Paradise News

Tag: Africa

  • WTTD 2025: Cameroonian refugee to represent Nigeria

    An Ogoja based Cameroonian refugee, Solange Ngonda Tibesa, will be representing Nigeria at the fifth edition of the World Table Tennis Day 2025 event. The WTTD 2025 is and event that is supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to promote the development of the game of table tennis at the grassroots level all over the world.

    According to the ITTF: “30 promoters were selected for World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025. Representing 27 countries and territories across all 5 continents. These passionate individuals will play a pivotal role in uniting communities and sharing the joy of table tennis on 23rd April 2025.” A record 160 persons applied to be considered as a WTTD 2025, promoters, out of which Solange and 29 other applicants from 27 counties and 5 continents applied to be considered.

    Solange Ngonda Tibesa

    Furthermore, the ITTF stated that they will provide Solange and the other promoters with the financial assistance, capacity-building resources, and personalised guidance to align their initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the theme of diversity and inclusion.

    Solange who is currently a full-time staff of Save the Children, is also a trained netball coach who supervises the compulsory twice a week training of the more than thirty netballers that are based at the Adagom 3 refugee camp. During a telephone interview with our reporter, Solange stated that on 23rd April 2025, she and the Ogoja refugees table tennis organising committee hope to hold the event in the Adagom 1, Adagom 3 and Ukende camps. Over one thousand persons are expected to attend this event in the three separate refugee camps. The event will be spiced up with table tennis challenge, live music, health and well-being talks, and some light refreshment for the spectators.

    Furthermore, Solange stated: “As an experienced community worker, I know the important role sports can play in bringing people together and giving them the opportunities to compete with each other under set rules, in a respectful manner. I am also aware that sports could be used to empower and provided psychosocial support to vulnerable persons including the physically challenged. We hope to use the game of table tennis to reach out to my fellow Cameroonians and members of our host community in Ogoja.”

    Finally, Solange commended CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative for bringing the WTTD 2025 grant advertisement to her attention and encouraging her to apply for WTTD 2025.

  • HabariPay Calls for Applications from Young Innovators for Squad Hackathon 2.0

    HabariPay’s Squad, payment fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”), today announced dates for its annual social coding competition.

    Building on the success of the inaugural edition, “Squad Hackathon 2.0” is set to take place from the 13th–15th of March 2025 at the state-of-the-art GTCO Training Complex, Tayo’s Plaza, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Launched in January 2024, Take on Squad Hackathon is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among emerging tech talents.

    Competing teams will leverage Squad’s advanced APIs to create scalable digital solutions that not only improve their immediate communities but also contribute to addressing wider economic and social concerns.

    The second edition of the hackathon is expected to be even larger and more impactful, with expanded participation from universities across Nigeria and a broader range of impactful problem statements.

    Themed “Finclusion Revolution: Unlocking Access, Empowering Communities,” this 3-day event aims to spotlight how technology can address real-world challenges that limit access to financial services in underserved communities.

    The hackathon will feature onboarding, team-building activities, brainstorming and hacking sessions, and solution development. By providing a platform for university students and other tertiary institution participants to showcase their IT skills, the event fosters personal growth, professional development, and network-building.

    Additionally, it serves as a stepping stone for young innovators to gain exposure, attract investment, and potentially bring their solutions to market.

    Speaking on the upcoming Take on Squad Hackathon 2.0, Eduophon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay Ltd, said: “The Take on Squad Hackathon reflects our core mission of empowering businesses and young innovators. We believe that the next big breakthrough in technology will come from young minds who are passionate about solving current and emerging universal challenges. At Squad, we are not just building cutting-edge payment solutions for our clients; we are nurturing a culture of innovation and empowering the next generation of tech leaders in Africa.”

    Registration for Take on Squad Hackathon 2.0 is now open for teams of four. Beyond the grand prizes—₦5 million for first place, ₦3 million for second place, and ₦2 million for third place—standout participants will have the exclusive opportunity to join the Squad Hackademy.

    This initiative, powered by Squad, provides young innovators with access to comprehensive learning resources, expert mentorship, and exclusive job opportunities within Squad’s ecosystem of partners.

