News
Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as WTO Director-General
Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as WTO Director-General
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has officially declared her intention to seek a second four-year term.
Her announcement follows strong support from 58 member countries, particularly from the African Group of the WTO, which endorsed her bid for reappointment.
In a statement to Reuters, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her readiness to “compete” for the position, noting that her focus for the next term would be on delivering results and addressing “unfinished business” within the organization.
“I would like to be part of this chapter of the WTO story and I stand ready to compete for the position,” she said.
Her first term as DG, which began in March 2021, faced early challenges, including opposition from the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which initially blocked her appointment.
READ ALSO:
- Lord Chosen Church dismisses viral testimony controversy
- Police investigates murder of 28-year-old man in Yobe
- JUST IN: Trump launches new cryptocurrency platform
The U.S. favored South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee at the time, arguing the WTO needed someone with direct experience in the field. However, following Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Okonjo-Iweala secured U.S. support and assumed office on March 1, 2021.
Reflecting on her tenure, Okonjo-Iweala admitted the role has been tough, largely due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between the 166 WTO member states.
Despite these challenges, she remains passionate about the job, stating, “It’s also a job that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning.”
Her current term is set to conclude in August 2025, and she is eligible for re-election.
With a career that includes two terms as Nigeria’s finance minister and top leadership roles at the World Bank, Okonjo-Iweala’s experience places her in a strong position as she prepares for the next chapter of her WTO journey.
Okonjo-Iweala seeks second term as WTO Director-General
News
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
President Bola Tinubu, Thursday, at the prestigious Palais des L’Élysée, told France President, Emmanuel Macron, that a starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and that in the 21st century no child should go to bed hungry.
President Tinubu at a high-profile meeting with President Macron also affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense. At a joint press conference, President Tinubu highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector and beckoned international investors to capitalize on the nation’s welcoming investment climate.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said: “The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to bolster food security.
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.
“It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better,” the President stated.
READ ALSO:
- Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU
- Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU
- Police, immigration officers jailed seven years for employment fraud
President Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy was being repositioned for more Foreign Direct Investment that will directly impact the livelihood of the citizens.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business and close to this, we have a vibrant youth population that is educated, and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development,” he said.
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
News
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has disbursed refunds amounting to N4.4 billion to 36 States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces pertaining to the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj
The Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Malam Muhammad Musa, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Musa explained that in addition, the Commission has refunded a sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 hajj.
” This amount is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies will also be refunded after due reconciliation.
“This refund underscores NAHCON’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations.”
Musa explained that all pilgrims who participated in the 2023 hajj were advised to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards and Commissions or tour operators to claim their refunds.
READ ALSO:
- ‘How I collected $400,000 for Emefiele as his aide’
- What NNPCL staff revealed about reported revival of PH Refinery – Farooq Kperogi
- FG hands over 15 CNG buses to transport unions
“Each Pilgrim, is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00. A detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement.
“The commission hereby calls upon all 2025 hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their hajj fares with their respective state pilgrims boards.
“This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating early arrangements of the 2025 Hajj in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON calls upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor the refund process.
“This collaboration aims to ensure that all refunds are appropriately disbursed and reached the intended beneficiaries without any discrepancy,” Musa said.
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
(NAN)
News
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a two-day visit to France, with both countries seeking increased economic cooperation and Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron met his counterpart at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex, with the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.
The two national anthems sang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’ landmarks, kicking off a visit focused on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Africa’s most populous country.
Macron has sought a “renewal” between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election and after military coups and changing attitudes lessened France’s influence in Africa.
READ ALSO:
- $6bn Mambilla Contract: Appeal Court suspends judgment barring EFCC from probing Leno Adesanya
- Senate passes tax reform bills for second reading
- Why we jettisoned regional system, split Nigeria into 12 states – Gowon
The visit is “an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria”, Macron’s office said.
Nigeria is Africa’s leading oil producer and has a robust film and entertainment industry.
However challenges posed by insecurity and corruption have left 129 million Nigerians — more than half the country’s population — living below the poverty line.
Nigeria is seeking to build ties in “agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition,” Tinubu’s office said in a statement, adding that the president had landed in Paris on Wednesday evening.
Tinubu and Macron will also address “shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication,” it added.
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
-
Entertainment3 days agoDavido: They want to cancel my show in Nigeria over economy comment
-
metro3 days agoTinubu appoints Jami’u Abiola as Senior Special Assistant
-
metro3 days agoBianca raises hope Tinubu will free Nnamdi Kanu to restore peace in South-East
-
metro3 days agoDrama as Yahaya Bello calms supporters after judge storms out of court over rowdiness
-
metro2 days agoWhy we relocated Osun airport — Gov Adeleke
-
News22 hours agoNo child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
-
metro2 days agoJUST IN: DSS arrests Kano-based activist over suspected Facebook post
-
Business3 days agoPH refinery to blend 1.4-million litre petrol daily – NNPC