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Tag: Gambia

  • NTAC deploys 22 fresh volunteers to Gambia

    NTAC deploys 22 fresh volunteers to Gambia

    The Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has announced the deployment of 22 volunteers to the Gambia.

    It also received the batch of 15 volunteers that just returned from the same country after two years of volunteering service.  

    This brings to 300 the number of volunteers that have been deployed to 11 countries in the last two years.

    No fewer than 10,000 volunteers have been deployed to 40 countries since the establishment of NTAC in the last 38 years. 

    Speaking at a short ceremony for the returning and departing volunteers, the Director General of NTAC, Yusuf Buba Yakub said the deployed  volunteers are mainly from the academia and different fields of learning. 

    He explained they are to be deployed to the Gambia University to replace the just returned volunteers. 

    According to him: “In the past two years we have achieved a lot. Since I resumed two years ago, like this year now we have over 300 volunteers that have gone out to about 11 countries of the world just between last year to this period. So and even yesterday we have deployed more to Grenada. 

    “They arrived yesterday and today we have received back 15 from Gambia and 21 are going back to Gambia, which we have just done the exercise this morning. So almost on a monthly basis we deploy volunteers to different parts of the world.” 

    Yakub explained that the scheme has become an instrument of soft power diplomacy for the country.

    He pointed out: “the Nigeria Technical Aid scheme which was established in 1987 as an instrument of soft power diplomacy to serve as a tool of sending out professionals or technical aid to Africa, Caribbean, and the Pacific countries has helped in projecting the image of the country abroad. 

    “And in the past two years we have been deploying volunteers almost every month to different countries. And my dream, as you asked, is to see NTAC serve as a tool for eradicating unemployment in Nigeria.”

    He added because of the good record, the good track record, the NTAC volunteers have left in the minds of the countries they have served, Nigeria has gained a lot of respect from these countries.

  • Banjul flights to strengthen Nigeria, Gambia relations

    Banjul flights to strengthen Nigeria, Gambia relations

    The Managing Director of ValueJet Airlines, Capt Omololu Majekodunmi  has highlighted the economic benefits of the airline’s  recent inaugural flight to Banjul, The Gambian capital ,stressing that it  would further strengthen the trade relations between Nigeria and the West African country.

    Affirming the carrier’s commitment to safe and efficient operations, Majekodunmi said its  full  adherence  to all  prescribed regulations by authorities  on the route is guaranteed with the  deployment of its CRJ-900 aircraft.

    He said: “The launch of our Lagos to Banjul flight is yet another important milestone in ValueJets Airline’s vision to enhance regional connectivity and contribute to the economic growth of West Africa. Our commitment is to make travel within the continent more accessible and efficient with fares.”

    He further stated that the Lagos-Banjul connection is set to strengthen economic ties and foster tourism between Nigeria and The Gambia, two of West Africa’s most dynamic regions as the carrier is the only airline in West Africa that offers direct flight to Banjul.

    According to him, the route offers immense opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange with The Gambia’s growing tourism sector and Nigeria’s bustling business landscape.

    The new service also supports businesses by providing quicker and more efficient travel options, bridging distances within the region.

    READ ALSO: Oloyede: Beyond the glitch

    The carrier’s inaugural flight to Banjul on May 15, 2025, was marked with fanfare and the cutting of the ribbon in front of the check-in counters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to signal the official opening of the route.

    The new route reflects ValueJet’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and expanding its footprint across West Africa.

    The airline commenced flights to link key cities across the continent and provide travellers with efficient travel options.

     In addition to the Lagos-Banjul flights, ValueJet will also connect travellers on its domestic network to Banjul, further broadening its services.

    The Gambian government expressed readiness to support the carrier and its passengers, acknowledging the airline’s plan to foster regional integration.

  • Gambia’s team  to AFCON  nearly perished, says Saintfiet

    Gambia’s team  to AFCON  nearly perished, says Saintfiet

    The Gambia squad travelling to Cote d’Ivoire  for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations “could have died” during a flight that was aborted, coach Tom Saintfiet claimed.

    The Air Cote d’Ivoire flight turned around just minutes after leaving the Gambian capital Banjul on Wednesday.

