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Siemens and PE Energy Forge Partnership to Accelerate the Transformation of Industrial Automation and Innovation in Nigeria
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This partnership aims to drive industrial growth and competitiveness in Nigeria through advanced automation solutions
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ABUJA, Nigeria, July 5, 2024/ — Siemens Digital Industries (www.Siemens.com) and PE Energy partner to enhance industrial automation in Nigeria; Combining Siemens’ technology with PE Energy’s expertise to boost efficiency, productivity, and sustainability; This partnership aims to drive industrial growth and competitiveness in Nigeria through advanced automation solutions.
Siemens and PE Energy are proud to announce their strategic partnership, aimed at enhancing the landscape with advanced industrial automation systems, motion and drives, and process instrumentation across Nigeria. This collaboration promises to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to a diverse array of industries such as Oil & Gas, manufacturing, food & beverage, and more. As a leading player in the Nigerian industrial sector, PE Energy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation. By teaming up with Siemens Digital Industries, a global innovation and technology leader in industrial automation, PE Energy is set to provide unparalleled services that enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and sustainability for its clients. “Our partnership represents a powerful synergy of Siemens’ advanced technology and PE Energy’s industry expertise,” states Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa. “Together, we look forward to driving significant advancements in industrial automation across Nigeria, fostering growth and innovation in the region. This collaboration paves the way for the future of automation and innovation, empowering Nigerian businesses to compete globally and prosper locally.” “We are excited about this partnership with Siemens Digital Industries,” said Mr. Daere Akobo, Chairman of PANA Holdings and CEO of its subsidiary, PE Energy. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to offer cutting-edge technology and comprehensive solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our clients across various industries. Together, we will drive the implementation of state-of-the-art solutions in Nigeria’s industrial sector, fostering growth and competitiveness.” The partnership will leverage Siemens’ advanced technology and expertise in automation, drive systems, and process instrumentation. PE Energy will integrate these solutions to deliver customized, high-performance systems that address the unique challenges faced by Nigerian industries. This includes enhancing factory automation processes, optimizing motion and drives applications, and improving process instrumentation for better control and efficiency. This partnership underscores a shared vision of advancing industrial automation capabilities and fostering technological innovation in Nigeria. Both PE Energy and Siemens Digital Industries are dedicated to empowering businesses with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Siemens AG.
For media inquiries, please contact: About Siemens AG: In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €77.8 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 320,000 people worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.Siemens.com. About PE Energy Ltd: SOURCE |
Author: prtimesafrica
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Refugees, migrants face violence, abuse and death on routes across Africa, new data shows
Refugees, migrants face violence, abuse and death on routes across Africa, new data showsRefugees and migrants continue to face extreme forms of violence, exploitation and death on sea and on land across Africa as they attempt to leave the continent, UN agencies said on Friday, in an appeal to border authorities to do more to protect themNEW YORK, United States of America, July 5, 2024/ — Data from a new report by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, the UN migration agency IOM and the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) highlights the often under-reported perils facing vulnerable people on the move on dangerous land routes.Abuse along the route
“Regardless of their status, migrants, refugees, seem to face serious human rights violations and abuse along the route…We cannot lose our capacity to get outraged by this level of violence,” said Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR Special Envoy for the Western and Central Mediterranean.
More people are estimated to cross the Sahara desert than the Mediterranean Sea and deaths of refugees and migrants in the desert are presumed to be double those at sea. The report – “On this journey, no-one cares if you live or die” – spans a three-year data collection period and warns of an increase in the number of people attempting these perilous land crossings.
Highlighting that the central Mediterranean migration route continues to be among the deadliest in the world, IOM Director of the Coordination Office for the Mediterranean Laurence Hart noted that “a very high number of people” still take the risk of embarking on “very dangerous journeys. Obviously, there’s a lot of people do not choose to move, but they are pushed because of…political conflict, instability.”
Push factors
So-called push factors on the migration route include the deteriorating situation in countries of origin and host countries – such as new conflicts in the Sahel and Sudan – the devastating impact of climate change and disasters on new and protracted emergencies in the East and Horn of Africa, as well as racism and xenophobia towards refugees and migrants.
Huge gaps in protection and assistance prevail across the Central Mediterranean route, pushing refugees and migrants to move onward on dangerous journeys, the report notes.
