Month: June 2024

On Tuesday, 25 June, the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) will host a Training and Information Webinar on the 2-Pot System on Microsoft Teams.

On Tuesday, 25 June, Government will host Operation Vulindlela Conference.

On Wednesday, 26 June, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be celebrated annually to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

On Thursday, 27 June, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will host the Junior Miners Exploration Fund Webinar.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Nigerian visual artist, Promise Ebegbulem, has urged the Federal Government to create more avenues for artists to access grants, to enable them thrive in their chosen profession.

Ebegbulem made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According to her, this is important because the few available platforms for grants are not easily accessible for many artists.

She said to encourage more individuals to embrace the profession, government must be deliberate in encouraging the existing artists.

According to her, this encouragement can be in way of providing opportunities for artists to access grants and establishing more public art galleries for constant exhibition.

‘Investing in arts education from an early age, providing grants for art projects and establishing more public galleries and art spaces can significantly boost the industry.

‘Creating platforms for artists to showcase their work internationally can elevate the perception of Nigerian art on a global stage.

‘By doing
so, we can inspire younger generations to pursue their artistic passions and contribute to the cultural and creative economy.

‘It is crucial for the government to recognise the arts as a vital component of cultural identity and economic development.’

Speaking on her challenges, the artist said she had to contend with limited access to funds and inadequate exhibition spaces.

According to her, there is also the issue of inconsistent support, which makes it difficult for artists to sustain a career in the arts.

‘It is also disheartening to observe lack of public appreciation for contemporary arts.

‘To improve the industry, the government can establish more art grants and scholarships, develop infrastructure for art exhibitions and workshops, and create policies that protect and promote the intellectual property rights of artists.

‘Fostering partnerships between local artists and international art institutions can open up new opportunities for collaboration and growth,’ she said.

Ebegbulem, who has been p
ractising for over nine years, said she had participated in more than seven public exhibitions where she shared her reflections on human nature and cultural values.

She said her journey, sparked by a profound personal challenge, led her to create captivating paintings that resonate with deep cultural, real life experience and emotional layers.

Ebegbulem said growing as an artist, she drew inspiration from artistic legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ben Enwonwu.

Speaking on her recent work entitled ‘Reflections of Humanity’, Ebegbulem said she tried to make people realise the essence of engaging in self-reflection.

‘Reflections of Humanity’ is a mixed-media installation that combines traditional painting techniques with contemporary digital elements.

‘The piece explores the importance of self-reflection, acknowledging Nigerians’ shared human experience, and celebrating cultural diversity.

‘I was inspired by the current global happenings, where there seems to be a growing disconnect between people and
their cultural roots.

‘With this work, I aim to encourage viewers to pause, reflect on their own lives, culture and recognise the potential for greatness and unity within our human diversity.

‘There will be a solo exhibition of this work in August,’ she said.

Ebegbulem, who described herself as a self-taught contemporary visual artist from Imo, said she is currently a certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist and aspiring to do more.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Experts in renewable energy have harped on the need to fully harness the available potentials in the sector to boost the nation’s economy.

They made the call at the Techfine Partners’ training to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Nexgen Energy and Allied Services, in Ibadan on Friday.

According to Wikipedia, renewable energy or green energy is from renewable natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale.

The most widely used renewable energy types are solar energy, wind power and hydropower.

A renewable energy expert with Acetronix Ventures, Mr Oluyombi Awojobi, said since being in the business of renewal energy over the last 10 years, there had been more uptake because of epileptic power from the national grid.

According to him, more people are tending toward solar energy, out of all the renewable energy sources, stressing that government would do well to provide more incentives to further enhance uptake of the clean energy.

‘Government can come in by subsidising some of these things: i
nverters, solar panels and batteries because their prices are presently on the high side.

‘If there is a policy or any other means to subsidise these items, people will embrace them more,’ he said.

Awojobi said renewable energy would help Nigerians cut the cost of running generating sets by between 30 per cent and 40 per cent in the long run.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, De-sure Rejfresh Technology, Mr Adeniyi Omotosho, described renewable energy as ‘the future Nigeria is looking for’.

Omotosho said that the industry had improved over the years, adding that more successes had been recorded, especially for those who started more than two decades ago.

He called for more investments in the sector by government, saying it should also focus its agenda on improving its capability to solve unemployment problems and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.

One of the facilitators, Mrs Ibiyemi Ifaturoti, said though there were lots of initiatives on renewable energy, she, however, expressed the regret that th
ey were uncoordinated.

Ifaturoti, a Senior Consultant at Leading Learning Limited, called on government to give more incentives and subsidise renewable energy for those in the industry such as tax reduction, import duties and renewable energy components, among others.

According to her, the more people embrace renewable energy, the better in terms of reduction of pressure on the national grid, as it would help the economy and serve the underserved communities.

Also, the Customer Service Executive, Nexgen Energy, Mrs Oluwakemi Ayekitan, said Nigerians needed an in-depth knowledge, not just information, about renewable energy to be able to harness the enormous opportunities inherent in it.

Ayekitan said there were lots of renewable energy like biogas and other green energy.

‘Though people look at the initial cost, the return on investment surpasses the initial amount that has kept some people from uptaking renewable energy.

‘There are lots of advantages in using renewable energy. First, the return on inves
tment is higher than imagined.

‘Second, it supports a healthier and safer planet for the future generations, as it doesn’t emit gases into the atmosphere.

‘Also, there is the ease and convenience to use renewable energy system. It is an automated system, the newest technology like the brand we represent in Techfine,’ Ayekitan said.

Another facilitator and business development expert, Pastor Francis Madojemu, said business owners must ensure they sell quality products to Nigerians.

‘A lot of us take advantage of people. We go to China and buy cheaper versions of products; but now, there’s the need to put the customers’ benefits first.

‘It will build us goodwill when the economy picks up,’ Madojemu said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), an independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, has urged collaboration between Civil Societies and Creatives to drive social change in the region.

Dr Kojo Asante of WADEMOS made the call at the launch of ‘DemoCreatives’, in collaboration with Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy Development-Ghana (CDD- Ghana), Africtivistes and AWO Hub, held at Victoria Island in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘DemoCreatives’ is an innovative initiative to collaborate with creatives to promote democracy.

NAN also reports that WADEMOS mobilises, coordinates, and leverages the collective power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors, resources, and opportunities within the West African region to advance, defend, and reinvigorate democracy.

They also promote democratic norms and reforms in the sub-region.

Asante, who is also a Senior Research Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasised the need for civil societies and crea
tives to join forces to bring about social change in West Africa.

According to him, the region is in dire need of a new narrative, as many citizens feel disillusioned and hopeless.

He believed that creatives have a crucial role to play in inspiring change but noted that many had shifted their focus from activism to business in recent years.

To bridge the gap between civil societies and creatives, Asante suggested leveraging artist expressions to confront social challenges.

He cited the popularity of afro-pop music in Nigeria as an example, noting that musicians have the influence to shape people’s thinking and encourage them to take action.

Asante, therefore, urged civil societies and creatives to work together to keep the civil space open and encourage people to speak out against oppression.

Obianuju Udeh, a renowned Nigerian Disc Jockey, popularly known as DJ Switch, in her virtual keynote address, urged civil societies and creatives to come together, re-strategise, and make a meaningful impact.

Acco
rding to her, it is imperative that both parties join forces in the fight for democracy and human rights.

She emphasised the power of art in reflecting society’s trials, struggles, and dreams, and its ability to nurture critical thinking and empathy.

DJ Switch highlighted the historical impact of art on social movements, citing examples such as the late king of Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo’s music and the role of literature in exposing injustice.

She encouraged civil societies to reimagine their funding strategies and collaborate with creatives to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.

‘There is need for unity and strategic alliance between civil societies and creatives to combat the enemies of democracy and human rights.

‘We need to spend money to get the big guns to be involved. Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity for a dying democracy,

‘ she said.

Also, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, said that democratic practices, not just labels, remained essential for a function
ing democracy.

According to her, Democreatives, is a movement that leverages art and creativity to promote democracy and good governance in West Africa.

‘Expression, a fundamental human right, is crucial for democracy, and this partnership seeks to protect and promote free expression and press freedom.

‘By working together, we hope to inspire hope and democracy in neighboring countries, leading to economic empowerment, inclusive growth, and development.

‘With WADEMOS leading the charge, this collaboration brings together artists, musicians, creatives, and civil society partners to advance democratic development in Africa,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the first commercial transaction under the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP).

The President said this when he received gold bars sourced from artisanal and small gold miners from Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gold was refined by the Solid Minerals Development Fund, an agency of the Ministry.

The programme has delivered 5 million dollars into Nigeria’s foreign reserves and injected about N6 billion into the rural economy.

Tinubu said that the ministry had achieved a major milestone in the administration’s drive to diversify the economy.

‘This is another concrete step towards the diversification process under the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ the President said.

Alake, who presented a symbolic gold bar to Tinubu, said the NGPP would increase the country’s foreign reserves and boost the value of the Naira.

The minister also commend
ed the President for supporting reforms in the solid minerals sector.

‘The successful completion of the first commercial transaction clearly demonstrates the National Gold Purchase Programme’s effectiveness.

