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Tag: peaceful

  • Kogi 2015: Group advocates peaceful, non-violent poll

    Ahead of the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State, a non-government organisation (NGO), Alliance for Credible Election (ACE), has advocated a peaceful, non-violent and credible poll.

    The Acting National Secretary of ACE – Nigeria, Ms. Mma Odi, who spoke at a one-day seminar on peaceful, non-violent and credible election, at Halims Hotels and Towers in Lokoja, said no development could take place in a violent atmosphere.

    She noted that election was not meant for people to die, stressing that “Nigeria belongs to all of us.”

    Ms. Odi said a peaceful, non-violent and credible election would attract development, adding that it would save resources, as there would be no need for a rerun.

    “A violent-free election will allow participation by all, and a credible poll will serve as a social mobiliser and drum support for the government.”

    A representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Head of Voter Education Unit (Lokoja), Mr. Daniel Kure, urged stakeholders to support INEC to ensure a violent-free, peaceful and credible poll.

    He hailed ACE for organising the seminar “at this crucial time preceding the election”, noting: “This will assist INEC and stakeholders.”

     

     

  • Voting peaceful in Umuahia

    Voting peaceful in Umuahia

    Yesterday’s governorship supplementary election in Abia State was generally peaceful but marred by low turnout of voters.

    It was gathered many voters did not see the need to exercise their rights.

    The election, which was scheduled to take place in 299 polling units of nine local government areas, started in some polling centres as early as 8am.

    The nine local government areas for the supplementary election are: Aba North and South, Ikwuano, Ohafia, Osisioma, Ugwunagbo, Umuahia South, Umunneochi and Bende, while Umuahia North was for state House of Assembly.

    In Umuobutu/Saint Silas Primary School, Old Umuahia and Umuezeala in Umuahia South council areas, accreditation started at about 9am while in Umuobia it started by 11:30am because of delay in rectifying the card reader, which developed a little fault.

    In Ipupe, Umuosu and Mgbarakuma in Ubakala, Umuahia South local government area, accreditation started at about 9am and ended at 1pm while actual voting started at 1:30pm. But the common feature in all the polling centers was the low turnout.

    At the Umuobutu/Saint Silas Primary School, Old Umuahia polling centre, only 650 voters had accredited at the time of voting out of 1262 registered voters.

    In Umuezeala, only 152 were accredited out of 650 while Umuobia 1 and 11 had 248 out of 1195 total registered voters and in Ohafia and Umuahia North.

    The restriction order on vehicular movement was not strictly enforced as vehicles, other than those on election duty, were seen plying the roads.

    Inter and intra city commercial buses and tricycles operated normally.

    The restriction order was only in areas where the supplementary elections held.

    In many other places, most shops opened for business while social engagements went on normally.

     

  • ALGON hails peaceful elections

    The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has congratulated residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the entire Nigerians on the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded general elections.

    President of ALGON, Hon. Micah Jiba, who spoke with reporters, said with the outcome of the elections, Nigerians have demonstrated that the unity of Nigeria is more than any politician’s ambition.

    According to Jiba, although there were reports about pockets of violence in some states, the most important thing is that the country still remains one despite fears of national violence that may lead to separation.

    “I am one of the happiest Nigerians today, because, eventually the general elections have come and gone, despite predictions of probable crises and serious post-election violence. Nigerians have proven that the interest of one prosperous nation is in our hearts. God really loves Nigeria, which is why He did not allow the prediction of Nigeria breaking up in 2015 to be a reality.

    “This country has been marked for greatness and I believe that the incoming administration will work towards actualising that desired greatness for Nigeria. I must commend Nigerians who conducted themselves peacefully during the general elections. They have shown that they did not need to sacrifice their blood for anybody to be in power, because power comes from God alone.

    “I also advise aggrieved politicians to work towards peace by channeling their grievances through the appropriate authorities, instead of taking the laws into their own hands. This is because all we need now in Nigeria is a peaceful co-existence that would take this country to the desired greatness that all of us have been praying for,” he said.

