Day: August 10, 2023

Angolan head of State João Lourenço inaugurated Thursday the 4th Edition of the Angola’s Municipalities and Cities Fair (FMCA) opened for the first time in Lubango, southern Huila province.

The event aims to encourage local development, promote cooperation and exchange among different cities and municipalities in Angola.

Representatives from the country’s municipalities and cities will share information about their respective territories, programmes, projects and investment opportunities during the evnt running until Sunday.

Lectures, exhibitions, business meetings, exchange of experiences on best practices in areas such as infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and education also stand out at exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in coordination with the Huíla Provincial Government.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

According to Jorge Cardoso, spokesman for the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for 17 August in Luanda, the meeting will also discuss the execution of the 96 planned projects.

He put at around US$1 billion the budget estimate needed, as the regional financing fund will be one of those tools, as a facilitator.

In his speech, Jorge Cardoso added that the regional development fund envisages a capitalisation of US$3 billion.

The value will be earmarked for funding priority projects in the region and allow each country to contribute a share of this capital.

The meeting is also analysing financial issues of the mission based in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, to fight against armed insurrection, since 2021.

In order to secure this mission, the official announced a financial proposal of US$42 billion to be co-participated by all Member States.

As for the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), he said that there is greater demand on the contribution of Member States for a budget above 500 million dollars, in order to deploy a mission in the region.

During the Summit of Heads of State and Government, Angola is expected to take over from DRC at the helm of SADC, until August 2024.

SADC comprises Angola, South Africa Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

João Lourenço made the call at the opening of the 4th edition of the Fair of Municipalities and Cities of Angola and 9th National Forum of Municipalities and Cities of Angola held Thursday in Lubango, southern Huila province.

The president, who paid a 48-hour visit to Huila province, referred to the world food crisis that has become part of the global agenda, worsened by the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, two of the major cereal producers and suppliers for the world.

According to the head of State, Angola is no exception in the face of the world food crisis and the moment is not for lamentations, not event pointing the finger at anyone.

He said that in view of the conflict Russia-Ucraine, the price of the highest consumption foods, such as cereals, has been rising around the world, with a tendency to get worse.

From this perspective, the President stressed that Angola needs to take advantage of the abundance and quality of his arable soils, good climate, immeasurable water resources that the country has and young human resources to transform this potential wealth into real wealth .

“The crisis is global and affects everyone,” he said, stating that this is the time for the State to recover the lands that have been in the possession of citizens who do not explore and distribute them to those willing working on them.

In his view, these abandoned land should be attributed to young people who are anxious in large cities and want to experience another reality, which will give their lives more dignity.

According to João Lourenço, data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation points to the region of Sub-Saharan Africa as the most affected by the food crisis, where most countries are in this situation.

Angolan statesman reiterated, on the other hand, the Executive’s commitment to continue to develop strategies to create a good business environment, diversify the economy, increase national production, exports, and reduce imports.

He also reaffirmed the State’s commitment to increase offers of opportunities and jobs.

The President also recommended to the bank sector to put in the center of priorities the pressing need for funding to the real economy, without a warning of the regulator, because without the impulse of the bank the economy does not grow.

Ending his speech, João Lourenço has congratulated the organisation of the fair, hoping that the edition will serve as a real stage where the different economic agents and civil society actors discuss topics that aim to promote the potentialities and

Turning to the socio-economic development of the country and the diversification of the economy, the Municipal Fair brings together exhibitions from the country’s 164 municipal administrations, 18 provincial governments, ministries and public institutes.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

The Shefarmers Initiative, a platform, established to support women farmers in Nigeria has inaugurated the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter.

The President, Mrs Kudirat Ande, while inaugurating the Advisory Board and members of the Executives in Abuja on Thursday, said the platform was designed to empower African women in agriculture.

Represented by Samera Abdullahi, Vice-President 1, Ande urged the FCT chapter to work towards creating an enabling environment for women farmers and female agricultural entrepreneurs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT chapter has Dr Maimuna Habib as Coordinator with Dr Asmau Adamu as Vice-Coordinator and Hajiya Rakiya Mohammed as Secretary.

