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Articles by Nia Dg
Nigeria: Health Minister Intensifies NHIs Sweep, Suspends Eight Top Staff
By Ayodamola OwoseyeThe Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, has suspended eight top management staff of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, days after suspending the executive secretary of the agency over corruption allegations. A statement by the health ministry on Monday said the suspension of the officers was to pave the way for a thorough investigation of the agency and the affairs of its former executive secretary, Usman Yusuf.
Nigeria: Police Confirm Rescue of Kidnapped Director
The police command in Nasarawa State on Monday confirmed the rescue of a director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Sam Anzaku, who was kidnapped by gunmen on July 15. The spokesperson of the command, Kennedy Idrisu, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kokona, near Lafia, that Anzaku was rescued at a hideout where his abductors kept him.
Nigeria: Govt Spends Only N1,500 Per Year On Each Nigerian's Healthcare - Minister
By Nike AdebowaleNigeria's Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, has decried the inadequate attention the government is paying to health and the overdependence on foreign donors to fund health initiatives in the country.
Nigeria: Flood Kills One, Displaces 2,000 People in Katsina - Official
A 10-year-old boy has lost his life while over 2,000 people have been displaced by a flood disaster that ravaged Kaita town, in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State, a local official said on Monday. "The flood disaster happened following a heavy rainfall that persisted for several hours which destroyed over 150 houses in the area," Umma Abdullahi-Mahuta, Acting Sole Administrator of the local council, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaita.
Nigeria: Why Govt Is Stopping Production of Local Movies, Music, Abroad - Lai Mohammed
By Ebuka OnyejiThe Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has reacted to criticisms trailing his recent pronouncement on steps being taken by the government to discourage the production of Nigerian movies and music outside the country. In a chat with PREMIUM TIMES, on Sunday, he said it was to tackle the exploitation of perceived loopholes in the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, NBC.
Nigeria: Six Killed in Ogun Auto Crash
By Dimeji Kayode-AdedejiSix people were on Monday killed in an auto accident which occurred at the Sagamu interchange axis of the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway. The Public Relations Officer of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the tragedy to PREMIUM TIMES. He said the commercial car, a Nissan Quest with registration number FKJ 297 AJ reportedly rammed into an Iveco truck marked LND 902 XE resulting in the fatal crash.
Nigeria: In New Video, Women Kidnapped By Boko Haram Beg Nigerian Govt to Negotiate Their Release
By Abdulkareem HarunaBoko Haram on Monday released a video showing some women abducted by the insurgents last month. In the video, published by Sahara Reporters, the women pleaded with the Nigerian government to negotiate with the terrorists for their release. The women are believed to be among 14 others abducted when the gunmen ambushed a convoy travelling under military escort along the Biu road in Borno State.
Nigeria: One Dead, Others Injured During Masquerade Festival Violence
The Oyo State Police Command on Monday confirmed the death of one person in the violence that trailed the public outing of the Ege masquerade in Ibadan on Sunday. The police spokesman in the state, Adekunle Ajisebutu, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Ibadan on Monday that two suspects were also arrested in connection with the incident. NAN reports that violence had marred the Egungun festival on Sunday as many residents were assaulted while properties were destroyed.
South Africa: Three National Ministers Fail to Pitch at School Safety Summit
Photo: Ashleigh Furlong/GroundUp Minister for Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande failed to pitch at the School and Campus Safety Summit at the University of the Western Cape. By Sune PayneStudent leaders attending the Schools and Campus Safety Summit disrupted a session after key government ministers failed to pitch. The inaugural summit held from 11 to 14 July at the University of the Western Cape focused on safety at South African schools and campuses.
Congo-Kinshasa: An Interview With Moïse Katumbi, DR Congo's Would-Be President
interview By James Wan"The same people who betrayed Mobutu are now with Kabila, telling him he's God, telling him he's whatever. It's bullshit." For a man many see as the natural heir to the presidency of the vast and populous Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Moïse Katumbi cuts a fairly reserved figure.
Nigeria: 10-Year-Old Boy Strapped With Bomb Dies In Borno
By Francis OkoyeMaiduguri — A 10-year-old, Gambo Bukar was yesterday killed when a suicide vest deceptively worn on him by Boko Haram terrorists while grazing at Baram and Tamsongamdu villages in Mafa Local govrnment area exploded, leaving his 8-year-old brother, Umar Bukar with serious injuries.
Nigeria: Fayose Writes Osinbajo, Demands Release of Report On Alleged Corruption By SGF, NIA DG
The Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum, Ayodele Fayose, has written to the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, demanding the immediate release of the report of the investigative panel on corruption allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, David Babachir Lawal and Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ayo Oke.
Nigeria: Exploring the Kindred Spirit Between Wyclef and Fela
By Nseobong Okon-EkongNseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the Haitian rapper's makeover of a Fela Kuti song is more than connecting with a kindred spirit Forty-four years after it was first recorded in 1973 on Afrodisiac label, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's song, 'Eko Ile' has been given fresh impetus for a vibrant new life by Haitian rapper, Wyclef Jean. The song is said to be the first single release from his forthcoming album, 'Carnival 111: The Rise and Fall of a Refugee'.
Burundi Opposition Calls On UN Envoy to Start Inclusive Negotiations
By Lorraine Josiane ManishatseThe United Nations' Special Envoy to Burundi yesterday concluded the first round of consultations between the Government of Burundi and civil society present in the country. The envoy, former interim president of Burkina Faso, Michel Kafando, expects to present results of his meetings to the United Nations Secretary General on 26 July.
Nigeria: 'For Now, We Are Still Members of PDP' - Sheriff Faction
The Deputy National Vice Chairman of the defunct Ali Sheriff faction of the PDP, Cairo Ojouigboh, has said they are still members of the party despite the recent Supreme Court judgement. Mr. Ojouigboh said this in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Warri shortly after meeting with some members who were loyal to the former Chairman of the party.
Nigeria: We Never Said Nnamdi Kanu Is Seeking Self-Recognition - Ohaneze Youths
By Levinus NwabughioguPresident, Ohaneze Youth Council, Okey Isigusoro has refuted a statement ascribed to him that the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu was seeking self-recognition with the agitation for secession.
Nigeria: Buhari Has Been Honest With Nigerians, Deserves Prayers of All - Tinubu
By Muhammad AhmadA leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu, has said President Muhammadu Buhari deserves the prayers of Nigerians over his health challenges, because he has been honest with them. Mr. Tinubu who was speaking at Government House, Kano, during a condolence visit to the governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, on the death of elder statesman, Maitama Sule, said the health challenges of the president should not be politicised.
Nigeria: #AMAA2017 - Stephanie Linus Tops Best Dressed List
By Jayne AugoyeThis year, Nollywood's major personalities did not disappoint style-wise at the just concluded African Movie Academy Awards. Although the big names, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and Omotola Jalade-Ekiende, were conspicuously absent, a host of Nollywood stars and starlets looked like a million bucks on the red carpet. This year, stunning revealing floor length Peek-a-Boo dresses with sheer fringe details was the top choice for most of the ladies.
Liberia: FDA, Partners Call for Sustainable Forest Management
By Edwin M. Fayia, IIIAuthorities of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), European Union (EU) and the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) have called on Liberians to consider the sustainable management of the Liberian forest to fight climate change and make economic progress.
Gambia: Gid Gets New PRO
Assistant Superintendent Mamanding S. Dibba is the new public relations officer (PRO) of The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) with effect from Wednesday 12th July, 2017. According to a media release from the GID, Assistant Superintendent Dibba replaced Cadet Pa Ousman Manneh, who is redeployed for another assignment. PRO Dibba has served as Admin officer at the Immigration headquarters in Banjul, and later as a Section Commander at the Banjul International Airport.
