Day: March 24, 2024

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Oku Fon raises concerns over title abuse and misuseEthiopian Hosts Iftar Dinner Program for Muslim Community, Diplomatic Representatives

By Charity Nginyu

In a recent statement issued by His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV, concerns over the abuse and misuse of traditional titles have been raised within the Oku community.

Addressing the public via his official Facebook handle, the Fon expressed grave concern over the sudden surge of individuals proclaiming themselves as title holders without proper authorization.

‘It has come to notice that several persons have suddenly proclaimed themselves as title holders ranging from appellations such as Shey, Ebchuo Shey, Yaah, Ebchuofai, Bantock, Tantoh just to name a few of such abusive use of titles,’ the Fon stated.

Highlighting the significance of traditional titles within Oku society, the Fon emphasized that titles are bestowed singularly by the Kwifon and the Fon of Oku, and no individual has the authority to self-proclaim or upgrade existing titles.

Furthermore, the Fon highlighted the importance of upholding noble character and behavior among title holders, stating, ‘Title holders are supposed to
be noble in their characters and actions, including behavior. This is what sets the premise for norms and standards within the context of the Oku Society and this must be respected.’

In light of these concerns, His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV issued the following directives:

The practice of self-proclamation of titles should cease immediately; All current traditional title holders should adhere to the original title nomenclature as proclaimed by the Kwifon or the Fon and display exemplary lifestyles to sustain the dignity of Oku culture and tradition.

The Traditional Institutions will take drastic measures should the abuse, misuse, and self-proclamation of titles continue to trend.

The Fon concluded by reaffirming the importance of wisdom and stewardship among titleholders, stating, ‘They are supposed to listen more and speak less. This is the foundation of wisdom and our customs put a lot of emphasis on this.’

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Airlines Group hosted an Iftar Dinner program for Muslim community and diplomatic representatives tonight in the capital Addis Ababa.

Iftar, held at the Skylight Hotel, brought together dignitaries from various embassies, diplomatic missions and the Muslim community residing in the capital as well as prominent figures of the Muslim community and government officials.

Accordingly, the Iftar program was attended by Ethiopian Airlines Group leadership, including CEO Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council President Haji Ibrahim Tofa, government officials and diplomats.

The Iftar Dinner program hosted by Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa to express its appreciation for the Muslim faithful and commitment to fostering interfaith cooperation, it was learned.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Ethiopia, India Keen to Exploit Their Chemical Industry Potential


Addis Ababa: State Minister of Industry, Hassen Mohammed stressed the need for exploiting Ethiopian and Indian comparative advantages in the chemical industry and trade through cooperation.

A forum that aimed at creating cooperation between Ethiopian and Indian chemical manufacturers, buyers as we as sellers was held.

Given the government’s priority, the country has been becoming an attractive destination for chemical trade.

In this regard, Ethiopia’s chemical industry is diverse and demands chemicals for food, beverage and textiles.

Speaking at the occasion, the state minister said that the forum was vital to open doors for cooperation between the two countries and the development of the manufacturing sector.

Moreover, the growing business partnership between the Indian chemical industry and the Ethiopian market will be a big step forward, Hassen indicated.

Besides, strengthening the economic ties between Ethiopia and India, the forum intended to adjust the imbalance between Indian chemical products an
d Indian exporters in the Ethiopian chemical market, he revealed.

Finally, the state minister stated that the discussion will increase the market linkages of the two countries by strengthening partnerships and creating mutual relations.

India is the second largest foreign investment in Ethiopia following the east African nation has been a favorite destination for Indian companies.

More than 650 Indian companies are registered with Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), it was indicated.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Spanish Ambassador Underscores Imperative of Further Collaboration with Ethiopia


Addis Ababa: Spain’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Guillermo Antonio Lopez Mac-Lelan highlighted stronger existing cooperation between the two countries and emphasized further collaboration in various fields.

Recall the newly appointed Spanish Ambassador to Ethiopia presented his credentials to President Sahlework Zewde on 14th March 2024.

During the occasion, the ambassador conveyed a message of friendship from the Spanish government and His Majesty, King Philippe VI to President Sahlework.

It was stated that the massage underscores the positive spirit of the bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and Spain.

Approached by ENA, the newly appointed ambassador noted that Spain and Ethiopia have been enjoying a very good relationship and his country is actively supporting Ethiopia’s development endeavors.

More importantly, Ambassador Mac-Lelan expressed the commitment of Spain to further consolidate its cooperation with Ethiopia in the spheres of women empowerment, environmental protection and healthcare.

‘We
are working together on women’s empowerment in various regions. We are also seeking collaboration in the field of specialized healthcare in different hospitals around Ethiopia, and finally in our common fight against climate change,’ he elaborated.

Moreover, the ambassador sees tremendous potential between Ethiopia and Spain for expanded cooperation in the global arena.

‘I think we have many things to work on, especially at the United Nations (UN) level that would be instrumental to improving the system of international governance,’ he said, adding, ‘And also as a member of the European Union, we can play our role for having a more integrated approach in our relationships.’

The ambassador recalled that the long-standing relationship between the two countries goes back decades, noting Spain’s presence in Ethiopia since the early 1960s

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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PP Delivering on Its Promises through Execution of Mega Projects: Vice President


Addis Ababa: Prosperity Party (PP) Vice President Adem Frah said that his ruling party has delivered on its promises through the effective execution of the national mega projects.

Addis Ababa Prosperity Party’s members forum was held at the newly built Adwa Victory Memorial under the theme: ‘Putting Words into Action for the Ethiopian Prosperity’.

In his keynote address to the forum, Vice President of PP Adem underlined that the party has carried out extensive and successful activities in a few years.

He stated that under the leadership of the Prosperity Party, Ethiopia has achieved great success in all-round development activities following the implementation of the Homegrown Economic Reform Program.

In particular, Adem mentioned the ongoing massive development activities that have been carried out to make the capital Addis Ababa modern and comfortable for living.

Therefore, these huge development projects being executed have proved that the incumbent government is successfully putting words into action
s, Adem elaborated.

He further mentioned that efforts are being made to make Addis Ababa a showcase of the national success story narrative, he said, adding that the ruling party will work diligently to respond to the questions raised by the public in various forums.

The vice president also stressed the need for strengthening internal party discipline, unity, solidarity and brotherhood among the party members.

On her part, Mayor of Addis Ababa City Administration Adanech Abiebie said He stated that the multifaceted development and modernization activities being carried out in Addis Ababa are even receiving appreciation internationally.

Given the massive infrastructure development in Addis, the mayor also underscored that there is sufficient evidence that these projects have been changing the face of the city and increased its economic and social activities.

Adanech who is also the executive committee member of Prosperity Party elaborated that the ruling Prosperity Party passed through difficulties over t
he last years. She revealed that the party has overcome challenges due to the persistence of its political goals and principles.

She added that the multifaceted successes that PP has recorded will provide inspiration and motivation to realize the party’s future ambition

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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President Stresses Importance of Reinforcing Women’s Role in Leadership


Addis Ababa: President Sahlework Zewde has emphasized the importance of strengthening the ongoing endeavors for having women in leadership positions through quality training.

Presidential Leadership Program for Women Leaders in Ethiopia organized jointly by UN Women Ethiopia, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the Office of the President with the objective of creating the platform for networking, cross learning and knowledge-sharing among women leaders that are part of the six rounds of presidential leadership training closed today.

Addressing the closing ceremony, President Sahlework said the training is instrumental to realize the ambition of having competent women and empowering them into high-level leadership roles.

The training has been given for about 180 mid-level women leadership from various parts of the country, representing the government institutions, civil society organizations, and from the private sector during the first six rounds of the program.

According to the president, the t
raining has further prioritized how to encourage women, supporting them in a concrete manner, and creating opportunities that would help them to maximize their role in the country’s leadership.

Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye said on her part, the government of Ethiopia is working to ensure the inclusive participation and benefit of women by designing legal frameworks and strategies.

In this regard, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs in collaboration with other pertinent stakeholders is working to ensure the inclusive engagement and benefit of women based on the 10-year development plan of the country, Ergogie indicated.

The minister stated that providing capacity building training with the target of increasing the role of women in leadership and decision making is one of the plans for the ongoing budget year.

The recent mid-level women leadership training is part of the plan, she pointed out.

Ergogie affirmed the commitment of her ministry to consolidate the provision of such
significant capacity-building training programs for women in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Chair of the Women Caucus at the House of Peoples Representatives of Ethiopia Kimiya Jundi on her part said that acquiring all-round knowledge for women is essential to overcome challenges at the national, continental and global level these days.

The chair stressed the need for the continuity of giving the training to develop effective and succeeding women leadership to realize Ethiopia’s development and prosperity.

The training was organized with the financial support of Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and UN Women Ethiopia, it was learned.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Oku Fon raises concerns over title abuse and misuse


By Charity Nginyu

In a recent statement issued by His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV, concerns over the abuse and misuse of traditional titles have been raised within the Oku community.

Addressing the public via his official Facebook handle, the Fon expressed grave concern over the sudden surge of individuals proclaiming themselves as title holders without proper authorization.

‘It has come to notice that several persons have suddenly proclaimed themselves as title holders ranging from appellations such as Shey, Ebchuo Shey, Yaah, Ebchuofai, Bantock, Tantoh just to name a few of such abusive use of titles,’ the Fon stated.

Highlighting the significance of traditional titles within Oku society, the Fon emphasized that titles are bestowed singularly by the Kwifon and the Fon of Oku, and no individual has the authority to self-proclaim or upgrade existing titles.

Furthermore, the Fon highlighted the importance of upholding noble character and behavior among title holders, stating, ‘Title holders are supposed to
be noble in their characters and actions, including behavior. This is what sets the premise for norms and standards within the context of the Oku Society and this must be respected.’

In light of these concerns, His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV issued the following directives:

The practice of self-proclamation of titles should cease immediately; All current traditional title holders should adhere to the original title nomenclature as proclaimed by the Kwifon or the Fon and display exemplary lifestyles to sustain the dignity of Oku culture and tradition.

The Traditional Institutions will take drastic measures should the abuse, misuse, and self-proclamation of titles continue to trend.

The Fon concluded by reaffirming the importance of wisdom and stewardship among titleholders, stating, ‘They are supposed to listen more and speak less. This is the foundation of wisdom and our customs put a lot of emphasis on this.’

Source: Cameroon News Agency

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Limbe 3: Youths chase Landlords from landed properties


Several Landlords who said they owned landed properties in Mondoli, a neighborhood in Limbe 3 subdivision, South West region, have said their lives are in danger as some youths have persistently targetted them, questioning the ownership of their lands.

‘Chasing farmers with machetes, denied them access and selling their land claiming it’s a native land. They have recently formed a toll gate extorting money from farmers and seizing their produce,’ a victim who said he own a landed property in the area told CNA.

Land issues in the Fako division, South West region, had reached a stage where the Prime Ministry had to intervene. Still, news of land grabbing, illegal sales, and confiscation have continued to reach the media.

CNA learned that several litigation are ongoing in local courts because of such actions but those who innocently bought lands have had no concrete response from the local chief, the Divisional Officer, the Senior Divisional Officer, or the Governor.

They believe that the Chief who is the fi
rst person to contact for any deals in his area is working in complicity with the administration to defraud them of the lands they paid for.

‘We complained to the administration i.e from the D.O. of Limbe 3 to the S.D.O. and Governor and no action has been taken. The village Chief is involved in complicity with D.O,’ a victim said, adding that his land was also illegally seized by some youths who later sold it to someone, claiming it as ‘native land’. But in 2023, the Fakp SDO had warned that there is no land existing in his jurisdiction called ‘Native Land’

CNA has obtained documents showing complaints tabled before the Governor of the South West region and the SDO of Fako Division against some persons in Mondoli for harassment, destruction of crops, extortion, destruction of boundary marks, and illegal sales of land.

Source: Cameroon News Agency