Glasgow Man Passes Away After Undisclosed Battle with Lung Cancer, Leaving Family Devastated

A Glasgow man, Mark Namegni, tragically lost his life just two months after experiencing pain in his side, leaving his family in profound grief. Mark had initially raised concerns about the discomfort to his wife, Nathalie, following a football game with friends on August 8. Despite attempting to go to work the next day, his condition worsened, leading him to seek medical attention.

After undergoing an X-ray and having fluid drained from the affected area, Mark’s pain persisted. Heartbreakingly, on August 10, he received the devastating news that he had lung cancer.

Mark spent nearly a month in the hospital receiving treatment, but he chose to keep his diagnosis a secret from his loved ones. It wasn’t until shortly before his passing that his wife discovered the truth about his battle with the deadly disease.

Nathalie recounted the sequence of events, saying, “Mark felt some pain in his side when he went to play football with his friends. He went to work the next day because he didn’t think the pain was serious, but when he got to work he still felt the pain. He went to the hospital to have it checked.”

Following medical examinations, Mark received the cancer diagnosis, discovering that the disease had already begun spreading throughout his body. He kept his hospitalization a secret from his wife, who was unaware of his condition until he was discharged and called to see her.

Nathalie was shocked by his appearance when she finally saw him, as he had lost a significant amount of weight. She tearfully recounted the heart-wrenching experience, saying, “When I saw him, I couldn’t recognize him, he lost so much weight. I started crying and asking what happened.”

Despite Mark’s deteriorating health and increasing difficulty in walking, he was hesitant to return to the hospital. However, his family, including his best friend and brother-in-law, attempted to persuade him to seek medical care. Eventually, an ambulance was called, and Mark was taken back to the hospital.

Mark leaves behind three children, one aged three and a set of twins who turned two shortly after their father’s passing. Nathalie had hoped to celebrate their milestone birthday alongside her husband. However, Mark had kept his illness hidden until it was too late for any effective intervention.

Nathalie shared her anguish, revealing, “The doctor told me that Mark had lung cancer. He explained to me that he didn’t want me to worry about it, that’s why he hid it. I was told by the doctor to stay with my husband because it was too late to help him. I was still hoping he’d be okay, and Mark kept saying he’d be here for the kids.”

The sudden and untimely loss of Mark has left a profound void in the lives of his family and friends. Described as a kind and loving person, Mark always prioritized the well-being and protection of his loved ones.

Fritz Manga, Mark’s best friend, expressed his grief, saying, “He was a happy guy. He enjoyed people’s company and playing football with the boys. All of a sudden, we noticed he was absent. He tried to hide it from us as well. What is upsetting us is that we didn’t know earlier so we could spend quality time with him before he went. He was my childhood friend. We convinced him to come over so we could be closer.”

To fulfill Mark’s final request, his friends and family are currently raising funds to repatriate his body to Cameroon. This gesture will allow him to be laid to rest in his home country.

King Charles III to Address Colonial Past and Strengthen Ties During Landmark Visit to Kenya

In a historic move to foster reconciliation and strengthen diplomatic ties, Britain’s King Charles III is set to embark on a significant visit to Kenya, where he will meet with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi in the coming weeks. Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday that during the four-day visit, from October 31 to November 3, the king will address the “painful aspects” of Britain’s colonial past.

The visit holds special significance for both nations, as it coincides with Kenya’s celebration of 60 years of independence from British rule. Charles, accompanied by his delegation, will engage in a range of activities aimed at deepening understanding and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

One of the key highlights of the visit will be a tour of the Nairobi National Park, where Charles and Ruto will witness firsthand the importance of conservation efforts and discuss strategies to combat the pressing climate crisis. The discussions will also focus on collaborations in the field of national security, as both nations seek to strengthen their mutual cooperation in this crucial area.

Chris Fitzgerald, the king’s deputy private secretary, emphasized the significance of this visit during a press conference, stating, “His majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.” By acknowledging the painful history between the two nations, Charles aims to promote healing and reconciliation, while also affirming the commitment of the British monarchy to address the consequences of colonialism.

The forthcoming visit also holds personal significance for the royal family. In 1952, then-Princess Elizabeth, Charles’s mother, received the news of her ascension to the throne while in Kenya following the passing of her father, King George VI. Charles himself has previously visited Kenya in 1971, thus making this visit a continuation of the family’s connection with the East African nation.

This visit to Kenya marks yet another milestone in King Charles III’s efforts to strengthen ties with former British colonies. Earlier this year, he successfully undertook royal tours to Germany in March and France in September, reaffirming the importance of diplomacy and fostering friendly relations between nations. Charles’s commitment to engaging with Commonwealth countries was also evident in his attendance at a meeting for the heads of Commonwealth governments in 2022.

As the head of a nation that once held dominion over many countries, King Charles III’s visit to Kenya serves as a testament to the evolving nature of international relations. By confronting the painful aspects of the past, the British monarchy aims to forge a path of understanding and cooperation, laying the foundation for a brighter future between Britain and Kenya.

Stem Cell Awareness Day: Young Black and Asian Men Urge To Register as Stem Cell Donors.

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging young Black African, Black Caribbean, and Asian men to register as lifesaving stem cell donors.

Blood stem cell transplants are used to treat blood cancers and we simply don’t have enough young black or Asian men on the registry.

Only 37% of transplant recipients from minority ethnic backgrounds receive the best stem cell donor match from an unrelated donor, compared to nearly 72% for Caucasian people.

There is a particular need for more young men because clinical data shows us that transplants from young, male donors are more successful. They provide the highest doses of healthy stem cells.

75% of people who go on to successfully donate stem cells are males aged under 30 but only 12% of people on the UK’s combined stem cell registry are from this background.

Stem cell transplants help treat conditions where the bone marrow is damaged and is no longer able to produce healthy blood cells. This can help treat conditions affecting blood cells, such as leukaemia, aplastic anaemia and multiple myeloma.

The best chance of finding a match is from a sibling or a close family member. Around 30% of people find a match in their family. If there are no matches in the family, a search on the British Bone Marrow Registry (BBMR) will be carried out.

Khaled El-Ghariani, Consultant in Haematology and Transfusion Medicine at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Every offer to donate is valuable. But if you are a young black or Asian man, you are one of the most urgently needed people that we need to register as a potential blood stem cell donor. Your generosity and good health could save a stranger’s life.”

Dr M Suhail Asghar, Consultant in Blood Donations, Stem Cell Donations and Transplant, Therapeutic Apheresis Services at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “When a transplant centre has a choice of potential donors, they select young male donors first. This is because men produce higher stem cell yields, since they are on average bigger bodied. The more cells donated the more successful the transplant is likely to be.

“In addition, as stem cells age, they have a higher risk of abnormalities or poor function. Younger people are less likely to have medical conditions that would stop them being able to donate.

“And genetically, patients in need of a stem cell transplant are far more likely to match with Stem Cell donors of a similar ethnicity. People from ethnic majority backgrounds often have rarer tissue types which makes it harder to find matching donors.”

Abrar Ali, 27, from Wandsworth in London, donated his blood stem cells in August 2019. He said: “I donated blood for the first time through an initiative organised by my local mosque with The Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign which is the UK’s most successful Muslim blood donation partnership.

“The blood donation staff spoke to me about potentially donating a sample for the British Bone marrow Registry and I decided ‘why not’- it was another potential way of helping others.

Nigerian Broadcasting Commission Proposes Bill to Tackle Social Media Challenges

In a bid to address the evolving landscape of media and communication, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sent a bill to the National Assembly seeking to repeal and reenact the existing NBC act. The proposed bill aims to equip the NBC with the necessary tools to regulate social media platforms and effectively manage the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

During a meeting at the NBC headquarters, Balarabe Ilelah, the Director-General of the NBC, expressed his concerns about social media by referring to it as a “monster.” He emphasized that the current legislation does not grant the NBC the authority to regulate social media platforms, which has become one of the major challenges faced by the commission and the country as a whole.

Ilelah explained, “We are pleased to inform you that a bill for an act to repeal and amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) act has been introduced in the national assembly. This bill has been drafted to address various important aspects, including the transition to digital broadcasting, enhancement of audio and video quality, efficient spectrum management, establishment of the Nigeria Broadcast Institute, social media regulation, and other related matters that are not adequately covered in the existing act. Social media poses a significant challenge, and without appropriate legislation empowering the NBC to address these issues, it will continue to negatively impact our daily lives.”

While the NBC aims to maintain a collaborative approach with broadcasters and stakeholders, prioritizing negotiations and understanding, Ilelah disclosed that in 2023, the commission had to issue 1,238 warnings and impose penalties on six different stations due to violations. The proposed bill seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that enables the NBC to effectively address social media-related concerns while upholding responsible broadcasting practices.

This bill reflects the NBC’s recognition of the transformative power and influence of social media in Nigeria’s media landscape. By seeking to regulate social media, the NBC endeavours to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect against misinformation and hate speech, among other potential challenges associated with online content dissemination. The bill will now proceed through the legislative process in the National Assembly, where it will be reviewed and debated before any potential amendments to the regulatory framework are made.

South African Amapiano Sensation Tyla Makes Billboard Hot 100 Debut with “Water”

In an extraordinary achievement for the South African music scene, 21-year-old Tyla, the rising star of the Amapiano genre, has made an impressive entry into the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart with her viral hit “Water.” The Billboard Hot 100 is the renowned US music chart that ranks the most popular tracks each week based on listener engagement.

Billboard magazine announced on its website that Tyla, the talented singer-songwriter, has made her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her breakthrough single “Water,” securing the 67th spot. This remarkable feat has garnered international recognition for the young South African artist.

Tyla Laura Seethal, a multi-talented artist known for her singing, dancing, and captivating performances, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising talents in Africa’s music industry. Signed to Epic Records (Sony), she has already achieved significant milestones in her career, including opening for renowned American R&B singer Chris Brown during his European tour this year.

Her single “Water,” released in July, showcases the distinctive Amapiano style that originated in South African townships before gaining global popularity. The track gained rapid traction, especially on TikTok, where a video of Tyla’s dance moves garnered over 70 million views. The official music video, infused with R&B elements, has already amassed over eleven million views on YouTube. Furthermore, “Water” has surpassed the monthly listening figures of the global hit “Jerusalema” by South Africa’s Master KG on Spotify.

Expressing her excitement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tyla exclaimed, “I’m a South African born and bred in Johannesburg. It’s crazy.” She urged everyone to continue spreading their unique sound worldwide, considering her Billboard success as a victory for the entire African music scene. Tyla is currently preparing for the release of her debut album, which is highly anticipated by her growing fan base.

Tyla’s breakthrough on the Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to the remarkable talent emanating from South Africa and serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists across the continent. Her infectious music and electrifying performances have captivated audiences, propelling her to new heights of success and solidifying her position as a rising star in the global music landscape.

Air France Resumes Mali Route with Third-Party Plane and Crews Amid Security Concerns

Air France has announced that it will resume flights to Mali starting Friday, using a plane and crews from a third-party company. The airline had suspended its Mali route in early August following the coup in neighbouring Niger.

In coordination with the French Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and Malian authorities, Air France spokesperson confirmed that service to Bamako from Paris-Charles de Gaulle will recommence on October 13, 2023. The company is also working closely with Burkinabè authorities to resume flights to Burkina Faso as soon as possible. However, service to Niamey, Niger, remains suspended until further notice.

Flights between Paris and Bamako will operate three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) using a Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft provided by the Portuguese company EuroAtlantic Airways. The flights will no longer be operated by Air France’s own planes. The crew will also consist of employees from EuroAtlantic Airways, which specializes in regular flights as well as rental and charter services.

Air France assures that the aircraft provided by EuroAtlantic Airways complies with all French and European regulations. It is equipped with 30 seats in the Business cabin, 24 seats in the Premium Economy cabin, and 239 seats in the Economy cabin. The onboard services will be the same as those offered on Air France-operated flights. Passengers whose flights are cancelled will be rebooked on available flights or provided with the option to modify their reservation free of charge.

The decision to use a third-party company and crew for this connection is due to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs “formally” advising against French citizens traveling to Mali, including airline crew, due to the tense security situation. In March, Air France’s pilots’ union called on its members to exercise their right of withdrawal if they did not wish to fly to Bamako.

