In a collaborative effort aimed at fortifying Kenya’s public infrastructure procurement process, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has granted technical assistance to the National Treasury and Economic Planning of the Government of Kenya. This initiative, supported under USTDA’s Global Procurement Initiative (GPI), is set to elevate transparency and accountability within Kenya’s infrastructure development endeavours. The grant agreement was inked by U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman on behalf of the U.S. government during a ceremony held in Nairobi. Enoh T. Ebong, Director of USTDA, emphasised the significance of this grant, stating, “Through this grant, USTDA will deliver tangible…
Author: Editor Francis
In a digital press briefing held at the 2024 Investing in Africa Mining Indaba Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez emphasised the United States’ energy policy, priorities, and its deepening engagement with the African mining sector. Under Secretary Fernandez commended the progress made since his previous visits to the Mining Indaba over the past three years. Notably, he highlighted the expansion and diversification of critical mineral supply chains, underscoring the importance of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). The MSP, aimed at bolstering critical mineral supply…
In a significant escalation of tensions between organized labor and the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have jointly issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice. This action comes in response to what they perceive as the government’s failure to fulfill agreements made on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the petrol subsidy. Expressing dismay over the government’s inaction, the leaders of the NLC and TUC highlighted the widespread suffering and hardship experienced by citizens across the country. The October 2 agreement aimed to address the adverse socioeconomic impact of the…
In response to the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), foreign ministers from member nations have assembled in Abuja for urgent discussions The agenda of the meeting extends beyond the withdrawals, with the ongoing mass protests in Senegal taking center stage. The unrest in Senegal erupted following the postponement of the presidential elections, prompting heightened concern within the regional bloc. Dr. Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the significance of the gathering, noting that deliberations will encompass not only the withdrawals but also broader implications…
In a devastating turn of events, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former House of Representatives representative for the Ika federal constituency of Delta State, has passed away. Reports indicate that the tragic incident occurred during the Nigeria versus South Africa match in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Dr. Ojougboh was reportedly watching the match live when Nigeria was awarded a penalty in the 88th minute. Witnesses state that he shouted in response to the play and suddenly collapsed, succumbing to a massive heart attack. Despite efforts to revive…
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas was still possible, despite the two sides being far apart on the central terms for a deal. Blinken was in the region trying to broker an arrangement that could bring some respite in Israel’s war against Hamas, which is entering its fifth month after killing more than 27,000 Palestinians, displacing much of the territory’s population and sparking a humanitarian catastrophe. Those diplomatic efforts were rattled earlier in the day when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a detailed, three-phase plan by Hamas…
The House of Representatives has taken steps to investigate the recent ban imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on the production of beverages in sachets and small bottles. This decision came following a motion presented by Paschal Agbese during the Tuesday plenary session. In response to the ban, the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria announced plans to protest the decision at the National Assembly. The move comes after NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, declared the agency’s intention to enforce the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of…
In a move to reduce the pressure on the naira, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised a 7,000-man special task force across its 14 zonal commands to clamp down on dollar racketeers. The spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the commission had summoned the proprietors of private universities and other schools charging tuition in dollars. The naira has been on a free fall against the dollar in the past weeks with the currency losing value against the greenback. In the past weeks, the naira had plunged from about 900/dollar…
On Tuesday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received the official report concerning the January 16, 2024 explosion at Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, in Ibadan, the state capital. The report disclosed the identification of three ‘persons of interest’ linked to the cause of the tragic incident, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the investigation’s findings. Recalling the explosion, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, injuries to 77 others, and damage to 55 houses in Aderinola Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan, the report was submitted to Governor Makinde at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Speaking…
The Federal Government and its Angolan counterpart have officially united to enhance water supply and power generation within their respective borders. The News Agency of Nigeria reports on Wednesday that the collaborative effort was formalised during a crucial meeting when Dr Jose Bamoquina, the Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and his state counterpart in Abuja. During the meeting, Utsev underscored the significance of this partnership, stressing the need for both nations to exchange technical expertise and knowledge in pivotal sectors. He highlighted the primary focus on…
The House of Representatives has given approval for the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to proceed to its Second Reading, marking a significant step in the legislative process. Sponsored by Mr. Francis Waive, the representative for Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency in Delta State, the Bill is titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act, 2022 and for Related Matters.” Waive emphasised the necessity of addressing gaps in the existing Electoral Act of 2022, particularly advocating for amendments that would facilitate electronic transmission of election results, thus enhancing the country’s democratic processes. He also proposed a periodic review…
UAC Foods Limited has officially named Ayo Awosika as its new General Manager, Commercial, marking a significant addition to the company’s leadership team. With a remarkable career spanning over thirteen years, Ayo brings a wealth of experience in Strategy, Sales, and Business Development to his new role. His expertise encompasses various areas including Strategy Design and Implementation, Route-To-Market Design, Commercial Leadership, Distributor Operations Management, Business Transformation, P&L Management, and Manufacturing Oversight, all of which are expected to drive growth and innovation within UAC Foods Limited. Having held notable positions in leading multinational companies across Sub-Saharan Africa within the FMCG, Beverages,…