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South African Govt. Committed to Supporting More Black Industrialists.

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THE Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies has reiterated government’s commitment to supporting more black industrialists in order to achieve deeper levels of industrialisation and economic transformation.

Minister Davies was speaking during the opening ceremony of the state-of-the-art R100 million manufacturing facility belonging to the United Industrial Cables (UIC) in Alberton.

The 90% black-owned company, which manufactures specialised cables for clients in the energy, transport, communication and mining sectors has been supported to the tune of R46 million by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) through its Black Industrialists Incentive Scheme.

“The space and opportunities for black companies in the manufacturing sector have been limited. Therefore it is imperative for government to support more real, genuine and serious black industrialists to enable them to operate in the mainstream of our economy. This will not only achieve higher and deeper levels of industrialisation, but it will also go a long way in radically transforming the ownership of the country’s economy, and increasing inclusive growth. It was against this background that we started the Black Industrialists Programme,” said Davies.

“The Black Industrialists Programme aims to accelerate the participation of black industrialists in the country’s economy”

He added that UIC was one of the 46 companies that the department has supported under the programme, and emphasised that a hundred black industrialists will have been supported by the end of this financial year.

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Minister Davies said industrialisation was critical in bringing about fundamental change in the structure of the economy which is still depended on the production of exported primary commodities. The Industrial Policy Action Plan, he said, has been initiated by government to promote industrialisation in the country.

“The Black Industrialists Programme aims to accelerate the participation of black industrialists in the country’s economy, selected industrial sectors and value-chains, as reflected by their contribution to growth, investment, exports and employment, amongst others.  As we roll out the industrialisation, infrastructure and localisation programmes, we need to support more black industrialists. In this way, we can create new industries, build on new expertise of people, and achieve more industrial development for the benefit of the country’s economy,” said Davies.

The Managing Director, Mr Andy Matakanye of UIC said the dti funding, together with the support provided by the Industrial Development Corporation, has enabled the company to establish a world-class facility that will enable it to produce a range of copper cables including Optical Ground Wires, a product that was previously only available as an import. This will make UIC the only manufacturer of this particular cable in Africa. More than 200 jobs will be created by the company as a result of the support it received.

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The United Industrial Cables is established by a group of young black professionals with extensive experience in cable manufacturing, finance and project management, with the aim of transforming the South African cable manufacturing industry.

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NDLEA Arrests Hair Stylist, Dispatch Rider for Allegedly Selling Drug-Laced Chin-Chin to Students in Bayelsa

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 20-year-old hair stylist, Josephine Odunu, and a 30-year-old dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, for allegedly peddling illicit drug-laced chin-chin to school students and at social gatherings in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday that officers on patrol around the Opolo area of Yenagoa intercepted Edesemi, recovering 200 grams of chin-chin infused with cannabis sativa, intended for delivery to a buyer on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

“A swift follow-up operation led to the arrest of the hairdresser, Josephine, who distributes the drugged chin-chin from the salon where she works in the Kpansia area of Yenagoa,” Babafemi remarked.

He revealed that a search of the salon resulted in the discovery of an additional 3.00 kilograms of the illicit substance, bringing the total weight seized from the duo to 3.2 kilograms.

Investigations uncovered that they frequently distributed the drug-laced chin-chin, often mixed with cannabis and tramadol, to students and at birthday parties.

“While Edesemi handled the delivery to buyers, Josephine served as a major distributor to a wanted suspect involved in the production of the drugged chin-chin,” Babafemi added.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa State apprehended two wanted suspects, Ajim Samuel (aka Boss), 30, and Davidson John Joshua (aka Dantala), 36, on Wednesday, March 13. The suspects were intercepted along the Numan-Jalingo road, carrying 14,428 pills of tramadol concealed in their vehicle, along with 21 grams of cannabis and monetary exhibits totaling N19,280.

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Also, in Osun State, a commercial bus driver, Ogunleye Adegoke, 49, was arrested along the Gbongan-Ibadan road after NDLEA operatives discovered 2,000 capsules of tramadol, 60 tablets of rohypnol, and 10 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in the spare tire compartment of his vehicle.

The NDLEA’s statement highlighted numerous other arrests and seizures across various states, emphasizing the agency’s continued efforts in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign nationwide.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the outstanding feats of officers and men across different commands for intensifying WADA advocacy lectures, balancing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts effectively.

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Oba Balogun Integral to My Political Journey – Olafisoye Mourns Late Olubadan

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A member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. (Prince) Olafisoye Wasiu Akinmoyede, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun, describing it as a personal loss to him and the entire indigenes of Lagelu Local Government area of Oyo State.

In a heartfelt condolence message addressed to the government of Oyo State, the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, the Lagun family in Lagelu, where Oba Balogun hailed from, and the entire indigenes of Ibadan, the lawmaker conveyed his grief and sympathy for the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed away on Thursday night, just a few days after celebrating his second anniversary on the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

“Hon. Lafi,” representing the Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency, expressed, “Though late Oba Balogun’s reign was short, it was monumental and historic to the people of the ancient city of Ibadan and humanity in general.”

Recalling the pivotal role played by the late Oba Lekan Balogun in his political journey, Hon. Lafi emphasized that the deceased monarch was instrumental in his career, providing both financial and moral support from his days as a councilor up to his current position as a federal lawmaker.

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The lawmaker extended his condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, the Olubadan-In-Council, immediate and extended members of the Lagun family, and all Ibadan indigenes.

He assured them that the entire constituents of Akinyele/Lagelu stand in solidarity with them, offering prayers and support during this period of grief.

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Oyo: Oseni Mourns Late Olubadan, Reveres Oba Balogun’s Legacy

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A member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday, described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland in Oyo State, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, as a patriot and custodian of Yoruba values who gave his best while on the throne.

The late Oba Balogun, aged 82, who was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Land, died at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan a few hours after he was admitted to the tertiary health facility on Thursday night.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency, said in his condolence message that the contributions of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland to the political, social, and economic life of the ancient city would remain indelible in the hearts and minds of those who interacted with him in politics and socio-economic life.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, added that Oba Balogun left an indelible mark and epitomised the qualities of a passionate leader on the Nigerian political plane and in business, using his knowledge and skill to serve God, his people, and the government in various capacities.

The lawmaker expressed his condolences to the Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government, Oba Balogun’s family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large.

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“Undoubtedly, our esteemed Olubadan wielded his influential presence to advocate for peace, harmony, and progress in Ibadan land and throughout Oyo State during his impactful two-year reign on the throne of his ancestors.

“Oba Balogun departed at a pivotal juncture in our nation’s history, leaving behind a void of his sagacious guidance and wealth of experience sorely needed. I implore Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council, the State Traditional Council, the people of Ibadan land and Oyo State, as well as all members of his immediate and extended family, to find solace in the enduring legacy and indelible mark he leaves behind,” the statement read.

Oseni offered prayers for the repose of the deceased monarch’s soul.

 

 

 

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