Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, announced the Mozambican winner of Merck Foundation “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023.  Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am proud to announce the Winners from Mozambique and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother””, concluded Senator Kelej.

Mozambican Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI is:

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, First Position, RADIO Category

Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
Mariama, Dem www.Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia  (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Namibia (First Position)
Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)
Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)
Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.LeRenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
Jessy NZENGU, www.LualabaMaProvince.com, DRC (First Position)
AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, www.DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)
Haburanimana Gérard, www.Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Odimegwu Onwumere, www.TheNigerianVoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Namibia (Third Position)
Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy&Development, DRC (First Position)
Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
Petga Tonga Valgadine, www.LaVoixDuKoat.com, Cameroon (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi  (First Position)
Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes&Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Latin American Countries
Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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About Merck Foundation: 
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4e4iZ6P), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4ebjYCn), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3V9oFnx), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4elz5t5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3VbCQsh).

The Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Living Abroad, organised a cocktail reception to commemorate 28 May 1975, date on which ECOWAS was founded in Lagos, Nigeria.

The commemorative ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Living Abroad, Dr Morissanda KOUYATE, accompanied by the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, H.E. Louis Blaise AKA-BROU, and was well attended by members of the Transition Government, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited in Guinea, as well as other key players in Guinean political life.

The ceremony took place on 28 May 2024 at the Primus Kaloum hotel in Conakry, in a festive atmosphere, with artistic performances and various speeches.

In his welcome message, the ECOWAS Resident Representative praised the spirit of the founding fathers of this organisation, before highlighting the many achievements that mark the daily lives of the citizens of the Member States.

Referring to the message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he expressed Guinea’s willingness to support this organisation, which belongs to all Member States, and expressed the hope that ECOWAS would truly be an ECOWAS of people, an ECOWAS of peace and solidarity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

International energy and infrastructure conglomerate Sahara Group has announced a series of strategic appointments aimed at advancing the expansion of the group’s downstream business in Africa. Foluso Sobanjo has been appointed as the company’s Head: Africa Downstream while Yaa Serwaa Alifo has been appointed Head: Sahara Downstream in Ghana. Additionally, Nomnso Dike has been appointed as CEO of Sahara Group Nigerian subsidiary Asharami Synergy Limited while Yvette Selormey has been appointed Country Manager of Sahara Group Zambian subsidiary Asharami Energy Resources Limited. 

Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends the efforts by Sahara Group to not only strengthen its downstream operations but build a leadership team that is committed to alleviating energy poverty in Africa. The appointments signal a new era of company growth and the AEC looks forward to seeing new projects and infrastructure developed by Sahara Group.

As one of Africa’s largest private power businesses, Sahara Group has made great strides towards developing downstream infrastructure in Africa. The company operates a number of power generation and distribution assets in sub-Saharan Africa, facilitating trade and energy distribution and supporting economic growth. Currently, the group has over 1,861 MW of installed power generation capacity and aims to expand its generation capacity to over 5,000 MW by 2026. In 2024, the group installed 15 wind turbines at the Egbin Power Plant in Nigeria. The turbines will not only improve power supply but reduce emissions across the generation industry. In 2023, the group installed 24 solar panels and 24 batteries at an orphanage in Senegal;

Sahara Group – through its various subsidiaries – also promotes the adoption of sustainable oil and gas solutions to meet Africa’s energy needs. Through Asharami Synergy PLC, the group has gained over two decades of expertise in the downstream industry and has emerged as a top aviation fuel supplier in West Africa. The company is responsible for 24% of Nigeria’s aviation fuel supply and a sizeable share of the country’s premium motor spirit demand. Additionally, the group is a strong advocate for the adoption of market-based regimes in Africa to support the development of gas. The group has invested $142 million in two LPG vessels in Nigeria. Valued at $71 million each, the vessels have already bolstered the group’s capacity to deliver reliable and sustainable access to LPG in the country.

Meanwhile, Sahara Group has demonstrated a commitment to capacity building and skills development. The group collaborated with tertiary institution Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria in May 2024 to drive human capital development in the power sector. The parties will exchange knowledge and conduct programs in engineering to support power-related skills development. The group also partnered with the University of Lagos in Nigeria in May 2024 to strengthen research in renewable energy and foster entrepreneurship. The appointment of the new leadership team will not only support project development by the company but support programs such as these as Sahara Group moves to train the next generation of energy entrepreneurs in Africa.

“Sahara Group has built a team that is deeply rooted in the industry and Africa – but not limited to it. The recent slate of appointments underscores the group’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and delivering both successful and sustainable projects. The AEC commends the leadership of Sahara Group and looks forward to witnessing the company grow from strength to strength,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Wragby Business Solutions&Technologies Limited, a leading technology provider in Nigeria, proudly co-exhibited with Microsoft at the recently concluded GITEX Africa 2024 (https://GITEXAfrica.com/). Alongside esteemed Microsoft partners from across Africa, Wragby showcased groundbreaking advancements in technology with cutting-edge solutions and solidifying its commitment to driving digital transformation across Africa.

As one of the leading tech events globally, GITEX Africa 2024 provided the perfect platform for Wragby to demonstrate its innovative solutions and reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation across the continent. The exhibition, held in Marrakech, Morocco from the 29th of May to 31st May 2024, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts from around the globe.

According to the MD/CEO of Wragby, Dr Oluyomi Alarape (https://apo-opa.co/3V7fZxJ) “Our collaboration with Microsoft underscores a shared vision of leveraging advanced technologies to enhance growth and empower businesses in Africa”.

At the heart of Wragby’s exhibit was the presentation on Microsoft Fabric (https://apo-opa.co/4e4Z2wF) and its seamless integration with Workhelio (https://apo-opa.co/4c5CSbL), Wragby’s newest AI-powered product. Microsoft Fabric provides a comprehensive data platform designed for real-time analytics and insights. By integrating Workhelio with Microsoft Fabric, Wragby offers an unparalleled solution that transforms raw data into actionable intelligence, enabling businesses to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively. Wragby’s other offerings include robust cloud infrastructure&application services, customized applications&ERP solutions, comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, Managed Services, and sophisticated data analytics platforms. By leveraging Microsoft’s powerful technologies, Wragby enables businesses to harness the full potential of their data, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth.

At GITEX, visitors  had the opportunity to explore real-world success stories and witness firsthand how Wragby’s solutions have transformed businesses. Through interactive demos and detailed presentations, Wragby highlighted how its solutions&services are helping enterprises achieve operational excellence and maintain a competitive edge.

Wragby Business Solutions&Technologies Limited stands for innovation, integrity, and excellence, with a mission to provide businesses with the tools and expertise they need to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape. By continuously evolving its offerings and fostering strategic partnerships, Wragby continues to enable organizations to stay ahead in this ever-changing digital landscape. Wragby’s partnership with Microsoft and presence at GITEX Africa 2024 reflects its dedication to being at the vanguard of digital transformation in Africa.

Wragby’s participation in GITEX Africa 2024 is just one step in its journey to revolutionize business processes across Africa. Wragby is dedicated to empowering organizations with the latest technology, driving digital transformation, and contributing to the growth and development of the African economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

About Wragby Business Solutions&Technologies Limited:
Wragby Business Solutions&Technologies Limited is a leading provider of innovative business solutions and technology services. Wragby specializes in cloud services, business applications&ERPs, cybersecurity, Modern work solutions, data analytics, AI, software engineering, product development, digital transformation, and IT training, partnering with global technology leaders like Microsoft and more to deliver exceptional value to its clients. With its customer-centric approach Wragby won the 2024 SAP top capability award in Africa, awarded twice as Microsoft Partner of the year in 2019 and 2020 and emerged thrice as Microsoft global finalist in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Today, Wragby is the only Azure managed services provider in Nigeria and amongst the only few globally.

To know more about how Wragby’s solutions&services can transform your business, contact at GITEX@wragbysolutions.com or call +2342017006320

Visit www.WragbySolutions.com to know more about Wragby Business Solutions