Other members of the executive are: Mrs Francisca Ihekandu as Financial Secretary; Ms Lucy Cebawaza, Treasurer; Dr Regina Adulugba, Head of Projects; and Ms Rebecca Ukpevo as Public Relation Officer.

Those inaugurated as Advisory Board are: Mrs Omolola Olanikpekun, acting Secretary, Area Councils Services Secretariat, FCT Administration; Ms Sarah Arieo, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics ACSS.

Others are Dr Jummai Ahmadu, Director, Reform Coordination and Service Delivery, FCTA, and Amb. Zainab Mohammed, President, Women in Commerce.

Earlier, Hajiya Ladi Sulaiman, Coordinator, North Central, said that a minimum of 20,000 women farmers in FCT would benefit from the initiative annually.

She said that membership of the initiative comprised women from different professions working together with a passion to improve the agricultural productivity of women at the grassroots.

According to her, the main goal is to improve agricultural productivity to ensure food security in the country.

“The platform will train women farmers on home gardens to ensure that households eat purely organic food.

“It also sensitises women on new technology and innovations that improves agricultural yield and ensures bumper harvest.”

She called on the Federal Government to consider Shefarmers platform as a critical partner in driving agricultural innovations and a channel to support women farmers across the country.

The National Petron of the group, Alhaji Aminu Pai, said the Shefarmers initiative was established on June 8, 2021, to provide support to women to improve their farming capabilities.

This, he said, was being achieved through access to reliable information on farm management, mechanised farming, grants, innovation and technology, empowerment, and financial literacy.

“All these services are aimed at increasing women’s production and income, which will hopefully improve their quality of life,” he said.

Pai pointed out that women made up about 70 per cent of the country’s agricultural labour force and contribute 70 per cent of the country’s food production.

He, however, said that despite their contribution, they face significant discrimination in land and livestock ownership, participation in the decision- making process and access to credit and financial services.

“The FCT chapter of Shefarmers initiative will raise awareness amongst the women folk in the territory.

“It is also to identify with relevant stakeholders in acquisition of land, technical know-how on farm preparation, equipment, seeds, and other farming inputs to improve agricultural entrepreneurship,” he said.

Mallam Abubakar Sadeeq, acting Secretary, Agricultural Secretariat, FCT, commended the initiative, adding that it would add value to agricultural production.

Sadeeq, who was represented by Hajiya Umma Abubakar, an official of the secretariat, pledged to work with the group to improve agricultural production in the FCT.

Dr Ahmadu, one of the members of the advisory board, said the initiative would ensure that rural farmers, particularly women get value for their farm produce.

According to her, Shefarmers is expected to be the voice of rural women farmers in the FCT.

Similarly, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, Ona of Abaji and Chairman, FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded the initiative and pledged support of the traditional council.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and its in-house electricity workers’ unions have signed a new condition of service to improve employees wellbeing and productivity.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at IBEDC office, Ibadan, on Thursday, Managing Director, IBEDC, Mr Kingsley Achife, said the new condition of service had been carefully drafted.

Achife said the new condition of service would create harmonious balance between management’s goal and employees wellbeing.

He noted that the Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu would bring complexity of business environment and competition in the industry.

Achife, however, urged the workers to out in their best for mutual benefits of IBEDC and the employees.

He added that the new condition of service captured a lot of things such as each employee service, exit package and other non financial benefits to improve the wellbeing of all IBEDC employees.

“We understand that the operating environment for workers is becoming more harsher, the salary has been increased by 25 per cent, what management want from staff is more hard work and partnership so that there will be enough money to support them as it’s supposed to be.

“The pallative package for the employees is going to be dependent on our performance, we must strive to be a viable company, be able to pay generation company and have surplus to support staff when and where necessary,” he said.

In his response, the President, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Mr Martin Uzoegwu, said the new document gives workers confidence of job security which would go a long way to cement a relationship and partnership between IBEDC and the labour.

