DRIVERS LICENSE : NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA EXCITES AS UNITED STATES ADOPTS YORUBA LANGUAGE IN TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATION
Nigerian-Americans are among the most successful immigrant groups, topping the charts in a wide array of fields.
The Yoruba people of present-day South-Western Nigeria are the fountainhead of a number of vibrant and growing global success from arts, religion, education, music, sports etc.
From BALTIMORE USA — Maryland’s learner’s permit knowledge test, and its study materials, will soon be offered in nine more languages, bringing the total for each to 17 languages.
Getting a learner’s permit is the first step to getting a driver’s license in the state.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration said it is expanding accessibility services as part of Gov. Wes Moore’s focus on equity and access.
The new languages being offered are:
Yoruba (West Africa) Tagalog Amharic (Afro-Asiatic language) Arabic Russian Urdu Hindi Farsi Portuguese American Sign Language
Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said in a news release that enhancing the accessibility for the driver’s knowledge test and study materials is critical in serving the state’s “linguistically diverse population.”
“We are committed to the safety of all our new drivers and we want all our applicants to understand the materials clearly and have a positive testing experience,” Nizer stated.
To apply for a learner’s permit, applicants must pass the permit driver’s knowledge test which is comprised of 25 random questions that include topics such as roadway signage, rules of the road and more. Applicants must finish the test within 20 minutes with a score of 88% or better to pass.
In faraway United States of America, there is a Yoruba community named Oyotunji African Village. It is located near Sheldon, Beaufort County, South Carolina. Oyotunji is regarded as North America’s oldest authentic African village.
Three Nigerian Nationals Extradited from the United Kingdom and Spain to Face Fraud Charges
It’s no longer news that online crimes is on the rise with the advancement in technology. The US government is also not resting on ensuring fraudsters are exposed and prosecuted.
A recent publication by the US Department of Public Safety indicated that three Nigerians are currently undergoing investigation over fraud crimes.
Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims from outside the United States.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service constantly strives to protect our communities from predatory criminals seeking to abuse and exploit the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division. “This case is an example of how Postal Inspectors will vigorously pursue fraudsters and ensure that they are brought to justice for the crimes they have committed.”
“These extraditions prove that by pulling law enforcement agencies together, we can best focus on investigating individuals and illicit criminal organizations associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect vulnerable seniors,” Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “I want to thank everyone involved in this investigation and in the extradition process for their dedication; together we have the tools to keep our elderly from falling prey to these scams.”
The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Neboh and Samuel were both extradited earlier this year. If convicted, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, and Ozor each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
COUP : MILITARY TAKEOVER IN GABON, BREAKS 50 YEARS SINGLE FAMILY RULE IN THE OIL RICH COUNTRY
Military officers in oil-producing Gabon said they had seized power on Wednesday, after the Central African state’s election body announced that President Ali Bongo had won a third term.
A dozen senior officers appeared on television channel Gabon 24 to declare that the election results were cancelled, borders were closed and state institutions were dissolved. They said they represented all Gabon’s security and defence forces.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of the capital Libreville to celebrate in the morning following the overnight announcement, which appeared to have been filmed from the presidential palace, according to the television images.
If successful, the coup would be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. The latest one, in Niger, was in July. Military officers have also seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad, erasing democratic gains since the 1990s.
The officers, calling themselves The Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions, said Gabon was “undergoing a severe institutional, political, economic, and social crisis”, and said the Aug. 26 election was not transparent or credible.
Gunfire was heard briefly in Libreville after the statement announcing the ousting of Bongo, whose family have ruled the oil and manganese producer for more than half a century. But the streets were largely calm before celebrations erupted. Police officers guarded major city intersections.
The officers, calling themselves The Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions, said Gabon was “undergoing a severe institutional, political, economic, and social crisis”, and said the Aug. 26 election was not transparent or credible.
Gunfire was heard briefly in Libreville after the statement announcing the ousting of Bongo, whose family have ruled the oil and manganese producer for more than half a century. But the streets were largely calm before celebrations erupted. Police officers guarded major city intersections.
The coup creates more uncertainty for France’s presence in the region. It has about 350 troops stationed in Gabon. French forces were kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso after coups in those countries, amid a wave of anti-French sentiment, and the coup leaders in Niger have also ordered them to leave.
China’s foreign ministry called for the situation in Gabon to be resolved peacefully and said the personal safety of Bongo, who visited China in April, should be ensured.
A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale revealed that President Tinubu Advised Ambassador Molly to ensure that U.S. policy is intentionally collaborative with independent African democracies at a time when they are under assault by anti-democratic forces within and outside of the continent.
The President noted that American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions, which were designed to support war-torn Europe after World War II, require swift and comprehensive reform to meet the developmental requirements of younger democracies in Africa, which operate in authoritarian-crowded environments, such that the legitimate yearnings of Africans would no longer be manipulated to serve the narrow aims of self-seeking demagogues through unconstitutional takeovers of power.
“Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the U.S. Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for U.S. industrial investment in Nigeria. Under my leadership, Nigeria stands ready to address their specific regulatory, tax and environmental concerns. I am determined to create prosperity for all Nigerian families,” the President declared.
The Nigerian leader affirmed that the crisis in Niger Republic would not deter him from concluding his economic reform programme successfully for the benefit of Nigerians and that he takes a queue from no nation, but will only advance the interest of the Nigerian state in his approach toward ECOWAS’ handling of the regional standoff.
“We know there is more we can do to incentivize large-scale American investment in Nigeria and we are committed to working closely with you to achieve that, as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy and the regional economy. We appreciate your willingness to create an enabling environment for that. President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership,” the U.S. Special Envoy said.
The President that the work of perfecting democracy is never done, even in developed democracies, as seen recently in America, as well as other emerging democracies in the world.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. @jidesanwoolu has declared Monday August 21st as Work Free Day for all Public Servants in the State.
The Isese festival, marked annually on August 20, is celebrated by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion. The day is commemorated by several processions and worships of the multitude of gods that make up the Yoruba traditional religion pantheon.
The Isese Day, has been set aside in Lagos to celebrate the indigenous Yoruba culture and traditions as well as the preservation of the Yoruba heritage.
According to a circular issued by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, this Year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Sunday, 20th August, 2023.
He stated further that the declaration of Work Free Day by Governor Sanwo-Olu is reaffirmation of his “commitment to continue to provide necessary support to traditional institutions in the State with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage”.
The circular announced Tuesday, 22nd August at 8a.m. prompt as resumption of work for all State workers.
The indigenous religion of the Yoruba people, Isese, is dated as having begun as early as 500–300 B.C.E., according to existing archaeological evidence.
Isese, the Yoruba word for tradition, is also used to denote different kinds of festivals held by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion or culture in Nigeria and Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.
The Yoruba people and descendant are black people who occupies the south-western area of Nigeria in Africa. The origin and existence of the Yoruba race can be traced to their ancient father ODUDUWA who migrated from the ancient city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The historical Yoruba develop in situ, out of earlier (Mesolithic) Volta-Niger populations, by the 1st millennium BC. Archaeologically, the settlement at Ile-Ife can be dated to around the 10th to 6th century BC, with urban structures appearing in the 4th-7th Centuries
Starting this year, the Russian government will begin teaching three major African languages in a few Moscow schools as part of efforts to strengthen links with the continent.
This is coming in light of the growing international isolation Russia is experiencing as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.
According to Alexei Maslow, director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Lomonosov Moscow State University, the languages will be taught in four yet-to-be-disclosed schools starting in September 2023. The languages include Swahili, which is widely spoken in Eastern Africa, Amharic, and Yoruba, which are spoken in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The Russian news source Sputnik reported last week that the African languages will be taught as a part of a special program of the IAAS-MSU and is intended to assist create deeper links with the continent.
The announcement was made at a Sputnik international roundtable on Russia-Africa relations that was attended by academics from universities in the two countries and focused on “prospects for economic cooperation. If implemented, the decision will make Russia the first nation in Europe to offer African language instruction in public schools.
This news brought excitement in some circles in both Russia and Africa, with the Russian embassy in Uganda happily tweeting the news.
One of the most widely used languages in Africa, Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is spoken largely in the East African nations of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The language is spoken by more than 200 million people. It is the official tongue of Kenya and Tanzania, and the African Union has adopted it as their common language.
Yoruba, on the other hand, is primarily spoken in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo in West Africa, where over 50 million people do. Over 50 million people speak Amharic in the nations of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
According to the Study in Russia organization Racus, over 100,000 African students have expressed interest in studying there, and about 30,000 of them are currently enrolled in Russian universities. In recent years, the nation has increased its recruitment efforts, utilising affordability and quality as the selling point. Russia gets $110m yearly as tuition from 22,000 African students.
The cooperation between Russia and Africa in the field of education is even said to be “at a traditionally high level,” according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also noted that 5,000 of the 27,000 African students studying there are being supported by his government through scholarships.
UPS FOR NIGERIANS AS GOOGLE OFFICIALLY ACCEPTS NAIRA AS A MEANS OF TRANSACTIONS
Google has partnered with Verve to make digital transactions on Google Play Store easier for Nigerians.
The firm noted that as from Wednesday, Nigerians could now use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store.
It stated that under its new partnership, Google would process Verve transactions within Nigeria, and the transactions would be undertaken in naira and treated as local transactions by the country’s banking institutions.
Google in Nigeria – celebrating the company’s presence in Africa’s largest market, Google confirmed that the ‘Nigerian-sounding voice’ was part of its new offerings to its Nigerian users.At the event, Google also announced several new products and initiatives, including a $4m fund for African youths and an app that teaches kids how to read.
Commenting on the development, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships, Google Play, Anthea Crawford, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verve, expanding Google Play access for more Nigerians.
The introduction of local payments with Verve cards is a significant milestone, enabling more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need.”
The Managing Director Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, added, “The integration with Google Play is a significant stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. We are excited to bring digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, hence bridging the digital divide.”
Recall that in 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has explained the reason for the sudden disappearance of the newly launched e-naira speed wallet from Google’s play store.
The bank explained that the app’s disappearance was only temporary as it was undergoing an important upgrade aimed at tackling glitches noticed since its launch.
Director of Corporate Communications of the bank, Osita Nwanisobi, gave the explanation on Thursday in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state.
He was speaking at a CBN Fair for the southeast geo-political zone, which held simultaneously in Ebonyi and Abịa States.
The e-Naira Speed Wallet app had gone missing from the Google Play Store just days after its launch on Monday, 25th of October 2021.
Google in Nigeria – celebrating the company’s presence in Africa’s largest market, Google confirmed that the ‘Nigerian-sounding voice’ was part of its new offerings to its Nigerian users.At the event, Google also announced several new products and initiatives, including a $4m fund for African youths and an app that teaches kids how to read.“We are here for the long-haul,” Google’s Country Manager in Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan told journalists. “We want people to get the best out of the internet.”Google is one of the most valuable brands in the world. Founded by two Stanford University Ph.D. students in 1998, the company’s flagship product was Search. Today, people perform over 3.5 billion searches daily using Google.Its other products – Gmail, Youtube, Chrome, Maps, Translator, Android – are also used every day by billions of people. Android alone runs on more than two billion devices.For the last quarter of 2018, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, announced revenues of $31.84 billion.In Nigeria, Google is a household name, especially among young people with smartphones. For many, the company’s name is synonymous with the World Wide Web.But access to the Internet remains limited for the majority of Nigerians. In 2018, Google announced Google Station for Nigeria, a program to provide high-quality, high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots across five Nigerian cities.Google wants more Nigerians to get online and to have a valuable experience; this has shaped the trajectory of its product innovation and initiatives for Nigeria in recent years; based on the news from this year’s Google in Nigeria event, the trend is set to continue.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS; also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. Collectively, these countries comprise an area of 5,114,162 km2 (1,974,589 sq mi), and in 2019 had an estimated population of over 387 million.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU EMERGES AS NEW ECOWAS CHAIRMAN, HARPS ON REGIONAL SECURITY
…seeks private sector-led economic growth in sub-region
…Says ECOWAS must rise against coup d’etat
In a unanimous endorsement that signals the trust and confidence reposed in him by his counterparts, President Bola Tinubu emerged the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
President Tinubu, who is the latest entrant into the exclusive club of Heads of State in West Africa, enthusiastically accepted the honour, on behalf of Nigeria, with a solemn pledge to bear the responsibility of the office and run an inclusive administration of the regional organisation.
The Nigerian leader, however, warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and emerging pattern of military takeover that now demand urgent and concerted actions.
He said insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the region.
President Tinubu called for a collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonized to actualize the dreams of ECOWAS.
“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive. In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” he declared.
President Tinubu noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy. There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.
“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilize resources as well as the political will to towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure,” the President further stated.
On his emergence as Chairman on his first participation at the summit, having just started out as the elected leader of Nigeria, President Tinubu stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the leadership of the regional body, pledging his commitment to serve the interest of the community.
He said: “Indeed, I’m humbled and honored by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community.”
To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the Nigerian President declared that he would prioritize political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstone of peace and sustainable development. While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa where soldiers have toppled the popular mandate of the people through barrel of guns, President Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.
“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government. There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources, we didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people. To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.
On political stability, he said: “You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region.
“We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law. I will enhance engagements with the countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule.
The new ECOWAS Chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of Member States as well as their social integration.
“We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region. We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among Member States by addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.
“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens.
“To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals, “he said further.
President Tinubu assured the regional leaders of the immediate implementation of his vision for the body, declaring that:
“In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023.
“The event will provide opportunity for Member States to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organized private sector within the region,” he added while calling for the strengthening of the institutions of the body.
“In the area of strengthening our Organisations Institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the on-going institutional reforms of the organization.
“Given that Community Levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organization, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS. This is in line with the shift of ECOWAS slogan from “ECOWAS of State” to “ECOWAS of People,” the Nigerian President emphasised.
