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Qatar, US Officials Hold High-Level Talks on Strategic Partnership

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, December 18, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, held a series of meetings with senior US officials on the sidelines of the seventh strategic dialogue between the two countries in Washington.

HE Al Khulaifi met separately with HE Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur; HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the Department of State, Massad Boulos; HE Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak, HE Near Eastern Affairs Senior Officer, Robert Palladino; and HE CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation, Ben Black.

Discussions focused on the close bilateral relationship, ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors, and shared perspectives on regional and international issues.

The US side highlighted the importance of continued coordination and consultation with Qatar, strengthening cooperation mechanisms, and further developing bilateral relations, while recognizing Qatar’s role as an effective mediator and trusted partner in resolving regional and international conflicts.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Mr. Masrour Barzani. The meeting was also attended by Chief of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad; Minister of Interior in the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Mr. Rebwar Ahmed; and Head of the Kurdistan Region Intelligence Service, Mr. Mohsen Kamal.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi underscored Egypt’s full and unwavering support for Iraq, its unity and territorial integrity, and for its efforts to confront the numerous challenges facing the region, particularly terrorism.

The President commended the level of ongoing cooperation between the Egyptian and Iraqi security agencies, lauding the efforts of Iraq and the authorities of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to foster stability and peace in the region.

For his part, Mr. Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq’s appreciation for Egypt and President El-Sisi’s role in support of Iraq and in restoring peace and stability in the region. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq looks forward to further strengthening its cooperative relations with Egyptian institutions.

The meeting also addressed economic cooperation between Egypt and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s keenness on deepening all aspects of the economic cooperation between the two sides, highlighting the significant capabilities of Egyptian companies, particularly in the fields of energy and infrastructure as well as the extensive expertise they possess in Egypt and abroad. The President invited the Kurdistan Regional Government to benefit from these companies’ capabilities in the implementation of projects with high quality and competitive cost.

Mr. Barzani welcomed the role of Egyptian companies in Iraq, stressing that during his visit he looks forward to working with the relevant Egyptian authorities to explore ways to forge closer cooperation and benefit from Egyptian expertise in a number of priority sectors for the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on a multitude of regional issues of mutual interest. President El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s vision for restoring security and stability in the region, and listened to the assessment of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in this regard.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Table Mountain ready to welcome visitors this festive season

Source: Government of South Africa

Table Mountain ready to welcome visitors this festive season

The South African National Parks (SANParks) says it is fully prepared to welcome increased visitor numbers to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) this festive season. 

Visitors can expect an enjoyable visit at TMNP’s iconic sites, strong safety measures, and enhanced firefighting and environmental protection capacity.

“Visitors can look forward to fantastic scenery and unmatched views in the richly biodiverse TMNP with highlights including visiting the African penguins at Boulders penguin colony, 360-degree views from the Cape Point lighthouse or Signal Hill, standing on the table at the top of Table Mountain after a ride up the cableway or a hike up Platteklip Gorge, and picnicking at Silvermine Dam or Oudekraal beach. 

“A total of 850 kilometres of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails await the adventurer to explore,” SANParks said in a statement. 

From April to October 2025, TMNP recorded 1 708 289 entries across its access points — an almost 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

With expected increases in flight and cruise ship arrivals, this upward trend is set to continue into December and January.

“TMNP now has 157 rangers deployed across the park, working closely with the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit. This unit was bolstered earlier this year with 24 additional elite rangers and the recent addition of six new operational vehicles,” SANParks said.

Drone technology has also been introduced to support safety patrols and firefighting operations.

“The park’s specialist teams continue to play a key role in visitor protection and environmental crime prevention, achieving significant successes in reducing poaching, theft and other illegal activities. 

“The TMNP canine unit will receive further support through contracted, trained dogs and handlers during the festive period, while the unit undergoes a review to strengthen its long-term operations,” SANParks said.

To bolster the range of different measures in place, a Senior Manager responsible for visitor safety and resource protection will assume duties before mid-December to oversee safety coordination and guide volunteer involvement. 

Volunteers already play an important role in joint safety campaigns and operations to address groups conducting illegal activities in the park, such as overnighting and making fires outside of designated areas.