Uzoegwu urged IBEDC to ensure that all section of the new condition of service which was co-authored by the union and IBEDC management was implemented effectively.

He charged IBEDC management to always carry unions along in all its policy formulation and implementation.

Uzoegwu noted that outsourcing and casualisation in the work environment threatened employees job and had negative effects on the company’s operations.

According to him, a casual staff with low pay can do anything illegal to survive.

“The last condition of service was signed in 2017 and by procedure it supposed to be every three years, we are unable to carry out its review due to some challenges.

“We thank God that after two years of processing new one, we are able to sign new condition of service today.

“We also appreciate the effort of the management of IBEDC to ensure that this collective bargaining agreement is signed and sealed.

“The new condition of service spells out benefits of employees, dos and don’t, welfare package and necessary disciplinary actions to check theft and other gross misconduct among others,” he said.

Also, the President, Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), Mr Benedict Chika, called on the IBEDC management to make staff welfare a priority due to the present economy hardship in the country.

This, he said, would serve as a motivation for the employees to improve their level of productivity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured signing of the new condition of service by the leaders of the unions and the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Vice President Kashim Shettima, says the Tinubu administration is prioritising Climate Change interventions to address the menace of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding in the country.

Shettima, in a statement by Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, on Thursday in Abuja, said the administration was collaborating more with individuals and institutions that share government’s vision for a sustainable future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was one of the highlights of Shettima’s remarks, after receiving a presentation titled: “Building Climate Resilience for Enhanced National Security: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035”, from the National Defence College (NDC) Course 31 participants.

The Vice President acknowledged the devotion of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and related institutions to the advancement of the nation’s interests.

“Your voices are heard and your contributions valued. Government shares your informed concerns for the security implications of underestimating the devastations of climate change.

“The Green Wall Project, which has been prioritised by the government, stands as a testament to our unyielding resolve to shield our habitat and bolster our nation’s security.

“It is heartening to witness the alignment between your findings and our government’s policy objectives, reinforcing our belief that a holistic and comprehensive approach is essential to tackling these challenges effectively.”

Speaking further about the significance of the NDC Course 31 research report, Shettima said their research findings hold the promise of a more resilient and secure Nigeria.

“And together, we shall forge ahead, united in our pursuit of a better tomorrow. Your research findings also resonate deeply with the government’s ongoing commitment to address the menacing spectres of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding.

“We recognise that a nation’s security is intricately linked to the environmental challenges it faces. As such, your insights provide a roadmap for charting a course toward a more resilient, secure, and sustainable future for Nigeria.”

He commended the management of the National Defence College for its commitment, zeal, passion and sacrifice in finding solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

Shettima also restated the Federal Government’s resolve to adopt additional measures to address the banditry plaguing the northwest region.

Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the research report was among other objectives aimed at proferring solutions to climate change challenges with implications to national security.

While presenting reports on behalf of the Course 31 participants, Col. O N Ejiga emphasized efforts made by the Federal Government to address Climate Change, citing examples of practices in other parts of the world.

The report highlighted policy and institutional frameworks as well as possible funding sources for addressing climate change challenges in Nigeria.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of Course 31 Research Report and other publications of the NDC to Vice President Shettima by the Commandant of the College.

The Commandant’s delegation included the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, some directors, directing staff and some course participants.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A civil society organisation, Democratic Agenda (DA), has urged individuals and groups to shun the clandestine move to cause disaffection in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and out the nation at risk.

This is contained in a statement by the group’s President, Olamide Funsho and Secretary, Hammed Tanimu, on Thursday in Abuja.

They said that personnel of the armed forces were loyal to the constitution and would not fall for the “antics of those who openly pretend to love Nigeria, but secretly wish the country fall into crisis”.

The group said that one of such was the recent publication by an online medium alleging that some soldiers were complaining of not being properly fed and not been paid their allowances among other allegations.

They urged Nigerians to be wary of people who put their selfish interest above national interest.

“As stakeholders in the Nigerian project and will not keep silent when some elements want to bring down the country for their selfish interest.

“We are very convinced that the armed forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will never do anything to disrupt the growth of our democracy.

“The military is happy and better under democracy and will not do any thing to sabotage the hard earned democracy.

“The CDS is determined to ensure complete subordination to constitutional governance under President Bola Tinubu and the military will not be distracted from its constitutional duties

“Every facet of life is facing challenges, not just in Nigeria, even in advance societies.

“In Nigeria, disgruntled elements are picking up isolated cases, where they may be to cause disaffection. Let them know that personnel of the AFN will not fall for the trick,” the group said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief Executive Officer of Federal Housing Authority (FHA) , Sen. Gbenga Ashafa on Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of 7000 housing units in Mbora District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ashafa, who said the ceremony was to commemorate FHA 50th anniversary, said the agency was committed to its core mandate of providing housing solutions for citizens.

“In recent times we successfully inaugurated the Zuba Housing Estate, currently advancing the Bwari Project, and are on the verge of initiating the development of our Smart City/Diaspora Estate in Maitama II.

“The FHA Golden Jubilee Estate will contribute approximately 7,000 district residential units to our national housing inventory upon completion. The meticulous planning of this estate prioritises the well-being and security of its future occupants.

“Today, we embark on the initial 1,200 units realised through a Public Private Partnership with Nuga Best Regis International, with a track record in real estate development distinguished by their proven capacity and capabilities,” Ashafa said.

He added that the authority remained resolute in advancing the government’s housing delivery initiative leveraging the potential of the construction industry to stimulate employment opportunities and foster economic diversification.

The senator said the houses, which were expected to be delivered within 30 months with first 1,200 units delivered in 12 months, would be affordable to the poor via mortgage.

“The time line is segregated, we are talking about 7000 housing units, if we are able to recover all the hectres, what we agree it is going to take about 30 months.

“But this 30 months is not something like everyone is going to wait until it is completed before they start buying into, already we have off-takers that have identified what they want. Phases,” he said.

Also the Chairman, NUGA BEST International and Regis Integrated Services Limited Partnership (LP), Pastor Hilary Chukwuma, said the construction of the 7,000 units would ameliorate the housing challenge that Nigerians are facing.

“For Nigerians who are having housing challenges based on cost or availability, the good news is that this ground breaking ceremony presents an immediate solution to the challenge.

“The evolution of work and lifestyle demand that we rethink the choice of location we live in and what we can have multiple access around it.

“The FHA Golden Jubilee Estate sits on about 200 hectares of land and it is designed with plans for schools, hospitals, recreation centres, markets, Police stations amongst others thereby encouraging a vibrant work-live-play community.

“We are happy to work with Federal Housing Authority in the delivery of her mandate and keeping to her slogan ‘Uniting Nigerians through housing’, it is an opportunity we cannot take for granted,” Chukwuma said.

Mr Turaki Hassan, Managing Director, NUGA BEST International, said they hope to deliver the project within 24 months, he however, appealed to State Governments to release lands to FHA to provide houses for the citizenry.

He commended the chiefs and the village heads for assisting FHA recover lands that had been encroached upon on the site, and was optimistic that all the lands would have been recovered by the time the construction was completed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the estate is expected to produce 1, 200 units of various house types made up blocks of flats, detached , semi-detached and terrace duplexes in the first 12 months.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Republican Party President, Henk Mudge, on Thursday urged the ministry of education and school boards to reject the teaching of gender identity in primary schools.

Mudge told the media his party does not support the “evil” academic concept that pushes for the distribution of textbooks and teaching resources with explicit sex drawings to children at pre-primary and primary school levels.

“I want to urge the government and school boards to look into this immediately and ensure that such literature is banned from our schools in Namibia, and that it does not form part of any curriculum for pre-primary and primary schools,” Mudge said.

The opposition leader said he is critical of attempts to allow young children to decide whether they can change genders.

“Nobody, especially a minor, should be given authority to choose or change their gender. The Republican Party will never support that,” he said.

Mudge also expressed his opposition on homosexuality and the legalisation of same sex marriage in Namibia.

