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2019: INEC seeks partnership with UN towards better elections
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has sought partnership between it and the United Nations toward building the capacity of its staff .
Addressing the UN delegation during a meeting in Abuja, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu pointed out six critical areas where the commission need the intervention of the United Nations including voters education, electoral conflicts resolutions as well as capacity building for political parties.
The meeting, as learnt was a follow up to an earlier call by the INEC chairman to the United Nations for assistance in the conduct of the forthcoming 2019 general elections.
The INEC boss, Yakubu highlighted critical areas the commission seeks the interventions of the united nations in the coming general elections.
According to him, it is not the international community alone that INEC is seeking support, but also seeking the support of the judiciary, especially that of the court of appeal and the supreme courts for quick dispensation of elections-related litigations.
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Nasarawa Governor Dissolves Cabinet, Relieves SSG
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dissolved the state’s Executive Council, marking the end of the tenure for commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The announcement was made during an executive council meeting held on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Governor Sule expressed his appreciation to the outgone members of the council for their dedication and contributions to the administration and the people of Nasarawa State.
He wished them success in their future endeavors.
“I sincerely thank you for your services to this administration and the people of our dear state. I wish you the very best in your future pursuits,” the governor stated.
To ensure a smooth transition, the governor directed the outgoing commissioners to hand over all government properties and the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries in their ministries.
Similarly, the outgoing Secretary to the Government is instructed to transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, and Special Services.
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FCT Residents to Experience Prolonged Power Outages
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will face extended periods of power outages beginning Monday, January 6, 2025, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced.
In a statement shared via its official X handle on Friday, AEDC attributed the outages to the relocation of key power infrastructure, including the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and the 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers, along the Outer Southern Expressway.
The company disclosed that the relocation, facilitated by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is scheduled to span from January 6 to January 31, 2025, with power interruptions particularly concentrated between January 6 and January 21.
“Please be informed that there will be power interruptions from January 6-21, 2025, due to FCDA relocating the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway,” the AEDC statement read.
Areas expected to experience power outages during the relocation period, Lugbe and its environs, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Indoor Complex, Christ Embassy Church, American International School, Spring Court, American Embassy Quarters, EFCC Headquarters, Coca-Cola premises, Railway facilities and Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
Other parts are, Apo, Gudu, Gbazango, Kubwa, Bwari, Jahi, Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi, and among others.
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Ghana Announces Visa-Free Travel for African Passport Holders
Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Friday announced a groundbreaking visa-free travel policy for all African passport holders, effective from January 1, 2025.
The announcement, made during his final State of the Nation address, represents a bold step towards advancing continental economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders,” President Akufo-Addo declared during his address to parliament.
“This is the logical next step to the AfCFTA and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world. All these are essential elements to the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisages an integrated and connected Africa by 2063.”
The policy places Ghana among a select group of African nations — including Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry to African travelers. Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations, while travelers from 25 others received visas on arrival. Only two African nations, Eritrea and Morocco, required prior visas for entry into Ghana.
This initiative builds on Ghana’s international reputation as a cultural and tourism hub, a status enhanced by the highly successful “Year of Return” campaign in 2019.
The initiative commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade and welcomed thousands of visitors, including global celebrities, many of whom were granted citizenship.
In his final address, Akufo-Addo also highlighted the economic achievements of his administration. He cited an increase in Ghana’s gross international reserves to $8 billion, up from $6.2 billion in 2017, and projected a 6.3% GDP growth rate for 2025.
“Economic growth has returned to the pre-Covid trajectory,” Akufo-Addo said. “I leave behind a Ghana that is thriving, one that has navigated significant global challenges with remarkable tenacity, whose economy is steadily rebounding, and whose institutions are operating effectively.”
The oil-and-gold-rich nation, hailed as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, has recently faced economic challenges. Since 2022, it has been navigating a severe economic crisis under a $3 billion International Monetary Fund relief program.
Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in office, will officially hand over power to John Mahama on January 6. Mahama, a former president, won the December 2024 elections, marking his return to leadership.
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