The incident has been confirmed to IGIHE by the executive secretary of Rusororo Sector, Nsabimana Matabishi Desire.
“It is true that the drying facility collapse claimed ten lives and injured 36. The deceased include six men and four women. Those who were injured are receiving treatment at Masaka Hospital,” he said.
Sources indicate that the incident happened as residents returned to the facility to dry maize harvested recently.
Police Spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera has also confirmed the incident to IGIHE noting that an assessment to establish cause of the accident was underway, by press time.
As per released results, the telecom’s total customer base increased to 138.5 million, up 10.1 per cent as the penetration of mobile data and mobile money services continued to rise, driving the data customer base up 13.6 per cent and mobile money customer base up 22.2 per cent.
Revenue in reported currency grew by 12.1 per cent, to US$3.914 billion with Q3 growth of 10.7 per cent; revenue growth in constant currency was 17.3 per cent driven by double digit growth across all reporting segments, while mobile services revenue in Nigeria grew by 20.9 per cent, in East Africa by 11.9 per cent and in Francophone Africa by 11.8 per cent
Among others, Mobile Money revenue grew by 29.8 per cent, driven by 32.5 per cent growth in East Africa and 21.7 in Francophone Africa. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) was US$1.916 billion, up 12.6 per cent in reported currency and 17.4 per cent in constant currency, with an EBITDA margin of 49.0 per cent, increasing 20 basis points in reported currency and broadly flat in constant currency.
Profit after tax was US$523 million, up 1.7 per cent, while earnings per share increased to 12.5 cents, up by 6.3 per cent.
Commenting on the company’s performance, the Chief executive officer, Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya said: “providing affordable, innovative and essential services to customers in our 14 markets with unparalleled network quality and customer service is integral to our ambition of transforming lives across Africa.
These strong results are testament to this strategy despite the current macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The execution of our six-pillar strategy continues to provide the foundation for growth, driving 10 per cent customer growth, supported by 14 per cent growth in data customers and over 22 per cent growth in mobile money customers.”
Ogunsanya noted that, higher usage across voice, data and money have contributed to further Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) growth of over seven per cent, resulting in 18 per cent revenue growth in the quarter as penetration across each segment continues to increase.
“Our strong operating performance, combined with continued focus on our capital allocation priorities has facilitated the de-risking of our balance sheet with the early repayment of $450 million HoldCo debt in July this yea
We will continue to invest in expanding our network and evolving our service offerings to further deepen both financial and digital inclusion across our markets. We have especially focused on enhancing our spectrum footprint across all our markets,” he added.
Over the last nine months, disclosed Ogunsanya, the telecom has spent almost US$490 million on 4G and 5G spectrum across key markets ‘to improve network capacity and quality, future-proof the company for continued growth opportunities and facilitate economic progress in all our markets’.
“For the remainder of the financial year, we continue to anticipate sustained growth in the business with continued EBITDA margin resilience,” he affirmed.
The Head of State delivered the remarks as he attended the second ‘Dakar Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development’ held in Senegal.
Kagame also serves as the Chairperson of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee to help lead implementation of Agenda 2063 on behalf of the African Union (AU).
Agenda 2063 is the blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
Kagame said that a good progress has been made over the years even though ‘Africa’s infrastructure gap remains significant’.
“To close this gap for good, mobilizing domestic resources is very critical. This is why in 2017, AUDA-NEPAD launched the 5% agenda on increasing institutional investment in Africa’s infrastructure,” he said.
The president observed that having inclusive, reliable and sustainable infrastructure would reduce the cost of doing business, boost regional trade and become more resilient against future shocks.
He further stressed that increasing infrastructures is part of a wider vision as outlined in the agenda 2063 to build a more secure and prosperous Africa.
“Let us seize this momentum to make faster progress towards our shared goals,” noted Kagame.
Through AUDA-NEPAD, the African continent has set out goals to increase electricity and water infrastructures by 2040.
