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Gentle Dental Care Group is a reputable dental practice based in Croydon, United Kingdom, that provides comprehensive dental care to patients from various nearby areas. The practice is conveniently located for patients from Keston, West Wickham, Bickley, Purley, Hayes, New Addington, Bromley, Orpington, Sutton, and other surrounding areas. Patients who visit Gentle Dental Care …
PRASA whistleblower Martha Ngoye stands firm under cross examination
Wallace Pescarini, President for Offshore Atlantic at global technology company, SLB, will speak at the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) Invest in African Energy Forum, to be held at the Westin Paris Vendome on 1 June. As the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris aims to explore investment opportunities in technology and infrastructure across Africa's energy sector, the inclusion of Pescarini as a speaker will be instrumental for expanding dialogue and ushering in new deals.
Playing a pivotal role as the President for Offshore Atlantic at SLB (previously Schlumberger) since 2020, Pescarini's key responsibilities include shaping SLB's strategy, overseeing business performance, and driving ESG projects across offshore markets across the globe. With this extensive experience in the energy industry, Pescarini's presence at the Forum signals the recognition and importance of Africa as a key player in the global energy landscape.
With an impressive career spanning over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, Pescarini has garnered extensive experience in both management and engineering roles across multiple regions. His work has taken him to Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, giving him a global perspective on the sector. This breadth of exposure enables him to bring a unique vision and leadership skills to his current position, where he, under SLB, strives to expedite the transformation of the energy industry into a competitive and sustainable energy sector.
Pescarini began his professional journey in 1997 at SLB in offshore, deepwater Brazil. Through various roles and extensive experience, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector. With a master's degree in business management from Erasmus University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering from UNIFEI in Brazil, Pescarini combines practical expertise with academic knowledge, making him well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the industry.
Pescarini's presence at the Forum gives him an opportunity to leverage his expertise and industry knowledge to advocate for the development of the African energy sector. His global vision and leadership skills will be instrumental for highlighting the challenges and opportunities specific to the region. By sharing his insights and experiences, he can help shape the narrative around investing in African energy, emphasizing its feasibility, profitability, and positive impact on the continent's economic growth and social development.
What's more, SLB's endeavors in Africa's energy sector epitomize a comprehensive spectrum of services, solutions, and initiatives. Through the provision of cutting-edge technologies, digital innovations, expert project management, and an unwavering dedication to sustainability, the company assumes a profound role in bolstering the expansion, efficiency, and conscientious advancement of Africa's valuable energy resources.
In 2023, SLB took the initiative to open its cutting-edge regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, specifically designed to cater to the unique requirements of the West African region. This milestone reflects SLB's proactive commitment to enhance the employee experience and cultivate a sustainable business environment that actively benefits all stakeholders. By establishing such an environment, SLB aims to foster the growth and prosperity of investments in Africa's thriving energy sector, further solidifying the company's steadfast dedication to contributing to the region's development.
During this significant move, Pescarini emphasized the invaluable role played by stakeholders in enabling SLB to fulfill its mission of pioneering groundbreaking technology that expands access to energy for the benefit of all. Looking ahead to the future and the ever-evolving energy landscape, he demonstrated SLB's unwavering dedication to deliver exceptional value to customers and key stakeholders in Nigeria. At the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, Pescarini will have the opportunity to attract more stakeholders to invest in the company's cutting-edge technology and innovations aimed at accelerating Africa's energy sector.
"In attending the Forum, Wallace Pescarini, representing SLB, sends a resounding message about Africa's potential as a hub for sustainable and lucrative investments. The presence of SLB, alongside Pescarini's unwavering dedication to expedite the energy industry's transformation, perfectly aligns with our collective objectives of fostering economic growth, job creation, and responsible energy development across the continent," states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, "Through collaborative efforts, we can unlock Africa's vast energy potential and forge a path toward a prosperous and sustainable future.”
Pescarini's attendance at the Forum will be key for facilitating partnerships and collaborations with other industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders. By engaging in discussions, networking, and sharing best practices, he is expected to solifidy mutually beneficial relationships. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions, increased investment flows, and the establishment of sustainable energy projects in Africa.
Taking place on June 1, 2023, the Invest in African Energy Forum (https://apo-opa.info/3KQXc64) in Paris is open to all guests and RSVP is essential. RSVP to registration@aecweek.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The Information Regulator has invited all public and private bodies to submit their Annual Reports for the 2022-2023 financial year on access to information requests received and processed by 30 June 2023.