    He further promised that ALGON will negotiate with the President-elect, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari to work together with the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the reports and recommendations of the National Conference, which include issues that affect other local government areas and the FCT is guaranteed.

  • Towards peaceful elections

    Towards peaceful elections

    The Centre for Peace Studies of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto (UDUS) has organised a seminar and rally in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) HALIMAH AKANBI (300-Level Law) and ISMAT ANIFOWOSE (300-Level Economics) report.

    THE Centre for Peace Studies of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has held a sensitisation rally and seminar to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its drive to ensure  peaceful elections, beginning with Saturday’s presidential elections.

    The university auditorium, was filled as a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, led  guests to the occasion. The Sultan was represented by Alhaji Muhammed Malami Sheik.

    The event was chaired by Prof Tijanni Muhammed Bande, and the special guests included the immediate past Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof R.A. Shehu, his predecessor, Prof Muhammed Adamu, represented by Prof Aminu Isiaku, Prof Aminu Salihu Mika’il and representative of the Commissioner of Police.

    The VC, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, said the aim of the seminar was to enlighten the electorate on the need for peace during the elections. He said INEC needed the support of all to organise credible elections.

    He said the dates fixed by INEC should be seen as significant in the nation’s democratic development, noting that the government has done everything to ensure that voters exercised their franchise peacefully during the elections.

    He urged students to work for peace during and after the elections, saying the success of the exercise would depend on the role individuals choose to play.

    In his paper titled: Electoral process, voter education and the enlightenment, Prof Shehu Salihu Muhammed of the Department of Political Science said for free, fair and credible election to be conducted, citizens must see the electoral process as their task.

    He called for massive voters’ education, saying it would help to change people’s orientation towards ensuring credible election.

    “For there to be credible polls, we must stop to seeing electoral process as the responsibility of the INEC, political parties, religious and community leaders only. Individuals must be seen as partner in the project because we are citizens of this country,” he said.

    Presenting a paper titled: Rule of law and electoral process in Nigeria, Prof Mansur Sa’id of the Faculty of Law said the Constitution had its foundation in law enacted by ordinary people. He said every process in the build up to the election must have its root in rule of law to prevent barrage of litigations.

    While noting that rule of law is bedrock of any democratic society, Prof Sa’id said INEC must ensure the conduct of the elections is in tandem with the provision of Electoral Act. Political parties, he said, must rein in the excesses of their supporters to prevent violence during and after the elections.

    Dr Tukur Muhammed Baba of Department of Sociology, who examined the role of community leaders in electoral process, clarified the concept of community, saying it was a term used to describe every human being living within a given space. Members of the community, he said, must have the same information about any process, noting that outcome of any decision taken would affect every individual in the community because they share the same objective.

    He said community leaders are shapers of opinion, who help individual to interpret and react to a phenomenon. “Community leaders relate opinion on people, events, issues and phenomenon. They act as social mobilisers and organise the thought of members of their society about issues of interest. They invest time and resources in communicating community affairs and provide guidelines and offer assistance to community members on their goals,” he said.

    He listed the roles of community leaders to include contributing to success of electoral process, including sensitising their members on rules and regulations. He added that a good community leader must have acceptability, credibility and available to address members’ grievances at all times.

    In his lecture on Role of media in electoral process, Malam Muhammed Abubakar said the electoral process could not be completed without involving the media. He said activities of media practitioners must be guided by ethics of the profession, noting that the manner in which electoral process was reported could either make or mar the elections.

    Abubakar said the media must report the election accurately, objectively and constructively, urging journalists to promote peace, harmony and love through their reportage. He said the media must focus on issues rather being used to attack personalities.

    The session was followed by a rally by members of Junior Chambers International (JCI) and Rotaract Club and some members of INEC, urging people to shun violence and promote peace during the election.

     

     

     

  • Why polls were peaceful

    The General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries in Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin has said last Saturday’s elections were settled in the spirit realm.

    According to him, it took God’s intervention to avert what could have been a bloody election, adding that God listened to the prayer of Nigerians and settled all that could have resulted in bloodshed.