“Just last week, we heard that 5,000 people died on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands in the first five months of this year – that’s an increase of 700 per cent compared to the same period last year,” said Bram Frouws, Director of the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC). “We also know even though we don’t have fully accurate numbers, and indeed it is an underestimation that countless others die on the land routes, up to the Mediterranean coast, possibly even more than at sea.”
Insufficient efforts
Despite commitments undertaken by the international community to save lives and address vulnerabilities, the report’s authors warned that current efforts to hold all those accountable for the abuse and dangers that migrants and refugees suffer are inadequate. Criminal groups and traffickers are often responsible for terrible abuses, Mr. Frouws said, but “State officials – like police, military and border guards” – also played a role. “But whoever they are, whichever category, they should be held accountable. But at the moment, much of this is happening in a situation of near complete impunity.”
The report noted that smuggling routes are shifting towards more remote areas to avoid active conflict zones or border controls by State and non-State actors, subjecting people on the move to even greater risks.
The kinds of abuse reported include torture, physical violence, arbitrary detention, death, kidnapping for ransom, sexual violence and exploitation, enslavement, human trafficking, forced labour, organ removal, robbery, arbitrary detention, collective expulsions and refoulement.
Stepping up life-saving protection
Support as well as access to justice for survivors of various forms of abuse is rarely available anywhere on the routes, the report indicated, citing inadequate funding and restrictions on humanitarian access. This is particularly the case in key locations such as informal detention centres and holding facilities.
Despite these challenges, UNHCR, IOM and partners including NGOs and several governments have stepped up life-saving protection services and assistance, identification and referral mechanisms along the routes. But they insist that humanitarian action is not enough.
“It’s important to look at how to regularize or legalise migrants in countries of transit if there is a need, but also further afield…in European countries responding to the need for talents and for manpower,” said IOM’s Mr. Hart. “Opening up regular channels is indeed not the silver bullet, but certainly an enabler. Another element, another pillar, on which migration governance hinges on.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.SOURCE
UN News -
Nigeria: Regulator must help protect human rights by ensuring no conflict of interest in assessing Shell’s proposed sale
Nigeria: Regulator must help protect human rights by ensuring no conflict of interest in assessing Shell’s proposed saleShell announced in January that it had agreed to sell the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortiumLONDON, United Kingdom, July 5, 2024/ — Reacting to the hiring by the Nigerian oil regulator of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and S&P Global to help scrutinize the sale of Shell’s onshore assets in the country, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria Director, said:“The government regulator overseeing Shell’s sale of its onshore assets in Nigeria must avoid any perceived conflict of interests by ensuring and guaranteeing the full independence of any consultants it uses to review Shell’s proposed sale of its assets in Nigeria.
“The decision by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to hire BCG, which already performs a wide variety of other work for Shell, to help assess this sale is concerning. It is similarly worrying that S&P Global, which also plays a key role in rating Shell’s debt and creditworthiness as well as providing other services to the oil company, is also involved.
“Given the enormous human rights risks at stake it is essential that reviews of the sale are not just independent – but seen to be independent. Shell must be held fully to account for the oil spills related to the business it is selling, which for decades have polluted the environment, contaminated drinking water and poisoned agricultural land, fisheries and people.
“Any assurances from these consultancy groups that their reviews will be divorced from their wider commercial interests with Shell are unlikely to allay worries that they could soft pedal on the remedies required to address the human rights abuses related to Shell’s activities.
“It is also essential that the potential buyers of the business have the ability and financial stability to manage the operations safely and effectively to ensure local communities are not exposed to further harms. The deal should not be allowed to proceed unless a series of safeguards are in place that fully protect people’s rights.”
Background
Shell announced in January that it had agreed to sell the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium, which comprises four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group, in a deal worth up to US$2.4 billion, financed partly with a loan to the buyers from Shell.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.SOURCE
Amnesty International -
African Development Bank Appoints Dr Babatunde Samson Omotosho as Director of Statistics Department
African Development Bank Appoints Dr Babatunde Samson Omotosho as Director of Statistics DepartmentDr Omotosho, a Nigerian national, has more than 21 years experience in developing data strategies to align with the strategic objectives of organisationsABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, July 5, 2024/ — The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has appointed Dr Babatunde Samson Omotosho, an economist and statistician, as Director of the Statistics Department, effective June 16, 2024. Dr Omotosho, a Nigerian national, has more than 21 years experience in developing data strategies to align with the strategic objectives of organisations. He also brings expertise in data compilation, data analytics, macroeconomic research, and policy analysis.
