Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund approved additional financing of $28 million for Benin to continue the Economic Governance and Private Sector Development Support Programme (PAGE-DSP) on 24 November 2025.

Following phases I and II, which were successfully implemented in 2023 and 2024, respectively, the objective of this financial support is to increase the contribution made by Benin’s private sector to the economy. Specifically, it aims to improve the business climate, strengthen Special Economic Zones, support the agro-industrial sector and enhance climate resilience.

“This additional funding concludes the exemplary implementation of the first two phases of the programme by the Government of the Republic of Benin,” said Robert Masumbuko, the African Development Bank Group’s Country Manager in Benin.

In terms of expected outcomes, the programme aims to contribute to achieving convincing results by 2025: an increase in private investment to 35.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025 (compared with 29.9 percent in 2022); an increase in the amount of investment in the Glo-Djigbé Special Economic Zone to 23 billion CFA francs, approximately $40.5 million (compared with 11 billion CFA francs, approximately $19.3 million in 2021); and an increase in the value added of agri-food industries to 7.7 percent of GDP in 2025 (compared with 6.1 percent in 2022).

“This programme consolidates the results of the first two phases, which totalled approximately $100 million,” said Ammar Kessab, Senior Programme Manager at the African Development Bank.

Several measures will be implemented as part of the programme. In particular, the Council of Ministers will adopt a decree on the National Competition Authority, which will define its powers, composition and funding. Bringing the Authority into operation will enable it to contribute to national competition policy and ensure free competition. A similar decision will concern the Directorate for the Promotion of E-commerce, which will be responsible for implementing the National E-commerce Strategy 2025–2029.

Another measure provides for updating the gender assessment in the agricultural sector to bring it into line with the “gender-responsive budgeting” approach. The gender assessment in the agricultural sector had not taken this approach to budgeting – which is now a requirement for all sectoral ministries – into account. The approach will enable the State to target its interventions aimed at women more effectively.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Department of Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO

New independent data from Chainalysis and TRM Labs shows that illicit crypto activity on centralised exchanges has dropped to historic lows, signalling a new era of maturity for the industry. As of June 2025, the seven largest exchanges recorded just 0.018–0.023% of total activity linked to illicit addresses — a sharp decline from levels seen two years ago.

Binance Leads at Global Scale

Both analytics firms found that Binance, despite processing volumes comparable to the next six exchanges combined, consistently maintains the lowest exposure to illicit funds.

• Chainalysis: Only 0.007% of Binance’s June 2025 volume was linked to illicit activity — 2.5x lower than the average of other top exchanges.
• TRM Labs: Binance recorded 0.016% direct exposure versus 0.023% elsewhere — roughly 30% lower.

This performance reflects deep liquidity paired with robust compliance and monitoring.

What “Direct Exposure” Means

Direct exposure is the percentage of an exchange’s activity that touches wallets involved in verified illicit behaviour (e.g., scams, hacks, sanctions violations). Lower exposure signals effective detection, blocking, and reporting before funds circulate further.

While crypto is often scrutinised, illicit finance in traditional channels far exceeds it — with trillions laundered annually via banks and fiat systems, according to NASDAQ, the UN, and IMF.

Why the Data Differs Slightly

Chainalysis and TRM use different attribution datasets and clustering methods, which naturally creates minor variations. Still, both agree: illicit activity in crypto is now minimal, and Binance leads the industry in reducing exposure.

Binance’s 96–98% Improvement Since 2023

From January 2023 to June 2025, Binance reduced illicit exposure by 96–98%, outperforming industry peers by several percentage points. This is particularly significant given Binance’s 2025 scale — over $90B processed daily and 217 million trades per day.

How Binance Achieves This

• Large compliance investment: 1,280+ specialists (22% of staff) dedicated to risk, compliance, and investigations.
• Law enforcement collaboration: 240,000+ requests handled; 400+ investigator training sessions conducted globally.
• Industry partnerships: Active member of Beacon Network and the T3+ program with Tether, TRON, and TRM Labs to freeze and recover illicit funds in real time.
• Advanced monitoring: AI-powered systems reduce false positives and increase precision in detecting suspicious activity.
   

