National News

Africans Rising gives awards for Activism in Africa

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2021

News Net Global

Africans Rising gives awards for Activism in Africa

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

Three Africans have been given awards by the Africans Rising, a Pan-African movement for their selfless contributions towards the attainment of democracy, justice, human rights, and good governance on the African continent.

The awards, which were presented to the winners in Abuja, were given in three categories; Activist of the Year, Movement of the Year, and Artistic Activist of the Year.

Co-Chair of the Movement, Wangui wa Ngoro said the award is aimed at encouraging young African activists pushing for the desired change on the African continent and to spur others to join the cause.

Ngoro said the movement is not an enemy of the government but one whose vision is in line with the African Union Vision 2063 that spells out politically what Africans want in line with constitutions of countries.

She said the goal of the Movement is also geared towards ensuring that African can speak their minds against any form of injustice, inhumanity and brutality without getting

“The AU has vision 2063, which spells out the Africa politically that we want so we are just pushing that agenda alongside the constitutions of our countries. This is a political framework of Africa itself.

“We are not anybody’s enemy, we are hoping for our governments and supporting them.

“We are excited at this event where in the past year young African activists raised their voices and brought positive changes to their communities despite the mounting challenges of global health and political crises.”

She however added that: “We are inspired by their selfless activism and African Rising for justice, peace and dignity comes together each year to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments through Africans rising activism awards,” Goro said.

Also speaking on the award, Ms Coumba Toure, a Coordinating Collective of the Movement, said the award was not limited to celebrating only the winner but to recognize the efforts of everyone listed in the categories for their efforts.

Toure said Africans Rising is built on the foundation that wherever there is injustice, there are people, organisations and movements fighting for justice and we want them to be seen, and their voices heard.

She said: “What we are doing with these awards is to show that they are there. We have criterias and our members vote to decide who is the winner.

“But the truth is, every activist, every movement, every artist that has been in this contest is who we want to be seen.”

She added: “So, whether or not they are chosen, our work is to show who they are, our work is to amplify their voices and what we want is that what they fight for, and those who can see them or hear them through us support them.

“We in Africa need to move past the time where speaking your opinion becomes a threat to your life so that is a big challenge.”

Also speaking, Muhammed Lamin, another Coordinating Collective of the Novement said Africans Rising is a movement which supports and shows solidarity with movements across the continents to achieve their cause.

Lamin lamented the high rate of brutality against activists and journalists on the continent, noting that it will not make them relent in their effort.

Also Read: Boko Haram: 7 killed, several abducted in Borno

He however noted that through African Rising’s Freedom Campaign over 80,000 journalists and activists have been released from prisons across Africa during the pandemic

“We have lost a lot of our compatriots through bullets, through detentions, through torture and all forms of human brutality put on them by our governments.

“In the name of raising their voices against injustice, corruption and the brutal nature of governance on the continents.

“A lot of our activists are in jail in Nigeria who raised their voices against police brutality during the courageous #EndSARS protest.

“The brutality will only give us hope that no one can come from another continent to give us that change that we desire, it has to be us,” Lamin said.

Mr Deji Adeyanju, another Co-Chair of the Movement and Nigerian Activist said the Movement made solidarity interventions to Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, amongst other countries to ensure restoration of democratic rule.

The winners were awarded $1000 each, the First Runner-up were awarded $500 each while the Second Runner-up got $300 dollars each.

For the Activist of the Year, the winner is Wilson Atumeyi – Nigeria (1, 467 votes) – 1st Runner-Up: Maulline Gragau – Ethiopia (1, 320 votes) – 2nd Runner-Up: Christine Khabuya – Kenya (668 votes)

For the Movement of the Year, the winner is Youth4Parliament – Zambia (722 votes) – 1st Runner-Up: Ondjango Feminista – Angola (682 votes) and 2nd Runner-Up: Black Lives Matter-Leeds – United Kingdom (531 votes).

And for the Artistic Activist of the Year, the winner is Joice Zau – Angola (1,112 votes), 1st Runner-Up: Odelia Koroma – Sierra Leone (1,080 votes) and 2nd Runner-Up: Sister LB – Senegal (781 votes)

Africans Rising gives awards for Activism in Africa

National News

NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated Amanda Azubuike on her historic promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Army.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa lauded Azubuike’s remarkable achievement as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional service.

Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, Azubuike’s journey is a source of pride for Nigerians worldwide.

She joined the U.S. Army in 1994, becoming an aviator after completing the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course.

Over her distinguished career, she has held pivotal roles, including serving as a platoon leader, flight operations officer, and public affairs officer. She currently serves as Deputy Commanding Officer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the significance of Azubuike’s promotion, stating, “Amanda’s elevation to Brigadier General not only shatters glass ceilings but also highlights the invaluable contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to global advancements.”

The NiDCOM Chairman urged Nigerians worldwide to draw inspiration from Azubuike’s accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and excellence in their respective endeavours.

NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army

National News

VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs

Published

7 days ago

January 28, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs

…MSME the only way to strengthen the resilience of our people – Zulum

By: Our Reporter

Borno State entrepreneurs participating in the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics and Fashion Hub will receive an unconditional grant of N300,000 each to support and enhance their businesses.

This was announced by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during the official opening of the event on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Senator Shettima revealed that each of the outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that participated in the exhibition would be eligible for the N300,000 grant. “I am pleased to announce on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that an unconditional grant of N300,000 will be awarded to each outstanding MSME exhibiting at today’s clinic,” he stated.

The Vice President further explained that the Borno State centre is part of the ongoing national initiative to establish Expanded National MSME Clinics across the country. He assured that the grants are non-repayable, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of small businesses in the region.

Senator Shettima also highlighted the newly inaugurated Borno State Fashion Hub, which he said has the capacity to create up to 48,000 jobs annually, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing the MSME ecosystem in the state, particularly in the fashion industry.

“This hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno State,” he added.

In a remark, Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, noted that his administration has adopted an inclusive approach to support small and medium scale businesses, recognising it as essential to strengthening resilience amid the challenges faced by MSMEs.

Governor Zulum acknowledged that MSMEs in Borno State have faced severe hardships due to the prolonged insurgency and the broader economic challenges in the country.

“The MSME Clinic will revitalise business activities in Borno State, create employment opportunities, and increase income sources for our people,” Governor Zulum said.

“Our government is committed to providing more opportunities for our people to expand their income sources.”

Governor Zulum also outlined several initiatives by his administration, including the disbursement of soft loans to empower entrepreneurs, the construction of modern markets, the establishment of vocational training institutions, and the renovation of skill acquisition centres damaged during the insurgency.

The Governor expressed optimism that the MSME Clinics would focus on five key areas: funding, skill development, infrastructure, access to markets, and technology. Additionally, the clinics will provide business registration, training, and mentorship services to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

“The expansion of this Clinic is not just a project; it is a demonstration of our belief in the creativity and resilience of the entrepreneurs in Borno State and Nigeria. When MSMEs thrive, they create jobs, reduce poverty, and drive innovation across sectors,” Governor Zulum said.

“These strategies are designed to address challenges and unlock the full potential of our entrepreneurial systems.”

Governor Zulum also urged entrepreneurs and business owners to fully utilise the resources provided by the MSME Clinic to grow their businesses, enhance their skills, and explore new opportunities.

Before the programme, Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned the Borno State Fashion Hub at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education and WEMA Bank partnership branch.

Dignitaries that accompanied the VP include the minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of State Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMES, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson.

VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs

National News

2.5 million Daily Egg Production Farm Underway in Nigeria

Published

1 week ago

January 27, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

2.5 million Daily Egg Production Farm Underway in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

A 2.5 million eggs per-day production poultry farm is to be built in Nigeria by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

This is one of the major highlights of the ongoing visit led by the Director-General of the NCSP, Joseph Tegbe to China.

According to a statement on Monday, the delegation at a meeting with Chilwee Group scored a significant mileage during a visit to the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Headquarters, where they explored opportunities for replicating a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm in Nigeria using innovative funding models.

The statement read: “The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has made significant strides in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic cooperation between Nigeria and China. Recent agreements and investments in the energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors are poised to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.

“At the forefront of these developments is the agreement between the NCSP and Chilwee Group, a prominent Chinese manufacturer of cutting-edge batteries and power storage solutions. This agreement is expected to enhance Nigeria’s energy security, promote renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions. Chilwee Group has committed to investing in Nigeria through a multifaceted approach, including sales, manufacturing, and potentially mining raw materials for the power storage value chain.

“In addition to the agreement with Chilwee Group, the NCSP has also made significant progress in other areas. During a recent visit to China, the Director-General of the NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, led a delegation to the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Headquarters, where they explored opportunities for replicating a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm in Nigeria using innovative funding models.

“Also, the NCSP facilitated a tripartite agreement between CPL Medical group, CSSC Haishen Medical Technology Co Ltd and China Habour Engineering Company over the renovation and upgrading of equipment in selected teaching hospitals across the country. While speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Tegbe noted that the agreement represented an example of private-sector collaboration which the partnership hopes to promote.

The statement also revealed that the NCSP delegation also visited China Electronic Corporation, where Tegbe expressed optimism about cooperation between Nigeria and China in areas such as electronics equipment, public security surveillance, and identity management. He emphasized the potential for collaboration, stating that he has President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to identify top-priority projects that will drive Nigeria’s industrialization.

The NCSP delegation was also at Huawei, where they discussed opportunities for collaboration in the ICT sector, including training programmes and the deployment of smart city models. With the imminent deployment of the smart city model presented by Huawei to President Tinubu in Beijing, Nigeria is set to reap the benefits of the investments of Huawei in Nigeria and her partnership with the Tinubu-led administration.

These benefits include smart, qualitative education, better healthcare delivery, enhanced communications technology, improved security infrastructure, and digitalization of key government facilities. The NCSP also met with representatives from Loong UAV, a global leader in tactical drone solutions, to explore opportunities for cooperation in the field of drone technology.

The cooperation with Loong UAV is expected to bolster Nigeria’s domestic capabilities in drone technology, facilitating access to essential services and commodities in remote or hard-to-reach regions. This innovative use of drones could significantly enhance Nigeria’s logistical capabilities, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development.

According to the statement: “Overall, these agreements and investments demonstrate the NCSP’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through targeted Chinese investments. By focusing on creating value-driven partnerships, strengthening Nigeria’s role in Africa’s industrialization, and coordinating initiatives that align with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the NCSP is poised to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and development in Nigeria.”

2.5 million Daily Egg Production Farm Underway in Nigeria