The continent also seeks to overhaul the transport sector by building infrastructures including roads, railways, boosting maritime and air transport to connect all parts of the continent.
Boosting technological infrastructures is also being considered under this vision.
These priorities are expected to be achieved through the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) initiated in 2010 in Kampala, the capital of Uganda to assist AUDA-NEPAD member countries fast track projects of high social impact.
The first meeting under this programme was held in 2014 in Dakar. At the time, it was agreed to fast track the implementation of 16 priority projects.
The meeting also led to the establishment of Africa50 by African governments and the African Development Bank to help bridge Africa’s infrastructure funding gap by facilitating project development, mobilizing public and private sector finance, and investing in infrastructure on the continent.
Africa50 focuses on medium- to large-scale projects that have a significant development impact and that provide an appropriate risk-adjusted return to investors.
Kigali Innovation City aimed at making Rwanda, an ICT hub in Africa is among projects being implemented through this programme.
DIGP Namuhoranye is in Qatar at the invitation of the Director General of Public Security of Qatar, Lt Gen. Saad Bin Jassim Al Khulaifi.
The colourful graduation of over 100 Police officers, who completed a four-year cadet course at Qatar Police College, was presided over by the His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.
The event was also attended by ministers, heads of Qatar security organs and delegations of police forces from over 18 countries including the USA, Europe, Asia and from other African countries.
DIGP Namuhoranye also held a meeting with Lt. Gen. Khulaifi and discussed, among others, matters related to cooperation between Rwanda and Qatar Police forces, especially in areas of capacity development.
Lt. Gen. Khulaifi thanked the Deputy Police Chief and the RNP in general for honoring the invitation.
DIGP Namuhoranye also thanked Qatar for successfully securing the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Denis Basabose, the Commissioner for Infrastructure Security and Private Security Providers (ISPSP) in Rwanda National Police (RNP) made the call on Thursday, February 2, while presiding over the pass-out of 147 new recruits of ISCO security company, in Kacyiru Sector, Gasabo District.
He noted that providing quality security services is key to valuable branding, which will go a long way to contribute to sustainable security and institutional gains.
“The security landscape evolves, which also requires private security service providers to also move with the trend, and to be professional,” said CP Basabose.
He reminded the new recruits to add value in security services adding that training is a continuous process.
CP Basabose further urged them to always be vigilant at premises under their protection and that no security issues and theft in particular, should be reported at such facilities.
Discipline, love for the work they do, teamwork, respect among themselves and proper supervision, he added, are key in security.
The head of training at ISCO, Col (rtd) Laurien Nkuriye said that the training for new recruits was increased from one month to three months due to the evolving security environment.
At least five people, he added, did not complete the training due to varied reasons.
During the three months, trainees acquired security skills in search, use of arms, fire safety and martial arts, among others.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Alex Ndayisenga, the Northern Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO) said that Police officers on duty intercepted Nsekuye in Kidakama Cell, Gahunga Sector at about 6:30p.m.
“Nsekuye was trafficking the outlawed polythene bags in a public vehicle. It was stopped, searched and Nsekuye was taken into custody after Police officers found his bag containing over 61000 pieces of plastic bags,” SP Ndayisenga said.
It is suspected that Nsekuye sneaked the banned packaging products into Rwanda through a porous border point in Burera District.
SP Ndayisenga warned against such environmental crimes. He particularly cautioned the business community against using polythene bags for packaging, which is punishable by law.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Frw700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of three hundred thousand Rwandan francs (FRW 300,000) and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
The conference due to take place from 7th to 10th March 2023, will bring together forensic science practitioners from 40 countries.
During the conference, experts, institutions and countries will receive awards for their contribution to promote the forensic sector with a view to encourage others to follow the suit.
The Director General of RFL, Dr. Charles Karangwa has told IGIHE that Rwanda was selected as a host of the 10th conference due to security and adequate infrastructures.
Other aspects considered include the country’s efforts to fight corruption and experience in organizing international conferences.