An Industry Transforming

The data reflects a broader shift: blockchain’s transparency, combined with improved supervision, has made crypto one of the most traceable financial systems. Illicit activity now accounts for only a fraction of a per cent of global crypto transactions — far below levels seen in traditional finance.

Final Thoughts

The alignment between analytics firms reinforces a clear message: crypto is cleaner than ever. Binance’s ability to maintain the lowest illicit-exposure ratios while operating at unparalleled scale underscores strong compliance, advanced technology, and a long-term commitment to user protection.

As adoption grows, sustaining this progress — through collaboration, better tools, and continued transparency — will be essential. Binance’s performance shows that responsible growth and user safety can advance together.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

Source: APO

• Landmark procedure highlights the Sultanate of Oman’s growing expertise in advanced skull base surgery and medical tourism, led by Aster Hospitals
• Inverted papillomas are relatively rare, making up only 0.5–4% of all nasal tumors, and they most commonly affect patients aged 40–60, with males being affected about 3 to 5 times more than females.[1]
• These tumors have a low annual incidence, occurring in just 0.75 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 people.[2]

In a remarkable medical achievement showcasing Oman’s rise as a center for advanced healthcare, doctors at Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital in Al Ghubra, Oman (www.AsterDMHealthcare.com) successfully performed a complex skull base surgery on a 38-year-old Nigerian patient. The surgery involved completely removing a rare tumor that had spread from the nasal cavity into the brain and eye socket, demonstrating the growing capabilities of Aster Royal Al Raffah and Oman’s healthcare sector in managing complex, high-risk cases aligned with Aster Hospital’s ‘Treat in Oman’ initiative.

Michael Ojabo , a Nigerian national and IT professional, had spent years seeking treatment for a progressively worsening condition that began in 2018. What initially seemed like a nasal blockage eventually turned into a debilitating illness marked by intense facial pressure, eye bulging, and pain. Diagnosed with an inverted papilloma, a benign yet aggressive tumor, that accounts for approximately 0.5-4% of all nasal tumors and is most frequently seen in patients aged 40-60 years, with a significant predilection for males (M:F ratio of approximately 3-5:1)1, Michael was turned away by multiple hospitals in his home country and the region due to the tumor’s critical location and risk of complications.

Inverted papillomas are quite rare, with only 0.75 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 people each year They are one of three types of papillomas classified by the World Health Organization: exophytic (squamous), inverted, and oncocytic (also called cylindrical cell), with inverted papillomas being the most common.2 After searching online extensively, Michael finally found hope in Oman. He chose the country not only for the hospital’s strong reputation, but also for the skilled Omani doctors who gave him the confidence and clear guidance he needed while seeking treatment abroad.

Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital accepted the case, and a multidisciplinary team was assembled to plan the surgery meticulously. On May 24, 2025, a 11-hour operation was performed by an all-Omani and regional team, including experts in ENT, neurosurgery, eye surgery, and anesthesia. The tumor, which had spread to the brain and eye socket, was successfully removed using a mix of endoscopic and open surgical methods. Because this type of tumor tends to grow back and affect nearby areas, the team used a highly advanced surgical approach that combined technology with expert skill.

The surgery was led by Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Macki, Senior Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, in collaboration with Dr. Shashivadhanan, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery, Dr. Alyaqdhan Al Ghafri, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Abdullah Al Jadidi, Consultant Neuroanesthesia, Dr. Narendra Kumar, Specialist Anesthesiologist, and Dr. Vidya Bhargavan Panicker, Specialist ENT. The team worked in perfect coordination, beginning with a craniotomy, a procedure where a small portion of the skull is temporarily removed to access the brain, in order to reach and remove the part of the tumor that had spread there. They then removed the rest of the tumor from the nasal cavity and eye socket, while carefully protecting vital areas and minimizing damage. The team used advanced techniques such as image-guided navigation, real-time monitoring, and microscopic tools to ensure the tumor was safely and completely removed. A follow-up care plan was also arranged with doctors in Nigeria to support Michael after his return home.

