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Obama Hails Democracy In Africa

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United States President Barack Obama has hailed Africa’s democratic progress and “amazing changes” during a visit to Senegal yesterday, the first stop on a three-country tour of the continent.
“I’m making this visit to Africa because I see this as a moment of great progress and great promise for the continent,” he said, after meeting Senegal’s President Macky Sall in the capital, Dakar.
Obama said Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa.
The U.S. President was welcome by crowds dressed in white who lined the streets waving posters and banners.
Obama’s trip – his second to Africa during his time as president – is being overshadowed by the failing health of South African legend Nelson Mandela, who is clinging to life in a Pretoria hospital.
“Mandela is a personal hero and a hero for the world,” Obama said from Dakar’s presidential palace. “If and when he passes away, his legacy will linger on through the ages.”
The tour, which also includes, South Africa and Tanzania, is expected to focus on promoting good governance and forging stronger economic links. Obama and Sall discussed economic ties and bilateral relations.
“Africa is a continent that’s going somewhere with a strong workforce…we want to offer greater opportunities to our young people and grow in prosperity and industry,” said 51-year-old Sall.
Obama visited Senegal’s Supreme Court, where he met with judges from several West African countries.
“I believe that the rule of law is a foundation for governance and also a foundation for human rights and economic growth,” he said.
“Rule of law is what upholds universal human rights. Sometimes, when no one else will, a judge can stand up on behalf of someone.”
Although Senegal has made great strides in the realm of justice in recent months, laying the groundwork for an international court and jailing the son of former President Abdoulaye Wade for fraud, Obama said it still faces “great challenges.”
Obama earlier praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage as “a victory” for human rights. But gay relationships remain against the law in Senegal.
Sall said he was not ready to make homosexuality legal in Senegal, “although we do respect the rights of the individual.
“Each country has different cultures, different traditions. Just like with the death penalty, we must respect each others’ stance,” Sall added.
Obama is accompanied by first lady Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha on the Africa tour.
Michelle and her Senegalese counterpart Mareme, visited Martin Luther King school in Dakar where they met students.
The first lady honoured Mandela in a speech at the school.
“If President Mandela could endure being confined to a tiny cell, being forced to perform back-breaking labor…then you can honour his legacy by leaving a proud legacy of your own,” she told students.
Senegal political analyst Aly Ndiaye said the choice of school was symbolic.
“There is solidarity between the Obama family and the Senegalese people,” he said.
“Martin Luther King walked so that Obama could run, so that black children in Africa and the U.S. will be able to fly.”
The Obamas are expected to visit former slave-trading post Goree Island on Thursday, a one-time launching point for West African slaves sent to the U.S.

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May Day: Labour Seeks Inclusiveness In Policy-making 

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The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.

The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.

The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.

Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.

He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights  of workers by some agents

According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.

Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.

“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.

“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.

“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said

Ajaero, therefore,  urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.

He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to  demand better conditions is non-negotiable.

“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”

Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.

He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.

 

 

 

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2025 UTME: JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.

The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.

“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.

“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.

“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.

” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.

“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.

Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.

According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.

He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.

He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.

He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”

“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.

“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.

“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.

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NDDC Seeks UN’s Support To Accelerate Niger Delta Development

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.

Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.

According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.

He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.

“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.

Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.

He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.

“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.

“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.

The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.

Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.

In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.

He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.

“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.

“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.

He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.

 

 

 

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