    Don’t miss this chance to make a difference with your squad and be part of a vibrant community of young innovators shaping the future of digital payments in Africa.

    For more details and application guidelines, please visit https://squadco.com/hackathon.

    About HabariPay

    HabariPay Ltd is the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa with direct and indirect investments in a network of operating entities located in 10 countries across Africa and the United Kingdom.

    Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), our goal is to support SMEs, micro merchants, large corporations and other fintechs (Tech Stars) with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving digital economy and expand beyond their current market reach. HabariPay’s solutions include Squad, a full-scale digital payments toolkit to make in-person and online payments simpler, HabariPay Storefront, an e-commerce website to facilitate online purchases, Value-Added Services to help merchants access cost-effective and flexible airtime and data bundles to run their businesses, as well as a switching infrastructure that enables tech-focused businesses to optimise cost and make transactions more efficient.

    HabariPay’s contributions to Accelerating Digital Acceptance in Africa have not gone unnoticed–it received Mastercard’s Innovative Mobile Payment Solution Award at TIA 2022 for its innovative payment solution, SquadPOS.

    About Squad

    Squad is a complete digital payments solution that is reliable, secure, and affordable, making receiving in-person and online payments simpler and convenient.

    Thousands of merchants currently leverage Squad’s payment solutions for their daily business operations. Squad’s current products and service offerings include SquadPOS, Squad Payment Links, Squad Virtual Accounts, USSD, and E-Commerce Storefront.

  • AfDB pledges $5 million to combat financing of terrorism in West Africa

    By Ken Ibenne

    The African Development Bank Group will provide a $5 million grant to support the initiative, which is titled “Capacity Development for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism in GIABA Member States in Transition.”

    The project will be funded in part by a grant of 3.5 million UA (roughly $5 million) from the African Development Bank’s Transition Support Facility. This will allow the project to strengthen anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing regimes in West Africa and build the capacity of GIABA member states, with a focus on transitioning nations.

    The AfDB said in a statement that the award will support its operational and strategic initiatives at the national and regional levels. It also fits with its goal for economic governance in Africa as well as its policy and action plan on stopping illicit financial flows.

    READ ALSO: Naira experiences first weekly fall at unofficial market in 6 weeks

    Senegalese African Development Bank Country Manager Mohamed Cherif praised the long-standing partnership between GIABA and AfDB, which includes technical support and training sessions for member nations.

    The director of GIABA, Edwin Harris Jr., stated, “It comes at a pertinent time, to support the implementation of GIABA’s ongoing Strategic plan for 2023 – 2027 and to contribute to effective interventions on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing regimes in its member countries.”

  • Abadir Hotel, Harar, Ethiopia

    Abadir Hotel located at Harar, Ethiopia, Harar known for its lush surroundings and its contemporary architectural designs hosting residences, offices, shopping malls and hotels.

    Abadir Hotel has well-appointed spacious rooms, multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant, and free wifi, airport shuttle, restaurant, family rooms, free parking.

    Guests that have stayed in this hotel have rated it 3.7. What guests love about this hotel: Friendly staff, 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art dining, breakfast in bed, adequate free parking, amazing views

    Address:

    Abadir Hotel

    Harar, Ethiopia,
    Harar,

    Ethiopia

  • Mali, Burkina-Faso, Niger opt-out creates security concerns than economic once

    By Jerry Jonah

    Only three days ago, leaders of the military-led States of Mali, Burkina-Faso, and Niger announced their withdrawal from its regional bloc of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The juntas accuse the ECOWAS of a shift from its founding principles, foreign influence, and neglect to population whose happiness it was to ensure, for its decisions. This is in view of the post coup posture the ECOWAS have adopted against this regimes after coming to power. In response, the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry whose capital, Abuja host the ECOWAS secretariat and whose president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also the Chairman of the regional body say ‘it is not an action in good faith’. And the ECOWAS say it has not been notified of this countries withdrawal.

