Day: August 9, 2023

Liberia deports ex-Sierra Leone police chief

Liberian authorities have arrested and handed over a former Sierra Leonean police chief accused by his country of planning a coup against President Julius Maada Bio's government.

Liberian Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie said in a statement on Tuesday that Mohammed Y Toure was arrested “at the request of the Sierra Leonean authorities on the allegation of helping plan subversive activities intended to unseat [Mr Bio’s] government”.

He said Liberia had decided to hand the ex-police chief over to Sierra Leone as requested following preliminary investigations.

He added that Sierra Leone had given assurances that his rights would be respected, including the right to a fair and speedy trial.

However, Liberia's Independent National Commission on Human Rights cautioned against the extradition, citing the risk of surrendered persons facing "physical abuse, unfair trial or excessive punishment" by the requesting government.

In a statement, it also reminded Liberia's government of its obligations including refusing extradition requests if the offence "is regarded as a political offence or as an offence connected with a political offence".

The ex-police chief has been residing in Liberia since last year. He was among officers dismissed from the Sierra Leone police force in 2020, while others were forced into retirement, local media report.

His deportation comes more than a week after the police in Sierra Leone accused unnamed individuals “at home and abroad” of planning violent protests.

Last week, the police said they had arrested several people including unnamed senior military officers, for "working to undermine the peace and tranquillity of the state".

Source: BBC

Russia Signs Several Cooperation Agreements with African Nations to Boost Ties, Says Russia’s Ambassador

Russia Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin said Russia signed several cooperation agreements with African countries including Ethiopia to strengthen relations during the second Russia-Africa summit which was held in St, Petersburg.

In a press briefing he gave in connection with the Second Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 27-28 July, 2023, Ambassador Terekhin said that the conference was successful as it opened a new phase of cooperation with Africa.

He stated that Russia demonstrated its desire to collaborate with African nations in broad areas such as trade, information technology, peace and security, food security, education and energy.

On the sidelines of the summit, Ethiopia and Russia signed agreements to further strengthen cooperation including in education, economic, trade and investment spheres,Terekhin said adding that these cooperation will help elevate the historical ties between the two countries..

He added that Russia and Ethiopia have also agreed to establish a joint biological research center, and customs cooperation.

Ambassador Terekhin also said that Russia will increase the number of scholarship opportunities and exchange programs it offers to Ethiopian students.

Further, educational cooperation between Russian and Ethiopian higher learning institutions will be strengthened through direct university partnerships of Russian professors to teach in Ethiopian universities, the ambassador noted.

Whereas only 35 Ethiopian students received Russian scholarships annually in recent years; however, the number of students has now increased to 100, Terekhin said.

The ambassador highlighted that Russia is strengthening its engagement with Africa across broad areas of trade, technology, education and other spheres. Accordingly, various cooperation and agreements were signed demonstrating concrete outcomes and taking Russia-Africa ties to a strategic level, Ambassador Terekhin pointed out.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Manchester United: Gary cautions Onana and Hojlund

Former Manchester United captain and legend, Gary Neville has cautioned the newly signed United goalkeeper André Onana and center-forward Rasmus Honlund, after last Saturday’s match during which Onana conceded a controversial goal against Lens.

“The reason I’m a little bit nervous about United’s season is that you’ve got these two unknowns at either end of the pitch that really have to hit it off for Manchester United to be better than last season”, Gary Neville said on The Overlap on YouTube.

“I’ve said it before and I think it’s the toughest position in Premier League Football, Manchester’s goalkeeper. You come under more scrutiny than any other player in English Football if you’re United’s goalkeeper. I wish him all the best because he’s going to need that personality, that character because people will get onto him” Gary continued.

Adding that “Every media organization, every pundit, every fan from every other club, if he does make a mistake we know what’s going to happen on every single occasion. And I think the lad at the other end as well, Hojlund, center-forward for Manchester United. I think they’re the two positions that will get put under most scrutiny and they’re the two that are really going to have to settle in.”

It should be noted that André Onana came in from Inter Milan to replace David de Gea, while Rasmus Hojlund is from Atlanta.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Ethiopian Announces 10 Percent Cargo Discount to Support African Continental Free Trade Area

Ethiopian Airlines has made a 10-percent cargo discount effective this month in order to support and boost the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the continent, the CEO said.