‘It has increased the nation’s foreign reserves assets and shown that using the Nigerian Naira to purchase a liquid asset traded in dollars, such as gold, is a viable strategy.

‘This transaction has also underscored the potential of the National Gold Purchase Programme to enhance fiscal and monetary stability.’

Alake said that the over 70 kilograms of gold sold to the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard marked a successful aggregation of locally mined gold.

In her presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi, said that the gold has met the global trade standard.

She said it met the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard that is the globally recognised and trusted standard in the global trade in gold and silver bars.

‘Only gold
and silver bars that meet our Good Delivery standards are acceptable in the settlement of a Loco London contract – where the bullion trade is physically held in London,’ she said.

Shinkafi said, through the NGPP, Nigeria had joined countries bolstering their gold reserves by purchasing gold in local currency.

She said this would foster economic confidence, enhance currency stability, and create a more attractive environment for foreign investment.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

With the election of the Presiding Officers and the inauguration of the new President done and dusted, the seventh Parliament will now shift focus to establishing internal structures necessary for Parliament to function.

Among the activities that will unfold are the Rules Committees of the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) meetings.

‘These committees will establish the structures necessary for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to function. They also decide on the constitution of the two Houses’ respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of Members that will serve on a committee.

‘Whips are important figures in the parliamentary system as they are responsible for discipline within the political parties and ensuring that Members attend and participate in parliamentary sessions. The formula for whips is a strategic determination that influences the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings. On the other hand, s
etting of speaking times is crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the Houses and ensuring that discussions are productive and focused,’ Parliament said.

Constituting the oversight committees is guided by the Cabinet portfolios designated by the President as the committees exercise oversight over each government department.

Parliament said committees are essential in scrutinising the work of government, providing a platform for debate, and ensuring accountability.

‘President Cyril Ramaphosa in consultation with the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the NCOP Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane will set the date for the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).

‘The OPA is an important ceremony in the form of a joint sitting of the two Houses that marks the official opening of the seventh Parliament. Unlike the State of the Nation Address that takes place annually in February, the OPA occurs once every five years after elections to announce the new administration’s plans, and it
marks the beginning of the new parliamentary term,’ Parliament said.

The joint sitting for the Opening of Parliament Address will be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in light of the ongoing construction.

The CTICC has been chosen for its capacity, convenience and proximity to the Parliament precinct.

Programme of the new Parliament

Once all the structures of the two Houses are established, the Joint Programming Committee will convene to deliberate on the parliamentary programme.

‘The Joint Programming Committee plays a vital role in laying the groundwork for a productive legislative session as it is responsible for drawing up a programme for the first term of the new Parliament. The programme outlines the schedule and priorities for parliamentary activities, ensuring a structured and efficient approach to legislative and oversight responsibilities,’ Parliament said.

Orientation programme for MPs

The newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will also undergo a structured orienta
tion programme from 2 July to 5 July to induct them into their new roles.

The programme will cover a wide range of topics, including an introduction to the core business of Parliament, the roles and responsibilities of Members and Office Bearers, an overview of MPs’ ethics and disclosures, the Rules guiding the operations of each House, and those that guide Joint Sittings.

‘Following the success of the first sittings of the two Houses, the seventh parliamentary administration is ready to take the reins and ensure that Parliament fulfils its constitutional mandate of oversight over the executive and providing a platform for the voice of South Africans in government policy and implementation,’ Parliament said.

Meetings and activities scheduled for this week are as follows:

On Wednesday, both Houses will hold their respective Rules Committee meetings. The NCOP Rules Committee meeting will start at 10:00, and the NA Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for 15:00.

On Thursday at 14:00, the NCOP will convene a
hybrid plenary to elect various office bearers for the seventh Parliament, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, the Rotating Deputy Chairperson, the Programming Whip, the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight, the House Chairperson for Parliamentary Diplomacy, the House Chairperson for Internal Arrangements and Members Support, and several other critical positions.

During the same session, the Council will also hold elections for the NCOP Permanent Delegates (MPs) to the Pan-African Parliament. Additionally, they will designate members to serve in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, the Judicial Services Commission, the Magistrates Commission, and the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund Trustee. The Council will also consider and deliberate on the revival of the Appropriations Bill.

On the same day the Council will convene in the morning and hold the Programming Committee at 08:30. The Programming Committee considers Bills before the House, committee
reports and plans the business of the House and the programme. On Friday, the NA at 10:00 will hold its programming meeting.

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will convene its first of the two annual Plenary Sessions from 24 June to 5 July 2024 at the PAP precinct in Midrand. Among the critical items for discussion and consideration is the budget for the PAP to enable the institution to function optimally.

Source: South African Government News Agency