Security concerns have been raised by various authorities. The American federal agency overseeing aviation (FAA) cited an “increased risk” for commercial aircraft overflying or serving Mali due to the installation of anti-aircraft missile batteries by the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Following Air France’s suspension of the Paris-Bamako route, Malian authorities revoked the company’s authorization to operate the line, considering it a breach of the operating authorization.

Tensions between France and Mali have escalated since the military took control in Bamako in August 2020. The junta expelled French forces in 2022 and shifted its political and military alliances towards Russia. This strained relationship has impacted air travel between the two countries.

Air France emphasizes that the safety of its customers and crews is its top priority and closely monitors the geopolitical situation in the areas it serves and flies over.

 

Source: Africa News

Africa Young Innovators for Health Award Recognises Pioneering Entrepreneurs Driving Universal Health Coverage

In a celebration of scientific excellence and innovation in Africa, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and Speak Up Africa have announced the winners of the second edition of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award. The prestigious award recognises young entrepreneurs who are making significant strides in advancing healthcare solutions and driving universal health coverage in their communities.

The first prize winners of the award are Teniola Adedeji from Nigeria and Dr. Moses Ochora from Uganda. Adedeji, the CEO of Pharmarun, an on-demand platform that provides convenient access to essential medications, expressed her commitment to ensuring universal health coverage through collaborations among pharmacies. Dr. Moses Ochora, the Co-Founder and CEO of Photo-Kabada, a remotely monitored phototherapy device designed to reduce neonatal jaundice-related morbidity and mortality, emphasised the importance of homegrown solutions in achieving universal health coverage.

The second prize winners of the award are Nura Izath from Uganda and Muhammad Abdullahi from Nigeria, who were also recognized for their innovative contributions to healthcare in Africa.

The second edition of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award focused on innovations that aim to achieve universal health coverage across the continent. While many African governments have expressed their commitment to achieving universal health coverage by 2030, there is a need to accelerate progress. The award sought to support entrepreneurs whose innovations can extend population and service coverage while ensuring financial protection for patients.

Yacine Djibo, the Executive Director and Founder of Speak Up Africa, highlighted the importance of fresh and purposeful health innovations in advancing equity and delivering essential health services. The award aimed to promote gender equality and support entrepreneurs who contribute to the goal of universal healthcare coverage.

Thomas Cueni, the Director General of IFPMA, congratulated the winners and expressed the organisation’s commitment to accelerating innovation in delivering universal healthcare coverage. Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of Neglected Tropical Disease at the World Health Organisation and a jury member of the second edition, commended the program for its tangible and intangible support to African entrepreneurs, contributing to the achievement of common goals.

The Africa Young Innovators for Health Award is a program launched in 2021 by Speak Up Africa and IFPMA. It provides young health entrepreneurs in Africa with funding, business mentorship, intellectual property rights guidance, media training, and access to a network of supporters and partners.

Supported by organisations such as Amref Health Africa, Forum Galien Afrique, and Women in Global Health, the award program recognises the crucial role of innovation in realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and fulfilling the fundamental human right to health.

The winners of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award are poised to make significant contributions to advancing universal health coverage and transforming healthcare in Africa. Their innovations hold the potential to improve health outcomes and create lasting positive change in their communities and beyond.

 

Source: Independent Uganda

Davido and Chioma Reportedly Blessed with Twins in Joyful Surprise

In a delightful surprise, reports have emerged that Nigerian superstar singer David Adedeji Adeleke, widely known as Davido, and his wife Chioma Rowland, welcomed twins in the United States on Tuesday, 9th October, 2023.

The news was initially shared by Evangelist Gospel Agochukwu, who excitedly uploaded his conversation with Davido on the official Facebook page of his church on Tuesday morning, 10th October 2023.

While Davido and Chioma have not personally confirmed the news yet, the virtual world has been buzzing with congratulatory messages on various social media platforms. Fans and well-wishers alike have eagerly expressed their joy and excitement for the couple.

The arrival of twins would mark a momentous occasion in Davido and Chioma’s lives, adding double the happiness to their growing family. As one of Nigeria’s most beloved musical talents, Davido has captured the hearts of millions with his infectious music and charismatic personality. Similarly, Chioma has garnered admiration for her grace and support as Davido’s partner.

