Category: MIL-OSI

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President Ramaphosa expresses condolences following tragic fire in the Swiss Alps

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the loss of life resulting from a devastating fire in the Swiss town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2026.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, President Ramaphosa conveys heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as to the people and Government of the Swiss Confederation during this time of profound grief.

“South Africans stand in solidarity with the people of Switzerland as they mourn this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa also extended words of support to the emergency services and first responders who acted with courage and dedication in the face of this tragedy, and expressed confidence that the Swiss people will draw strength from their unity and resilience in this difficult moment.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa appoints new leadership for the Presidential Climate Commission

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new cohort of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 tenure, in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024). 

Following due consideration of all submitted nominations, President Ramaphosa has appointed a total of twenty five(25)  commissioners who are representative of broader sections of South African society including business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth and South African Local Government Association as the new commission

The commissioners bring in diverse experience and  relevant experience in climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, social justice and were appointed with a strong consideration to achieving diversity in gender, age, geographic spread and background in line with national transformation goals and procedural justice principles.

The appointments are a culmination of a public nomination process, which was initiated in August this year in accordance with Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act. 

The initial establishment of the PCC was an outcome of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.

President Ramaphosa has reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing commissioners on their leadership and achievements over the first five years and commends their role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa’s Climate Diplomacy. 

The President calls on the new commissioners to individually and collectively continue to fulfil their role and mandate of providing independent, evidence-based advice; facilitate inclusive dialogue in the pursuit of a consensus to address South Africa’s complex climate and development agenda and to put into practice, the country’s just transition framework.

The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the first Meeting of the Commission in 2026 and further outline high-level priorities for the Commission for the next five years.  

Herewith is the list of the appointed commissioners.

1. Dr Phindile Masangane
2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela
4. Ms Shaamela Soobramoney
5. Dr Sarushen Pillay
6. Ms Catherine Constantinides
7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field
8. Ms Khungeka Njobe
9. Ms Zaynab Sadan
10. Dr Dipak Patel
11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe
12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya
14. Dr Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant
15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli 
17. Ms Thandile Zonke
18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo
19. Prof Imraan Valodia
20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
21. Ms Joanne Yawitch
22. Ms Boitumelo Molete
23. Mr Brandin Abdinor
24. Mr Waheed Hoosen
25. Ms Shamini Harrington

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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CEO da Fundação Merck e Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe discutiram seus programas conjuntos para promover capacidade do sistema de saúde e combater o estigma da infertilidade durante a 12ª Edição da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), O braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha realizou recentemente a 12ª Edição da sua conferência anual, “Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck”, em parceria com o Governo da Gâmbia. A conferência foi copresidida por S. Exa. Sra. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, Primeira-Dama da Gâmbia e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe, e pela Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da Mais do Que uma Mãe. A Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe, S. Exa. Sra. Maria de Fátima Vila Nova, juntamente com as Primeiras-Damas do Burundi, da República Centro Africana, da Libéria, da Nigéria e do Senegal, participaram como Convidadas de Honra e Oradoras Principais.

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (aposentada) enfatizou: “Foi um prazer manter encontro com a minha querida irmã, S. Exa. Sra. Maria de Fátima Vila Nova, Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe”. Discutimos os nossos programas conjuntos e reforçamos o nosso compromisso com o desenvolvimento da capacidade do sistema de saúde e a transformação do cenário de atendimento ao paciente, através da oferta de bolsas de estudo para médicos locais. Já iniciamos o processo de inscrição de médicos para os cursos de Oncologia e Diabetes.

“Além disso, estou muito feliz que ela planeia transmitir os nossos filmes de animação em português nas emissoras televisivas nacionais. Isso ajudará significativamente a aumentar a conscientização sobre importantes questões sociais e de saúde de uma forma informativa e envolvente. ”

S. Exa., a Sra. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, partilhou: “É uma grande honra participar da 12ª Edição da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck e manter encontro com as minhas queridas irmãs, as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, e a Dra. Rasha Kelej. Introduzimos no nosso país o programa “Educar Linda e Lindo”, que é muito importante para mim, pois oferece a crianças merecedoras, mas carentes, a oportunidade de atingir seu pleno potencial e prosperar na vida. Juntos, oferecemos bolsas de estudo anuais para 40 alunos de destaque, porém carentes, até a formatura.

Além disso, quero partilhar que gostei dos Filmes de Animação da Fundação Merck e em breve os exibiremos nas nossas emissoras televisivas nacionais. Acredito firmemente que o nosso povo gostará desses filmes e se beneficiará muito das suas importantes mensagens sociais e de saúde.

Assista aqui ao discurso da Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck, “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, durante o evento da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck 2025:  https://apo-opa.co/3Lrg9PK

“A Fundação Merck sempre acreditou na importância de desenvolver a capacidade da área da saúde e tem trabalhado para isso desde 2012. Até o momento, concedemos 2.500 bolsas de estudo para profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas carentes. Continuaremos a oferecer bolsas de estudo para médicos de São Tomé e Príncipe e de outros países”, acrescentou a Dra. Rasha Kelej.

No primeiro dia da conferência, ocorreu a Sessão Plenária da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck 2025, com discursos inaugurais das Primeiras-Damas Africanas. Além disso, também foi realizado um painel de discussão ministerial de alto nível com Ministros Africanos.

No segundo dia da conferência, foi realizada a reunião do comité da Iniciativa Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck (MFFLI) entre as Primeiras-Damas da África, o Presidente e a CEO da Fundação Merck, onde as Primeiras-Damas Africanas compartilharam o relatório de impacto dos programas da Fundação Merck nos seus respectivos países bem como discutiram a estratégia da sua parceria.

Assista ao vídeo da reunião do comite MFFLI.: https://apo-opa.co/493cDEh

A Fundação Merck, em conjunto com o gabinete da Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe, também realizou duas edições de Treinamento Online em Mídia da Saúde para enfatizar o papel crucial da mídia na abordagem de questões sociais e de saúde críticas.

A Fundação Merck também anunciou a abertura de candidaturas para seus 8 importantes prémios, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe, nas áreas de mídia, música, estilos de moda, cinema, estudantes e novos talentos promissores nesses campos.

Além disso, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama de São Tomé e Príncipe, a Fundação Merck também lançou livros infantis: “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, “Educar Linda”, “Resgate da jaqueline”, “Você Não É Quem É”, “viagem ao Futuro”, “Jude Sem Açúcar” e “Pressão de Mark”. Os livros, lançados em português, abordam diversas questões sociais e de saúde, como o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, o apoio à educação de meninas, o combate à violência do género e a conscientização sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A 12ª Edição da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação foi transmitida em directo nas redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck.

@ Fundação Merck: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3LrgbXS), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YU47S2), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4stPfaP), e YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/49o3ogX).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/495r8HG), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YnUg6T), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4jpKRFy), e YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4bbLy35).

Link para a transmissão em directo no Facebook da Sessão Inaugural do Painel de Alto Nível das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/4ss8gKO

Resumo das iniciativas e do impacto da Fundação Merck:

A Fundação Merck está a transformar o cenário do atendimento ao paciente e fazer história junto com os seus parceiros em África, Ásia e em outros lugares, por meio de:

• Mais de 2.500 bolsas de estudo concedidas pela Fundação Merck a profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas essenciais e carentes.

A Fundação Merck também está a promover uma mudança cultural e quebrar o silêncio sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde em África e em comunidades carentes por meio de:

• Mais de 3.700 representantes da mídia de mais de 35 países treinados pela Fundação Merck para conscientizar sobre diferentes questões sociais e de saúde.

• 8 prémios diferentes lançados anualmente para melhor cobertura da mídia, filme, música e moda.

• Cerca de 30 músicas que abordam questões de saúde e sociais, compostas por cantores locais de toda a África.

• 9 livros infantis em quatro línguas: inglês, francês, português e swahíli.

• 6 filmes de animação de conscientização em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e swahíli, para conscientizar sobre o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, o apoio à educação de meninas e a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes, da hipertensão e do cancro.

• Programa televisivo pan-africano “Nossa África da Fundação Merck” abordando questões sociais e de saúde em África por meio da comunidade “Moda e Arte com Propósito”.

• Mais de 1200 bolsas de estudo concedidas a estudantes africanas de alto desempenho, mas de baixa renda, para empoderá-las a concluir os seus estudos.

• 15 canais de mídia social com mais de 8,5 milhões de seguidores.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida!
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Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/49k95wa 
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com 
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/49BHtUA

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e visa melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e impulsionar suas vidas por meio da ciência e da tecnologia. Nossos esforços concentram-se principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carentes, fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e pesquisa científica, empoderar meninas na educação e empoderar pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck.  Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga as redes sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3LrgbXS), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YU47S2), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4stPfaP), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/49o3ogX), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/49BDO9l) e Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/49k95wa).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde de comunidades carentes. Embora colabore com diversos parceiros, incluindo governos, para alcançar os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia quaisquer actividades, eleições ou regimes políticos, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e promover o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and São Tomé & Príncipe First Lady discussed their joint programs to advance healthcare capacity and Break Infertility Stigma during the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) emphasized “It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, we discussed our joint programs and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local doctors. We have already started to enroll doctors for Oncology and Diabetes Care.

Moreover, I am very happy that she plans to broadcast our animation films in Portuguese on the national TV stations. This will significantly help raise awareness about important social and health issues in an informative and engaging way.”

H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” shared, “It is a great honor to be part of the 12th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary and to meet my dear sisters African First Ladies and Dr. Rasha Kelej.  We have introduced in our country the “Educating Linda and Lindo” program, which is very close to my heart as it provides an opportunity to deserving but under privileged children to reach their full potential and thrive in life. Together, we are providing annual scholarships for 40 best performing but underprivileged schoolgirls and boys till they graduate.

Moreover, I want to share that I liked the Merck Foundation Animation Films, and we will soon air them on our national TV stations. I strongly believe that our people will enjoy these films and greatly benefit from their important social and health messages”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here:  https://apo-opa.co/3Lrg9PK

“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships for doctors from Sao Tome and beyond,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

On Day 1 of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research. 

On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/493cDEh

Merck Foundation together with the office of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe has also conducted 2 editions of Online Health Media Training to emphasize on the critical role of media in addressing critical social and health issues.

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, Merck Foundation has also launched children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks launched in Portuguese language, address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks have been launched in Portuguese language.

The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3LrgbXS), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YU47S2), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4stPfaP), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/49o3ogX).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/495r8HG), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YnUg6T), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4jpKRFy), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4bbLy35).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4ss8gKO

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

  • 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  • 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
  • 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
  • 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
  • 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49BHtUA

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3LrgbXS), X (http://apo-opa.co/3YU47S2), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4stPfaP), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/49o3ogX), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/49BDO9l) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/49k95wa).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Jokpeme Joseph Omode, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alexa News Network Limited, Ushers in 2026 with a Message of Resilience and Empathy

Source: APO

As the world welcomes the New Year, Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the visionary Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alexa News Network Limited (www.Alexa.ng), has released a heartfelt message celebrating the arrival of 2026 as a year of resilience, empathy, hope, and collective growth.

In his New Year address, Omode reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the past year, emphasizing the power of human resilience in overcoming adversity and the essential role of empathy in building stronger communities. “The dawn of a new year reminds us that resilience is not just survival—it is the quiet strength that turns trials into triumphs,” Omode stated. “In 2025, we witnessed moments of profound difficulty across the globe, yet through empathy and shared humanity, we emerged stronger, more connected, and more determined.”

Omode extended profound gratitude to the platform’s partners, dedicated readers, and global audience for their unwavering support, which he described as the foundation of Alexa News Network’s continued success. “To our esteemed partners, advertisers, collaborators, and stakeholders—your trust and strategic alliances have fueled our mission to deliver credible, impactful journalism,” he said. “To our loyal readers, journalists, contributors, and supporters in Nigeria and around the world—you are the heartbeat of Alexa News Network. Your engagement, feedback, and loyalty have driven our growth, expanded our reach, and inspired us to uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting.”

