text: The government of Ethiopia has stopped the expansion of Addis Ababa following demonstrations from the Oromo ethnic group.
  Oromo farmers fear that the city’s master plan could displace their population. According to human rights groups at least 140 people have been killed by security forces during protests organised by the Oromo tribe.
  The Ethiopian government has contested the death toll of human rights groups claiming the figures are overestimated.
  The Oromo’s People’s Democratic Organisation(OPDO) said the decision was taken after three days of discussions in Adama town.
  OPDO believes any issue on which common consensus is not reached with the public will not be implemented.
  The plan was suppose to be jointly implemented by the Addis Ababa city authority and the Oromo ethnic group.
  A report by human right watch condemned the recent arrest of Bekele Gerba, deputy chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress claiming the Ethiopian government was targeting prominent Oromo intellectuals who have an influence over the population.
  Ethiopian authorities were urged to allow people to peacefully protest and ensure that farmers are protected from forced displacement without consultation and adequate compensation.
  Posted by African Examiner Brands & Marketing, Business, Featured, Latest News Friday, March 24th, 2017
  BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Allianz has received the Africa CEO Forum ‘International Corporation of the Year’ award.
  Speaking at the 5th annual event, which held in Geneva, Allianz Regional CEO Africa, Coenraad Vrolijk, said: “We are so honored that Allianz’ commitment to Africa has been recognized with this award,” noting that Allianz has been in Africa for 105 years.
  Vrolijk added: “We invest in Africa and in our local teams because we believe in the huge growth potential that the continent and its insurance market in particular, offers.”
  Allianz employs over 1,500 people in 16[1] countries and accompanies its clients in 38 countries across Africa, offering a comprehensive range of insurance, assistance, pension and savings products.
  In recent years, Allianz has launched start-ups in Ghana, Kenya and Congo Brazzaville while continuing to invest in its local companies. In 2016, it stepped up its investment in the continent with the acquisition of Zurich Insurance Group’s business in Morocco.
  The company, renamed Allianz Maroc, is headquartered in Casablanca where Allianz is building its regional hub for Africa to drive its future development in the region.
  The Award criteria included: Number of growth operations in Africa in the past two years; Number of African countries where the company is present; Africa’s share in total sales; Number of African employees on the continent; Activities of Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability and Innovation capacity.
  LAGOS, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has hinted that the Executive will soon send a Bill to the State House of Assembly to regulate handling of housemaids and private Security guards services.
  Ambode dropped this hint Monday at the Agege stadium during the inauguration of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps and operational facilities.
  While explaining that the objective of the new Bill was to check Child labour and domestic violence as well as effective community policing, Governor Ambode said the Launch of the repackaged Neighbourhood Safety Corps was a giant step towards enhacing security in the state.
  The Governor acknowledged the roles of the State House of Assembly for speedy passage of the Bill which gave birth to the State’s Neighbourhood Safety Agency, which he recalled he signed into Law in August 2016. He stressed that the cooperation of the Legislative House was a proof that it was a listening one.
  Ambode however noted that the Neighbourhood Safety Corps was ”not in competition with the regular Police Force”; rather, to complement efforts of police by providing intelligent information in their communities to the police.
  Mr. Ambode confirmed that the Safety corps have been trained in mediating disputes; to carry out proactive rather than provocative police engagement among others.
  He announced that the Neighbourhood Safety Agency has been provided with 177 saloon cars with modern communication gadgets; 4000 bicycles and many other facilities for the corps to operate efficiently in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs as well as over 300 wards in the State.
  The Governor disclosed that a total of 7,000 jobs have been created by the initiative. He specified that the figure included core, supportive and administrative staff.
  With the repackaged Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Ambode called on Lagosians to say final no to the crimes in the state.
  The inauguration was attended by Ambode’s Deputy Dr. Idiat Adebule; serving and former executive members; Speaker of the State House Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; serving and ex-members of the State and National Assembly (NASS).
  A former Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Israel Ajao is being appointed as the Chairman of the new Security Agency.