    Saintfiet  reckoned   there was a lack of oxygen, saying conditions prompted many of the delegation to fall asleep.

    The coach praised quick thinking by the pilot for keeping his team safe. Officials from the airline confirmed there had been a pressurisation issue.

    Saintfiet told BBC Sport Africa: “The local crew said there was a problem with the air conditioning before we took off but that it would be all fine when we took off.

    “After a few minutes, it was very hot in the plane.

    “We all fell asleep because there was a lack of oxygen – some of the players couldn’t be woken up. The pilot noticed and we had to return.

    “People got headaches and if the flight had gone on for another 30 minutes, the whole team would have died. The strange thing is that the oxygen masks didn’t come out – it’s good that the pilot realised that this was a deadly situation and so turned back.

    “But we are still in shock.”

    Air Cote d’Ivoire is the official airliner of AFCON 2023, and a statement from the company said the air crew decided to turn back because of a pressurisation problem.

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    It added that the issue could have been resolved by a mechanic on the ground, but that the flight was ultimately cancelled because of the impact earlier delays had on the crew’s working hours.

    Saintfiet suggested the passengers could have been facing carbon monoxide poisoning, but Gambia Football Federation (GFF) president Lamin Kaba Bajo said there was no evidence to support that remark.

    “I never felt it and it’s not clinically, scientifically or medically proven,” Kaba Bajo told the BBC.

    “Those are individual observations and perceptions, but there was not anything like that. I was almost sitting next to the coach and I didn’t see anyone collapse.

    “I know that people, when a plane takes off, they sleep.

    “Some people were dozing, sleeping, but we landed safely. There was not a single incident, we all came down and boarded the bus to go back to the terminal.”

    The incident came four months after the Gambian team, who will face defending champions Senegal, Cameroon and Guinea in Group C, were caught up in September’s devastating earthquake in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, when over 2,000 people died.

    Despite the experience on board the aborted flight, The Gambia chose to train upon their return to Banjul on Wednesday night, even though some of the squad were unable to take part.

    “Some players could not train because of what happened. They still have headaches and that is worrying, while some of the players are still dizzy,” said Saintfiet.

    “The team requested to train as we had been travelling overnight from Saudi Arabia to return home on Sunday, and Monday as well.

    “We trained in a bid to release the stress.”

  • Gambia for Akwaaba 2019

    The Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, Mr. Abdoulie Hydara, has said Nigeria is an important catchment market for Gambian tourism and as such, the country will be participating once again at the 2019 Akwaaba Trade Fair scheduled for next month at Eko Hotel Expo Centre, Lagos.

    According to him, Nigerians are known as high spenders and with the close proximity to the Gambia, it  has an opportunity to penetrate fully in this market.

    He said: “Many meetings are lined up during our presence in Nigeria to showcase what the Gambia has to offer to Nigerians. Due to the importance of Nigeria, the Gambia Tourism Board will appoint a Destination Manager to represent the Gambia towards the promotion and marketing of destination Gambia in Nigeria.

    “The Gambia has a lot of investment opportunities to offer to potential investors in Nigeria and the need to sell this among others in Nigeria.”

    Explaining further, the Director of Marketing of the tourism board, Mr. Adama Njie, confirmed the importance of the Nigerian market in terms of our all- year round tourism strategy.

    He said: “With only four-hour flights, the Gambia is an ideal place for Nigerians. The facilities available in the Gambia are in line with what most Nigerian travellers want in a country. This ranges from shopping, honeymoon sports, conferencing, unbeatable gastronomy, good and standard hotels to name a few.

  • African youths urged to deliver new Africa

    The President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow has urged African youths to work towards delivering a new Africa.

    He also challenged the African youths to look at the urgency of the challenges confronting the continent especially the youth constituency and find ways at addressing it.

    The President who was represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Hadrammeh Sidibeh stated this while declaring the 3rd Pan African Youth Conference on African Unity and Development and the General Assembly of African Youth Commission (AYC) open in Banjul, The Gambia.

    “Pan africanism and African integration, governance and employment, irregular migration, peace and security, health and well being and climate change remains a concern of all from politicians, experts, activists to citizens particularly Africans.

    ” Young African leaders like you must continue to initiate, innovate and inspire to address these concerns”, he said.

    Sidibeh then lamented the increasing rate of poverty in Africa stressing on the need to confront this heads on.

    “The paradox of Africa is the other of civilization. Africa is the cradle of humanity, Africa is the richest continent on earth but yet her sons and daughter continue to languish in poverty and other human conditions which must be confronted heads on.”

    He further charged the youths to rise to the challenges and take ownership and make the best use of every existing opportunities.

    “It is time, without further delay, to harness these potentials into economic, political and civic leadership spaces in the continent. ”

    In her welcome address, the acting Executive Chairperson of the African Youth Commission (AYC), Ms. Natalie Makundane said the conference is to work towards the unification and development of Africa through youth power and leadership.

    She stated that a lot of expected from the youths in Africa urging them To Help deliver the Africa that is needed.

    “The Africa we want to see is in is and we have to be the chance we need. I am convinced that there is abundant energy in the youths and other young Africans to deliver the Africa we want.”

    Over 300 youth delegates and leaders from African countries are in attendance of the conference which will take place for three days to be ended with the annual General Assembly meeting of the African Youth Commission.

    The youths are expected to deliberate on a number of issues and come up with solutions to address the challenges facing the continent.

  • Electricity has no political colour, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday declared that electricity has no political colour.

    Buhari spoke while inaugurating the Ariara Market Independent Power Plant (IPP) in the commercial city of Aba, Abia State.

    The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also pledged that his administration will continue to execute people-oriented projects around the country irrespective of party differences.

    ‘‘Today with policies and programmes such as this IPP we have demonstrated that if the common good is our mutual objective, it can be achieved irrespective of party differences and constitutional limitations.

    ‘‘Electricity has no political colour,’’ the President said in his speech at the inauguration of the plant.

    He expressed delight 37,000 shops belonging to traders and small business owners in Ariara market will, one after the other, be connected to the dedicated electricity supply.

    Buhari said the feat will strengthen the Made-in-Nigeria policy for which Abia and in particular, Aba, and Ariaria market are already well known.

    ‘‘I am pleased to be here today at the milestone connection of 4,000 shops that now have dedicated power.

    ‘‘Being a market that supplies shoes, bags, clothing, trunks and many household accessories to Nigeria, many African countries like Chad, Cameroun, Gambia and Central Africa Republic, reliable power supply is critical for ease of doing business to ensure sustainability and improvement.

    Read Also: Pensioners to Buhari: have mercy on us

    ‘‘I am told that before this intervention, traders in the market only got 4 hours a day of electricity and paid exorbitantly for it, which consequently affected the viability of many businesses.

    ‘‘This is the sad legacy we inherited but which we are replacing with an all-day power supply that is cleaner and better for our environment.

    ‘‘Those who turned their backs on these problems still have the courage to campaign about unemployment and poverty,’’ he said.

    The President told delighted traders and businessmen who trooped out en-masse to welcome him to Aba that the APC-led administration is creating jobs for Nigerians through investments in power projects like the IPP in Ariaria.

    ‘‘What is happening in Ariaria today by way of clean, independent and reliable power to markets and small businesses is happening in Kano, Lagos, Ondo and Ibadan.

    ‘‘Similar initiatives have started in nine Federal universities with a plan to cover 37 universities, through Government funding,’’ he said.

    Saluting the traders for their fortitudes over the years when no previous government attended to their concerns, the President declared: ‘‘Methodically, slowly, but very efficiently, we are cleaning up the mess.

    “We are moving our economy away from rent and arbitrage and heading resolutely to building an economy that rewards investments, enterprise and hard work.’’

    Buhari assured business owners in Ariara that under his watch they will continue to experience better days and prosperity as African markets await more of Made-in-Aba products.

    The President is on his 17th and 18th campaigns stops to Abia and Imo States for the February 16, 2019 presidential elections.

    On his arrival in Aba, the President had paid homage to Enyi 1 of Aba, Eze Isaac Ikonne before attending the APC presidential campaign rally at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba.