The CEO, Mesfin Tassew, told ENA that the airlines made the discount which will take effect in August, 2023 to support and boost the implementation of AfCFTA.

Further discount could also be introduced based on the market and agreement, if deemed necessary, he added.

Noting that airlines are enablers of people-to-people connectivity and economic integration, he stated that Ethiopian made the incentive to improve overall connectivity in Africa.

Mesfin pointed out that Ethiopian is a Pan-African carrier connecting the people of the whole African continent more than any other operating airline in Africa.

As the major aim of AfCFTA is to improve people-to-people connectivity and economic integration, African countries should make progress towards its effective implementation and increase intra-African trade in the continent, he said.

According to the CEO, the air transport among African countries is lagging behind both in terms of passenger and cargo transport when compared to the rest of the world.

It is when African countries allow the agreement for the movement of people and goods that social relations and trading activities will improve, he noted.

The air transport volume in Africa is still very low when compared to the rest of the world.

Ethiopian has been working with the belief that the airline is an African airline since the old days, the CEO pointed out, adding that the airline is doing this as a big continental responsibility.

“Therefore, we have to do our part so that the trade between African airlines, not only in people to people but also goods, grows. So we gave the incentive to facilitate and help this. We have given this special discount because we want to help the business community and governments. Depending on the situation, we may sometimes give further discount based on agreement.”

The Ethiopian Airlines Group, particularly through its unrivaled Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services network, provides a freight transport service to 60 plus destinations in Africa, it was learned.

More than half of the destinations are served with a mix of freighter aircraft, ensuring the safe and hasty transportation of goods within and beyond the continent, according to the CEO.

As a proud pan-African airline connecting the continent, Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced offers of special cargo rates boosting Inter-African trade.

Coupled with the active implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), seamless Air Cargo Service would present an opportunity for a range of businesses, including Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs).

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Technology ‘ll drive financial inclusion, efficiency in Nigeria- Adeduntan, FirstBank CEO

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., Mr Adesola Adeduntan, says technology will drive financial inclusion and increase efficiency in the banking system as trends evolve globally.

Adeduntan said this in Ibadan on Wednesday at the inauguration of the FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre, in the University of Ibadan (UI) campus.

According to him, the centre is the second of its kind established by First Bank, adding that it is the only bank in Nigeria with a fully automated digital banking system.

Adeduntan explained that people without internet access could use the machine to open accounts, transfer money or issue debit cards on their own, with the help of the humanoid robot without interacting with human beings.

The CEO noted that automated digital banking would help solve challenges customers faced in their banking operations.

“The robot can help you make enquiries and you can even work with the robot to help you block your account, in case you suspect fraud.

“The first branch of the digital experience centre is located in Victoria Island, Lagos, and we purposely chose University of Ibadan as the second location because of our longstanding relationship with the city of Ibadan and the institution itself.

“We believe that the students, lecturers and all our customers in this neighbourhood will benefit significantly by making use of this facility,” he said.

He added that the centre had cash recyclers, adding that this meant that customers did not have to visit any of its branches to deposit, and customers would no longer be stranded because banks do not open during the weekend.

Adeduntan said the technology used relied on biometrics, making it secure and safe for customers, while also creating more value-adding jobs for staff.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said it was a privilege for UI to have the digital experience centre of the bank.

Adebowale said it would bring benefits to the staff and students and, as stated by the bank’s CEO, it would be a meeting point between the gown and town.

Similarly, Mr Callistus Obetta, Group Executive Technology Officer, Digital Innovation, and Banking Services, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., said technology had been changing the way people live, work and interact as well as the way people do business.

“Nigerians are known to be pioneers, both in terms of banking and education. We are here in the University of Ibadan and technology is embedded in the way we do things and we are ready for that,” he said.

Obetta noted that the centre would enhance effectiveness and efficiency in business operations, and save time which would enhance overall productivity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first Digital Xperience Centre by the bank was launched at the remodelled Adetokunbo Ademola Branch, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Company empowers children, communities with “Project Waste to Wealth” initiative

Henkel, global manufacturers of industrial and consumer goods, has empowered children and communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, with its “Make an Impact on Tomorrow (MIT) initiative, ‘Project Waste-to-Wealth’.

The Managing Director of Henkel, Nigeria, Mr Rajat Kaput, on Wednesday in Lagos, said that the programme, meant to commemorate the MIT’s 25th anniversary, would drive sustainability.