Although further details about the twins and their names are yet to be disclosed, the news has undoubtedly sparked widespread celebration among fans of the couple and the music industry as a whole.

As the anticipation builds for an official announcement from Davido and Chioma, the online community continues to share their warm wishes and messages of love, eagerly awaiting more information about the newest additions to the family.

The reported arrival of twins for Davido and Chioma is a moment of great joy and blessings, and it reinforces the love and support they receive from their dedicated fan base.

TotalEnergies Faces Legal Action Following Palma Attack in Mozambique

In a new development regarding the Palma attack in Mozambique that occurred in March 2021, seven survivors or families of victims have filed a complaint against TotalEnergies, the French oil group responsible for a mega-gas project in the region at the time. The plaintiffs, consisting of three survivors and four heirs of two victims, are accusing TotalEnergies of “involuntary manslaughter and failure to provide assistance to a person in danger.” The complaint alleges a series of negligent acts and failure to ensure the safety of subcontractors. However, TotalEnergies denies any responsibility and asserts that it made every effort to assist its staff on-site.

The attack in Palma, claimed by the Islamic State (EI) group, lasted several days and resulted in casualties among the local population and TotalEnergies subcontractors. While Maputo has reported a death toll of approximately 30, independent journalist Alexander Perry, who conducted a five-month investigation in Palma between November 2022 and March 2023, suggests that the number of civilian deaths or missing individuals stands at 1,402, including 55 subcontractors.

During the attack, many sought refuge in the Amarula Lodge, a hotel on the outskirts of Palma that was besieged by jihadists. Tragically, at least seven individuals lost their lives while attempting to escape in a convoy.

The lawsuit against TotalEnergies is primarily based on two reports by risk consulting firms that highlighted the absence of preventive measures. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Henri Thulliez, emphasizes that the danger was known, as several villages had previously been attacked, indicating a real jihadist threat in the area.

Notably, TotalEnergies’ competitor, Exxonmobil, withdrew its investment in the project and repatriated its staff in 2019 due to concerns about the security situation.

Regarding the allegation of “failure to assist in danger,” TotalEnergies is accused of refusing to provide fuel to a private South African military company, DAG, which was conducting helicopter evacuations from the Amarula Lodge. The evacuations had to be halted due to a lack of fuel, according to Thulliez.

TotalEnergies contends that the Afungi site, where the gas project was located, was under the control of government security forces. The company states that all Mozambique LNG personnel, as well as their contractors and subcontractors, were evacuated, along with many civilians, totaling approximately 2,500 individuals. While TotalEnergies claims to have provided fuel for evacuation and rescue operations, it denies support to the DAG company, citing allegations of “exactions against the civilian population” at the time.

The meticulously planned attack on Palma, a port city with a population of 75,000, marked the culmination of a lengthy period of civil unrest in the region.

The legal action against TotalEnergies highlights the complex circumstances surrounding the Palma attack and raises questions about corporate responsibility in high-risk environments. As the case unfolds, the plaintiffs seek justice and accountability for the tragic events that unfolded during the attack.

 

Source: Financial Times

Tanzania-India Bilateral Trade Volume Surges, President Samia Highlights Strong Economic Ties

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced a significant increase in bilateral trade between Tanzania and India over the past five years. Speaking at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, President Samia revealed that the trade volume between the two countries has risen from $2.6 billion in 2017/2018 to $6.5 billion in 2022/2023.

India, known as an Asian economic powerhouse, ranks among the top five countries investing in Tanzania. President Samia highlighted that 631 investment projects originating from India, with a total value of $3.7 billion, have contributed to making India Tanzania’s fourth-largest trading partner.

The President emphasized the importance of the growing economic ties between the two nations and called for India to become Tanzania’s number one bilateral trade partner and investment source, given their historic bonds and bilateral relations.

President Samia also expressed appreciation for India’s leadership and contribution to preserving and restoring values and humanity in an increasingly complex and materialistic world. She highlighted India’s active role in various international forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth, and the Group of 77 (G77) in the United Nations, which have allowed Tanzania to have a voice and representation.

The President’s remarks underscored the strong economic and diplomatic relationship between Tanzania and India, with both countries recognizing the importance of further enhancing cooperation and mutual benefits.

 

Source: Daily News Tanzania