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IOM’s Director General joins world leaders paying tribute to Nelson Mandela
GENEVA – IOM today joins the global community in paying tribute to global icon, Nelson Mandela, with its Director General William Lacy Swing joining thousands of global dignitaries who have come to South Africa to pay last respects to the legendary South African leader.
Ambassador Swing, who worked closely with Mandela when he was US ambassador to South Africa from 1989 to 1992, will attend today the official memorial service to be held at the FNB Stadium near Soweto in Gauteng, the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison. Bidding farewell to a man dubbed as the most extraordinary liberation leader of Africa, Swing will also attend the public viewing ceremony on the 11th at the Union Buildings, the South Africa government house in Pretoria.
“We have lost a true leader; a beacon of true transformation, hope and humanity. I have had the privilege to meet Mandela during my term as the United States Ambassador to South Africa. I remember his warmth, modesty and friendliness, qualities that were infectious and continue to inspire our work in achieving a free, peaceful, and united global community,” says Swing.
“We are exceptionally privileged to have had such an inspirational and courageous leader – may his strong legacy of courage, integrity and generosity continue to live eternally and transform all four corners of the world,” adds Swing.
Ambassador Swing extends his condolences to Mandela’s family. “Just as the world has undeniably benefited from his remarkable work, the world now stands by his family. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his dear spouse Grace Machel, his family and South Africans at large.”
Ambassador Swing extends his condolences to Mandela’s family “Just as the world has undeniably benefited from his remarkable work, the world now stands by his family. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his dear spouse Grace Machel, his family and South Africans at large.”
“Nelson Mandela’s ultimate vision to bring justice, liberty and equality not only in South Africa but worldwide has been an inspiration for all international organizations, including IOM. The standards he set for himself were no doubt very high – he placed a huge burden on his shoulders; he built a progressive nation out of racial and social discrimination through peaceful and constructive reconciliation. IOM, through Mandela’s legacy vows to continue to strive for equality, freedom, human right, and peace for all humankind,” he concluded.
Mandela’s body will finally be laid to rest on Sunday 15 December in his home village of Qunu, in the Eastern Cape Province.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has alerted motorists to traffic delays along Ogunnusi Road towards Ojodu-Berger due to ongoing rehabilitation work.
LASTMA disclosed this in a post on its official X account on Sunday, stating that the road rehabilitation was being carried out by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC).
According to the agency, “The ongoing work is affecting traffic flow, with vehicles moving at a slower pace in both directions.”
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To ease the situation, LASTMA said a contraflow arrangement had been introduced for motorists travelling from Omole Junction towards Vis Junction.
“A contraflow arrangement is in place for vehicles coming from Omole Junction towards Vis Junction to facilitate the movement of traffic,” the agency stated.
LASTMA added that its personnel had been deployed to manage traffic and ensure the continuous movement of vehicles around the affected area.
“Our personnel are on ground managing the traffic situation and ensuring the continuous flow of vehicular movement,” the agency said.
The traffic management authority advised motorists to remain patient and exercise caution while the rehabilitation work continues.
“Motorists are advised to exercise patience and drive with caution while the rehabilitation work continues,” LASTMA stated.
Leading economists, financial experts and industry stakeholders have described the Dangote Group’s investments as major drivers of industrialisation and economic transformation across Nigeria and Africa.
The experts cited the Group’s impact on job creation, import substitution, foreign exchange conservation and economic competitiveness.
They voiced their thoughts at the Lagos Economic Summit themed “The Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity,” where they urged governments to implement policies that strengthen local industries and accelerate economic diversification.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Samaila Zubairu, commended the Dangote Group’s sustained investments across Africa, describing them as critical to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
He noted that while recent economic reforms have improved foreign exchange stability, strengthened reserves and eased inflationary pressures, the focus must now shift to growth in industry, productivity and employment.
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Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Muda Yusuf, said industrialisation remains the most effective path to sustainable economic development.
He called for better alignment of trade and industrial policies, stressing that local manufacturers require strategic support to compete effectively and drive broader economic benefits.
Founder and CEO of Nairametrics, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, said Africa’s growing population presents a significant industrial opportunity, noting that investments such as the Dangote Refinery are helping to retain capital within the continent while strengthening local production capacity.
In his keynote address, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said Nigeria is gradually transitioning from a consumption-led economy to one driven by investment and production.
He added that sustained investments in productive sectors will continue to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve living standards.
Participants at the summit also advocated stronger credit infrastructure, improved national identification systems and increased investment in skills development to enhance the productivity and global competitiveness of Africa’s growing youth population.
Photo Caption: From Left – Chief Economist, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Hassan Mahmud; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Chairman of Occasion/Special Guest of Honour, Samaila Zubairu; Key Note Speaker Session 1, Bismarck Rewane; during the Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity, Sponsored by Dangote Industry Limited in Lagos on Thursday 3, September 2026.
Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has released what he described as his first piece of evidence after the Nigeria Police Force challenged him to substantiate his allegations that some police officers allegedly collaborate with kidnappers.
VDM released a video on his Instagram handle on Thursday, August 27, 2026, shortly after the police invited him to provide evidence supporting the claims he made at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.
SEE MORE: ‘Provide Evidence’ — Police React to VDM’s Explosive Kidnap Allegation
The activist captioned the video: “My evidence number 1.”
Recalled that VDM, who was a panellist at the NBA conference on Tuesday, had alleged that some police officers manning checkpoints along major highways provide kidnappers and bandits with information about travellers.
According to him, the officers allegedly relay details about the identities and movements of travellers to criminal groups, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
The allegation triggered a response from the Nigeria Police Force, which denied the claim and challenged VDM to substantiate his allegations.
The police invitation came as the force sought evidence to support the serious claims made by the social media critic.
In response, VDM released the video, describing it as his “evidence number 1”, signalling that he may provide further material to support his allegations.
The development has continued to attract attention, with the controversy placing renewed focus on allegations of possible collaboration between security personnel and criminal groups involved in kidnapping and banditry.
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