    But this is not good news. For one, the ECOWAS is not just a Political structuring, it is also an Economic and Geographical one. As such, what will this pullout mean for this States, Will it mean an isolation or a re-alliance? Again, how would this play out, would the dislocation mean a Political one and not necessarily a Economic one, or are we about to see a significant restructuring, affecting as far as geographical re-balance? If this leads to a new alliance how would it play out. Will we see a situation were this forges further north as we see in the wake of the Niger coup what we may call a sympathy support from Algeria, or, one out of the Continent itself as we see with significant growing support from Russia for both Mali and Burkina-Faso led regimes?

    Whichever, this brings up a critical question, evoking deep thoughts how we may consider the outcome. For anything, it may reshape the sub-region and the ECOWAS from a mere strictly geographical identified one to a broadly political one – with alliance further North or East for the military States. There are also Economic ones(concerns), as expert argue that this will cut the 3 exiting States off its regional $702bn economy; and may put the $277.22 billion dollar trade of the Economic Community of West African States with the world in a risk, a score which it reached in its 2022 total trade, including import and export, according to a data from the regions trade information system (ECOTIS) portal.

    REAS ALSO | JUST IN: Makinde Suspends Oyo Monarch Indefinitely

    But although this are of immense concern, there is yet another: Security: Dealing with the security challenge which the region is lurked in for decades: terrorism, violent crisis.

    For another, the ECOWAS over the years through its cooperation and joint strategies have record significant success in its insurgency fight. For example, the African-led International Support Mission to Mali(AFISMA), an organized military mission of the ECOWAS to support it member nation, Mali against Islamic rebels in the Northern Mali conflict. This gains have come through regional cooperation. Intelligent gathering, information sharing, personnel support are only but a few to which this dislocation or exit or withdrawal may threaten or even drag further backwards. Although progress in the region’s fight against terrorism and violent extremist within the last two years have dwindled, yet an isolation between this groups or states do not poss a positive prospect.

    How can the ECOWAS prevent this split, What can be done? Although States are free to pursue its best interest, the reality of the security situation within the region especially in the sahel present a perculiar situation. As such the ECOWAS and both parties should be open for further talks and negotiations. If the Juntas can state in clear terms what there reasons are, which may be Economic reasons or for reasons bordering on Recognition. Although I doubt the ECOWAS may consider the later, and for reasons good enough.

    About The Author

    Jerry O. Jonah is a Political affair analyst, Writer and Life Coach.

  • Lamborghini’s car sales exceed 10,000 for the first time in 2023, with Europe, Middle East and Africa seeing the largest growth

    By Ben Nsemo

    According to Reuters, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced today that Lamborghini’s sales in 2023 will exceed 10,000 vehicles for the first time. “I am so proud that we have reached another historic milestone!”

    Winkelmann announced detailed delivery data for Lamborghini last year: a total of 10,112 supercars and SUVs were delivered, up from 9,200 in 2022. Among them, Europe, the Middle East and Africa were the regions where Lamborghini saw the largest growth in deliveries last year, with an increase of 14% and nearly 4,000 vehicles delivered. Sales in the Americas increased by 9%, with deliveries of 3,465 vehicles; in the Asia-Pacific region, sales increased by 4%, with deliveries of 2,660 vehicles.

    READ ALSO: U.S. Supreme Court rejects Apple, Epic’s requests, refuses to make final antitrust ruling

    According to reports, Lamborghini’s old rival Ferrari will announce 2023 delivery data later this year.

    According to previous reports from IT House, Lamborghini plans to make its car lineup fully hybrid this year. This year, a new model of the crossover SUV Urus will be launched to replace the original Huracan.

    The Huracan successor is expected to be unveiled by the end of 2024 and will also be a plug-in hybrid, although it is currently uncertain whether it will retain the naturally aspirated V10 engine or downsize to a V8 engine. In addition, the pure electric version of Urus will be officially unveiled around 2029.

