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Lagos to Build Shelter For Abused Women

As part of effort of the Lagos State Government to come to the aid of women suffering abuse, the state will soon launch a shelter for abused women before the end of the year.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada disclosed this at the 21st WIMBIZ Annual Conference, themed ‘Firing Forward: The Future in Focus’, where she was a panellist.

The commissioner said the shelter would be located in Agidingbi, adding that it would also house a skill acquisition centre so the women could learn different skills to fend for themselves.

She also said the ministry in the state had an active help desk that women, who were suffering abuse, could reach any day and at any time. The toll line is 767.

“A shelter for abused women will be launched soon in Agidingbi with also a skill acquisition centre.

“We have a department for abused women in the commission and there is an active help desk, with toll line, 767. They will pick up calls any time of the day and they will direct these women on what to do.

“Sensitisation is ongoing and the agency saddled with the responsibility of attending to this is the Domestic Violence Response Agency.

“A shelter for abused women is currently under construction in Agidingbi and it would be completed soon, we should launch this year.

“We have noticed that when women who suffer abuse decide to leave their abusers, many of them do not know where to go and are afraid to leave because the men are most times the breadwinners, so with a skill acquisition centre, the will be able to learn something to fend for themselves going forward,” she said.

Dada spoke alongside four other women in the fourth plenary session; President, NECA Network of Entrepreneurial Women, Funmilayo Arowoogun; UN Women’s representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong; Meridian Maskara and Executive Secretary of MTN Nigeria Foundation, Oludayo Sanya, who moderated the session.

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Nigerian Women Are As Capable As Their Counterparts Anywhere Globally- Ooni

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said women in the country are capable leaders and capable as their Counterparts anywhere anywhere in the world, despite limited opportunities given to them.

This was contained in a statement by the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, who noted that the royal father spoke at the celebration of this year’s Edi Festival.

Edi Festival is an annual ritual in Ile-ife done in acknowledgment of the heroic life and sacrifice of Moremi Ajasoro, an Ife woman who helped to secure the land from foreign invaders in the early days.

Oba Ogunwusi further explained that the culture of the Oduduwa race dignifies the female gender like their male counterparts, adding that these virtues must be upheld and practiced daily in the society.

The statement read in parts, “We all are witnesses to the outstanding performance of some ministers, commissioners, head of companies and even countries across the globe, our women here in this part of the world are as capable as their counterparts anywhere globally. The difference is the opportunities that we create for them to perform optimally.”

Speaking in her capacity as the Global Ambassador of ‘Queen Moremi Ajasoro Initiative,’ a wife to the royal father, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, said the festival equally signals the commencement of activities for the annual Queen Moremi Ajansoro contest by young talented ladies.

She used the occasion to announce the official opening of the portal for application for the 2022 edition of Moremi Ajasoro Cultural and Leadership Pageant, the winner of which will be crowned as the Queen Moremi Ajasoro 2022.

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NGO Identifies Challenge to Girl-child Education

A non-governmental organisation, 100 Women Lobby Group, has blamed Nigeria’s poor implementation of the laws and policies as factors affecting the growth of girl-child education.

The National coordinator of the group, who is also the President of Change Managers International Network, Mrs Felicia Onibon, stated this as part of activities commemorating the International Day of the Girlchild, said ordinarily, parents who do not allow their children to get basic education should be arrested.​

Speaking to selected girls of the Government Day Secondary Schools, Area 11 in Abuja, Onibon said most girls are not exposed and lack basic knowledge on how to behave and comport themselves in situations of menstrual hygiene and the overall body networks of a female.

She encouraged the students to be friends with their teachers, not only in school activities and classwork but also in psychosocial support for their entire well-being, adding that learning will help them to keep themselves and conduct themselves properly.“It is illegal to dissuade a child from going to school. It is expected that parents who do not allow their children to go to school should be arrested,” stated Onibon. “The laws are there. We have them, but the problem is implementation.”

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University of Lafia’s Lecturer, Family Brutally Assaulted Female Student

By Mene Prosper

A senior Lecturer of the Department of History and International Studies at the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), Dr. Fred Ekpe Ayokhai has brutally assaulted a female student, Blessing Mathias, in a viral video on social media, for fighting with his daughter, Emanuella Onowagie over a man.

According to reports the incident happened on Friday 21st of october 2022. The video shows how the student was stripped and brutalised by the lecturer and his family.

Blessing Mathias had earlier in the week had a fight with Emanuella ( Dr. Fred’s Daughter) with an allegation of snatching her boyfriend. It was reported that Emmanuella stole the contact of Blessing’s boyfriend and was assaulted as a result of that. In retaliation Emmanuella came with her whole family to beat up Blessing mercilessly.

Video clips online recorded by the family while assaulting her shows them using belt, sticks, stubborn grass amongst other things to beat her. They however forced her into their car afterwards and drove her into the forest for a girls section beating whilst she begs. The lecturer while in the forest cut her clothes with a pair of scissors. She was later pushed out of the car and abandoned in the forest.

Reports also has it that the culprits were apprehended by the Nigerian police division of Lafia except for Shola, a son of the lecturer who was also an accomplice to the inhumane act who fled.

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NCC Set To Bridge Digital Gender Divide Gap

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has re-emphasized its commitment to bridging the growing gender-based digital divide to accelerate inclusive economic prosperity for all Nigerian citizens.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said the promotion of gender equality is a major component of ICT development.

He made this known at the 2022 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS) held in Lagos recently where he was also conferred with the ‘Icon of Digital Revolution Award’ for his role in stimulating digital connectivity in Nigeria.

He noted that the gender dimensions of ICT, manifest in access and use; capacity-building opportunities; employment, and potential for empowerment, and that all these dimensions need to be explicitly identified and addressed, to leverage technology and communication as powerful catalysts for political, economic, and social empowerment of women, and the promotion of gender equality.

Speaking on the theme of the event, “Reskilling Women and Girls to Thrive in the Digital Economy”, Danbatta, who was represented by NCC’s Head, Digital Media Management, Nafisa Usman Rugga, said the theme resonates deeply with the drive by the Federal Government to ensure an all-inclusive digital economy that drives the strategic vision plan of the Commission.

He expressed his appreciation to the organisers, Techlife Media and Communications Limited, a Lagos-based media organisation, for the iconic recognition for his contribution to Nigeria’s digital progression which is an encouragement that he would dedicate to the entire NCC team of professionals that are dedicated to the digital revolution in the country. Danbatta commended the organisation for holding forth its annual gathering that pivots discussions on the promotion of digital access, skills, and knowledge among the women and girls in Nigeria.

Danbatta indicated that one of the ways through which the Commission strives to achieve inclusive growth, is through increased digital connectivity to all, regardless of gender and other accidental circumstances, and that the Commission has continued to play a front-seat role in driving the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030; the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025; and related policies aimed at deepening connectivity for all citizens, thereby bridging digital gender disparity.

“The NCC has put on the front burner the need to expose girls and young women to more opportunities in the digital ecosystem, in line with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) resolution 70, which advocates gender mainstreaming and promotion of gender equality, as well as the empowerment of women through information and communications technology (ICT), and we are fully committed to this,”, Danbatta said.

The organizers, while justifying the reason for conferring the award on Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator, stated that after“ reviewing the criteria set for the award, we reckon that Prof. Danbatta deserves the award for blazing the trail in accelerating digital revolution in Nigeria, especially with the historic auction of 3.5 GHz spectrum in a fair, transparent, and credible manner, and considering the various initiatives embarked upon by the Commission under his leadership, to inspire girls and women to play active roles in the evolving global digital economy,”.

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Queen Elizabeth II Dies At Age 96, After 7O Years As Serving Monarch

By Prosper Mene

Queen Elizabeth ii passed on at Balmoral in the mid hours of Thursday aged 96. Having reigned for 70 years, Her Royal majesty is recognized as the United Kingdom’s longest-serving monarch.

She came into power in the year 1952 and has been ruling till she took her last breath today. She has achieved a lot in her reign as the Queen of the UK. One very significant achievement is social changes.

In the early hours of Thursday her family gathered at her Scottish residence/estate as concerns concerning her health grew.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Buckingham palace stated in development to her death.

The European Union in a statement commended her reign.

“A long life marked by a sense of duty
Queen Elizabeth II’s tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK’s entry into – and withdrawal from – the European Union

Following her death Prince Charles being her eldest son will ascend the throne as the new king and head of the state 14 common wealth realms whilst leading the country in mourning.

Her grandson, Prince William, Prince Harry, and all her children travelled to Balmoral after the Queen was placed under medical supervision by Doctors.

Her reign spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, to Liz Truss, who was appointed by the Queen earlier this week.

The Queen held a weekly basis audiences with her prime minister throughout her reign.

Crowds awaiting an update on the Queen’s health at Buckingham palace were emailed at hearing of the Queen’s death while the Union flag on top of the palace was lowered to half-mast.

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Brewing Relationships And More On The Latest Episode Of Showmax The Buzz With Toke Makinwa

The BBNaija housemates gave us nothing but premium, finger-licking entertainment over the weekend, and as usual, Toke Makinwa and her guests are dissecting it all on the latest episode of The Buzz on Showmax.

Toke was joined by Voice Over Artist, Shody to discuss Adekunle’s recent fight with Chi Chi. They both agreed that it was uncalled for, and a man shouldn’t come for a woman in that manner.

 

Speaking of the evicted housemates, they both opined that Kess being married spoiled his game, and Pharmsavi was more excited to be in the game than actually playing the game.

 

To unpack all the sunken and sailing ships in the house, Toke was joined by Lawyer and Media Personality Kiki. She started off by saying that Deji and Chi Chi’s ship is one-sided. According to her, Deji is being put in a tough position by Chi Chi. They all chorused that it was just physical attraction, and Deji would serve her breakfast soon.

 

They went on to analyse Groovy and Phyna’s relationship. They all believe that it was too quick, which is why he’s always acting unbothered and uninvolved. Kiki added that even Phyna told Beauty before she left that Groovy was a cheap man, and he would go around every girl in the house.

 

Furthermore, they talked about the dynamic between Hermes and Allysyn. According to them, it was a confusing relationship at first, but they were getting there. Toke went ahead to ask them who they would pick in a Hermes and Allysyn ship or Adekunle and Allysyn ship. They both picked the Hermes and Allysyn ship.

 

To talk about the merger, Celebrity chef, and lifestyle mogul, Dr Kelly Sampa, joined the guests. He started by saying that Groovy is just enjoying himself, and he is enjoying fine boy privileges. He also thinks that with the merge, there would be more drama, while Kiki stated that she would like to see how the Groovy and Chomzy ship unfolds.

 

Speaking on expectations in the house, Shody said that he’s looking forward to a fight between Phyna and Amaka, and how Giddifia handles the Diana situation.

Speaking about Sheggz and Bella’s relationship, they all said that Sheggz has a Je ne sais quoi to him, and as much as they think it’s a game, they love how they’re going about it, especially their matching outfits.

 

In conclusion, they all chorused that the housemates are beginning to crack, forgetting the cameras, and showing their true character.

 

The Buzz is exclusive to Showmax, with new episodes Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7 pm WAT. Visit www.showmax.com or dial *447*2*2# from an MTN line to subscribe for Showmax mobile for as low as ₦1,200 to stay up to date on the drama from the BBNaija Level Up season.

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Killing Of Sokoto Female Student: British Govt, Others Call For Trial Of Murderers

The British government alongside local and international organizations have condemned the killing of Miss Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria by her schoolmates describing the murder as horrific.

 

She was killed and her remains burnt by Muslim students of the school recently for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.

 

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, issued the condemnation of the act in a tweet on Friday from her personal handle @catrionalaing which was retweeted by the High Commission via its handle @ UKinNigeria. “I condem the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, and urge the police and relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators of the horrific act are made to face justice in line with the law,” the UK top envoy tweeted.

 

Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and its Youth Wing (YOWICAN) have condemned the gruesome murder.

CAN, in a statement by its General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, said the unlawful and dastardly action of the perpetrators must not only be condemned by all right-thinking people but security operatives must fish them out and prosecute them.

 

The association acknowledged the reaction of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III who, it said, did not only condemn the criminal action but called on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The statement said: “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemns in strong terms the gruesome murder of a Christian, a 200 Level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Deborah Yakubu, by some extremist fellow students on alleged blasphemy.

 

“The unlawful and dastardly action of the perpetrators must not only be condemned by all right-thinking people but the security operatives must fish them out, prosecute them as it is expected of them.

 

“It is the failure of the security agencies and the government to rise up to such criminalities in the past that gave birth to terrorists and bandits. And as long as the state fails to bring these beasts and criminals amidst us to book, so also the society will continue to be their killing fields.

 

“We acknowledge the swift reaction of His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who not only condemned the criminal and religious intolerant action but called on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“It is our expectation that the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, would ensure that the matter is not swept under the carpet.”

Also, the National Chairman of YOWICAN, Belusochukwu Enwere, in a petition to the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Education, frowned at the report that only two persons were arrested in relation to the murder.

 

He called on the State Security Service (DSS), the police and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest the remaining perpetrators whose faces appear on the video circulating online.

CAN also commended the Christian students of the college for refusing to embrace self-help and revenge attack on those who murdered their colleague.

 

“Information reaching us from reliable sources, including friends, students and close family members, reveal that Miss Deborah Samuel Yakubu was tortured, stoned and gruesomely murdered and her body subsequently set ablaze as a result of a comment she made in her departmental group WhatsApp platform, which her killers alleged to have blasphemed Prophet Muhammad.

 

“We as well gathered that the acts of killing of our members for inexplicable and most times flimsy reasons have persisted unabated and have been largely kept away from the Christian fold and the general public by the perpetrators who appear to be working as a syndicate with some affiliation to the dreaded Boko Haram and ISIS before this unfortunate episode that happened in Sokoto State.

“We heard that only two people were arrested while over 200 students participated in committing this crime. We hope this is not a way to sweep this matter under the carpet.”

In a statement, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola said now is not the time for division but for peace.

“As the seat of the caliphate, we must always ensure that Sokoto State is peaceful.

“The state must be allowed to develop both spiritually and economically.”

Akintola said Muslim faithful across Nigeria “has tons of love and immeasurable respect” for the Sultan.

“We demand same from the Muslim youths in Sokoto State”, the statement added.

 

 

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Lagos First Lady To Lead War Against Drug Abuse in Schools, Communities

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has pledged to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other critical stakeholders to reinvigorate the war against drug abuse especially in schools and in communities across the state.

 

The First Lady spoke on Wednesday at a strategic meeting held at Lagos House, Ikeja with the NDLEA and other critical stakeholders including the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, senior officials of the Ministries of Education, Health, Youths and Social Development, wives of Local Government Chairmen, Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), school principals, market women and the Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Gbenga Owoeye.

According to her, drug addiction especially among the youths had become a worrisome menace in society that no one could pretend about its existence.

“The earlier we begin to tackle the daunting challenge, the better for our youths, ourselves, and the social health of our society. This strategic meeting is aimed at putting the menace of drug abuse and associated social vices on the front burner.

“We are truly and deeply concerned about the increase in the rate at which the younger ones are now getting addicted to illicit drugs, a development that brought about the need for all relevant stakeholders to embark on a campaign to fight the menace and enlighten victims on the dangers inherent in such lifestyle both now and in the future,” the First Lady said.

She added that the time was ripe for real action to tackle the war against drug abuse, and not just mere rhetoric, adding that in the coming weeks, she would be leading a series of initiatives to advance the fight against the menace in schools and in communities across the state.

“At the level of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF), we are all concerned about this and we have resolved in our respective states to frontally confront the menace, looking at it from a holistic point of view.

“We have to be proactive and connect with the schools, the religious bodies, community leaders and associations, and others to cascade the message to all segments and sectors of the state,” she said.

On his part, Commander of NDLEA, Lagos State Command, Barr. Callys Alumona commended the First Lady for convening the meeting of relevant stakeholders to advance the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), just as he said that something urgent must be done to prevent the state from becoming a gateway for illicit and dangerous drugs, both within and outside Nigeria.

