Day: August 10, 2024

Namibia’s Indigenous Communities have called for substantial improvements in education and social services. United by a shared vision of progress, they further emphasised the urgent need for better educational opportunities for both the young and elderly.

Speaking at the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebration at Swakopmund on Friday, Zelda Khaibas, a youth representative of the Hai//om San community in the Erongo Region, stressed that education is the cornerstone of progress.

‘We believe that with the right resources and programmes, we can greatly enhance learning and development in Erongo,’ Khaibas said.

She highlighted the need for more schools, teachers, and culturally relevant educational materials. Additionally, she advocated for lifelong learning and skills development opportunities for elders, acknowledging their valuable knowledge and experience.

‘Adult education and skill-building initiatives are crucial for keeping our elders engaged and contributing to the community’s g
rowth,’ she added.

Beyond education, the Hai//om San community also called for better support and care, urging for equal attention and resources comparable to other regions, specifically requesting the establishment of a dedicated support office to address their unique challenges.

The national event was held under the international theme ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact’, which resonates deeply with the community’s struggles.

In a speech delivered on his behalf Deputy Minister of Marginalised Communities, Royal /Ui/o/oo highlighted the systemic losses suffered by Indigenous Minorities due to historical land dispossession and forced migration.

He noted that these actions led to the erosion of languages, traditional knowledge systems, and spiritual sites.

‘Despite these challenges, though, the Namibian Government remains committed to supporting indigenous minorities. The government has ratified the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples and continues to advocate for human rights through the Division of Marginalised Communities,’ he expressed.

Erongo Region Governor Neville Andre Itope praised the significant contributions of Namibia’s indigenous communities to the country’s cultural diversity.

He called for collaboration between local authorities and indigenous communities to protect cultural heritage through various initiatives.

The celebration featured attendance and entertainment by indigenous cultural groups from across the country.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Mrs Folashade Esan, outgoing Head of Service of the Federation, on Friday presented her successor, Mrs Esther Wilson-Jack, to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Esan said the President made the transition seamless as Wilson-Jack, the incoming Head of Service, spent some weeks with her learning the ropes.

She said she was sure that Wilson-Jack was ready to hit the ground running.

‘We also had a good time with Mr President, sharing his vision for the country, especially for the civil service with us.

‘This should prepare the incoming Head of Service so that she can achieve all that Mr President has discussed with us,’ she said.

She added that the newly appointed Head of Service was capable, very intelligent, hardworking, and a professional with a lot of empathy.

‘I have no doubt in my mind that she will do the job very well. One thing that is important for her to understand is that civil service is the arm that will deliver on Mr President’s promises to the country.

‘So, she needs to
ensure that the service is up and doing to ensure that the promises are fulfilled,’ said Esan.

Wilson-Jack said she was grateful to the President for appointing her as the Head of Service of the federation.

‘I see it as a divine assignment and I had the opportunity to assure Mr President that by the grace of God I will not disappoint him.

‘I come as a servant of all to work together, not only with the permanent secretaries but also with the directors and the entire civil service to enable us deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu says ECOWAS will continue to persuade the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return their nations to the fold.

President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, reaffirmed this position at a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff on Friday in Abuja.

‘It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region.

‘It has been a challenging tenure for me since three members indicated their exit. We will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way.

‘No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here. We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us,’ the President said.

The ECOWAS Chairman commended the defence chiefs for their commitment to regional stability and protection of constitutional governance.

‘The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to
do it together.

‘The ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region,’ President Tinubu said.

Gen. Christopher Musa, Chairman ECOWAS Chief of Defence Staff, told the President that the defence chiefs had agreed that challenges in the region, such as insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government, must be addressed collectively.

According to him, discussions at the meeting also focused on enhancing the capacity of ECOWAS military component, including the proposed standby force.

He announced that a decision had been made to deploy 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone, with countries making pledges to support this effort.

‘We are aware that the ECOWAS Ministers of Finance will meet to discuss the issue of funding, which is another very critical aspect. We also looked at the issue of logistics,’ he said.

Musa highlighted the balance between military efforts and the political components of good governance, peace
and security as essential for achieving long-term stability.

He pledged the commitment of the defence chiefs to work in unison to ensure the security and safety of the West African sub-region.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National President, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes and Clubs Association in Nigeria, Morenike George-Taylor, says Nigeria’s hospitality industry remains the best for investors to tap into.

George-Taylor said this on Friday at a Gala night event of a two-day hospitality business summit, organised by Vertiline Synergy Ltd., in Lagos.

The theme of the summit is ‘Investing in Africa: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Hospitality Development’.

Giving an overview of the country’s hospitality industry, she said it was the fastest and largest growing sector in the economy.

‘Hospitality which encapsulates bars, restaurants, cafes, nightlife, hotels and many more have become a thriving sector in Nigeria.

‘Certainly if you are rooting to invest in Nigeria, hospitality is the way to go,’ she said.

George-Taylor, who is the Chief Executive Officer of County Support Consulting, noted that the hospitality sector seems to thrive, not just survive, despite economic challenges.

She said that the country’s hotel s
ector had undergone a remarkable evolution, fuelled by growing middle class and increased business travel.

She said this had been her observation, having spent the past few years advising clients across Africa and witnessing the industry’s remarkable transformation in Nigeria.

According to her, this can be seen in the modest family budget houses to state of the art and internationally branded hotels.

‘If you look at what is going on in the hospitality sector, particularly the hotel segment, you will be impressed.

‘There are internationally renowned brands like Sheraton and Marriott doing excellently well in the country and it shows that Nigeria has the potential for tourism, particularly in the hotel sector,’ she said.

The hospitality expert who navigated the complexities of infrastructure regulations and shifting consumer preferences, stated that it required a keen understanding of this dynamic market.

‘We have issues with power supply. We do not have 24 hour power. Despite everything that has happened
so far, we have regulatory complexities, sometimes multiplication of factors.

‘This makes it difficult to actually thrive in the hospitality sector.

‘We have security challenges and we have supply chain issues. In spite that, the opportunity for investors remain immense.

‘We have technological advancement. I think that technology is here and what Nigerians are doing is incredible.

‘We have had regional expansion and diversification. If you look at everything that’s happening in the hotel industry, it is a resilient sector that is poised for continual success,’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit brought together business leaders and investors in the hospitality industry, providing a platform for networking, collaboration and innovation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ouagadougou: The President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, on Friday urged young Africans to use their strengths to change the world.

‘We must take advantage of the time given to us and use the energy necessary to positively change the world,’ said Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The President of Faso spoke Friday in Ouagadougou to young people from the 13 regions of Burkina Faso and 54 African countries to commemorate International Youth Day.

Furthermore, the Head of State invited young people to get rid of vices such as cowardice, betrayal and incompetence, which, according to him, are exploited by imperialists to enslave African leaders with the aim of exploit the wealth of their country.

‘A coward is always afraid. And when we are afraid, we become slaves. Our ancestors were not cowards; This is why we are not afraid and we will never be afraid,’ assured the President of Faso.

‘Africans were traitors for the slave trade to succeed. It is because Africans were traitors that colonization was able to impose it
self in Africa,’ indicated the Head of State.

For him, Patrice Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Victor Biaka Boda of Ivory Coast paid the price of betrayal in their fight against imperialism.

Concerning the incompetents, the president claims that they are allies of imperialism. ‘They can slow down the development of a country, make you doubt yourself.’

Referring to the theme of the edition, ‘Integration, security, peace and development: role of African youth’, Captain Ibrahim Traoré demonstrated the link between integration, security and development.

For his part, the president of the Pan-African Youth Union, also president of the Burkinabè National Youth Council, Moumouni Dialla, invited his peers to unity, solidarity and to make common cause with the President of the Faso for the total liberation of the African continent.

According to him, the President of Faso is a leader who inspires with his exemplary nature and his patriotism. It brings real hope for the current generation.

Source:
Burkina Information Agency

Ouagadougou: The head of Burkina Faso diplomacy, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, transmitted yesterday, Friday, a message of brotherhood and solidarity from President Ibrahim Traoré to his Togolese counterpart Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, AIB learned.

“The President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has mandated us to come and reaffirm his message of fraternity and solidarity as well as the positive appreciation of the leadership of the Togolese president on issues in the sub-region,” declared Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, according to comments reported by the presidency of Togo.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by his colleague from the Territorial Administration Émile Zerbo, had just been received by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

Source: Burkina Information Agency