  • Gavi injects over $1.8bn for manufacturing of vaccines in Africa

    • Gavi’s Board today approved the establishment of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), a financing instrument that will make up to US$ 1 billion available to support sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa
    • Efforts to translate pandemic learnings into concrete action further include the establishment of a US$ 500 million First Response Fund to ensure immediate financing for vaccine response in the event of a future pandemic, as well as extraordinary support for countries to close routine immunisation gaps created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The Board approved the inclusion of the new multivalent meningococcal vaccine into the Gavi portfolio, as well as the shortlist of new vaccines for Gavi’s next Vaccine Investment Strategy
    • The Government of France and Africa CDC, alongside with European and international partners, will co-host a high level event in June 2024 to officially launch the AVMA mechanism as well as Gavi’s investment case to support its next replenishment 

    The Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance today announced a series of decisions that will help lower-income countries tackle backsliding from the COVID-19 pandemic and be better prepared to respond toUS future health emergencies. The decisions were taken during a two-day meeting hosted by the Government of Ghana in Accra, Ghana, from 6-7 December.

    Concrete action in support of African vaccine manufacturing, future pandemic response

    Following more than 18 months of close collaboration between Gavi, the African Union and Africa CDC, the Board today approved the establishment of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). AVMA is an innovative financing mechanism aimed at establishing a sustainable African vaccine manufacturing industry capable of improving the region’s resilience in the face of pandemics, outbreaks and other health emergencies as well as the health of global vaccine markets. AVMA was designed through an extensive consultation process that involved partners, donors, industry, civil society, and others.

    Gavi, as one of the largest purchasers of vaccines in the world, is thus sending a powerful signal to global markets that it will support African vaccine manufacturing. AVMA aims to make up to US$ 1 billion available to manufacturers at key moments in the development process as a way of helping offset high start-up costs and provide assurance of demand. By focusing on “priority” antigens, product profiles, and vaccine platforms, as well as constructing clear incentives for both “fill and finish” and drug substance production, AVMA will also support global vaccine markets by targeting clear unmet needs and help establish a thriving, sustainable, end-to-end African vaccine manufacturing ecosystem.

    AVMA is the final pillar of Gavi’s regional manufacturing strategy, with the first three pillars approved by the Board in December 2022. With this Board approval, Gavi can now consult widely on the final operational framework for AVMA, including the establishment of an inclusive steering committee, and processes for governance, monitoring and course-correcting as needed. These final pieces will be reviewed by the Board in June 2024, following which AVMA will be officially launched in that same month during an event co-hosted by France and Africa CDC, alongside with European and international partners.

    Building even further on the theme of ensuring learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic are met with concrete actions, the Board also approved a US$ 500 million investment in a First Response Fund, part of a broader Day Zero Financing Facility, to ensure financing is immediately available from the start of a future pandemic. This decision responds to one of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it took time to fundraise in support of the effort to ensure equitable access to vaccines, slowing down the ability to respond quickly to countries’ needs, and contributing to vaccine inequity. This investment is combined with Board approval to dedicate US$22 million to support pandemic prevention, preparedness and response activities across a broad coalition of vaccine-related partners and processes, including countries, civil society, strengthening immunisation and outbreak response activities, and aligning with international pandemic-related deliberations and mechanisms. This effort seeks to ensure a coordinated playbook for potential pandemic response, coverage of any gaps, and increased transparency and knowledge sharing across the full ecosystem. This Board decision will help create an inclusive approach, ahead of a potential future emergency, to ensuring all partners are ready to contribute in a coordinated response.

    “Today’s historic decisions illustrate the very best of our Alliance – collaboration across the full range of immunisation partners, constantly seeking to learn and improve, and most importantly, taking concrete action,” said Professor José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Gavi Board. “Gavi has worked closely with the countries, the African Union, Africa CDC, G7, G20, and other donors, WHO, UNICEF, civil society, industry, and experts to put into place innovative mechanisms that have the power to reshape our approach to regional manufacturing and pandemic response, and we are grateful for the continued commitment of our Board to the effort to ensure no one is left behind with immunisation.”

    Supporting countries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic

    Gavi’s Board also recognized the need for exceptional support to countries to close immunity gaps created during the COVID-19 pandemic, approving an initial amount of US$290 million to provide fully funded doses to help countries “catch-up” children who missed routine vaccinations. The amount approved is an initial estimate and is likely to evolve as countries finalise their plans. Given the urgent and one-time nature of this push, the Board recommended a permissive approach that waives country co-financing requirements, but strongly emphasized the need for robust country plans with risk mitigation measures including assessments of in-country vaccine stocks, phased supply to avoid wastage, and strengthened Alliance capacity to provide technical support.

    Funding for AVMA, the First Response Fund, supporting a pandemic ready coalition of vaccine partners, and routine immunisation catch up activities is planned to be secured from COVID-19 savings available through the Gavi COVAX AMC’s Pandemic Vaccine Pool, and has been extensively discussed with the donors to this mechanism.

    Expanding access to new vaccines

    The Board approved the inclusion of the new multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MMCV) into the Gavi portfolio, which means at-risk countries will now be able to conduct mass preventive campaigns against multiple strains of meningococcal meningitis and then introduce the vaccine into routine programmes. Gavi has already helped countries to conduct outbreak response, preventive campaigns and routine vaccinations with the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine, leading to the near elimination of meningitis A outbreaks – a remarkable achievement. The new vaccine will help countries protect against additional strains before they become a larger issue, particularly significant as countries deal with an increasing number of outbreaks of several infectious diseases. Both vaccines are currently available for use in the Gavi-funded global emergency stockpile of meningitis vaccines.

    The Board also confirmed the proposed shortlist for Gavi’s 2024 Vaccine Investment Strategy, which will determine the new vaccines that the Alliance plans to introduce over the next strategic period from 2026-2030. The shortlist includes vaccines against tuberculosis (TB), group B strep, shigella, dengue, and potentially continued support for COVID-19, as well as the establishment of a stockpile for vaccines against hepatitis-E. The Board also approved the exploration of a learning agenda for vaccines against chikungunya and mpox, where Gavi will work with partners to continue to monitor the epidemiological situation. This Board decision now allows Gavi to work with partners to develop investment cases related to these vaccines, which will come back to the Board for approval in 2024.

    “These decisions allow our Alliance to continue to execute on our core mission, expanding access to lifesaving vaccines,” said David Marlow, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Gavi can now make these new innovations available to the lower-income countries that need them the most, helping protect millions more against deadly infectious diseases.” 

    Following extensive country and partner consultations throughout 2023, the Board also met on the sidelines of the formal meeting to discuss the design of the Alliance’s next five-year strategic period. The consultation process will continue through the first half of 2024, with the final strategy discussed for approval in the first half of US2024. This strategy will inform the investment case for Gavi’s replenishment, which will seek to raise funds in support of the Alliance’s work during the 2026 to 2030 strategic period.

    France and Africa CDC to host high level event in support of Gavi replenishment, AVMA launch

    At the Board meeting, the representative of the Government of France, on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron, announced that France, alongside with its African, European and international partners, will co-host a high level event in France in June 2024 for the official launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa CDC, subsequently announced that Africa CDC will co-host the event. The representative of the Government of France also announced that France, on this occasion, will host the launching of Gavi’s investment case, in support of its replenishment, which will raise funds for immunisation in lower-income countries for the 2026 to 2030 strategic period.

    “France is honored to co-host, together with our African, European and international partners, a high-level event to take place in France in June 2024 to celebrate the collective success of Gavi and AVMA. Learning lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, building health sovereignty in support of partners’ regional production agenda, and achieving vaccine equity must remain our top priorities On this occasion, we will be thrilled to support Gavi’s leadership and unique contribution to global health by launching its 2026-2030 investment case,“ said Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, French State Minister for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships

    Appointments and Process Updates

    • Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director for Programmes at UNICEF, was appointed Vice-Chair of the Board, replacing Sarah Goulding, Assistant Secretary and Principal Specialist, Gender Equality, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia
  • Use Your Penis: Hopes, Expectations and Realities of African Migrants in Europe

    Use Your Penis: Hopes, Expectations and Realities of African Migrants in Europe

    By Leo Igwe

    The issue of migration to Europe has been in the news. There has been intense discussion on how to tackle the flow of migrants to, not from, Europe. There have been reports of boats carrying migrants capsizing or missing on the Mediterranean Sea.