“Without judgment or condemnation, the bible is clear when it comes to homosexuality, amongst other issues. It clearly states that it is not only considered a sin against God’s will but an abomination in his eyes,” he said.

Although homosexuality is not new to Namibian society, Mudge noted that in principle it remains unacceptable to the majority of Namibians.

Previously, the LGBTQ community conducted themselves and kept their lifestyles private, he said.

“This all changed with public protests putting their once private lifestyle in the spotlight and centre stage while demanding acceptance of their lifestyle,” said Mudge.

He further noted that he fails to understand “why the community is making all these demands lately.”

“They are equally part of the Namibian society, enjoying rights and privileges stipulated in our constitution, amongst others,” he said.

Despite his opposition to homosexuality, Mudge called on Namibians to “always respect and love our fellow Namibians, irrespective of their choices.”

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The Keetmanshoop Municipality and PowerCom on Thursday signed an agreement giving the company exclusive rights to manage and maintain its Oxpass telecommunication tower.

In a speech read on his behalf, Keetmanshoop Mayor McDonald Hanse said while the Oxpass tower’s potential was untapped in the past, the new agreement between the two entities will not only ensure its enhanced management, but also promises to bring much-needed revenue to the municipality.

“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this will have on our community. As we move forward, we envision a future marked by innovation, growth and shared prosperity. With PowerCom’s expertise and dedication, we are confident that this partnership will flourish, benefiting both our town and the wider region,” he said.

Among other duties, PowerCom will maintain the telecommunications tower and ensure that it remains fully functional.

The company will also be responsible for all costs associated with the repair of the tower and management of the lease of the tower to third-party telecommunications and broadcasting service providers.

PowerCom will have exclusive rights and authority to manage the tower for a period of three years starting from September this year.

For the services to be rendered by PowerCom, the company is entitled to retain 40 per cent of the net profit while the municipality is entitled to 60 per cent of the net profit on an annual basis.

PowerCom Chief Executive Officer, Beatus Amadhila, said the company is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Telecom Namibia and its mandate is to manage and set up information, technology and information infrastructures in towns and manage such infrastructures.

“This partnership falls well within our mandate and we are thankful for the opportunity to be able to manage this asset. We are also planning on expanding this agreement in the areas of network connectivity for the municipality as well as for the residents at large,” she said.

The tower currently has 14 occupants and is 1 045 metres above sea level.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on economics and public administration on Thursday expressed concern over the abandoned train station at Outjo in the Kunene Region.

Members of the parliamentary standing committee who visited Outjo are Hambyuka Hamunyela as chairperson, Mathias Mbundu, Apius !Auchab, and Ivan Skrywer, who is their secretary.

The members took a fact-finding mission to the station where they asked questions to TransNamib’s acting chief executive officer, Webster Gonzo, and his team on why the station is abandoned, dilapidated and why TransNamib is failing to lease out buildings on the site.

Gonzo on his part said the station has been like that for more than 20 years, since his company stopped transporting livestock, animal feed and charcoal from the town.

Out of the seven buildings, Gonzo said only two are being rented out to private companies, while the other five on the site are empty, vandalised and old.

“Another concern is that some community members with livestock are now illegally occupying a portion of our land,” said the Otjiwarongo/Outjo train station master, Reginald Eksteen.

He further said the fence of the station, which is about a kilometre long, has been stolen, as well as the electricity cables.

About 100 metres of the Outjo-Otjiwarongo railway line has also been stolen.

The committee members called on TransNamib to get tenants for the buildings so it can be maintained.

They then visited Otjiwarongo, where they were informed that the Otjiwarongo train station is important as it is a drive through station from Ondangwa, Tsumeb and Walvis Bay.

“The station at Otjiwarongo largely transacts in fuel tankers, cement consignments, charcoal and transports empty containers to and from the different stations,” said Eksteen.

More than 90 TransNamib employees from 10 departments work at the station, he added.

A total of 32 locomotives countrywide that are older than 60 years are owned by the company, while it also plans to acquire 25 new locomotives by 2026, said Gonzo.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency