Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s visit to Abidjan on January 22-23, 2024, marked a significant step in advancing commitments made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, focusing on expanding partnerships with the government, institutions, and people of Côte d’Ivoire. The visit aimed at strengthening democracy, promoting economic growth, improving security, and addressing critical issues such as climate, food security, and health. Key Points from the U.S.-Côte d’Ivoire Relationship: 1. Shared Values and Investments: The United States and Côte d’Ivoire share a robust relationship rooted in shared values. The U.S. heavily invests in Ivorian people and institutions, emphasizing a partnership based on mutual…
Author: Editor Francis
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register a new association for lawyers in Nigeria. This follows a legal action taken by a group of lawyers against the CAC for its failure to register their association as a recognized legal practitioner body in the country. The plaintiffs in the case, namely Bolaji Ayorinde, Mela Nunge, Garba Gajam, Emeka Ichoku, Chioma Ferguson, and Tejumola Adigun, had challenged the CAC’s refusal to register their association. They argued that the names under consideration for registration were not distinct enough from that of the…
In a rare point of agreement during the ongoing 23-month-long war, both Russia and Ukraine dismiss former President Donald Trump’s claims that he could swiftly bring an end to the conflict. Trump, asserting that a full-scale invasion of Ukraine would not have occurred under his presidency, has promised to resolve the war within “24 hours” if reelected in November. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite extending two invitations to Trump to fulfill his promise, has publicly expressed skepticism about the former president’s ability to achieve a peaceful resolution. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed Ukraine’s sentiments, stating…
In the recently released Forbes list of 20 of Africa’s Richest billionaires for 2024, Aliko Dangote, the president of Dangote Group, has maintained his position as the wealthiest person in Africa with a staggering net worth of $13.9 billion. While Dangote continues to dominate the top spot, Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc and a longtime ally of Dangote, has made a notable return to the list. Otedola, who last appeared on the Forbes Africa list in 2017 when he held a controlling stake in Forte Oil, now holds the 20th position with a fortune of $1.1 billion. Forbes…
In the aftermath of the impeachment of Hon. Kunle Oluomo as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, fresh details have surfaced surrounding the events leading to his removal. The newly appointed Speaker, Hon Oludaisi Elemide, now holds the reins following Oluomo’s ousting amid allegations ranging from financial fraud to inadequate leadership. Hon Soneye Damilola Kayode, representing Obafemi Owode Constituency, shed light on the situation, revealing that Oluomo had misled the Assembly by falsely claiming that Governor Dapo Abiodun was withholding funds from the House. Kayode asserted that, in reality, the governor had been providing financial support, but…
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed that he has been receiving life-threatening messages after linking influential Nigerians to illegal mining activities in Nigeria. Alake made this revelation during a visit to the explosion site in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where an explosion occurred last Tuesday, resulting in casualties and property damage. Alake, who confirmed the threats during the visit, emphasized that he had openly addressed the involvement of powerful individuals in illegal mining during a budget defense session at the National Assembly. Despite facing intimidation, the minister remained resolute, stating that exposing such issues was crucial.…
In its latest LPG Price Watch report for December 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed a significant 8.70% uptick in the average price of a 5kg Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) cylinder, commonly known as cooking gas. Comparing the data, the cost escalated from N4,565.56 in December 2022 to N4,962.87 in December 2023. A state-by-state analysis brought to light Adamawa, Jigawa, and Ogun as the states experiencing the highest prices, while the southeastern states of Imo and Ebonyi reported the most affordable rates. Breaking down the data geopolitically, the North-East emerged with the highest average retail price for…
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has officially announced the formation of a Presidential Delegation set to attend the inauguration ceremony of His Excellency Joseph Boakai in Monrovia, Liberia, scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024. Leading the prestigious delegation is The Honorable Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations. The distinguished members accompanying her on this diplomatic mission include: – Ms. Catherine Rodriguez, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Monrovia – The Honorable Stephen K. Benjamin, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the President, as well as Director of the Office of Public Engagement…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is set to arraign the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 24. The charges against Obiano involved alleged money laundering amounting to N4,008,573,350. The EFCC’s decision to arraign the ex-governor comes in the wake of a commitment by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to review all abandoned high-profile cases, particularly those involving former Governors and Ministers. According to reliable sources, Obiano is facing nine count charges, with allegations that he moved N4,008,573,350 from security votes into different accounts. The funds,…
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, is set to undertake a diplomatic mission to Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone from January 21 to 26, 2024. In Liberia, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation to witness the inauguration of President-elect His Excellency Joseph Boakai. The visit underscores the U.S. government’s dedication to collaborating with the newly elected administration and commends the Liberian people for conducting free and fair elections, marking the country’s second democratic transfer of power since the conclusion of the civil war in 2003. During her stay in Monrovia, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will participate…
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the introduction of its inaugural computer-based mock examination for the first-series West African Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates in 2024. The mock exam, scheduled from January 23 to 24, is open to all potential candidates, as emphasized by Moyosola Adesina, the Acting Head of Public Affairs at WAEC’s national office in Lagos. As per the official release, WAEC has organized a free Mock Examination for prospective candidates participating in the first-ever Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2024 – First Series, starting on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Candidates can participate…
In a meeting with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), President Bola Tinubu reassured the nation of his administration’s unwavering dedication to addressing corruption and other pressing challenges. The president emphasized the need for a collective change in mindset towards financial matters and called on Christian leaders to support the ongoing anti-corruption efforts. During the meeting led by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President Tinubu urged Christian leaders to promote understanding, tolerance, perseverance, and hope among Nigerians. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating that public condemnation does not contribute to the nation’s well-being. President Tinubu acknowledged…