NUJ Kebbi Chapter Honors Fallen Journalists: Families Receive Rice and Cash Assistance

After the completion of the tenth edition of the Ramadan gift distribution for families of Kebbi State Nigerian Union of Journalists members who passed away while working, the Kebbi Area Council handed out sacks of rice along with a monetary donation of 10,000 Naira each to twenty affected households on Monday.

The notable gathering hosted at the facilities of Kebbi State Television attracted representatives from various chapels throughout the state. These participants were among those who received benefits under the NUJ Sallah and Ramadan packages. Specifically, the Correspondent Chapel was awarded eighty thousand naira along with two sacks of rice. Similarly, the NTA Chapel, Ministry of Information Chapel, and several others also benefitted.

Previously, during his address, the chairman of the Kebbi State branch of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Muhammed Bello Sarki, expressed gratitude towards the previous chairman, Malam Aliyu Jajirma, who had initiated support for the families of deceased journalists a decade earlier. “We acknowledge the visionary approach of our predecessors within the organization,” he stated, “who devised ways to provide these families with a sense of security and assurance, making sure they feel supported even after losing their loved ones.”

Sarki acknowledged the contributions of Ganau rice mills and Labana rice mills, which supported the union by providing sacks of rice. He also highlighted the individual donations made by key figures such as the Head of Service and Governor’s younger brother, Alhaji Umar Buro, along with numerous other benefactors.

In his goodwill address, Commissioner Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK praised the union for their generous act and promised to involve the state government the following year. His aim was to elevate the assistance program so significantly that families of deceased journalists would receive at least ten bags of rice per household along with a substantial monetary gift.

He characterized Governor Idris as a media-friendly leader known for his compassionate impact across various sectors within the state. He stated that they would organize substantial donations from the government to support the families of deceased journalists and explore ways to involve them continuously rather than limiting assistance to just Ramadan.

The yearly gathering saw the participation of the Commissioner for Information, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Yahya Sarki, along with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris.

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).

Beijing Calls on Swire Group to Bolster Hong Kong’s Aviation Hub Ambitions

Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng urged the company to participate in the development of the Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port during his meeting with CEO Merlin Swire.

Chinese Deputy President Han Zheng has urged the British multinational corporation
Swire Group
to contribute to solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation center while actively participating in the growth of the Greater Bay Area.

On Monday, Han encountered Merlin Swire, the CEO of John Swire & Sons, who was present in Beijing for the China Development Forum.

“Han stated that the Swire Group, a globally renowned multinational corporation, has experienced significant growth in both Mainland China and Hong Kong,” as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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I am hopeful that the Swire Group will play an active role in the development of both the Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port.

The Bay Area Blueprint aims to transform Hong Kong, Macau, and nine Guangdong provincial cities into a major economic force. Meanwhile, the Hainan strategy seeks to develop the island into a leading global free-trade center with its own custom regime by the end of this year.

At the meeting with Swire, Han recognized the intricate global landscape but emphasized that China’s backing of economic globalization along with its ongoing reform and openness initiatives will contribute additional stability to the international community.

Han similarly had a meeting with the CEO of Swiss pharmaceutical firm Novartis, Vasant Narasimhan, underscoring Beijing’s backing for the creation of novel medications and fostering an improved climate for innovative activities among international corporations.

He urged the firm to capitalize on opportunities, leverage its advantages, and enhance cooperation with the nation for better growth within China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that both Swire and Narasimhan spoke positively about China’s economic and social accomplishments and expressed optimism regarding the nation’s future.

It was claimed that both firms agreed to engage in extended partnerships with the nation and vowed to increase their financial commitment and strengthen collaboration with China in sectors such as aviation, healthcare, and medical services.

At last month’s “two sessions” political event, Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged Hong Kong to strengthen global interactions and collaboration. This directive was seen as a step towards enhancing China’s openness during the growing competition between Beijing and Washington.

In 2023, Merlin Swire headed a delegation that met with Xia Baolong, who leads the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.

At the meeting, Xia commended the team for their sustained involvement in Hong Kong and their backing of the “one country, two systems” governance policy, simultaneously encouraging them to play a role in advancing the nation’s progress.

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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.

Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Met: Kenyan Rains Set to Continue Across Most Regions This Week


The Kenya Meteorological Department reports that rainfall is expected to persist across much of the nation for the remainder of this week.


