President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Lagos on Monday, January 6, for Accra, the capital of the Republic of Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7.
Mahama, who served as the 12th president of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, was reelected in December 2024. He will succeed President Nana Akuffo-Addo( 2017-2025).
Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) In a statement said President Tinubu’s trip to Accra is at the invitation of the president-elect, who had visited the Nigerian leader earlier in December.
Onanuga said Mahama and President Tinubu have a longstanding personal relationship, just like Nigeria and Ghana maintain a longstanding bilateral relationship.
He said President Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will join other African leaders at the ceremony.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term.
In a post on X on Friday, WTO said the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.
In a notice to journalists, the organisation said its members agreed to give Okonjo-Iweala a second term after a general council meeting today.
“Her second four-year term, which was approved at a special General Council meeting, will begin on 1 September 2025,” WTO added.
“DG Okonjo-Iweala took office as Director-General in March 2021 and is the first African and the first woman to serve as head of the organization.”
Okonjo-Iweala had announced her intention to seek another four-year term as the head of the organisation on September 16.
The announcement came more than a month after 58 member countries supported a proposal from the African Group of WTO for her to head the organisation for another term.
In a heartfelt and emotionally charged meeting, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator of the Office of the Wife of the Governor, brought together the staff of the office to offer comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. With the sudden passing of her mother, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, still weighing heavily on the hearts of many, Mrs. Obareki sought to restore hope and motivate the team to continue working towards the goals her mother held so dear.
Addressing the staff, Mrs. Obareki acknowledged the profound shock of losing the beloved First Lady, a woman whose passion and unwavering support for Governor Umo Eno endeared her to the people of Akwa Ibom. Her mother’s legacy, built upon compassion, service, and a vision for the well-being of the state, is one that Mrs. Obareki is determined to carry forward.
“It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today,” she began. “I take on this role not only as a duty but as a tribute to my mother and role model, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who devoted her life to serving this state and supporting her ‘Golden Boy,’ as she so fondly referred to my father. Her spirit of loyalty, love, and unyielding dedication will guide us as we continue the work she started.”
Mrs. Obareki’s appointment as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady comes at a pivotal moment, as Akwa Ibom moves forward under the transformative leadership of Governor Umo Eno. With the ARISE Agenda at the forefront of the Governor’s vision for a greater future, Mrs. Obareki emphasized that her role is to ensure that the programs initiated by her late mother remain a vital part of that vision. She reassured the team that the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which focuses on the welfare of the vulnerable, along with the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, would not only continue but expand under her stewardship.
“My assignment is clear,” she declared. “I am here to support the Governor’s vision for a brighter, more prosperous Akwa Ibom. Our work is crucial to realizing his dreams for the people of this state, and I am counting on your dedication and creativity to help us achieve this. I urge you all to stay honest, diligent, and committed to your responsibilities. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”
In a display of compassion and solidarity, Mrs. Obareki invited the staff to share their thoughts and ideas on how the office could continue to thrive in the wake of such a great loss. She encouraged an atmosphere of open communication, asking each staff member to contribute their unique perspectives to enhance the office’s impact.
“The door is always open for new ideas,” she assured them. “Your contributions are not just welcome; they are necessary as we strive to uphold the values my mother embodied and the vision my father champions.”
The meeting also featured a moment of collective reflection, as prayers were offered for Mrs. Obareki, her family, and the entire staff, asking for strength and guidance in this new chapter of leadership.
Later in the day, Mrs. Obareki joined her father, Governor Umo Eno, and her siblings to welcome the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) delegation, led by Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, who came to offer their condolences at the Hilltop Mansion. The visit from the NGF, coming so soon after the swearing-in of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 31 Local Government Councils, was yet another reminder of the deep bonds of support that extend beyond politics and across Nigeria.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Obareki affirmed her commitment to ensuring that the initiatives, both local and national, including the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) championed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would continue to flourish, serving families and communities across Akwa Ibom.
With passion and purpose, Mrs. Helen Obareki steps into this role not only as a daughter honoring her mother’s memory but as a leader determined to continue her family’s legacy of service to the people of Akwa Ibom. Through her leadership, the values of compassion, resilience, and dedication to the greater good will remain the cornerstone of the office’s work, ensuring that the vision for a better Akwa Ibom lives on.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on Wednesday notification of a planned massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective September 15, 2024.
The student body said the protest is in response to the recent fuel price hike and the perceived incompetence of the NNPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
The union equally demanded an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Kyari as the NNPC DG.
The notice was signed by Okunomo Henry Adewumi, President of the Senate (NANS).
According to the notice, the students plan to occupy all major cities in the country on September 15, 2024. The notice assured that the protest will be peaceful and lawful.
“We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective 15th September 2024, in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices and the gross incompetence of the NPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
“The incessant increase in fuel prices has brought untold hardship to the masses, and we can no longer stand idly by while our future is mortgaged by the actions of a few. We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Mr. Kyari as the NNPC DG.
“We call on all Nigerian students across the country to wake up to this clarion call, as we will be occupying all major cities on the 15th of September, 2024. We shall not be silenced, and we shall not be intimidated. We shall rise in unison to demand a better deal for Nigerian students and the masses.
“We urge you to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the shutdown, as we assure you that our protest will be peaceful and lawful,” the notice read.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, Life Bencher, was sworn in as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the Lagos Continental Hotel. The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for the NBA, as Osigwe outlined his vision and plans for the association in his inaugural speech.
In his address, Osigwe expressed his gratitude to the members of the NBA for entrusting him with the enormous responsibility and honour of serving as their President. He acknowledged the challenges facing the nation and the legal profession, emphasizing the critical role of legal practitioners in effecting positive change and upholding the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.
Osigwe announced a comprehensive agenda for a proactive Bar, which includes addressing the recurrent delay in the issuance of NBA Stamp and Seal, introducing the NBA Digital Signature, and proposing amendments to the NBA Constitution to address various issues. He also highlighted the need for quarterly reviews of appellate courts’ decisions, justice sector reforms, and ensuring compliance with the Continuing Professional Development Programme.
The new NBA President also pledged to establish various committees to tackle specific issues, such as monitoring local governments, protecting legal businesses from encroachment by non-legal practitioners, and ensuring the protection of lawyers from harassment by law enforcement agents. Osigwe further emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession.
In his commitment to consolidating the efforts of previous NBA administrations, Osigwe acknowledged the significant contributions of his predecessors and expressed his determination to build upon their legacy. He extended his appreciation to his family, colleagues, and campaign team for their unwavering support throughout his journey to the presidency.
Osigwe concluded his speech by quoting Nelson Mandela, stating, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” He called upon the members of the NBA to approach their tasks with this mindset, emphasizing that with collective resolve, they can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness for the association and the nation.
All national officers of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from its 54 affiliate unions will accompany the President of the Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to honour the invitation of the Nigerian Police to answer questions on his alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
A circular to all affiliate unions, their State chapters, and national officers signed by the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, revealed. The national officers are the members of the Central Working Committee of the Congress.
The circular also directed all unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress to be on alert to commence nationwide strike should the Police detain the Ajaero. It also directed all State Chapter leaders to embark on a peaceful procession to Police headquarters in their various States for a prayer session.
Tagged “Mobilization for Peaceful Procession and Prayer Session in Solidarity”, the Circular reads; “In response to the recent summons by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.
“In Abuja: All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.
“In State Capitals: Members should gather at their respective state secretariats of Congress. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their State Police Headquarters, where they will hold a prayer session until the President’s interaction with the Police is concluded.
“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session.
“If for any reason, the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike. Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending Civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.
“Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation.”
In line with its commitment to supporting youth empowerment and technological innovation, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to thrive in the digital economy, Unity Bank Plc recently held a high-impact webinar to explore the role of digital technology in sustainable development.
The event drew participants from across Nigeria featuring the Telecommunications, Media and Technology, (TMT) ecosystem including start-ups, players in fintech, content creators, etc.
The event featured two Nigerian technology industry leaders including Mr. Gbolahan Salami, Senior Vice President, Growth, Product, and Strategy at WakaNow, and Mr. Micheal Ogundare, who is the CEO and Co-founder of Crop2Cash. Both speakers shared insightful perspectives on leveraging digital technology to empower the next generation and foster inclusive growth.
Commenting on the International Youth Week webinar, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Mr. Ibukun Coker, said that through youth-friendly products, special business grants from the Bank’s youth-focused initiatives such as the Corpreneurship Challenge programme as well as other financing packages, the Bank will continue to accord priority to Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in technology.
He added: “Empowering the youth through digital technology is key to unlocking sustainable development in Nigeria. At Unity Bank, we are committed to driving initiatives that bridge the digital divide and equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving economy. This webinar is part of our ongoing effort to support the growth of a digitally inclusive society, ensuring that our youth are well-positioned to harness technology for positive change and economic progress.”
The event provided an opportunity for participants to interact directly with the speakers, with many expressing renewed optimism about their potential to leverage digital technology for personal and societal advancement.
Recall that recently Unity Bank partnered with SkillPaddy in its “Count Her In” tech Programme focused on empowering no fewer than 1,000 female beneficiaries in Software Engineering Training. The IT skill development and empowerment initiative was intended to bridge talent supply gaps while providing individuals with the opportunity to meet their training goals and launch careers in the tech industry. About 40 young girls received full sponsorship from the Bank in the special training initiative, which was conceived as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day 2024.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has denied reports alleging it was selling employment slots to the public.
A statement by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye on Saturday called on members of the public, especially jobseekers to disregard the rumours.
According to Soneye, there was no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy.
He described such as “antics of fraudsters” who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.
It cautioned that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve the sale of slots or inducement of any kind.
It warned that anyone who pays money for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk.
What was intended to be a triumphant return to social media for Donald Trump turned into a technically flawed evening, as a much anticipated livestreamed conversation between Trump and X owner Elon Musk on Monday was delayed by technical issues.
The conversation, set to be a hallmark moment for Trump on a platform that once played a central role during his presidency, was postponed by 40 minutes due to what Musk later attributed to a cyberattack.
Despite the shaky start, once the dialogue began, it highlighted the growing friendship between the former president and the billionaire tech entrepreneur, with Musk pitching softball questions that allowed Trump to reiterate his well-worn campaign talking points.
The discussion, lasting over two hours on X’s audio livestreaming platform, Spaces, offered little in the way of new information about Trump’s political views.
Instead, it served as a platform for Trump to repeat claims that have become staples of his campaign.
He took the opportunity to attack Vice President Kamala Harris as a “phony,” criticising her and President Joe Biden for their handling of U.S. border security.
Trump also repeated his assertion that the 2020 election was rigged and claimed that the criminal cases against him were orchestrated by the Biden administration to undermine his candidacy.
Additionally, Trump alleged that foreign leaders were intentionally sending criminals to the United States.
Musk, who has been vocal about his contempt for the mainstream media, largely agreed with Trump’s assertions, offering praise and avoiding any challenge to the former president’s claims.
Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X last year, was clear about the non-adversarial nature of the conversation.
He stated, “I want to emphasise it’s a conversation, and it’s really intended to just get a feel for what Donald Trump is just like in a conversation.”
Towards the end of their discussion, Musk described himself as “moderate, if not moderate, slightly left,” and encouraged listeners who identified similarly to support Trump.
He also distanced himself from a traditional journalistic role, noting that his aim was not to conduct an “adversarial” interview but to help “open-minded, independent voters” simply “catch a vibe.”
The technical difficulties that delayed the conversation recalled similar issues during another political event Musk hosted last year, when glitches marred Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign announcement on the platform.
While Monday’s conversation drew over a million listeners, according to X, the glitches and delays risked overshadowing the content of the conversation itself.
Trump used the discussion to further his ongoing criticism of Harris, mocking her for not holding a formal news conference and avoiding interviews with journalists.
He contrasted this with his willingness to engage in conversations, framing his discussion with Musk as part of his broader efforts to recapture political momentum and extend his appeal beyond his usual media platforms.
The conversation marked a notable shift in the relationship between Trump and Musk, who had previously been critical of each other.
Musk’s political views have evolved as he grew increasingly frustrated with Democratic policies on transgender rights, immigration, and what he perceives as the Biden administration’s mistreatment of Tesla.
This change culminated in Musk’s endorsement of Trump after the former president survived an
assassination attempt in July.
Musk, who co-founded a super PAC to support Republican ground efforts, has become a significant ally for Trump.
In return, Trump has softened his longstanding criticism of electric vehicles, particularly those produced by Tesla, though he continues to highlight what he sees as their shortcomings.
As Trump returned to X after a prolonged absence, posting campaign videos and attacks on Harris, the conversation with Musk provided a platform for both men to air their grievances and rally their supporters.
However, whether this appearance will bolster Trump’s campaign or Musk’s efforts to restore confidence in X remains to be seen.
A spokesperson for Harris’s campaign, Joseph Costello, was quick to criticise the pair’s discussion,
noting the technical issues and dismissing the conversation as serving only the interests of “self-obsessed rich guys who will sell out the middle class.”
Costello added, “Trump’s entire campaign is in service of people like Elon Musk and himself who cannot run a livestream in the year 2024.”
Northern elders have endorsed the nationwide protests.
The group, in a statement by Prof. Usman Yusuf, Hajia Najatu Muhammad, Mallam Salihu Lukman and Dr. Umar Ardo said the constitution protects the right of all citizens to assemble and to protest, adding that the cause for protest against the system is valid and justifiable, and affirmed their support for the youths in their resolve to exercise their right to protest.
The press statement read in part: “As you are aware, our nation has long been facing unprecedented challenges of insecurity, excruciating poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, diseases, high cost of living, all on account of bad governance and corruption in public offices.
“We acknowledge that the primary purpose of any government is to secure life and property, and enhance the welfare of its citizens. Any regime that cannot guarantee these basic rights loses all legal and moral authority of being in power, and would naturally incur the wrath of citizens. It can therefore only remain in office more by default than by public consent.
“This seems to be the state our dear country, Nigeria, is drifting towards. Over the years, successive governments at all levels, including the incumbent ones, fell short of delivering the requisite leadership. Consequently, Nigerians have been thrown into a state of social dislocation that has plunged citizens, especially the youths, into disillusionment, disappointment, frustration and hopelessness.
“To press home their legitimate demands concerning the cost of living crisis, insecurity and the worrisome drift in the ship of state, Nigerian youths have resolved to go on a 10 day nationwide protest from the 1st to 10th August, 2024.
“We, therefore, wrote this special text to state our position concerning this resolve to protest and the attitude of the government to it.
“First, we want to affirm the constitutionally protected right of all citizens to assemble and to protest. We also acknowledge that the cause for protest against the system is valid and justifiable. We wish to state clearly that we firmly stand by our youths in their resolve to exercise their right to protest.”
“They called on the federal government to be pragmatic in its approach to the resolution of the crisis if it hopes to amicably resolve and mitigate the risks associated with mass protests, and recommended that the government immediately takes to address the situation, which includes identifying and directly engage with the youth leaders and protesters to understand and address their grievances, noting that, outsourcing this responsibility to others, such as traditional, religious, labour, civil society leaders won’t work.
“They also warned against the use of state forces to intimidate, cajole and harass protesters, which they pointed can only further escalate an already volatile situation, citing the EndSARS protests as example.
They further advised the government to sincerely address the demands of the protesters by implementing meaningful reforms, demonstrating goodwill and a commitment to change by investing in youth development programmes, education, innovation, entrepreneurship initiatives.
“They also called on the government and its leadership to lead by example, by demonstrating sacrifice, integrity, accountability and transparency so as to inspire trust and confidence, adding, “having been in the trenches himself leading several protests, from the NADECO days to 2014, President Tinubu knows more than others the value of protest.”