    Prophet Fufeyin also told reporters that God revealed the winner of the presidential contest to him, but he did not reveal it due to security concerns.

    He said God also revealed the winner of the governorship election in the state.

    “This is one of the most peaceful elections in the history of Nigeria. It was peaceful not because of man power, but by the intervention of God.

    “My message to Nigerians is that they should continue to pray so that the election will end peacefully. Nigeria is walking on the path of peace and progress,” Fufeyin said.

     

     

  • Polls will be peaceful, says PFN’s chair

    The chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ikorodu Province Lagos, Rev. Fola Olusanya, has assured that the general elections will be violence-free.

    He urged Nigerians to seek the face of God instead of expressing unfounded fears over possible outbreak of violence before, during and after the polls.

    He spoke at a prayer conference in Ikorodu with the theme “When the righteous pray”.

    According to him: “Even when every other thing seems to have failed, God can still change things.

    “And If God cannot help us, then who will? And as such, we have come together to seek the face of God.”

    He urged Nigerians to remain positive and commit their fears over the polls to the hands of God.

    One of the organisers, Evangelist Segun Ehinmisan said prayers can change things in a nation how matter bad.

    He said: “I want Nigerians to know that the country will not disintegrate. Everything will work out fine and there will be peace because God’s eyes are on us and we should continue to pray for the progress of the country, especially Christians.”

  • Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    The remains of Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, have been buried at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki, Lagos after a funeral service at The First Baptist Church, Broad Street, Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

    There was traffic jam on Broad Street, Lagos penultimate Thursday. It wasn’t caused by the hustle and bustle of the city. It was caused by guests at the First Baptist Church who were attending the funeral service for Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, who died on January 23. He was 92.

    The church hall was decorated with yellow and cream fabrics. It was filled with those who came to pay him their last respects. Others sat on the gallery.

    Pa Odolomerun was a man of many parts.

    He was founder, Dolmark Partnership, a frontline firm that handled a lot of quantity surveying jobs for the government. Among other jobs he did were the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos; P and T Obalende and Federal Advanced Teachers Training College at Okene, Kogi State and others at Ogoja and Kano.

    The late Pa Odolomerun joined the Rotary International and was the president of Rotary Club of Ikeja, District 9110. Also, he served on the Board of Trustees and was an executive of his church. He was lover of classical and choral music and was Patron of the Sanctuary Choir of the church.

    The service began with the processional hymn, as the BMC pall bearers brought Pa Odolomerun’s body into the church. The family led by the widow, Gloria, followed.

    The church choir sang hymns such as Must Jesus bear ‘the cross’ alone/” All to Jesus I surrender”, “The day thou gavest Lord is ended” and “For mercies countless as the sand”.

    The Warri Choral Society also sang hymns, including, “Everyday I will give thanks”, “Blessed be God’ and ‘The trumpet shall sound”.

    His daughter Mrs Ejuaye Urowoli Ajayi read her father’s biography.

    In a sermon, Rev Sunday Fagbemi described the late Odolomerun as a man blessed by God.

    He said God blessed the the late Odolomerun with a wonderful wife and children who took good care of him. He said the widow was always with her husband.

    The cleric said the deceased managed his life well, noting that God’s blessings were for every one but the problem was that of management.

    He read from Genesis, 25: 7-11 and Psalm 34: 11-15.

    He said God has blessed all Christains with long life but that they have to key into it. “You must fear God, avoid lies and ensure peace with all,” he said.

    The cleric said God blessed Pa Odolomerun with long life, adding that he left a good legacy for his children. He urged the congregation to ensure that they get these blessings, stressing that the biggest blessing one should strive for is that of eternal life. He urged the people to live for Jesus,  so that their eternal life would be sure.

    Pa Odolomerun’s remains were interred at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki.

    Reception followed at KFA Events Centre in Lekki.

    Beautiful women dressed in uniformed blouse and wrapper Ankara led guests to labelled seats.