Omotosho previously served as Director of Research and Statistics at the West African Monetary Agency (WAMA) in Sierra Leone, where he was seconded from the Central Bank of Nigeria. At WAMA, he provided advice on monetary and economic integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Prior to that he held various positions within the Statistics and Research Departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
As an Assistant Director in the Statistics Department, he led the data analytics team and managed the Central Bank’s strategic initiatives on big data and data analytics. He oversaw projects aimed at enhancing data analytics capabilities for policymaking, automating surveys and statistical systems, improving data sharing infrastructure and developing social media listening tools. His leadership fostered a culture of data analytics within the Central Bank, driving innovation and efficiency in operational and policy processes.
Dr Omotosho holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (2021); a master’s degree in Applied Statistics and Datamining from the University of St Andrews, United Kingdom (2011); a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Benin, Nigeria (2008); and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria (2000).
He has contributed extensively to academic literature, with publications in reputable journals, including the Journal of Economic Dynamics & Control, Journal of International Money & Finance, Macroeconomic & Finance in Emerging Market Economies, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Journal of Applied Statistics. His research covers big data, econometrics, monetary and fiscal policy interactions, business cycle drivers, and the macroeconomic implications of resource shocks for small open, emerging economies.
Omotosho is a member of the Nigerian Statistical Association, the International Association for Official Statistics, and the Royal Statistical Society.
Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I am grateful to President Adesina for this appointment, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and growth of the African Development Bank Group, an institution that plays such a pivotal role in the economic and social development of our beloved continent, Africa. I am fully committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of the position while collaborating effectively with the Bank’s senior leadership team, colleagues, and other strategic partners.”
Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, commented: “I am pleased to appoint Dr Babatunde Samson Omotosho, a respected statistician, as Director of the Statistics Department. Dr Omotosho brings to this role an impressive track record in statistics, economics, and data analytics. He will support the Bank in building a robust data ecosystem to achieve our strategic objectives and sustain our long-term development goals.”
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Delta monarch, Dein of Agbor, meets Marwa, warns drug dealers to flee his kingdom . Seeks partnership with NDLEA
Delta monarch, Dein of Agbor, meets Marwa, warns drug dealers to flee his kingdom
. Seeks partnership with NDLEAFrontline traditional ruler in Delta state, Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchuku Gbenoba has met with the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) to seek a partnership that will end the activities of drug dealers in his kingdom.
Welcoming the monarch to his office, Marwa expressed the readiness of the Agency to collaborate with all stakeholders including traditional rulers and community gatekeepers to ensure that the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is stamped out from communities across the country.
“We’re at the moment deploying our personnel to the local government areas to establish our presence at the grassroots to further our advocacy against substance abuse and enforce the law against those dealing in illicit drugs at that level. Towards that, we met with the leadership of ALGON last week to make this process seamless and we welcome the support and partnership with all stakeholders for successful implementation of all our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, through a whole of society approach”, the NDLEA boss stated.
In his remarks at the meeting, the monarch said “we’ve been having some issues with drug dealers in Agbor. We’ve tried to handle it once or twice, but we’d like to at least be able to provide some land to have NDLEA come to Agbor. My main hope is Gen Marwa right here. Everything he touches turns to gold. Since he came on board at NDLEA, you people were reinvigorated. And I have seen that since he came on board, the drug dealers are now more hesitant, and we need more of that. So, we continue to learn from his experience and continue to make sure that this Agency is strengthened as much as we can.
He said his desire to bring NDLEA into his kingdom is to eliminate the activities of drug dealers and protect his people from the devastating effects of illicit substances destroying the lives of youths and adults all over the world. He said his partnership with NDLEA is to send a strong message to drug dealers that their time is up in his kingdom.
According to him, “I always try to tell criminals, that life is left and right, good and bad, up and down. If you are intelligent enough to be selling drugs, then you deserve to go to jail. You deserve to be incarcerated because that intelligence can also lead you to be selling houses or to be selling goods. Do something that doesn’t affect people negatively. Because every drug dealer doesn’t want their children taking these hard drugs. But they don’t mind their neighbour next door taking such drugs. It is destroying us as a nation.
“Kidnappers are now using these illicit drugs to go about their nefarious activities. The reduction of it in our society will bring down the crime rate, robberies, and so on.
So, my message to the drug dealers, beware, you are on notice; we do not want you in Agbor; we do not want you in our country.”
