Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 from Cameroon. Winners 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 very excited to announce the winners from Cameroon 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.

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

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

Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Second Position, Multimedia Category

Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Petga Tonga Valgadine, lavoixdukoat.com, Third Position, Online 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 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:

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

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, 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)

French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

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

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy&Development, DRC (First Position)
Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (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)

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First 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 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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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/4ekUimH), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3x3EhB3), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4ccYvaa), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4eld7Gw) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3XjNek4).

African Market Entry Consulting Ltd made significant impact at the recently concluded Gitex Africa 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), showcasing its expertise in helping businesses navigate the complexities of entering the African market. On the second day of the event, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EGO, a pioneering Saudi ride-hailing company, to facilitate its expansion into Nigeria and other African markets.

The MoU was executed during a formal signing ceremony attended by Mr. Naser Aloraini, the Executive Vice President of Ego Information Technology Company (owners of the EGO ride-hailing app), and Mr. Jonathan Ayokunle Bankole, CEO and Lead Consultant at African Market Entry Consulting Ltd. This partnership is set to leverage African Market Entry Consulting Ltd’s extensive knowledge and experience to ensure EGO’s seamless and strategic entry into new markets across the African continent.

Jonathan Ayokunle Bankole expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “We are honoured to partner with EGO in their ambitious expansion plans. Our expertise in market entry strategies will ensure that EGO’s entry into new African markets is successful and sustainable. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

Beyond the significant MoU with EGO, African Market Entry Consulting Ltd actively engaged with passionate founders and innovative startups at Gitex Africa 2024. The event brought together over 200 creative startups from Morocco and various countries across Africa, creating an environment ripe for innovation and collaboration.

The company was involved in numerous conversations with entrepreneurs eager to tap into the African market, offering insights and strategic advice to help them navigate the complexities of doing business in the region. This engagement highlights African Market Entry Consulting Ltd’s role as a pivotal player in fostering growth and development across the continent.

Gitex Africa 2024 also provided unparalleled networking opportunities. With over 30,000 visitors and more than 350 VCs and investors present, the event revealed so many highlights. From sparking connections to sealing deals, every corner of Gitex Africa 2024 is a testament to the unstoppable momentum of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Jonathan Ayokunle Bankole added, “Gitex Africa 2024 was an incredible platform for us to connect with innovative minds and potential partners. The diversity and energy at Gitex Africa 2024 were truly inspiring, and we are excited to be a part of this dynamic ecosystem, helping businesses unlock their full potential in Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

ISDE Law Business School, a prestigious educational institution regarded as a global leader for its expertise in sports law and business, has proudly announced the availability of scholarships worth $100,000.00, including one full scholarshipfor participants of the upcoming Africa Football Business Summit. This generous scholarship initiative aims to empower individuals passionate about football and its business aspects across Africa. It follows a successful partnership at last year’s event, upon which both ISDE and the Africa Football Business Summit sought to build.

The Africa Football Business Summit 2024, scheduled for the 24th and 25th of October in Nairobi, is a prominent event organised by The Football Foundation for Africa (FFA) that brings together key stakeholders, industry experts, and decision-makers from the African football industry. It is a platform for discussions, knowledge sharing, and business collaborations to advance African football (enterprise) development.

ISDE Law Business School’s commitment to fostering education and professional growth in sports law and business has led to the establishing these scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded to deserving individuals who demonstrate a strong passion for the football business and possess the potential to make a significant impact in the field.

The $100,000 worth of scholarships will go towards supporting tuition fees for select courses offered by ISDE Law Business School. These courses provide specialised knowledge in sports management, sports marketing, sports finance, and sports law, equipping participants with the necessary skills to navigate the complex landscape of the football industry.

Commenting on the scholarship initiative, Mr Juan José Sánchez Puig, the CEO of ISDE Law Business School, stated, “In a short space of time supporting both the FFA and the Africa Football Business Summit, we have seen just how much impact the relationship between us has made. Already we are receiving applications from potential students from across the continent, which shows how much interest there is around the growth of the sports sector. We are immensely proud to support this project and be a part of the growth of a new generation of sports leaders in Africa.”

On his part, Dev Kumar Parmar, Advisory Board member of The Football Foundation for Africa, expressed his deep gratitude for ISDE’s support, “When the global leader in sports law education partners with you once, it is an honour. When they do so for the third time in a row, it is not only an honour, but also justification of the work being done at the FFA. I am delighted as an advisory board member to attend the ceremony, and am looking forward to being back in Nairobi in October for the Africa Football Business Summit, which this year will also have the ISDE CEO, Juan Jose Sanchez Puig, in attendance.” One student from Kenya is completing her Masters in Sports Management and Legal skills courtesy of this scholarship programme, with four more set to join later this year.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Spain, Nairimas Ole Sein, who attended the ISDE Sports Convention and signing ceremony, expressed sincere appreciation to the ISDE Law Business School for the generous scholarship extended to participants of the Africa Football Business Summit. She commended the collaboration between FFA and ISDE, noting its crucial role in raising awareness and providing opportunities in the football business sector for young people in Kenya and Africa. Additionally, she invited all summit participants to enjoy Kenya’s renowned warm hospitality and its beautiful flora and fauna.

To apply for the scholarships, interested individuals should visit the ISDE Law Business School’s official website and complete the online application form. The application process requires candidates to submit relevant documents, including a resume, academic transcripts, and a personal statement highlighting their aspirations and dedication to the football industry in Africa. Prospective candidates are delegates of the Africa Football Business Summit 2024

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Football Foundation for Africa.

For more information about the Africa Football Business Summit scholarships offered by ISDE Law Business School, please visit https://ISDE.es/en/ or contact Guillermo Romeu at gromeu@isde.es or +34 914 361 796.

About The Football Foundation for Africa: 
The Football Foundation for Africa is a social enterprise that seeks to drive investment in grassroots development in Africa, aiming to improve the quality of opportunities in football and through football on the continent. We also aim to protect the foundations of African football, namely youth, talent and passion, by promoting better governance of the beautiful game at all levels.

FFA is a pivotal partner and facilitator for foreign international sports organisations aiming to undertake projects and initiatives in Africa. As a Partnership Manager for such international sports entities, the FFA is vital in connecting, coordinating, and supporting efforts to promote football and sports-related development across the African continent.

About ISDE Law Business School:
ISDE Law Business School is renowned for being a global leader in sports law and business education. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, ISDE Law Business School offers comprehensive programs, expert faculty, and industry connections that empower students to succeed in the dynamic field of sports law and business. Located in Madrid, Spain, with campuses in Barcelona, New York, and Asturias, ISDE Law Business School is at the forefront of education and practical development within the sports industry worldwide.

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has appointed Chioma Angela Onukogu as the Director of Board Affairs and Proceedings in the Office of the Secretary General and the General Secretariat, effective 16th April 2024.

Onukogu, a Nigerian national, brings over 25 years of expertise in corporate governance and international development cooperation. Her extensive experience includes maintaining the integrity of the Bank’s governance structures, resource mobilization and partnerships, managing country operations portfolios, and organizing high-level events.

Before this appointment, Onukogu was the Chief Board Programme and Quality Control Coordinator and Acting Director, Board Affairs and Proceedings, effectively supporting the Secretary General in ensuring a high-performing General Secretariat.

Previously, Onukogu was a Principal Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Officer, preparing key documents for the Mid-Term Review of ADF-13 and the ADF-14 replenishment, mobilizing trust fund resources, and managing partnerships. She also served as Country Programme Officer for Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe, coordinating the preparation of Country Strategy Papers and monitoring the Bank’s portfolio in these countries.

She holds a master’s degree in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of London, a master’s degree in international law and diplomacy from the University of Lagos, a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law, London, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Lagos.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Onukogu said: “I thank President Adesina for his leadership, and I am grateful to him for the trust and confidence reposed in me by this appointment. I look forward to working under the leadership of the Secretary General in facilitating the decision-making processes of the governance organs of the Bank and forging better working relationships with the shareholders in their joint effort to deliver high-quality operations in support of the vision of an Africa that is prosperous, inclusive, resilient and integrated.”

 Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, said: “Ms. Onukogu is a well-tested hand at the Bank with good and blended work experience, having served in several key Departments across the Bank. Her strong experience in upholding the integrity of institutional and corporate governance structures of the Bank coupled with a strong institutional memory will be very useful in this role.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Olufemi Terry
African Development Bank Group
media@afdb.org