  • Nigeria contributes $710m to ECOWAS, more than 13 countries

    Nigeria has contributed more money to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) than 13 other Members states put together in the last 12 years, statistics have shown.

    Statistics on payment of the Community Levy obtained by our correspondent showed that between 2003 and 2015, Nigeria paid $710, 497,352, equivalent to 480, 355,205 West Africa Units of Account (UA).

    The West Africa UA is the official nominal monetary unit of measure or currency used to represent the real value.

    The document was presented by the ECOWAS Commission as part of the Status of the Community report during an Extra Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.

    In the same period, 13 other countries contributed a cumulative amount of 697. 947 million dollars.

    The countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal Sierra Leone and Togo.

    Out of the 13 countries mentioned, Guinea Bissau contributed the least amount of 3. 107 million dollars followed by The Gambia with 11. 171 million dollars and Cabo Verde with 12.879 million dollars.

    Within the period, Sierra Leone contributed 19. 632 million; Liberia 29. 988 million dollars,; Guinea 31. 101 million; Niger 37. 788 million ,; Togo $48. 961 and Cote d’Ivoire $54. 173 million.

    Benin Republic contributed a total of $76. 147 million; Mali paid $93. 538 million; Burkina Faso with $105. 278 million; while Senegal paid $174. 177 million.

    Read Also:ECOWAS Mission to help secure Guinea Bissau’s polls

    The highest paying country after Nigeria is Ghana which paid $327. 976 million within the same period.

    According to the statistics, a total of $1. 736 billion was contributed within the period by all 15 member states, with Nigeria paying 40.9 per cent of the amount.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the budget for each financial year is met by the member states through their contributions to the Community Levy, a 0.5 per cent tax imposed on goods from non-ECOWAS countries.

    The national customs administrations of member states are responsible for “assessment and collection” of the levy and daily record “accounts of amounts received”.

    However, the contributions by Nigeria is not equivalent to the weight it pulls in the sub-regional body, especially in the Parliament.

    For instance, out of the 35 seats allocated to Nigeria in the Parliament, many of the representatives are usually absent during plenary.

    At the plenary in May 2018, only four members out of 35 were present on the day Nigeria presented its Country Report.

    Also, during its recent ongoing Second Ordinary Session, less than 10 were present for the aforementioned presentation.

    The absenteeism by Nigerians also got the attention the Bureau of Parliament and other members who expressed displeasure at the attitude of the Nigerians.

    Some representatives from Nigeria also admitted that the attitude had become worrisome and needed to be addressed.

    Hon. Shehu Garba who briefed newsmen after the presentation by Nigeria at the on-going session, said that it was time the leadership of the delegation intervened and deployed people who had time for parliament’s activities.

  • INAC Expo: 27 countries, others showcase culture

    27 countries and states  were  in Abuja to display  their culture,  arts and crafts at the 11th edition of International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo.

    Among the participating countries were China, Hungary, Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, Chad, India, Iran, Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Sudan and many other countries.

    The impressive event was also an opportunity for many unemployed Nigerians to acquire free vocational training in arts and craft. The event  was declared open by the publisher of the Abuja-based Leadership newspapers, Mr. Sam Ndah-Isaiah. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; the Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji  Lai Mohammed, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Gekpe; and a representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.

    Delivering a paper titled: Networking for Arts and Crafts to the World: Prospects and Challenges, the Chief Executive Officer of Le Look Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa,  called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s art and craft industry as a commercial venture.

    She said African art and craft industry is currently enjoying huge international acceptability and has the prospects of not only alleviating poverty, but also creating jobs. Ezenwa said  at the time she started the production of Afrocentric crafts as beauty items, European designers were the order of the day in Nigeria. But this has changed with the current huge demand for African crafts.

    Her words: “At the time we started, the prospects were not there then, as our products were competing against famous and infamous international labels. Our women    and men were preoccupied in wearing European and Western outfits. Over time, as we approached a new millennium, things began to change. Afrobeat through Fela, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade and other famous musicians started making waves outside the Nigerian shores.