Michael had his breathing tube removed the same day and was discharged from the hospital just five days later. His recovery was smooth, and follow-up scans showed that the entire tumor had been successfully removed, with no damage to his brain or vision. Today, his facial appearance is back to normal, and he is living a healthy, active life again.

Reflecting on his experience, Michael Ojabo , the patient, shared, “Choosing to come to Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital for my treatment was truly life-changing. From the moment I arrived, I felt safe and cared for. The doctors took the time to explain every detail clearly, which gave me the confidence to move forward with the surgery. I am forever grateful to Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital, Oman and the incredible medical team for giving me a second chance at life.”

Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Macki, Senior Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, Aster Royal Al Raffah, who led the ENT surgical team, said, “Inverted papillomas most commonly present in patients between 40 and 60 years of age, making this case involving a 38-year-old patient slightly atypical but no less complex. What made it truly challenging was the tumor’s rare extension into both the brain and orbit. Successfully treating it required close collaboration among multiple specialties. This outcome reflects the advanced surgical and medical capabilities that Oman now offers.”

Dr. Khalil added, “Treating it successfully required precise collaboration across multiple specialties. The tumor, which had encroached upon the brain and orbit, was meticulously removed while protecting vital structures. In a testament to the team’s precision and post-operative care, Michael was successfully extubated on the same day of surgery and discharged within five days. Post-operative scans confirmed complete tumor removal, with no damage to his brain or vision. Today, his facial appearance has returned to normal, and he has resumed a healthy, active life.”

Dr. Shashivadhanan, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery at Aster Royal Al Raffah, added, “This was a particularly demanding case, as the tumor had breached both the cranial cavity and orbital space, pressing against critical neural structures. As an in-house neuro-spine surgeon with surgical privileges for paediatric and adult neurosurgery, I applied advanced techniques to access and remove the tumor safely. What made this case successful was the synergy of specialties and the use of intraoperative technology to ensure total removal while protecting brain function. It’s an honor to be part of a team bringing such transformative care to Oman.”

Mr. Shailesh Guntu, Deputy CEO of Aster Hospitals, UAE & Oman, noted, “What we have achieved here is more than a surgical success; it is proof that patients no longer need to travel abroad for advanced treatment. Oman now has the expertise, infrastructure, and commitment to deliver world-class outcomes right here at home. This case also highlights our alignment with the national vision to develop medical tourism in Oman and to serve patients from across the region and beyond. As part of the ‘Treat in Oman’ vision, we remain committed to bringing global standards of care to the Sultanate, offering complex, specialized interventions close to home for many international patients.”

Cases of inverted papilloma invading both the brain and orbit are exceptionally rare worldwide. Successfully treating such a case in Oman not only highlights the strength of Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital but also demonstrates how far Oman’s healthcare system has progressed in delivering high-quality, patient-centric, advanced care.

As Oman continues to strengthen its reputation for advanced, patient-centric care, stories like Michael’s are paving the way for a new era in healthcare, one where excellence is accessible, and borders are no longer a barrier to life-saving treatment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aster DM Healthcare.

For more information about us, please contact:
Lavanya Mandal                                                            
Head of PR and Internal Communications
Aster DM Healthcare
Tel:  +971 528126577
Email: lavanya.mandal@asterdmhealthcare.com

Udhayan Sasidharan Nair
Manager – PR & Communications
Aster DM Healthcare
Tel: + 971 508850520
Email: udhayan.nair@asterdmhealthcare.com

About Aster DM Healthcare:
Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across 5 countries in the GCC and Jordan. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of “We will treat you well”. The organisation’s robust integrated healthcare model includes 15 hospitals, 122 clinics, and 313 pharmacies in GCC serving all segments of society through three differentiated brands: Aster, Medcare and Access. Aster consistently adapts to meet the evolving needs of patients, ensuring access to quality healthcare through both physical and digital channels which is exemplified with the launch of the region’s first healthcare super app, myAster.

