Somalia News Gazette

A former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. Oladayo Popoola, has lauded the Maths bee initiative organised as a veritable means of revamping the standard of education in the state.

Popoola who was the chairman at the Final and Awards presentation ceremony of the Mathematics competition in Oyo State tagged “Maths bee” stated this in Ibadan.

He lamented the sorry state the education sector had been in and recognised the importance of mathematics, which he regarded as the basis for other subjects in reversing the downward trend of the education system in the state.

“These are the things we need in this country, to encourage our youths, especially the younger ones, our grandchildren to come up with ideas. Then, we will start seeing a four-year-old that is very good with computers.

“The standard of education is going down, it is not the fault of the teacher as the person who taught the teacher had the same issue, having the same problem, that is what I have seen,” Popoola said.

Another special guest at the event, Prof. Mojeed Akinsola, said at the WAEC level in Oyo State things were not looking good but with the kind of Mathematics competition, things would get better in the state.

Akinsola commended all the 26 participants, who made it to the final, stating that they were all winners.

“One of the simplest subjects is Mathematics. So what you need to do as a student is to be focused and think about what you want to become in life. Once you have that goal and you continue to stay in line, you will be successful,” he said.

Two of the three overall winners, Nadia Akin and Toluwanimi Ogunmodede, appreciated the organisers of the competition, adding that though the competition was tough with determination and focus they emerged overall best.

In his remarks, the Convener, Maths Bee, Mr Seun Addie, said the rationale behind the programme was to contribute to children being better in Mathematics.

Addie said he had a degree in Mathematics, “and it is not as difficult as people think it is.”

He recalled the challenges in organising the event, which he said most people did not believe in it being a maiden meditation.

“I believe it is high time we looked at the methods we adopt in teaching some subjects, Mathematics for example.

“If the teacher’s teaching gives an impression that it is hard, the pupils would also believe that Mathematics is hard. Mathematics is not as difficult as it has been projected,” Addie said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden edition of the Mathematics competition started at the local government level for all primary schools both private and public, where the best were taken to the zonal level before 26 pupils made It to the final.

NAN also reports that the best 11 pupils from various primary schools in the state were given medals while cash gifts were given to the overall best three pupils.

The first position went away with N100,000, while the second position got N60,000 and N40,000 was given to the pupil who came 3rd.

Other awards of recognition were given to notable personalities for their contributions to the progress of Maths Bee.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Life under Al-Shabaab was a constant struggle for innocent youth in Somalia. The terrorist group imposed strict rules and regulations that stifled personal freedoms and oppressed the population. Women were forced to cover themselves from head to toe, music and dancing were banned, and punishments for violating the group’s edicts were brutal and public. Al-Shabaab’s recruitment tactics were also a source of concern for many Somali youth. They would often prey on vulnerable individuals who had little education or job prospects, promising them a sense of purpose and belonging within the group. However, once recruited, they were subjected to a life of violence and terror, with little opportunity for escape. The group also imposed taxes on the population, including farmers and business owners, which added to the economic hardship faced by many families. Furthermore, Al-Shabaab’s control over key resources, such as water and farmland, enabled them to maintain a stranglehold over the local economy. One local recalls, ‘Al-Shabaab told me to remove the memory card from my phone and swallow it.’ Such were the orders given to many innocent people living under the terror group’s rule. Despite these challenges, many brave Somali youth have been fighting back against Al-Shabaab’s oppressive rule. They have organized themselves into grassroots movements, using social media to spread their message of resistance and hope. The government’s intensified operations against the terror group have also provided a glimmer of hope for those living under their reign of terror. The Somali government has indeed launched an all-out war against Al-Shabaab, with the support of international partners. In recent years, they have made significant progress in pushing the group out of key areas and regaining control of the country. The government’s efforts have focused on a combination of military operations, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. They have increased the size and capacity of the Somali National Army, as well as working with regional forces and international partners to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s supply lines and financing. In addition to military action, the government has also worked to engage with local communities and address the root causes of extremism. They have launched programs aimed at providing education and job opportunities for youth, as well as investing in infrastructure and development projects. The government’s efforts have yielded some notable successes in recent months, including the liberation of key towns, most parts of Galmudug and Hirshabeelle states have been liberated from Al-Shabaab’s control. However, the group continues to carry out sporadic attacks, particularly in rural areas where the government’s presence is weaker. Nevertheless, the government’s commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab from Somalia remains steadfast, and they continue to work tirelessly to create a safer and more stable future for their citizens. As Somalia continues to rebuild and recover from years of conflict and instability, it is important to support the youth who have suffered so much under Al-Shabaab’s rule. With education, employment, and opportunities for civic engagement, they can rebuild their country and help ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Mr Festus Olumati, Port Manager, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Calabar Port, has said that the volume of vessels berthing at the Calabar Port has led to massive economic prosperity.

Olumati said this on Sunday in Calabar while on an oversight duty at the Port terminal where over four vessels were discharging their various cargos and petroleum product.

