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LIVES OF ALBINOS IN THE GAMBIA
Albinism is known to be an hereditary gene that causes a lack of pigmentation in the skin and the hair and it
comes with a number of associated health problems including poor vision, functional blindness and high skin sensitivity to the sun which can cause cancer.
Abdul-Rahim King is presently the chairperson of the albinism society of The Gambia, which
is an NGO working to build opportunities and access to education, raising awareness and also working to provide basic needs like sunscreens and sunglasses for people with albinism.
Graduating from a private school and having an educator father couldn’t save King from the stereotypes. He discloses of his teacher sending him to the back of the classroom where he struggled to see the black board.
“That’s what happens in most part of the country. A lot of kids with Albinism are sent to the back of the classroom because of stereotypes and the teachers do not understand that we actually need to sit in front so we can see properly and get proper notes.
There were times I had to go to friends later on and caught up on notes because I could not see the notes on the
board”.
Apart from the seating arrangement, Abdul-Rahim was also call “puna” a local name used to refer to albinos. Besides not liking the name, his thought was that “kids will always be kids”
and that’s why they use the word to refer to him.
What also bothered Abdul-Rahim was that people will spit in their shirts when they passed
him as a child so that their kids will not have albinism.
Though Albinos in the Gambia might not face some discriminatory threats from society
compared to those in South Africa and other part of the world. But there is still a long way to go in supporting them and seeing them as a normal human being.
Abdul-Rahim is not alone in the fight for the right of Albinos, interviews with other people shows a great concern.
Isatou Jaiteh, a student at University of the Gambia said, Albinos in the Gambia feel isolated due to the discrimination against them and the sunlight is highly affecting their skin.
She urges people to not be afraid to get in contact with albinos as they are human beings like all
of us.
Clare Demba yens the government to come to the aids of the people with Albinism in helping
them access higher education in achieving their desired goals.
Sheikh Tijan Secka University student suggested the Government to build schools for the Albinos with good air conditioner to help them learn comfortable and pursuit their dreams.
By Amie T. Camara
THE PALACE AND THE KOLA NUTS
By Comr Ezomon Ak
The Kola nut is a produce of the Kola tree and we have it in abundance in the Benin Kingdom. 
Today i want to enlighten you on why the Kola nut is recognized almost everywhere in Africa most especially in the Benin Kingdom as something you cannot do without.
Before we begin, It is worthy of note that, the kola nut is as old as the Palace itself because it is one of the item listed in Palace Conflict Resolution between individuals or communities and it is also one of the item chosen for the king to make a decree or proclamations in the olden days.
Kola nut is always shared in the Palace for some great reasons. I may not be able to list all for now but I believe if there is any need for an update on this article, I will list more.
On one side, It is presented by the visitor to the great throne as a SYMBOL OF RESPECT and when blessed and chewed together, it stands for TRUST in any relationship. On the other hand, the kola nut is used in the palace to INITIATE A RELATIONSHIP and then to appease the gods of the FOREFATHERS who is still believed to be alive in Spirit within the Palace.
Kola nut also was distributed in the Palace to know those who WITNESSED AN EVENT.
Kola nut is also used till date as a form of BLESSING PROCLAMATION to those presenting it. In fact, it is an abominable act for you to see the Oba without the gift or presentation of Kola nut for prayers. And in those days , there is always a little part of the Kola nut that is dropped on the floor for the Spirit of the forefathers and One significant thing is that, it is never removed from the ground but you can never meet it the next day. So it is believed that spirit of the dead that means well for the Palace eat Kola nuts.
Kola nuts was also used in the palace as a form of OATH for an agreement between two parties in the Presence of the Oba.
In those days, Kola nut is only shared to adult who have come of age and can be held responsible for contrary action to the reasons for which the kola nut was broken and shared.
Another Reason for the saying ” Kola nut last long in the mouth of those who knows the value” is that when the Kola is shared for an Oath, you are expected to eat it in bits while the great Oba or Palace Priest makes proclamations and incarnations.
So for ages, Presentation of Kola nut to the palace when visiting has been a tradition that only the true sons of the soil understands. Even strangers coming to see the Oba or Palace Chiefs must be advise to come with Kola nut.
The first contact with the Oba before he starts talking is the presentation of Kola nuts. We hold our tradition dear to ourselves because the same tradition has kept us in this progressive way for centuries.
In those days, if you come to the Palace without Kola nut, you will not be allowed to see the Oba and you will be sent out of the Palace with canes and beating by the Palace Servants . If this action is repeated by same person or kindred, the palace will declared such person or Community, the ENEMY of the Palace.
It is of great importance to note that the presentation of Kola nuts stands for the word ” I COME IN PEACE” in this modern day.
May God not allow Us become the enemy of the Palace whether knowingly or unknowingly!!!
Obakhator Kpee!!!
Iseee!
Press release
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is pleased to announce that the Government has agreed to exempt media workers from the curfew orders.
Media practitioners MUST carry a valid press card either from the GPU or a bonafide news and information media outlet. Media houses are encouraged to put up stickers on the vehicles for identification purposes.
We urge journalists to wear face masks and any other safety kit, as well as press jackets. Media workers are also advised to follow all the health regulations by the government and the WHO for their own safety and those of others at all times.
Media exemptions from curfew orders are in line with standards of best practice. This is in view of the peculiar nature of the work of media workers who are required to stay up late to provide information, education and entertainment services to the public.
Moreover, the media serves as the eyes and ears of the public with respect to the enforcement of the curfew orders.
It must be noted that this is a temporary measure while the Union works with the state authorities in the coming days to workout the specific details of the media exemption.
This message is approved by the Government spokesperson, in consultation with the Director of Health Services and Inspector General of Police.
The GPU kindly wishes to call on the security operatives to cooperate with this arrangement.
Source___Standard Newspaper
Police take into custody more DJs at music show
According to Standard, police in the Central River Region have taken into custody 11 people at Sami Karantaba Tenda,including 2 DJs from Sare Sambel for having a music show in the villages against Public Health Regulations 2020.
Standard make known of a police statement that the men were arrested after they staged a music show and gathered children to for a “Salibo Music Show”.
This is the second time police have arrested people organizing music shows in this emergency situation.
Meanwhile,the Mobile Traffic department has also arraigned seven drivers at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court for carrying passengers without facemasks. They were fined D1000 each.
The police have also confirmed the arrest of three individuals including a motorcyclist in Serekunda for failing to follow the compulsory facemask wearing regulation.
Nigeria Confirms 443 More COVID-19 Cases, Total Infections Now 45,687
Nigeria has confirmed 443 more cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing its toll of infections to 45,687.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this on Friday night via Twitter.
The new infections were recorded Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory and 17 other states of the federation.
According to Channels TV, unlike previous cases, Plateau overtook Lagos by 33 cases thus recording 103 infections with the nation’s commercial capital running behind with 70 cases.
The FCT, on the other hand, came third on the list with 60 cases.
Other states with new infections include Ondo – 35, Edo and Rivers – 27, Kaduna – 20, Osun – 19, Borno and Oyo – 18, Kwara – 11, Adamawa – 9, Nasarawa – 7, Gombe – 6, Bayelsa and Imo – 4, Bauchi and Ogun – 2 and Kano – 1.
Source___Channels TV
The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has enforce petroleum tanker drivers to take away their services from Lagos from Monday, August 10 2020.
According to Channels TV the directive comes on the heels of a failure to address three major issues causing tanker drivers pains in the state for months.
The statement titled “NUPENG leadership directs withdrawal of services by petroleum tanker drivers in Lagos State with effect from Monday, August 10, 2020”, was signed by National President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi.
“The entire rank and file members of the union are deeply pained, frustrated and agonized by the barrage of these challenges being consistently faced by petroleum tanker drivers in Lagos State and are left with no other option but to direct the withdrawal of their services in Lagos State until the Lagos State Government and other relevant stakeholders address these critical challenges.
“It is sad and disheartening to note here that we had made several appeals and reports to the Lagos State Government and the Presidential Task Force for the decongestion of Apapa on these challenges but all to no avail.
“We resolved to embark on an indefinite strike beginning from 12 am, Monday, August 10, 2020, if there are no decisive and convincing actions from the Lagos State Government to address these concerns and challenges,” the statement partly read.
Source___Channels TV
Explosion in Somalia’s capital kills eight
BBC said, an explosion took place at a military base in the Somali capital Mogadishu and has killed at least eight people and injured 14 others, a military official disclosed to them.
According to BBC, it was not yet known what led to the explosion but witnesses told local media a car loaded with explosives attacked the compound near a stadium.
Radio Dalsan said the explosion could be heard across the city.
Islamist militant group Al-Shabab often carries out bombings targeting security forces and government officials.
Meanwhile, earlier this week two security guards were shoot to death after stopping a suicide bomber from entering a restaurant in Somalia capital.
Source___BBC
18 dead after Air India plane breaks in two at Calicut
At least 18 people dead in Air India Express plane with 190 people on board at an airport in the southern state of Kerala.
