Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

Dear colleagues, we are living through a difficult, confusing, and violent time, but precisely for this reason we must react, find solutions, and explore new ways of practising our profession, which remains a guarantee for a cleaner and more educational world of sport for young people.

POLITICS Politics always tries to heavily infiltrate the world of sport, and therefore ours as well. We are currently experiencing a vibrant FIFA World Cup edition, but the eve of it was rocked by the political storm surrounding Iran’s presence. Fortunately, Iran was not excluded, but at the same time, it was not subjected to the normal conditions of other teams, yet we consider this presence highly significant.

POWER OF CHANGE I would like to remind you that 46 years ago, politics attempted to wipe out the independence of sport. Remember the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the subsequent 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Back then, sports, and we sports journalists, stood against political interference, and our action, combined with that of the sports world, saved not only the Olympic movement, which was dying in 1980, but the future of generations of athletes.

PARADOX Now we find ourselves in a situation that is not the same, but similar. We must react firmly against initiatives that seek to pollute the world we live in. Everyone talks about content creators and artificial intelligence; these are two realities we must live with without being influenced. Of course, new technologies require attention, and we must use them intelligently, because that’s how they can help us.

PROGRESS Progress cannot be denied, but we can tame new realities and make them useful to our profession. Pessimism doesn’t help; we must look to the future with confidence in our abilities. We are not obsolete, surpassed by technology; in fact, we still have great potential, but we must believe in ourselves.

– on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Source: APO

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The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has explained some of the strategies being deployed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

According to him, through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as well as the bold structural and fiscal reforms, the Federal Government has replaced gatekeeping with partnership that has enabled the subnationals to unlock their economic potential.

Senator Shettima, who stated this on Wednesday when he declared open the Jigawa State Investment Summit 2026, in Dutse, the state capital, noted that across the federation, the President Tinubu-led Federal Government has taken difficult but necessary decisions to put the economy back on a path of sustainable growth.

“On our part, we have made it easier to do business in Nigeria. Through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, we have simplified registrations and permits, and brought the cost and time of starting and running a business steadily down. The Business Facilitation Act has given these reforms the force of law, binding our agencies to transparency, predictability and speed.

“We have also unified and liberalised the foreign-exchange market, ended distortions that for too long frightened away serious investors, and put public finances on a more honest footing,” he said.

The Vice President observed that even though it had been a journey for which patience is required, the outcomes indicate that it is paying off, as the currency markets are now functioning more transparently, and reserves are now firmer.

He said for the first time in over ten years, the world’s leading rating agencies have started raising Nigeria’s sovereign credit standing, while the reforms at the centre are helping the states to unlock and deploy resources prudently.

Explaining how the administration’s reforms have opened the strategic sectors of the economy to private capital, VP Shettima cited the Electricity Act 2023, which he said “stands as a consequential reform, devolving real power to the states to license, generate and distribute electricity, and inviting investors to build the power infrastructure our industries and homes so urgently need.

“From power to agriculture, from solid minerals to the digital economy, we have replaced gatekeeping with partnership. And we have redirected the savings from hard reform toward the things that build a nation, into infrastructure, into human capital, and into support for our most vulnerable citizens, so that growth, when it comes, is felt in the household and not only in the headline,” he added.

Senator Shettima acknowledged, however, that reform at the centre would make little or no impact if it does not reach the states, noting that it is the reason why the Federal Government, through the National Economic Council and the Federal Executive Council, has prioritised healthy debates and deliberations to harmonise ideas for the nation’s economic direction.

The healthy debates, he noted, are aimed at strengthening the fiscal health and transparency of states, “to help them unlock and deploy resources prudently, to channel support toward agriculture, food security and the protection of our environment and livelihoods, and to open doors for sub-national governments to access development finance and climate finance on fair terms.”

Acknowledging that Jigawa State had been “a place of immense economic opportunities and untapped potential”, the Vice President said the investment summit is an assurance of the efforts and readiness of the state governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, “to revitalise the investment ecosystem of the State.”