    Many Africans have died trying to enter Europe via the Sahara desert. North African and European countries have taken measures to curb illegal migration and human trafficking. Still, the migration flow out of Africa continues and shows no signs of abating. Why has the migration of Africans or migration from Africa become such a huge problem? What are the hopes, experiences and realities of these migrants?

    In August I was invited to speak at a seminar on migration. The focus was on the migration of Africans to Europe. The event took place in Bergen, Norway. As a doctoral student, I lived in Germany for six years. I was invited to speak at programs on migration. Governmental and nongovernmental agencies in Denmark and Germany organized the events. I did not find these events interesting because the focus was on human trafficking and the role of African juju and witchcraft. Do not get me wrong.

    Human trafficking is a huge problem and needs to be addressed. But we have to tackle the problem from the root. These events were by my estimate a complete waste of time and money because organizers and participants were not ready to tell themselves the truth, face the facts and address the real issue. They want to make themselves feel good and privileged while talking about these helpless Africans streaming to their shores. Organizers were more interested in marginal voodoo, and oath-taking issues.

    They made it seem as if there was something unusual about African migration. But there was not. Migration is as old as human beings. Humans from all races and regions have been migrating from one region to another, from one country or continent to another. Before this recent wave of migration out of Africa, people from Europe, America, and Asia have been migrating to Africa. They are still migrating for business, social, economic, religious, and political reasons.

    READ ALSO: Re – Abuse Of Office By UNICAL VC: A Weak Fight Back By Corruption

    Contemporary African migration is mainly economic. It is driven by poverty, miserable living conditions, and the devastation of African economies by European, Asian, and American companies. To tackle the problem of migration, African economies must be fixed. The continent must realize an economic leap. Now instead of focusing on the economic roots of the problem and how to address them, many Europeans and Americans expend energy discussing trivialities, such as the role of voodoo and so-called powerful witch doctors in Nigeria. Well, at these events, I told the organizers the bitter truth. I told them to forget this juju or voodoo talk and face the reality: the destruction and revival of African economies. I told the organizers what they did not want to hear. And they never invited me back.

    But this time around it was different. The organizers were not Europeans or Americans. A Nigerian student at the University of Bergen staged the event. He contacted me some months ago, drawing my attention to the plight of African migrants in Norway. He explained how many who travel to Norway and other European countries had their hopes and expectations dashed.

    Many who migrate to this country or other European countries end up entrapped. They are compelled to go into things they did not plan to do. Many migrants end up in a new form of slavery, in a marriage to an European citizen. Left with the option of going back to Africa at the end of their study or marrying to get the documents to stay, many end up contracting a marriage, in many cases a paper or document marriage. These marriages entrap them, they turn these migrants into errand boys and girls. Many of them are mistreated. They suffer silently. If they misbehaved, their partners would threaten to report them to the authorities and get them deported. I was told that many in the African migrant communities were not helping matters.

    Someone told me that he approached some migrants seeking and wanting to know how he could navigate migration issues. But the person told him: “Use your penis”. I guess for a female it would have been a case of: Use your vagina. While studying in Germany, some African migrants told me how they were sexually exploited, and dehumanized before they could get legal documents to stay in the country. One woman told me that everyman who wanted to help her wanted to sleep with her.

    So, the program was cathartic. It provided a space to let out these pains, sufferings, disappointments, and frustrations. The event brought together ‘free-will’ migrants and Norwegians. The panelists were from Ghana, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Belarus. I was the only international guest on the panel. Other panelists discussed the hurdles that they have faced, and the challenges that they confronted trying to live and integrate in Norway. As one panelist noted, many who come to study were unable to find a job at the end of their program.

    In many cases, they graduated and found out that there was no job for them, or they were unable to speak the local language, which was a requirement for many jobs. Another panelist from Ghana, married to a Norwegian, discussed her challenges as a migrant parent in Norway. She recounted how her child had suffered racism in the school. She narrated an experience where the child did a group assignment with four other white Norwegian children. And the teacher gave her child four marks for the assignment and other group members five marks.