Liberia: FM Kamara Receives Letters of Accreditation of New UN Women Boss
Foreign Minister Marjon Kamara has received the Letters of Accreditation from the new United Nations Women Country Director, Ms. Marie Goreth Nizigama. The UN Women is an agency created by the United Nations General Assembly to enhance gender equality and promote the empowerment of women across the globe. According to a Foreign Ministry release, the ceremony took place in the conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, July 14.
Gambia: 'Prosecution Is Confused As to What to Do', Says Defence Counsel
By Dawda FayeSheriff Kumba Jobe, the defence counsel in the case involving Babucarr Njie, a soldier who was found with a pistol at the King Fahd Mosque in Banjul, on 13 July 2017, said before Magistrate Janneh-Njie of the Banjul Magistrates' Court that the prosecution was "confused as to what to do". He made this remark when Sub-Inspector Bojang applied for an adjournment, and subsequently made another application under section 177 of the CPC to further make some argument, instead of section 117.
Nigeria: Ekiti Promotes 9,583 Public Servants
The Ekiti State Government on Sunday said that it had just promoted 9,583 out of its public servants. Some 6,993 of them are teaching and non-teaching staff of various public secondary schools, while 2,590 are local government staff. The Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, Chief Abiodun Falayi said in a statement that 3,963 teachers and 1,586 non-teaching staff were promoted.
Rwanda: C-Section - What You Should Know About This Birth Option
By Lydia AtienoEvery expectant woman always looks forward to delivering a healthy baby. But no matter the circumstances, medics say one cannot rule out the possibility of cesarean section, which they advise should be only recommended by a gynecologist. When and why C-section According to Rachna Pande, an internal medicine specialist, Caesarean section or C-section is normally done in cases of prolonged labour or in cases where there is a perceived risk to the baby or mother.
Nigeria: Executive, Legislative Rift - Issues and Reasons
opinion By Mohammed IsaThe hallmark of any democracy is the existence of the legislature. Remove it and you are left with civilian dictatorship. By its nature and responsibilities, the legislature, as an independent arm of government was meant to offer a check on the executive, make laws for a good governance and ensure equitable and fair distribution of the nation's resources through its power of appropriation.
Nigeria: Boundary Violence - Ebonyi Governor Accuses Cross River Counterpart of Frustrating
By James EzeThe Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has accused his Cross River State counterpart, Ben Ayade, of frustrating efforts aimed at ending boundary clashes between their border communities. At a briefing in Abakaliki on Sunday, Mr. Umahi's spokesperson, Emmanuel Uzor, said Mr. Ayade had rebuffed concerted efforts for a meeting to resolve the crisis.
Malawians in Ireland to Crown Beauty Queen and King - Tay Grin to Perform in Dublin July 29
It's that pageantry moment again. Malawians in Ireland will on 29 July watch the crowing of beauty queen and king in the Mr and Miss Malawi Ireland to be held in Dublin. Other than hosting just a beauty contest for females, the organisers want a progressive and glamorous event by including men. "At first in 2013, we did the Mr Malawi Ireland and Miss Malawi Ireland separately. So this time we have decided to do it together," said one of the organizers of the show, Brian Mwenelupembe.
South Africa: Luus Looks At Positives Ahead of Proteas' Semi-Final
Proteas bowler Suné Luus chooses to look at the positives from their lost match against Australia in Taunton on Saturday. She believes that, even though the team fell 59 runs short in the end, the match went a long way in identifying areas that the team needs to work on before they face England in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's World Cup in Bristol on Tuesday. "I think we had a great start with the ball," she said.
Sudan: Cholera in Sudan - No Rehydration Solutions in El Dindir, 34 Die
Sennar / Shendi / Kalma — On Friday, the number of cholera deaths in El Dindir in eastern Sudan's Sennar rose to 34. The afflicted locality is short of rehydration solutions and medical staff. In Sinja, medics embarked on a strike. A medical source reported from El Dindir that 13 cholera patients died on Thursday and Friday, bringing the total number of deaths in the locality to 34.
Nigeria: Photo Exhibition Documents Artist's Near Death Experience
By Uche EzeArtist, Adeola Olagunju holds a photo exhibition documenting her near death experience, using self-portraiture and re-staging of the actual events, including the traditional Yoruba healing rituals used to resuscitate her. The exhibition is tagged 'Redemption' and it runs from Friday, July 7, 2017 to Sunday, July 23, 2017 in Lagos.
Rwanda: RPF Candidate Pledges to Foster Inclusive Growth
By Athan TashobyaRPF-Inkotanyi presidential candidate, incumbent Paul Kagame, has said that once he's re-elected into office on August 4, he would work hard over the next seven years to ensure that no Rwandan is left behind in the country's transformation journey. Kagame was addressing a campaign rally in Nyamagabe District, the first of three rallies he addressed on Sunday in three districts in Southern Province.
Nigeria: Don't Pay for Purchase, Repairs of Transformer, Kaduna Electric MD Yells Customers
By Isaiah BenjaminThe Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electric, Engineer Garba Haruna has dismissed reports that electricity users are being asked to buy and/or maintain transformers and other facilities by the Company and called on customers to report anybody demanding for money to purchase or repair of transformers to the Head Office of the Company. He made the rebuttal at a public forum organized by the House of Representative Committee on Power in Kaduna at the weekend .
Uganda: MP Bobi Wine Responds to Museveni On By-Elections
By Moses KyeyuneThe newly elected MP for Kyaddondo East Robert Kagulanyi Sentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine has responded to President Museveni's concern on by-elections and other issues in the country. In a 2,128 word dossier, Mr Kyagulanyi accuses President Museveni for failure to acknowledge the evolving trends, even after ruling for three decades (30 years).
Africa: Leaders Around the World Commit Support for Voluntary Family Planning
Kate Opio, 33, was buoyant, cuddling one of her newborn twins in the maternity ward at a health centre in Uganda's Apac District. The other twin slept peacefully beside them. But this lovely moment almost didn't happen, Ms. Opio's midwife explained. All three nearly died in childbirth. "Ms. Opio experienced a cervical dystocia, a condition where the cervix stops enlarging, making it difficult for the baby to come out," Margret Nabukenya said.
Kenya: Record Crowd With Lots of Love for Under 18
By Ayumba AyodiWorld Under-18 Championships Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Mwangi Muthee declared the championships a great success and hailed Kenyans for gracing the event in numbers at Kasarani. Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia said that Kenya has proved to the world that it can host a successful championships besides producing quality athletes.
Nigeria: Alleged Corruption - I'm Ready to Go to Jail - Diezani
Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is being investigated for a series of multi-billion dollar fraud and money laundering offences in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and America has threatened to squeal on her associates, Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore. She said after opening up on everything that transpired in the controversial fraudulent transactions, she would be ready to be thrown in jail along with her co-conspirators. Mrs.
Kenya: Uhuru, Ruto Hold 400 Rallies in 50 Days
By Nation ReporterPresident Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto have held 400 rallies in 50 days. The Jubilee leaders took their campaigns to 40 counties from May 29, said State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu in a statement Monday. He said the President will campaign in 14 counties in the next one week as the August 8 General Election draws closer. The President and his deputy, he said, have been in Mombasa since Sunday and will camp in the coastal region for three days.
Gambia Immigration Gets New Pro
By Abdoulie NyockehThe Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has appointed Assistant Supretendant (ASI) Mamanding S. Dibba as the new Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), a press release from the GID has stated. The release also stated that ASI Dibba's appointment took effect on Wednesday 12 July 2017, and his Predecessor Pa Ousman Manneh was redeployed for another assignment, which was not mentioned by the GID.
Nigeria: Go, Tell the Hyenas and the Jackals That PDP Is Back - Ndukwe
Following victory of the Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the country's main opposition party, the People's Democratic Party, PDP, at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, a member of the party and one of the most consistent and prominent critics of the Buhari-led APC administration, Jude Ndukwe, took to his Facebook page to celebrate the victory with a powerful, emotional, yet, inspirational poem full of biblical metaphors.
