*IPADA: VANUATU TRADE COMMISSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ADCB SET TO EMPOWER 5 MILLION AFRICANS

The IPADA INITIATIVE founded by Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye has received a massive boost from friends from the Diaspora. The Vanuatu Trade Commission in conjunction with African Diaspora Central Bank has rolled out an array of mouth watering knowledge programmes that is about to fast track and elevate Africa in the global competition for comtemporary Al knowledge.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, shared his excitement in a letter to the Founder of IPADA Initiative, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, regarding the launch of a multifaceted AI project aimed at advancing AI-related skills across Africa. Designed to run for a year, this initiative aims to empower Africans by building a foundation of knowledge and skills aligned with global AI standards. As the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, I am optimistic that the IPADA Carnival initiative will expand to reach and positively impact the people of the Republic of Vanuatu, becoming part of our shared journey toward transformative growth and development.

The laudable knowledge impacting training programme is for 5 million Africans over a period of one year, of which 5000 participants will be trained during the carnival, in what is tagged business unusual, over a 3 day period, to kick start the programme.

Upon completion of the training programme, the participants will be empowered with AKL Lumi parity value of US $100 and be listed on a learning management system for ongoing learning and career opportunities.

This knowledge based skill programme is therefore set to open the entire African continent to a huge new developmental opportunity, that will likely change the face of Africa.

The initial training of 5000 participants during the IPADA Carnival will definitely set the ball rolling and open the door to Africans to acquire Al knowledge which ordinarily would have cost each African about a whooping US $1000.

Speaking about this to newsmen yesterday, an equally excited Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, commended H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, and the entire government and people of Vanuatu. He said it is a new dawn that will open up a new chapter, in the relationship between Vanuatu and people of African descent.

Furthermore on benefits of the fallout of this breaking news, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye said, “the benefits that will accrue from this, are too overwhelmingly multidimensional. It is going to be a path to a new journey, that will lift Vanuatu to a global space and accord the African continent, fast growth and development

Asked to say something on the IPADA Initiative, H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee became very poetic, as he replied:

“When will the children of Africa and lovers of Africa come back home? The IPADA Carnival Initiative is here, paving the way for thousands to journey back to Africa, reconnect with their roots, and celebrate the unity and strength of our heritage. Join us as we welcome the African Diaspora and lovers of Africa to an unforgettable experience of culture, connection, and celebration. This is more than a homecoming; it’s a powerful reminder that Africa is a vibrant, growing heartbeat, welcoming all who share in its dreams and vision.”

Vanuatu, is an island nation that comprises of 83 islands in the South Pacific ocean, about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and 1800 kilometres east of Australia. The nation reached out to Africa, through IPADA Initiative, and through its Trade Commission in Ghana.

And IPADA which means the return, is a platform created by Motherland Beckons to bring African people from the Diaspora and Lovers of Africa to Africa, to experience the content of Africa through tourism, cultural exchange and business opportunities.

The Ipada Carnival is a ten day long invitation to people of African descent across the globe to experience an unparalleled cultural renaissance in Lagos, Nigeria, at the 65 acres La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort located at Ibeju-lekki.

NASSCO Boss Highlights Nigeria’s Policy Framework on Care Economy at UN Women Workshop

The National Programme Coordinator of the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Dr. Funmi Olotu delivered a compelling presentation at the UN Women Care Economy Workshop held in Abuja, yesterday. Her powerful presentation, which was delivered by her Special Assistant, Ms. Tolu Ebun centered on Nigeria’s policy framework and government-led initiatives supporting the recognition, redistribution, and reduction of unpaid care work as a vital pathway to gender equality and economic empowerment.

In her address, Ms. Ebun, who represented the NASSCO National Coordinator at the forum, emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to acknowledging the value of unpaid care work, often shouldered disproportionately by women, as essential for building a more inclusive economy.

According to her submission, the policy framework she outlined focuses on recognising and elevating the importance of unpaid care work, creating awareness around its economic value, and ensuring it is integrated into national policies and discourse.

She also opined that promoting a fairer division of unpaid care responsibilities among all segments of society, including families, communities, and public institutions, to balance workloads and support gender equality will be the best decision whilst implementing initiatives that lessen the burden of unpaid care work through infrastructure improvements, accessible social services, and support systems.

Ms. Ebun expressed gratitude for the leadership and guidance of Dr. Funmi Olotu, under whose vision and direction NASSCO continues to develop transformative programs for social protection. She remarked, “Through these efforts, we hope to create an environment where both women and men can fully participate in the workforce, leading to greater economic productivity and a more balanced society.”

The workshop facilitated inspiring discussions among policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders on actionable steps to bolster the care economy in Nigeria. Ms. Ebun’s insights highlighted the nation’s dedication to advancing gender equality, setting a standard for collaborative efforts that empower women economically and support sustainable social development.

RCCG Calls For Evidences On Homosexuality Allegations Against Its Two Pastors

RCCG Church Calls On Nigerians For Evidences On Homosexuality Allegations Against Its Two Pastors

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has invited the public to submit evidence as part of its investigation into allegations of homosexuality against two of its church leaders.

The church said it has established a reporting channel for members and the public to provide evidence related to the ongoing investigation. The channels provided include sending emails via [email protected] or 09039000700.

SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday that Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa had been suspended from their positions following allegations of homosexual misconduct involving young church members.

RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, confirmed the suspension in a memo dated October 28, 2024, which SaharaReporters obtained, stated that AdeBello and Mayowa had been temporarily relieved of their church responsibilities.

It had also been reported that the church has given the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration two weeks to thoroughly investigate the allegations.

Late Tuesday evening, SaharaReporters reported that AdeBello had issued a statement denying allegations of homosexuality.

He broke his silence on Instagram, clarifying that his initial silence was misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. He emphatically denied the allegations, seeking to clear his name and restore his reputation.

However, the church has invited anyone with useful information on the alleged atrocious act to come forward.

A statement by RCCG’s National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and titled “RCCG Addresses Allegations Against Youth Ministers,” the church said, “We encourage anyone with pertinent evidence that could assist our investigation to come forward“.

He, however, noted that only substantiated evidence directly related to “this case will be considered; other submissions will not be reviewed.

“All evidence should be forwarded to the Special Assistant to the General Overseer [Administration] via [email protected] or 09039000700. Your cooperation will reinforce our commitment to justice and ensure a thorough resolution,” he said.

Insisting that the church is conducting a comprehensive investigation into these claims, Akande announced that the youth ministers had been placed on indefinite suspension and removed from all ministerial duties until all the allegations were fully addressed.

“As a precautionary measure, the Youth Ministers have been placed on indefinite suspension and removed from all ministerial duties until we can fully address these allegations,” he added.

He affirmed that RCCG was founded on principles of holiness, a commitment reflected in all its teachings and practices.

“We are dedicated to transparency and will not tolerate any actions that contradict our core values nor cover up wrongful conduct.

“We appreciate any assistance in this matter and ask that individuals or groups with tangible evidence provide the necessary details,” the statement stated.