Opinion piece: West Africa – the drive towards digitisation
By Ajibola Akindele, Country President, Nigeria, Schneider Electric West AfricaAccording to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 140 million people in Nigeria don’t have access to energy. “When we talk about energy access, we refer to people’s ability to access modern energy services, including electricity, clean cooking facilities, and modern fuels. Digitisation forms a vital role in in West Africa’s efforts to bolster its economies. West Africa has a young population; in Nigeria the median age in 17.2 years which gives way to a population that is becoming increasingly tech savvy and digitally proficient. Our support network is vast, with 300 partners in West Africa promoting, distributing, building and integrating our solution throughout the region.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 31, 2023 20:07 UTC
Liberia: “If You Say Because We Declared Inauguration is Violence, I Want to be Charged” – CDC Secretary-General Koijee Reacts to Critics
Koijee stated, “So when you are a CDC supporter, you are not considered a citizen, and you don’t deserve to live. CDC supporters have been beaten, chased, and murdered in front of cameras, but these people remained silent. I want to say to you, CDC is fully prepared.”The CDC’s Secretary-General stressed that he committed no crime in informing party members to prepare for the inauguration. Koijee added, “We will engage in effective preparations for the inauguration. If you say that declaring the inauguration is violent, I want to be charged.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 31, 2023 16:41 UTC
How Can Liberians Live a Healthy Lifestyle?
.... — The need for healthy living in Liberia is more pressing than ever before as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for up to 32% of the overall deaths in Liberia in 2019, with the rate increasing. Like many other countries, Liberia is grappling with a burgeoning health crisis marked by the alarming rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which show no sign of declining. Statistically, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for up to 32% of the overall deaths in Liberia in 2019, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It requires a significant amount of moderate or vigorous exercise each week to reduce the prevalence of the ailments and lessen the strain on the country's healthcare resources, which are struggling. Dr. Peter Attia, a physician specializing in longevity, strongly believes that exercise has a more profound impact on lifespan than other lifestyle factors, such as nutrition and sleep.
Source:Daily Observer
October 31, 2023 14:23 UTC
Liberia: Over Fifty Defeated Female Candidates Pledge Support for President Weah Re-election
MONROVIA – Over fifty (50) defeated female candidates from the recent October 10, 2023, general legislative election have pledged their support for President George Manneh Weah’s re-election bid in the upcoming November 14 runoff election. Reading the endorsement statement on behalf of the group, Snorte Wilson Sherman said that whether they won or lost, the former female candidates take pride in their candidacy. “As women candidates, we cannot evade or ignore this time of decision-making in our political landscape,” she explained. “The message of female participation was central to what the female candidates conveyed to their constituents during their campaigns,” she added. They stress the importance of upholding the legacy that all female candidates contested for by supporting another female.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 31, 2023 13:51 UTC
Liberia: Female Genital Mutilation Ban Extends to Nimba County
Traditional leaders in Liberia have announced the "total ban" on all practices of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nimba County. The decision, made by the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, follows a similar move in Bong County, where FGM is deeply entrenched, just like in Nimba County. Their goal is to encourage their members to abandon the centuries-old traditional practice, which the World Health Organization has identified as a risk to women's health. Nimba County has been recognized as one of the places where FGM has been prevalent, sometimes leading to the forced conscription of girls. Comfort Lamptey, the Country Representative of UN Women, expressed her happiness that the practice of FGM was being banned in Nimba and other places across Liberia.
Source:Daily Observer
October 31, 2023 08:45 UTC
Liberia: Are Endorsements Sincere or for Selfish Gains?
As these barrages of endorsements are being carried out, the question is: Are these endorsements really sincere, or are they for selfish gains? Are parties or individuals endorsing individuals or parties because of their love for Liberia or because of their love for the person or party? Are they endorsing a party because the party’s manifesto aligns with their vision and dream for a better Liberia or because of their personal interests? Are political parties or individuals endorsing a candidate or party because of what they stand to gain or because of Mama Liberia? THEREFORE, LET US VOTE WISELY AND VOTE LIBERIA’S INTEREST ABOVE PARTY’S AND INDIVIDUALS'.
Source:Daily Observer
October 31, 2023 08:45 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Koluba Not Campaigning for Boakai In Run-Off Election
Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]Speaking to journalists at his home late Sunday evening, despite remaining an opposition lawmaker, Representative Kolubah said he will not be campaigning for former Vice President Joseph Boakai. Instead, he will vote for the opposition candidate because he is an opposition member. People think that I can be easily influenced by them,” Representative Kolubah said. Representative Kolubah added: “Since 2017 until today, my uncle Boakai has never been to my place. You don’t respect me.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 30, 2023 21:37 UTC
Liberia: All Liberian Party Splits
The All Liberian Party (ALP), one of the four constituent parties of the original Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), is experiencing a significant split within its ranks. The majority of the party's National Executive Committee has refused to participate in an endorsement program for President George Manneh Weah's re-election bid, calling it unconstitutional and unpopular. Prior to this split, the ALP's National Executive Committee had endorsed opposition candidate Amb. Meanwhile, the majority of the ALP's leadership has signed and notarized an official resolution supporting and endorsing Boakai and the "Rescue Mission". The ALP has urged its members to remain patient and engaged with the majority leadership.
Source:Daily Observer
October 30, 2023 20:52 UTC
The 1931 Election: The Popular Candidate You Never Heard Of
Although a very important story in our nation’s history, I don’t think you have ever read it in any Liberian history book. 2, 2005 “An Indigenous Liberian’s Quest for the Presidency: Momolu Massaquoi and the 1931 Election”). For the first time in our nation’s history, an indigenous Liberian was poised to become president of Liberia. Momolu Massaquoi was the strongest candidate for president in 1931. Also, pertinent to this subject and that might be of interest to some is the YouTube video “TOP 5 INDIGENOUS LIBERIAN LEADERS” by Octavius Obey.
Source:Daily Observer
October 30, 2023 19:27 UTC
For The Legends
And by that I mean isn’t it logically true that even when the lives of two identical beings, i.e. If not, isn’t it logically true that the differences within our living conditions, environments, households, realities and age should always prevent us from interacting with identical or mirroring circumstances throughout our lives? If yes, isn’t it also true that the former things also mean that genetics could be absolute too?? If yes, isn’t it also true that the former things also mean that genetics cannot be absolute too? If yes, isn’t it also true that the former things could also mean that a parallel life may not be real or possible too?
Source:GNN Liberia
October 30, 2023 18:00 UTC
The Missing Link of Liberia’s African Tradition: Where are the Visible Legacies of African Traditional Royalties?
This concept was intended to undermine the leadership and political power of African traditional leaders by the European colonizers. So, the African kings were to be referred to as ‘Paramount Chief’, but not King (Wikipedia). They introduced an electoral system in which paramount chiefs were elected, in complete contradiction to the practices of our forefathers. In most cases, District Commissioners that were appointed had the power to dismiss an elected paramount chief from his position. Recent experience has shown that successful decentralization must take existing traditional structures into account.
Source:Daily Observer
October 30, 2023 13:32 UTC
Liberia: LFA To Introduce Video Analysis Course In 2024
Monrovia-The Liberia Football Association (LFA) will introduce a video analysis course as part of its plans to improve coaching in Liberia. Liberia National Olympic Committee Vice President for technical affairs Malcolm Joseph challenged the coaches to be masters of their game. LFA executive committee member Ivan Brown, who chairs the technical and youth development committee, urged the coaches to be teachers and not dictators. The LFA also began the first of three modules for the CAF License ‘C’ on 27 October. CAF coaching instructors Robert Lartey (CAF License ‘A’) and Daei Arab Fofana (CAF License ‘A’) will facilitate the two classes of 44 students (22 per class).
Source:Front Page Africa
October 30, 2023 13:19 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Yekeh Kolubah Declines UP Campaign Post
— Accuses opposition leaders of neglectRepresentative Yekeh Kolubah of Montserrado County Electoral District #10 has declined his appointment by the Unity Party Alliance as Deputy Campaign Chair. In a press release issued on Sunday, the Unity Party Alliance announced the appointment of Representative Kolubah and Nya Twayen as Deputy Campaign Chair in Montserrado County and Campaign Coordinator in Nimba County, respectively. Yekeh Kolubah as the Deputy Lead on the Montserrado Campaign Team. “Liberian people have been seeing me wearing CDC beret, wearing CDC hats but because I wore CDC hat on Thursday, October 26, 2023, Senator Jeremiah Koung placed a call to me. His decision to decline the campaign post could weaken the UP’s chances in a critical constituency like Montserrado County.
Source:Daily Observer
October 30, 2023 10:45 UTC
Liberia - Abuse of Incumbency?
Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL), in addition to shedding light on the abuse of incumbency and violations of campaign financing in its report, also highlighted the need for greater integrity and transparency in Liberia's electoral practices. The conference, funded by the United Nations Development Program, aimed to address these concerns and promote responsible campaign financing. The violation of campaign financing regulations is a serious matter that could have far-reaching consequences for the democratic process in Liberia, electoral experts say. Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Liberia, Christine Umutoni, expressed gratitude towards Integrity Watch Liberia, the National Elections Commission, and the Liberian government for their efforts in promoting responsible campaign financing. However, other stakeholders stressed that it is imperative that the government and relevant institutions take steps to strengthen campaign financing regulations and enforcement measures.
Source:Daily Observer
October 30, 2023 10:18 UTC
U.S. Customs Seize Military Weapons Onboard Container Destined for Liberia
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have discovered and seized three firearms and more than 200 rounds of ammunition from a shipping container destined for Liberia. The container, originating from a Minneapolis suburb, was officially declared to carry three vehicles and household goods. This is the second time this year that military-grade weapons have been shipped to Liberia. In the recent bust that was intercepted, CBP officers undertook a routine inspection of the container’s contents, revealing the alarming discovery. In June, CBP officers seized 35 magazines, four Kevlar helmets, four antenna communication matching units, and three vehicle taillights in a shipment from Lenoir County, North Carolina, heading to Brno, Czech Republic.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 29, 2023 22:29 UTC