    Guests sympathised with the widow. Itinerant camera men made brisk business, taking ‘wait and get pictures’.

    The hall was beautiful; it was decorated with white and yellow fabrics.

    Ebony Band entertained guests.

    Mrs Odolomerun described the journey with her husband as remarkable and unforgettable.

    She wrote: “I testify to God’s glory that my husband lived a fulfilled life and completed all assignments at a ripe age of 92. I thank God as I was privileged to be here with him until the end. It was peaceful; indeed, he was a peaceful and  gentleman to the core,” she said.

    Mrs Urowoli wrote that her father was her number one fan. “He had faith in my capabilities, through thick and thin, never gave up on me. He meant many things to many people; to mum and I, he was our companion and friend. He was patient, kind and forgiving, empowering, yet protective”.

  • ‘Why I’m campaigning for peaceful elections ’

    ‘Why I’m campaigning for peaceful elections ’

    How do you combine  architecture with nation building?

    As a diplomat’s kid I was born in Washington D.C., in the United States of America.  However, I only have one passport  a Nigerian passport and that’s by choice! I believe my nation Nigeria will be GREAT and will be THE 8TH WONDER of the world – a WONDER TO BEHOLD!

    I went to Kent Academy, an American missionary primary school in Miango town, Plateau State. After which I continued my education at Federal Government Girls College Oyo, Oyo State. There after I studied Architecture at the University Of Lagos, Lagos State. I graduated in 1988. I have three degrees to my credit  two of which are higher degrees.

    For as far back as I can remember I have always loved Nigeria. Nigeria has held a special place in my heart. My parents told me that when they were preparing the family to come back to Nigeria from the U.S that I was so excited about coming home and they didn’t quite understand it then. I was just three years of age at the time. I have always had a GREAT DESIRE for a better Nigeria and a GREAT NEW NIGERIA! Over ten years ago I got tired of complaining about Nigeria and I decided to do something about it!

    I am a full-time novel nation builder, working to create a generational change in Nigeria through a paradigm shift in the minds of our youth.Just like an architect creates in his mind and designs buildings likewise a leadership architect creates and designs new mindsets. He creates a new way of thinking. The foundation of a building whether weak or strong is what makes the building to collapse or stand. Similarly the foundation for building a nation is the mind. It all starts in the mind and the way the citizens think about themselves and their nation. The citizens’ mindset will invariably determine whether a nation collapses or stands strong and become great.

    You have the word ‘PEACE’ inscribed in your hair;  is that about the peace advocacy for the elections?

    Yes, it is about the peace advocacy.  I am an architect, a leadership architect, creative leader, a nation builder, a patriot and I’m the author of the 2-in-1 book with titles ‘The 8th Wonder of the World, Made in Nigeria and the 8th Wonder of the World made in Naija’. I have many names, I’m known as the eighth wonder.

    The advocacy started when we did the ‘Peace motivational message songs’. But recently, we have done some other stuff like ‘the Walk for Peace’ organised by Mr Femi Dagunro. We walked from Ogudu roundabout to Ojota and back. We used that opportunity to engage the citizens of Nigeria, speaking in native languages to them, saying that we must not fight as peace must become the ultimate winner in the 2015 elections.

    2015 elections will come and go but what would be left of the electorate after March? Olaboludele Simoyan, an architect speaks on voting for peace in Nigeria in an interview with Blessing Olisa.

    You mentioned Mr Femi Dagunro, what part does he play in the advocacy for peace?

    He is another peace advocate who I recently met. We collaborated and I suggested this peace walk. He does the Ogudu Youth Empowerment for the youths there. He grew up in Ogudu area and that’s his way of giving back to the community in Ogudu.

    What is your motivation for the peaceful elections campaign?

    My motivation for the vote for peace campaign in Nigeria stems from three basic things. One, 21 years ago, the Rwandan Genocide took place, and if you look at the things that we are saying, they are the kind of things that were being said just before the genocide took place. They were calling themselves cockroaches, and that has been replicated in Nigeria. People were doing things with impunity then  and they are also doing that now; politicians are throwing inciting words at each other. And I’m saying we have to stop this movement in the direction of the genocide. They went through what we are seemingly experiencing now and it’s a lesson that we don’t have to go through what they went through. We must learn from their own experience.