The Boeing 737, on the way from Dubai, shift off the runway in rain and broke in two after landing at Calicut airport, aviation officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “pained by the plane accident”.
According to BBC, the rescue operation at the crash site has now been completed and survivors have been taken to hospitals in Calicut and Malappuram, according to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
A lot of people were injured, 156 of which are serious, officials say.
Air India Express said the two pilots were among the dead.
Source___BBC
Attempted coup d’état: I didn’t endorse anybody – Edo CP, Kokumo
…Obaseki, Police assure of security ahead of guber poll
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, has refuted claims that he endorsed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who visited him in his office on Thursday, warning that anyone caught using his office to heat up the polity will face dire consequences.
The Commissioner gave the clarification after the State Security Council meeting, Governor Godwin Obaseki held with heads of security agencies, at the Government House, Benin City, on Friday.
The commissioner who explained that he and his office remain apolitical and open to all, noted: “It is my statutory responsibility to provide security for lives and property irrespective of political affiliation.”
On his part, Governor Obaseki expressed concern over the rising security challenges ahead of the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in the state.
According to him, “We condemned the high level of thuggery, violence and increasing influx of arms into the state.
“The Commissioner of Police briefed the council on yesterday’s situation at the Edo State House of Assembly that led to some illegal and treasonable acts conducted by some individuals.”
“The security personnel have assured us of their readiness to secure and tackle any security challenges faced by the state,” the governor added.
Obaseki continued: “They are up to the tasks; they have the men and materials to take charge. They assured us and the good people of Edo of adequate security to ensure the protection of lives and property.”
The governor said that the state security chiefs promised to protect everyone in the state irrespective of their political affiliation.
Responding to the alleged withdrawal of security details of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Frank Okiye, the CP assured that “those who are entitled to security details will be given, while those who are not entitled to security details will be withdrawn.”
Kokumo said that at the meeting, the security heads were able to review the activities of security in the last few weeks, adding: “We talked about political violence and thuggery and means of putting checks in place.
“The security agencies will leave no stone unturned; we have created a conducive atmosphere for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.”
“We want to assure Edo people that the pre-election period would be safe and conducive for campaigns, during and after the election, to ensure there is no breach of law and order,” he added.
IMG_01
L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, and Director, Department of State Services, Edo State Command, S. Moh’d Waziri, after the State Security Council meeting at Government House in Benin City, on Friday, August 7, 2020.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES IZE-IYAMU, URGES APC TO AVOID RIVERS, ZAMFARA EXPERIENCES
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja received the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, urging party leaders and campaign team to do all that is necessary, following legal and constitutional means, to win the election.
President Buhari received the governorship candidate at the State House alongside Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and APC Campaign Chairman for Edo State elections and Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The President charged the party leaders to avoid the pitfalls that affected the party’s victory in Rivers, Zamfara and Bayelsa States in the 2019 elections, pointing out that with the resolution of the “acute crisis’’ in the party in Edo State, he was optimistic that the party will regain its pride of place in winning elections, and serving the people.
President Buhari urged party leaders at the national and state levels to follow the electoral process in an open and transparent manner.
“What I want is a transparent process so that the confidence of the people will be strengthened.’’
The President congratulated Pastor Ize-Iyamu on his emergence as the party’s candidate in Edo State after a “turbulent process’’, assuring him of full support.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, who presented the candidate, told the President that: “Pastor Ize- Iyamu is a seasoned grassroots politician who is loved by his people’’, noting President Buhari’s blessings on the candidate further validates the party’s confidence.
The Chairman of the APC Edo State gubernatorial campaign, Governor Ganduje, said in line with the principles of the party the APC will lead a clean campaign, devoid of acrimony, hatred and violence.
Governor Ganduje said the campaign had started on a good and happy note, with the APC already taking over the state legislature with a majority of 17 out of 24.
In his response, Pastor Ize-Iyamu assured the President of his commitment to ensuring good governance in the state if elected in September elections, recalling that he served as Deputy Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of the APC at its formation.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu said he was glad to return to the APC, describing his initial exit as that of a “prodigal son’’.
The APC candidate thanked the President for the warm and fatherly reception, saying he was honoured to receive the party’s flag from the President.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu told State House Press Corps that he was fully in charge of his campaign as a popular candidate who served the State as Chief of Staff and Secretary to State Government in previous administrations.
He also said former APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had already explained that his initial unfriendly comments during the 2016 campaigns were purely political aimed at giving another candidate an edge in the elections.
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum said all the APC governors were fully behind the candidature of Pastor Ize-Iyamu.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 7, 2020
D5 Creation