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South Africa rejects Afghan refugees

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In this file photo taken on March 22, 2020 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) conducts a media briefing at the end of a meeting with various business leaders and political party leaders on matters relating to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Phill Magakoe / AFP

South Africa said it has declined a request to host Afghans who have fled into Pakistan to escape the Taliban, as it is already accommodating “a substantial number” of refugees from other countries.

The government said it had been approached “to consider receiving a number of Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan.”

“The request is that they be accommodated in South Africa en route to their final destinations,” the foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday.

“The South African Government is unfortunately not in a position to accommodate such a request.”

It said the country “is already home to a substantial number of refugees and is seized with addressing their needs.

“Most of them already benefit from the Social Assistance and free medical health programmes offered by our country.”

The most industrialised nation on the continent, South Africa is a major destination for economic migrants from neighbouring countries and beyond.

The country also boasts one of the world’s most progressive refugee policies, which helped attract more than a million asylum-seekers between 2007 and 2015.

But the processing of their paperwork was backlogged even before the pandemic and most find themselves stuck in limbo after applications are rejected, according to rights groups.

The Taliban celebrated Tuesday after the last US troops left the country, ending 20 years of war.

The Islamists’ return to power forced Western countries to evacuate their citizens and Afghans likely to face reprisals from the Taliban for having worked for the foreign forces in the country.

“In terms of international law, the well-being of the refugees is best served by remaining in the first country arrival – Pakistan – pending their final destinations,” the South African statement said.

Uganda last week accommodated 51 Afghan evacuees.

The east African country said it would provide them with temporary refuge following a request from the US government to temporarily host “at-risk” Afghan nationals and others who are in transit to other destinations.

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Oseni Donates N10m to Support Ibadan’s Mogaji Ile Eke Project

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The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.

Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.

According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.

In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.

He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.

“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.

He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”

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Lead City Varsity Hosts Conference on Leadership, Personality Development

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From Left: Mrs. Deborah Adejobi, Programme Manager, IPDCRM, Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, President IPDCRM, Dr. Lanre Osaniyi, Deputy Chairman, Board of Fellows, and Prof. Lambert Ihebuzor, Registrar IPDCRM @ the Media Conference, recently

Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, President of the Institute of Personality Development & Customer Relationship Management (IPDCRM), has announced the 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference and Awards, set to take place at Lead City University, Ibadan.

Themed “Investment in Leadership Education and Personality Development: A Valuable Asset, Timely Rescue Anchor, in a Depressed Economy,” the conference will bring together some of Nigeria’s and the world’s leading voices in leadership, innovation, and policy to address economic challenges through strategic development.

Inspiring Leadership for Economic Resurgence

As Nigeria faces the ongoing complexities of a depressed economy, the 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference will serve as a transformative event. It will convene policymakers, corporate executives, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the powerful role of leadership education and personality development in driving economic recovery.

The programme includes keynote speakers, prominent presenters, and thought-provoking discussions, all aimed at using human capital to foster productivity, sustainable growth, and innovation.

Corporate Charisma Awards: Honouring Organizational Excellence

A key highlight of the conference will be the Corporate Charisma Awards (CCA), designed to celebrate organisations that excel in sustainable development. Recognising businesses with a strategic vision for customer loyalty, innovation, and growth, IPDCRM’s awards programme evaluates nominees through its Organisational Performance Profile (OPP) and Grand Analytics Method (GAM), a rigorous data-driven model.

These awards aim to establish a prestigious “C500” list, a “Fortune 500” of Nigeria, celebrating organisations that inspire national pride, community recognition, and economic impact. Among this year’s honorees are The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Bellagio Airlines, recognised for their people-centered and impactful business models.

Induction Ceremony for New Members

The 2024 conference will also feature an induction ceremony for new IPDCRM members, each of whom has demonstrated excellence in personality development, customer relationship management, and leadership education. This cohort will join a growing network of professionals dedicated to fostering economic resilience and promoting growth through transformative leadership.

Collaborations, Networking, and Youth Empowerment

Beyond its awards and induction, the event will serve as a hub for strategic collaborations across industries, reinforcing the value of leadership education in economic resilience. A focus on youth empowerment will take center stage, with panel discussions dedicated to equipping the next generation with the leadership skills essential for navigating today’s economic challenges. The conference aims to emphasise the long-term return on investment in leadership education—not only for individuals but for corporate entities and national growth.

Exhibition of Leadership Innovation

An exhibition at the event will showcase the latest in leadership training and personality development tools, offering participants insight into innovative strategies for strengthening both individual and organisational resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.

A Call to Action for Economic Recovery

The 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference serves as a call to action, urging leaders across sectors to recognise leadership education and personality development as vital assets for economic revitalization. Dr. Ayobami Owolabi emphasises that IPDCRM is committed to fostering a new generation of visionary leaders equipped to drive Nigeria forward.

For more information or to register, contact:

Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, FPD-CR
President, IPDCRM
Tel: 08033237874
Email: ayowolabi2002@yahoo.co.uk

 

 

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NIS Arrests Bobrisky at Seme Border Amid Ongoing Investigations

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of controversial crossdresser and social media personality, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, at the Seme Border. The arrest took place on Monday as the celebrity was reportedly attempting to flee the country.

In a statement issued Monday night, NIS spokesman DCI KT Udo revealed that Bobrisky had become a person of interest following a series of public controversies.

Udo noted that the arrest was part of the Service’s broader effort to maintain order and integrity at Nigeria’s borders.

“He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” Udo said. He further reassured the public that the Service would remain civil and professional in carrying out its duties.

Bobrisky’s arrest comes amid serious allegations that have swirled around him in recent months.

Blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, had previously accused Bobrisky of bribing officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with ₦15 million to drop money laundering charges against him during an incident in April, where Bobrisky was seen spraying large sums of naira at a public event.

Following that event, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment by a court, with the sentence being carried out earlier this year. He was released in August, but new controversies emerged as the blogger claimed that Bobrisky had paid millions of naira to secure special privileges while serving time in prison.

The allegations triggered widespread concern, prompting investigations by both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The House of Representatives also initiated a probe into the matter, and the Federal Government suspended several senior NCoS officials pending the outcome of investigations.

On September 30, 2024, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated a special committee to look into the allegations of gross misconduct within the NCoS. The committee submitted its report on Monday, confirming that while Bobrisky served his jail term, he was afforded preferential treatment, including access to television and a fridge.

The full extent of Bobrisky’s legal challenges remains unclear as the investigation continues, with authorities now working to determine the next steps in the case.

 

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