SANParks urged all visitors to prepare adequately. These are some of the steps they can take to prepare:

  • Plan routes in advance and hike in groups.
  • Share your itinerary and expected return time.
  • Carry enough water and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Use tracking apps where possible.
  • Ensure your phone is fully charged and carry a power bank.

Emergency contacts:

  • TMNP Emergency Number: 086 110 6417
  • Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR): 021 937 0300
  • National Emergency Number: 112 (from a cellphone)

–  SAnews.gov.za

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RTMC urges motorists to ensure full road traffic compliance

Source: Government of South Africa

RTMC urges motorists to ensure full road traffic compliance

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has encouraged vehicle owners to use their end of year bonuses and payouts from savings clubs or stokvels to fix their vehicles and renew vehicle licences ahead of festive season travel.

“With the festive season fast approaching many people are finalising their travel plans. It’s important to ensure your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road,” the RTMC said.

This includes fixing any defects that may have been overlooked during the year, such as replacing unroadworthy tyres and cracked windscreens, fixing brakes, fixing lights and replacing wipers.

“These are safety critical components especially for people who will be travelling during the rainy and wet conditions this summer. During the festive period last year, vehicle factors contributed 6.9% of total fatal crashes in the country, 65.7% of these was due to tyre bursts and 11.4% due to faulty brakes. Headlights that were not switched on (resulting in poor visibility of approaching vehicles) had a 9.5% contribution,” RTMC said.

Vehicle owners are further reminded to ensure validity of their vehicle licences and renew before embarking on their journeys.

RTMC records indicate that a total of 1 060 382 vehicle licences will be  expiring at the end of November. 

Most of these vehicles are in Gauteng, where a total of 416 828 will be due for renewal at the end of the month, followed by the Western Cape with 197 797 vehicle licences due for renewal and KwaZulu Natal with 143 293 renewals due.

Vehicle licence renewals due in other province are as follows: Mpumalanga 66 446, Eastern Cape 63 263, Limpopo 58 551, Free State 47 572, North West 44 871, and Northern Cape 21 763.

“Driving with an expired disc in South Africa incurs penalties that include late renewal fines of 10% of the annual fee for every month the disc is lapsed, potential fines of up to R1 000 if caught by law enforcement, and possible vehicle impoundment,” RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Joint Statement on the Seventh Qatar -United States Strategic Dialogue: An Enduring Strategic Partnership

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | DECEMBER 20, 2025

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the State of Qatarand the United States of America.

Begin Text.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and convened the seventh Qatar – U.S. Strategic Dialogue on December 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C.  Senior Qatari and U.S. officials also participated.  The event attests to the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President Donald J. Trump.  The topics for the dialogue included strengthening cooperation to advance peace, security, and investment.  Discussions and working groups will continue in early 2026, encompassing law enforcement, security cooperation, and deepening cultural ties between both countries.

His Excellency, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, lauded President Trump’s leadership to end the war in Gaza and bring lasting peace to the Middle East.  On behalf of President Trump, Secretary Rubio thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the government of the State of Qatar for their important role as a mediator to enable President Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan and resolution of other conflicts.  On wider Middle East security, the two Ministers affirmed their support for efforts to stabilize Syria, counter terrorism in the country, and boost its economy.

Global and Regional Cooperation

Secretary of State Rubio affirmed the U.S.-Qatari partnership as a model of peace through strength to meet regional and global challenges together.  Qatari and U.S. officials discussed shared strategic priorities, including Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Haiti.  The United States and Qatar reaffirmed their partnership as a force for peace and stability, emphasizing a shared commitment to confront regional and global threats through unity.

Prime Minister Al Thani praised the leadership of President Trump in forging a new coalition of nations, of which Qatar is a part.  Together, the United States and Qatar are partners in shaping a future grounded in peace, where extremism and terror have no place.