They are additional to the fact that the country has a competent institution offering forensic services in a short time span.
This time around, the meeting will bring together over 400 participants from across the world.
Dr. Karangwa affirms that Rwanda will benefit a lot from the conference including enhanced visibility as a country that has taken forensic services to greater heights.
He disclosed that the country will also generate revenues as guests will visit touristic attractions and consume other services.
“They will need transport services and accommodation at hotels. The conference will also enhance Rwanda’s visibility as a country committed to become a hub for forensic services at continental and global levels,” he said.
The conference will attract forensic experts and specialists from the United States, Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa. It will also feature exhibitions on best practices from participating countries.
Rwanda’s forensic laboratory which initially operated under the auspice of Rwanda National Police (RNP) has been strengthened gradually since it was established in 2005.
To maintain professionalism, the laboratory entered agreements with Key Forensic Services from the United Kingdom (UK) to build the laboratory and furnish necessary equipment.
After enacting the law establishing RFL in 2016, the institution started offering convenient services to the judiciary, members of the private sector and citizens in 2018.
It became an autonomous body in the same year and is currently run under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice.
The RFL has modern equipment as well as experts and specialists capacitating it to conduct forensic investigations used to boost justice delivery.
RFL provides services including forensic toxicology, drug and chemistry, and documents examination and fingerprint analysis, DNA forensics, ballistics, forensic pathology and digital forensics.
As at November last year, RFL was offered services to more than 20 African countries.
A statement signed by the Spokesman of the Congolese Army, Gen Maj Ekenge Bomusa Efomi Sylvain, and released on January 31, 2023, states that it was decided, “to deport from the country the Rwandan soldiers who are part of the EACRF which has headquarters in Goma.”
The statement further reads that Rwandan soldiers had already left Congo. After the decision, Rwanda immediately recalled its soldiers who were part of other regional initiatives in DRC.
In a letter to which IGIHE has a copy, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Peter Mutuku Mathuki wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Congo and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, saying that he does not understand the reasons for the decision.
“The East African Community has learned with concern that on January 30, 2023, of the deportation of 3 officers deployed by the Republic of Rwanda at the East African Community Regional Force Headquarters in Goma to Rwanda,” reads part of the letter.
This document also reminds Congo that what it did was a mistake because the decision was made “by the Heads of State at their meeting on the Peace Process in Eastern Congo on the sidelines of COP 27 on 7th November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.”
Peter Mutuku Mathuki went on “to seek further and urgent clarification” from Congolese leaders as to why they decided to expel the Rwandan soldiers.
These Rwandan soldiers are part of EAC Forces led by a Kenyan, Gen. Maj. Jeff Nyagah. They have been in RDC for about three months.
The troops in this peacekeeping mission come from countries including Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, and Burundi. They are expected to spend six months in DRC.
Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Founding Chairman of Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP), spearheaded the event.
“We want peace to reign in our country. We want peace to be the language everyone of us will speak and every Filipino and every foreigner will understand. Today, let’s declare peace as a pandemic. Infect people not to rest in peace but to live in peace,” said Dr. Adamat.
Dr. Adamat is the first Filipino recipient of the prestigious Mahatma MK Gandhi Prize for Non-Violent Peace awarded last year in recognition of his contributions to peace-building including the higher education
In attendance also is Chairman Lee Man-hee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a 92-year old Korean war veteran.
“Peacebuilding in Mindanao after conflict is becoming known worldwide. This is the case of transforming death into life for peace. Starting with Mindanao and the Philippines, when we unite in love, peace will come to our world. For this reason, everyone in the Philippines has to become one and work together as messengers of peace,” said Chairman Lee.
The two peace advocates first met in 2017 during HWPL World Peace Summit held in South Korea. As an expression of their shared commitment to promoting peace, CHED and HWPL signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in 2018 to integrate peace education in the higher education curricula.
The convention commenced with the first Plenary Session followed by parallel sessions in the afternoon. The parallel sessions were conducted separately for five sector groups—lawmakers and non-government organizations, academe and youth, religious and ethnic groups, women, and media. Each session drafted a resolution which contained their solidarity with the organizers’ peace-building efforts.
The five resolutions were consolidated during the second Plenary Session to call for President Bongbong Marcos to proclaim January 24 as ‘National Peace Day’ or “Truce Day”.
The date January 24 was proposed in commemoration of a civilian-led peace agreement signed at General Santos City in 2014 to boost reconciliation among the local communities. It was proposed by Chairman Lee to mediate between the existing conflict in Mindanao at the time. The date was later declared as ‘HWPL Peace Day’ by then Maguindanao governor Toto Mangudadatu in 2015 and BARMM Chief Minister and MILF Chairman Ahod Ebrahim in 2016.
The organizers believe that the declaration of a National Peace Day shall be the mechanism by which every year, peace-related activities are observed and celebrated across the country.
There is a proverb that goes, ‘No man is an island’. The latter implies that humans are inter-dependent and need to be part of a community in order to thrive. It is undisputable that one can’t know everything but the combination of expertize from different individuals make a significant impact.
It is under this backdrop that a young Nigerian, Damola Oloketuyi identified challenges that obstruct students from pursuing studies abroad in universities of their choice and founded AOC Schengen to provide them with needed support.
AOC Schengen is an educational consulting firm which runs international recruitment services to students who aspire to continue their education abroad in Europe.
They are assisted to get admission into universities in different countries including The Netherlands, Germany, and Spain among others.
Having started operations in 2018, the firm has offices in Nigeria, Germany, Gambia and has recently expanded footprints to Rwanda.
AOC Schengen’s Founder and Managing Director, Damola holds a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering and pursued Master’s in Aviation in Germany in 2014.
Like, other students he wanted a place where he could practice what he learnt and have internship opportunities.
He got partial employment in an aviation consulting firm within the first six months of studies and got hired by his school after graduation in 2016. Working with the school sharpened Damola’s marketing and relationship kills. His work was mainly about developing the market for African students to study in Germany.
The services were not popular at the time that he would to travel to Nigeria to talk to students and bring available opportunities to light.
“My hard work paid off big time that I was promoted as regional director where I was in charge of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Cameroun among others,” said Damola.
After holding senior managerial positions, and developing the market for the Schengen region, Damola founded his own company in Germany.
“By doing so, I wanted to create more options for people through my company initiated in 2018,” he noted.
The company started with offices in Germany but has expanded footprints to four countries including Rwanda.
Damola works with staff members in respective countries to prepare students get international competencies, provide advises, match students with the right schools and the right country based on financial and academic capabilities.
He encourages students aspiring to study overseas to take advantage of consultancy services he offers to get tailored information on what exactly they qualify for and application process.
“We help them understand why they are going to those countries and what courses fit. We have helped a large number of people but we still need to do more in different African countries,” says Damola.
“We are the major recruiters and get awards for that. The man behind the services has been a student and went through the whole system. We offer unique services that cover life after getting visa. We actually help students build the career not just helping them familiarize with campuses’ settings,” he adds.
Apart from admission into European universities to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s courses, AOC Schengen also helps students on visa application process at a reasonable cost.
“If you pay, we guarantee you the admission. If you don’t, we pay back the money,” assures Damola.
He explains that his company seeks to create awareness about Schengen benefits and take it across the whole East Africa.
So far, AOC Schengen has assisted over 100,000 students since it began operations in 2018.
According to Damola, studying abroad opens students’ minds and exposes them to numerous opportunities.
“When you study abroad, always look for the right course and right country to meet your end goal. Besides, opportunities are not tied to one country. You always have to look at benefits that can be involved,” he advises.
AOC Schengen has opened office in the city centre inside WAKA building and offers free consultation sessions to students via Instagram ([@aocschengen->https://www.instagram.com/aocschengen/?hl=en]).
Interested students can access more information via provided link: https://aocschengen.de/ or call +250792574316
