This afternoon the Prime Minister spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria [Wednesday 31 July 2024]. 

The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his recent election victory, and the Prime Minister commended the President as Nigeria marks twenty-five years of unbroken democracy. 

The Prime Minister reflected on the important relationship between the UK and Nigeria, grounded in cooperation on trade and security as Commonwealth partners, with long-standing ties between our people.

The leaders welcomed this moment as an opportunity to reset and strengthen this relationship, working closely together to drive economic growth and prosperity between our countries, including through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, welcomes the adoption yesterday of the Affirmative Action Bill by the Parliament of Ghana.

“The adoption of the of the Affirmative Action Bill is a major achievement. It demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to achieving gender equality in both the public and private sector in the exercise of power and decision-making, which will contribute to consolidating social justice and development in the country,” said Mr. Simão.

The Special Representative encourages all stakeholders to continue working towards the implementation of the adopted Bill for strengthening inclusive democracy in Ghana.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation affirming the institutional and operational independence of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and empowering IPID to investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers whether they were off duty or not.

The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.

The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters.

The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight.

The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the Executive Director of IPID and broadens the Executive Director’s responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters.

The Amendment Act provides for pre-employment security screening investigations to be conducted by the directorate.

The law now empowers IPID to investigate any deaths caused by the actions of a member of the South African Police Service or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.

IPID is enabled to investigate rape by a member of the SAPS or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.

The law also provides for a savings provision in the conditions of service of existing IPID investigators and provincial heads.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

3 players with BAL (https://BAL.NBA.com/) experience are currently featured on the South Sudan national team roster at the  Paris 2024 Olympic Games in.

Nuni Omot, Khaman Maluach, and Majok Deng are representing South Sudan at the Olympics.

Nuni Omot: Former BAL Champion and 2023 MVP

Nuni Omot has been a standout player, leading his team to victory in the 2023 BAL season and earning the MVP title with Al Ahly (Egypt).

Khaman Maluach: NBA Academy Alumni and 2023 BAL Runner-Up

Alumnus of the NBA Academy Africa (from 2018 to 2023), Maluach recently signed with Duke University, a testament to his exceptional talent and potential.  He was 2023 BAL Runner-up with AS Douanes (Senegal).  Maluach is also a top prospect for the 2025 NBA draft.

Majok Deng: 2024 BAL Runner-up

Deng’s impressive performance in the 2024 BAL season secured him the vice champion title, solidifying his reputation as one of South Sudan’s top basketball talents.

The team built and led by Luol Deng, two-time NBA All-Star, BAL Ambassador and President of South Sudan Basketball Federation, is participating at the Olympics for the first time. It’s a milestone that highlights the nation’s growing presence in global sports and the impact of the work done by the NBA and the FIBA to grow the game of basketball on the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).