Other News
The Peace and Security Council’s Decision on the situation in Madagascar
ADDIS ABABA – The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 415th meeting held on 27 January 2014, adopted the following decision on the situation in Madagascar:
Council,
1. Takes note of the briefing made by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, as well as of the statement made by the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC);
2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in Madagascar, in particular PSC/ PR/COMM.(CLXXXI) communiqué, adopted at its 181st meeting held on 20 March 2009, PSC/PR/COMM.1(CCXVI) and PSC/PR/COMM.1(CCXXI) communiqués, adopted at its 216th and 221st meetings held on 19 February and 17 March 2010, respectively, PSC/PR/COM.1(CCCIII) communiqué, adopted at its 303rd meeting held on 8 December 2011, and PSC/MIN/Comm.(CCCLXVIII) communiqué, adopted at its 368th meeting held in Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, on 22 April 2013;
3. Reiterates its appreciation to the SADC and the AU for their sustained support to the resolution of the crisis and for the close coordination between the two organizations throughout the crisis exit process. Council, in particular, pays tribute to the SADC Mediator in the Malagasy crisis, former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozamique, as well as to Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, former AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, for their commitment and active engagement, which contributed significantly to the progress achieved. Council also reiterates its appreciation to the international partners, particularly the members of the International Contact Group on Madagascar (ICG-M), for their support to the efforts of the AU and the SADC;
4. Welcomes the positive developments in Madagascar, particularly the holding, on 25 October and 20 December 2013, of the 1st and 2nd rounds of the presidential election, as well as the holding of the legislative elections, concurrently with the second round of the presidential election;
5. Acknowledges that the electoral process has been recognized as being inclusive, credible and legitimate by the different observation missions, particularly those of the AU and the SADC. Council, in this regard, expresses its appreciation to the Malagasy people, as well as to all political actors and institutions of the country, for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections and the completion of the transition process;
6. Takes note of the proclamation, on 17 January 2014, by the Special Electoral Court (CES) of Madagascar, of the final results of the second round of the presidential election, congratulates Mr. Hery Rajaonarimampianina Rakotoarimanana, for his election as the new President of the Republic of Madagascar, and notes his swearing-in on 25 January 2014;
7. Decides, in view of the completion of the transition process and the restoration of constitutional order, and in accordance with the relevant AU instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and paragraph 8 of its communiqué PSC/MIN/Comm.(CCCLXVIII), to lift the suspension of Madagascar’s participation in the activities of the AU. Council further decides to lift all other measures that had been taken to ensure that the Malagasy stakeholders work towards the restoration of constitutional order, and invites Madagascar to immediately resume its participation in the activities of the AU;
8. Urges the new President of the Republic of Madagascar and the other Malagasy stakeholders to work towards the promotion of national reconciliation, good governance and respect for human rights, in order to consolidate the important gains achieved;
9. Expresses the commitment of the AU and the SADC to continue to support the new Malagasy authorities and the other concerned stakeholders in the country in their efforts, including those relating to socio-economic recovery;
10. Calls on the international community to provide necessary support to Madagascar, with a view to consolidating the remarkable gains made by the country;
11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Other News
LASTMA Alerts Motorists to Traffic Delays on Ogunnusi Road
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.”
ALSO READ: Chaos On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway As LASTMA Shuts Otedola Bridge
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.
NEWS
Dangote Investments are Catalysts for Africa’s Economic Growth – AFC
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.
READ ALSO: NMDPRA Shares July Domestic Cooking Gas Supply Details
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.
Other News
VDM Fires Back at Police, Releases First ‘Evidence’ Over Kidnap Claims
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.






70575 675739Thank you for your information and respond to you. bad credit auto loans hawaii 741406
967304 392091I appreciate you taking the time to create this post. It has been really valuable to me definitely. Value it. 814228
914661 955751It shows how you comprehend this subject. Added this page, is for more. 51432