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First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Attends Africell Reception at Times Square Garden in New York
New York, USA Her Excellency First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was a distinguished guest at Africell’s special reception held at Times Square Garden in New York, an event that brought together Sierra Leoneans and friends of Africa from across the diaspora. The evening was marked by cultural displays, networking opportunities, and powerful reflections on identity, unity, and collaboration.
The First Lady praised Africell for its continued efforts to connect Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, describing the event as “a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and connection with Sierra Leoneans and friends of Africa in the diaspora.”
She highlighted that gatherings such as these play an important role in strengthening national identity while fostering meaningful global partnerships. “I am deeply grateful to Africell for creating spaces that not only promote our Sierra Leonean identity but also inspire collaboration that makes us stronger as a people and as a nation,” she added.
A Celebration of Culture and Unity
The Africell reception underscored the importance of cultural preservation and community ties within the African diaspora. Through music, art, and shared experiences, the event reminded participants of the richness of Sierra Leone’s traditions and the need to uphold these values on the global stage.
For the diaspora community, the event was an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, celebrate national pride, and exchange ideas on how Sierra Leoneans abroad can contribute to the country’s growth.
Diaspora as a Force for Development
The First Lady’s participation also highlighted the government’s recognition of the diaspora as an essential partner in nation-building. From remittances to skills transfer, Sierra Leoneans abroad play a critical role in advancing development goals.
Africell, as one of the leading telecommunications companies in Sierra Leone, continues to position itself as more than just a service provider. By hosting events like this, the company is fostering dialogue, investment opportunities, and stronger networks that can translate into tangible benefits for Sierra Leone’s economy and society.
Looking Ahead
As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its global presence, events like Africell’s Times Square Garden reception showcase the powerful role of cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement in shaping a brighter future.
The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to championing causes that unify Sierra Leoneans while encouraging international partnerships that build resilience, prosperity, and hope.
Source Credit:
Compiled from Africell event reports and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s public statements, September 2025.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady Hosts High-Level UNGA Event on Women, Children, Peace, and Security
As First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the First Lady hosted a high-level side event on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The event, themed “Peace and Security Through Her Eyes: Centering Women and Children in Global Peace, Stability, and Sustainable Development,” brought together African First Ladies, development partners, global philanthropists, civil society leaders, and other influential advocates dedicated to advancing the protection and empowerment of women and children.
Distinguished guests included H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, both of whom delivered powerful remarks reaffirming their commitment to promoting women’s rights and girls’ empowerment across Africa and beyond.
As President of OAFLAD, the First Lady emphasized that peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable development, stressing that women and children must remain central to every global agenda. She also expressed gratitude to her husband, President Bio, for his leadership in Sierra Leone’s fight against gender-based violence and his efforts to promote equal opportunities for all citizens.
Source: F.M.B
Wike Family Celebrate Jordan’s Call to the Nigerian Bar
In a recent development, Jordan Wike, son of the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has been officially called to the Nigerian Bar. The Call-to-Bar ceremony took place in Abuja, where Jordan was among the aspiring legal practitioners formally admitted into the profession.
The Minister joined the Body of Benchers’ processional ceremony, accompanied by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, as the family marked this significant achievement.
His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, shared images from the event on social media with words of joy:
“Happy Dad and Mum. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, with their son, Jordan, who is to be called to Bar today.”
9-Year-Old Aiden Wilkins Becomes Youngest Student Ever at Ursinus College
Recently, Aiden Wilkins, a 9-year-old from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, made headlines by becoming the youngest student to enroll at Ursinus College. Though still in high school, Aiden is taking college-level neuroscience courses while attending a local charter school.
Aiden first showed signs of exceptional ability very early: he was reading traffic signs by age two and was later identified as gifted. His biggest academic goal is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon, saying he’s inspired by seeing children his age with neurodisabilities and wanting to make a difference.
College faculty at Ursinus say they are impressed with Aiden’s curiosity topics he’s already diving into include glial cells, neuroplasticity, and even literature like Shakespeare.
New York Gov. Hochul Endorses Zohran Mamdani for Mayor Amid Poll Surge
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially endorsed Zohran Mamdani in his bid for mayor of New York City, giving a boost to his rising campaign. The endorsement, made through a New York Times op-ed and other public statements, follows Mamdani’s strong performance in recent polls, where he holds a sizable lead over his rivals.
✔️ What Hochul Said & Why It Matters
Hochul says her decision came after “frank conversations” with Mamdani, acknowledging that while they don’t agree on every issue, they do align on key priorities: making the city affordable, ensuring safety, and keeping neighborhoods strong and livable.
She emphasized that New York needs a mayor who “will stand up to Donald Trump,” signaling that political resistance to national partisan pressures played a role in her endorsement.
📊 Poll Surge & Political Dynamics
According to recent polls (e.g., Quinnipiac, NYT/Siena College), Mamdani leads his closest rival — former Governor Andrew Cuomo — by roughly 20-22 points among likely voters.
Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams are running in the general election as independents, complicating what’s usually a solid Democratic base. Republicans like Curtis Sliwa are trailing behind.
⚠️ Reactions & Implications
Hochul’s endorsement is seen as a sign of increasing establishment support for Mamdani, who started as a progressive / democratic socialist outsider. It may help unify parts of the Democratic Party that had been hesitant.
However, some Democrats remain unmoved — leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have yet to publicly endorse him.
Critics from the GOP are already using the endorsement in attack ads, characterizing Mamdani’s policies as too far left or risky.
Conclusion
Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani represents a notable shift in New York politics, especially with Mamdani’s lead in polls suggesting he has strong momentum. As the November general election approaches, this move could shape how Democrats rally—or split—around
Fed Expected to Begin Cutting Interest Rates Amid Cooling U.S. Economy
Economic indicators are adding pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates as early as its mid-September meeting. Recent data show a slowdown in the U.S. labor market, including weak job growth and rising unemployment, even as inflation remains elevated. These mixed signals have created what many analysts describe as a “difficult position” for the Fed.
🔍 What the Data Shows
A Reuters poll of over 100 economists expects a 25 basis points cut in September, with at least one more rate cut before the end of the year.
The CME FedWatch Tool, which reflects futures market bets, shows very high odds — over 90% — of a 25-bp cut in September.
Labor market data points to clear softening: job creation has slowed, unemployment has ticked up, and revised employment figures reveal weaker performance than earlier reported.
Inflation remains a concern: core inflation metrics, including the Fed’s preferred PCE measure, are above the 2% target. Some inflation pressures—food, housing, tariffs—are proving sticky.
⚖️ Why This Puts the Fed in a Tough Spot
The Fed has a dual mandate: price stability and maximum employment. With inflation above target but job growth weakening, deciding when and how much to ease becomes tricky. Cut too soon or too much, and inflation could resurge; wait too long, and the labor market could deteriorate further.
🔮 What’s Expected
A 25 basis-point rate cut at the FOMC meeting scheduled for September 16-17, 2025 is now widely expected.
Many economists forecast one to three additional rate cuts by year-end, depending on upcoming inflation reports and further labor market developments.
Do y
South Africa Ruling: Husbands Can Legally Take Wives’ Surnames After Marriage
Johannesburg, South Africa On 11 September 2025, the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that husbands may legally adopt their wives’ surnames, ending a long-standing gender-based restriction under South African law. BusinessTech+3AP News+3News24+3
Key Findings of the Ruling
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The Court declared Section 26(1)(a)-(c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (51 of 1992), as well as Regulation 18(2)(a) of the Regulations on the Registration of Births and Deaths, unconstitutional because they discriminated on the basis of gender. BusinessTech+3Saflii+3SABC News+3
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Under the old law, only women could change their surname by taking their husband’s name. Men were barred from taking their wife’s surname or creating a double-barrelled surname that includes the wife’s name. Saflii+2News24+2
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The Court found this unequal treatment violated Section 9(1) and 9(3) of the South African Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of gender. Saflii+1
What Happens Now
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The ruling does not immediately change all existing legal frameworks. The Court has given Parliament 24 months to amend the law to align with constitutional requirements. During this period, interim remedies apply. BusinessTech+2The Citizen+2
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Pending legislative reform, the Court ordered a “reading-in” remedy. This means that in practice, men can assume their wives’ surnames or combine surnames (e.g., double-barrelled) under the now-invalidated sections while the law is being fixed. News24+2The Citizen+2
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The Home Affairs Department was among the respondents, and the Minister of Home Affairs will be responsible for implementing changes. Saflii+2News24+2
Reactions & Significance
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The decision is widely described as a landmark step for gender equality in South Africa, removing a law rooted in colonial and patriarchal tradition. The Citizen+2IOL+2
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Some have celebrated the ruling as a move toward personal freedom and equality in marriage. Others have expressed concern about cultural tradition, identity, and administrative challenges in changing surnames. AP News+1
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The cost of the legal challenge was ordered to be paid by the Home Affairs Department. The Citizen+1
What to Watch For
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How Parliament will draft amendments to the Births and Deaths Registration Act and what specific changes will be made.
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How the registration systems and administrative processes will adapt (how easy it becomes for people to change surnames, update official documents, etc.).
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Social and cultural response: whether there will be acceptance or resistance, and how communities interpret the impact on family identity and tradition.
Source Credit:
AP News; News24; BusinessTech; SABC News; IOL; Constitutional Court judgment (South Africa) all published September 2025. SABC News+3AP News+3News24+3
Ethiopia Celebrates Enkutatash 2018: Ethiopian New Year Begins Sept 11, 2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Today, Thursday, September 11, 2025, Ethiopians and Eritreans mark the beginning of the year 2018 in the Ethiopian calendar, a celebration known as Enkutatash (in Amharic: እንቁጣጣሽ). Ethiopian Calendar+1
Enkutatash falls on 1 Mäskäräm, the first day of the Ethiopian year, which usually corresponds to September 11 in the Gregorian calendar — except in leap years, when it falls on September 12. Wikipedia+2Ethiopian Calendar+2
The Ethiopian calendar is about 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar, owing to different calculations tied to the Annunciation of Christ. As of today, while many parts of the world observe the year 2025 (Gregorian), Ethiopia is now in the year 2018. Ethiopian Calendar+1
What is Enkutatash and how it is celebrated:
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The name “Enkutatash” means “Gift of Jewels”, which harks back to tradition when the Queen of Sheba returned from her visit to King Solomon, and her subjects celebrated with gifts. Wikipedia+1
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The holiday signals the end of the rainy season and the blossoming of the Meskel flowers (often called Adey Abeba), which color the landscapes in many parts of Ethiopia. Wikipedia+2ethiopianholidays.com+2
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Customs include visiting churches in the morning, families gathering for traditional meals, wearing new clothes, young girls collecting and giving flowers, and exchanging greetings and well wishes. Wikipedia+2ethiopianholidays.com+2
Why this matters:
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Enkutatash is a deeply rooted cultural and religious holiday that unites communities through shared history, faith, and festivities.
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It is a reminder of Ethiopia’s unique calendar system, which continues to be widely used in civil, religious, and social life in the country. Wikipedia
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The holiday is also an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and looking ahead with hope and optimism as the year begins.
Source Credit:
Based on information from Wikipedia Enkutatash / Ethiopian Calendar and EthiopianCalendar.net (2025).
The Africa Report Spotlights Fatima Maada Bio as Trailblazer in Leadership and Gender Equity
The July 2025 edition of The Africa Report shines a spotlight on Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, recognizing her as a trailblazer redefining African leadership through her relentless drive for gender equity and grassroots transformation.
From her acclaimed campaign Hands Off Our Girls to legislative impact, Dr. Bio has driven forward meaningful change in Sierra Leone and beyond. Her advocacy has contributed to the enactment of the landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022, which mandates at least 30% representation for women across government and institutional roles. Simultaneously, she championed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, setting a firm legal foundation to protect girls’ rights. slmissionun.gov.sl
The report also highlights Dr. Bio’s dynamic leadership across African platforms, particularly her presidency of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). Serving since early 2025, she has used this platform to advocate for climate action, peacebuilding, and human security—key priorities in the continental Sustainable Development Goals drive. sierraleonemonitor.comSierraloaded
Her broader impact extends to healthcare and social development, too. As featured in her UN and humanitarian work, she led renovations at Sierra Leone’s Military Hospital into a Centre of Excellence for SGBV survivors and championed women’s healthcare initiatives including vaccination drives and support for underserved communities. UN-Habitatsierraleonemonitor.com
Mawlid al-Nabi 2025: Celebrating the Prophet’s Birth with Unity, Peace, and Reflection
As Muslims worldwide commemorate Mawlid al-Nabi also known as Eid e Milad they reflect on the life and legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), embracing his values of compassion, peace, and service to humanity.
In many communities, the 2025 celebration falls on September 5, marking the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is observed with deep spirituality through prayer gatherings, acts of charity, communal feasts, and sharing messages of faith across families and friends.The Times of IndiaIndiatimesThe Economic Times
Messages honoring the Prophet’s values are being widely shared, with many expressing heartfelt sentiments such as:
“May this celebration bring peace into your hearts, joy into your homes, and unity across our communities.”
These greetings resonate deeply, reinforcing the unifying spirit of the occasion and echoing themes repeated across online blogs and platforms.IndiatimesThe Economic Times
In Somalia, celebrations were especially significant this year as they marked the Prophet’s birth with public processions a tradition that had been suppressed under extremist rule. Thousands, including young participants adorned in white and waving green flags, joined Quran recitations and religious singing under tight security, reclaiming the spiritual space in a poignant display of cultural resilience.AP News
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