He said that the MIT was launched in 1998 for employees and retirees of the company.

He said the programme had become a momentous occasion for the company to showcase a vital component of its Corporate Citizenship activities.

Kaput said the company firmly believes that investing in education and environmental stewardship at grassroots level would yield long-lasting results.

“As a socially-responsible corporate citizens, we recognise the significance of sustainable development and are committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental consciousness.

“We would continue to strengthen community relationships with local stakeholders and demonstrate our dedication to creating a positive impact beyond our business operations.

“Through ‘Project Waste to Wealth’, we hope to inspire these young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits and foster a sustainable future,” Kaput said.

Mrs Chidera Akwuba, Transformation Manager, Henkel Nigeria, said the company, through events like MIT day, strives to create a positive impact, promote sustainability, and empower the younger generation with the necessary skills to build a better future.

Akwuba said the primary objective was to educate underprivileged children in public primary schools about the importance of sustainability and empower them to become catalysts for positive change.

She said to successfully deliver the initiative, Henkel Nigeria partnered with GWETO, an NGO, and the Waste Museum, to impact the lives of 100 primary school children in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Akwuba said that the children were taught to create art and crafts using recyclable items, fostering creativity while instilling a sense of environmental consciousness.

“Through Project ‘Waste to Wealth’, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation to adopt sustainable practices and take steps towards a greener future,” she said.

The Assistant Head Teacher, IMG Basic Special School Ibadan, Mrs Ganiyat Alabi, commended the company for its consistency in training the children over the years.

She said that this was not the first time Henkel Nigeria was doing an educational training, describing the initiative as very great for the development of children.

“We are very grateful to Henkel for these commitments because these pupils are special children, and they are always eager to practice what they learnt,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Henkel’s employee’s dedication has resulted in it donating money running into millions of Naira, facilitating more than 17,000 volunteer programmes and engaging approximately 10,000 volunteers globally.

The company, with its brands, innovations and technologies, holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

PM Abiy Confers with South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has conferred with Park Jin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Korea earlier today to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional and international issues.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Park Jin arrived in Addis Ababa on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abiy and Foreign Affairs Minister Jin earlier today have discussed on bilateral cooperation, regional and international issues.

According to Office of the Prime Minister, the discussions also included enhancing trade and investments between the two countries.

The minister has also exchanged views with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Tuesday.

During the occasion, the two sides have discussed on strengthening cooperation in economic development, trade, investment and other issues of common interest.

They have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to higher level of strategic partnership.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Food Security: Shettima assures FG’s commitment to partner with IITA

Vice President (VP) Kashim Shettima, has assured the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) of Federal Government’s partnership towards ensuring food security in the country.

Shettima gave the assurance when he received in audience the IITA delegation led by its Director-General (D-G) and Regional Director for Africa, Simeon Ehui, at the Presidential Villa, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that President Tinubu’s administration would give all the necessary support and assistance to ensure food security and enhance agricultural practice that would produce enough food for the citizenry.

“There has to be a paradigm shift. Our agricultural output is low compared to our population and there is even the unfriendly environmental factors to deal with.

“So, this is a time for change and I want to give you the guarantee that my boss is with you and he will solidly support you to execute your mandate.

“My boss, President Bola Tinubu, is a man of courage and conviction and he has determined to reposition the nation more than ever before.”

He commended the IITA team for the many successes recorded in the agricultural sector in the West African region.

Shettima also praised IITA for doing well in the production of certain agricultural produce such as “cassava, yam and soya beans”.

The VP, who stated further that IITA has an iconic presence in Ibadan and West Africa, assured that the country must maximize the benefits which the institution can bring to bear on the agricultural sector in the country.

“Your own mantra is about the increase in agricultural yields and what tools can be used to improve such yields; ensure seed quality and availability, sound agricultural practices, fertilizer, and most importantly market accessibility”

“These are not rocket science, these are real and of course, if we can have very sound and environmentally friendly irrigation mechanism that will enhance our farm outputs, we can achieve our objectives.

“So, I want to give you my candid assurance that by my training, by my inclination as an agricultural economist and as a banker by profession, we can definitely engage with you.”

Shettima lauded the institution for its reputation and international best practices, noting that the “Federal Government can effortlessly do business with you”.

Earlier, the IITA D-G, Ehui, thanked the Federal Government for its support to IITA over the years, disclosing that it has expanded across many states in the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria