Day: August 12, 2023

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the call for the military to interfere in the nation’s democracy is highly unpatriotic and wicked.

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau on Friday in Abuja, said it was an attempt by unpatriotic elements to distract the military from performing its constitutional responsibilities.

Gusau said the DHQ frowned at the report being circulated online about welfare issues in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said the leadership of the armed forces has given priority to welfare of its personnel and will continue to do so.

“The military hierarchy detests any attempt by any individual or group to instigate the law abiding military to embark on any unconstitutional change of government in the country.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the military is happy and better under democracy and will not get involved in any act to sabotage the hard-earned democracy in our country.

“The armed forces under the leadership of Gen. Christopher Musa is determined to ensure its complete subordination to constitutional authority under President Bola Tinubu.

“We will not be distracted from these roles that are well defined in the 1999 constitution (as amended),” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu reaffirms the commitment of his administration to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths

This is contained in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja.

The president stated this on the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD).

Tinubu said that job creation, education and skills development to digital innovation, financial technology, and youth participation in governance were key factors in national growth.

Tinubu emphasised that youth empowerment was a fundamental pillar of all reform actions being implemented across sectors.

He added that these create an environment where Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

The president acknowledged the growing interest and impact of many young Nigerians in technology-related fields the world over.

He pledged to honour his campaign commitment of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy for youths and national economic development.

He said he strongly believes in the principle of “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and remained undeterred in his focus on delivery.

As agents of change, President Tinubu urges the youth to champion national progress, unity and collective prosperity for all citizens.

In tandem with the theme of this year’s event: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” the president urged young Nigerians to spearhead efforts aimed at achieving the highest quality of sustainable development.

He said this would shape the future of the planet in conformity with his agenda of expanding green job opportunities and advocating for renewable energy solutions as an integral part of Nigeria’s current and future energy mix.

On this International Youth Day celebration, the president assures the younger generation that his administration would engage them with a view to implementing their important and forward-looking feedbacks.

Highlighting his commitment to active listening and engagement, Tinubu noted that the enactment of the Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to the Student Bodies of tertiary institutions nationwide stand out as tangible examples of his administration’s responsiveness.

The president heartily extends his best wishes to all Nigerian Youth on this joyous International Youth Day Celebration.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sen. Shehu Sani, a former Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, has urged ECOWAS leaders to allow Nigeriens to fight for democratic rule in their country like Nigerians did.

Sani, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He added that the coup d’etat in Niger Republic was an internal matter which only the Nigeriens can take a decision on.

He was speaking against the backdrop of the threat of the use of military force against the military junta in Niger by the leaders of West African sub-regional bloc, ECOWAS.

“The takeover of government in Niger by the military was unfortunate because many people thought that military rule had come to an end and that democracy had come to stay in Africa, and especially the West coast of Africa.

“But we have seen in the past few years how democracy in the sub-region had collapsed. It happened in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and now in Niger Republic.

“Where we are making a fundamental mistake is the way we are handling the matter.

“Coup d’etats are internal issues. And they do not happen within a day. Conditions are created for them to happen.

“But we should not be involved in regime change,” he said.

According, Armed invasion of Niger will simply be a war between Nigeria and Niger because the former foots the bills of ECOWAS.

“If we are going to engage in an armed attack on Niger Republic, who will provide the soldiers, is it Togo, Guinea Bissau or Ghana?

“How many soldiers do they have? How much ammunition do they have?

“When we had our own military regimes in Nigeria, we were the ones that fought for democracy.

“Many of us went to prison and many of us went into exile,” he said.

According, let Nigeriens stand up and fight for democracy if they want to like we did.

“When we had military rule in 1983 nobody came to Nigeria to reinstate Alhaji Shehu Shagari to power.

“Nobody invaded Nigeria to put MKO Abiola in power.

“Nobody invaded Nigeria to remove Yakubu Gowon at that time to bring back Nnamdi Azikiwe to power.

“Whoever is the president of Niger Republic should be decided by the people of Niger. Let us handle the Niger coup with care,’’ he warned.

Niger’s palace guards last month put President Mohamed Bazoum under house arrest and assumed power, drawing condemnation from international powers.

The coup by the Nigerien military raised the spectre of further conflict in the impoverished Sahel region of West Africa which is already overrun by a deadly Islamist insurgency.

ECOWAS on Thursday ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table.

The order for the activation of a standby force came after the junta defied an Aug. 6 deadline set by ECOWAS for it to stand down.

The junta then closed Niger’s airspace and vowed to defend the country against any foreign attack.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sen. Shehu Sani, a former Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, says military incursion into Niger Republic by an ECOWAS standby force will be synonymous with a declaration of war by Nigeria.

Sani expressed this thought in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said on Thursday that it had ordered the deployment of a “standby force’’ to Niger to restore constitutional order in the country.

The order was given after the junta who took over power from President Mohamed Bazoum on July 2, defied an Aug. 6 ultimatum issued by ECOWAS leaders for the junta to revert to status quo.

Sani said there was nothing wrong in applying pressure on the junta in Niger after the coup but deploying military force against the junta in the Francophone country sharing the northern border with Nigeria had a lot of implications.

“Armed invasion of Niger by ECOWAS will simply be a war between Nigeria and Niger because Nigeria foots the bills of ECOWAS.

“If we are going to get into war with the Nger Republic, what will be the future of states like Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe, and Borno that share borders with Niger? What will be the fate of people living in these areas?

“Right now there are more than 303,000 Nigerian refugees that were sacked by terrorist groups living in villages in Niger Republic,’’ he said.

According to him, in the 1990s, the West pledged support for Nigeria and for the Economic Community Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to move into Liberia, and Sierra Leone to restore peace and Nigeria took the mandate on the basis that they would get the support they needed.

“Nigeria moved into Liberia and the Francophone countries refused to join the ECOMOG. Senegal joined but after a few of its soldiers were killed it pulled out leaving only Nigeria and a few other smaller West African countries.

“Only one person served as an ECOMOG commander from Ghana. All the other commanders from the beginning to the end of the war were Nigerian.

“Nigeria ended up spending 8 billion dollars according to figures provided recently by the former Chief of Defense Staff Lt.-Gen. Lucky Irabor.

“These were monies that could have been used to connect the states by railway lines but we blew it in Liberia and the support never came,” he said.

According to him, If we get into an armed confrontation with Niger Republic, in the 21st century there is no one-week war. There is no one-month war. It is years of war.

“Saudi Arabia moved its troops into Yemen, thinking that would bring an end to Houthi rebels and restore order. But it is still there now for five to six years.

“Russia moved into Ukraine thinking it would bring an end to the Ukraine government but it is still there for more than a year. America went to war in Afghanistan and it fought the war with the Taliban for 20 years – 2001 to 2021 – only to pull out leaving the Taliban to take back power.

“What resources do we have to prosecute a war? Does our military have the experience to fight a war in the Sahel, or the desert?

“The coup happened when the French and U.S. had military bases in Niger.

“If these could not stop the coup, they could not protect Bazoum, and they could not restore Bazoum to power, is it the Nigerian army that has security challenges in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa that will neglect these places and go fight a war in Niger?,” he questioned.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

No fewer than 54 young sailors graduated from the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa ibom, after six years of successful academic and military trainings.

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who was the special guest of honour at the graduation ceremony in Ikot Ntuen on Saturday commended the young sailors for their discipline, determination and professional expertise.

Eno said that the school would produce professionals of repute, technocrats and seasoned military officers, who will make remarkable contributions at national and international levels.

He said that the state government would continue to attach great importance to the development of education.

“Let me congratulate the first batch of young sailors for the successful completion of their academic and military trainings which spanned six years.

“I deeply commend the discipline and level of determination you all have put in during the course of your training.

“The Nigerian Navy Military School was established to groom young able-bodied boys, with the right mix of academic excellence,values and discipline.

