Firm, church provide housing for displaced families in Lagos


SmallSmall, a Property technology company, has partnered The Elevation Church, to provide housing for displaced families affected by the demolition exercise at Jakande Lekki, in Lagos.

Mr Tunde Balogun, the Chief Executive Officer, Small Small Technology, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Balogun described the strategic collaboration as a beacon of hope in addressing the pressing housing needs of displaced families.

He said that it marked a significant stride towards ensuring secured, comfortable, and accessible housing for affected families.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demolition was done by the Lagos State Government to recover the coastal road path for the Lagos-Calabar Highway project, under the Federal Government, to promote the urban renewal of the affected areas.

He said The Elevation Church spearheaded the resettlement plan after receiving over 100 requests for support from affected families, left homeless by the demolition.

Balogun said the partnership with Sm
allSmall ensured that the properties needed to resettle the affected families were swiftly provided and the rent for the families was covered.

He emphasised that the collaboration signified a transformative impact on Nigeria’s housing landscape.

‘Our mission to revolutionise affordable housing in Nigeria is fueled by an unwavering dedication to serve those in need,’ Balogun said.

Also, Naomi Olaghere, Co-founder, SmallSmall, said the partnership underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to foster positive change within the communities it served.

‘We are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside The Elevation Church, as we translate our shared vision into tangible solutions,’ Olaghere said.

Also, the Global Lead Pastor, The Elevation Church, Godman Akinlabi, said the church was committed to providing relief and necessary support to meet the diverse needs of its members and the community at large.

Akinlabi said the gospel being preached must transform both the souls of people and improve their qu
ality of life.

‘Our response to the housing emergency occasioned by Jakande Estate demolition is a testament to this commitment.

‘Through this partnership with SmallSmall, we have been able to provide critical housing assistance to many families displaced by the demolition exercise.

‘We are grateful for their willingness to collaborate with us, to support those in need,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ethiopian Muslims Celebrating 1445th Eid al-Fitr Today

Ethiopian Muslims across the country are celebrating the 1445th Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan today.

Muslims in large number marched to Addis Ababa Stadium to celebrate the1445th Eid al-Fitr.

President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council Sheikh Haji Ibrahim and many other religious fathers, members of the diplomatic community and other invited guests attended the morning prayers.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Businessman allegedly shot during robbery attempt at Ondangwa

A businessman at Ondangwa was allegedly attacked and injured by armed robbers on Tuesday shortly after withdrawing N.dollars 50 000 from a local bank.

Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo of the Namibian Police Force’s Oshana Community Policing Sub-division confirmed on Wednesday that the incident occurred around 11h00 at the Aluminium and Glass workshop, which is the victim’s business, in the Omwandi area.

It is reported that 45-year-old Josafat Shilongo withdrew the money from the bank and drove to his workplace. Upon arrival, he was informed that he was likely being followed by two suspects.

‘It is further alleged that the two suspects immediately charged towards the victim, who ran into the workshop with one of his employees as the robbers started shooting,’ he said.

During the confrontation, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach, but the suspects were unable to seize the money. They fled the scene immediately thereafter, Aiyambo said.

The victim was rushed to the Ondangwa private hospital,
where he is currently admitted in a stable condition.

No arrests have been made yet.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Ethiopia, Japan Hold Inaugural Political Consultation in Tokyo

Ethiopia and Japan held an inaugural political consultation, a significant milestone for diplomatic ties between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two nations convened their inaugural political consultation in Tokyo, Japan on 9th April 2024.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kiyoto Tsuji co-chaired the meeting.

After the opening remarks by the co-chairs, participants engaged in a robust exchange of views, delving into the domestic landscapes of both nations and exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral ties.

Discussions encompassed diplomatic and economic relations, as well as broader Japan-Africa relations, it was indicated.

Speaking at inaugural political consultation, Ambassador Mesganu underscored Ethiopia’s profound commitment to nurturing its relationship with Japan, highlighting the pivotal role of platforms like political consultations in bolstering bilateral and multilateral
cooperation.

He advocated for the enhancement of trade and investment links, recognizing the mutual benefits such collaboration could yield for the two countries.

Vice Minister Tsuji on his part, indicated Japan’s aspiration for a robust partnership with Ethiopia.

The deliberations also saw a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and constructive dialogue on various regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

This inaugural political consultation marks a pivotal step in deepening the bond between Ethiopia and Japan, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual prosperity in the years to come.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Grootfontein woman allegedly murdered by husband

A 40-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her husband at Grootfontein Tuesday night.

The woman was employed as a radiographer at the Grootfontein State Hospital.

The Namibian Police Force’s regional commander for community affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, in an interview with Nampa said the woman’s next of kin are yet to be informed of her death, thus her name could not be released.

She said the incident occurred around 23h00 on Tuesday in Extension 5, when the deceased was reportedly stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife by her husband, who allegedly also poured acid on her body.

The 48-year-old husband then attempted suicide by drinking some of the acid, said Mbeha.

When the police arrived at the couple’s residence, the man was still fighting for his life and he was transported to the Grootfontein State Hospital. He was then transferred to the Katutura Intermediate Hospital under police guard on the same night.

Mbeha stated that by Wednesday morning, the s
uspect was reported to be in critical condition at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital.

The couple have a minor daughter, and police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Robot Desta in Display At Science Museum

Robot Desta, which was in display at the Science Museum starting today, has been developed by Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and iCog Labs in collaboration with other institutions.

Children, youths and various sections of the society visited robot Desta and the Startups Exhibitions already opened at the science museum.

On the occasion, State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalign said that Ethiopia has embarked on emerging technology of AI by giving particular attention to the global technological age.

Stating that Robot Desta has been made to speak Amharic, the state minister said Ethiopia is striving to come closer to technological age of AI.

Robot Desta will participate at the music event tomorrow night with the famous Mulatu Astatke, founder of a hybrid of music form called Ethio Jazz.

Starting from come Friday, Desta will be displayed at Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute with other robots, it was learnt.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency