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Indian Rescuers Drill Through Debris To Reach 41 Men Trapped In Tunnel

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Indian rescuers led by “rat miners” drilled through rocks and debris on Tuesday to reach 41 construction workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in the Himalayas for 17 days.

The process of pulling out the 41 low-wage workers from India’s poorest states, one at a time on wheeled stretchers through a pipe 3 feet wide, was due to begin soon, officials said.

“Work of laying pipes in the tunnel to take out workers has been completed,” Uttarakhand state chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on the X social media platform, thanking the Hindu deity Baba Baukh Nag Ji as well as the millions of Indians who prayed for the men and the tireless rescuers.

“Soon, all the labourer brothers will be taken out.”

The men have been stuck in the 3-mile tunnel since it collapsed on Nov. 12.

They have been getting food, water, light, oxygen and medicines through a pipe, but efforts to dig a tunnel to rescue them with high-powered drilling machines were frustrated by a series of snags.

Government agencies managing the unprecedented crisis turned on Monday to “rat miners” to drill through the rocks and gravel by hand from inside a 3-feet-wide evacuation pipe pushed through the debris after machinery failed.

The miners are experts at a primitive, hazardous and controversial method used mostly to get at coal deposits through narrow passages, and get their name because they resemble burrowing rats.

The miners, brought from central India, worked through Monday night and finally broke through the estimated 200 feet of rocks, earth and metal on Tuesday afternoon.

Dozens of rescue workers with ropes, ladders and stretchers entered the tunnel and 41 ambulances were lined up outside to take the 41 men to a hospital about 20 miles away.

Some rescue workers in hard hats made victory signs and posed for pictures.

Relatives of the trapped men, who have been camping near the site, gathered outside the tunnel with luggage, ready to accompany the men to hospital.

“As he comes out, my heart will revive again,” the father of a trapped worker, who give his name as just Chaudhary, said of his son, Manjeet Chaudhary.

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Villagers also gathered outside the tunnel, some singing Hindu devotional songs and raising slogans in praise of the Hindu god Lord Ram on hearing news of the breakthrough.

Others gathered on nearly slopes hoping to catch a glimpse of the men as they are brought out.

The men have been getting cooked food since a lifeline pipe was pushed through last week, including flat breads, lentils and vegetable curry.

More than a dozen doctors, including psychiatrists, have been at the site, talking to the men through the pipe and monitoring their health.

They were advised to do light yoga exercises, walk around in the space they have been confined to, and keep speaking to each other.

The tunnel is part of the $1.5 billion Char Dham highway, one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most ambitious projects, aimed at connecting four Hindu pilgrimage sites through a 550-mile network of roads.

Authorities have not said what caused the cave-in, but the region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods.

The tunnel did not have an emergency exit and was built through a geological fault, a member of a panel of experts investigating the disaster has told Reuters.

The Char Dham project has faced criticism from environmental experts, and some work was halted after hundreds of houses were damaged by subsidence along the route.

The government has said it employed environmentally sound techniques to make geologically unstable stretches safer.

It also ordered the National Highways Authority of India to audit 29 tunnels being built across India

Features

Pr. Monzango Sibo Guy Lambert

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Doctor. Innovator. Medical Entrepreneur. Humanitarian.

In a region where advanced medical innovation is still emerging, Dr. Monzango Sibo Guy Lambert is quietly redefining the future of modern healthcare in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kinshasa, a specialist in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), and an expert in molecular embryology, he represents a rare profile in Africa’s medical landscape — a physician who bridges academia, surgical excellence, research innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership.

But it is his bold institutional vision that sets him apart.

In 2018, what began as a modest private medical practice evolved into Onyx Medical Center — now one of the most advanced medical facilities in the country. Today, the center operates across two modern buildings, employs nearly 70 healthcare professionals, and stands as a symbol of locally driven medical excellence.

Onyx Medical Center is recognized as:

One of the best-equipped hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The only institution specializing in advanced gynecologic endoscopic surgery in the country

A training hub for physicians

A laboratory for the development and manufacturing of endoscopic medical equipment

Dr. Monzango’s philosophy is simple yet transformative:
Africa must not only consume medical innovation — it must produce it.

That philosophy earned international recognition in 2025 in Casablanca, where he received an innovation award for designing a uterine manipulator engineered to enhance gynecologic surgical precision — a device developed to meet the realities of African surgical environments.

Yet beyond the operating room and research laboratory lies a deeper mission.

Through the Monzango Foundation, he organizes free gynecologic surgical campaigns for underprivileged women — restoring not only health, but dignity. For many beneficiaries, these interventions represent their first and only access to specialized care.

At the intersection of medicine, innovation, enterprise, and humanitarian service, Dr. Monzango is building more than a hospital.

He is building a blueprint.

A blueprint for African medical sovereignty.
A blueprint for sustainable healthcare entrepreneurship.
A blueprint for the next generation of African innovators.

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Nigeria @ 65: Philippines Embassy Marks Independence Day with Style and Diplomacy

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As Nigeria marked her Sapphire Jubilee Years recently, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Philippines joyfully joined numbers of well-wishers to commemorates the country’s 65th Independence at the prestigious Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati, Metro Manila. 

The event brought together a diverse mix of diplomats, host government officials, business leaders and Captains of Industries, and members of the Nigerian community in a colorful celebration that reflected Nigeria’s pride, unity, and global presence.

The event was graced by Resident Ambassadors in the Philippines, Chargé d’Affaires from various Missions, members of the Diplomatic and Consular  Corps, Representatives of International Organizations, Philippine government officials, private sector executives, captains of industries, and members of the Nigerian community, including NIDOPHIL Executives. The atmosphere was one of unity and pride, as attendees joined in celebrating Nigeria’s resilience and achievements over the past six and a half decades.

The celebration was hosted by Mr. Adeshina Edward Oloje, the Acting Head of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, alongside the dedicated officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Manila. In his opening remarks, Mr. Oloje warmly welcomed guests and highlighted the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines. He emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, fostering economic collaboration, and deepening cultural understanding between both nations.

The evening featured moments of cultural exchange, inspiring speeches, and expressions of goodwill from friends and partners of Nigeria. It served as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy, collaboration, and people-to-people connections in advancing shared prosperity. The event also showcased the vibrant Nigerian spirit that continues to inspire hope across the diaspora community in the Philippines.

In a gesture of gratitude, the Embassy extended special appreciation to its partners and sponsors who played vital roles in making the event a resounding success. Among them were:

International Container Terminal Services, Inc., DAEWOO E&C, MPL International Corporation, Ethiopian Airlines. FIR International Service Corp., Wipro Splash. Century Pacific Food, Inc., Wesley & Blessing Consultancy Inc., Highlander Overseas Manpower Employment. NIDOPhil Executives, Mindset, Management and Consultancy Services Inc.. TEAM Ministries International, Josmef Medical Corporation. Their generous support and partnership underscored the collaborative bond between Nigerian and Filipino institutions and individuals working together toward shared goals.

Highlights of the event was the singing of national anthems of Nigeria and the Philippines, welcome remarks by the Acting Head of Mission, Mr. Adeshina Edward Oloje, congratulatory remarks by the host government representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Assistant Secretary, Madam Germinia V. Aguilar – Usudan, video display of independence day salutation from Nigerian medical students in Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu City, official toast by Bishop Anthony Marioghae and President of NIDOPHIL, cutting of the anniversary cake and several photo sessions. 

The Embassy used the event to showcase various videos of investment and tourism opportunities that abound in Nigeria to the invited guests at the ceremony. As the evening came to a close, guests were thrilled to a display of rich cultural dance performed by Nigerian students from St. Dominic Savio University in Caloocan, Philippine; taste of deep flavored Nigerian cuisines and musical display by known Nigerian Social Media Celebrities Ishaku Ishaya Isaac Monday (Sabaw) and Daniel Oluwadamilola Oke (Tugue Zombie). The event was not just a commemoration, it was a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s strength, diversity, and global relevance.

Naija Diaspora Magazine congratulates the Embassy of Nigeria in the Philippines and the entire Nigerian community for organizing such a successful and memorable celebration. May the friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines continue to flourish in peace, unity, and mutual respect.

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Business

DANGOTE CEMENT CAMEROON AT 10: Journey Of Trust, Empowerment And Capacity

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Dangote Cement Cameroon is excited to celebrate a significant milestone as it commemorates ten years of dedicated service in the region. The 10TH anniversary activities, which officially launched in April, 2025, will continue throughout the year, Naija Diaspora writes on the successful impact of the firm in Cameroon.

Over the past decade, the company has established itself as a pivotal player in the construction industry, enabling countless projects across the country by supplying high-quality cement at competitive prices. This commitment to excellence has empowered local builders and contractors, ensuring the creation of durable infrastructure that meets the growing demands of African communities.

As Dangote Cement Cameroon reflects on its journey , it proudly acknowledges the positive impact it has made on both the economy and the lives of many, solidifying its role as a trusted partner in development. 

The anniversary celebrations were a lively affair, garnering significant praise for the diverse array of initiatives spearheaded by Dangote to promote community development throughout Cameroon. The company’s impressive journey has not only transformed it into a proactive and engaged enterprise but also highlighted its deep understanding of the unique aspirations and needs of the local communities. 

This celebratory occasion served as a testament to the company’s role as a pillar of support in the region, reflecting its unwavering dedication to building a brighter future for all Cameroonians.

In a poignant announcement issued by the company, it was emphasized: “Today, we gather to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable milestones, achievements, and countless successes of Dangote Cement Cameroon over the past decade. Despite encountering various challenges along the way, we have consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. 

From our inception, our primary objective has been to gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing cement brands within the Cameroonian market. Through unwavering commitment, innovative methodologies, and established ourselves as the leading supplier of premium cement.

 

As we proudly commemorate the commencement of our 10th year in business, we reaffirm our dedication to excellence and our vision to further elevate the standards of the construction industry in Cameroon.”

Dangote Cement Cameroon has not only achieved remarkable business milestones but has also demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company partnered with the global community to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5, 2025. This year’s theme, “Fighting Plastic Pollution,” was vividly illustrated through an engaging series of activities spanning an entire week, all spearheaded by CEO Bertrand Mbouck.

The event began with an impactful awareness campaign designed to educate the public about the critical issues surrounding plastic pollution. Through innovative training sessions, participants learned practical strategies for reducing plastic waste in their daily lives. The activities were further enhanced by interactive games that captivated attendees, making the complex topic of environmental conservation accessible and enjoyable.

Through diverse and comprehensive initiatives, Dangote Cement Cameroon not only plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness but also significantly contributes to the socioeconomic development of the region. This commitment reinforces the company’s reputation as a leader in the cement industry, all while advocating for sustainable practices that pave the way for a greener and more hopeful future.

Cameroon is bordered by a host of African countries. To its west sits Nigeria, Chad to its northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, while Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo are to its south.

The country enjoys relatively high political and social stability. This has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, railways, and significant petroleum and timber industries. Cameroon’s major export markets include Spain, and the United Kingdom, with the country aiming to be regarded as an emerging country by 2035. 

As Dangote marks its ten-year anniversary, it reaffirms its dedication to delivering substantial returns to its shareholders through the sale of high-quality products at competitive prices, underpinned by exemplary customer service. The company aims to assist African nations in achieving self-reliance and self-sufficiency in the production of essential commodities by establishing efficient production facilities in strategically located areas adjacent to key growth markets. Additionally, Dangote remains focused on providing economic benefits to local communities, fostering both direct and indirect employment opportunities in all countries where it operates. 

Dangote Cameroon has made substantial advancements in its operational capacity, positioning itself as a leader in governance, sustainability, and environmental conservation. The organization aims to set a benchmark for other companies to emulate. 

– Excellence: Dangote Cement is committed to providing superior products and services to its customers and stakeholders. To attain this objective, the company fosters a culture of teamwork, respect, and meritocracy. 

– Leadership: The organization prides itself on its status as a leader within its industry, markets, and communities. To sustain this leadership, Dangote Cement emphasizes continuous improvement, strategic partnerships, and professionalism. 

Recognizing the driving force behind the organization, Bertrand Mbouck serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Cameroon. He is a seasoned strategic business leader with over 20 years of experience across sectors such as finance, energy, and manufacturing in Africa. As CEO and a Board Member of the pan-African conglomerate, Mr. Mbouck has played a pivotal role in fostering growth, innovation, and sustainable development within the cement industry. 

Mr. Mbouck is responsible for steering the company’s strategy, business development, and employee performance, with an emphasis on productivity, product quality, market share, and return on investment for shareholders. His leadership is aligned with Dangote’s vision, promoting innovation and competitive advantage both within Cameroon and in export markets. 

   

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