Nigeria: Despite Chibok Girls, Boko Haram Taking Several Territory, Ex-NSA Dasuki Says Jonathan 'Defeated' Boko Haram
By Abdulkareem HarunaDespite the Boko Haram taking over several territory including about 16 local government areas during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, the then National Security Adviser, NSA, said the government deserves commendation for defeating the group.
Nigerian Movies Among the Best Internationally
Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, the Managing Director of the Jos-based Nigeria Film Corporation, says Nigerian movies are among the best, internationally, in terms of contents, settings and acceptability. Maduekwe told newsmen in Lagos that many movie-producers and marketers were smiling to their banks because of impressive turnover from the sales of their videos based on quality and public acceptability.
Nigeria: NAN Warns Bloggers, Others Against Illegal Use of Its News
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Bayo Onanuga, has warned bloggers and other online publishers illegally using NAN news materials to stop forthwith or face sanctions. Mr. Onanuga, who gave the warning over the weekend in Abuja at a meeting with marketing staff of the agency, said that NAN has begun compilation of a list of culprit bloggers which would be forwarded to Google for redress and sanctions.
Nigeria Is Not a Mistake, Says Dogara
By Adebiyi AdedapoAbuja — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has said that Nigeria was not a mistake, noting that those calling for disintegration of Nigeria do not know the plan of God for the country. Dogara observed that if Nigeria was a mistake, the country would have been consumed by its first civil war.
Cameroon: Air Transport - Bamenda Airport Set for Camair-Co
By Choves LohGovernor Adolphe Lele Lafrique and Camair-Co GM Ernest Dikoum have appreciated the state of preparedness ahead of July 20, 2017 inaugural flight. From the look of things, the Bamenda airport is virtually set to receive Camair-Co's inaugural flight on July 20, 2017.
Kenya: Kidero Bans Unlicensed Water Tankers After Suspected Cholera Outbreak
Photo: AMREF AMREF has launched a national education campaign as cholera cases increase. By Margaret NjugunahNairobi — Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has put a ban on all unlicensed water tankers distributing water in the city. The move follows a suspected cholera outbreak that left dozens of people admitted to various hospitals including government officials.
Sudan: FIFA Suspends Ban On Sudan Football
Khartoum — The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) decided to lift the suspension of the international football activities of Sudan after the Sudanese prime minister followed the will of the world's football body. The Government of Sudan has pledged to the FIFA in writing not to interfere again in the affairs of the Sudanese football, news medium Al Shorouq reported.
South Africa: Leader in Khayelitsha Land Occupation Murdered
By Groundup StaffPhilela Gilwa, a leader in the land occupation in Khayelitsha, Town Two, was murdered on Friday 15 July. His death comes after another leader of the occupation, Mthunzi 'Ras' Zuma, was shot dead in May. The land occupation near the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court has been one of the largest occupations in Cape Town in recent years. It started in May when hundreds of sites were demarcated and backyarders attempted to put up shacks.
South Africa: Meet Khayelitsha's Guerilla Gardeners
By Christine HoggIn April 2016, a group of about 12 people cleared a patch of public land previously used as an illegal dumping ground next to the Khayelitsha Football for Hope Centre. They are known as Ujamaa: a collective of guerrilla gardeners. They are encouraging people from surrounding communities to be less dependent on supermarkets. Using a self-built pool to capture rainwater for irrigation, they planted vegetables such as spinach, kale, beetroot, and cabbage, in Khayelitsha's sandy soil.
Liberia: Pres. Sirleaf Addresses Revenue Symposium Tuesday
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is expected to deliver an opening statement and also serve as a moderator at the country's first-ever National Revenue Symposium, tomorrow, Tuesday, 18 July under the auspices of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) in Monrovia.
Africa: Zambia Put Four Past Swaziland
Visiting Zambia's 4-0 win left Swaziland deep in the red after the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya 2018 qualifier first leg played at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday. If the home side had thought the four-year old unbeaten home run was going to intimidate the visitors, coach Wedson Nyirenda counted nothing out of the history books with a strong show that reduced the hosts into a mere jaded ensemble.
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