Maravi Post Journalist Shaffie Mtambo’s digital storytelling shines as Muslim Awards spotlight media excellence

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Muslim Awards 2025 on Friday night in Blantyre turned the spotlight on the growing influence of digital media, with Maravi Post journalist Shaffie Mtambo emerging as Best Media Personality Online.

The award underscores the power of responsible online journalism in shaping public discourse.

Held in a colourful atmosphere that drew together religious leaders, politicians, media practitioners and community members from across Malawi, the ceremony celebrated Muslims who are making notable contributions in various fields, ranging from arts and education to sports and media.

In his remarks after receiving the accolade, Mtambo said the honour was less about personal glory and more about recognition of collective effort within the media industry.

He dedicated the award to his colleagues at Maravi Post and to the communities whose stories continue to shape his journalism.

Mtambo noted that the award has motivated him to work even harder, explaining that the support he received during the voting process reflected public trust in the publication’s commitment to quality storytelling.

He thanked readers and supporters for believing in his work and the Maravi Post platform.

The Muslim Awards, established in 2022, have become an annual platform for celebrating excellence among Muslims in Malawi.

Over the years, the event has expanded to include categories such as poetry, nasheeds, drama, education, media and community development, reflecting the diversity of talent within the Muslim community.

In other categories, Ishmael Dinala claimed the Best Poem award, while Prince Mtelera received a Special Recognition Award for his contribution to the community.

Lilongwe Islamic Secondary School was named Best Islamic Education Institution, and Gift of the Givers won Best Islamic Organisation.

Sports excellence was also recognised, with Muhammad Sulumba taking home the Best Sports Personality award. In the digital creative space, Ibrahim Mtengula was crowned Best Content Creator.

Traditional media categories equally featured prominently, as Tagamchira Meeklem Chiperesa won Best Media Personality, TV, Alick Abdul Majid claimed the radio category, and Aubrey Thom Vakhani emerged winner in the print media section.

Minister of Local Government, Ben Phiri, said he was impressed by the level of talent showcased among nominees and winners.

He described the awards as important networking platforms that bring together creatives from different parts of the country.

Phiri further noted that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika supports initiatives that recognise and reward creativity, stressing that meaningful development requires proper planning and appreciation of talent.

He called for stronger collaboration between government and society to help Malawian creatives reach higher standards.


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JFK’s Niece Vows to Use ‘Pickax’ to Remove Trump’s Name From Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. is one step closer to being called the Trump-Kennedy Center.

On December 18, 2025, the White House confirmed the board of the Kennedy Center voted to rename the building that is in honor of President John F. Kennedy.

“I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote via X at the time. “Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation. Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur.”

Soon after the news broke, several Kennedy family members spoke out against the board’s decision.

Celebrities Call Out President Trump’s Comments About Rob Reiner’s Death

Maria Shriver questioned why Trump has been so interested in having his name be part of the cultural center.

“Next thing perhaps he will want to rename JFK Airport, rename the Lincoln Memorial, the Trump Lincoln Memorial. The Trump Jefferson Memorial. The Trump Smithsonian. The list goes on,” she wrote via Instagram. “Can we not see what is happening here? C’mon, my fellow Americans! Wake up! This is not dignified. This is not funny. This is way beneath the stature of the job. It’s downright weird. It’s obsessive in a weird way. Just when you think someone can’t stoop any lower, down they go…”

According to NBC News, Trump told reporters at the White House that he was “surprised” and “honored” by the board’s vote.

Keep reading to see how other Kennedy family members reacted to the news:

Jack Schlossberg 

John F Kennedys Family Speaks Out After Kennedy Center Is Renamed in Honor of Donald Trump
Jack Schlossberg Joseph Prezioso / AFP

JFK’s only grandson vowed to fight back against the Kennedy Center’s new name.

“SEND ME TO CONGRESS TO SMOKE THESE FOOLS — MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR,” Schlossberg, who is running for New York’s 12th Congressional District, said via Instagram on December 18, 2025. “I won’t back down or be drowned out.”

Joe Kennedy III 

After seeing Leavitt’s announcement about the Kennedy Center, JFK’s nephew decided to speak out on social media.

“The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law,” he wrote via X on December 18, 2025. “It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”

Maria Shriver

John F Kennedys Family Speaks Out After Kennedy Center Is Renamed in Honor of Donald Trump
Maria Shriver Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

The journalist and niece of JFK expressed her disappointment at the Kennedy Center being renamed to the Trump-Kennedy Center.

“The Kennedy Center was named after my uncle, President John F Kennedy. It was named in his honor. He was a man who was interested in the arts, interested in culture, interested in education, language, history,” she wrote via Instagram on December 18, 2025. “He brought the arts into the White House, and he and my Aunt Jackie [Kennedy Onassis] amplified the arts, celebrated the arts, stood up for the arts and artists.”

Shriver continued, “It is beyond comprehension that this sitting president has sought to rename this great memorial dedicated to President Kennedy. It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable. It is not.”

After workers installed Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center building, Shriver spoke out again.

“This will always be the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” she wrote via Instagram later that month. “A great man would have said to his hand picked board, ‘Thank you, but the building already has its name. Let it stand. Let it be. I don’t need that.’ But then again…”

Kerry Kennedy

“President Trump and his administration have spent the past year repressing free expression, targeting artists, journalists, and comedians and erasing the history of Americans whose contributions made our nation better and more just,” JFK’s niece Kerry wrote via X on December 18, 2025. “President Kennedy proudly stood for justice, peace, equality, dignity, diversity, and compassion for those who suffer. President Trump stands in opposition to these values, and his name should not be placed alongside President Kennedy’s.”

One day later, Kerry reacted to Trump’s name being installed on the building.

“Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters off that building, but I’m going to need help holding the ladder,” she wrote via X. “Are you in? Applying for my carpenter’s card today, so it’ll be a union job!!!”

Donald Trump Attacks Jimmy Kimmel Again While Hosting Kennedy Center Honors

Tim Shriver

“Perhaps the board isn’t aware that the Kennedy Center is 𝗧𝗛𝗘 memorial to the president of the United States, John F. Kennedy.  Would they rename the Lincoln memorial? The Jefferson? That would be an insult to great presidents. This too is an insult to a great president,” JFK’s nephew Tim wrote via X in December 2025. “ Notwithstanding their short-sighted action, it is and will remain the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”


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Jeffrey Epstein Files Include Photos Showing Pedophile Snuggling Young Female

Never-before-seen photos show late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in his element … snuggling up to a very young-looking female on a sofa. The images are from the Epstein Files being released by the U.S. Department of Justice … and there are several…


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Mutharika finally occupies Kamuzu Palace

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika on Friday, December 19, 2025 occupied the Kamuzu Palace in the capital Lilongwe.

State House Press Secretary, Cathy Maulidi told The Maravi Post Mutharika moved into State House on Friday evening, having departed from Sanjika palace in Blantyre.

President Mutharika returned into the country on Monday through Bakili Muluzi Airport in Blantyre from his South Africa private trip.

Government indicated that the President would only return to Kamuzu Palace after some targeted maintenance of the main residence was completed.

There have been reports that the state residence was vandalised during the transition period between outgoing Malawi Congress Party administration and incoming Democratic Progressive Party regime.

Mutharika has been operating from Mtunthama State Lodge when he is in Lilongwe.


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Burkina Faso releases Nigerian air force crew detained after emergency landing

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Burkina Faso on Wednesday released 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel who were detained more than a week ago after their aircraft made an emergency landing, Nigeria’s foreign minister said.

“Through sustained dialogue, we also resolved the matter concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reaffirming the effectiveness of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues,” Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Thursday in a statement on X.

Burkina Faso’s military junta, led by Ibrahim Traoré, released the personnel after meetings with a Nigerian delegation led by Tuggar, the statement said.

The personnel detained on Dec. 8 included two flight crew members and nine passengers, officials said.

“Matters have been resolved,” Alkasim Abdulkadir, a spokesperson for Tuggar, told The Associated Press. “They are no longer detained.”
Nigeria and Burkina Faso agreed to hold regular consultations and pursue steps to deepen bilateral cooperation and regional integration, Abdulkadir said.

The Nigerian Air Force said last week that the aircraft was headed to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when it made the emergency landing in western Burkina Faso. The air force said the landing was done in accordance with international guidelines and standard safety procedures.
But Foreign Minister Tuggar said Wednesday in a televised speech on Burkina Faso’s state broadcaster that there were “irregularities concerning the overflight authorizations” and apologized for the incident.

The emergency landing had prompted the Alliance of Sahel States to place its air and anti-air defenses on maximum alert with authorization “to neutralize any aircraft that violates the confederation’s airspace,” according to a statement by Gen. Assimi Goita, leader of Mali’s military junta. The alliance includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The crew will now fly the aircraft to Portugal for the scheduled maintenance, Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Thursday
The emergency landing occurred at a time of fractured relations between the Alliance of Sahel States and Nigeria, which was involved in intervention efforts that helped reverse a short-lived coup earlier this month in Benin, where the Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting the coup plotters. Burkina Faso is on the northwest border of Benin, and Nigeria is on Benin’s eastern border.

Nigeria is among 15 members of West Africa’s regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formed the Sahel alliance after withdrawing from ECOWAS, which the alliance accuses of inhumane, coup-related sanctions and working against the interests of citizens in alliance countries.


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Flyers Broadcaster Makes Oral Sex Joke On Hot Mic, Suspended Two Games

The Philadelphia Flyers have suspended radio play-by-play broadcaster Thomas Saunders for making an inappropriate comment while on the airwaves … when a hot mic picked up a joke about oral sex. It all went down during the third period of the…


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