" ITREALMS: US
Showing posts with label US. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US. Show all posts

Thursday, February 05, 2026

U.S. formally withdraws from Open Government Partnership, signals shift on transparency - ITREALMS

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The United States (US) government has officially withdrawn from the Open Government Partnership (OGP), marking a significant departure from the global transparency initiative first launched as a signature project of the Obama administration, reports ITREALMS.
U.S. formally withdraws from Open Government Partnership, signals shift on transparency - ITREALMS
The exit was solidified through a formal Letter of Withdrawal dated January 15, 2026. Signed by the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), Edward Forst, and addressed directly to OGP leadership, the letter effectuated a directive rooted in the White House Memorandum 2026-00976. 

Friday, November 14, 2025

HAI urges US: Nigeria needs collaboration, not confrontation over CPC classification - ITREALMS

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A civil society group, the Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), has called on the United States Government to immediately adopt a stance of collaboration instead of confrontation, following the US classification of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC), reports 
ITREALMS.
HAI urges US: Nigeria needs collaboration, not confrontation over CPC classification - ITREALMS
In a statement, HAI Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, warned that the accompanying threat of military intervention significantly undermines Nigeria’s intricate diplomatic and security efforts to manage its complex security challenges.

Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Oyo State to partner US on investments, education - ITREALMS

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The Oyo State governor, 'Seyi Makinde, has declared his administration's readiness to partner with the United States of America to explore opportunities in solid minerals development, agribusiness, education and other investment opportunities that will benefit both parties.
The governor stated this on Wednesday, when a delegation from the United States Consul-General, led by the Deputy Chief, Political and Economic Section, Kenise Hill, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Monday, January 20, 2025

Pump price increase, don't blame us says Dangote - ITREALMS

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The management of Dangote Group has clarified that the recent adjustment in ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) is directly related to the significant increase in global crude oil prices, reports ITREALMS.
Pump price increase, don't blame us says Dangote - ITREALMS
A press statement from Dangote Group informed ITREALMS that as crude remains the primary input in the production of PMS, any fluctuation in its international price inevitably impacts the cost of the finished product.

"At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we recognise the critical importance of affordable fuel for all Nigerians, and we remain committed to offering the best value with guaranteed quality to our customers. While we have made a 5% adjustment to our ex-depot price from N899.50 to N950 per litre, it is important to note that this increase is considerably lower than the 15% rise in global crude oil prices, which has seen Brent Crude rise from $70 to $82 in a matter of days, in addition to the premium for Nigerian crude (approximately $3 per barrel) in international markets. Furthermore, Dangote Refinery has maintained the Single-Point Mooring (SPM) ex-vessel price at N895 per litre.

"All our partners, including Ardova, Heyden, and MRS Holdings, will offer petrol to Nigerians at a retail price of N970 per litre nationwide. We have absorbed the increased logistics costs to guarantee uniform pricing across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

"Dangote Refinery has absorbed approximately 50% of the cost increases in the international oil market. This is due to our unwavering commitment to quality and affordability, as well as the ownership of the refinery by Nigerians, which remain central to our mission. If Dangote Refinery were to pass on the entire increase in the price of crude oil to the market, the retail price of PMS would be approximately N1,150 to N1,200 per litre in some locations, compared to the current price of N970 per litre.

"We are committed to providing reliable, top-quality petrol to the Nigerian people at competitive prices. In these challenging times, we continue to prioritise the best interests of Nigerians, striving to shield consumers from the full impact of global price volatility while adapting to evolving market conditions.

"We sincerely appreciate the continued trust and support of Nigerians as we strive to deliver the best value for their money and contribute to the development of a self-sufficient economy that is resilient to international price fluctuations.

"In the interest of transparency and good governance, Dangote Refinery will commence publishing its ex-depot price, ex-vessel price as well as pump price on a weekly basis so that consumers are not exploited.

"We would like to express our gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the introduction of the visionary Naira for Crude Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative has enabled consistent access to high-quality PMS for all Nigerians, while also insulating the Nigerian consumers from the volatility of the global oil market."

Chuks Egbune/Editor

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

US gives new directive on Nigerian immigrant visa - ITREALMS

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The United States Mission to Nigeria has given a new directive with regards to immigrant visa applications, reports ITREALMS.
US gives new directive on Nigerian immigrant visa - ITREALMS
According to the public announcement on its Twitter handle via X @UsinNigeria on Tuesday, informed that beginning from January 1, 2025, applicants must visit the Consulate General in Lagos, at least twice during the immigrant visa process.