The weather forecast issued on Monday for the period from March 25 to 31 predicts scattered instances of intense rain in certain regions.


Kenya Met said i

Isolated intense rainfalls are expected in various regions including the Highlands both East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley itself, the southeastern lowlands, and northeastern Kenya.

.


The weather report indicates that the daily high temperatures during the reviewed period will reach up to 30 degrees.


°C at the Coastal Region, as well as northeastern and northwestern parts of Kenya.


In the Central Highlands and the Central Rift Valley, nighttime temperatures are expected to fall to around 10°C.


On March 18, Kenya Meteorology Department announced that the long rains for the months of March through April to May had commenced in certain areas of the nation, with the remaining regions expected to begin shortly.

According to Met, the beginning of the rainy season will feature a period of continuous rain amounting to at least 20 mm over three successive days, without any stretch of completely dry weather lasting for seven days or more during the next twenty-one days.

For regions in the northern section of the nation, there should be a total accumulation of precipitation reaching at least 10 millimeters across three successive days.

The meteorologist announced that the prolonged rainfall season will commence from March 10 to March 16 in the western highlands outside the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria region, the Rift Valley itself, Nairobi, and certain areas within these highlands.

Ands east of the Rift Valley, as well as some areas in the southeastern lowlands and portions of Isiolo County.

He mentioned that the rainfall was higher during March 3 to March 9, particularly in the Southeastern lowlands and certain areas of Northeastern Kenya.

“The beginning of rainfall for the areas east of the Rift Valley Highlands and the southeastern lowlands is anticipated to start this week,” he stated.

He additionally mentioned that the beginning for the Northeastern area is anticipated to fall between March 25 and March 31.

This will probably be succeeded by periods of drought.

The northwestern areas of Kenya along with the coastal zones are anticipated to experience intermittent rain showers for the rest of March 2025.

This, however, might not satisfy the criteria for onset.

The height of the season along the coast is anticipated to happen in May.

The beginning is expected to happen in April across both areas.

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President Murmu Visits Lord Nilamadhav Temple in Odisha

President Murmu Visits Lord Nilamadhav Temple in Odisha

New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has arrived in
Bhubaneswar
,
Odisha
on Monday afternoon from
Raipur
,
Chhattisgarh
.

The President went to Nayagarh from
Bhubaneswar
and had their darshan and performed puja
Lord Nilamadhab Temple
Later, she attended the foundation day celebration of Bharatiya Biswabasu Shabar Samaj.
Kaliapalli
.

Speaking to the assembly at the
Kaliapalli
The President stated that the breathtaking vistas in this region are highly appealing. There is significant potential for it to develop into a favored travel spot.

She voiced her belief that enhancing the infrastructure in this region would draw both tourists and pilgrims. This improvement would also invigorate the local economy. Encouraging everybody to participate in the development of this location, she emphasized the importance of stepping up efforts across different sectors such as farming, artisan crafts, travel, among others, with specific mention of potential advancements in Nayagarh.

The President stated that living harmoniously with nature is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and is essential to the way tribes live. They regard forests, trees, and more as deities. Tribes believe that the spirits of their forefathers dwell within these woods, which serves as a powerful motivator for conserving the forest.

The President stated that her administration is introducing multiple programs aimed at empowering and making tribal communities self-sufficient, all while safeguarding and advancing their artistic traditions and cultural heritage. She encouraged these individuals to stay informed about the available benefits and make full use of such initiatives. The President emphasized that the success of governmental efforts hinges entirely on the support and active involvement of the populace.

Previously, Madhya Pradesh’s former Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had reached out.
President Droupadi Murmu
At Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, she was invited to inaugurate the ‘Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan’ (Water Conservation and Augmentation Campaign) on March 30 in the state.

As per an official statement, the program designed to boost community involvement in water preservation and build additional water facilities will operate non-stop for 90 days up until June 30. Various activities will be held throughout this timeframe to encourage water conservation across the state.

“Today, I met
President Droupadi Murmu
Madhya Pradesh has been hosting Vikram Utsav for several years, and the start of Vikram Samvat’s new year on March 30 marks a significant date during these celebrations. As part of this occasion, we plan to initiate the ‘Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan’ across the state for a duration of three months. I have invited the President concerning this matter, and she has expressed willingness to adjust her calendar accordingly. Additionally, I conveyed our appreciation from the MP government,” stated Chief Minister Yadav. (ANI)

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).

