Day: April 11, 2024

Addis Ababa: Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said Ethiopia has been extensively working on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology transfer.

Robot Desta will conduct a musical performance with the eminent musical Mulatu Astatke this evening.

The Deputy PM, high ranking government officials, technology innovators and other invited guests are attending the event.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Mr Ayo Omotosho, organiser of the Africa Youth Tourism Festival, on Wednesday said that about 10 countries would be participating in the maiden edition of the festival.

Omotosho, in a statement said that the countries include Rwanda, Kenya, Botswana, Togo, Ghana, Benin Republic and Zambia.

He explained that the festival, which would hold from April 16 to April 20, was designed to harness the potential in African youths and engage them in tourism activities for self reliance and financial liberation.

According to him, the theme of the festival is ‘Uniting African Youth for Sustainable Tourism Agenda’.

‘We have delegates from over 10 countries who have indicated interest in participating in the Africa Youth Tourism Festival that will hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

‘The five-day event will feature conference, exhibitions, musicals and cultural display.

‘Others are? 100 talking drummers, African food carnival, hospitality fiesta, city tour of Lagos, beach tourism party, talent discovery, fashion s
how and more,’ he said.

Omotosho said that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos would be honoured alongside the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, for their laudable contributions towards the growth of tourism in the region.

He said that Sanwo-Olu’s remarkable tourism sustainability efforts had spurred the management of the festival to choose him as a beacon of excellence in advancing sustainable initiatives in the sector.

‘Gov. Sanwo-Olu would be receiving a prestigious award for his significant contributions to tourism sustainability in the region.

‘Lagos State, known as the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, is also a cultural and tourism hub that attracts millions of visitors annually.

‘Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on leveraging the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources to drive sustainable tourism development.

‘Under his leadership, Lagos has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, security, and promotion of cultural events and festivals, al
l aimed at enhancing tourism experience, while preserving the environment and local communities,’ he said.

Omotosho noted that one of the key initiatives spearheaded by Sanwo-Olu is the revitalisation of historical sites and monuments across the state.

‘By preserving and showcasing these cultural assets, the administration aims to not only attract tourists but also instill a sense of pride and identity among the local population,’ he said.

According to him, the tourism minister’s contributions to the sector stands as a beacon of inspiration and progress.

He said the minister had also championed initiatives aimed at empowering African youths to actively participate in and shape the future of the tourism sector.

‘Recognising the demographic dividend that Africa’s youthful population presents, the minister has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young people to engage in tourism entrepreneurship, skill development, and leadership roles.

‘The Lagos state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture,
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and a host of others will also be honoured,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF), a non-governmental organisation has partnered with First Bank of Nigeria Plc to promote financial inclusion initiatives for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Mrs Elizabeth Duile, Chief Operations Officer and Founder of CAF, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Duile said through the partnership, the foundation successfully established savings accounts for 80 women residing in the IDP camp located in Wassa District of the FCT.

She highlighted the challenges faced by these women, many of whom had lost crucial documents such as identity cards and National Identification Numbers (NIN).

This she said, hindered their ability to access banking services, obtain loans, and achieve financial inclusion.

According to her, the initiative, known as the CAF-Women Empowerment Programme (CAF-WEP), seeks to combat poverty and empower displaced women through skill-building, financial access, and interest-free loans.

‘These effort
s are geared towards ensuring that they are economically empowered and can grow their small businesses to skills under our CAF-WEP programme.

‘CAF has made strides in empowering women through the CAFWEP interest-free loan program.

‘The loans have helped them to start or expand small businesses such as buying and selling of foodstuff, catering, mini marts and farming,’ she said.

She said that the challenge of having to pay the women in cash or third party bank accounts necessitated the initiative.

‘This affects accountability and tracking of disbursed funds.

‘It also excluded some women who could not present bank accounts to their customers when asked, especially on their weekly market days.

‘So we took a genuine step towards financial inclusion.

‘By forging a partnership with FBN, over 80 women were empowered; these are women that never had the experience and security of a bank account or bank verification numbers (BVN),’ she said.

She reiterated the commitment of the foundation to tackling poverty, g
ender inequality affecting women, especially those who are victims of violent conflicts and acts of terrorism.

‘One can only imagine the reality of owning a business in modern times without certain financial tools such as bank accounts.

‘This has deprived some customers from making purchases from these women.

‘A good number of persons go to the market to make purchases and the only tool they go with is an ATM card, this automatically excludes a category of traders.

‘Through these businesses, they make a living and support their families, ensure their children receive education, and contribute to the economy, ‘she said.

Duile said that the foundation was also involved in providing support for less privileged children, especially those in the IDPs camps to access quality education.

According to her, this will enable them to explore their potentials and achieve their dreams for the benefit of the nation.

‘We need to support these vulnerable children who have been victims of violent conflicts across Nigeri
a, and most of them reside in the IDP camps.

The ‘CAF-Kit a child School Outreach Programme” provided desk-chairs, books and writing materials to some schools around IDP camps, ‘ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Nangolo Mbumba on Thursday extended greetings to the Muslim community in Namibia on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr is also known as the ‘breaking the fast’ and celebrates the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. It signifies a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline and compassion.

‘I extend heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters across the nation. As our Muslim brothers and sisters gather to share meals and exchange gifts, let us extend a hand of support to those in need, embodying the true spirit of Eid al-Fitr,’ Mbumba said.

The president concluded by saying he hopes the spirit of Eid inspires Namibians to strive for better communities where everyone can live in dignity.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: President Nangolo Mbumba has extended his condolences to President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique following reports of a ferry accident that claimed the lives of 90 Mozambican nationals on 07 April 2024.

Mbumba in his statement issued on Thursday, said: ‘I am deeply distressed at the news of the fatal incident involving a ferry off the north coast of Mozambique that has claimed over 90 lives. The gravity of such a loss tends to leave an indelible mark not only on the affected communities but equally, on the nation. I extend my heartfelt condolences to my brother, His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and the fraternal people of Mozambique.’

The vessel reportedly sank in the Nampula Province on the northern coast of Mozambique with 130 passengers on board.

‘During this trying time, the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia stand with you and share in your pain. May the bereaved families find comfort and consolation during this difficult time,’ Mbumba said.

Source: The Namibia P
ress Agency

A nine-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Olupumbu village in the Omusati Region’s Elim Constituency on Sunday.

The Namibian Police Force’s Regional Commander for Omusati, Commissioner Ismael Basson, confirmed the incident, saying it was only reported to the police by the girl’s father on Thursday.

‘It is alleged that the suspect pulled the victim into the bush, undressed her and had sexual intercourse with her under coercive circumstances,’ he said.

Basson indicated that the suspect is known and an order to arrest him has already been issued.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency