Diaspora Communications Incorporated

29/01/2025

Celebrating my 5th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

07/07/2021

21 Persons Arrested In Margibi For Not Adhering To Government Regulations

By: Moses M. Tokpah
Email: [email protected]
Contact: +231777130958/+231886476114

Margibi-Liberia: As part of effort in curbing the spread of COVID-19, the Joint Security in Margibi County has apprehended 21 persons for their alleged refusal to follow government regulations.

The Margibi Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sylvester Hina on a local talk show "Day Break Margibi" on Radio Margibi said the arrest was done during a vigorous enforcement exercise on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.

Additionally, Commissioner Hina said the arrest is part of the enforcement of government's mandate of compulsory wearing of nose masks, social distancing and hand washing.

According to him, the 21 persons were arrested in the main streets of Kakata for not wearing nose masks.

He disclosed that the 21 violators have been processed and sent to Court for prosecution.

Commissioner Hina warned the public to follow the measures or risk being arrested, processed and sent to Court.

He at the same time revealed that the Joint Security will today begin touring the various communities in insuring that citizens adhere to the measures.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police averred that the Joint Security will soon erect checkpoints at strategic areas aimed at insureing that drivers and motorcycle riders follow the measures.

He however stated that the Joint Security has earlier met with Representatives of the different sectors including Motorcycle Unions and Business Centers amongst others informing them about its enforcement plan.

In a related development, Commissioner Hina has decried the lack of mobility to enable the team effectively carry out the enforcement process.

He said the only vehicle that was being used by the Liberia National Police is down thus hampering its operation.

He called on well-meaning Liberians to come to the aid of the Joint Security.

05/07/2021

26/06/2021

Boost for Digital Transformation in Africa as Huawei Pens Deal with African Telecommunications Union

By: Moses M. Tokpah
[email protected]
+231777130958/+231886476114

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) on Friday, June 24, 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with tech giant Huawei that will see African countries and organizations build capacity for ICT transformation.

A press release from Kenya revealed that under the agreement, Huawei will provide training on skills development, including reskilling and upskilling for ATU members.

The MoU according to the release, will also see the two organizations collaborate to support local innovation, share information on latest trends, challenges and solutions in Africa and globally, and expand the digital economy as well as rural connectivity in the continent, through furthering research.

A 2019 report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on digital economies established that Africa and Latin America together account for less than 5 percent of the world’s data centers. If left unaddressed, the report concluded, divides will worsen existing income inequalities. This, coupled with the fact that in least developed countries (LDCs), only one in five people use the Internet as compared with four out of five in developed countries, is part of the motivation for the Huawei-ATU partnership.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held in Nairobi-Kenya at the ATU headquarters, Mr. John OMO, Secretary-General of the ATU, praised Huawei for their contribution to Africa: “Huawei has transformed connectivity and made a major contribution to the continent through its investments in digital infrastructure, ICT skills, environmentally-friendly connectivity solutions, and cutting-edge technologies for rural areas. The organization is a trusted development partner of Africa. The document we are signing today aims at strengthening this partnership.” He added: “Africa has a tremendous opportunity to fully grasp the potential from new technologies”.

The two organizations have a long history of working together and this new agreement will support African countries, regulators, and citizens benefit from the transition to a digital economy, adopt new technologies, promote secure and resilient networks, and gain the digital skills necessary to drive their economies forward.

Samuel Chen, Vice President at Huawei Southern Africa region thanked the ATU for leadership and promotion of ICTs in Africa: “The ATU is playing a critical role in the region supporting member countries with their policies and strategies, sharing best practices, building capacity and driving innovation and we are delighted to be able to support them”. He noted: “We have connected hundreds of millions of Africans to secure, high-speed broadband and cloud solutions in the last two decades and earned the trust and support of our customers and regulators; we look forward to doing even more”.

According to the MoU, the partners will also start offering cutting-edge trainings to ATU members, access to global experts to discuss the latest technologies and trends, and collaboration on research to help progress the continent’s digitization.

15/06/2021

ICT Innovators In Africa To Benefit from Competition Launched By The African Telecommunications Union

By: Moses M. Tokpah
[email protected]
+231777130958/+231886476114

ICT Innovators in Africa are expected to benefit from a compitition or Innovation Challenge.

According to a release sent to the email of the Diaspora Communications Incorporated on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, the second edition of the ATU Africa Innovation Challenge was today launched by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).

The release said ATU made the announcement in Nairobi-Kenya, in a virtual ceremony hosted with competition partner-the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Announcingg the initiative, the Secretary-General of the ATU, Mr John OMO said: “This initiative will be instrumental in supporting institutional solutions that will boost innovation in Africa and address some of the challenges facing the African community.”

The ATU Africa Innovation Challenge is a programme that seeks to provide both short and long-term solutions and opportunities to the African Youth.

This year’s competition, themed, “Best ecosystem practices in Africa enabling youth ICT innovation,” will run from 15th June to 28th September 2021.

The competition, sponsored by Huawei Technologies Limited (title sponsor) and Intel Corporation, is open to all ecosystem stakeholders such as regulatory authorities, entrepreneurial support organizations, incubators, accelerators, or institutions such as colleges or universities from Africa.

The release is quoted as saying the African organizations and institutions that have created an enabling environment for youth ICT innovations to thrive are eligible to participate.

It says the winning entity will be awarded USD$10, 000 aside from their practice gaining recognition as the best ecosystem practice in Africa enabling youth ICT innovation.
“I want to thank our sponsors especially the headline sponsor Huawei for once again demonstrating their commitment to promote innovation and the wider ecosystem in Africa,” said John OMO.

Honourable Dr. Peya MUSHELENGA, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia who was the chief guest for the event, applauded the two organizations for the initiative and acknowledged the significance of public-private partnerships in promoting development.

“The collaboration between ATU, Huawei, and other partners is a tool delivered to our hands. Let us use it to generate sustained economic growth in Africa,” he said.

“ITU is proud and pleased to partner with ATU for this particular Challenge as it aligns with our vision for inclusion of youth in digital transformation.

Youth innovators are centrally placed to ensure sustainability of innovation in Africa, and they need an enabling environment that fosters and nurtures innovation for them to thrive,” said Mr. Stephen BEREAUX from ITU, a specialized United Nations agency responsible for all matters related to information and communication technologies.

The release indicates that the inaugural ATU Africa Innovation Challenge that took place in 2020 recognized and awarded 11 finalists across Africa who had developed mobile applications helpful in benefiting Africa’s fight against COVID-19 and its effects.

It narrates that Egypt’s Mai Nagy topped the competition, followed by Mr. Abdinoor Yerrow from Kenya and Ms. Bequerelle Matemtsap Mbou from Cameroon. Other countries that made it to the top 11 according to the release were Zimbabwe, Senegal, Lesotho, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin, and Tanzania.

Reflecting on the first Innovation Challenge and the anticipated benefits of the second innovation Challenge, the title sponsor for the Challenge for two years in a row, Mr Samuel Chen, Vice President for Huawei Southern Africa Region highlighted the strong partnership with ATU and noted that: “Huawei is committed to developing innovations that bring the benefits of technology to all alongside supporting and enabling innovation and digital ecosystem development in Africa by Africans through training and partnerships alongside infrastructure and digital services.”

The release explains that participants will be required to submit (via the ATU website, www.atuuat.africa) a unique practice that has created an enabling environment for youth ICT innovation to thrive together with success stories of two innovators that are beneficiaries of the practice.

"The practice must be an original idea/concept developed by the ecosystem stakeholder and must have been successfully implemented (and running) for a minimum of one year. It can be in the form of a policy, an initiative, or a programme" it recounts.

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) was founded in 1977 as a specialized agency of the Organization of African Unity, now African Union, in the field of telecommunications with Member States as its membership.

ATU took its present name in 1999 via a transformation which in part saw the incorporation of the private sector into its membership as associate members.

ATU provides a forum for stakeholders involved in ICT to formulate effective policies and strategies aimed at improving access to information infrastructure and services.

In addition, the Union represents the interests of its members at global decision-making conferences and promotes initiatives aimed at integrating regional markets, attracting investment into ICT infrastructure, and building institutional and human capacity. The mission of the Union is to accelerate the development of the telecommunications/ICTs in Africa in order to achieve digital economies.

The Union envisions an Africa that is empowered as an inclusive information society with strong digital economies for sustainable social, economic and environmental development in Africa.

ATU currently has 48 Member States drawn from Governments and 54 Associate Members from within and outside the African region.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs.

Founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks, ITU allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strives to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.
Every time you make a phone call via the mobile, access the Internet or send an email, you are benefitting from the work of ITU.

ITU is committed to connecting all the world's people – wherever they live and whatever their means.

07/06/2021

LIDRO Hosts Fundraising Event To Complete Modern Latrine Project In Liberia

By: Moses M. Tokpah
[email protected]
+231777130958/886476114

The Life Development Relief Organization (LIDRO) is expected to host a two day fundraising event in the United States of America.

The event according to the funder of the Organization, Rebecca Bestman-Harris is intended to enable LIDRO complete the 12 rooms latrine it embarked on in Lower Margibi County, Liberia in July of 2020.

Madam Harris said the event will be held on Friday June 11th and 12th, 2021 respectively in the State of Philadelphia, PA.

"We're back asking for your help to enable us complete this latrine project. Your support is greatly appreciated, please join us this Friday June 11th and Saturday June 12th for a wealthy fundraising event" she indicated.

Additionally, Madam Harris said LIDRO is targeting US$7000.00 noting, 'we're excepting donations through the following: Cashapp @ $rharris41, zelle account by using Life Development Relief Organization, PayPal, and mailing checks or money orders to: 701 Commerce Street Darby PA 19023'.

The LIDRO'S Boss said due to the rising numbers of sicknesses caused by several factors with environmental pollution being the most cause for many complications, such as, Malaria, Diarrhea, lower respiratory infection in children, etc. in Lower Margibi, Liberia, LIDRO and it's partners have decided to carry on several projects to the affected area in Lower Margibi to help mitigate the level of sicknesses and pollutions.

"You can make your mark on this project to help hundreds of people in the affected area, with any level of contribution and you will be recognize by LIDRO and its partners. You can choose to be anonymous donor if you want" she pleaded.

Meanwhile, Madam Harris said the aim of the project is to reduce the mortality rate caused by fecal-oral transmission of diseases, which is especially high in children under 5 years old

The latrine project she noted, when completed will be divided between the community and the school as they are meant to improve sanitation in the community in order to prevent the spread of various diseases.

She then said any support for the project is greatly appreciated.

25/05/2021

MCHT Ends Media Engagement Forum In Margibi Ahead Of Mosquito Nets Distribution

By: Moses M. Tokpah
[email protected]
+231777130958

Margibi County Health Team (MCHT) has ended a one day media engagement forum with media practitioners in the County ahead of its County-wide mosquito nets distribution.

The one day forum which took place at C.H. Rennie Compound over the weekend brought together Journalists from across the County representing their respective media institutions including print, electronic and online.

The County malaria focal person of the Margibi County Health Team, Mr. D. Habakkuk Kollie during the occasion said the objective of the forum is for the media to assist and support the team as it goes through the process.

Mr. Kollie who described the media as one of the key houses that disseminate information, further stated that the Health Team wants the media to continue to remind the population about the campaign and the action they need to take to benefit from the distribution.

"We want to make sure that every household in the County is registered ahead of the distribution" he indicated.

Mr. Kollie said another reason for the forum is for the media to encourage the public to use the net for the intended purpose when they (nets) are issued instead of using it for fishing and bathing purposes among others.

He explained that one of the issues that the Country has been faced with is the improper use of the net.

The MCHT malaria focal person asserted that malaria is endamic in Liberia as 4.9m people in the Country are affected with it.

"So like I said again, malaria is endemic, we know everybody here one way or the other had come down with malaria and then had received some level of treatment.

But this time around we are not looking at treatment, we are looking at how well we can prevent malaria in the population and one of the best ways to prevent malaria is through the usage of the mosquito net." he narrated.

He said the team will do follow-up as to the rational usage of the nets that will be distributed.

He at the same time informed the media that the Health Team embarked on household registration and issuance of vouchers (tickets) in Margibi since May 15, 2021 and is expected to end on May 25, 2021.

Mr. Kollie said the vuchors issued to the head of every household will be taken to the distribution sites at which time nets will be issued to the bearers of those vouchers adding, 'no voucher, no net'.

According to him, the Health Team does not want any household to be left out of the process.