He appreciated the Authority of Heads of States and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.
President Tinubub said: “Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity of our region.”
In his welcome address, the outgone ECOWAS Chairman and President of Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region. He cited Mali, Burkina Faso and Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been distorted while congratulating Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through democratic process with the recent successful elections.
In an unprecedented social media post,a Cameroonian lady , Danny Zara, a young woman has revealed her audacious plan to embark on a 200-hour sex marathon
Danny Zara has announced publicly her plans to embark on a 200-hour sex marathon.
Meet a 25-year-old Cameroonian lady (Danny Zara)from Mankon, North West Region of Cameroon, who will be embarking on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the longest Sex duration.
The current record for the longest Sex duration is (15hours 7mins & 23 seconds)and has been held by a Nigerian man since 2013.
Zara, in a post on Facebook, said that the Guinness World Record is “aware of my proposed attempt to have continuous sexual intercourse for 200 hrs.”
She sought the participation of willing men to join her in the endeavor slated to start on 17th July to 25th July 2023.
Zara said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, after the confirmation from the Guinness Books of Records, I have decided to break a record of the Longest Sex Hour (Sex_Thon).
“Planet Cameroon, it is time for you to support your own so we can bring this book to our country make Nigeria no help us tear am. Thanks to my defense team, Bella Powers of Bella Powers Voice.
“All we need now are guys that will volunteer themselves for this project to be carried out. Your girl is loyal.”
Danny Zara has engaged in a variety of pursuits throughout her life. She has made a name for herself as a passionate and tenacious Cameroonian. Despite the fact that there are few specifics about her professional background, her recent sex marathon declaration has made her more well-known.
The bold ambition Danny Zara has to pursue a 200-hour sex marathon is one thing that makes her stand out. The goal of this enormous project is to beat the current Guinness World Record. Zara recently revealed her goal to have nonstop sex for a staggering 200 hours in a bold Facebook post.
Danny Zara is actively looking for capable people who are willing to join her on this historic voyage in order to complete this achievement. Even if the idea of such a marathon may raise questions and pique interest, it’s crucial to approach the subject with an open mind and respect for the variety of human goals and aspirations.
It is important to recognize that taking part in such an event should be voluntary, responsible, and lawful. Everyone involved must have honest conversations about limits, consent, and personal wellbeing.
Zara’s announcement has sparked a mixed reaction among the public, with many expressing surprise, curiosity, and admiration for her boldness. However, concerns have been raised regarding the physical and mental health implications of such a strenuous undertaking.
As news of Zara’s upcoming sex marathon spreads, the spotlight has turned to the Guinness World Records organization, which is known for recognizing extraordinary and often eccentric achievements. While the organization has not released an official statement regarding Zara’s attempt, it is anticipated that they will carefully assess the circumstances and stipulations surrounding her proposed record-breaking endeavor.
The specific sum of Danny Zara’s wealth is still unknown as of this writing. Even if her next project has received a lot of attention, it is important to keep in mind that a person’s worth or accomplishments should not only be determined by their financial situation. The human spirit and the pursuit of one’s desires are both attested to by Zara’s pursuit of individual objectives and breaking down barriers.
A wonderful monument to Danny Zara’s tenacity and bravery is her decision to engage in a 200-hour sex marathon. Inspiring people who dare to dream big, Zara’s quest for a Guinness World Record defies social conventions and tests personal limits. As we excitedly anticipate the results of her enormous project, let’s remember how important it is to have open discussions about sexuality, consent, and personal fulfillment.
With her Facebook post going viral and garnering significant attention from both local and international audiences, Zara awaits the participation of men willing to volunteer for this unprecedented project. Her determination to conquer new frontiers and secure a place in history is met with anticipation, skepticism, and curiosity as the countdown to the highly anticipated event begins.
Its no longer news that Nigeria is excelling across all spheres of life in diaspora from Arts to entertainment, education, science, sports etc.
Its no surprising that another Nigerian has joined the global list national recognitions giving to persons who have achieved great heights in their fields of craft.
In recognition of the achievements of Nigerian afrobeat superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, the City of Houston in the United States has designated July 7 as “Davido Day”
Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston officially declared the special day in a statement released from Houston, Texas, on Friday.
The proclamation reads, “I, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the city of Houston, do hereby proclaim July 7, 2023, as Davido Day.”
The mayor said the honour bestowed upon Davido by the city of Houston highlights his significant contributions to the music industry, both in Nigeria and internationally.
Davido shared a copy of the statement via his Instastory.
Recall that Wizkid was given similar honour in 2019 after he made history as the first African artiste to sell out the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Mark Dayton, Governor of Minnesota declared October 6 as Wizkid Day.