While wooing both local and foreign investors, the VP reminded them “that the Federal Government has done the hard work of reform, and that, in partnership with the Jigawa State Government,” the Tinubu administration is convinced that the promise of Jigawa State “is one of high yields.

“We will be here to offer support and to ensure that you experience no bureaucratic bottlenecks in setting up here and enjoying the dividends of courage,” he assured.

Earlier, the Governor of Jigawa State, Namadi, explained that the summit was designed as a working platform to move the state beyond aspiration to disciplined execution, creating viable and valuable opportunities for investors.

Namadi reaffirmed confidence in Jigawa’s capacity to achieve sustainable prosperity through vision, credible investment and purposeful partnership.

He said Jigawa has over 24,700 square meters of fertile arable land, including more than 411,000 hectares of fadama suitable for a year round farming, with water and irrigation assets, welcoming business climate, capable and hardworking population as well as access to market across northern Nigeria and neighboring Niger Republic along the ancient transaharan corridor.

“Our development direction is anchored on Jigawa vision and our 12 Points Agenda with priorities that include Agricultural transformation, infrastructure, energy, the digital economy, private sector growths, revenue expansion, security, social protection, health, education and vocational skills development.” the governor said.

Also, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, advised the Jigawa State government to invest more resources in energy generation, noting that without stable power it would be very difficult to attract any meaningful investment.

Hadeija said President Tinubu has deregulated the power sector, with Jigawa having a three Megawatts Independent Power Project in Dutse with 16 kilometers of transmission and distribution.

On his part, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said Jigawa occupies a unique and strategic position in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, adding that the state is naturally endowed with natural resources, particularly within the livestock sector, with an estimated population of 3.6 million cattle, 5.6 million sheep, 6.6 million goats and others.

According to him, Jigawa state livestock value chain are both expansive and lucrative.

The Minister urged local and international investors to look closely at the Jigawa state livestock sector, noting that the resources are abundant, the political will is resolute and the market is ready.

On her part, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the theme of the summit as timely and inspiring, adding that it reflects a bold vision for economic transformation and the commitment to harnessing the vast opportunities in the state for the benefits of its people and future generations.

The Minister commended the remarkable stride of the Jigawa governor, adding that his administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to people’s centred development.

In his remark, Chairman of the summit and Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu (Wazirin Dutse), said because Jigawa is strategically located in the heart of Northern Nigeria, it serves as a gateway between the North West and the North East Nigeria.

“So our product and produce can easily reach big markets from Jigawa state to anyway. That is a very big blessing and attraction to any investor. We have got the arable land – lots of it l- and we have committed farmers, who are hospitable, welcoming,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State House, Abuja.

Source: APO

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President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Bright Igbinedion, the Otunba Atayese of Ile-Isoya Kingdom, on his 65th birthday.

Chief Igbinedion is the chairman of Coral Oil and Gas Limited and a member of the prominent Igbinedion family of Benin, Edo State.

The President joins the Igbinedion family to celebrate the business leader and humanitarian on this milestone.

The President acknowledges his leadership in the aviation, oil and gas sectors, as well as his contributions to advancing them.

President Tinubu commends Bright for his philanthropic initiatives, particularly through his foundation, which focuses on eradicating waterborne diseases, providing educational scholarships, and empowering the indigent.

The President prays for more years of good health for Chief Igbinedion and wishes him greater accomplishments in his business endeavours.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State House, Abuja.

Source: APO

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During a courtesy call at State House this afternoon, President of the Republic Dr Patrick Herminie and UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais explored strategic partnerships for stronger UN Tourism support in accelerating Seychelles’ recovery and securing a permanent direct flight to Europe. The talks came ahead of Seychelles hosting the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa this week.

Briefing the Secretary-General on the toll the Middle East crisis has taken on the country’s tourism industry, President Herminie said arrivals are now slowly recovering and that Seychelles hoped to return to its desired levels. Ms Al Nuwais said the disruption should be seen as an opportunity for Seychelles to come back stronger, and reaffirmed UN Tourism’s support in any way that could assist the destination’s recovery.

