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Police commits to rights protection, youths’ welfare

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has restated commitment to protect rights, promote welfare and provide opportunities for the growth and development of Nigerian youths.

Egbetokun said this during the Nigeria Police Force Youth Conference organised to mark the 2024 International Youth Day on Monday in Abuja.

The conference with the theme, ‘Enhancing Nigeria Youth value for National Security Intelligence’, was organised by the Nigeria Police in collaboration with UNESCO.

He said the day more than a celebration, but a reminder of the crucial role young people play in societies and global community.

‘This day underscores the importance of empowering youths, amplifying their voices and ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and nurtured.

‘It is a celebration of the transformative powers of young people in driving positive change and shaping a better future,’ he said.

Egbetokun said the theme was a reminder that the strength and future of the country was in the hands o
f the youths.

According to him, the role of the youths are pivotal in driving social change, redesigning our security architecture and advancing sustainable development.

He said the Nigeria police would continue to harness the energy, creativity and idealism of Nigerian youths to build a safer, more secured and prosperous country.

‘The Nigeria Police Force is committed to creating a secured environment that will empower our youths to realised their full potentials.

‘Our involvement in this conference highlights our beliefs that young people are indispensable partners in achieving national security and sustainable development.

‘We are dedicated to supporting and empowering the youths as chief agents of change and leaders in building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,’ he said.

Egbtokun said the confrerence was a critical platform for dialogue, education and collaboration between the Nigeria Police and Nigerian youths.

The police chief said it was also an opportunity to bridge the gap, foster trust and
work together to secure the country in line with the 2024 theme.

He said the insights and ideas that would emerge from the conference would contribute significantly to the enhancement of national security intelligence in the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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EU to assist Namibia in exiting FATF grey list


WINDHOEK: The European Union (EU) Global Facility has embarked on a workshop with Namibian stakeholders on anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism aimed at assisting Namibia to exit the Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List.

Namibia in February 2024 was grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Plenary and placed under increased monitoring due to concerns over remaining effective in implementation compliance with international Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Countering Proliferation Financing (CPF) standards.

Speaking at the event here on Monday, EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said the workshop was being held in response to a request by the Namibia Financial Intelligence Centre earlier this year, in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to strengthen Namibia’s capacity in financial systems, transparency and accountability.

‘This partnership is a statement of Namibia’s commitment to international govern
ance,’ she said.

She indicated that the week-long workshop will identify joint specific needs of entities and structural deficiencies as pointed out by the FATF, in efforts to develop custom-made work plans.

Martins explained that the EU has supported 34 countries across the globe in their fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, noting that the workshop is dedicated to strengthening Namibia’s national experts and engaged in fruitful debates with EU experts.

She further indicated that the EU and Namibia have strong and wide-ranging relations including in trade, social policy and green hydrogen, amongst others.

The workshop is being attended by key Namibian government agencies including the Ministry of Justice, Bank of Namibia, Master of the High Court, Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority, Namibia Revenue Agency, Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia, Namibian Police Force, the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Office of the Prosecutor General.

Source : The Namibia Ne
ws Agency

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Swapo busy identifying candidates for the ‘pot’: Shaningwa


Swapo Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa has said the party is in the process of identifying candidates within its structures for the electoral college through its internal democratic processes.

Shaningwa at a mini rally held at Helao Nafidi on Saturday said that after the electoral college, also known as ‘The Pot’, the party will present its candidates for the National Assembly. She noted that the party has already identified its presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in accordance with the Swapo Party rules and procedures.

‘We will identify true, trusted, and tested cadres that understand the Swapo Party’s political programme, manifesto, policies, and procedures as developed over time,’ she said.

Shaningwa added that the party would deliberately infuse ‘young blood’ and consider gender representation to ensure women’s participation in leadership positions.

Meanwhile, the SG told the gathering that the Swapo party is worth being trusted as it brought about the freedom, independence and de
mocracy that Namibians enjoy today.

‘Many sons and daughters of Namibia sacrificed their lives. This is our rich history which we cannot shy away from and this is who we are as Swapo,’ she added.

Shaningwa gave her assurance that the party will continue to improve service delivery to the people as Swapo cares and is compelled by its principles and culture to care and to act humanly when responding to natural calamities such as the ongoing drought.

Source : The Namibia News Agency

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Ithete emphasises importance of public administration reform


The chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration has emphasised the vitality of public administration in any democratic system, adding it surpasses even political divides and benefiting every sphere of life.

Natangwe Ithete, speaking at the official opening of a five-day oversight workshop of the standing committee in Swakopmund on Monday, highlighted the mandate of the committee, established under Articles 59 and 63(f) of the Namibian Constitution, to oversee the economy and public administration.

‘Since its inception, the standing committee has primarily focused on economic affairs, however, we have resolved to address public administration more comprehensively, recognising its crucial role in accelerating public service delivery and enhancing citizens’ satisfaction with governance,’ Ithete said.

He further pointed out the broader implications of effective public administration, including addressing unemployment, economic disparity, poverty reduction, and the prevention o
f worker exploitation.

‘This workshop serves as our first opportunity to map out issues related to public administration and public sector reform before the end of the seventh Parliament.’

The workshop, themed ‘Maximising the Potentials of Public Administration, Public Service Management, and Public Service Delivery in Namibia’, is being attended by officials from various Government offices, ministries, agencies, and related participants.

The workshop’s discussions will focus on crucial issues highlighted in the 2024 Namibia Review Report by the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism.

Among these are concerns about public service efficiency, corruption, the delayed implementation of decentralisation policies, and the performance of State-owned enterprises.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope who officially opened the workshop, echoed Ithete’s sentiments, explaining that a well-functioning public administration is a pre-condition for the effective and efficient functioning of any government.

He fu
rther emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within government institutions.

‘The outcome of this workshop has the potential to shape the future of public administration and service delivery in Namibia,’ said Itope.

He called for a collaborative effort to ensure the public service remains responsive and proactive in meeting the needs of the Namibian people.

Source : The Namibia News Agency

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Experts advocate support for Nigeria’s hospitality sector


Experts have urged government to support the growth and development of the hospitality and tourism sector, noting that the investment opportunities in the industry are enormous.

They made the call on Monday via a communique from the second edition of a hospitality business summit organised by Vertiline Synergy Ltd., in Lagos.

Mr Gabriel Idahosa, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in a keynote address called for more collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Idahosa said this would help to improve transportation, accommodation, security and other infrastructure across the country.

According to him, tourism thrives on solid security, where tourists can explore the hospitality landscape without fear of exposure to danger.

He noted that Nigeria, with a burgeoning middle class, a youthful population, and a vibrant cultural scene, presented an unparalleled opportunity for investors looking to make their mark in the hospitality sector.

He stated that the country’s economic la
ndscape, which was diversifying rapidly with significant investments in technology, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing showed its resilience.

Idahosa added that government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, current currency rate were dynamics that foreign investors could take advantage of by bringing in superior capital to invest in Nigeria.

‘According to the global tourism body’s 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR), Travel and Tourism will contribute an additional $770 billion over its previous record, stamping its authority as a global economic powerhouse, generating one in every $10 worldwide.

‘Tourism in Nigeria is on an upward trajectory. From Lagos’s bustling city life to Calabar’s serene beauty, the ancient wonders of Kano, and the natural splendour of Yankari National Park, Nigeria boasts a rich tapestry of attractions.

‘These diverse destinations draw an increasing number of domestic and international tourists annually.

‘The Nigerian government has recognised t
he potential of tourism and is actively working to improve infrastructure, streamline visa processes, and promote the country’s attractions globally.

‘This commitment is creating a fertile ground for the hospitality industry to flourish,’ he said.

The LCCI president revealed that investment opportunities existed in hotels and resorts, event centres and conference facilities, restaurants and culinary experiences, travel and tour services and technology integration.

‘There is a need for professional tour operators and travel agencies that offer curated experiences. This includes adventure tourism, cultural tours, and wildlife safaris.

‘Embracing technology can enhance the hospitality experience. Investments in online booking platforms, mobile apps, and digital marketing can streamline operations and attract tech-savvy travelers.

‘Nigeria has an advanced technology sector that supports sophisticated operations and transactions,’ he said.

Idahosa, however, stated that while the opportunities were immense, c
hallenges such as infrastructure deficits, security concerns, and regulatory hurdles existed.

He noted that collaboration with private sector partners and government was making significant strides to overcome these obstacles.

‘Investors are encouraged to engage with local stakeholders, conduct thorough market research, and adopt a long-term perspective to navigate these challenges successfully.

‘The relevant government agencies responsible for our cultural and natural sites must focus more on maintaining the originality of such sites so they can remain attractive to visitors.

‘We must engage local communities in tourism ventures to ensure sustainable practices and shared benefits,’ he said.

Adedoyin Fabikun, Founding Partner, Vertiline Synergy Ltd., said that the hospitality industry was a vital component of the Nigerian economy, offering numerous opportunities for investment, growth, and community development.

Fabikun, however, noted that the industry also faced significant challenges, from economic fl
uctuations to evolving consumer preferences and environmental sustainability.

She said forums such as the business summit helped stakeholders collectively address issues and chart a course for a prosperous future.

‘Let us work together to build a resilient and innovative hospitality sector that not only meets the needs of today but anticipates the demands of tomorrow,’ she said.

Source : News Agency of Nigeria

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Man loses over N.dollars 900 000 to internet fraud at Gobabis

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) at Gobabis in the Omaheke Region are investigating a fraud and theft under false pretences case after a man lost close to N.dollars 1 million due to internet fraud on Friday.

In a weekend crime report issued on Sunday, NamPol spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said it is alleged that the victim received a text message from the suspect on his mobile phone from an unknown number, which claimed that the complainant purchased bitcoin.

‘It is alleged that the suspect then called the complainant again from TN mobile and MTC unknown numbers claiming to be an official from the fraud department of Bank Windhoek, who was enquiring about the bitcoin purchased and informed the complainant that his account is under suspicion,’ added the report.

The report said in the process, the suspect allegedly requested the login credentials and passwords of the victim’s online banking account, which was linked to his mother’s account, and allegedly transferred about N.dollars 975
900 from the account through multiple transactions.

Police are yet to arrest a suspect in this case.

In a similar case police at Swakopmund in the Erongo Region, the police are investigating a case of theft under false pretenses after a pensioner lost more than N.dollars 200 000 to an unknown suspect on Friday.

It is alleged that a woman called the pensioner claiming to be from Bank Windhoek regarding money being withdrawn from the complainant’s account and sent the pensioner a fake bank notification from her cellphone number.

‘It is further alleged that she requested the victim to send her the user name in order to stop the transaction. The victim complied and the suspect accessed the account and transferred N.dollars 225 800 to four different accounts,’ said the report.

No recovery or arrest has been made.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old girl, identified as Naufiku Shangelao Johannes, died on the spot after she was allegedly struck by a vehicle while crossing the road at Omafo village near the Helao Nafidi T
own Council office in the Ohangwena Region.

The incident occurred around 13h00 on Saturday.

Johannes’ next of kin have been informed of her death.

In a separate incident, police at Sesfontein in the Kunene Region arrested a 52-year-old man after he was found in possession of cannabis plants and seeds, the value of which is unknown.

Police investigations into all matters continue.

Source : The Namibia News Agency