    Two, my friend’s daughter served in Bauchi in 2011 and she was a victim of post election violence; they hacked her with a machete on the head and arm, and she lost 10 fellow youth corps members that they hacked to death. When her mother told me the story I said I would do something about it for all it’s worth. I didn’t have a clear idea on what I would do, but as this year’s elections came closer, seeing and hearing the inciting words of these politicians on themselves, I said I must do something and that’s how I started the Peace Advocacy in collaboration with Mr Femi Dagunro, a fellow peace advocate.

    What has the Peace Advocacy movement done so far?

    Well, the hairstyle is one thing. When I walk around Lagos and people stop and ask me about my hairstyle, I use that to engage them and say “we shouldn’t fight, this election must be peaceful, vote for who you want to vote for but if the person does not enter, vote in someone else but we must not fight.” I engage them in whatever language I can with the peace hairstyle.

    Also, Mr Dagunro designed T-shirts that we wore for the walk, I wear it to church. We’ve had a peace talk even at the Ogudu Youth Empowerment Centre before the walk.

    How can people become a part of this vote for peace movement in Nigeria?

    You could use the hastag #vote4peaceinnigeria campaign. You can also go and listen to the peace motivational songs on youtube, there’s one ‘I declare peace in Nigeria’, ‘I decree peace in Nigeria’, ‘It’s a new dawn’ and ‘Peace: You’re a winner’. You can also organise peace walks in your area, because what I am trying to encourage is citizen participation in everything we do in Nigeria.

    I’ll cite a typical example of something that happened recently in Nigeria: Dr Adadevoh, whom I refer to as Citizen Adadevoh because she exercised leadership at the citizen level, which enabled Governor Fashola and President Jonathan to do what they needed to do at the state and federal level. If she hadn’t done what she needed to do at the citizen level, it would have been difficult to do what was needed at the state and federal levels. I’m preaching citizen participation, do a 30-minute walk on a major road in your area, engage the citizens, make T-shirts, make stickers, have wristbands and wear those things on a regular basis so that there is a constant discussion on peace. We’re sending out a subtle yet strong message to our politicians, saying we want peace to be the ultimate winner in the 2015 elections. Nothing less, nothing more. After all said and done, that’s the message we want to send out to anyone involved in the coming elections.

    Did you write any of the peace advocacy songs on youtube?

    Yes, I wrote the songs but I got a professional singer to sing them. I sang a while back in something I did before, but I was advised to get a professional singer. And I got a professional singer that did a better job. I still did the motivational speaking in the song though. There’s music and a message.

    What is the central theme of this advocacy?

    The central theme is ‘Vote for Peace in Nigeria’.

    I was walking along Onipanu when two elderly women stopped me and asked about my hairstyle, I explained to them. They said all women should have hairstyles like this that show we are sending a message to our politicians, that we must stress the fact that women want peace. Because when things go wrong, women and children suffer the consequences just like in Rwanda. I totally agree with them because that’s the concept of the hairstyle. But it doesn’t stop there, whatever you can wear throughout this election period that emphasises peace like bracelets, T-shirts, stickers that can be given to people; we should just make sure that we saturate the atmosphere with a message of peace. So that when politicians hear, they know that Nigerians want peace. Negativity produces negativity and positivity produces positivity, a lot of inciting words have been used by our politicians and we need to counter those inciting words with a message of peace. That’s what ‘Vote for Peace in Nigeria’ is all about.

    Video: http://youtu.be/cLm53Nz4yrg

  • Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    The remains of Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, have been buried at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki, Lagos after a funeral service at The First Baptist Church, Broad Street, Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

    There was traffic jam on Broad Street, Lagos penultimate Thursday. It wasn’t caused by the hustle and bustle of the city. It was caused by guests at the First Baptist Church who were attending the funeral service for Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, who died on January 23. He was 92.

    The church hall was decorated with yellow and cream fabrics. It was filled with those who came to pay him their last respects. Others sat on the gallery.

    Pa Odolomerun was a man of many parts.

    He was founder, Dolmark Partnership, a frontline firm that handled a lot of quantity surveying jobs for the government. Among other jobs he did were the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos; P and T Obalende and Federal Advanced Teachers Training College at Okene, Kogi State and others at Ogoja and Kano.

    The late Pa Odolomerun joined the Rotary International and was the president of Rotary Club of Ikeja, District 9110. Also, he served on the Board of Trustees and was an executive of his church. He was lover of classical and choral music and was Patron of the Sanctuary Choir of the church.

    The service began with the processional hymn, as the BMC pall bearers brought Pa Odolomerun’s body into the church. The family led by the widow, Gloria, followed.

    The church choir sang hymns such as Must Jesus bear ‘the cross’ alone/” All to Jesus I surrender”, “The day thou gavest Lord is ended” and “For mercies countless as the sand”.

    The Warri Choral Society also sang hymns, including, “Everyday I will give thanks”, “Blessed be God’ and ‘The trumpet shall sound”.

    His daughter Mrs Ejuaye Urowoli Ajayi read her father’s biography.

    In a sermon, Rev Sunday Fagbemi described the late Odolomerun as a man blessed by God.

    He said God blessed the the late Odolomerun with a wonderful wife and children who took good care of him. He said the widow was always with her husband.

    The cleric said the deceased managed his life well, noting that God’s blessings were for every one but the problem was that of management.

    He read from Genesis, 25: 7-11 and Psalm 34: 11-15.

    He said God has blessed all Christains with long life but that they have to key into it. “You must fear God, avoid lies and ensure peace with all,” he said.

    The cleric said God blessed Pa Odolomerun with long life, adding that he left a good legacy for his children. He urged the congregation to ensure that they get these blessings, stressing that the biggest blessing one should strive for is that of eternal life. He urged the people to live for Jesus,  so that their eternal life would be sure.

    Pa Odolomerun’s remains were interred at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki.

    Reception followed at KFA Events Centre in Lekki.

    Beautiful women dressed in uniformed blouse and wrapper Ankara led guests to labelled seats.

    Guests sympathised with the widow. Itinerant camera men made brisk business, taking ‘wait and get pictures’.

    The hall was beautiful; it was decorated with white and yellow fabrics.

    Ebony Band entertained guests.

    Mrs Odolomerun described the journey with her husband as remarkable and unforgettable.

    She wrote: “I testify to God’s glory that my husband lived a fulfilled life and completed all assignments at a ripe age of 92. I thank God as I was privileged to be here with him until the end. It was peaceful; indeed, he was a peaceful and  gentleman to the core,” she said.

    Mrs Urowoli wrote that her father was her number one fan. “He had faith in my capabilities, through thick and thin, never gave up on me. He meant many things to many people; to mum and I, he was our companion and friend. He was patient, kind and forgiving, empowering, yet protective”.

  • UN expresses concern over threat to peaceful polls

    UN expresses concern over threat to peaceful polls

    United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern that insecurity in Northeast may have dire consequences on next month’s elections.

    He said the prevailing attacks by members of the Boko Haram sect pose threat to peaceful conduct of the elections on February 14 and 28.

    The UN secretary said he will continue to rally UN member nations to discuss how to tackle the problem.

    Ki-Moon observed that not only was the activities of sect escalating the insurgents now pose threat to peace in neighbouring countries, particularly Cameroon.

    In a statement at the UN headquarters, New York, but made available by the National Information Officer at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Oluseyi Soremekun, the UN secretary urged the insurgents to embrace peace in the interest of humanity.

    It reads: “We face another grave test as Nigeria readies for its election next month.  Boko Haram has continued its violence, killing Christians and Muslims, kidnapping even more women and children, and destroying churches and mosques.

    “Mayhem has spread across the region, and is now having a direct impact on Cameroon and other countries.