The two leaders also discussed air connectivity, with Seychelles reiterating its ambition for its national airline to secure a permanent direct flight to Europe, its top source market, and to attract additional European carriers to the destination. Attention also turned to the Chinese market, agreeing on the need for Seychelles to develop tourism facilities suited to Chinese visitors as the country works to diversify its source markets.

President Herminie also congratulated Ms Al Nuwais on becoming the first woman to lead UN Tourism in the organisation’s 50-year history since taking office in 2026. He expressed pride in Seychelles hosting the Regional Commission meeting alongside the accompanying Thematic Conference on Strengthening Human Capital, and commended UN Tourism’s leadership in advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism across the continent.

Ms Al Nuwais described Seychelles as one of Africa’s leading examples of tourism best practices and said the Commission was adopting a new approach this year, inviting ministers from across Africa to share their own best practices with one another. She said education would remain a key focus area for UN Tourism, alongside efforts to attract investors into Africa’s tourism sector and to facilitate practical solutions around sustainability.

Also present at the meeting were Minister for Tourism and Culture Mrs Amanda Bernstein, Principal Secretary for Tourism Mrs Sherin Francis, Mr Shijun Liu, Executive Director, UN Tourism, Ms Elcia Grandcourt, Regional Director for Africa, UN Tourism, and Mr Kojo Bentum-Williams, Senior Project Specialist, UN Tourism.

The Secretary-General’s delegation also met with First Lady Veronique Herminie during the afternoon.

President Herminie will join African tourism leaders on Thursday for the official opening of the Regional Commission meeting.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

Accurate MRO data is becoming essential for operational resilience, cost control and supply chain visibility, especially as industrial operations across Africa modernise and expand. Erick Wessels, Sales Director at RS South Africa (www.Africa.RSDelivers.com/), explores how organisations can improve performance through better MRO data management and governance.

Maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) procurement has historically been treated as an indirect function, often receiving less strategic attention than direct materials procurement. Yet inaccurate or fragmented MRO data can have significant operational consequences, leading to unnecessary expenditure, stock duplication, unplanned downtime and procurement inefficiencies.

For many organisations, particularly those operating across multiple facilities or remote sites, poor visibility into spare parts and inventory creates an environment where the same product may be purchased repeatedly from different suppliers at different prices. At the same time, critical items may be unavailable when needed most. In sectors such as food processing, manufacturing, energy and mining, these inefficiencies can quickly translate into production losses and operational risk.

This challenge is increasingly evident in complex and evolving industrial environments, where supply chain volatility, long lead times and infrastructure constraints often place additional pressure on maintenance operations. In many cases, replacement parts are sourced externally, meaning procurement delays can have serious implications for plant reliability and continuity. As a result, clean, centralised and actionable MRO data is no longer simply an administrative requirement; it has become a strategic operational asset.

Building a foundation through data governance

The starting point for effective MRO management is robust data governance. Organisations need systems and processes that ensure information is accurate, standardised and consistently maintained across the business.

This begins with something as fundamental as correct manufacturer names and part numbers. Without standardisation, duplicate records and inconsistent descriptions quickly emerge. A single supplier name entered in multiple ways can distort procurement reporting, complicate sourcing decisions and obscure inventory visibility.

Strong governance policies ensure that data follows a common structure across all facilities and departments. Standardised naming conventions, controlled fields and part classification protocols create consistency throughout the organisation and establish a trusted single source of truth.

For African businesses operating across geographically dispersed operations, standardisation becomes even more important. Mining houses, manufacturing groups and utilities often manage inventory across multiple provinces or countries. Without aligned systems and governance structures, data siloes emerge, preventing organisations from leveraging enterprise-wide visibility and economies of scale.