The world steps into a new year filled with renewed hope and possibility, Jokpeme Joseph Omode extended a heartfelt message of gratitude and optimism to partners, readers, and the global audience.

He particularly celebrated the global audience for embracing the platform’s transition to a broader international focus following its recent rebranding to Alexa News Network. “Making it to this new year together fills us with immense hope and optimism for growth,” Omode added. “Your readership has transformed us into a truly global voice, amplifying stories that empower, inform, and unite.”

Looking ahead, Omode reaffirmed Alexa News Network Limited’s commitment to balanced, insightful journalism that fosters understanding and positive change. “In 2026, let us embrace resilience to face challenges head-on and empathy to bridge divides. Together, we will continue telling stories that matter—stories of hope, progress, and shared prosperity.”

As fireworks light up skies worldwide, Omode’s message resonates as a call for unity and renewal, inspiring all to step into the new year with renewed purpose.In his New Year address, Omode reflected on the defining values that carried communities through challenges and triumphs alike—resilience and empathy. He noted that in an ever-changing world, these qualities have remained essential in shaping responsible journalism and strengthening the bond between media and society.

“This new year reminds us that resilience is not just about enduring difficulties, but about growing stronger through them,” Omode said. “Empathy, on the other hand, keeps us human—it ensures that every story we tell reflects understanding, compassion, and truth.”

He expressed deep appreciation to Alexa News Network Limited’s partners for their unwavering collaboration, to readers for their trust and engagement, and to the global audience whose diverse perspectives continue to enrich the platform.

“Your support has been the backbone of our journey,” he added. “Together, we have made it into a new year—one filled with opportunity, innovation, and shared purpose.”

Looking ahead, Omode reaffirmed Alexa News Network Limited’s commitment to credible reporting, inclusive storytelling, and impactful journalism that informs, inspires, and unites people across borders.

As the new year unfolds, the company embraces a future defined by hope, growth, and a collective resolve to tell stories that matter—stories that not only report events, but also amplify voices and foster understanding in a global community.

Happy New Year from Jokpeme Joseph Omode and the entire Alexa News Network Limited team!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

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Eight Arab and Islamic Countries Express Concern over the Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation in Gaza and Call for the Immediate Entry of Aid into the Strip

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, 2 January 2026

The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt expressed their deepest concern regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been exacerbated by severe, harsh, and unstable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms, and compounded by the continued lack of sufficient humanitarian access, acute shortages of essential life-saving supplies, and the slow pace of the entry of essential materials required for the rehabilitation of basic services and the establishment of temporary housing.

The ministers highlighted that the severe weather has laid bare the fragility of existing humanitarian conditions, particularly for almost 1.9 million people and displaced families living in inadequate shelters. Flooded camps, damaged tents, the collapse of damaged buildings, and exposure to cold temperatures coupled with malnutrition, have significantly heightened risks to civilian lives, including due to disease outbreaks, especially among children, women, the elderly, and individuals with medical vulnerabilities. 

They commended the tireless efforts of all United Nations organizations and agencies, especially UNRWA, as well as humanitarian international NGOs, in continuing to assist Palestinian civilians and deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely difficult and complex circumstances. They demanded that Israel ensure the UN and international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza and the West Bank in a sustained, predictable, and unrestricted manner, given their integral role in the humanitarian response in the Strip. Any attempt to impede their ability to operate is unacceptable.

Moreover, they reaffirmed their full support for UNSCR 2803 and President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan and their intention to contribute to the successful implementation thereof, with a view to ensuring the sustainability of the ceasefire, bringing an end to the war in Gaza, to secure a dignified life for the Palestinian people who have endured prolonged humanitarian suffering, and leading to a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. 

In this context, they stressed the urgent need to immediately initiate and scale up early recovery efforts, including the provision of durable and dignified shelter to protect the population from the severe winter conditions.

The ministers called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and to pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift constraints on the entry and distribution of essential supplies including tents, shelter materials, medical assistance, clean water, fuel, and sanitation support. They called for the immediate, full, and unhindered humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip without any interference by either party, through the UN and its agencies, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals, and the opening of the Rafah Crossing in both directions as stipulated in President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan.

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Our year 2026, between war drums and the hope of a sport that rediscovers culture

Source: APO – Report:

We are living through the most delicate period for global stability since the end of the Second World War. The echo of the drums of war is part of our daily lives, and we risk becoming numb to the images of destruction and death. 

TRUST Sport survives, but it also needs injections of trust, because it risks falling into the hands of organizations that know neither dignity nor honesty. It is precisely during these dark times that illegal betting and doping thrive, exploiting the contradictions of a sporting world that is often still culturally unprepared. 

DUTY Our task, as sports journalists, is to delve into all issues and monitor the behavior of those who manage top-level sport to prevent them from taking positions contrary to the fundamental principles of transparent and educational sport.

ENHANCED GAMES The “Enhanced Games” are expected to launch in June, although it’s not yet entirely certain. These games are where anything is possible with the blessing of magic pills, which can transform a bank clerk into a world champion, as rich as Scrooge McDuck, in just a few months. These pharmacy-based games, which also promise an elixir of long life, are the perfect calling card for those who want to get their hands on sports to make money gambling with the health of others. This isn’t about being overly conservative and even a little old-fashioned; rather, we need to defend educational values, which are also the foundation of civil society. 

AI Our “enhancement” could be Artificial Intelligence, which should improve our lives as journalists, but it’s not yet entirely clear how. Like pills, AI, taken in controlled doses, can be extremely useful, while left unchecked, it can create serious problems. We must defend accurate, human information, not just artificially generated information, because otherwise we will end up in the hands of unscrupulous operators, masters of creating artificial truths. And we will all become characters in a fictional story… 

THE ROLE We are also establishing the role of Content Creators, so we are on the right track. If all wars end, sport will have the role of recreating meeting points for young people, and this will be a crucial moment, where our profession can help reopen constructive dialogue

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

Media files

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Over 300 babies born across Gauteng public health facilities  

Source: Government of South Africa

Over 300 babies born across Gauteng public health facilities  

Over 300 babies were born across Gauteng public health facilities on New Year’s Day.  

Over 396 babies were born to mothers across the province on 1 January 2025. A total of 198 males and 198 females were born at public institutions.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, joined postpartum mothers in welcoming their newly born bundles of joy at the Leratong Hospital in the West Rand on Thursday.

READ | Gauteng Health MEC to welcome New Year’s Day babies

The MEC handed over gift hampers for their babies. Across the province’s four academic hospitals, (Steve Biko, Dr George Mukhari, Chris Hani Baragwanath and Charlotte Maxeke), 79 babies were born, said the provincial Health Department on Friday.

The Tembisa and Kalafong tertiary hospitals saw the births of 42. Across regional and district hospitals including the Jubilee, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, 204 babies were born.

At community healthcare centres (CHCs), which include the Hillbrow CHC, Mofolo CHC and the Laudium CHC, 71 babies were born.

On Christmas Day, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed babies born at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital where she presented mothers with gift hampers.

On Christmas Day, the public health facilities in the province saw the births of 428 babies (206 males and 222 females). – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng law enforcement arrests 1 160 on New Year’s eve

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng law enforcement arrests 1 160 on New Year’s eve

Gauteng police, working together with other law enforcement agencies, on New Year’s Eve arrested more than 1 160 people for various criminal offences, with about 900 of them being wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes.

The arrests were made during operations that were conducted in all the five districts – Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand.

“The integrated multidisciplinary operations resulted in over 1 160 people being arrested, including illegal immigrants and for crimes such as possession of unlicensed firearms, drunk driving, dealing in drugs, and possession of suspected stolen property, amongst others.

“The detectives arrested approximately 900 of the suspects during the overnight tracing of wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Thursday.

Inspections were also conducted at liquor outlets to ensure compliance with the Gauteng Liquor Act, as liquor is one of the influences behind contact crimes like murder, rape and assault.

“More boots were on the ground, as the police applied a zero tolerance approach to liquor outlets that do not comply with the law and this resulted in the closure of nine liquor outlets for non-compliance. Several seizures were also made during the operations varying from dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms and ammunition.

“The operation also saw a peaceful and jubilant crossover celebration in Hillbrow, which is infamous for recklessness and lawlessness during New Years’ eve celebrations,” SAPS said.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Court from Friday, 2 January. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) extends USD 20 million Islamic financing to expand Jordan’s non-woven fabrics industry

Source: APO


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  • USD 20 million medium-term Islamic finance facility to expand non-woven fabrics production capacity through advanced Spunlace equipment.
  • API is Jordan’s leading non-woven fabrics manufacturer, producing essential materials for personal hygiene products, healthcare PPE including gowns and face masks, and agricultural applications.
  • The expansion aims to create substantial employment opportunities, strengthening Jordan’s industrial competitiveness and economic diversification.
  • Supports UN SDGs including Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry and Innovation, and Partnerships for the Goals.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has recently extended USD 20 million medium-term Islamic finance facility to Applied Plastic Industries Company (API), the leading manufacturer of non-woven fabrics in Jordan. The facility will finance capital expenditure for advanced Spunlace equipment, enabling API to establish a new production line and expand its manufacturing capacity.

The financing will enable API to acquire cutting-edge Spunlace technology, enhancing production efficiency and product diversification. This investment supports Jordan’s manufacturing sector modernization while contributing to the country’s broader economic development objectives through sustainable industrial growth.

Commenting on the financing, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, stated: “This financing facility exemplifies ICD’s strategic commitment to advancing industrial development across our member countries. By partnering with Applied Plastic Industries, we are making a targeted investment in Jordan’s manufacturing value chain that aligns with the nation’s economic diversification objectives. This transaction demonstrates the powerful role of Shariah-compliant finance as a catalyst for private sector expansion, job creation, and inclusive economic development. The expansion of API’s production capacity will strengthen Jordan’s competitive position in regional non-woven fabrics markets while creating meaningful employment opportunities that directly contribute to sustainable development.”

Mr. Radwan Khattab, General Manager of Applied Plastic Industries Company, said: “We are honored to partner with ICD, a globally respected development finance institution that shares our vision for sustainable industrial growth. This financing facility represents a transformational milestone for API, enabling us to acquire state-of-the-art Spunlace technology that will enhance our production capabilities and product quality. The investment will not only expand our market reach regionally but will also create substantial employment opportunities for Jordanian professionals and skilled workers. We are committed to contributing to Jordan’s economic development agenda and are confident that this partnership with ICD will strengthen our position as a leading manufacturer in the Middle East’s non-woven sector.”

This initiative advances ICD’s mission to foster sustainable economic development in its member countries. By channeling capital into Jordan’s manufacturing sector, the project aims to create substantial employment opportunities, enhance industrial competitiveness, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The expansion project aligns strategically with Jordan’s national objectives of fostering economic growth, creating quality employment opportunities, and advancing the nation’s vision of becoming a sustainable and competitive regional economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For Media Inquiries:
Nabil El-Alami
Communications & Corporate Marketing Division Manager
Email: nalami@isdb.org

Follow ICD on:
X (formerly Twitter) @ icd_ps
LinkedIn @ icdps
Facebook @ icdps
YouTube @ icdps

About Applied Plastic Industries Company (API):
Applied Plastic Industries Company (API), established in 2019, is a prominent manufacturing entity in Jordan and a significant player in the Middle East’s non-woven sector. The company produces non-woven fabrics, calcium carbonate, masterbatch, disposable medical clothing, and non-woven reusable bags, leveraging its 540,000 tons annual capacity operated with state-of-the-art German machinery. Known for consistent growth and profitability, API employs 500 individuals and maintains a strong commitment to ongoing human resource development.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development finance institution and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. Established in November 1999 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ICD supports economic development in its 56 member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with Shariah principles.

With an authorized capital of USD 4.0 billion and more than 25 years of operational excellence, ICD complements IsDB’s activities by promoting capital market development, best management practices, and enhancing the role of market economies. ICD holds strong credit ratings of A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A by S&P, reflecting its solid financial standing and commitment to sustainable development.

For more information, visit www.ICD-ps.org