The monarch also has words of caution for those abusing illicit drugs. “For those who are taking drugs, once you have taken them, it is a life-or-death decision you are making. You can take it for the first time, and you can die. You destroy your family, and you destroy the people around you. So, as much as possible, choose life over death on these drugs”, he admonished.Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Friday 5th July 2024 -
PRESS RELEASE Sierra Leone Acts to Ban Child Marriage
Sierra Leone Acts to Ban Child MarriageNew Law Essential to Protecting Girls from AbuseNEW YORK, United States of America, June 28, 2024/ — Last week, Sierra Leone’s parliament enacted landmark legislation to ban child marriage. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024, which makes marriage for anyone under 18 a criminal offense, seeks to protect girls from a harmful practice that has long violated their rights and hindered their development.Child marriage is a serious problem in Sierra Leone, where 30 percent of girls and 4 percent of boys are married before age 18, with even higher rates in rural areas. Around 800,000 girls are currently married in Sierra Leone, half before turning 15.
Child marriages fuel the high adolescent pregnancy rate in Sierra Leone where, tragically, pregnancy complications are the leading cause of death for girls aged 15-19.
The new law prohibits all forms of child marriage and cohabitation with a child, including aiding and abetting, protects the best interests of children, and ensures affected girls have access to counseling and safeguarding. The law amends existing legislation, including the Child Rights and Registration of Customary Marriage Acts, to harmonize the legal framework on marriage and break the cycle of early marriage and its devastating consequences.
The law also builds on Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect young girls from marriage and tackle barriers to girls’ education. A new education law, adopted in 2023, guarantees children 13 years of free education, including one year of preprimary education as well as secondary education.
The First Lady’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign has been instrumental in advocating against child marriage.
The legislation is a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards gender equality and child protection. It also sets a pathway forward for other African nations, such as Tanzania and Zambia, to revoke laws that permit child marriage, and ensure girls can complete primary and secondary education.
Now, Sierra Leone’s government should raise awareness, particularly in rural areas, about the new law and the harmful effects of child marriage. The government should also address other prevalent harmful practices linked to child marriage, such as female genital mutilation. It should collaborate with local communities, nongovernmental groups, and international organizations to publicly campaign about the harms associated with child marriage, while also providing support services for married children and children at risk of child marriage.
The government will also need to continue focusing on keeping girls in school, while it develops sustainable economic opportunities and social programs that empower girls and their families.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).SOURCE
Human Rights Watch (HRW) -
Africa: AFAWA Bank of the Year that created “SupaWoman” financial service says when women are given opportunity for financial inclusion, they can do miracles
Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Bank of the Year that created “SupaWoman” financial service says when women are given opportunity for financial inclusion, they can do miraclesThe Supawoman product is about that woman, that underprivileged woman, that woman who is struggling to be able to grow that businessABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, June 27, 2024/ — The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Bank of the Year 2024 (www.AfDB.org), Centenary Rural Development Bank, exemplifies the spirit of this year’s United Nations Micro, Small and Medium-size (MSMEs) Enterprises Day: “leveraging the power and resilience of MSMEs to accelerate sustainable development and eradicate poverty in times of multiple crises.”To mark International MSME Day, we asked Centenary Bank’s General Manager for Commercial Banking and SME Banking, Michael Jjingo, about how joining the AFAWA Guarantee for Growth program helped his Bank support some of Uganda’s smallest women-led enterprises.
Question: Centenary Rural Development Bank has a [loan] product tailored to women entrepreneurs, tell us about that.
I run the SME banking that hosts the “Supawoman” product. The Supawoman product is about that woman, that underprivileged woman, that woman who is struggling to be able to grow that business. Just to put it into context – the roadside sellers, the hawkers, the market vendors, the retailers. Many of them are illiterate. They have very little capital, probably below $20, or $20 to $100 of capital. They don’t have books of account, they don’t have collateral – and they struggle to scale their business.
However, you need to note the population of Uganda comprises 51% as female. And 65% of the SME’s are run by women, so to be able to run a product that is impactful, you have to target the woman. But you have to target that underprivileged woman, that financially excluded woman, because the financially excluded women comprise over 65% of the women [market]. That’s how we’re able to scale up [our women customer base] by 23%. It is easy.
Question: Usually we see banks that go for clients higher up on the [entrepreneurial] pyramid. If you have clients who have no collateral, at best have $20-$100 in savings – how is this good business for your bank?