Economic Affairs and Investments

Qatar and the United States highlighted their strong economic partnership, which continues to generate economic growth, support job creation, and foster collaboration in advanced technology and energy, particularly given the two countries’ uniquely aligned interests to promote global energy abundance and stable energy markets.  This builds upon the over $240 billion in economic deals secured during President Trump’s visit to Qatar in May.  Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs affirmed that as Qatar charts a path to a diversified economy driven by technology, innovation, and knowledge, its deep investment partnership with the U.S. has been central to their mutual success.  The United States highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory processes and promote a welcoming investment climate, while Qatar reiterated its dedication to economic diversification and technology-driven innovation. 

Deals secured this year include:

  • $96 billion deal from Qatar Airways to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. The Qatar contract will support over 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, totaling over one million jobs in the years to come.
  • $97 billion offered by Qatar to U.S. Company Parsons on projects advancing innovation. This deal will also support hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs across the United States.
  • $8.5 billion contract from Qatar Energy with McDermott to advance critical energy infrastructure.
  • $1 billion will be invested in the Quantinuum Joint Venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, advancing state-of-the-art quantum technologies.

Defense and Security Cooperation

Qatar and the United States reaffirmed their defense and security partnership as recognized in the September 29 Executive Order Assuring the Security of the State of Qatar.  Both sides continue to enhance regional deterrence, strengthen joint defense capabilities, and support economic growth through defense investment.  The partnership includes significant military infrastructure upgrades at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, advancing air and maritime security, and increasing NATO interoperability through joint training and operational initiatives.  The United States reiterated its commitment to Qatar’s security and territorial integrity, while Qatar underscored the value of continued cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. 

Qatari defense investment enhances regional deterrence and boosts U.S. defense manufacturing to drive economic growth and well-paid U.S. jobs.  Both sides reaffirmed the statement of intent signed during President Trump’s May trip outlining over $38 billion in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at AUAB and future defense capabilities.  They further discussed the establishment of the first bilateral combined command post for air defense, strengthening joint defense capabilities in the Gulf and beyond.  Secretary of State Rubio welcomed Qatar’s procurement of cutting-edge military equipment including innovative defense technologies as part of the $2 billion deal with General Atomics of remotely piloted aircraft systems.  The two sides also reviewed a further $1 billion agreement with Raytheon for the purchase of counter-drone capabilities to protect Qatar.

Counterterrorism and Law Enforcement

The two governments emphasized their long-standing partnership addressing terrorist threats and crime highlighting their close cooperation in counterterrorism and law enforcement.  Both sides recognize Qatar’s frontline role in global counterterrorism efforts and commitment to international standards in combating terrorist financing and anti-money laundering including, identifying and disrupting illicit networks, protecting citizens, and advancing shared security objectives.  As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Qatar pledges full cooperation and support to the United States to ensure the tournament’s success.  Such cooperation includes the recent signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between the Ministry of Interior and Lekhwiya and the FBI to advance security cooperation mechanisms and coordinate training, information exchange, and capacity-building, in support of both countries’ shared interests.  The United States and Qatar also signed statements of intent on countering unmanned aerial systems and civil aviation security.

Culture, Sports, and Education

Qatar and the United States underscored the importance of deepening cultural and educational cooperation, noting the value of our decades-long academic and educational institutional partnership.  The two governments highlighted the renewal of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Museums and the Smithsonian Institution as a foundation for expanded collaboration.  Both sides intend to share best practices in the arts through a Strategic Dialogue Working Group on Culture, Sports, and Education, including potential cooperation on the Art in Embassies program and engagement during Art Basel.

Enduring Strategic Partnership

Qatar and the United States emphasized the importance of their enduring strategic partnership and continued cooperation across key issues.  Both sides look forward to the next Strategic Dialogue in Doha in 2026.

End Text.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets African Delegations Heads on Sidelines of Russia-Africa Conference

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the ministers and heads of African delegations, along with representatives from the African Union Commission and regional organizations, who are participating in the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, hosted by Egypt. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the President started the meeting by welcoming the ministers and representatives of the participating delegations, and delivered a speech on this occasion.

President El-Sisi engaged in an interactive dialogue with the participants, during which the President expressed his pleasure in meeting them, stressing his hope for a better future for the people of the continent. The President explained that Africa possesses natural and human resources that qualify it to occupy the positionit deserves globally, emphasizing that the challenges the continent faces are well-known. The key element is how to manage and implement the necessary plans to overcome them.

