The Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural and political organization has removed Ayo Adebanjo from his role as Acting Leader during its monthly meeting at the residence of Leader Reuben Fasoranti in Akure. The decision, proposed by retired Prof of Surgery Samuel Ibikunle and endorsed by the Afenifere elders’ forum, aims to foster unity and tackle polarization within the group, as announced by Afenifere spokesperson Jare Ajayi at the conclusion of the meeting.
Author: Editor Francis
In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visited Nigeria, engaging in discussions with President Bola Tinubu, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and civil society representatives. The talks centered around bolstering the U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship and addressing commitments made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Key focus areas included climate, food security, and health security, with an emphasis on economic partnership and infrastructure investment in Africa to enhance two-way trade and job creation. AThe visit highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations, spanning over six decades. Key Points from the Visit: 1. Economic Partnership: Secretary Blinken…
Former President Donald Trump has clinched the New Hampshire primary, securing a significant lead over his final rival, Nikki Haley, with 54.2% of the votes. Notably, Trump is the first non-incumbent GOP candidate in recent history to triumph in both Iowa and New Hampshire. Expressing his gratitude, Trump stated to Fox News Digital, “I’m very honored by the result.” Haley, the former two-term South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador during Trump’s administration, gracefully acknowledged his win but asserted, “The race is far from over,” emphasizing the upcoming primary in her home state. With the current tally revealing Trump’s 146,577 votes…
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has expressed disagreement with the proposed relocation of specific departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos. Ndume alleges that political cartels are misinforming President Bola Tinubu, leading to what he considers to be ill-informed decisions. During an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Senator Ndume accused “Lagos boys” in the corridors of power of providing misleading advice to the President. He emphasized that those influencing these decisions are not doing any favors to President Tinubu and warned of potential…
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has taken a decisive step by dissolving the State Executive Council and relieving all Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants of their duties. The announcement, made through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, indicated that the dissolution would be effective immediately. According to the statement, Governor Aiyedatiwa instructed all cabinet members to promptly hand over their responsibilities to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior administrative officers in their respective offices. Additionally, the affected officials were directed to return all government properties in their possession. Expressing gratitude for their services…
In ongoing developments, the Federal Government, through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), is in the process of selling five power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) at an estimated cost of $1.15 billion. Despite sources indicating that the international benchmark values these plants at over $5 billion, the BPE plans to sell them at a slightly higher price of around $1.1 billion. Acting Director-General of the BPE, Ignatius Ayewoh, confirmed the ongoing transaction, emphasizing that it has not been concluded. However, he did not disclose the specific cost of the five power plants, citing an ongoing meeting.…
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the arrest of Miyetti Allah’s President, Bello Bodejo, who was reportedly apprehended by soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday. The DSS, in a WhatsApp message to journalists, refuted claims of having Bodejo in its custody, with spokesperson Peter Afunanya stating, “Bello Bodejo is not with the DSS.” On the other hand, the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, expressed uncertainty regarding Bodejo’s arrest by the military, stating, “I don’t have the information about his arrest.” Earlier confirmation of Bodejo’s arrest was provided by Saleh Al-Hassan, the National Secretary…
Democratic Republic of the Congo – A high-level U.S. delegation attended the inauguration of recently reelected President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa on January 20th. The delegation was led by U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Scott Nathan and included U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Lucy Tamlyn, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Mary Catherine Phee, USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa Monde Muyangwa, and Millennium Challenge Corporation Deputy CEO Chidi Blyden. In a meeting with DRC Finance Minister Nicolas Kazadi, CEO Nathan congratulated President Tshisekedi on his reelection and expressed enthusiasm for increased cooperation between the U.S. and DRC.…
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield delivered keynote remarks at the official inaugural ball for newly elected Liberian President Joseph Boakai on Monday. Speaking before a crowded ballroom of Liberian government officials, business leaders and citizens, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield congratulated President Boakai and Vice President Koung on their election victory. She praised Liberia’s peaceful democratic transition of power, calling it “especially important given the democratic backsliding we have seen across West Africa.” The Ambassador underscored the long history between Liberia and the United States, referencing the arrival of free African Americans in the 19th century. “The story of Liberia…
A meeting held at the UN Security Council under the Arria-formula, focused on peacebuilding and sustaining peace through comprehensive approaches, provided insights and discussions on ongoing efforts in these areas. The meeting, organized by Guyana, Japan, and Mozambique, welcomed insightful contributions from various speakers, including Trina Saha, Deputy Political Counselor. During the meeting, the participants acknowledged the Peacebuilding Commission’s continued work in prevention and peacebuilding throughout 2023. This highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Security Council and the Commission. The meeting emphasized the need for improved coordination, particularly with upcoming events such as the Summit for the Future in…
Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), attended the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where she highlighted the pivotal role of EXIM financing in strengthening economic ties between the United States and its partner nations. Chair Lewis engaged in various discussions and meetings to underscore the agency’s commitment to supporting U.S. exporters and promoting global energy transition initiatives. During the event, Chair Lewis participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council, focusing on the energy transition in the Three Seas region. She emphasized EXIM’s dedication to advancing…
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken commends Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva during their meeting in Praia today. The Secretary congratulates Cabo Verde on its malaria-free certification by the World Health Organization and its eligibility to develop a Millennium Challenge Corporation compact for regional economic integration. Both leaders highlight the crucial U.S.-Cabo Verde partnership for enhancing security and prosperity in the Atlantic Basin, West Africa, and globally. Secretary Blinken appreciates the shared commitment to democracy, good governance, and human rights between the United States and Cabo Verde.Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken commends Cabo Verdean Prime Minister…