It is mission critical focus for Centenary Rural Development Bank. It is focusing on the underprivileged, particularly those in the rural areas, but most importantly, to support them to scale and to acquire or access affordable banking. That’s how we’re able to support that woman, because that is the mission critical focus of the bank.
Question: Was there anything Centenary Rural Development Bank had to do special or different to tailor these financial products for women entrepreneurs?
It started with the baseline survey supported by donors to understand these women. Then we crafted a banking product for them – which is charge-free but with interest – and also a group-based account. Then on the side, we also did a loan product for them that doesn’t require them to give security [deposit], and the product also offers exclusive pricing for them. So, we are able to offer them the two services – and that was a game changer for those women.
Question: Please tell us a little bit about how the AFAWA Guarantee for Growth program [implemented by AFAWA partner, the African Guarantee Fund] was beneficial to your bank.
The AFAWA program came in for those [women entrepreneurs] that we had scaled. I mean, we also have some appetite towards credit risk. It has a cap – we can’t side step beyond a given limit. But for those women entrepreneurs who have scaled outside our risk appetite for unsecured facility, we were able to leverage on the African Guarantee Fund guarantee to be able to lend to them. One of our customers was here yesterday to exhibit. That is Jude Color Solutions – [a micro-sized business] which started in their garage – again supported by us. They have a tailoring plant for corporate uniforms and marketing materials in Kampala today. They have been around for about 10 years and we’ve grown them to now an SME, so that is a testament of the capacity and the possibilities around that woman who is under privileged. But if given an opportunity for financial inclusion and financial services accessibility, these women can do miracles. The talent to be able to run their businesses and we have supported them as such.
Read more about the AFAWA Bank of the Year honor awarded to Centenary Rural Development Bank here (https://apo-opa.co/
3RLMIb9). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). -
Africa: Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) announce Nigerien winner of their Media Awards to break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education and Diabetes- Hypertension awareness
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) announce Nigerien winner of their Media Awards to break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education and Diabetes- Hypertension awarenessMerck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’NIAMEY, Niger, June 27, 2024/ — Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 from Niger. Winners from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am very excited to announce the winner from Niger and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.
We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.
All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.
It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.
I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”
Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.
“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, concluded Senator Kelej.
Nigerien Winner of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023:
- Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger, First Position, Print Category
Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023
Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
- Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
- Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNER
- Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
- Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
- Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)
Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS
- Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
- Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
- Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
- Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Print Category, Namibia (Third Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
- Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
- Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Radio Category, Namibia (First Position)
- Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
- Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
- Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV, Zambia (First Position)
- Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)
Here are the winners from East African Countries:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS
- Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
- Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
- Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
- Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
- Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
- Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
- Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)
- Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
- Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
- Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
- Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
- Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER
- Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
- Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)
Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.LeRenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
- Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
- Jessy NZENGU, LualabamaProvince.com, DRC (First Position)
- AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
- Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.Bi, Burundi (Third Position)
- JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)
- Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
- Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
- Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)
Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS
- Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)
Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023
Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
- Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Odimegwu Onwumere, TheNigerianVoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
- Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
- Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER
- Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Online Category, Namibia (First Position)
- Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
- Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
- Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Online Category, Namibia (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
- Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
- Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)
Here are the winners from East African Countries:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNER
- Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
- Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
- Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
- Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
- Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS
- Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS
- Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development, DRC (First Position)
- Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
- Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
- Petga Tonga Valgadine, LaVoixDuKoat.com, Cameroon, (Third Position)
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS
- Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi (First Position)
- Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
- Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)
Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:
RADIO CATEGORY WINNER
- Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)
Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:
1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024
Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:
- Southern African Countries
- West African Countries
- East African Countries
- French Speaking African Countries
- Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.
2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2024
Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:
- Southern African Countries
- West African Countries
- East African Countries
- French Speaking African Countries
- Portuguese Speaking African Countries
- Latin American Countries
- Asian Countries
Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.
All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.
Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award
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NEWS UPDATE: ExxonMobil’s Project Portfolio, Commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to Bolster Growth in Angola
ExxonMobil’s Project Portfolio, Commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to Bolster Growth in AngolaThrough a strong pipeline of oil and gas projects and various community development initiatives, ExxonMobil continues to support long-term growth in AngolaLUANDA, Angola, June 13, 2024/ — ExxonMobil could inject as much as $15 billion into the development of Angola’s hydrocarbon reserves by 2030, following the success of commercial oil discoveries in the southern African country. The energy major is developing a series of large-scale projects and is committed to supporting community development through capacity building and outreach programs aimed at improving STEM-related opportunities. These endeavors are poised to strengthen the Angolan oil and gas industry while bolstering industrialization and broader economic growth.This week, the African Energy Chamber – led by Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk – met with company leaders from ExxonMobil as part of a working visit to the country. During the meeting, the parties discussed the government’s efforts in opening up the sector and how fiscal policies have made doing business in Angola that much more competitive. ExxonMobil – celebrating 30 years of operations in Angola – has been at the forefront of many large-scale developments in the country, and the major’s renewed focus on infrastructure-led exploration; local content development; and investments in STEM will unlock new opportunities for the country.