“I am aware that this school is just six years, and in just six years of its existence had grown in leaps and bounds and today it is one of the most sought after military secondary schools in Nigeria.

“With what I have seen today, the reason why the school is so active is not far-fetched.

“The serenity of the environment, the quality of parade and disciplines as well as academic performance and spectacular silent drills are the reasons the school is so attractive.

“I wish we can make all schools in Akwa Ibom have some stint of military training, so we can inculcate in them the discipline I have seen here today.

“I have no doubt that this school will produce professionals of repute, technocrats and seasoned military officers, who will make remarkable contributions at both in national and international levels,” Eno said.

Eno said that the government would continue to support the school to provide conducive learning environment for the students.

The governor pledged that the state government would build a one-storey building block to support the school and reduce accommodation problem.

He commended the Commandant of the School, Navy Capt. Abdulhafiz Yabo and all academic staff for doing excellent job on the students, urging them to keep the flag flying.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highpoint of the graduation ceremony was the award of prizes and certificates to the five best graduating students.

NAN also reports that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire and the Commander NNS Jubilee, Commodore Madumom Ide, among other senior naval officers were in attendance.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olalekan Balogun has sought partnership with the Nigerian Police to get rid of the land grabbing menace in Ibadan.

A statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan by the Personal Assistant to Olubadan, Mr Dele Ogunsola, indicated that Oba Balogun sought for the partnership when the Olubadan in Council hosted the State Commissioner of Police, Ademola Hamzat in his palace.

According to the statement, Hamzat and some senior officers of the command were on a familiarisation visit to the Olubadan palace at Alarere area of Ibadan.

The statement added that the Ibadan traditional ruler noted that there must be synergy between the traditional institution and the police before the war against the land grabbing could be successful.

It said the traditional ruler maintained that the commitment of his reign to the total eradication of land grabbing could not be compromised, hence his request for all hands to be on deck.

“I’m passionate about ensuring that the unwholesome tag of Ibadan being notorious for land grabbing be permanently removed.

” Let everybody desirous of owing land in Ibadan be free to do so without let or hindrance.

“A code of conduct is already in place that any of my Baales or Mogajis found getting involved in shady land deal would be removed and I seek for your cooperation as law enforcement agent,” Olubadan said.

The statement said that he commended the leadership of the police command for the efforts made so far to track down the culprits behind the recent killing of a newly inducted nurse, whose corpse was found at Oke-Sapati junction, Yemetu in Ibadan.

He charged the police authority not to relent until the truth about the incident manifests and the offenders face the wrath of the law.

The statement said in his remark, Hamzat assured Olubadan of his command’s commitment to work with the traditional institution as being requested.

It added that the CP recalled that the same issue of land grabbing was part of his discussions with the state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde during his visit to him.

According to the statement, the CP said the governor had assured him that his administration is working to strengthen the law against the land grabbing.

“This, to us in the command is cheering and enabling, when we have in place an enabling law that empowers us to work optimally, we will be motivated.

“So, with the new law coming as promised by the governor, I can assure our revered father that your wish for a city free of land grabbing menace is almost in place,” he said.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu is profoundly saddened by the news of the passing of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro.

He extends his deepest condolences to deceased family, the diplomatic community, as well as the Government and people of Kwara.

The president recognises Amb. Laro’s tireless dedication in fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France during his tenure.

He noted that his commitment to diplomacy and the impactful role he played in ensuring the success of the president’s visit to France in June this year.

The visit was the president’s first foreign trip following his assumption of office in May 29.

Laro has devoted himself fully to his duties during 35 illustrious years in service as a Nigerian diplomat, spanning from 1983 to 2018.

Tinubu remembered the late diplomat’s profound grasp of geo-political intricacies and how he aptly harnessed his wealth of skill and experience in multilateral diplomacy to advance worldwide peace, security and development.

The president affirms that the appointment of the Fellow of the National Defence College as an Ambassador in July 2020 to represent Nigeria in France was in recognition of his widely respected expertise and dedication.

“Our nation has lost an exemplary diplomat. I will always hold cherished memories of my interactions with him during my attendance at the New Global Financial Pact Summit in France this June.

“His unwavering dedication and strong sense of duty left an indelible mark. May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious and prosperous world,” the president said.

Tinubu prayed that Almighty God will continue to console Laro’s family, friends, and colleagues while granting eternal rest to the departed soul.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

As the world celebrates this year International Youth Day (IYD), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, an NGO, has called on the youth to invest in education and training that focus on green skills.

Founder and President of the foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, made the call at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja, as part of activities to mark this year’s international youth day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Youth Day, observed on Aug. 12 every year, is a special day recognised by the United Nations to bring attention to issues impacting young people globally.

The day is also used to celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

“The Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” has been chosen as the theme for the 2023 International Youth Day.

Mrs Ahmadu stressed that the theme highlights the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more environmentally conscious and sustainable world.

She noted that by acquiring green skills, the youth could contribute to finding innovative solutions to the pressing environmental challenges confronting the planet.

“As the custodians of tomorrow, you have the power to make a profound impact on the health of our planet.

“It is now more important than ever before to invest in education and training that focus on green skills, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, conservation, and eco-friendly technologies.”

She, therefore, enjoined the youth to envision a world where clean energy sources replace fossil fuels, where sustainable agriculture practices feed the growing population, and where waste is reduced, reused, and recycled.

“I encourage you to take charge of your own learning and seek opportunities that allow you to develop these essential green skills. Embrace sustainability as a way of life and incorporate eco-friendly practices into your daily routines.

“Choose renewable energy sources, reduce your carbon footprint, and advocate for sustainable practices within your communities,” she affirmed.

Mrs Ahmadu, who, however, acknowledged that the journey to a sustainable world does not rest solely on the youth, advocated for collective action for achieving lasting change.

She urged the youth to engage with their peers, community leaders, critical stakeholders and organisations to work towards sustainability.

She also emphasised the need for the youth to unite and demand policies and initiatives that prioritise environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Rotary Club has urged government, cooperate organisations and influential individuals to intensify efforts at reducing the number of out-of-school children the country.

The President, Rotary Club of Abuja Central Business District (CBD), Mrs Aisha Ali, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during her investiture as the 7th President of the club in Abuja.

She also urged spirited Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist in creating means of livelihood for the people, especially at this challenging moment.

“Government alone can not do it. We have to come together and do what is called crowd funding to give hope to those at the grassroots and lonely places, who cannot repay our gesture.

“We need to ensure that every child goes to school, because education is the right of every child.

“We should carry everybody along because when these children are not in school they can later create problem for the society.

“If God has blessed you, try to bring at least a child off the street back to school,” she said.

Earlier in her acceptance speech, Ali who is the 7th president of the club, pledged that the club would continue to prioritise humanitarian services and projects that would impact positively on the people.

“In line with our new year theme of the club: “Create Hope in the World” which began on July 1, the board members and I have come up with some selected projects to be executed.

“As a matter of priority the completion of the building of a block of classrooms at LEA Primary School at Gidan Gimba, Uke, Nasarawa State, which the club started last year.

“This will provide a conducive learning environment for pupils of the community.

“We also intend to strengthen our support to our Rotary Club at Command Secondary School, Mogadishu Baracks, Abuja among others,” she said.

Ali commended all the past presidents and leaders of the club for their contributions towards the development of the organisation.

The immediate past President of the Club, Maxwell Amuchie, while congratulating the new leadership urged it to develop personal conviction and courage in the pursuit of its set goals.

According to him, without the power of personal conviction and courage, it would be difficult to accomplish any set goal.

He said that the club under his leadership was able to carry out series of humanitarian services, including a toilet facilities donated to a school in Gidan Gimba.

“With that singular act, we were able to stop open defecation in the primary school which was without toilet facilities for both the teachers and the students.

“We also started the construction of a block of two classrooms with the head teacher office,” he said.

The Guess Speaker, Dr Betty Olutunde, in her presentation titled: “Creating Hope in the World Through Humanity” urged members of the club to continue to leave a life of selfless service to help others.

Olutunde, the Founder of Betneely Charity Foundation, who was represented by Mrs Glory Johnson, urged Rotarians to continue to uphold the tents and principles of the club to make the world a better place.

She advised them not to be selfish but always think and look out for the welfare of others.

“I have never seen a tree that eats its own fruits, rather when the fruits come out, every other person comes to take from that tree. That is what Rotary stands for.

“Let us continue to think about those out there without access to clean water or healthcare facilities,” she said.

NAN reports that highlights of the Investiture programme included fund raising and presentation of awards of excellence to persons who distinguished themselves in humanitarian services.

The awardees include the Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Biu with the Award of Excellence for Prudence Leadership; Olutunde with outstanding Humanitarian Service and Women Empowerment.

Also the Award of Excellence in Humanitarian Service was conferred on King Odeh Adah, an entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Ochacho group.

The Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, was also presented an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Leadership, while Award of Professional Excellence in Journalism Service was conferred on Adewunmi Ayobami, the Executive Director, News, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).

Other recipients of the club Awards of Excellence and Humanitarian Services include the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Tanko Al-Makura; the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship candidate in Kogi, Muritala Ajaka, and the immediate past president of the club, Amuchie.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, said his administration would make adequate provision for the enhancement of the operational capabilities of security and law enforcement agencies.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance at the Passing Out Parade of the 5th Regular Course of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.

Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The Nigerian leader also assured of the commitment of his administration towards improving welfare of personnel in its renewed drive to address security and related concerns across the country.

“This administration is committed to implementing effective measures to combat security challenges in Nigeria and our synergy is the surest ticket to that destiny. We are implementing a comprehensive approach that focuses on key areas.

“First, we are investing in our law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness. We are offering extra resources, training, and equipment to bolster our Police Force and Security Agencies.

“Simultaneously, we are enhancing our intelligence systems and information sharing at both the national and international levels.”

Tinubu said government acknowledges that addressing security challenges necessitates cooperative endeavours with other countries.

“Hence, we are establishing alliances to adeptly tackle transnational threats. Furthermore, we are executing all encompassing social programmes and economic development projects aimed at fostering inclusiveness, social unity, and economic prospects for everyone,” the President added.

While commending the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts, the President said “our moral duty now is to support the Nigeria Police Force and other security organizations in intensifying their bids to improve public safety.

“We must do the best within our capacity to ensure there is an improvement in the security of lives, properties, and investments of our people and foreign investors.”

President Tinubu urged members of the Force to always hold fast to the core virtues of our Police Force; integrity, honesty, and compassion.

“We must treat all citizens fairly and uphold their human rights, regardless of background. Our actions must exemplify the highest ethical standards as we safeguard the rule of law. Together, we embody the principles that define a trusted and responsible Police Force.”

He expressed confidence in the ability of the graduands to fit into the agenda of the present administration.

He noted that “with the quality of training that you have received over the five years in the Academy, I believe you are adequately prepared to serve this country.

“May you all embark on this journey with courage and determination, knowing that the nation needs your patriotic services. Stay vigilant, stay united, and stay focused to the ideals that make our Police Force an example of honour and integrity.”

Earlier, the Commandant of the Academy, AIG Sadiq Abubakar, thanked the Federal Government for its unwavering support to the institution.

He noted that the successful graduation of the 169 cadets was a testament to the present administration’s commitment to infrastructure and manpower development in the Force.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a sword and prizes to the best graduating cadets, the symbolic piping and commissioning of the cadets by the President who was the Special Guest of Honour.

Dignitaries present at the event include Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State; Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, some members of the National Assembly; Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr Solomon Arase; Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The former Member of Parliament of the ruling MPLA party Monteiro Pinto Capunga died early Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal, due to illness, ANGOP learnt from a family source.

Monteiro Pinto Capunga was born in 1961 in the municipality of Marimba, north-east province of Malanje, and was the owner of the MIAMOP business group.

