Day: September 24, 2024

Minister of Agriculture , Water and Land Reform , Calle Schlettwein has warned against the overexploitation or pollution of the Kavango River as it is already under stress . Schlettwein made the statement on Monday during the official unveiling of eight agri – food system sites countrywide to the Ministry of Agriculture , Water and Land Reform at Kuwoko Kondja community garden in the Kavango West Region . The project is funded by Japan , through the Japan Supplementary Budget , and is implemented by the agriculture ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ). Referring to the Kuwoko Kondja garden located along the Kavango River , Schlettwein said they are fortunate to have the river flowing past them . ‘ No development is possible without a secure , reliable and affordable water source , although it is finite . The Kavango River is as we speak under stress because of drought and low levels in the river ,’ he stated . He added that the end users of the river in Botswana ar
e already struggling with water issues more than the Namibians . The minister called on the communities along the river to be careful with the resource , not over exploit it or pollute it but treat it as the most important resource they have . ‘ Because without it your community garden will be gone . The water is your lifeline and yourself who are the human capacity to develop this project ,’ he encouraged the beneficiaries of the project . He , however , also indicated that the people in the area have lived along the river and used the resource for many centuries and that he is hopeful the communities know the value of the resource . Schlettwein explained that the agri – food system project started in 2020 with the assistance of Japan which availed N . dollars 20 million . The project aims to upscale the strengthening of Namibian food systems to recover from emergencies and disease – related shocks through the Build Back Better ( BBB ) Programme to support additional constituencies with low adaptive capaciti
es in the country . The project targets to support at least 200 households , 60 per cent of which are female – headed , in peri – urban communities , increasing their adaptive capacities and resilience to climate shocks through income generating activities from the sale of agro – produce and small stock . Schlettwein urged the beneficiaries of the community gardens to start adopting smart agricultural technologies in order to improve production .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Minister of Agriculture , Water and Land Reform , Calle Schlettwein has warned against the overexploitation or pollution of the Kavango River as it is already under stress . Schlettwein made the statement on Monday during the official unveiling of eight agri – food system sites countrywide to the Ministry of Agriculture , Water and Land Reform at Kuwoko Kondja community garden in the Kavango West Region . The project is funded by Japan , through the Japan Supplementary Budget , and is implemented by the agriculture ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ). Referring to the Kuwoko Kondja garden located along the Kavango River , Schlettwein said they are fortunate to have the river flowing past them . ‘ No development is possible without a secure , reliable and affordable water source , although it is finite . The Kavango River is as we speak under stress because of drought and low levels in the river ,’ he stated . He added that the end users of the river in Botswana ar
e already struggling with water issues more than the Namibians . The minister called on the communities along the river to be careful with the resource , not over exploit it or pollute it but treat it as the most important resource they have . ‘ Because without it your community garden will be gone . The water is your lifeline and yourself who are the human capacity to develop this project ,’ he encouraged the beneficiaries of the project . He , however , also indicated that the people in the area have lived along the river and used the resource for many centuries and that he is hopeful the communities know the value of the resource . Schlettwein explained that the agri – food system project started in 2020 with the assistance of Japan which availed N . dollars 20 million . The project aims to upscale the strengthening of Namibian food systems to recover from emergencies and disease – related shocks through the Build Back Better ( BBB ) Programme to support additional constituencies with low adaptive capaciti
es in the country . The project targets to support at least 200 households , 60 per cent of which are female – headed , in peri – urban communities , increasing their adaptive capacities and resilience to climate shocks through income generating activities from the sale of agro – produce and small stock . Schlettwein urged the beneficiaries of the community gardens to start adopting smart agricultural technologies in order to improve production .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Brave Warriors head coach , Collin Benjamin has urged Premier League coaches to scout for players in tournaments such as the Harders Cup . Speaking to Nampa at the end of the Harders Cup in L deritz on Sunday , Benjamin said many players displayed ” hunger and determination ” during the tournament which started on Friday . ‘ I saw a lot of potential , energy , hard work and young players that want to succeed , young players that basically display their talent and it is up to us to try and help them nurture this talent and for them to not just represent || Kharas region but hopefully Namibia ,’ he said . The coach said he identified some players that he will invite to the Brave Warriors camp to train and further see how they can be developed to become national players in future . ‘ We applaud the organisers and the sponsors for such a platform to the youth of the region . The || Kharas region has over the years produced really good soccer players and for them to be given such a platform we have to thank th
e organisers and the sponsors ,’ Benjamin said . Nampa also caught up with Young Brazilians football club head coach , Galiel Pelwan who said ‘ The quality of the soccer played was good however , the scoring rate was low . Most of the games played went to penalty shootout , which indicate that the scoring rate was too low , and I came to look for goal scorers and that did not happen .’ A total of 20 teams from the || Kharas second division league , and one team from the first division league participated in the Harders Cup . The tourney also provided an opportunity for businesspeople at the coastal town to do business . One of the vendors , 23 – year – old Vanessa Konraad expressed gratitude to the organisers and noted that the event allowed them an opportunity to advertise their businesses . ‘ Little happen here in L deritz and a big event like this helps . It is a great experience especially for me that is a young person and seeing people enjoying your food that is priceless ,’ she said .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Brave Warriors head coach , Collin Benjamin has urged Premier League coaches to scout for players in tournaments such as the Harders Cup . Speaking to Nampa at the end of the Harders Cup in L deritz on Sunday , Benjamin said many players displayed ” hunger and determination ” during the tournament which started on Friday . ‘ I saw a lot of potential , energy , hard work and young players that want to succeed , young players that basically display their talent and it is up to us to try and help them nurture this talent and for them to not just represent || Kharas region but hopefully Namibia ,’ he said . The coach said he identified some players that he will invite to the Brave Warriors camp to train and further see how they can be developed to become national players in future . ‘ We applaud the organisers and the sponsors for such a platform to the youth of the region . The || Kharas region has over the years produced really good soccer players and for them to be given such a platform we have to thank th
e organisers and the sponsors ,’ Benjamin said . Nampa also caught up with Young Brazilians football club head coach , Galiel Pelwan who said ‘ The quality of the soccer played was good however , the scoring rate was low . Most of the games played went to penalty shootout , which indicate that the scoring rate was too low , and I came to look for goal scorers and that did not happen .’ A total of 20 teams from the || Kharas second division league , and one team from the first division league participated in the Harders Cup . The tourney also provided an opportunity for businesspeople at the coastal town to do business . One of the vendors , 23 – year – old Vanessa Konraad expressed gratitude to the organisers and noted that the event allowed them an opportunity to advertise their businesses . ‘ Little happen here in L deritz and a big event like this helps . It is a great experience especially for me that is a young person and seeing people enjoying your food that is priceless ,’ she said .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced on Monday that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of roads in Abuja’s satellite towns.

Wike made this known while addressing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting.

He emphasised that these satellite towns had previously suffered neglect, highlighting that prior administrations failed to recognise the importance of extending development to these areas.

‘It is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president that we must take development to the satellite towns.

‘As I speak to you today, I know before December, we will commission more than 75 kilometers of road. The President has also said we must continue to give hope and infrastructure to satellite towns.

‘The areas covered are in Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari area councils. These are the three area councils that NEC has approved that we have to make sure that infrastructure is given to them,’ said the minister.

He said FEC also approved the d
evelopment of Artillery Road N5, Obafemi Awolowo way, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road.

‘People have been saying we need to do something to decongest the area. The contract is to be carried out by Julius Berger and to be completed in 16-17 months.

The FCT minister also said because of the importance the President attached to the judiciary, he directed that the FCT, through the FCDA, should immediately construct 40 judges and justices quarters in Kantampe District.

‘What it means is that out of these 40, FCT High Courts will have 20, the Federal High Court will have ten and the Court of Appeal will have ten, and this will be completed within 15 months.

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‘Again Council approved the construction of access road from Artillery Road N11 from Mabuchi to Judges Quarters.

‘FEC also approved the construction of access road from ring road 1-N16 Shehu Shagari Way also to Judges Quarters to be delivered in 15 months,’ said Wike.

He added that Council h
ad also approved full development of all connecting roads to the Court of Appeal Abuja division.

The minister stated that FEC ratified the termination of the contract for development of Maitama 2, an area previously allocated to various citizens.

He said the Maitama 2 area had not less than 1700 allotees before the present government came to power, and the contract was awarded for the sum of N184 billion for the provision of infrastructure.

‘The thinking of Mr. President is that if we are able to develop the area, it will reduce the housing deficit, so that many people will go and develop their properties.

‘But unfortunately after the award, the contractor was never on site. We may not also blame him because we saw he was never mobilised.

‘It has taken over one year. So, we sought for the termination of the contract and start a new process of procurement and provide enough funds for the infrastructural development to take place.

‘I can assure you that now that the contract has been terminated we will mo
ve quickly to start the process and make sure that we develop the area,’said Wike.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and other advocates have underscored the importance of empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through civic engagement.

They made this known at an awareness programme organised by CCD in Lagos, to raise public awareness about civic engagement among PWDs in Alimosho, while engaging community leaders to expand the civic space for civic actors with disabilities.

The engagement highlighted the need to promote social inclusion and an equitable society.

Mrs Florence Austin, Admin/Finance Manager, CCD, provided a background on the shrinking civic space and emphasised the importance of PWDs taking informed actions.

Mrs Precious Osinaku, a human rights advocate, stated that civic engagement of PWDs was of immense importance as it enabled them to empower themselves, break down barriers of stereotypes, and participate in community development.

She described ‘civic engagement’ as the process through which individuals and collective actors undertake voluntary acti
on in society to achieve socially relevant goals.

‘By embracing civic engagement, PWDs can transform their lives and those of their communities, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.’

Osinaku emphasised the importance of civic engagement for PWDs, including empowerment, social inclusion, and community development.

‘The power of civic engagement for PWDs cannot be overstated.

‘By participating in civic activities, PWDs can empower themselves to influence decisions that affect their lives, promoting social inclusion and combating marginalisation.

‘Through civic engagement, PWDs can break down barriers and challenge stereotypes, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

‘As they contribute to the development and strengthening of their communities, PWDs can assert their rights and interests, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.’

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Osinaku recommended strategies for PWDs
to drive social activism, including building support networks, leveraging technology, and policy advocacy.

Ms Tosin Aniramu, Team Lead of Thrivescape Initiative, stated that 16 per cent of the global population live with some form of disability.

She identified the five models of disability and various disability clusters, including deaf/hearing, intellectual disability, physically challenged, spinal-cord injury, blind/visual disability, and Albinism.

According to her, the challenges faced by these clusters include attitudinal, institutional, communication, and environmental barriers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria