online on the google play store and also blocked the bank accounts of lenders violating the contraventions.

Adelekan charged the general public to desist from patronising illegal loan apps, saying any loan application that has approved and disbursed funds to you without the necessary verification was a red flag.

‘The association advises the general public to exercise caution when applying for loans online, to only select licensed and approved Digital Money Lenders (DML) on the FCCPC’s website.

‘This will help to reduce the rate at which these illegal loan apps name, shame and contravene the rights of consumers,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), Nigeria, says developing the African Caribbean Free Trade Agreement will require a multi-faceted approach.

Uzoka-Anite said this at a Plenary Session: ‘Towards An Afri-Caribbean Free Trade Agreement: The Pathway to Self-Determination’ at the ongoing 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The meetings are being monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Uzoka-Anite said the agreement would involve multi-stakeholders whose roles would need to be clearly defined.

‘ The role of government, the private sector, international development communities, and civil society have to be defined. There has to be a multi-stakeholder engagement to address all the issues.

‘When we have a focused and inclusive discussion, listening to diverse opinions and considering them in negotiations, we take the first step in breaking down barriers, because we are going to see a lot of barriers.

Uzoka-Anite said strong political
will from the political leaders was also needed to achieve the development of the African-Caribbean Free Trade Agreement.

She mentioned that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was successful because the African Union leaders backed it with their political will.

‘We need to see the same thing happen between the African and Caribbean countries.’

The minister also said there was a need to clarify how the two regions would develop communication and infrastructure, citing no direct flights, and visa restrictions between the regions as a challenge.

She, however, said the partnership between the regions was supposed to address those challenges.

‘Opening the trading routes and developing market access so that there is a free flow of goods either through the sea are things we should be looking at.

‘So, we need to do seaports, airports, road networks infrastructure, and digital network infrastructure for communication to happen. All that infrastructure has to be developed.’

Uzoka-Anite said a stron
g policy framework needed to be in place by harmonising them to ensure their alignment, including the different agreements the two regions already had in place.

She emphasised the need to create incentives for private sector involvement in the agreement, as the sector would be the major driver of the agreement.

Uzoka-Anite said there was also the need to ensure the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, however, not at the detriment of each country’s nationalistic objectives.

‘Even though we are looking for global and economic integration within the regions, every country has their nationalistic objective and their duty to provide infrastructure, job creation and sustainable growth for their citizens.

‘ Therefore, you do not want the free trade agreement to destroy what you are building. All this has to be considered,’ she said

She said dispute resolution mechanisms have to be in place to ensure the agreement is enforced in an equitable, efficient, and transparent way ‘where everybody feels
they are part of it.’

The minister said there was also the need to harmonise different standards even amongst the financial services.

‘How do I bring the banking sector from Africa into the Caribbean? how do I ensure there is free movement of professionals with different licensing regimes, different qualifications, etc?

‘ All these need to be considered in developing the free trade agreement itself.’

She said apart from the challenges, there were many opportunities to benefit from the economic, and regional integration that the African Caribbean free trade area would offer.

Uzoka-Anite said the creative sectors- fashion, music, film, technology, agriculture and tourism sectors; and cultural exchange, all had strong potential for growth.

‘Even harvesting technology transfers between emerging areas like renewable energy and some industries. Now the Caribbean is discovering oil.

‘We have a lot of skills and technology especially in Nigeria for example that we can transfer this knowledge, and lessons learn
t between ourselves.

‘When we put the opportunities and the benefits before our negotiating parties or before our countries and we understand that we are stronger together than separately, it begins to help us move in that direction.’

Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, said it was necessary to build stakeholders ownership to achieve the trade agreement between the two regions.

Christopher Edordu, Former President, Afreximbank, suggested going slow to achieve positive results on the trade agreement.

Mrs Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre, said the political will was needed to achieve the trade agreement between the two regions.

‘ Next is to drill down to the specifics then get the youths to feel it is worth it for them. If they don’t buy the idea there is no point.’

Albert Ramidin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Suriname, said the discussion on the agreement between the two regions would require political owner
ship and commitment.

‘I believe we need as soon as possible a document outlining the scope of this endeavor, present it to the African and Caribbean leaders, receive their mandate with a timeline and roadmap to execute and the rest will follow.’

Dr Didadus Jules, Director-General, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, said all the sectors should be brought to the table, especially the private sector and the youth economy.

‘The youths have the greatest appetite for innovation. Also Open up the means of communicating for people, so that exchange can happen.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The public is advised that numerous road closures will be in effect around the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) ahead of the first sittings of the two Houses of Parliament.

Parliament is gearing up to host the first sittings of the two Houses of Parliament scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the CTICC.

Friday’s proceedings will see Members of Parliament (MPs) electing a President who will form the seventh administration to govern the country.

The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service advises motorists to plan their routes accordingly and to avoid the foreshore where possible.

The following road closures will take effect:

Two left lanes on Walter Sisulu Avenue at Lower Long Street, towards Heerengracht Street. Only the right lane will be open to traffic. However, on Friday and Saturday, this lane could be closed as needed.

Lower Long Street is closed from FW De Klerk Boulevard towards Walter Sisulu Avenue.

FW De Klerk Boulevard is closed at Heerengracht Street, with local access only.

The left lane along Heerengracht Street between the Walter Sisulu Avenue traffic circle and FW De Klerk Boulevard.

The right lane at the MyCiti depot along FW De Klerk Boulevard.

The left lane on the elevated freeway next to the Convention Centre will be closed from 9 am this morning.

The closures will be in place until the events at the CTICC have concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Mr Li Xuda, Director of Chinese cultural centre in Nigeria on Thursday called on Africa to use photo exhibitions to project the continent’s image positively to attract tourists and potential investors.

Li made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on the sidelines of a photo exhibition titled, ‘A Renewed Glimpse into Africa: Exhibition of Chinese Artist Works Inspired by Their Trip to Africa’.

According to Li, photography engages storytelling through interactive displays that captivate visitors and inspire them to explore the beauty and richness of a country.

He added that evolving the stories told in and about African culture by distributing accurate and empowering stories is key to reshaping Africa’s narrative and attracting tourists to the region.

‘We believe that exhibitions are valuable in showcasing the diverse cultures, landscapes, and people of Africa in a positive light.

‘Through these photos, we can see the beauty, resilience, and vibrancy of African communiti
es shedding light on their unique traditions, customs, and way of life.

‘Africa is a land of culture with splendid civilisation and abundant natural resources.

‘We also believe that this exhibition will strengthen ties between China and Africa and pave the way for increased tourism and economic opportunities,’ he said.

NAN reports that the photographs were taken by Duan Tiejun, Chairman of Tianjin Culture, Tourism, and Photographers’ Association, among others who visited Senegal, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mauritius, and many other African countries.

NAN also reports that about 70 students from various schools were in attendance for the photo exhibition. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has challenged the youth to help find solutions to the global water woes.

Mahlobo made the call during the Wetskills Challenge Awards Ceremony held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini on Wednesday.

The Deputy Minister officiated the Wetskills Challenge, a two-week programme for students and young professionals with a passion for water from all over the globe to work in transdisciplinary and transcultural teams on challenging water cases.

The participants’ challenge is to find innovative solutions for the water challenges facing the world.

Several teams competed for the number one spot and came up with solutions to various topics, including water security within the green hydrogen industry; developing a business model for non-governmental organisations, and innovative sanitation solutions in schools.

Speaking at the event, Mahlobo reminded the youth that science must be used for humanity, and that they will help to fin
d solutions to the global water woes.

Mahlobo said he trusts that with the calibre of young men and women who participated in the challenge, the future of the water sector is in good hands.

‘Your trade is about humanity and humanity is to improve conditions. We all have shared aspirations and dreams.

‘We all want to live in peace and harmony, with development. At this point, we are carrying a treasure and inheritance for the next generations, as we inherited from our forebearers,’ Mahlobo said.

He called on government to create opportunities for the ideas presented to be realised, and to foster talent and innovation.

‘What we need to do is to support you in implementing the strategies you have come up with, and create pace for your development and an opportunity to pilot these ideas. As government, we need to say, ‘now that the seed has been planted, how do we water and nurture it?’,’ Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister congratulated the winners who came up with solutions to the pit latrine problem in rur
al areas in South Africa.

Emerald Reddy, Rafael Tembe, Shongile Chauke and Tasmiyah Ismail presented a study that investigates integrating the innovative Larvae’d toilet system with the existing WASH solution in South Africa’s rural schools.

The proposed solution aims to resolve these facilities with sustainable and hygienic sanitation solutions.

The team said the innovation will leverage community involvement and the use of recycled materials.

The initiative also ensures students health and safety, and explores business for those who will be supplying for the schools. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency