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ECOWAS lauded for its immense support, solidarity with Mali
ABUJA – Mali’s Prime Minister Oumar Tatam Ly has expressed his country’s profound gratitude to ECOWAS for its solidarity and contributions that facilitated the resolution of Malian crises and restoration of national unity and constitutional order.
Receiving in audience in his office on Friday 22nd November 2013, Prof. Amos Sawyer, Head of ECOWAS Election Observation Mission to Mali’s Sunday legislative poll, the Prime Minister mentioned in particular the laudable efforts by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Kadre Desire Ouedraogo and his management team in advancing the regional integration agenda.
He noted that ECOWAS support had encouraged Mali to build on the momentum of its recent successful presidential polls by taking on the challenges of organizing the parliamentary elections in the aftermath of the country’s political and security crises.
According to the Prime Minister, the presence of the regional observers will not only boost the credibility of the elections, but also reassure the local population and the international community on the prevailing peace and security in Mali.
Prof. Sawyer, who met the Prime Minister as part of his consultations with political stakeholders ahead of Sunday’s poll, briefed the Malian leader on the role of the 100-strong regional observation team and their neutrality in process to conclude the country’s political transition being facilitated by ECOWAS.
Recalling the key role played by ECOWAS in ending the 14-year bloody civil war in his own country, Liberia, with Mali as part of that process, Prof. Sawyer said this formed the basis for the involvement of ECOWAS and its Member States in helping Mali in its period of need.
“When your neighbour’s house is on fire you have to help put it out,” the head of ECOWAS Mission said, adding that it has become “an obligation for ECOWAS to help Malian brothers and sisters” out of crises.
Prof. Sawyer also met with the Malian Minister for Territorial Administration Mousa Sinko Coulibaly, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, CENI, Mr. Mamadou Diamoutani and other officials of the Commission, as well as the Delegate General for elections in Mali, Gen. Siaka Sangare.
The head of ECOWAS observer mission, who was accompanied on the courtesy visits and discussions by Ambassador Aboudou Toure Cheaka, President of ECOWAS Commission’s Special Representative to Mali, the Director of Cabinet in the President’s Office, Mr. Denis Ouedraogo and the Commission’s Director of Political Affairs, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, also met with heads of other observer missions.
Speaking shortly on his arrival in Bamako on Thursday, Prof. Sawyer appealed for peaceful parliamentary polls in Mali to consolidate the progress made towards the restoration of constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity.
He also called on Malians to turn out massively to elect members of the147-seat National Assembly from the more than 1,100 contending candidates.
More than 6.5million registered Malian voters from the country’s estimated 16.5million population will cast their ballots in more than 20,000 polling centres on Sunday.
ECOWAS observers are being deployed to the country’s eight regions and the municipalities of Bamako, the nation’s capital.
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Musa Joins Jaiz Bank As Ambassador
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
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Kenya Celebrates First Lady Rachel Ruto’s 56th Birthday
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
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Gas Explosion in Katsina Filling Station Damages Six Vehicles
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.