ExxonMobil’s rich production history in Angola underscores both the country’s oil and gas potential and the company’s commitment to spurring development in Africa. Considered a golden block, the company’s deepwater Block 15 in Angola represents one of the most successful offshore concessions in the region, with 18 commercial discoveries made. Producing for 20 years, the block hit a milestone of 2.5 billion barrels of cumulative oil production in 2023. This year, ExxonMobil made an oil discovery at the Likember-01 research well in the block. The operation, which took place in the Kizomba B development area, revealed the existence of high-quality hydrocarbon-bearing sand packages. The find follows a discovery made in 2022 at the Bavuca South-1 exploration well in Block 15, which formed part of a redevelopment plan to deliver 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) of new oil production.
The development area is operated by ExxonMobil and developed in partnership with Angola’s state-owned Sonangol and international energy companies Equinor and Azule Energy. The Likembe-01 well is the first to be drilled as part of a broader incremental production initiative, which is spearheaded by Angola’s national concessionaire, the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency and aims to increase output at already-producing concessions in the country. ExxonMobil also has an 20% participating interest in Block 17, a 15% participating interest in Block 32 and continues to operate Blocks 30, 44 and 45 in the Namib Basin, offshore Angola, with a 60% participating interest in the three blocks. This month, ExxonMobil surpassed a production level of 200,000 bpd. This represents significant materiality, a key condition for establishing Angola as a competitive oil province as well as positioning the country as a top performer in the company’s global portfolio.
Going forward, the company is committed to drilling in the Namibe basin, with plans to invest $200 million to drill an offshore frontier exploration well by the end of 2024 in partnership with Sonangol. The campaign aims to uncover new oil and gas reserves in Angola’s underexplored acreage and, if successful, the supermajor could inject as much as $15 billion into the development of the basin by 2030. The development of a large commercial discovery is poised to result in revenue of between $20 billion and $40 billion for the country, which will serve to promote socioeconomic development, economic diversification and local content and community advancement.
“ExxonMobil’s investment in Angola continues to grow because of the enabling environment that the government continues to create for the industry. The government is making sure that the country remains competitive – especially in terms of fiscals – and is significantly improving market attractiveness for companies. This enables world-class project developments and the AEC commends the government for laying this strong foundation,” stated Ayuk.
Apart from oil and gas development, ExxonMobil is a strong advocate for STEM-related education in Angola. The company is committed to advancing opportunities for Angolan people in this area and strives to address challenges related to STEM education in the country. Specifically, the company aims to create opportunities for girls and women in STEM. During the AEC-ExxonMobil meeting, the parties discussed the critical role investments in STEM play in the country and how the company is spearheading efforts to promote education. Additionally, the parties outlined the vital role of women in the energy sector. For its part, ExxonMobil has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality in the industry. Industry leaders such as Melissa Bond, former Country Manager for Angola at ExxonMobil, and Katrina Fisher, Lead Country Manager/Managing Director for Angola at ExxonMobil, have championed these endeavors. During the upcoming AEW: Invest in African Energy conference this November (4-8), the AEC aims to bring women in energy and STEM discussions to the main stage, highlighting the importance of these topics.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil has been outspoken in its philanthropic efforts in Angola. In May, ExxonMobil and the National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa announced the launch of a new Jr. NBA League in Luanda. The new league will feature 40 boys’ and girls’ teams for youths in the country aged 16 and under. The league is set to reach as many as 10,000 youth participants in 2024. The league will culminate with the playoffs and finals in September this year and will feature all-girls basketball clinics as part of the NBA’s Her Time to Play initiative – providing opportunities for girls to play the game and pursue careers in coaching and athletic leadership.
“The AEC commends the progress ExxonMobil continues to make in promoting women in energy, STEM-related education and economic growth in Angola. The company has been a champion of these critical issues and the AEC looks forward to working closely with the company to support the next generation of oil, gas and science in Africa,” concluded Ayuk.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.SOURCE
African Energy Chamber
