Category: General

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) says postage stamps are essential assets in the components of the economy of every country and a crucial infrastructure for development.

The Postmaster General (PMG) of the Federation/CEO of NIPOST, Dr Sunday Adepoju, stated this on Saturday in Abuja at the unveiling of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) commemorative stamp.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the African commemorative postage stamp was launched on Saturday to mark the inauguration of the PAPU tower in Arusha, Tanzania .

The PAPU tower is a new 17-story building for Africa’s continental body. PAPU is responsible for coordinating postal development in Africa.

Represented by Dr Thomas Gaga, NIPOST’s Director of Planning and Business Development, Adepoju said: “Today, we are celebrating the history, cultural heritage and diversity of the African continent.

“NIPOST in conjunction with PAPU member States today released a single postage stamp that is N 250 in value with a surcharge of N5.

“ Being an African Joint Stamp Issue, all member States of the Union are required to incorporate into the design, an iconic emblem or national natural artifact of their choice in their respective countries.”

He added that the Nigerian version of the Stamp depicted the historic Zuma Rock, juxtaposed against the PAPU Tower located in Arusha, Tanzania.

Adepoju said that PAPU chose postage stamps as part of the activities lined up, adding,”because postage stamps are an effective means to supply information about a country’s history, culture and people.

“Postage stamps are often described as miniature encyclopedias and living reminders of events.

“ The aim of the joint stamp issue is to promote African heritage and events.”

Adepoju promised that NIPOST would be consistent in ensuring that major events in Nigerian history were documented for posterity through the issuance of commemorative stamps.

NAN reports that a total of 250, 000, horizontal format stamps were released on September 2, they were designed and printed by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Katsina State Government has disbursed N20 million to support 33 families of local vigilantee members who lost their lives in the line of duty .

Gov. Dikko Radda announced this during the presentation of cash to the victims’ families in Katsina on Saturday.

Radda represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari, said that some of the beneficiaries would receive N500,000 cash.

The governor added that no fewer than 10 vigilantee members who sustained injuries and a policeman get N250,000 each, while the family of one military officer who also lost his life received N1 million cash.

He added that that some members of the public who sustained injuries during the recent bandit attacks across the affected areas would also be considered in due course.

Radda explained that the gesture was part of his campaign promises towards appreciating those who sacrificed their lives and comfort in securing the state.

He assured the commitment of his administration towards fighting insecurity and other criminal tendencies across the state.

“My office is always open for advice and suggestions that will assist our administration to fulfill and actualise its promises,” he said.

Alhaji Sa’idu Danja, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support of Victims of Banditry earlier said the government had spent over N11.8 million for the treatment of victims of banditry attacks.

According to him, over 80 victims were treated free of charged at various health facilities, adding about 40 of them had since been discharged.

Also,Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir-Usman, commended the gesture and appealed to the government to expand the scope to accommodate more victims.

The royal farther was represented by the Galadiman Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi, Alhaji Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta.

Malam Salisu Rabo-Kurfi, State Commander of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), appreciated the government saying the support was desirous and timely.

Malam Garba Musa who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries described the gesture as miraculous as they never expected it.

He assured that they would make judicious use of the cash donations.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Management of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has debunked claims of any increase in school charges.

The clarification made in a statement by office of the institution’s Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, on Saturday came on the heels of a report online that the university had increased its charges.

Egbe referred to the news as untrue and a calculated attempt to cause disarray in the school.

“The report on some news platforms about increment in charges by the institution is false, misleading and malicious.

“It is a deliberate ploy by detractors to cause chaos in the reputable institution.

“Members of the public, as conveyed by the statement are enjoined to disregard the report as it did not emanate from the university,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The body found in a riverbed in Windhoek on Friday has been identified as that of Niita Nujoma, daughter to Minister of Labour Utoni Nujoma.

This was confirmed by family members.

Namibian Police Force (NamPol) spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said the discovery was made on Friday around 12h30 behind a school in Cimbebasia.

‘It is alleged that two security guards from the private school went into the nearby bushes to fetch firewood when they made the discovery,’ Shikwambi said.

The security guards immediately reported the matter to the police.

The 37-year-old Nujoma was reported missing on Tuesday and was last seen in Rocky Crest.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

A moment of silence was observed for liberation struggle hero Hadino Hishongwa during the belated commemoration of Heroes Day at Ondangwa on Saturday.

Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi requested the audience to rise in honour of Hishongwa, who died on Friday at the age of 80.

Hishongwa served as the Swapo chief representative to the Nordic countries, West and East Africa, Swapo organiser for people returning from exile, for youth and elections and foreign secretary of the National Union of Namibian Workers.

He also served as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport and Deputy Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development, and was a member of the National Assembly for 15 years.

Following his retirement from public office, Hishongwa went on to serve the community as senior hradman of the Omhedi District in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority until his death.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, has emphasised the importance of educating the younger generation about Namibia’s history.

During his address at the belated Heroes Day commemoration held at Ondangwa in the Oshana Region on Saturday, Kapofi said this knowledge would enable them to connect with, and value, the hard-fought freedom attained.

He stressed that it is crucial for the youth to understand that Namibia’s freedom was not obtained effortlessly but through immense hardships and numerous sacrifices made by countless individuals dedicated to the liberation cause.

‘Many of the elderly never enjoyed the days of their youth. A lot of people died during the struggle, disrupting many livelihoods and causing significant losses,’ Kapofi said.

He further emphasised that those who participated in or supported the liberation struggle did so with the sole purpose of ensuring Namibians could live in a free and peaceful nation. Kapofi urged Namibians to actively participate in preserving and safeguarding the hard-earned freedom.

During the same event, Oshana Governor Elia Irimari encouraged Namibians to honour and celebrate the lives of the remaining heroes and heroines while they are still alive. Irimari said it is their bravery that has allowed the country to savour the benefits of independence today.

Heroes’ Day is commemorated on 26 August to remember and honour the men and women who fought for Namibia’s liberation.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency