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AMAA 2023: Senegal, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, South Africa in race for Best Film Award

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AMAA 2023: Senegal, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, South Africa in race for Best Film Award

The board of the Africa Film Academy (AFA), the organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, have announced the nominees for the 19th edition of the continental awards ceremony.

A-cross-section-of-AMAA-jury-member-at-the-nominee-announcement-event-in-Lagos-on-Thursday

On Thursday, the board, represented by Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe and the AMAA jury, represented by Steve Ayorinde, revealed the lineup of activities for the 2023 edition of the film and movie awards ceremony.

 

The 2023 AMAA nomination unveil was hosted by actor, singer and voice-over star Segun Arinze at a convivial atmosphere in Ikeja, GRA, Lagos.

 

At the nomination unveil, a one-minute silence was also observed to honour the late founder and Chief Executive Officer of AFA and AMAA, Peace Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe.

 

Mr Anyiam-Osigwe said the awards ceremony will be held on 29 October at The Balmoral event centre inside Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. He also announced the theme of the 2023 AMAA as ‘The Renaissance.’

Mr Anyiam-Osigwe further stressed that the 2023 AMAA will redefine the continental awards ahead of plans and the 20th edition.

 

Mr Ayorinde, who represented the president of the AMAA jury, Keith Shiri, unveiled the nominees of the 26 categories. He said that the jury went through a tedious and steadfast process to arrive at the nominees of the 26 categories expected to slug it out for the 2023 AMAA.

 

He also said the process, which has always been credited as very transparent by industry heads, began from the call for entry submission to screening by the college of screeners headed by Shaibu Husseini, after which it was submitted to the jury for final nomination, after which the official nomination list was unveiled.

 

Also in attendance are the Chief Operating Officer of AMAA, Tony Anih, a member of the AMAA working team, Kite Anyiam-Osigwe, AMAA technical director Kingsley James, Shola Animashaun, and Tony Chukwuma.

 

The Chief Operating Officer of AMAA and Technical Director assured guests that the 19th edition of AMAA will be memorable.

 

Check out the complete AMAA 2023 Nomination List below.

Jury Members

 

Keith Shiri – President

 

Members: Dorothee Wenner, June Giviani, Berni Goldblat, Phillipe Savadego, John Akomfrah, Steve Ayorinde, Charles Brunnet, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Asantewa Olatunji, Ayuko Babu and Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi.

 

1. Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film

 

• Lions – Ethiopia

 

Kogi AD

• Riel – Namibia

 

• Enmity Djin – Mauritania

2. Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation

• Lost – Uganda

• Azania Rises – South Africa • Jabari – Ghana

• Bashorum Gaa – Nigeria

 

3. Best Documentary

• Africa Cradle of Humanity and Modern CivilizaHon – Senegal/Canada

• Nightlife in Lasgidi – Nigeria

• Maayo Wonaa Keerol – The River is not a Border -Senegal

• Ifine (Beauty) – Sierra Leone

• LeSpectre de Boko Haram – Cameron

 

4. Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language

• Pusha Pressa Phanda – South Africa

• Anikulapo – Nigeria

• The Kitera Chronicle – Uganda

• Four Walls – South Africa

• Mami Wata – Nigeria

 

5. Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African-born director Living Abroad

• Talia’s Journey – Christophe Rolin (Senegal/Belgium)

• Golden Stripes – Peace Osigbe (Nigeria/UK)

• KOFA – Jude Idada (Nigeria/Canada)

 

6. Best Diaspora Short Film

• We Were Meant To – (United States) – directed by Tari Wariebi

• The Ballad of Olive Morris – (United Kingdom) – directed by Alex Kayode-Kay

• FiWy-Four Days – (United Kingdom) – directed by Cat White and Phoebe Torrance

• Raw Materials – (Jamaica0 – directed by Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly

 

7. Best Diaspora Documentary

• Sound of the Police – (United States) – directed by Stanley Nelson

• FantasHco Negrito – Have You Lost Your Mind Yet – (United States) – directed by

• Yvan Iturriaga and Francisco Nuñez

• Black Rio – (Brazil) directed by Fernando Sousa and Gabriel Barbosa

 

8. Best Diaspora Narrative Feature

• Chee$e – (Trinidad & Tobago) directed by Damian Marcano

• Our Father, The Devil – (United States) directed by Ellie Foumbi

• The Pastor and the RevoluHonary – (Brazil), directed by José Eduardo Belmonte

 

9. Best Achievement in Production Design

• Kunle Afolayan – Anikulapo – Nigeria

• Eve Martin – Omen – DRC

• Sira – Burkina Faso

• Antoine Nshimiyimana – Fight Like a Girl – DRC• Chantel Carter – Gereza – South Africa

 

10. Best Achievement in Costume Design

• Bunmi Demilola Fashina – Mami Wata – Nigeria •

Toyin Bifrain Ogundeji – Anikulapo – Nigeria

• Millicent Jack – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria

• Djibril Drame – Xalé – Senegal

• Elkehoste and Baloji Omen – DRC

• Sidi Ouedraogo Sira – Burkina Faso

 

11. Best Achievement in Make-Up

• Campell Precious Arebamen – Mami Wata – Nigeria

• Hakeem Effect – Anikulapo – Nigeria

• Lila Vander Elst – Omen – DRC

• Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola

• Omowunmi Okungbure – Gangs of Lagos – Nigeria

 

12. Best Achievement in Soundtrack

• Fight Like a Girl – DRC

• L’Axe Lourd (The Highway) – Cameroon

• Gereza – South Africa

• Omen – DRC

• Obinna Arua – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria

 

13. Best Achievement in Visual Effects

• Andrej Gregori, Voranc Kumar, Ziga Radulji -Omen – DRC

• Alexandre Dachkevitch – Mami Wata – Nigeria

• Josh Borrill – The Trade – Nigeria

• Emmanuel Bassey – Gangs of Lagos – Nigeria

 

14. Best Achievement in Sound

• Juliana Oswald – Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola

• Vianney Aube Sira – Burkina Faso

• Erik Griekspoor – Omen – DRC

• Samy Bardet – Mami Wata – Nigeria

• Michel Tsagli – Xalé – Senegal

 

15. Best Achievement in Cinematography

• Lilis Soares – Mami Wata – Nigeria

• Joachim Philippe – Omen – DRC

• Richard Henkels – Fight Like a Girl – Rwanda

• Thomas Wilski – Talia’s Journey – Senegal/Belgium

• Eduardo Kropotkine – Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola

 

16. Best Achievement in Editing

• Nathan Delannoy – Mami Wata – Nigeria • Bertrand Conard – Omen – DRC

• Sylvie Gadner – Sira – Burkina Faso

• Layla Swart – Gereza

• Madhew Leutwyler – DRC

 

17. Best Achievement in Screenplay

• C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi – Mami Wata – Nigeria

• Ufuoma MeHHri – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) –Nigeria

• Moussa Sene Absa, Pierre Magny, Ben Diogay Beye – Xalé – Senegal

• Madhew Leutwyler – Fight Like a Girl – DRC

 

18. National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVB) Award for Best Nigerian Film

• Mami Wata

• Anikulapo

• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)

• Gangs of Lagos

• The Trade

• L.I.F.E.

• Brotherhood

 

19. Best Young/Promising Actor

• Maleek Sanni – Gangs of Lagos

• Ewube -L’axe Lourd (The Highway

• Darisimi Nadi – Obara’m

• Sanou Titiama – Le chant des fusils (The Song of the Rifle

• Eyiyemi Afolyan – Anikulapo

 

20. Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Francis Onwuchei – The Trade – Nigeria

• Jeff Jackson – Four Walls – South Africa

• Hakeem Kae-Kazim – Fight Like a Girl – DRC

• Jimmy-Jean Louis -Rise

 

21. Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Mami Wata – Nigeria

• Rokhaya Niang – Xalé – Senegal

• Clarck Natmbwe – Fight Like a Girl – DRC

 

22. Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Richard Mofe Demalo – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria

• Marc Zinga – Omen – DRC

• Fenando Kamugisha – The Fallen Advocate –Uganda

• Tobi Bakre – Brotherhood – Nigeria

• Justine Murichii – Shimoni – Kenya

• Mike Danon – Sira – Burkina Faso

 

23. Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Lucie Debay – Omen – DRC

• Ehle Mbali Mlotshwa – Four Walls – South Africa

• Nafissatou Cissé – Sira – Burkina Faso

• Adesua Etomi – Gangs of Lagos – Nigeria

• Nse Ikpe Etim – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) – Nigeria

• Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo – Nigeria

• Ama Qamata – Fight Like a Girl – DRC

 

24. First Debut Feature by a Director

• Baloji – Omen – DRC

• Ery Claver – Our Lady of the Chinese Shop – Angola

• Jean Elliot Ilboudo (le Chant des fusils)The Song of the Riffle – Burkina Faso

 

25. Best Director

• Moussa Sene Absa – Xalé

• C. J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi – Mami Wata

• Baloji – Omen

• Apolline Traore – Sira

• Izu Ojukwu – 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)

• Kunle Afolayan – Anikulapo

• Kgosana Monchusi, Menzi Mzimela, Juvaiś Dunn – Four Walls

 

26. Best Film

• Xalé- Senegal

• Mami Wata – Nigeria

• 4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four) Nigeria

• Omen – DRC

• Four Walls – South Africa

• Sira – Burkina Faso

 

• Anikulapo – Nigeria

World Bank grants fresh $700m loan to Nigeria

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World Bank grants fresh $700m loan to Nigeria

The new $700 million loan is to bolster education and empowerment initiatives for adolescent girls in Nigeria.

 

The fresh loan aims to offer extra financial resources to support the ongoing initiative named the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment.

 

The statement reads, “The World Bank approved additional financing of $700m for Nigeria to scale up the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment programme whose goal is to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in targeted states.

 

“The additional financing will scale up project activities from the current seven states to eleven additional states and increase the targeted beneficiaries to include out-of-school girls, those who are married, and those who have disabilities.”

 

Nigeria is struggling with a substantial number of out-of-school children, with estimates ranging from 12 million to 15 million in the school-age group. Many of these children are concentrated in Northern Nigeria.

In the United States, Tinubu and Atiku are set to resume their legal battle over academic records in Chicago on Monday

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The legal teams of President Bola Tinubu and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, are set to resume their legal battle over President Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago in a United States court on Monday.

This follows an agreement by US District Judge Nancy Maldonado to stay an order requiring Chicago State University to provide Tinubu’s academic documents to Atiku’s legal team.

The hearing occurred late on Thursday after the President’s lawyers filed an emergency motion requesting a delay in the enforcement of the order until Monday, taking into account legal deadlines in Nigeria.

Atiku is challenging President Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, and he is seeking access to Tinubu’s academic records, including admission details, attendance dates, degrees, awards, and honors from the university.

Atiku’s camp insists that President Tinubu should be transparent about his academic records, while President Tinubu’s legal team is prepared for the upcoming legal proceedings.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party has called on President Tinubu to release his academic credentials to avoid further distraction and suspicion, and the campaign team of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also believes that President Tinubu should present his academic records to dispel doubts.

The dispute arose following allegations of discrepancies in President Tinubu’s academic record, even though he claims a clerical error caused the inconsistencies.

Magistrate Gilbert had ordered Chicago State University to release relevant academic records to Atiku despite President Tinubu’s opposition.

Mohbad’s Presence Graces the Billboard in New York Times Square

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Singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as MohBad, recently made a posthumous appearance on a Times Square billboard in New York City.

Footage of his presence on the Broadway Times Square billboard emerged online approximately nine days after his highly controversial passing.

His untimely demise garnered global attention as fans and supporters demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and justice through social media activism.

The message displayed on Imole’s billboard in Times Square reads: “Mohbad will be remembered forever.

Legends are never forgotten. Rest in peace.” With this posthumous recognition, MohBad has now joined the prestigious group of renowned Nigerian celebrities, including Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Tems, and others, who have graced the iconic Times Square billboard in New York.

A man in Abuja was reportedly lynched by a mob due to suspicions of his involvement in an alleged organ disappearance

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On Thursday, in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, a mob violently assaulted an unidentified man.

Their anger stemmed from the man, known as John, sounding the alarm that his male organ had mysteriously vanished after an encounter with another unidentified individual.

The mob, incensed by this claim, converged around John, subjected him to severe beating, and demanded that he somehow return the allegedly missing organ.

A discreet commercial driver, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted that this incident unfolded at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday. It was only with the intervention of the police that John was rescued from the mob’s fury and rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

The commercial driver shared, “Yesterday, around 8 pm, a crowd gathered in Phase 2 here in Gwagwalada after a man cried out for help. This man asserted that he had lost his manhood after encountering the other man.

The people began assaulting him, pressuring him to confess to his actions and return his ‘manhood.’ The beating continued until the police arrived, taking him to the hospital.”

Upon inquiry, Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, confirmed the incident but regrettably revealed that the man assaulted by the mob had succumbed to his injuries.

