Day: September 17, 2024

Sambus Geospatial Limited, a technology integration company, has called for the inclusion of Geographic Information System (GIS) in primary and secondary school curricula.

The company’s Managing Director, Ms Akua Aboah, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja on the sidelines of a two-day event tagged ‘Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) User Conference West Africa 2024.

NAN reports that Sambus Geospatial Limited is the sole distributor of Esri software, among other products.

The Esri User Conference West Africa 2024 was hosted by Sambus Geospatial Limited with the theme ‘Geospatial Synergy: Mapping the Future Together.”

Aboah said that the importance of the GIS could not be overemphasised as it had a lot of potential that needed to be tapped.

According to her, GIS is a computer system that analyses and displays geographically referenced information.

‘GIS uses data that is attached to a unique location; most of the information we have about our world contains a loca
tion reference.

‘I totally support the call for the inclusion of GIS in primary, secondary school curriculum; it is a very rich area and there are not much people who understand it.”

She said that Sambus Geospatial Limited already had some strategies in place towards achieving this project.

‘Every year, we visit about ten to fifteen secondary and primary schools where we take them through GIS education and at the end, we conduct competitions and give them gift items like phones, among others.

‘This is part of why we organised this conference to make people understand more about the power of GIS in solving our problems.

See also Our abductors threatened to kill, fry, eat us – Jangebe abductee

‘The benchmark of this conference is to inspire, collaborate and share.

‘The essence of geospatial is to find location; there is nothing in this life that you do without finding location.

‘When you are travelling; it is related to location; sending your kids to schools is also in a location; so, everything has a
location.’

She said that the first goal in the Esri seminar was to invite university students after which students of secondary and primary schools would be invited in future conferences.

The managing director said that there were enough career opportunities in the GIS field noting.

‘If you develop yourself in this field, you will not lack at all.”

She said that the two-day conference brought together geospatial technology professionals, industry experts, decision- makers and potential clients across Ghana, Gabon, Liberia and Nigeria.

‘The objective of the conference was to facilitate networking, knowledge exchange, showcase solutions, empowerment and fostering of collaboration and innovation in the geospatial domain.”

Aboah said that for Africa to be properly developed, there was a need to first of all, have locations within it on a system.

‘That is how we map together; we can’t do it without mapping together,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confiscated contraband and illegal substances during a search operation at the St Albans Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape.

The operation was held in the early hours of Monday morning.

‘This operation is part of DCS’s ongoing efforts to enhance security, ensure safety, and maintain order within its facilities, and it continues to yield significant results.

‘Several items of contraband and illegal substances were confiscated during the operation. These include, but are not limited to, R4 557 in cash, 16 mobile phones, 18 slopes of dagga, and 41 dagga bankies. Such items pose a serious threat to both inmates and officials, and their removal ensures a safer environment for all within the facility,’ the department said.

The operation – carried out by DCS Emergency Support Team in collaboration with police – also marked the start of Corrections Week.

Following the raid, DCS officials engaged community members in the area by providing food to flood victi
ms.

‘Corrections Week features a series of activities that allow the department to reflect on its crucial role in promoting a just, peaceful, and safer South Africa. This period also serves as a time to renew collective commitment to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. The correctional system remains an essential pillar within the broader framework of the criminal justice system.

‘The observance of Corrections Week further strengthens the DCS’s commitment to working alongside community organisations, NGOs, and various stakeholders in building a better South Africa for all,” said the department.

READ | Corrections Week kicks off

‘This week is not merely a celebration but a call to action, reminding us that we all play a role in building a just, compassionate, and inclusive society.

“It emphasises that corrections is a societal responsibility, where each individual-whether a correctional official, policymaker, community leader, or citizen-has a part to play in shaping a correctional system t
hat reflects the country’s highest values,’ the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Namibian Police Force ( NamPol ) in the Oshikoto Region have arrested a 49 – year – old man for the alleged theft of an ox and 20 goats worth N . dollars 35 000 . NamPol crime investigations coordinator in Oshikoto , Deputy Commissioner Titus Ekandjo on Monday said the arrest happened on Friday around 08h00 at Onakankuzi village in the Omuthiya Constituency . A case of failure to give a satisfactory account of possession of such stock was opened against the suspect . ‘ It is alleged that the suspect brought and kept the livestock at his residence , which is his mother ‘ s house ,’ Ekandjo said . He said it is unknown where the suspect got the animals from , thus the lawful owners are also unknown . ‘ The matter was brought to police attention by the suspect ‘ s mother , who got worried that the livestock her son brought into her kraal might be stolen animals ,’ he said . The suspect was arrested and set to appear before the Ondangwa Magistrate ‘ s Court on Tuesday while investigations continue .

Source
:The Namibia News Agency

Nine police officers who were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from two seven – seater drivers in exchange for allowing them to pass through a police checkpoint with illicit goods , have been granted bail . The officers allegedly took bribes of N . dollars 17 000 over several months from the two drivers at the Oshivelo police checkpoint in the Oshikoto Region and were arrested on Friday . According to Namibian Police Force crime investigations coordinator for Oshikoto , Deputy Commissioner Titus Ekandjo , the suspects appeared before Principal Magistrate Juliet Mulilo in the Tsumeb Magistrate ‘ s Court on Monday . They were each granted bail of N . dollars 4 000 , he said . They were granted bail on condition they do not contact witnesses and interfere with the police investigation . The case was remanded to 26 November 2024 for the officers to obtain legal representation . According to Ekandjo , the police officers are back at work .

Source:The Namibia News Agency

The Mariental Trade Festival , which took place over the past weekend , has been hailed as a success due to the strong turnout of both visitors and exhibitors . ‘ We made a lot more money than last year ,’ one of the organisers of the event , Mariental Municipality local economic development officer Linus Sinvula , said . Sinvula in an interview with Nampa said the festival generated approximately N . dollars 100 000 , a substantial increase from last year . He said the profits will be use as seed capital for next year ‘ s festival . The increase in income was mainly attributed to the higher number of exhibitors and visitors , as well as the fact that there was a new attraction in the form of a merry – go – round . The chairperson of the event , Unomasa Kavita , expressed satisfaction with the overall outcome . ‘ The Mariental Trade Festival met many of our expectations . We had a strong turnout with close to 10 000 visitors passing through the gates and showing a wide interest in local businesses and other
corporate stalls and services ,’ Kavita stated . Looking ahead , Kavita highlighted plans to further improve next year ‘ s festival . These include optimising the layout for better flow and ensuring that all booths are easily accessible and visible . The organisers also plan to reach out to more companies and sponsors . Nampa also spoke to one of the exhibitors at the festival , Julien Khiba , who is a sales agent for an insurance company . ‘ The festival provided me with a platform to engage with clients and provide them with more information on our individual funeral covers . A lot of people were interested ,’ said Khiba

Source:The Namibia News Agency

WINDHOEK: The Office of the Judiciary , in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice , officially inaugurated the newly constructed Katima Mulilo Magistrate ‘ s Court building on Tuesday . Chief Justice Peter Shivute , in his keynote address , said the new building represents a step forward in advancing the rule of law and ensuring that justice remains accessible to all members of society . ‘ This event signifies more than just the opening of a newly constructed building . It represents our steadfast commitment to the mission of the judiciary . For justice to be effectively administered , proper infrastructure plays an indispensable role . A well – equipped court is a vital instrument in ensuring that justice reaches every corner of our society , and that the rights of all individuals are protected and upheld ,’ Shivute said . The court was constructed at a cost of N . dollars 80 million and is situated in Ngweze Street in Katima Mulilo . It has in – camera features designed with the needs of vulnerable witn
esses in mind , particularly children and adults who may find the court environment intimidating . The building also has private and secure waiting areas . The Zambezi Region currently only has one magistrate ‘ s court and two periodical courts , namely Ngoma and Omega , at Impalila Island . On her part , Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab said the new court is testament to the ministry ‘ s continued efforts to bring justice closer to the communities it serves . ‘ To the members of the public , I say this : this court exists for you . It is here to ensure that your rights are protected , your grievances heard , and your disputes resolved in accordance with the law . It is important that the citizenry takes full advantage of the judicial system , understanding that the courts are for the people and of the people ,’ Dausab emphasised .

Source:The Namibia News Agency