The Port Manager said that one of the vessels, “MV Desert Unity”, berthed at the Port with 16,000 metric tons of wheat, while “MV Medi Bangkok” berthed with 18,251 metric tons of general cargo including cars, trucks and project pipes.

According to him, the other two vessels berthed at the Port with premium motor spirit, while others were still at the Calabar Fairway Bouy and ready to berth for discharge.

“Today is Sunday, but there is tremendous activities going on in the port. As you can see, Calabar Port is very viable and working at optimal capacity.

“In line with the mandate given to us by our able Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, that the Eastern Port must work, I had to swing into action to make it a reality.

“Also, in line with the mandate of the MD, I went out of the box to hunt for cargos to come into Calabar. The high traffic we see here today at the port is as a result of the mandate given to us by our MD.

“For the past 10 years, we have never had it like this where over five vessels will be berthing and discharging back-to-back at the Calabar Port.

“Special thanks to the MD of NPA for giving us all the requirements to work and achieve result. All our submissions to him for the Eastern Port to work have been approved.

“For these vessels to come here, we had to ask for concessional rate from the MD of NPA for those who bring in cargos and he gave the approval,” he said.

He said that the Port management was utilising the concessional rate strategy to woo vessels to the Calabar Port.

He told members of the public and maritime operators that the Calabar Port was viable, visible and very reliable to use, adding that the Port has modern equipment to discharge cargos.

“As you can see, our workers are effective and efficient and everything is done perfectly. The commitment of staff of NPA and the Eco Marine Terminal workers is quite commendable,” he said.

On security, he said that recently, a detachment of marine police were deployed to the Port to ensure maximum security for the Port in synergy with the NPA police command and Port security officers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Port is currently a beehive of activities with youths engaged in various jobs.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The leader of the northern Spanish region of Asturias on Saturday said ‘terrorists’ had burned approximately 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of land in wildfires. ‘They are terrorists because the strategy was clearly designed to cause harm. They put lives at risk,’ said Asturian President Adrian Barbon. At one point on Friday, firefighters and volunteers were scrambling to deal with 116 wildfires that were burning simultaneously across the region’s green mountains. The fires were fueled by unseasonably warm weather and strong southern winds. But the vast majority were triggered, according to Barbon, by a ‘premeditated and coordinated’ terrorist action. Hundreds of residents had to flee their homes, while large swathes of forest, agricultural land, and even several buildings went up in flames. Barbon warned that those responsible will ‘pay with prison time.’ Fortunately, by Saturday afternoon, the rain had helped bring most of the fires under control. While the government blames ‘terrorists’ for the fires, different groups also say government policies are responsible. Local environmental groups say a 2017 law that allows farmers to use burnt land for grazing their animals immediately after wildfires encourages people to start blazes. Farmers, on the other hand, say the 2017 law is positive, but the government has not done enough to clean the mountain areas using controlled fires. Xuan Valladares, of the farmers’ group Asturias Ganadera, said pine and eucalyptus trees, which burn faster than trees that naturally grow in the area, are another cause of explosive wildfires. Speaking to the Spanish daily El Mundo, he said some ‘illegal wildfires’ to create grazing areas occur, but that is not the only reason they are started. ‘There are all kinds of people, even those who start fires to spite their neighbors or the government,’ he added. Meanwhile, some of those whose homes were threatened by the flames thanked their local community members for preventing the fires from causing even more damage. ‘It was terrible … everything burned,’ Pilar Galan, a resident of the village of Navelgas, told local broadcaster TPA as she held back tears. ‘But I have to thank the farmers who came out with buckets and fought the flames all night.’ The regional government is still trying to evaluate all the damage as they decide whether to declare the area an official disaster zone.