He was a deputy to the National Assembly and a member of the Central Committee of the MPLA. Until his death he was a member of the Provincial Committee of the Party in Malanje

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Angolan minister of the Environment Ana Paula de Carvalho said Friday in Ondjiva, southern Cunene province, that conditions are being created for the recovery of the Mupa National Park, in the region.

Ana Paula de Carvalho told ANGOP that, in a first phase, facilities will be created to accommodate the 44 inspectors, including the administrator, for the recovery of this natural reserve invaded by the population.

She clarified that there is no infrastructure in the park, with the need to create the technical conditions.

“We are aware of untitled occupations by farmers and the community, as it is a nature reserve, we will carefully assess the reality before taking the necessary measures”, she said.

Ana Paula de Carvalho said that illegal hunting and the indiscriminate felling of trees threaten the extinction of several species, a situation that requires urgent intervention by the authorities, for the protection of fauna and flora.

The Mupa National Park, located in the municipality of Cuvelai, province of Cunene, occupies an area of 6,600 kilometres.

It was established as a Game Reserve in 1938 and turned into a national park in 1964 to protect the Angolan giraffe. The animals that characterise the park are the lion, the leopard and the hyena.

Constituted as an International Reserve, which serves as an endemic corridor for the movement of animals from Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe and Botswana, as it has pasture and water resources for the animals

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Six of the nine members of the ‘host’ gang are fighting to be released on bail in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate Court.

The accused persons appeared before Magistrate Erich Dandu on Friday, who postponed their case to 15 August for continuation of the bail application.

The accused persons who are seeking bail are 23-year-old Ronald Kaffer, Zane Mathys,20, Denzel Wolming,25, Michael Hendriks,19, Elton Kooper,26 and 26-year-old Jonathan Mathys.

At the start of the bail hearing last week, all accused persons indicated to the court that they are not flight risks as they intent to stand their trial, while some indicated that they are bread winners for their families.

The group was arrested in April this year and faces 18 charges ranging from theft, assault by threat, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, trespassing, robbery, malicious damage to property, impersonating a member of the police and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

State representative, Lewis Chigunwe, at the start of the bail hearing said the State opposed the granting of bail because the State believes it has a strong case against the accused persons and it is not in the interest of the justice system for bail to be granted.

‘The State fears the accused persons will interfere with witnesses, I am told some escape the police cells to intimidated witnesses. If accused person are released on bail, they will definitely commit further offences and there is also a clear indication that they will not stand trial,’ stressed Chigunwe.

Other accused persons in the case are 23-year-old Brandon Dreyer, who remains in custody, and two minors who were released in the care of their guardians.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The Rössing Foundation has earmarked a total of 5 328 library books to be donated to various school libraries across the county.

This is according to a representative of Rössing Foundation, Lysias Uusiku during the official handover of 200 books at Shaanika Nashilongo Secondary School in the Omusati Region on Friday.

They then proceed to Isak Katali Combined School in the Onesi circuit, were they handed over 150 books to be placed in the school library.

Uusiku indicated that they recently also handed over 200 books to JP Brandt Primary School (PS), Katora PS, 200 to Tutaleni High School in the Erongo Region and 170 to Andimba Toivo ya Toivo SS.

“School libraries are the backbone of our information structure, building a solid foundation for the literacy skills of learners and inculcating a reading culture,” he said.

Uusiku noted that as a foundation, being a key stakeholder in education, they pride themselves on transforming lives through innovation in learning and the value chain.

He then urged the learners to commit their time to making use of the school library, and put reading materials to good use, either for examination or personal growth.

Speaking during the handover, Helena Shikongo, a Grade 7 learner at Isak Katali CS, indicated that they are faced with a huge challenge of communicating in their second language which is English.

“This challenge has a very big negative effect on our academic performance as learners. Thus, the donation by Rössing Foundation came at the right time where we can start reading for self-growth,” she said.

Shikongo stated that the donation towards their school library will really bring them so much goodness in improving their English language skills.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency