Zimbabwe has started celebrating its National Culture Month from May 1 to May  31,  following Cabinet approval of the 2025  programme under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices.”

According to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere,  the initiative was intended to promote cultural heritage, diversity, and unity.

This news was reported by New Ziana.

“This initiative is aimed at celebrating our rich cultural heritage, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering national unity,” he stated.

The minister said throughout May, Zimbabwe will observe National Culture Month with a structured weekly programme.

He said the first week will focus on traditional cooking methods and historical recipes. In the second week, Indigenous Fashion Week will highlight traditional clothing from various communities.

Muswere added that the third week will feature the official national launch of the celebration, while the fourth week will center on Indigenous Languages and Cultural Dialogue, including performances, poetry readings, film screenings, and language workshops

 A 27-year-old man, Olatilewa Ahmed, on Monday, appeared before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly breaking into a shop and stealing jewelry and other valuable items worth N1.3 million.

Ahmed,whose address was not provided, was facing a four-count charge of stealing, burglary, conspiracy and malicious damage.

The Prosecutor, Insp E O.

Adaraloye, told the court that the defendant and others still at large, committed the offences on May 9, 2024 at about 3. 00 a.m at Dada Asala Road, Ota.

Adaraloye alleged that the defendant and his accomplices conspired to break into the shop of one Oyewole Omotayo,  stole 3 jewelry, 2 door lights and other valuable goods worth N1.

3 million.

He said that the defendant also damaged the roofing sheets and ceiling of the shop, valued at N15,000, in the process of trying to break into the shop.

The prosecutor also said that the offences contravened Sections 390(9), 413, 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.O Fadairo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Fadairo said that the sureties must resides within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to Ogun Government.

She adjourned the cade6 until May 14 for further hearing

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu on Sunday said that a meeting has been scheduled between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Power Generation Companies(GenCos) over a N4-trillion debt.Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the minister of power said this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

According to Adelabu, the planned meeting with President Tinubu aims to chart a viable course for resolving the debtAdelabu assured that the Federal Government would immediately pay a significant portion of the debt, while the balance would be settled using financial instruments such as promissory notes within six months. “We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis,” Adelabu said.Acknowledging the government’s own role in the sector’s challenges, Adelabu pledged not only to clear the debt backlog but also to implement structural reforms that would remove operational bottlenecks.He emphasised the need for full liberalisation of the power sector and called for the adoption of cost-reflective tariffs.“Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed.“The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidies for economically disadvantaged Nigerians, but we must realise that our economy cannot sustain blanket subsidies indefinitely,” he said.The minister also unveiled plans to review existing regulations to lower levies and enhance market stability.He urged GenCos to partner with the government in raising public awareness on efficient electricity use and tariff realities.The GenCos were led by Col. Sani Bello(Rtd), Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions, and who is also the Chairman of Association of Power Generating Companies.Bello warned that persistent liquidity challenges had left GenCos unable to service loans or maintain critical infrastructure.“Without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse,” he said.Mr Kola Adesina, Chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, described the situation as a national emergency.He said that reliable power supply was fundamental to the survival of industries, homes, and health facilities.Mrs Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Association of Power Generation Companies, listed the systemic challenges undermining GenCos, including chronic payment defaults, erratic gas supply, and forex instability.She lamented the steep depreciation of the naira—from ₦157/$1 in 2013 to ₦1,600/$1 in 2024. saying it had devastated GenCos’ ability to meet maintenance obligations and repay loans.“GenCos have borne unsustainable risks from grid failures to unproductive taxes while remaining patriotic,” she said.(NAN)