Metro

Zambian President worried over failing marriages as divorce cases rise to 36,000 in 2023

Published

2 months ago

March 16, 2024

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has expressed his worries and concerns at the rate marriages are failing in the country after statistics showed that a total of 36,000 were recorded in 2023 alone.

President Hichilema, who raised the alarm when he addressed the parliament on the progress made in the application of the national values and principles in Lusaka on Friday, said the increasing cases of divorce in the country, particularly among young people, was worrisome and a trend that must be arrested.

Hichilema emphasized that it was unacceptable that divorce cases had continued to rise, with the 36,000 cases recorded in the courts of law in 2023, rising from the 31,000 that was recorded in 2022.

In his address, Hichilema stressed the need to “build strong marriages where couples and families are capable of resolving differences amicably.”

“Marriages should be where couples are capable of raising children into responsible citizens, anchored on strong family and religious values,” Hichilema stated.

“A few differences among couples should not lead to separation but rather reconciliation through civilised dialogue,” he pointed out.

The President further urged families, the church, traditional leaders, civil society and community organisations, to enhance marriage counselling and teachings, while also advising couples to abide by the strong commitment of marriage and live in love, peace and harmony.

Hichilema added that to address early child marriage and teenage pregnancy, government had to work with the church, traditional leaders and other partners in carrying out sensitisation programmes countrywide.

“To this end, 192 chiefdoms and over 2.5 million people were sensitised on the dangers of child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

“Further, government trained 106,277 community leaders and 1,441 community welfare assistance committees across the country,” the President stated.

Hichilema also assured that government would continue to strengthen community action towards ending early child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

The President who also spoke on Gender Based Violence (GBV), stated that it was disheartening to note that the number of reported cases of gender-based violence increased to 42,965 in 2023 from 33,536 in 2022.

“These acts of violence have, in some cases, resulted in loss of life. In our quest to stop gender-based violence, we have continued to conduct countrywide public awareness and sensitisation campaigns,” Hichilema said.

He also disclosed that government provided counselling and legal support to 7,819 victims of gender-based violence, comprising 5,056 females and 2,763 males.

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Metro

‘Rights must go with responsibilities,’ traditional leader cautions on use of social media

Published

13 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Mansa, Luapula Province: Annette Katema, the Head Woman of Chitumbi Village in Mansa District, voices concerns about the detrimental effects of irresponsible social media usage.

In a recent interview with Zambia Monitor, Katema argued that social media platforms were contributing to delinquency among the youth, particularly platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Children are being exposed to inappropriate content on WhatsApp, which is harmful to their upbringing. Social media platforms are fostering moral decay,” remarked Head Woman Chitumbi.

She stated that this trend undermined the cultural values that were essential for societal cohesion.

Katema expressed reservations about the prevalence of nudity and offensive language on social media, calling for stricter moderation.

She advocated for proactive measures to steer young people away from harmful online content, suggesting the revitalization of traditional recreational activities like playhouses and sports.

“Instead of solely relying on punitive measures, let’s invest in creating positive alternatives to counter the allure of social media,” Katema proposed.

She urged the youth to uphold traditional values alongside their digital rights, stating the importance of responsible behavior online.

“We should not lose respect in the name of digital rights because rights should go with responsibilities,” the traditional leader said.

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

Metro

President Tinubu finally returns to Nigeria amid speculations over his absence

Published

17 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

After spending the last two weeks out of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has finally returned to the country.

Tinubu, who returned to Nigeria on Wednesday morning, had departed the country two weeks ago, on April 23, for The Netherlands for a three-day official visit, honouring an invitation from the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.

While in the European country, Tinubu participated in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum, which brought together heads of conglomerates and organisations in both countries.

After his engagements in The Netherlands, Tinubu, according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, proceeded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend a World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development which held between April 28–29.

However, after the summit, the president did not return to the country as he was said to have proceeded to London for a private visit which gave room to speculations over his health.

The Nigerian Presidency did not also help matters as there was no official statement on the President’s engagements, nor were they willing to douse the tension created by his absence, leading to Nigerians raising posers with the hashtag #WhereisTinubu.

In a tweet on Tuesday evening, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had revealed that Tinubu would be back in the country on Wednesday.

“President Bola Tinubu, along with his aides, will return to Nigeria tomorrow from Europe,” he had written.

The recent foreign trip was Tinubu’s 20th since assuming office on May 29, 2023, effectively logging 96 days abroad, which has made him one of Africa’s most globe-trotting leaders.

In his less than one year in office, President Tinubu has visited Paris, France (thrice); London, the United Kingdom (twice); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic, New Delhi, India.

He has also taken a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (twice); Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal; Doha, Qatar; and The Hague, The Netherlands.