The hidden cost of poor data quality

Poor data governance frequently results in duplication, uncontrolled spending and operational inefficiencies. In many industrial environments, maintenance teams unknowingly purchase items already sitting elsewhere within the organisation simply because inventory data is incomplete or inaccessible.

Free-text fields and manual data entry further compound the problem. When systems are not purpose-built for MRO management, employees often improvise by storing critical information in inconsistent formats or locations. Over time, this creates fragmented datasets that undermine reporting accuracy and decision-making capability.

The financial impact can be substantial. Overstocking ties up working capital in slow-moving inventory, while understocking increases the risk of production interruptions and emergency procurement costs. In an African context, where import lead times may extend for weeks or months, poor inventory visibility can become particularly costly.

There is also a broader operational implication. Inaccurate MRO data limits the ability of procurement, maintenance and finance teams to collaborate effectively. Without reliable information, forecasting becomes reactive rather than strategic.

Digital procurement and inventory management are key enablers

Modern MRO environments require digital tools that enable more effective management of procurement and inventory. While strong governance provides the foundation, technology ensures these principles are applied consistently across operations.

RS South Africa’s procurement and inventory solutions demonstrate how digital platforms can bring greater structure and control to indirect spend. By integrating supplier catalogues into ERP and business spend management systems, organisations can improve visibility, reduce manual effort and make more informed purchasing decisions.

For organisations seeking a simpler approach, web-based tools can streamline sourcing and approval workflows without the need for complex systems integration, enabling faster adoption and improved efficiency.

Inventory management is equally critical. Solutions such as vendor-managed inventory (VMI) help improve visibility into stock levels and usage, reducing waste while ensuring critical components are available when needed.

Together, these capabilities enable a more controlled, resilient and data-driven approach to MRO supply chain management.

Real-time visibility creates operational agility

One of the greatest advantages of centralised MRO data management is the ability to achieve real-time visibility across operations. When organisations can see exactly what inventory exists, where it is located and how it is being used, they are able to make faster and more informed decisions.

Procurement teams can identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and spend optimisation, while inventory management systems provide insight into stock usage, replenishment requirements and demand trends. Maintenance teams, meanwhile, gain better visibility into critical spares availability, helping to reduce the risk of downtime.

Analytics dashboards also enable organisations to monitor inventory trends, maintenance frequency and spending patterns in real time. This visibility allows businesses to identify inefficiencies, reduce duplication and improve forecasting accuracy.

In complex operating environments, where disruptions can emerge unexpectedly due to logistics challenges, currency volatility or geopolitical developments, real-time visibility enhances resilience. Organisations with accurate, centralised data are better positioned to anticipate shortages, optimise stock levels and respond proactively to operational risks.

Unlocking long-term strategic value

The benefits of clean MRO data extend far beyond inventory management alone. Accurate and structured data creates a ripple effect of operational and financial improvements throughout the organisation.

With reliable information, businesses can improve budgeting accuracy, reduce emergency procurement, strengthen supplier negotiations and optimise inventory investment. Better forecasting reduces waste while ensuring critical components remain available when required.

Centralised data also enables more effective standardisation across facilities, helping organisations align around preferred suppliers, approved components and best practices. Over time, this drives stronger operational consistency and improved plant reliability.

Perhaps most importantly, clean data lays the groundwork for predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making. As African industries continue investing in automation, digitalisation and smart manufacturing, organisations with mature MRO data practices will be significantly better positioned to compete.

Data quality as a competitive advantage

As industrial organisations navigate increasingly complex operating environments, MRO data management is evolving from a back-office administrative function into a strategic business capability.

In Africa, where operational resilience is often tested by supply chain uncertainty and infrastructure challenges, accurate and accessible data can provide a meaningful competitive advantage. Businesses that invest in strong governance, purpose-built systems and real-time visibility will be better equipped to control costs, minimise downtime and improve long-term operational performance.

Ultimately, effective MRO data management is about more than inventory accuracy. It is about enabling smarter decisions, stronger reliability and greater business agility across the entire supply chain.

– on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763 

Further information is available via these links:
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About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

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