MTN Launches Training Opportunities for Journalists and Content Creators: Apply Now!

MTN Nigeria has launched registrations for the fourth iteration of its Media Innovation Program, a half-year fellowship aimed at providing media practitioners with knowledge about the changing media and technological environment, as stated in a press release on Monday.

On Monday, a statement was made indicating that the program, which is being conducted in collaboration with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, is set to commence on May 19. The initiative also encompasses a study trip to the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.

The telecom company stated that the initiative is available for journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, as well as social media content producers.

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, commented, “Upon launching MIP in 2022, our objective was to improve the reporting skills of media professionals and increase their knowledge about the tech industry, thereby enabling them to emerge as genuine media trailblazers.”

Observing the effects of the program over the last three years has been truly inspirational and sobering. We are delighted to keep this initiative going and extend an invitation to all qualifying media professionals and content creators to take advantage of this chance by applying for the upcoming fourth group.

Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, who serves as the Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stated that the program keeps getting better and more refined over time.

In light of the rapidly evolving media landscape we face today, there is increasing pressure to nurture a new cohort of media experts who can spearhead innovation and maintain high standards to address contemporary media demands.

“SMC will utilize its vast expertise in educating media professionals to prepare this upcoming group. We will continue to prioritize creativity and ethics as we have always done,” he stated.

The statement further noted that upon completion of the program, the 20 selected candidates, who will be designated as Fellows, will receive training focused on Nigeria’s tech industry, the interplay between media and technology, and enhanced avenues for content development.

They will also acquire the abilities needed to adjust to evolving circumstances that ensure both career advancement and fiscal prosperity within their chosen professions. Additionally, fellows will gain entry to professional tools and guidance from PAU’s distinguished educators.

Journalists, bloggers, and content producers who have an interest can submit their applications through the MTN website. The application period will start on Monday, March 24, and conclude on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Amazon Fire Stick Users Risk £1,000 Fine Over New Feature

Amazon Fire Stick Users Risk £1,000 Fine Over New Feature


  • READ MORE: Caution for Alexa Users as Amazon Plans to Eliminate Privacy Feature

It’s among the most favored TV streaming gadgets in the United Kingdom.

However, if you utilize an Amazon FireStick, you might encounter a substantial penalty due to employing a recent function.

Amazon has discreetly included multiple new items.
BBC
Navigate to the ‘live’ tab on your FireStick.

This will grant you access to television programs including
EastEnders
, such as “The Apprentice” and “Casualty,” it might also result in a substantial fine.

The problem is that to view live content, you have to purchase a TV license.

For £169.50 annually, this might not be considered inexpensive; however, it is significantly more affordable compared to the substantial penalty you’d incur if you decide to overlook it.

“If you fail to pay for a TV licence and we discover that you’ve been watching, recording, or downloading programs unlawfully, you could face a penalty of up to £1,000,” states TV Licensing on their website.

‘The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey. Plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.’

The Amazon Fire Stick is renowned for granting users access to major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+.

What you might not be aware of is that you can also stream Live TV.

Last week, the technology company discreetly included 10 well-liked BBC channels in the live section.

It encompasses BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC News, BBC Scotland, and BBC Alba.

In order to stream these channels live, you must buy a TV license.

‘To view content live through streaming platforms like ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, Sky Go, Netflix, and Freely, you must have a valid TV licence according to TV Licensing regulations,’ they stated.

If you never watch anything live on any channel, subscribe to a paid TV service, or use stream services like BBC iPlayer, then you won’t require a TV licence.

The cost of a TV license is presently £169.59 annually.

Although you have the option to pay this all at once, most individuals prefer to divide the payment through direct debit, which amounts to £14.12 each month.

If you fail to pay your TV licence fee, you might have to deal with substantial penalties.

‘They might come to your place to verify whether you require a TV licence,’ TV Licensing cautioned.

If it comes to our attention that you have watched, recorded, or streamed programs without authorization, you could face legal action and a penalty of up to £1,000 for lacking a TV licence. Additionally, you might be required to cover any related legal fees and/or compensations.

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