He also urged the First Lady to organize a training workshop for women in government who are mothers themselves, as well as political and social leaders, to enable them to have a better understanding of the consequences of drug abuse and the signs to note when a child is engaging in drug abuse or illicit dealing in drugs.

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“Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV Program Third Episode To Break Infertility Stigma

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has released the Third Episode of their TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on Saturday, 30th April 2022 on KTN, Kenya and Sunday, 1st May on NTV, Uganda. The TV program’s third episode addressed a sensitive topic: Breaking the Infertility Stigma around women. The TV program has been receiving great feedback from viewers of these channels and social media followers.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I have been particularly excited about the broadcasting of the third episode of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ as the theme we discussed during this episode – Breaking Infertility Stigma especially around women, which has been the main focus for our iconic ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign. It also focused on the issue of male infertility and how fertility is a shared responsibility as it takes a man and woman to have a child. We have addressed this issue through our Fashion and Art with Purpose community. Together we can create a culture shift that will help our communities better understand and act on different issues. Through this episode, I also got a chance to thank my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who I have worked very closely with Merck Foundation for this campaign, as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign.

I would also like to thank our viewers for the amazing response we have been receiving, this is indeed very inspiring and encouraging. Moreover, I would especially like to acknowledge the love we have been receiving from our social media followers, it is phenomenal.”

Merck Foundation’s iconic “More Than a Mother” campaign started and led by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej is a rallying movement to Break Infertility Stigma faced by women across the African continent. Not only that, Merck Foundation works to break the Infertility Stigma around women but also men, women are more than mothers, and men are more than fathers.

“‘More Than a Mother’ campaign is very close to my heart. Along with all the initiatives under this campaign, Merck Foundation also supports building healthcare capacity in Africa, therefore, I am happy to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 390 scholarships to doctors from 38 countries, with the aim to advance women’s health by building Reproductive & Sexual care and Fertility Care Capacity in Africa and beyond. Moreover, we have trained more than 2200 media representatives from more than 30 countries to raise community awareness, creating a culture shift and breaking the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women” explained Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

This third episode featured prominent personalities like Nontando Mposo, Editor-in-Chief, Glamour Magazine, South Africa and popular Singer Blaze from Mozambique. Fashion designers Anuja Bharti from Ghana and Alberto from Mozambique showcased their designs that displayed strong messages on #NoToInfertilityStigma and #MenToo can be the cause of infertility.

The episode also featured a song by H.E. George Weah, the President of Republic of Liberia created to support Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” movement. This song talks about encouraging men to support their wives during the journey of creating a happy family. Listen and watch the song here:  https://bit.ly/3vOaNU4

Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them to get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and re-build their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi and many more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies have also launched children’s storybooks to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and resulted domestic violence in the future. The storybooks have been localized for each country to have a better connect with the young readers. David’s Story, launched in partnership with African First Ladies of over 20 countries, is one of these interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility. Read David’s Story here: https://bit.ly/39Bs9e9

Merck Foundation has also released many songs to raise awareness about infertility stigma under their “More Than a Mother” movement. Listen to some of the songs here:

  1. Watch, share & subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://bit.ly/37kX4e2
  2. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://bit.ly/3w8XHzV

Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here: https://bit.ly/3sg80km

​​“To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Film making, and Musicians, students and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year, in order to create a culture shift and break the silence about one or more of the following topics: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels. I am looking forward to receiving their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent guests from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The show is co-hosted by Brian Mulondo from Uganda. The TV program is currently being broadcasted in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana the show will also soon be aired in other African countries. Below are the details of the channels on which the TV show is being aired:

– Every Saturday @ 5:30 pm (EAT) on KTN, Kenya

– Every Sunday @ 6:30 pm (EAT) on NTV Uganda

– Every Sunday @ 2 pm on (GMT) GHOne TV, Ghana

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here: https://bit.ly/3MYRgpY

“I am very excited to bring to you all the upcoming episodes of ‘OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation’ TV program. So, stay tuned and be ready to Get informed, Get healthy, and Get entertained!”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

 

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