He then revealed that every voucher has a stipulated distribution date on it noting that distribution starts from June 9th to June 19, 2021.

D. Habakkuk Kollie encouraged every citizen to take advantage of the process to prevent themselve from getting malaria.

Meanwhile, media practitioners who attended the forum thanked the County Health Team for the iniative and at the same time committed themselves to disseminating the needed information on their various radio programs.

19/05/2021

US Embassy Condemns The Election Of "Notorious Warlord" Prince Y. Johnson As Chair on Defense and Intelligence

By: Moses M. Tokpah
[email protected]
+231777130958/886476114
Reference: US Embassy Website

The U.S. Embassy accredited near Monrovia has strongly condemned the election of "notorious warlord" Prince Y. Johnson as Chair of the Liberian Senate Committee on Defense and Intelligence.

The US Embassy in a release posted on its website on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 says Senator Johnson’s gross human rights violations during Liberia’s civil wars are well-documented while his continued efforts to protect himself from accountability, enrich his own coffers and sow division are also well known.

The statement indicates that the Liberian Senate would see fit to elevate Senator Johnson to a leadership role — particularly in the area in which he has done this country the most harm — creates doubts as to the seriousness of the Senate as a steward of Liberia’s defense and security.

"The U.S. government is proud of our longstanding partnership with the Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia which will continue – but we can have no relationship with Senator Johnson" the Embassy expressed in the release.

It continued: "We note as well the continuation of Counselor Varney Sherman, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for corruption involving judicial bribery, as chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petitions" the Embassy expressed in the release".

The Embassy noted that by giving Senators Johnson and Sherman these leadership roles, the Senate is effectively ensuring that corruption and lack of accountability flourish.

Senator Johnson was on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 elected by his colleagues to Chair the Committee on Defense and Intelligence.

18/05/2021

WDC/UMC Honores 86-Year-Old Mother For Dedicated Service

By: Moses M. Tokpah
[email protected]
+231777130958/886476114

The Weala District Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Liberia Annual Conference has bestowed honor upon an eighty-six years old retired Minister (mother) of the Gospel.

Rev. Mother Lango Flomo was honored during the official closing of program and activities marking the first regional Charge Conference of the Todee region Churches of the United Methodist Church held at Melenti Town, Kakata City, Margibi County.

She was certificated, gowned and painted with flowers in recognition of her service to God and the society at large.

The Superintendent of the Weala District Conference of the Church, Rev. J. Methuselah Sackie making remarks during the occasion said the honor was triggered by Mother Flomo's dedicated services to the work of God over the years.

Rev. Sackie stated that the retired Minister had given all her time and resources to the work of God from her youthful days to present.

He revealed that the honoree while serving as a minister of the Gospel used her resources to establish Churches.

"Sometimes when she was assigned to a Church and the Church is undertaking a building project, the Rev., once she has the money when they say we need to do this she will say this is what I have your start the work" he explained.

Rev. Sackie continued: "She's not waiting on people and I see that from the day I got to know her, she's somebody who will not wait, when she want your to do it she will be the first even whether you come there to do it you don't come there to do it once she has the means of doing it she will do it".

According to him, through Mother Lango leadership the John Sackie United Methodist Church was built, but it was taken away by the Concern United Methodist Church after breaking away from the United Methodist Church.

He further noted that thereafter the Rev. moved to C.D. Sherman farm and contributed to the construction of the C.D. Sherman United Methodist Church among others.

He disclosed that the old lady has always attended the different programs called by the District and the Liberia Annual Conference.

The Weala District Superintendent narrated that mother Lango deserves the recognition adding that it will show to others how she has worked for God.

He told the retired Minister that it is God who will reward her for the work she has done and continue to do for him (God).

Rev. Sackie used the occasion to call on members of the Church to emulate the good examples of the mother.

Meanwhile, the honoree has lauded the District Superintendent and the Weala District Conference for the honor bestowed upon her.

Mother Lango indicated that since she joined the Church in 90s where she served as choir before becoming a Minister of the Gospel, this is the first honor she has received from the Church especially the Weala District Conference.

She stated that the honor does not belong to her but God Almighty who chose her and gave her the strength to do his work.

The retired Rev. Mother vowed to continue working for God until she leaves the face of this Earth.