Source: Somali National News Agency

An Israeli soldier has shot dead a Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank, hours after a policeman killed a medical student at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound. The Palestinian Authority identified the man killed in the West Bank on Saturday as Mohammad Ra’ed Baradiyah, 24. Witnesses told the Palestinian Wafa news agency that Baradiyah was shot in his car near the town of Beit Ummar and that medics were denied access to the wounded man. ‘Baradiyah was left bleeding helplessly until he died of his wounds,’ the agency reported. The Israeli military said Baradiyah was shot dead after he rammed his car into a group of soldiers. Israeli medics said three people were wounded, two of them seriously. Earlier on Saturday, Israeli police said they shot dead another Palestinian man at the Chain Gate, an access point to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinian worshippers at the entrance to the site said the police shot 26-year-old Mohammad Khaled al-Osaibi at least 10 times after her tried to prevent them from harassing a woman who was on her way to the holy compound. The police, however, alleged al-Osaibi tried to take a gun from an officer and fired it in a scuffle. Al-Osaibi’s family has disputed the police account of his death and demanded to see CCTV footage. ‘He is a polite, kind man from a family of doctors who was going to Al-Aqsa for spiritual reasons,’ his cousin Fahad al-Osaibi said. ‘If you want us to believe that he tried to attack police, then show us the security footage.’ Al-Osaibi’s family said he was a physician who had recently passed his exams and earned his medical degree in Romania. He returned to his hometown a month ago, his cousin said, and was caring for his sick father as he worked to get certified in Israel.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Two people died and a girl was injured after the hot air balloon they were riding in caught fire near Mexico City, authorities said Saturday. Officials in the state of Mexico, which borders the capital, said the girl suffered burns and a broken arm. According to a video of the incident posted on social media, the occupants of the balloon appeared to have fallen or jumped from the craft. The dead were listed as a male, 50, and a woman, 38. The accident occurred near the pre-Hispanic ruin site of Teotihuacan, just north of Mexico City. The area is a popular location for balloon rides. The cause of the accident was under investigation. Teotihuacan, best known for its twin Temples of the Sun and Moon, was once a large city that housed over 100,000 inhabitants and covered around 8 square miles (20 square kilometers). The still-mysterious city was one of the largest in the world at its apex between 100 B.C. and A.D. 750. But it was abandoned before the rise of the Aztecs in the 14th century.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Bardhere, Somalia, has been hit with a double whammy of disasters in recent years. In 2022, the region was struck by one of the worst droughts in recent history, leaving many families without access to clean water and relying on humanitarian relief. After two long years, the rains finally came, but they were far more intense than anyone anticipated, causing devastating floods that destroyed homes, farms, and tragically claimed the lives of up to 14 people. The scale of the damage is enormous, and many families have lost everything they own. The flooded areas of Bardhere have been hit particularly hard, with many homes and farms completely submerged by floodwaters. The disaster management authority has arrived in the area and has started rehabilitation efforts, working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those in need. However, the situation has been made worse by the fact that the Shabelle River has overflowed, causing even more damage and loss. The disaster management authority and aid organizations are doing everything they can to assist, but the scale of the crisis is enormous, and the need is great. Officials from the region have sent out a desperate outcry, stating that the region cannot take another disaster. The people of Bardhere are resilient, but they need help and support to weather this latest crisis. The Minister of Security has called on the government and international community to provide aid and support to those affected by the flooding. He has emphasized the urgency of the situation, and the need for quick and decisive action to be taken to address the crisis and prevent further loss of life and damage. The government and international community have pledged to provide additional resources to support these efforts. The situation in Bardhere is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on climate change and the importance of investing in disaster preparedness and response measures. The people of Bardhere have suffered greatly in recent years, and they need our support now more than ever. With continued effort and cooperation, we can help the people of Bardhere recover from this latest disaster and build a more resilient future for themselves and their communities. The drought and flood disasters in Bardhere have had a devastating impact on the region, particularly for the farmers who had been anticipating the rains. After years of drought, the floods destroyed their crops, leaving them with nothing to sell or feed their families. The situation is particularly heartbreaking because the people of Bardhere were already struggling to recover from the effects of the drought, and now they are facing yet another disaster. We must learn from the disaster in Bardhere and take action to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future. Climate change is causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, and investing in disaster preparedness and response measures are essential to ensure that communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from these disasters. The disaster management authority is working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the floods, but they need more resources and support from the international community. Donations and aid from individuals and organizations can make a significant impact in helping the people of Bardhere recover and rebuild their lives. The situation in Bardhere is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on vulnerable communities. However, with continued cooperation and effort, we can help the people of Bardhere rebuild their lives and communities in the aftermath of this devastating flood.

Source: Somali National News Agency

The bodies of two more migrants who died trying to cross from Canada into the United States, were found Friday, bringing the death toll to eight, including two children, police in the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne said. The bodies of six people, described as members of two families of Romanian and Indian descent, were found Thursday in a marshy area of the St. Lawrence River, which forms the Canada-U.S. border. Akwesasne Mohawk Police Chief Shawn Dulude said authorities were still looking for a man, identified as Casey Oakes, 30, who was last seen Wednesday operating a boat that was found next to the bodies. A police helicopter spotted the latest two bodies in the water. ‘A total of eight bodies have now been recovered from the waters. All are believed to have been attempting illegal entry into the United States from Canada,’ Dulude said. A child discovered Friday was a Canadian citizen and a member of the Romanian family, Dulude said. The body of an adult woman believed to be an Indian national was also recovered. Dulude said he didn’t know if Oakes was alive or not, adding that he was a person of interest. The territory is known for being a transit point for the trafficking of humans and contraband because of its location. And in February, police in Akwesasne reported an increase in human smuggling into the Mohawk territory. ‘Our community has been exploited by this,’ said Grand Chief Abram Benedict of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. ‘This is not the first time that tragedy has happened in our community like this. We’ve had other losses.’ Weather conditions in the area were rough Wednesday night, said Lee-Ann O’Brien, deputy chief of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service. O’Brien said six of the bodies were located during a search for Oakes who was reported missing Thursday. Oakes of Akwesasne was last seen Wednesday around 9:30 p.m. boarding a small boat departing from the east end of Cornwall Island, located in the St. Lawrence River and on the Ontario side of the Mohawk territory. ‘This is a heartbreaking situation,’ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. ‘We need to understand properly what happened, how it happened and do whatever we can to minimize the chances of this ever happening again.’

Source: Somali National News Agency