However, she announced that the individual who had made the false accusation was apprehended.

Adeh stated, “Our officers promptly responded to a distress call and swiftly transported him to the hospital for treatment.

Tragically, he was later pronounced dead due to the severe injuries he had sustained.”

She also emphasized that the Commissioner of Police had issued a stern warning against false allegations of organ disappearance and the ensuing mob violence within the FCT, declaring that such actions would not be tolerated.

Cardoso takes office after the CBN officially acknowledges Emefiele’s departure

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Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, officially commenced his role as the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Friday, September 22, 2023, pending Senate confirmation.

This development came after the resignation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as the previous Governor. Concurrently, the Deputy-Governors-Designate, Emem Usoro, Muhammad Abdullahi-Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor, and Bala Bello, also assumed their acting roles following the resignations of Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN.

The swearing-in ceremony, where they took their oaths of office, took place at the CBN’s Head Office in Abuja.

They have now begun their responsibilities of overseeing the Federal Government’s monetary and financial sector policies.

The Senate is set to conduct confirmation screenings upon its return from the annual recess, and the Central Bank of Nigeria has postponed its 293rd Monetary Policy Committee meeting originally scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2023.

Nigerian Innovator, Oluseyi Akindeinde, Obtains Patent for Authentication System Powered by Blockchain Technology

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Hyperspace Technologies Limited has successfully obtained a patent for their cutting-edge Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system powered by Blockchain technology.

This groundbreaking security solution, known as cipherKEY tap2sign™ MFA, is the result of extensive research and development efforts within Hyperspace Technologies. It represents a new era in security by harnessing the decentralized capabilities of blockchain, the strength of public and private key cryptography, and the ease of use offered by NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. This innovative system offers an unparalleled level of protection against identity theft, phishing attempts, and social engineering attacks.

Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde has been credited as the inventor of this MFA that is poised to enhance a security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user’s identity.

The patent application was officially filed on June 22, 2023, and the patent certificate, sighted by our reporter, indicates that it was granted on August 28, 2023.

In the age of digital transformation, security is paramount. As individuals, businesses and nations increasingly rely on digital platforms for everything from banking to social networking, the need for robust security measures has never been more critical.

One such measure is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user’s identity.

Today, Hyperspace Limited has introduced cipherKEYtap2sign™, a groundbreaking MFA technology that leverages the security of public/private keys, blockchain, Web3 technology, and contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) cards.

It utilizes the concept of “proof of possession” and a fourth factor of authentication – “something you do”.

In the case of cipherKEY tap2sign™, “something you have” is the cipherKEY NFC card, and “something you do” is the action of tapping the cipherKEY NFC card against your phone.

This unique combination of factors makes thetap2sign™ system incredibly secure and user-friendly.

Before securing the patent, the Blockchain technology-driven MFA was subjected to rigorous reviews and tests.

Dr. Akindeinde’s inspiration for creating this MFA stemmed from his advocacies for blockchain technology-driven authentication processes.

“In a world where our digital identities are increasingly under threat, where a single misstep can compromise your entire network, where every transaction we make leaves us vulnerable, we understand your concern. We understand the sleepless nights. And that’s why we’ve spent years developing cipherKEYtap2sign™ MFA – your ironclad solution to security threats.

“Imagine a wall. A wall so high and so robust, nothing unauthorized can get over it, under it, or through it. That wall is the cipherKEY tap2sign™ MFA, and we’ve designed it to protect what matters most to you – your identity, your data, your peace of mind”, he said.

Paychant, Africa’s fiat-to-crypto on and off-ramp solution

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Paychant, Africa’s fiat-to-crypto on and off-ramp solution, serves as the bridge that connects Africa’s traditional finance and digital assets. In less than 6 months since its launch, it’s processing over twenty thousand transactions monthly, eliminating the complexity for people in Africa to onboard into digital currency.

Over the years, people in Africa have shown a great interest in digital assets mostly because of their benefit of hedging against currency inflation and transferring money cheaply. However, the complexity of acquiring crypto assets has been an obstacle for many users in Africa, and this has made it extremely difficult for digital wallets and dApps to onboard mainstream users in Africa. 6 months ago, we launched the Paychant ramp solution to offer a simple yet intuitive platform for people in Africa to transition from fiat currency into digital currency right inside any digital wallet or dApps of their choice.