President El-Sisi gave an example of how some African countries have a wealth of livestock. This calls for the establishment of an advanced meat industry to achieve self-sufficiency in meat and for export.

The President also pointed out that the rainfall and water in Africa exceed its needs, provided that they are managed and used efficiently. President El-Sisi stressed that the lack of stability and security remains the biggest obstacle to attracting investments.

President El-Sisi emphasized the need to make every effort to achieve security and stability and warned that their absence increases credit risks. The President wished stability, development, and prosperity for all African countries and peoples and stressed that the stability of any African country should not come at the expense of the interests of another country. President El-Sisi added that Egypt, during its presidency of the African Union in 2019, called for the need to provide appropriate infrastructure for African countries, especially during the President’s meetings with European and western leaders at various international and regional forums .

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Alexa News Nigeria (Alexa.ng) Partners with Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) 8.0 as Nine States Battle for Top Honours

Source: APO

Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng), a leading Nigerian digital media platform known for credible, timely, and development-focused reporting, has officially partnered with the Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) 8.0, marking a significant milestone in media collaboration and regional development advocacy. The partnership comes as nine states from the Niger Delta region prepare to compete for top honours in what has become one of the most respected award platforms celebrating excellence, leadership, and grassroots impact in the oil-rich region.

In this landmark partnership that underscores the importance of recognizing impactful leadership in Nigeria’s resource-rich Niger Delta region, Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) has joined forces with the organizers of the Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) for its eighth edition. This collaboration highlights the awards as a pivotal platform for fostering excellence, accountability, and sustainable development in a region long plagued by developmental challenges despite its abundant natural resources.

Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Alexa News Nigeria, has lauded the NDAA as far more than a mere celebratory event. In his view, it serves as a strategic instrument to inspire transformative change across the Niger Delta. Omode emphasized that the awards were conceived to honor individuals, organizations, and institutions that have shown exceptional dedication to key areas such as community development, peacebuilding, good governance, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and economic advancement. By shining a spotlight on these credible achievers, the NDAA redefines true leadership, promoting a culture rooted in selfless service and unwavering integrity.

“The NDAA is not just an award ceremony; it is a statement of hope for the Niger Delta,” Omode declared. He pointed out that in a region facing persistent socio-economic and environmental hurdles, the awards celebrate those who have committed to uplifting communities, creating opportunities for the youth, and driving meaningful progress at both regional and national levels. Omode further argued that merit-based recognitions like the NDAA are essential for nation-building, as they prioritize tangible impact over mere political clout or fleeting popularity. Such honors not only motivate recipients to achieve even greater feats but also challenge others in governance, business, media, and civil society to adopt more people-centric approaches.

Praising the organizers, especially Mr. Oxford T. Okpalefe, the President and Founder of the awards, for upholding high standards of credibility, transparency, and inclusivity in the selection process, Omode stressed that these principles are crucial for maintaining public confidence and ensuring the awards genuinely reflect outstanding merit and service. He also issued a call to action, urging government agencies, private sector players, and development partners to rally behind initiatives like the NDAA. Collaborative support, he noted, is indispensable for tackling the Niger Delta’s deep-rooted issues effectively.

Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng), plays a pivotal role in boosting visibility for key gatherings that drive Nigeria’s digital rise and economic progress. By delivering targeted pre-event awareness, real-time live updates, in-depth expert analyses, and thorough post-event recaps, the platform ensures that events focused on technology, innovation, social media, and economic development receive widespread attention. This multi-phased approach not only amplifies participation and engagement but also shines a spotlight on how these gatherings accelerate national progress—fostering job creation, skill development, policy advancements, and entrepreneurial growth in a rapidly digitizing nation.

At the heart of Alexa News Nigeria’s involvement is its multifaceted contribution to the awards’ success, leveraging its digital-native strengths to provide unparalleled visibility and engagement. The platform’s role begins with robust pre-event awareness and promotion, where Alexa News Nigeria generates widespread buzz through a series of dedicated articles, detailed announcements, nominee spotlights, category breakdowns, and thematic previews. By profiling nominees—from governors, ministers, senators, commissioners, and corporate leaders to media personalities, artists, comedians, and social justice advocates—Alexa News Nigeria ensures that the stories of excellence reach a broad audience. This includes highlighting the awards’ emphasis on good governance, innovative investments, enterprise, social justice, and community development. With its engaged readership comprising policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, tech enthusiasts, and community influencers across Nigeria and the diaspora, Alexa News Nigeria drives significant participation in the nomination and voting processes, boosting voter turnout and building anticipation for the grand ceremony.

Alexa News Nigeria’s contribution extends seamlessly into real-time live updates during the awards event, transforming the occasion into an immersive experience for audiences far beyond the venue in Port Harcourt. Utilizing its agile digital format, the platform delivers on-the-ground coverage, including key moments, winner announcements, acceptance speeches, red-carpet highlights, and session insights via timely articles, social media integrations, and posts. This live engagement captures the glamour, emotions, and unifying spirit of the night, allowing remote readers to feel connected and actively participate by sharing content. Alexa News Nigeria’s skilled journalists ensure that pivotal recognitions—for impactful constituency projects, enterprise excellence, cultural contributions, or oversight functions—are broadcast in real time, extending the event’s reach and amplifying its celebratory impact across the region.

Post-event, Alexa News Nigeria adds immense value through in-depth expert analyses and comprehensive recaps that prolong the awards’ influence and underscore their broader significance. The platform produces detailed reviews dissecting winners’ achievements, exploring policy implications, showcasing innovative ideas, and outlining actionable outcomes for regional advancement. These analytical pieces connect individual honors to larger narratives of progress, such as infrastructure development, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and social inclusion. By profiling awardees’ ongoing contributions and inspiring emulation of best practices, Alexa News Nigeria motivates continued excellence across the nine states. This reflective coverage reinforces the NDAA’s role in recognizing those “spreading prosperity and advancing the greater good,” while providing readers with contextual depth that ties personal successes to collective regional goals.

This partnership will allow Alexa News Nigeria provides live updates to keep audiences connected in real time. Alexa News Nigeria will deliver real-time live updates to keep audiences connected and immersed, regardless of their location. Utilizing its digital-native capabilities, the platform will share on-the-ground insights, key moments, winner announcements, acceptance speeches, and highlights via timely articles, social media integrations, and posts. This immersive coverage will transform remote viewers into active participants, extending the event’s reach beyond the venue in Port Harcourt. By capturing the glamour, emotions, and significance of the night—such as recognitions for impactful constituency projects, enterprise excellence, or cultural contributions—Alexa News Nigeria will amplify the celebratory atmosphere and underscore the awards’ unifying power for the Niger Delta community. Leveraging its digital-native format, the platform shares on-the-ground insights, key quotes, session highlights, and emerging discussions via articles, social media integrations, and timely posts. This immersive coverage transforms passive readers into active participants, extending the event’s reach beyond physical attendees.

Pre-event awareness is a cornerstone of Alexa News Nigeria’s strategy to build anticipation and draw diverse stakeholders. The platform excels at generating buzz through dedicated promotional articles, announcements, and highlights of event objectives, speakers, and themes.

Alexa News Nigeria will generate significant buzz through dedicated articles, nominee profiles, category highlights, and thematic previews. By featuring the call for nominations, voting processes, and stories behind the nominees—ranging from governors, ministers, senators, commissioners, corporate leaders, media personalities, to artists and comedians—Alexa News Nigeria will draw in a diverse audience of stakeholders. This proactive promotion will emphasize the awards’ role in celebrating good governance, innovative investments, and social initiatives that spread prosperity across the region. With its engaged readership, including policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and community influencers, the platform will ensure broad participation in voting and heightened excitement leading up to the event.

Post-event, Alexa News Nigeria will delivers expert analyses and recaps that extend the conversation and underscore long-term impact. In-depth reviews dissect key takeaways, policy implications, innovative ideas presented, and actionable outcomes.Alexa News Nigeria ensures these events garner widespread attention, increased participation, and lasting impact. This multi-phased coverage not only engages diverse stakeholders but also highlights how such initiatives foster job creation, skill enhancement, policy reforms, and entrepreneurial ecosystems in a nation rapidly embracing digitization. Alexa News Nigeria delivers expert analyses and thorough recaps that prolong the dialogue and emphasize enduring outcomes. In-depth reviews dissect major takeaways, explore policy implications, showcase innovative ideas, and outline actionable steps forward.

Alexa News Nigeria will provide in-depth expert analyses and thorough recaps to prolong the conversation and highlight long-term implications. Detailed reviews will dissect winners’ achievements, explore how recognized efforts align with regional priorities like infrastructure development, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification. Analyses will connect the awards to broader narratives of progress, such as advancements under national policies or state-level innovations that combat challenges like unemployment and underdevelopment. By profiling awardees’ ongoing impacts—whether in politics, business, arts, or social justice—the platform will inspire readers and encourage emulation of best practices across the nine states.

This media partnership offers Alexa News Nigeria an ideal platform to contribute meaningfully to the Niger Delta Advancement Awards’ success. The outlet’s expertise in covering regional excellence, from governance reforms and economic investments to cultural and innovative strides, ensures authentic, insightful reporting. Reaching a wide and influential audience across Nigeria and the diaspora, Alexa News Nigeria will boost visibility, attract sponsorships, increase voter turnout, and enhance the awards’ prestige. In turn, the collaboration enriches the platform’s content with stories of resilience, achievement, and unity that resonate deeply with its readers.

Alexa News Nigeria excels at building anticipation and attracting diverse participants. The platform generates excitement through dedicated promotional articles, detailed announcements, speaker spotlights, and thematic previews. This strategy draws in stakeholders by emphasizing the event’s objectives and potential contributions to national development. For example, in promoting initiatives, Alexa News Nigeria highlights lineup details, expert panels, and goals such as empowering youth through digital tools, fostering community responsibility, and facilitating collaborations. Such proactive buzz ensures events are positioned as essential forums for innovation, long before they commence, thereby maximizing attendance and stakeholder involvement. Alexa News Nigeria provides real-time live updates that keep audiences connected and immersed. Utilizing its agile digital format, the platform delivers on-the-ground insights, key quotes from speakers, session highlights, and emerging discussions through articles, social media integrations, and timely posts. This immersive style turns remote readers into virtual participants, extending the event’s reach far beyond physical venues. Passive observers become actively engaged, sharing content and sparking broader conversations. In covering gatherings focused on digital trends, these updates capture pivotal moments—such as debates on social media’s economic role or breakthroughs in tech applications—illustrating real-time contributions to Nigeria’s progress.

Alexa News Nigeria’s involvement will shine a powerful spotlight on how the NDAA accelerates progress in the Niger Delta. By celebrating those spreading prosperity and advancing the greater good, the awards—and this partnership—foster motivation for continued excellence. They highlight tangible outcomes like job creation through enterprise, policy advancements via good governance, skill development in creative sectors, and community empowerment through social justice initiatives. In a region rich in resources yet facing historical challenges, such recognitions reinforce narratives of hope, collaboration, and transformation.

Alexa News Nigeria is eager to support its growth. Through dedicated promotion, live engagement, analytical depth, and reflective coverage, the platform will ensure the event not only honors deserving contributors but also inspires a brighter future for the region. This partnership exemplifies how media collaboration can drive visibility, celebrate achievement, and contribute to sustainable development.

This media partnerships offer an ideal avenue for Alexa News Nigeria to contribute to the event promotion, enhance coverage, and boost visibility.Through this strategic media partnership, Alexa News Nigeria will play a pivotal role in elevating the visibility, credibility, and impact of the Niger Delta Advancement Awards. Leveraging its proven track record in investigative journalism and regional reporting, the platform is committed to providing comprehensive, multi-phased coverage that builds anticipation, engages audiences in real time, and extends the awards’ legacy long after the event. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Alexa News Nigeria’s mission to spotlight positive developments, hold power accountable, and foster informed discourse on issues driving the Niger Delta’s socio-economic advancement.

The overall value of Alexa News Nigeria in this media partnership cannot be overstated. As a platform with a proven track record in investigative reporting on Niger Delta issues—from governance reforms and economic investments to cultural strides and accountability exposés—Alexa News Nigeria brings authenticity, credibility, and depth to the collaboration. Its reach ensures enhanced visibility for the awards, attracting potential sponsors, increasing public engagement, and elevating the event’s prestige. In turn, this partnership enriches Alexa News Nigeria’s content with inspiring stories of resilience, achievement, and unity that align perfectly with its mission to inform, empower, and speak truth to power. The platform’s dedication to high-quality, fact-based journalism counters misinformation, fosters informed discourse, and highlights positive developments in a region often challenged by historical issues. Alexa News Nigeria’s involvement shines a sustained spotlight on how the NDAA accelerates progress in the Niger Delta. By celebrating excellence in governance, enterprise, innovation, and social justice, the awards motivate job creation, skill development, policy advancements, and entrepreneurial growth. Alexa News Nigeria amplifies these outcomes, illustrating tangible impacts like infrastructure leaps, community empowerment, and economic opportunities that contribute to sustainable development. In a resource-rich region navigating transformation, the platform’s coverage inspires hope, collaboration, and action, positioning the NDAA as a catalyst for unity and advancement.

Under Jokpeme Joseph Omode’s visionary leadership—a journalist with over a decade in media, public relations, and community development—Alexa News Nigeria continues to defy odds, break boundaries, and expand its influence. This partnership exemplifies the platform’s passion for regional storytelling, its grit in pursuing excellence, and its resolve to empower audiences through smart, straightforward news. As the NDAA evolves, building on past editions that drew thousands of votes and honored luminaries, Alexa News Nigeria remains a cornerstone ally, delivering coverage that not only honors deserving contributors but also drives a narrative of optimism and progress. In essence, Alexa News Nigeria’s role, involvement, and contributions make it an indispensable partner, adding tremendous value by boosting visibility, engagement, and impact. The platform looks forward to sustained collaboration, ensuring the Niger Delta Advancement Awards continues to inspire, unite, and propel the region toward greater prosperity and recognition.

Now in its eighth edition, the NDAA—powered by JUVENIS Magazine/TV—has built a strong legacy after seven successful iterations. Preparations are underway for NDAA 8.0, set to honor exemplary performances in 2025 across the nine Niger Delta states: Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. The awards span a diverse array of categories, celebrating contributions from individuals, corporate entities, and state governments.

The Niger Delta Advancement Awards, now in its eighth edition, is designed to recognize outstanding individuals, institutions, and governments that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to peace-building, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, good governance, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic growth across the Niger Delta. Over the years, NDAA has grown in credibility and influence, attracting policymakers, civil society leaders, traditional rulers, entrepreneurs, and international observers.

With Alexa News Nigeria joining as an official media partner, the 2025 NDAA 8.0 edition is expected to enjoy wider national and international visibility. Through comprehensive news coverage, interviews, investigative features, live updates, and post-event analysis, www.Alexa.ng will spotlight the achievements, competitive process, and impact stories emerging from the awards.

Speaking on the partnership, representatives of Alexa News Nigeria described the collaboration as a shared commitment to telling impactful Niger Delta stories beyond conflict narratives. According to the media organization, the Niger Delta is rich not only in natural resources but also in innovation, leadership, resilience, and community-driven progress that deserve consistent national attention.

“This partnership aligns with our editorial mission to amplify underreported development stories and hold institutions accountable while celebrating excellence,” Alexa News Nigeria stated. “The Niger Delta Advancement Awards provide a credible platform to measure progress and encourage healthy competition among states, leaders, and institutions.”

The NDAA 8.0 edition will feature nine competing states—widely understood to include Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ondo, Abia, and Imo—each vying for recognition across multiple award categories. These categories span governance performance, infrastructural development, peace and security initiatives, youth and women inclusion, education, healthcare delivery, and environmental responsibility.

Organizers of the Niger Delta Advancement Awards noted that the competitive element among states is aimed at promoting accountability and policy-driven governance. By benchmarking performance across states, the awards encourage governments and institutions to adopt best practices that translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

“The battle for top honours is not about rivalry but about progress,” an NDAA spokesperson said. “When states know they are being assessed and recognized based on impact, it motivates better service delivery and people-centered policies.”

As part of the partnership, Alexa News Nigeria will also engage in pre-award public sensitization, profiling nominees, explaining selection criteria, and highlighting the independent assessment processes that underpin the awards. This is expected to strengthen public trust in the integrity of NDAA 8.0 and promote citizen participation in development discourse.

Media analysts have described the collaboration as timely, especially amid growing calls for positive narratives from the Niger Delta that balance accountability journalism with solution-oriented reporting. The partnership is also seen as a boost to regional advocacy, as wider media exposure can attract investment, policy attention, and international partnerships to high-performing states and initiatives.

The NDAA 8.0 grand ceremony is expected to draw high-profile attendance from government officials, captains of industry, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and traditional institutions. With Alexa News Nigeria on board, audiences can expect in-depth coverage before, during, and after the event, ensuring that the outcomes of the awards resonate beyond the ceremony hall.

As nine states battle for recognition, the www.Alexa.ng–NDAA partnership reinforces a shared vision: advancing the Niger Delta through transparency, excellence, and sustained development-focused storytelling.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

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Le Président Ndayishimiye échange les vœux 2026 avec les forces de défense et de sécurité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, Commandant suprême des forces de défense et de sécurité, en compagnie de la Première Dame, Son Excellence Angeline Ndayishimiye, a rehaussé de sa présence, ce 19 décembre 2025, les cérémonies d’échange de vœux 2026 du corps de défense et de sécurité, organisées à la base aérienne de Gitega.

Placée sous le thème « Protection des frontières et préservation de la sécurité, piliers de la vision: Burundi pays émergent en 2040 et pays développé en 2060», les Ministres des corps constitués ont présenté leurs vœux de nouvel an 2026 au Chef de l’Etat burundais et ont réaffirmé leur engagement à œuvrer pour la protection des frontières, la consolidation de la paix ainsi que le renforcement de la cohésion nationale.

Dans son discours, le Président Ndayishimiye a salué le courage et la discipline exemplaire des forces de défense et de sécurité burundaises, se distinguant partout où elles sont déployées et servant la patrie avec abnégation, jusqu’au sacrifice de leur vie, et a exprimé sa profonde compassion aux familles des soldats tombés sur le front cette année.

Présentant ses vœux aux forces de défense et de sécurité, le Commandant suprême des Forces de Défense et de Sécurité, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye les a appelées à rester vigilantes et à renforcer la collaboration avec l’administration et la population. Il a averti que toute tentative de perturbation de la paix et de la stabilité du pays se heurterait à une résistance sans faille.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Minister Barry Faure meets Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov on the side-lines of the Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference in Cairo, Egypt

Source: APO – Report:

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Ambassador Barry Faure, Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference in Cairo on Friday 19 December 2025.

The two diplomats reviewed the growing cooperation between their nations, specifically focusing on the framework established by the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum (Sochi, 2019). Minister Faure and Minister Lavrov discussed the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and looked forward to 2026, which marks the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Russia. Both parties pledged to continue strengthening economic and technical ties for the benefit of both peoples.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Deputy President Mashatile to address ELCSA Golden Jubilee Celebration

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will this evening, Friday, 19 December 2025, attend and address the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa’s (ELCSA) Golden Jubilee Celebration scheduled to take place at Rustenburg Civic Centre in the North West Province. 

Held under the theme ” _United in Confession and Witnessing_ “, the celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the church’s journey and its contribution to spiritual development, social cohesion and community upliftment since its establishment in 1972.

This celebration marks a significant milestone in the churche’s history, commemorating 50 years of ministry, service, and dedication.
 
In line with the Deputy President’s Delegated Responsibility of social cohesion and nation building, the Deputy President is expected to reflect on the ECLSA’s journey and emphasise the role faith-based organisations play in promoting unity, shared values, as well as the significance of their contribution to building inclusive and resilient communities.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi; the Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe; the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie and the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga. 

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 19 December 2025
Time: 18h00
Venue: Rustenburg Civic Centre, North West Province 

NOTE TO MEDIA: Due to space limitations, media coverage will be restricted to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) which will disseminate the audiovisual material to all media. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria