Metro

Oppisition EFF tells President Hichilema to project Zambia’s strength to investors

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2024

Zambian opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to project the image of the country in a positive light by emphasising its strengths while interacting with investors instead of discouraging them with alarming comments on electricity crisis.

The EFF was reacting to a recent address by the president on February 29 where he disclosed an impending electricity shortage, while projecting a deficit of 450 to possibly above 500 megawatts.

In a statement by the EFF party leader, Kasonde Mwenda, the party said Hakainde’s comments had set off a domino effect capable of scaring away potential investors that are crucial for Zambia’s economic growth.

Mwenda noted that the said deficit could easily be bridged with minimal import of electricity which was nothing new to Zambia.

“It is regrettable that instead of projecting strength and assuring investors, President Hichilema has chosen an alarmist approach, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty that repels those considering investments in Zambia,” Mwenda stated.

He added that rather than highlighting challenges, a “true leader would diplomatically assure investors of energy security,” adding that the Head of State should have emphasized existing agreements for electricity imports to mitigate potential shortages.

“The President’s announcement, coupled with plans to ration electricity due to drought, has garnered international attention, casting Zambia in an unfavorable light,” Mwenda noted.

He lamented that almost all major international media outlets had latched on to the address and echoed the alarm sounded by President Hichilema.

Mwenda, therefore, appealed to the President to “demonstrate leadership during this challenging period by fostering sincerity, transparency and instilling hope through innovative solutions.”

“Zambia possesses the capabilities to overcome the drought crisis, worsened by the current government’s mismanagement of maize reserves, recklessly depleted since assuming power in 2021,” he said.

He stated that Zambia deserved a leader who not only identifies problems but actively engages in finding viable solutions for the prosperity of the people and the advancement of Zambia’s economic landscape.

“President Hichilema should rise above deceptive propaganda and work collaboratively with stakeholders to address the challenges effectively,” Mwenda advised.

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Metro

Nigerian govt to open student loan application portal May 24

Published

49 mins ago

May 17, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Nigerian government has announced that the portal for the long awaited student loan scheme will open on May 24, 2024, under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund).

The announcement which was made in a statement on Thursday by the media lead for the NELFund, Nasir Ayantogo, stated that once the portal is opened, eligible student will have the opportunity of applying for educational loans.

Ayantogo said the opening of the application portal marked a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.

The portal, according Ayantogo, provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.

“Through the portal, students can now access loans to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints.

“We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

“Students can access the portal on www.nelf.gov.ng to begin application,” the statement said.

President Bola Tinubu had, on June 12, 2023, signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to process all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

While signing the Act into law, Tinubu had said:

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas.

“This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFund to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he had said.

Tinubu had said that he based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

Metro

Church in Kasama warns government against misusing Cyber Security Act

Published

20 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

In Kasama District of Northern Province, the Church has issued a caution to the government regarding the use of the Cyber Security Act to intimidate, harass, or oppress citizens and political parties.

Reverend Joseph Nkonde, Chairperson of the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) for Kasama District, restated the importance of fair implementation of the law to prevent discontent among citizens.

Speaking to Zambia Monitor in Kasama, Nkonde stressed the necessity for the government to focus on the positive aspects of the law and refine problematic clauses to achieve the desired Act.

“In this age of information, today’s Zambia is vastly different from yesterday’s. Citizens now utilise cyberspace to access and disseminate information,” he said.

Nkonde highlighted that Cyber Security also pertained to media freedoms, which are crucial for democracy and the well-being of Zambians.

He cautioned the government against intimidating journalists or their media houses using laws like the Cyber Security Act, as it could impede their performance.

“It’s important to note that many people, especially in rural areas, are unfamiliar with or unaware of the Cyber Security Act. The government can use the media to educate them about its advantages and disadvantages,” Nkonde advised.

Regarding media freedom, Nkonde acknowledged government’s efforts to implement policies aimed at protecting journalists but stressed the need for further action to ensure their security.

He urged Parliament to consider enacting laws that safeguard journalists and, ultimately, ordinary citizens who rely on the disseminated information.

“I also want to caution ordinary Zambians against misusing social media and posting content that may sow division or prompt government action that could be perceived as harmful,” Nkonde added.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.