Art Business Entertainment Events Health International Society Tourism Travels

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in partnership with African First Ladies announce Winners of their SONG AWARDS 2022 to prevent Diabetes & Hypertension and promote healthy lifestyle

Merck Foundation CEO (Merck-Foundation.com), African First Ladies also announce winners of their ‘More Than Mother’ SONG Awards 2022 to Empower Women & Girls in Education; Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2023 for two Merck Foundation SONG Awards in partnership with African First Ladies – apply now at submit@merck-foundation.comMerck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV; Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes and Hypertension” to promote healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension and healthy lifestyle promotion in Africa.

 

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the African First Ladies, announced the winners of Merck Foundation’s two SONG Awards “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” 2022.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, President of “More than a Mother” campaign emphasized, “I am extremely happy to announce today the winners of our Merck Foundation SONG Awards “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” in partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies. Congratulations to all 15 winners. We received several entries from talented singers and musicians from across Africa. I appreciate all the work created by the young talents, their efforts are visible in the quality of music they have produced and the lyrics have beautifully conveyed important social messages on the theme of the awards.”

The theme of “More Than a Mother” Song 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” Song Awards was to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

“I have always believed that that through music and art, problems can be felt, which further stimulates feelings and leads to engagement and action. Hence, we introduced our Song Awards. We have also produced over 30 Songs and Music videos to address many of these critical and sensitive issues in Africa” added Senator Rasha.

Click here to listen to Merck Foundation Songs: https://apo-opa.info/42qcWCE

Here is the list of Merck Foundation SONG Awards “More Than a Mother” 2022 Winners:

FIRST POSITION:

  • Precious Udeorah, NIGERIA

(English Language)

Theme: Stopping Gender-based Violence

 

  • Téné Bénédicte Ouedraogo, BURKINA FASO

(French Language)

Theme: Supporting Girl Education

 

 

  • Titus Mbela (Basthma), KENYA

(Local Language)

Theme: Supporting Girl Education

 

SECOND POSITION:

  • Muga Kelly Angila, KENYA

(English Language)

Theme: Stopping Gender-based Violence

 

  • Katia Vanessa, MOZAMBIQUE

(Portuguese Language)

Theme: Women Empowerment

 

 

THIRD POSITION:

  • Senzo Clive Mavayeya, SOUTH AFRICA

(English Language)

Theme: Supporting Girl Education

 

  • Lynn Chipendo , ZIMBABWE

(Local Language)

Theme: Breaking Infertility Stigma

 

 

FOURTH POSITION:

  • Kalam, BURKINA FASO

(French Language)

Theme: Ending Female Genital Mutilation

We have also produced over 30 Songs and Music videos to address many of these critical and sensitive issues in Africa

 

Here is the Winner of Merck Foundation SONG Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension”  2022:

FIRST POSITION:

  • Samantha Mogwe, BOTSWANA

(English Language)

Theme: Hypertension Awareness

 

  • VITA NKANZA Dep’s, DRC

(French Language)

Theme: Adapting a Healthy Lifestyle

 

 

SECOND POSITION:

  • Fouad Sarpong (eftii), GHANA

(English Language)

Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension

 

  • ANDRIAMORASATA NANTENAINA JOSEPH, MADAGASCAR

(French Language)

Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension

 

 

THIRD POSITION:

  • Christianah Adebimpe Dare, NIGERIA

(English Language)

Theme: Diabetes Awareness

 

  • Johannes Medard Tairo, TANZANIA

(English Language)

Theme: Promoting healthy Lifestyle

 

 

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further added, “I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the 2023 Edition of the two Merck Foundation Song Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’, in partnership with African First Ladies.

“I invite entries from all Singers, Musicians and young talents of Africa, to contribute towards making a difference in society with their inspiring songs with strong and relevant messages about critical and sensitive issues we face in our continent. Be the voice of the voiceless, break the silence and let’s all join hands to create a cultural shift”, Senator Kelej added.

Details of Merck Foundation SONG Awards 2023:

1. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2023 “More Than a Mother”

 

Theme for the awards: Address one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV.

 

Who can apply: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a song with the aim to address one or more of the above mentioned social issues.

Categories: ENGLISH, FRENCH, PORTUGUESE AND ARABIC LANGUAGE

 

Submission deadline: 30th September 2023.

 

Click here (https://apo-opa.info/3ZKyUi9) to view more details.

 

 

2. Merck Foundation SONG Awards 2023 “Diabetes & Hypertension”

 

Theme for the awards: Promote healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

 

Who can apply: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a song with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

 

Categories: ENGLISH, FRENCH, PORTUGUESE AND ARABIC LANGUAGE

 

Submission deadline: 30th October 2023.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Culture Economy

FG, WORLD BANK UNITE TO DIGITALLY EMPOWER YOUNG NIGERIANS AND DRIVE JOB CREATION

post-image

On the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings and following the institution’s Development Committee session, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reaffirmed Nigeria’s collaboration with the World Bank to advance a shared agenda focused squarely on creating high-quality jobs for young Nigerians.

“Employment generation must be a central pillar of development,” Mr. Edun told journalists, highlighting that Finance Ministers—who serve as the Bank’s Governors—have collectively made this their top priority. “This aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places job creation at the core of our economic revitalization efforts.”

Mr. Edun underscored the pivotal role of multilateral financial institutions in shaping these global development priorities. “We are scaling up efforts with the World Bank to create sustainable jobs and stimulate inclusive growth,” he said, adding that…

Read More
Business Economy Technology Technology Trends Telecoms Travels Trends

Capacity Crowds Mark Monumental Opening of GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore – Cementing New Era For Asia’s Tech Industry 

post-image

 

  • The region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event is officially underway at Marina Bay Sands after action-packed opening day

 

After weeks of increasing anticipation among the regional and international tech communities, the first-ever GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore began in blistering fashion on Wednesday as capacity crowds enjoyed an action-packed opening day agenda. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the Asian inaugural edition of the world’s largest show is running at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from April 23-25.

Under the theme ‘Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia‘, the region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event welcomes 700 enterprises and award-winning startups from 20 industry sectors and 70 countries. Alongside 400 global expert speakers and 250 leading investors managing US$200 billion in assets under management (AUM), it stands to present unparalleled access to new markets, capital, talent, relationships, and…

Read More
Business Economy Finance Fintech

SANEF’s Uche Uzoebo Highlights AI as Next Frontier in Advancement of Financial Inclusion

post-image

With progress made in accelerating financial inclusion to unbanked and underbanked communities in Nigeria, the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF) has posited Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next step to advancement in financial services in the country.

Speaking at the just concluded Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0), Uche Uzoebo (Mrs.), MD/CEO, SANEF Limited, noted that as technology evolves rapidly within the financial ecosystem, Financial Inclusion must continue to be at the center of the nation’s progress.

According to her, agent banking has been a game-changer in expanding financial inclusion across Nigeria. “By deploying agents in underserved areas, we have brought financial services and banking products such as account opening, cash in, cash out, bill payment, transfers and other services closer to the unbanked and underserved.”

With the Agent Banking model, SANEF has bridged critical gaps by reducing the need for long queues…

Read More
Business Economy

“You Can Reinvent Yourself in Just Four Years,” Says Moppet Foods CEO Roberta Edu Oyedokun

post-image

Mrs. Roberta Edu Oyedokun, CEO of Moppet Baby Food Firm in Lagos, has shared an inspiring personal revelation about career transformation and self-development. While drafting a professional profile recently, she realized how much her career had evolved in just four years—a testament, she says, to the power of consistency and resilience.

In her reflection, Mrs. Oyedokun highlighted her current achievements: driving Moppet Foods’ expansion into major retail chains, securing government-backed partnerships with Community Health Centers, and forging alliances with NGOs. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, advocating for family health access.

What struck her, however, was the absence of any mention of her previous decade-long experience in engineering, technology, media, and production. “Imagine if I didn’t have a profile before now,” she mused. “Yet, in my 30s, I built this resounding profile in just four years.”

Addressing those who might doubt such rapid transformation, she…

Read More
Business Economy

MENXTT TECHNOLOGY NG TRANSFORMS THE NIGERIAN SME LANDSCAPE WITH SMART IT SUPPORT, DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND DEVICE REPAIRS

post-image

In the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Ikeja, a technology-driven force is steadily redefining how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate, communicate, and scale. Menxtt Technology NG, a proudly Nigerian-owned tech solutions provider, is delivering cutting-edge yet affordable IT support, digital marketing, website deployment, and device repair services to SMEs across the country.

From building strategic web assets that attract clients, to managing digital footprints on social platforms, to extending the life cycle of smartphones and laptops through expert repair services, Menxtt Technology NG is proving that cost-effective tech solutions don’t have to compromise on quality.

Bridging the Digital Divide for SMEs

The operational challenges faced by SMEs in Nigeria are enormous—high costs of tech deployment, inadequate in-house IT staff, unreliable online visibility, and recurring device breakdowns. These…

Read More
Business Travels Trends

Abia Government Unveils Modern Number One Roundabout on Port Harcourt Road, Aba

post-image

The Abia State Government today unveiled significant upgrades to Port Harcourt Road in Aba, capped by the completion of the new Number One Roundabout constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. The project forms part of Governor Dr. Alex Otti’s broader modernization drive for the state’s commercial hub.

Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport explained that the roundabout incorporates contemporary engineering design, durable paving materials and landscaped green spaces to improve traffic flow and enhance civic aesthetics. Although some residents have compared its design unfavorably to more elaborate international models shared on social media, authorities maintain that the structure’s unique features reflect local context and long‑term maintenance needs.

Port Harcourt Road, long plagued by potholes and poor drainage, underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation under the Otti administration beginning in late 2024. Over three kilometres of carriageway have been reconstructed, with new drainage systems, pedestrian sidewalks and street lighting installed along the…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Society Technology Technology Trends

NCC and NEMA Join Forces to Make Emergency Response Faster, Smarter, and More Human-Centered

post-image

In a heartfelt meeting held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), two of Nigeria’s key institutions came together with one shared goal: to save lives through better communication.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, warmly received Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as both leaders led conversations about a stronger, more connected Nigeria—especially in times of crisis.

For a country as large and complex as Nigeria, emergency situations—floods, accidents, natural disasters—can strike without warning. When they do, timely and accurate information can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why this meeting wasn’t just routine protocol; it was a pivotal step toward giving Nigerians a safer future.

At the heart of their conversation was the plan to develop a

Read More
Business Culture Economy

VP Shettima Inaugurates Interministerial Committee to Drive Nigeria’s Innovation Economy

post-image

 In a strategic move to position Nigeria as a global innovation hub and achieve a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade, Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking during the event, Vice President Shettima emphasized the committee’s mandate to champion food security, energy sufficiency, and a reduction in the country’s dependence on imports. He noted that the initiative is a critical component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision to harness both intellectual and financial capital to propel Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“This is not merely the inauguration of a committee,” the Vice President said, “but the activation of a bold mission: to build Nigeria into an innovation-driven, trillion-dollar economy within a decade. The future we desire is not something we inherit; it…

Read More