    There was some discussion on illegal migration and the risks involved. Some Norwegians in the audience noted that many African migrants knew about the risks they could face migrating to Europe. And still, they decided to embark on the risky journey. There was a lot of focus on migrants and their experiences traveling from Africa.

    However, little or no attention was paid to the European connection with the problem, the fact that western foreign economic policies have devastating effects on African economies. Africa is a market for Western goods including Norwegian stockfish. Apparently Europe needs African markets not African migrants. Western multinationals are relentlessly plowing and plundering the resources of Africa in ways that have displaced the local populations. African professionals are leaving in droves. They are migrating to work in the West and the Middle East.

    So, Western economies profit from the migration flow and the cheap labor it provides. Western countries benefit from the economic status quo that has turned Africans into migrants and refugees in Europe and America. To contain the flow of migrants to Europe, the situation in Africa must change. African economies must begin to grow and improve. Western governments must end the economic exploitation of Africa.

    Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.

  • Su!cide bomber allegedly kills 7 in Bakassi Peninsula

    Su!cide bomber allegedly kills 7 in Bakassi Peninsula

    By Our Reporter

    An explosion has killed 7 members of the Rapid d’intervention Battalions (BIR) in Abana, former headquarters of Bakassi Peninsula.

    In what appears to be a suicide bombing, the militant walked to the checkpoint in Abana when the bomb exploded at 11 p.m. on Friday.

    Eyewitness said two gunboats were heavily damaged and two soldiers lost their parts.

    READ ALSO: 5 Fascinating Facts About Emeka Nwafor: The Okamgba Ndigbo 2023 Champion

    A few weeks ago, the military took over Abana, dislodging the Black Marine, a separatist militants believed to be an armed wing of the Biafra Nations League, BnL.

    Simon Ekpa, leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile posted on his Twitter handle that Black Marine was not dislodged, refuting media reports.

  • Oando, Tantalizer, other equity investors lose N40bn

    By Ben Nsemo

    On Thursday, the Nigerian stock market experienced sell-offs that caused losses in Oando, Tantalizer, and other companies before the end of trade.

    After five hours of trading today, the sell-offs reduced the equity capitalisation by N40 billion, from N37.40 trillion to N37.36 trillion.

    The All-Share Index, which had previously closed at 68,335.72 but fell by 64.58 basis points to 68,271.14 today, mirrored the fall.

    On Thursday, investors transacted 7,949 deals totaling 1.12 billion shares worth N5.81 billion.

    More than 8,201 transactions totaling 566.63 million shares worth N5.38 billion were made on Wednesday by shareholders.

    With a N0.15 kobo increase in share price, John Holt moved from N1.57 kobo to N1.72 kobo per share, topping the list of gainers.

    In comparison to its starting share price of N0.21 kobo, DAAR Comm increased by 9.52 percent to close at N0.23 kobo.

    READ ALSO: Celebrating achievement at University Centre Shrewsbury graduation ceremonies

    Omatek’s share price increased from N0.42 kobo to N0.46 kobo, a 9.52 percent increase.

    Mutual Benefit’s share price increased by 9.30 percent, rising from N0.43 to N0.47 kobo per share.

    Shares of Sunu Assurance ended trading at N0.96 kobo, up 9.09 percent from N0.88 kobo.

    Oando topped the losers’ table after shedding N1.45 kobo to drop from N14.60 kobo to N13.15 kobo per share.

    Lasacol’s share price dropped by N0.20 kobo to end trading at N1.86 kobo from N2.06 per share.

    Chams lost N0.14 kobo to end trading with N1.32 kobo from N1.46 kobo per share.

    NNFM lost N1.55 kobo to drop from N16.80 kobo to N15.25 kobo per share.

    Tantalizer’s share dropped from N0.35 kobo to N0.32 kobo per share after losing N0.90 kobo during trading.

    Universal Insurance topped the day’s trading with 669.01 million shares valued at N134.20 million.

    Oando followed with 100.68 million shares worth N1.45 billion.

    Japaul Gold sold 43.73 million shares worth N43.38 million.

    Access Corporation traded 40.14 million shares valued at N681.94 million, while UBA sold 32.45 million shares valued at N552.75 million.