Croydon, United Kingdom, is home to many dental practices that offer a variety of treatments and procedures to help patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles. Some of the most popular treatments include gum treatment, invisible braces, orthodontics, root canal therapy, teeth whitening, veneers, and white fillings. Gum treatment is a procedure that is used …
The fifth batch (eighth flight) of 132 stranded Nigerian citizens evacuated by the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the on-going evacuation from the internal conflict in Sudan arrived Nnamdi Arzikiwe International Airport today at 9:15am. They comprised of men, women and children, including infants. Of a particular note among them is a 3 weeks old baby.
They were airlifted via Tarco Aviation from Port Sudan and were received at Hajj Terminal of the Abuja Airport on behalf of the Federal Government by a team of senior Civil Servants led by the Director Special Duties NEMA Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele. Also present were the Head of Consular and Migration Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, NCFRMI, NiDCOM, NAPTIP
After clearance by the Nigerian Immigration Service, the returnees were served with meals and given tokens to assist them travel to their various locations. A philanthropic organization, Dangote Foundation distributed to the returned token worth N100,000 for cashing at bank and dignity kits for each of them. Furthermore, telecom giant, MTN gifted each of them with sim cards with N25,000 worth airtime and 2GB data.
Also today at the reception, the returnees sang the Nigerian National Anthem as they were excited over the Federal Government's concerns and successful airlifting of them back home to safety in dignity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria.
When it comes to maintaining good oral health, it’s important to have access to a range of dental services. In Croydon, United Kingdom, there are many options for dental care, including dental bridges, children’s dentistry, dental crowns, same-day crowns, dental hygiene, dental implants, dentures, and emergency dentistry. Dental bridges are a common solution for …
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says 21 villages in Mpumalanga and Limpopo are set to benefit from the Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply Project.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, led a mission of UN humanitarian agencies facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and border authorities to the Qustul border crossing on 8 May to meet those who had just crossed into Egypt after fleeing Sudan, discuss the needs and how best to support them in collaboration with the Egyptian authorities and local partners.
The joint delegation included UNHCR Egypt Representative, Dr. Hanan Hamdan, accompanied by Ambassador Neveen El Hosseiny, Deputy Assistant Minister for Migration, Refugees and Combatting Human Trafficking at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative, Dr. Naeema Al Gasser, WHO Representative, Mr. Praveen Agrawal, WFP Representative, Mr. Sylvain Merlen, UNDP Deputy Representative and Mr. Bernard El Douahi, Programme Manager at IOM Egypt, among others.
The delegation met with border officials and Sudanese officials on the Sudanese side of the border to discuss the needs there and how best to address them.
UNHCR is leading an interagency response with the UN Resident Coordinator and sister UN agencies in collaboration with the Egyptian Government to respond to the growing needs of people fleeing Sudan and crossing into Egypt needing international protection. At the border, UN Agencies have been supporting the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent through provide life-saving assistance and core relief aid, distributed by the Egyptian Red Crescent to new arrivals, including water, hygiene and sanitary kits, latrines, wheelchairs, food and medical assistance.
In parallel to visiting the borders, and meeting with refugees there, UNHCR has also been meeting with refugees and community leaders in urban areas in Cairo and Aswan, counselling new arrivals and trying to assess their needs and concerns to inform the joint response plan UNHCR is leading on with sister UN agencies.
According to numbers UNHCR received from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 70,000 have crossed into Egypt including 65,104 Sudanese and 4,876 third-country nationals during the period 15 April - 7 May. To date, more than 1,400 individuals fleeing Sudan approached UNHCR and UNHCR is providing them with expedited registration and pre-registration services based on their vulnerability profiles so that they can access services available to refugees and asylum-seekers made available through UNHCR and its partners in Egypt.
Following registration, refugees and asylum-seekers receive support delivered through our implementing partners. Through the partners, UNHCR Egypt supports refugees and asylum seekers to meet their basic needs and have access to health and education services. Services provided by UNHCR, and its partners cover health, education, multi-purpose cash assistance to the most vulnerable, psychosocial support, protection and child protection services, among others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
A mammogram is an essential screening tool that helps detect breast cancer early. Although the vast majority of mammograms are negative, some women may receive a positive result, which can be a cause for concern. But what does it mean if your mammogram is positive, and what happens next? In this blog post, we’ll explore …
Amid increasing urgency to combat climate change, the 2022 United Nations Climate Conference brought together business leaders to discuss how corporations can take action to mitigate climate risks and the need for greater access to capital to finance the green transition globally
All roads lead to Durban this week, as the 2023 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) -- the continent’s premier tourism trade show -- gets underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly; Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, Dr. Assem El-Gazzar; Governor of Cairo, Major General Khaled Abdel Aal; Presidential Advisor for Urban Planning, Major General Amir Sayed Ahmed; and Chairman of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, Major General Ahmed Al-Azazy.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, stated that the meeting followed-up on projects underway to develop the historical areas of Cairo, including the area around Qal 'at Salah al-Din al-Ayoubi (Citadel of Cairo), as part of the state's plan to restore the cultural face of Cairo and its ancient historical splendor.
President El-Sisi stressed the need to give due interest to the preservation of archaeological sites and facilities of historical value, so as to highlight the unique characteristics and inherent architectural spirit of the region. The President also emphasized the importance of increasing green spaces to become outlets for the area's inhabitants and visitors. He noted that this should be implemented in an integrated manner, consistent with work underway to develop neighboring communities, with the aim of improving the quality of life in Cairo along various developmental dimensions, whether urban, cultural or touristic.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, The Arab Republic of Egypt.
Springbok Sevens captain Siviwe Soyizwapi said the fact that he will run out in his 50th HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Toulouse on Friday is a special personal milestone, but his job for the Blitzboks between the four lines will come first. South Africa face the hosts in their opening Pool C clash …
Kenya values the cordial relations it enjoys with the Netherlands.
President William Ruto said this on Monday when held talks with Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands.
The two leaders committed to strengthening ties between the two countries for the mutual prosperity of their citizens.
This includes enhancing trade in horticultural, livestock, tea, and coffee, fruits, vegetables, fish and tobacco.
President Ruto and King Alexander discussed the climate change challenge, Kenya's agenda for green growth and wildlife conservation.
The Netherlands will continue supporting Kenya in the development of Arid and semi-arid lands, rural domestic water supply and sanitation, health, infrastructure development and agricultural research.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.
The community of KwaXimba, under eThekwini Municipality, will finally get reprieve from their water woes and have access to potable water closer to their homes and business establishments.
The word of the day is likely “digestion” as investors continue to reflect on the October CPI report and also prepare for the next phase of corporate earnings that focuses on retailers.
Ifrah is a 28-year-old widow and mother of five children who recently fled from her home in the Bulobarde town of Hiran region in Somalia due to the ongoing armed conflict and worsening drought that left her family on the brink of starvation. With no belongings to her name and only her five children to care for, Ifrah found herself seeking refuge at the Doomey camp for internally displaced persons in Beletweyn town.
Somalia has been in the grips of a protracted conflict and drought crisis that has left millions of people displaced and struggling to survive. Women and families have been hit particularly hard, often forced to migrate. Embarking on the grueling trek, with little water or food, often walking for days to reach camps in the hope of finding food and shelter.
Ifrah soon realized that life at the camp was also not easy. The lack of basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, coupled with the shame and embarrassment of not having proper clothes and hygiene supplies, made her situation even worse. She struggled to maintain her dignity during her menstrual cycle, using old pieces of clothing she found on the ground to hide her shame.
Limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter further exposes families to disease and malnutrition. The challenges faced by these families, especially women, are endless, from finding safe and secure places to live, finding food and medical support, and struggling to maintain their dignity during menstruation. In the midst of such a crisis, UNFPA partner organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those most in need, especially women and girls.
When the one of the outreach teams identified Ifrah as a high-priority refugee needing immediate support, she was relieved to receive some pieces of clean clothes for herself and her two daughters, along with a dignity and hygiene kit containing essential supplies for her menstrual health. For Ifrah, these items meant more than just physical comfort and hygiene; they restored her dignity and gave her hope for a better future.
"When I arrived here, I had nothing and no money to buy any basic supplies for myself or children and only wash my clothes at night while I stayed naked as I have no clothes to change the dirty ones. The SBACO team helped me get some extra clothes and this very important kit to hide my shame," Ifrah said.
Two of Ifrah's children needed immediate medical attention – upon receiving support from the mobile outreach team, and free medication; they are now feeling better.
The relief that came from these basic interventions cannot be overstated for Ifrah and many other women like her, who struggle to provide for her family amidst the harsh conditions. Despite the challenges she has faced, Ifrah remains resilient and hopeful for the future, she attributes this hope to the support of organizations like the UNFPA and its partners. She felt that there is still a chance to rebuild her life and provide a better future for her children, if she could get similar support even in the future.
Ifrah's story is one of survival, dignity, and hope in the face of adversity, and it serves as a reminder of the significance of how even the most simplest of support can be the beginning of restoring hope and health, for those who need it the most.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNFPA Somalia.
About 300 students joined Makhanda residents and civic movements in a march to City Hall to demand an end to the water crisis
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Ms. Suchanan Tambunlertchai, Mission Chief for the Union of the Comoros, visited Moroni during March 8 – 23 and held follow-up virtual meetings and in Washington DC during April 5 – 28, with the authorities to discuss IMF support for Comoros' macro-economic policies and reform plans.
Ms. Tambunlertchai issued the following statement today:
“The IMF team has reached staff-level agreement with the Comorian authorities on a 4-year program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), with requested access of SDR 32.04 million (about US$43 million). This agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Management and Executive Board, with Board consideration expected in the coming weeks.
“This is the first Upper Credit Tranche-quality program for Comoros supported by the IMF since 2013. The program will build on the recently completed Staff-Monitored Program and seek to: (i) support the authorities' fiscal consolidation efforts to create fiscal space for development needs and reduce debt sustainability risks, underpinned by fiscal structural reforms aimed at domestic revenue mobilization; (ii) strengthen the financial sector, including completing the restructuring of the state-owned postal bank SNPSF; and (iii) advance governance reforms to improve public financial management and further reduce corruption vulnerabilities.
“Comoros has been hit by several successive external shocks in recent years, including Cyclone Kenneth in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, and fallout from Russia's war in Ukraine. Economic recovery has been hampered by the lingering impact of high global commodity prices, with inflation reaching 20.6 percent and annual growth estimated at 2.6 percent in 2022. Fiscal revenues fell by 0.5 percent of GDP with external grants declining by 2.3 percent of GDP, significantly tightening financing constraints. Although considerable uncertainty remains in the global outlook, the economic recovery is expected to continue, with growth accelerating to 3 percent and average inflation declining to 10.3 percent this year.
“The government's fiscal policy is centered on a gradual medium-term fiscal consolation plan, underpinned by revenue administration, tax policy, and public financial management reforms. This strategy calls for enhanced coordination within the Ministry of Finance, and across public agencies including to mitigate fiscal risks stemming from state-owned enterprises. These reform efforts are critical to create fiscal space for much-needed investment in social development, including health and education, and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal and debt sustainability to reduce economic fragility.
“The ECF will support the authorities' effort to wind down the SNPSF and operationalize the new Banque Postale des Comores based on a business plan that will limit fiscal contingent liabilities risk. Measures to enhance the Central Bank's banking supervision and resolution capacities will ensure financial stability and a sound financial system that can promote growth and reduce poverty through greater financial inclusion.
“Continued efforts to strengthen governance and reduce corruption vulnerabilities, including the adoption of the revised anti-corruption law, will be key to improve the overall business climate.
“The IMF staff team met with H.E. President Azali Assoumani; H.E. Mzé Abdou Mohamed Chanfiou, Minister of Finance; Mr. Younoussa Imani, Governor of the Central Bank of Comoros; Mr. Fouady Goulame, Commissioner of Planning; Mr. Oubeidi Mzé Chei, Counsel to the Minister of Finance; and other officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, the National Institute of Statistics, the Social Safety Net Project, and the Pension Fund. The team also met with representatives of key state-owned enterprises, the Chamber of Commerce, and key bilateral and international partners.
“The team would like to thank the authorities for their hospitality and cooperation, and open and constructive discussions.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed her devastation at the death of a worker in an accident at the Msikaba Bridge in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape on Friday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, attend the SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention Brigade Troop Contributing Countries taking place in Windhoek, Namibia, on Monday, 08 May 2023.
The Extraordinary Summit Plus is expected to receive an update on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and consider a report of the SADC Field Assessment Mission to Eastern DRC on the deployment of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) - Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
The Summit will also discuss a SADC common position to guide the region's engagement at the envisaged Tripartite Summit on the coordination of interventions and multiple deployments in the Eastern DRC.
The Extraordinary Troika Summit Plus follows the January 2023 Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit held in Namibia which considered the security situation in the SADC region.
The insecurity in the Eastern DRC has been receiving sharp focus of the SADC, the African Union, and other regional mechanisms.
The outcomes of the Summit are expected to contribute to continental efforts aimed at finding a coordinated and lasting solution to the insecurity in the eastern DRC. South Africa is among the Troop Contributing Countries to the FIB which is deployed under MONUSCO.
The Summit will be preceded by the meetings of the Senior Officials and Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika Plus, respectively.
The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise; Minister in The Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Create lasting memories with your mother on Mother’s Day, at the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay. The market has everything you could possibly want to spoil her, from one-of-a-kind goodies to a wide range of lovely, personalised gifts. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and cherish this special day as a family. Find something …
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has assured social grant beneficiaries with gold cards that they can still receive their grants without any disruptions until the end of the year.
