awoniyi270514

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African-German Doctoral Summer School debuts successfully

The African-German Doctoral Summer School took place for the first time in Hamburg from the 4th to the 9th of September 2023. Organised by Dr Taiwo Fagbemigun, Dr Adekunle Adedeji, Prof Dr Johanna Buchcik and Stella Kaltenbach with the kind support of Hamburg Research Academy (HRA) and Sozialbehörde Hamburg, the School aims to promote academic and social exchange between researchers …

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Germany: New Laws and other Changes in October 2023

Like almost every month, October 2023 brings some important changes for people living in Germany. Among other things, state elections will be held in Bavaria and Hesse, Deutsche Bahn to introduce new rules for selling discounted tickets and there are deadlines to submit final accounting report of the Corona Aid and to apply for heating cost subsidy. More on these …

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Germany: Nominate your heroes for TANG Awards!

The biggest umbrella body of African associations in Germany is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The African Network of Germany (TANG), comprising more than 900 non-profit groups and individuals, is not rolling out the drums only for its accomplishments to mark the event. It also wants to use the milestone to recognise people who are doing great things for the benefit …

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Tinubu: Nigeria goes for its rightful place on global stage

Mohammed Idris* writes on the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed office on 29 May, to reposition Nigeria on the global stage as he seeks international partners in his efforts to revamp his country’s economy. He says the country’s citizens “stand on the threshold of a Nigeria that is a true global giant”. Having hit the ground running …

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Berlin-based lawyer on political Rescue Mission in Nigeria

Berlin-based practising lawyer Efosa Ogieriakhi is no longer content with complaining about the situation in his home country Nigeria. He now wants to be part of the solution of a problem he describes as “stagnant development”. A former Legal Adviser to Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) and one-time Chairman of the Edo Diaspora Worldwide, Barrister Ogieriakhi has been actively …

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Anastasia Fechner: Using positive words to change our worlds

Anastasia Fechner is the founder of Love Place International Ministries e.V. Germany, an evangelical Christian Charismatic Movement, whose core mission is “to replicate Christ’s love and principles to the nations of the world, making disciples of all nations”. Anastasia Fechner is an inspiration coach who fervently believes that equipped with the power in scriptural knowledge, everyone is capable of realising …

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Why I nominate Vanessa Nakate for the 2023 Sakharov Prize — Dr Herzberger-Fofana, MEP

Since 1988, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded by the European Parliament to individuals or organisations that have worked to defend human rights and freedom of expression. The prize is named after Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov.Vanessa Nakate from Uganda is a candidate for the 2023 Sakharov Prize. Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana*, member of the European …

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Germany: Nigerian president’s daughter to receive award in Berlin

The eldest daughter of Nigeria‘s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be honoured in the German capital city on 18 November. Chief (Mrs) Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, an astute business woman and indefatigable social entrepreneur, will receive an award for her tireless efforts to promote trade and investment in Nigeria at the 1st Hope Renewal Africa Awards in Berlin. The event, christened …

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German Chancellor to visit Nigeria

The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit Nigeria in October to further strengthen economic ties between both nations, Nigerian presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, has announced. Ngelale explained that the visit was agreed on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting in New Delhi, India, where President Bola Tinubu and the German leader met. “Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. …

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EU: Half a million asylum applications in six months

A total of 519,000 asylum applications were filed in European countries in the first half of this year, marking an increase of 28 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the latest report of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). “As a result of the increase, many EU+ countries* are under pressure with processing applications …

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Munich university imposes tuition fees on foreign students

One of Germany’s leading universities has announced that it would start charging foreign students from the so-called third countries tuition fees. Generally, public universities don’t charge tuition fees in Germany. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) in a statement on 5 September that it would reintroduce tuition fees for all students from non-European Union countries as from October 2023. “At …

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UN releases new report on anti-Black racism

People of African descent continue to face immense challenges to meaningful participation in public affairs in many countries due to systemic racism, marginalization and exclusion often rooted in the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, according to a UN Human Rights Office report issued Tuesday. The report finds that systemic racism continues to affect negatively people of African descent in all …

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Germany: Migrants’ share of this city’s population rises to 40%

The urban landscape in Germany is changing as the number of people with foreign origin increases. A new report published by the Statistics Office North shows that the proportion of Hamburg residents with an immigrant background rose to 39.3 percent as of 31 December 2022. Compared to the previous year, the share of migrants increased by almost two percentage points. …

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Lagos Airport: Foreign airlines relocate to new terminal

International airlines operating from the old Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport have been directed to relocate to the new Chinese-built Terminal 2. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued the order following the directive of the new Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Keyamo, during a visit to the Lagos airport had directed FAAN …

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Women in rural Africa no longer give birth in darkness, thanks to off-grid solar energy

600 health clinics across sub-Saharan Africa use solar-powered lights and energy systems to stay open for longer. Expectant mothers in rural Africa no longer give birth in darkness, thanks to off-grid solar energy provided by d.light ……… PALO ALTO, CA., USA, AND NAIROBI, KENYA – 21 August 2023 – 600 health clinics across sub-Saharan Africa are able to provide care …

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German government approves reform of citizenship law

The governing federal coalition has passed a bill to reform Germany’s citizenship law. The bill, which was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday, provides for the simplification of naturalisation. On the other hand, the government wants to make it more difficult for persons who cannot support themselves or who have already committed criminal offences in Germany to naturalise. Among the …

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Herzberger-Fofana on the breakthrough agreement between EU and ACP countries

The European Union has given its final approval to a new post-Cotonou partnership between the EU and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) States. After two years of waiting, this important document has finally been signed. Dr. Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, member of the European Parliament and Vice-President of the Delegation for Relations between the European Union and the ACP countries, writes …

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Nigerians’ long wait for passport to end — new minister

Nigeria’s new Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, has criticized the delays experienced by Nigerians to obtain their passports. According to him, Nigerians should not be made to wait endlessly before getting their passports. He has therefore directed the acting Comptroller General of the Immigration, Caroline Wuraola Adepoju, to ensure the reasons for the delays were addressed. Tunji-Ojo said this on …

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