Source: APO

By Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the founder and editor in chief of Alexa News (www.Alexa.ng)

Violence against women is not a marginal “social issue”; it is the foundational fracture upon which many of our national failures rest. This systemic dehumanisation of half our population is the single greatest impediment to Nigeria’s development, security, and moral legitimacy.

For too long, too many men have stood on the sidelines—some indifferent, some complicit, some afraid to speak because “it is a women’s issue.” Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I, Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the founder and editor in chief of Alexa News (www.Alexa.ng) declare loudly and without apology: the fight to end violence against women is my fight. It is every man’s fight. And I will not rest until every street, every home, every school, and every community in Nigeria is safe for our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters.I am not just writing this piece as a journalist or the founder of Alexa News Nigeria; I am writing it as a Nigerian man, a brother, a son, and a father-to-be who has chosen, deliberately and irrevocably, to dedicate part of my life and platform to the total elimination of violence against women and girls.

I have seen too much. I have sat with a 16-year-old girl in Benue State whose own father sold her for marriage to a 60-year-old man. I have watched a brilliant female journalist in Abuja lose her job because she refused the sexual demands of a senior editor. I have received midnight calls from women locked outside their homes in the rain by abusive husbands while neighbours pretended not to hear the cries. These are not statistics to me. They are scars on the soul of our nation. In human capital terms, every girl forced into early marriage or withdrawn from school because of sexual harassment represents a permanent subtraction from the nation’s cognitive reservoir.

Yet the crisis is not merely economic; it is ontological. Patriarchal hegemony, reinforced by selective interpretations of culture and religion, continues to frame women’s bodies as sites of control rather than sovereignty. The persistence of practices such as widowhood rites that strip women of dignity, the justification of domestic violence under the guise of “discipline,” and the criminal silence around incest all point to a deeper ideological pathology that no amount of legislation can cure in isolation.

As a man, I refuse to inherit a Nigeria where my future daughter will have to learn how to “avoid being raped” instead of her male peers learning never to rape. I refuse to accept a society that teaches girls to shrink while boys are taught to dominate. That is why, through Alexa News Nigeria and every platform available to me, I, Jokpeme Joseph Omode, commit the following:

• I will use my voice, my pen, and my platform to name perpetrators, challenge toxic masculinity, and amplify survivors without sensationalism or victim-blaming.
• I will continue to train and mentor young male journalists to report gender-based violence with empathy, accuracy, and courage.
• I will personally support the establishment and funding of at least one functional shelter and counselling centre in the Niger Delta region by 2027, in partnership with credible women-led organisations.
• I will keep pressing state governments—starting with my home state of Bayelsa—to fully domesticate and implement the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act without further delay.
• I will hold every elected official accountable. Any governor, senator, or rep who fails to prioritise the safety of women will find my byline and my platform consistently exposing that failure.

Men, listen to me: real power is not in raising your hand against a woman. Real power is in raising your voice for her when no one else will. Real honour is not in controlling a woman’s body or choices; it is in defending her right to live free from fear.

To every traditional ruler marrying off underage girls: I, Jokpeme Joseph Omode, will call you out by name.

To every pastor or imam preaching that a woman must endure beating: your theology is violence, and I reject it.

To every policeman who mocks a rape survivor: your uniform does not shield you from accountability.

To every father teaching his son that women are property: you are raising a future abuser, and I stand against you.

And to every woman and girl reading this: I see you. I believe you. I am sorry for every time a man failed you. I, Jokpeme Joseph Omode, promise to keep fighting until the day you walk any road in Nigeria—day or night—without looking over your shoulder.

This is not charity. This is justice. This is patriotism. This is humanity.

On this day, 25 November 2025, I join millions across the world wearing orange, but I wear it not as a fashion statement; I wear it as battle colours.

Until the last woman is free from violence, none of us are free.

I am Jokpeme Joseph Omode, and I will never stop advocating, shouting, writing, pushing, and fighting for the total elimination of violence against women in Nigeria and beyond.The elimination of violence against women is not charity. It is the precondition for any credible claim to civilisation.

Enough is enough.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

Source: APO – Report:

• 10 Finalists From Five African Countries Will Pitch Their Products to International Industry Leaders on Dec. 5 in Kigali
• Carnegie Mellon University Africa Joins as Official Partner of the Program

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from five African countries that have been selected as finalists as part of the second edition of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator (https://apo-opa.co/48kJsem), which the league launched last year to support the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.  The 10 finalists will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, Dec. 5.

NBA Africa also announced that CMU-Africa has joined as an Official Partner of the program, which is open to early-stage African startup companies that develop solutions in the sport and creative industries.  CMU-Africa is the only U.S. research university offering its master’s degrees with a full-time faculty, staff and operations in Africa. 

ServiceNow – an AI platform for business transformation whose Now Assist and AI agents help organizations deliver faster and smarter experiences at scale – also serves as an Official Partner of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, while ALX Ventures – a leading technology incubator that provides the continent’s tech leaders with access to the skills and tools to launch and scale their startups – is once again operating the program.

The 10 startups, which were selected from more than 700 applications, will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders who will choose five winners to receive financial support and the opportunity to join CMU-Africa’s 12-month Business Incubation Program as part of its Innovation Hub, which helps African tech startups transform proof-of-concept prototypes and preliminary market assessments into scalable, market-ready products and services.

Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the five prize-winning spots:

• Athlon Technology (Egypt) (https://AthlonTechnology.com/) aims to leverage accessible mobile technology and AI to provide video analysis for amateur and budget-constrained sports teams while addressing a market gap with a user-friendly, hardware-light solution.  
• Atsur (Nigeria) (https://apo-opa.co/4pxsTCH) leverages blockchain technology to promote investment in African art and support artists and art communities.
• CoLab (South Africa) (https://apo-opa.co/3XiPvek) is a platform that brings together creatives, entrepreneurs and industry professionals, providing a space to connect, manage projects and bring ideas to life.
• Contestify (Nigeria) (www.Contestify.io) is an all-in-one platform that streamlines contest management, offering real-time judging, transparent scoring and instant payouts. 
• Fitclan (Egypt) (https://Fitclan.co/) is a digital fitness hub that leverages a flexible subscription model for individuals and corporate clients. 
• Novate (Morocco) (www.Novate.ltd/en) offers a unique, immersive virtual reality (VR) football viewing experience with features such as seat selection, camera switching, social voice chat and live stats. 
• ProPath Sports (Kenya) (www.ProPathSports.com) revolutionizes athlete discovery in Kenya with data-driven talent identification; its iSTEAM program covers all aspects of talent development.
• Reborn (Morocco) (https://RebornSportsTech.com/) offers comprehensive performance indicators that give athletes deep insights into their physical condition and on-field performance, essential for identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and optimizing overall performance. 
• Safia Health (Kenya) (https://SafiaHealth.com/) offers personalized training regiments that integrate fitness, recovery and mental wellbeing tracking into a unified platform, offering value to athletes and coaches. 
• SongDis (Nigeria) (www.SongDis.com) provides comprehensive digital distribution and services tailored for African independent artists and labels. 

“The quality of this year’s applications reflects the incredible talent and creativity among Africa’s young entrepreneurs as well as the important role that the sport and creative industries are playing in the continent’s development,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “These startups represent the bold spirit of innovation rising across the continent – where creativity meets purpose, and ideas have the power to scale beyond borders.”

Last year, four prize-winning companies – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya) and UBR VR (Egypt) – were awarded financial support and mentorship as part of the inaugural edition of the program.

– on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications  
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

Fans can follow:
NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube
@ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram
@ NBA_Africa on X
@ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025.