Paychant prides itself as Africa’s first and leading fiat-to-crypto on and off-ramp solution and remains committed to making digital currency accessible to a wider audience in Africa. We have partnered with digital wallets like CenoaHurupay, and Flooz, acting as their fiat-to-crypto on and off-ramp providers in Africa and experiencing 100% month-on-month growth in both user base and transaction volume.

“Our ramp solution mainly focuses on Africa, supporting a wider range of local payment methods, allowing users to seamlessly buy and sell crypto with local bank transfer and mobile money, which are the most recognized and preferred methods of payment on the continent.” The founders explained.

“Wallets and dApps looking to enter the African market can now take advantage of Paychant’s localized payment infrastructure, which offers low fees, reduced friction, and lower minimum crypto purchases. Our fiat on-and-off ramp customizable widget can be embedded directly into any wallet, dApp, DEX, or NFT platform with just a few lines of code. Paychant handles the compliance, and the entire fiat and crypto flow, so wallet providers can focus on their main business.”

Support for Multichain

Paychant supports 45+ crypto assets on major blockchain networks like Ethereum, Celo, Polygon, Binance, Solana, Tron, Cardano, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Litecoin, and the Bitcoin network.

Our Coverage

Our service is available in most of the biggest crypto markets in Africa, supporting all local payment methods for on-ramp and off-ramp in each of these regions.

  1. Nigeria
  2. Ghana
  3. Kenya
  4. Uganda
  5. Zambia

Wallet and dApp that integrates Paychant will enable their users in these regions to buy and sell 45+ crypto via the listed local payment method:

  • Safaricom M-PESA
  • MTN Mobile Money (MoMo)
  • AirtelTigo
  • Vodafone cash
  • Zamtel
  • Airtel money
  • Bank transfer
  • Orange Money

Our mission is to connect Africa’s traditional finance and the decentralized finance world, giving the people in Africa equal access to the financial benefits and opportunities of Web3.

We are very excited about the future of Web3, and we are ready to make crypto onboarding easy for the next billion users in Africa.

If you are interested in integrating our fiat on/off ramp into your app, please reach out to us here, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

The Eagles have slid to the 40th position in the latest FIFA rankings

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Despite their convincing victory in the most recent match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which happened to be their only game since the previous FIFA world rankings were revealed in June, Nigeria faced a setback in the latest FIFA men’s rankings for June.

Previously positioned at 39th in the June rankings, the Super Eagles witnessed a three-point decrease, causing them to slip to the 40th spot.

Their remarkable 6-0 triumph over Sao Tome and Principe in the concluding match of the AFCON qualifiers, while commendable, failed to have a positive impact on their rankings.

Under the guidance of Jose Peseiro, Nigeria’s team excelled in Group A of the AFCON qualifiers, accumulating an impressive 15 points, securing their place in next year’s AFCON tournament set to take place in Ivory Coast.

Within the African continent, the three-time African champions have successfully maintained a position among the top six teams, which is advantageous as it ensures their seeding among the top teams in the upcoming AFCON draw in 2023.

Meanwhile, Morocco continues to hold the title of Africa’s top-ranked nation, securing the 13th place globally.

Despite experiencing a two-place drop in the global rankings, Senegal managed to retain their second-place position in Africa.

Tunisia stands out as the only African nation within the top six on the continent that improved its global ranking. Previously at 31st, they have now climbed to the 29th position in the world according to the latest FIFA update.

Completing the top five in Africa are Algeria at 34th and Egypt at 35th in the global rankings.

On a global scale, Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, continue to maintain their position as the number one ranked nation, leading ahead of strong contenders like France, Brazil, England, and Belgium.

 

Ex-54Gene CEO Abasi Ene-Obong unveils Syndicate Bio in genomics.

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Former co-founder and CEO of 54gene, Abasi Ene-Obong, announced on Monday the establishment of Syndicate Bio, a new genomics company.

Ene-Obong revealed that Syndicate Bio has emerged from stealth mode with a primary focus on advancing global genomics inclusivity. He emphasized the company’s commitment to spearheading genomics and precision medicine initiatives across the world’s most diverse regions, beginning with Africa.

Syndicate Bio has appointed Jumi Popoola as Chief Scientific Officer and Estelle Dogbo as Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Wubrest T. Bekele, Wissam Hamou, and Aminu Yakubu will assume leadership roles within the company.

Ene-Obong expressed enthusiasm about forthcoming updates on the significant progress made in pursuit of the company’s vision and mission.