Monday, September 09, 2024

US Department partners Nigeria on 'Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa' confab - ITREALMS

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The United States Department of State and the Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy would convene over 200 stakeholders, including senior officials from the United States and Africa, private sector executives, civil society members, and academia for a “Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa” conference Nigeria, September 10 – 11 in Lagos. 
US Department partners Nigeria on 'Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa' confab - ITREALMS
The conference participants, according to the office of the spokesperson, US Public Diplomacy at Lagos Consulate, will discuss the opportunities and challenges in the responsible development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence (AI). The group will also seek to identify and harmonize AI governance strategies between the United States and African nations to enable AI deployments in Africa to be more safe, secure, transparent, and trustworthy.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Anambra in strategic alliance with US high-tech firms - ITREALMS

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The United States Consulate General, Mr William Stevens at the weekend hosted the Anambra State Government's Executive Council delegation, led by the governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to a strategic session, reports ITREALMS.
The session, ITREALMS gathered attracted some 26 influential leaders from renowned US high-tech companies.

Tuesday, April 04, 2023

'APC shopping for legitimacy in US' - ITREALMS

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The All Progressive Congress (APC) led Federal Government (FG) has commenced global shopping for legitimacy over the now controversial 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, reports 
ITREALMS.
Lai Mohammed at Hudson Institute - 'APC shopping for legitimacy in US' - ITREALMS
The controversial 2023 presidential election has seen the two major opposition parties, namely the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) heading to the court; both claiming their parties won based on the evidences before them through party agents aside other irregularities across the nation.

Sunday, February 05, 2023

Citizens with disabilities and the rest of us - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The discrimination against persons with disabilities is a global phenomenon. However, most countries of the world have moved from such discriminatory practices to an inclusive society for persons with disabilities. The population of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, which is about 30 million, is higher than the entire population of five countries in the West African sub-region. Unfortunately, Nigeria is one of the major countries in Africa where little or no attention is paid to the plight of persons with disabilities, hence their exclusion from governance, electoral process, healthcare, education, employment, and social and community life.
With a plethora of legislations at the international, regional, and national levels for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, one would have expected persons with disabilities in Nigeria to be on the same pedestal with persons with disabilities in other countries in terms of access to healthcare, education, employment and political process. Nigeria signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and Optional Protocol as far back as 28th May 2007 and 27th October 2008 respectively, but the level of compliance is not significant to alleviate the sufferings of persons with disabilities.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Suspected terror attacks: US authorizes departure of employees in Abuja - ITREALMS

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The United States Mission to Nigeria has approved departure status for some employees due to suspected heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, reports ITREALMS.
US Mission in Nigeria
The embassy, ITREALMS gathered in a security notice entitled ‘Authorised departure status’ made available to citizens on Wednesday from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, noted that on October 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of State granted authorized departure status to Embassy Abuja.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Nigeria hails US over Benin Bronzes' repatriation, to exhibit returned artworks - ITREALMS

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The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has commended the United States for the repatriation to Nigeria of 23 Benin Bronzes, part of the thousands of artifacts that were looted by the British during their invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897.

The Minister gave the commendation at the Benin Bronzes' repatriation ceremony in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.

Friday, August 26, 2022

Ifeanyi Alumona: First African to win $10,000 AFS Award in US - ITREALMS

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Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, a Nigerian who is currently studying at Vanderbilt University, United States of America has won the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens, making him the first African to clinch the prize since its inception in 1914.
Noel Ifeanyi Alumona flanked by officials of the award
He received a cash prize of $10,000 in recognition of his vigorous campaign to end violence against women and girls through proper orientation of boys on responsible behaviour.

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

A century after Achebe's Okonkwo, another is here with us - ITREALMS

MidWeekCommentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

One of my greatest sources of pride as an Igbo man is having come from same tribe with Chinua Achebe. And God blessed me further with coming from same state with this literary iroko. Imagine what people from Ogidi, his community, had but seemingly didn't and evidently don't appropriately appreciate. This is a matter for another write-up.
His novel, Things Fall Apart, is known by any literate or even semi-literate African and beyond. That great work of creative art mainly draws its flowing appeal from just one character - OKONKWO.

Tuesday, July 06, 2021

U.S. Consulate seeks application for 2021 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs - ITREALMS

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The United States of American (USA) Consulate-General in Lagos is partnering Ascend Studios Foundation to implement the 2021 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), reports 
ITREALMS.
AWE is a U.S. government-led initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world, now in its third year.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

US alarmed over deteriorating religious freedom, security in Nigeria - ITREALMS

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The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has been alarmed over deteriorating religious freedom conditions and security in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.
Reacting to the seventh anniversary of Boko Haram’s abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, the USCIRF stated that the security situation remains dire.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Why FG rejects US religious freedom violation tag by MoIC - ITREALMS

The Federal Government (FG) has rejected the US designation of Nigeria as a country that engages in or tolerates severe violations of religious freedom, saying the iniquitous tag stems from an orchestrated narrative that has long been discredited, reports ITREALMS.

The Minister of Information and Culture (MoIC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said on Sunday in Abuja, that the good people of Nigeria enjoy unfettered freedom to practice their religion, and blamed failed politicians and disgruntled elements - some of them supposedly-respected leaders - for latching on to religion as their trump card, especially in the run up to the last general elections, to oust the Buhari administration.

He said it is unfortunate that the United States (US) fell for the antics of the discontented and the unpatriotic few, who will not hesitate to hang Nigeria out to dry on the altar of their inordinate ambition and their sheer animosity towards the administration.

The Minister said the Nigerian government is acutely aware of how the political opposition, in particular, had spared no resources in deriving political capital from the various security challenges in the country

''The deliberate effort to give religious coloration to the farmers-herders clashes and the Boko Haram insurgency, in particular, has undoubtedly helped to mislead the US into concluding that the government is doing little or nothing to guarantee religious freedom in the country.

''But, as we have always said, the farmers-herders clashes have nothing to do with religion but everything to do with environmental and socio-economic realities. The religious tag given to the clashes has no basis in fact, but is very convenient for those who will very easily give the dog a bad name just to hang it. On its part, the Boko Haram terrorists are extreme fanatics who do not subscribe to the tenets of any religion, in spite of their pretense to Islamic adherence,'' he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the good news is that the government has succeeded in curbing the farmers-herders clashes through the implementation of proactive and multi-dimensional strategy, which is yielding remarkable results, just as it has largely defeated the BokoHaram insurgency.

On the El-Zakzaky issue, which was referred to in the report by the US government, he described it is purely a criminal matter, which is being handled by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Minister said while the government welcomes constructive criticism from any quarter, it rejects any attempt to sow the seed of mistrust among the various religious groups in the country.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Monday, December 02, 2019

IM revolution: Give us NIMDA now says forum - ITREALMS

Stakeholders in Nigeria may be gearing up for a revolution in the Information Management (IM) industry with their strong demand for the creation of National Information Management Development Agency (NIMDA), reports ITREALMS.

This call was made at the weekend by the body of the National Information Management Stakeholders’ Forum (NIMSF) who spoke through the founder, Records and Information Management Awareness (RIMA) Foundation, Amb. (Dr) Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole in Lagos.

NIMSF also called for the breakout of Information and Archives departments from the current Ministry of Information and Culture by creating NIMDA to enable transformation and repositioning, especially on data and information governance in the country.

In addition, NIMDA, he said, for instance, will be setting the standards and ensuring that qualified and certified personnel are assigned to the management of government data and information.

Also, he said, developing and promoting best practices in government business processes and providing adequate training and monitoring for data and information management personnel in government, will be part of the proposed agency mandate.

NIMDA, he noted that when set up will ensure all government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) comply with standards, processes, procedures, and specifications as it applies to data, information, records, content, and archives use, classification, storage, collaboration, retention, and disposition.

Further, NIMDA, he told ITREALMS, will work with other relevant government agencies in ensuring appropriate information management and technology tools are deployed at all government MDAs for effective information security and governance and so on.

He insisted that for an effective National Digital Economy Policy implementation, there is a need for the industry to effectively and consistently engage the Ministry of Information and Culture, stressing that “effective data and information governance will go a long way in ensuring the success of the initiative.”

NIMDA, he said, will be tasked with managing the “Information Lifecycle of data, information, documents, contents and archives generated by all government agencies, ensuring enabling standards, specifications, processes, laws, and policies are in place for a good data and information governance regime in the country.”

NIMSF, he told ITREALMS was developed by the RIMA Foundation to advance sustainable development at all levels in the information management industry.

“Our activity aims to enhance open, accountable and participatory decision-making and governance on sustainable development through enhancing the involvement of all industry stakeholders. We focus particularly on the effective engagement of stakeholders on information management related policy processes,” he said.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

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Pix: L-r: Protocol Officer, Span Kitiya James; Monsurat Amina; President/Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole; Member, Governing Council and Director of Training, Dr. Kolawole Oseni and Head of HR, Merit Emmanuel, all members of Institute of Information Management (IIM-Africa) during the press conference by National Information Management Stakeholders’ forum held at IIM-Africa’s secretariat last Friday in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

PHD: Group alleges Onyeama's rivals collaborating with US forces - ITREALMS

The Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF) on Saturday warned that nothing must happen to now embattled Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyeama and his Peace Airline in efforts by some business rivals to pull-him-down (PHD), reports ITREALMS.

The coalition also accused business rivals of Onyeama of collaborating with some people in the United States government to harass the businessman who they called one of the finest in Nigeria.

The coalition consists of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide and the Ijaw Council Worldwide.

A joint statement signed by their various Presidents, Yerima Shettima, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, and Barrister Pereotubo Oweilaemi, respectively, said they would no longer fold their arms and watch individuals with passion to rescue Nigeria brought down through allegations like the one currently being suffered by Onyeama who had, for long, done business with the US.

Read the full statement below:

*Don't destroy one of Nigeria's finest, Coalition cautions American judiciary*

“We have been following with keen interest the conflicting narratives coming out of the United States regarding the purported indictment of Nigeria's philanthropist, Mr. Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyeama.

“As law-abiding citizens, we recognize the involvement of the US Court and would not want to take a prejudicial stand on the matter. But much as we appreciate the involvement of Judiciary, we feel there is compelling reason to question this sudden, purported indictment of a Nigerian who has been doing business for decades in the US and he has never been found wanting until now. This raises fundamental questions about the bad timing and the growing suspicion of many Nigerians over the motive behind targeting our son of the soil.

“We are beginning to see a pattern that smacks of conspiracy by his business rivals in Nigeria, working together with their American collaborators to rubbish one of the few outstanding philanthropists in Nigeria.

“Onyeama has, since built the reputation of a peace promoter who brokered peace between the late President Yaradua-led Federal Government and militants of the Niger-Delta using his well-known platform of peace and reconciliation.

“Beyond Niger-Delta, Onyeama has left his footprint as a man dedicated to the service of Nigerians in difficult situations, using his hard-earned income.

“It was the same Onyeama who worked tirelessly to broker peace between the Coalition of Northern Groups and Igbos when it culminated into the quit notice issued all Igbo residents in the North. Working closely with the then Governor of Borno State, Onyeama ensured that the Coalition of Northern Groups' Kaduna Declaration against Igbos, leading to the clash with IPOB, was withdrawn and peace reigned in the end.

“It therefore smacks of grand conspiracy to see how the man is being pushed and pulled in many directions with accusations yet to be confirmed by any court of competent jurisdiction in his fatherland, much less that of the United States. We noticed how the narrative is being spread to the media, to achieve a desired end.

“Fresh in the memory of majority of Nigerians today is how since 2013 Onyeama has committed a large chunk of his legitimate business profit to help communities ravaged by natural disasters or communal conflicts.

“Even at a very critical stage during the most heinous xenophobic attack of Nigerians in South Africa and the attendant diplomatic row between our country and South Africa, only Onyeama came forward with a huge budget for evacuating Nigerian victims from that country.

“It is on record that Onyeama's multiple investments in Nigeria have been helpful not only as window of job opportunities for Nigerians but also as a classical example of Corporate Social Responsibility.

“In view of the suspicious nature of this case that betrays a conspiracy by his suspected Nigerian business rivals and their American collaborators, we wish to state as follows:

“1. Much as Nigerians will not object to a legal action by any court in the world, we will never ever fold our arms and watch hopelessly as one of our finest is being pulled down in broad daylight.

“2. We would like to draw the attention of his Nigerians rivals that we suspect are working hand-in-hand with their American partners, that we will follow every legitimate legal means of defending one of the most exemplary Nigerian investors that we have in Mr. Onyeama.

“3. We call on fellow civil society organizations in the country to rise up to this new judicial brigandage designed to destroy our son of the soil in a foreign land.

“4. This is indeed the time to tell the whole world, including United States officials holding Onyeama, that enough of this harassment scheme against successful Nigerian investors.

“5. We make bold to say that at this crucial moment in the history of our beloved country what we need is more of Allen Onyeama. And we are determined to promote the emergence of Nigerian investors who have great sympathy for the poor and all those facing extraordinary life's difficulties.

“6. It is our conviction that the Air Peace CEO is an exemplary silver-lining not only in Nigeria but on the continent,” the group stated.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Tuesday, November 06, 2018

U.S. wants more investment in Girl-Child education, female political participation - ITREALMS

The United States Consul-General for Nigeria, Mr. F. John Bray has called for increased investment in the education of the girl-child and greater political participation by women in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

In his keynote on the second day of the 17th Annual Conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), in Lagos at the weekend, Consul General Bray encouraged the women leaders to continue working to promote gender equality in Nigeria.
Dwelling on the topic “Unstoppable You: Reinvent & Reinvigorate” at the event attended by leading women from both the private and public sectors.

 “Nigeria cannot achieve its dreams of a prosperous and inclusive society without reinventing its approach to how it is treating the overwhelming majority of the women and girls that live in this country …  It may be up to you to change the tenor of the national discourse and prod Nigeria to place education and health, and the status of women and girls higher on the national agenda.”

Bray lamented that Nigeria is reportedly home to the largest number of out of school children in the world, many of them girls.

“If Nigeria properly invested in the education of women and girls, how many more Amina Mohammeds will represent this country on the world stage?  If more women and girls are given equal opportunities, how many more Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies will be able to tell stories that enthrall the world?” Consul General Bray asked.

Noting that removing the barriers to women's full economic participation is key to an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria, he challenged the conference participants to press for greater involvement by women in the nation’s politics.

Bray said the current political order in Nigeria does not offer enough opportunities for women. He added that low female participation in politics must change if issues of concern to women are to rise in prominence and draw the interest and resources that they deserve.

 “WIMBIZ and various Nigerian women’s organizations can help Nigeria decide the course of its future and chart a course that will lead to a more democratic and prosperous nation. You can start by working to ensure that the 2019 elections are free, fair, credible, and peaceful. That would be a great start!” Consul General Bray said.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Pix (L-R): Chairman, Board of Trustees, WIMBIZ, Ms. Funmi Roberts;  United States Consul General F. John Bray; and Chairperson, Executive Council, WIMBIZ, Ms. Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi; during the 17th Annual Conference of WIMBIZ, last Friday.

Sunday, July 29, 2018

God working with us, says Fr. Dzungwe - ITREALMS

SundaySermon@ITREALMS:
One of the greatest scandals of our time is that while some people do not have enough to eat, some others are dying from obesity and diseases associated with over eating. There is so much wealth in our world. But it is concentrated in the hands of some, while others scramble for the leftovers.

Many of us well-meaning people are concerned about the poverty in our world. Many of us contribute regularly to various international charities that help the poor, such as Concern and Trocaire. But have you ever stopped to wonder why, despite the billions that have been spent on international Aid, poverty is still on the increase. As the saying goes, the rich get richer, and the poor become poorer.

To answer the question on why poverty is increasing in our world, let’s cast our minds back to the time of the famine in Ireland. We all know that the failure of potatoes was not the only reason why hundreds of thousands died from the famine. Yes, potatoes failed. But if there should be 100% failure of potatoes in Ireland today, you can bet that there will be no famine at all. People will still survive. People will still have enough to eat. Hundreds of thousands died from the Irish famine because of the nature of the externally influenced socio-economic structure of the then Irish society.

Something similar is happening in our world today. It is not because they are lazy that people are poor. It is the present structure of international trade, the present structure of international economics, and the present structure of international relations that make people poor, and keep them in poverty. So much so that the little the poor have, and the little you contribute to make their lives better, evaporate from their hands, and go back to make the rich richer, because of the way international economics is structured.

You might then ask, what shall we do? Do we stop giving to charities for international development? No. we should not stop. We should continue to give to international charities to help the poor. Their work provides temporary relief to people in need. But let us know that if we really want to end poverty in our world, we need to change the way we do business. We need to pull down all unjust economic structures that keep the poor in their poverty and enable the rich to become richer.

As individuals we might feel intimidated that there is nothing we can do. But that’s not true. There is a lot we can do to change our world and end poverty. We can begin by putting pressure on our political leaders to help bring the change. We can begin by changing the way we do business.

Our efforts may look small in our eyes. But as today’s gospel passage teaches us, they may be the only five loaves that Jesus is waiting to take and multiply and feed the whole world. Jesus wants to change our world and end poverty. But he can’t do it without our help. He cannot force us, for he respects our freewill. He wants to work with us to make our world a better place. Let us offer to Jesus the five loaves with which he will end poverty. If there is any doubt in your mind about what God can do with the little efforts we make, remember people like Martin Luther King Jnr, Oscar Romero, Mahatma Gandhi, and see how God increased and multiplied what they did, and created a beautiful change.

*Contributed by Rev.Father Simon Peter Dzungwe

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