    “We, on our part, invested in research to understand how and what was accepted internationally. We embraced training; we attended fairs locally and internationally. We became visible and could no longer be ignored by our own Nigerians as the Made in Nigeria campaign became the order of the day.

    “Then came the boom-Made in Nigeria, Made in Africa, the ankara revolution that we had already keyed into a long time ago and waited for the opportunity.”

    Ezenwa said Nigeria has never had the opportunity that it is having currently to expand its arts and craft to all parts of the world.

    In his welcome address, the Director- General of the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, said even though the arts of craft expo  was in its 11th edition, he saw the need to drastically improve on the expo by not limiting it to the just Africa.

    He said:“This flagship programme of the NCAC was conceived in 2008 as a platform for craft men and women all over Africa and beyond to make contact, interact, showcase their arts and crafts products , exchange ideas and skills, network for investment partners.

    “I am delighted to note that this exposition has lived up to the expectation of bringing about regional integration, continental unity as well as unveiling the economic opportunities in the arts and crafts sector.”

    Runsewe said the decision to change the expo’s name from African Festival of Arts and Culture (AFAC) Expo to International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo was taken last year in view of the growing popularity and the need to reflect the global relevance and outlook of the programme. He said having consolidated itself as at the regional level, it became imperative to launch into the global arena so that Nigerian craft men could network with the world.

    Speaking on the expo and their participation, the head  of the Bangladesh  from their country’s embassy in  Nigeria, Mr. Yamin Khan, said:  “The main aim of our participation is that we don’t want to stagnate in a certain place. We want to expand our traditional craft. We want to expand our traditional craft to everywhere.”

    Asked if he was satisfied with the organization and level of participation at the expo, he said: “Of course, there are many booths here. We can share with each other. It is through this kind of programme that we can share with each other.  What we are having, they can pick from us and what we are not having, we can pick from them.  This is the way to go. This is the way to show your craft and your products. This way, it will help you to expand your business all over the world.”

    Some of the participating countries took time out to celebrate their day and showcase their culture. Among these countries was the People’s Republic of China which put up a beautiful show to the admiration and satisfaction of visitors and participants.

  • NANS lauds PRO, Police Command over international award

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lauded DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun for the recent international award and recognition as “Best Police PRO in Nigeria.’’

    The award was presented recently at the 15th Conference of Security Watch Africa held on Nov. 15 in Banjul, Gambia.

    NANS National Public Relations Officer, Mr Bestman Okereafor, made the commendation in a statement on Monday in Enugu.

    According to Okereafor, NANS joins lovers of security in congratulating a hardworking and dedicated Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi.

    Read Also: FRSC, NADDC chiefs, others for auto awards

    “This award is a victory to us all who are looking forward for a reformed and effective Nigeria Police.

    “We say big congratulations to Nigeria Police, Ogun Command under the leadership of Mr Ahmed Iliyasu and the command’s Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).

    According to NANS, the great achievement had been made possible through collective efforts.

    “NANS is imploring Nigerians,specifically residents of Ogun to remain peaceful as well as steadfast in dissemination of information to the police and other security agencies.’’

    NAN

  • AfDB approves $15m equity investment in Nigeria, others

    The African Development Bank ( AfDB ) says it has approved 15 million dollars for equity investment in Verod Capital Growth Fund III, a private equity fund for investments in high growth middle market companies.

    The bank said on Friday that the figure was approved by its Board of Directors for companies in in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Gambia.

    The bank said the fund’s investments would be in companies in consumer driven sectors including light industrials, fast moving consumer goods, education, financial services and agro processing.

    It also said the ticket size for each investment would be between 5 million dollars and 20 million dollars.

    Read Also: AfDB: Nigeria, others spend $35b yearly to import food

    Mr Abdu Mukhtar, the African Development Bank’s Director of Industrial and Trade Development, AfDB, said the fund would help accelerate investments in small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the West African region.

    “This is key to job and wealth creation, knowledge transfer and scaling up of local businesses.

    “The Fund will provide an important vehicle to growing SMEs in Africa, which are a key pillar to the continent’s industrialization drive,” Mukhtar added, in a statement posted on the bank’s website.