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WTO: Buhari gets fresh Europe support for Okonjo-Iweala
- Nigeria reaches out to US
The European Council has expressed its continued support for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her bid to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation.
President of the European Council, Mr Charles Michel, reiterated the council’s support in a video conference held with President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina, stated this on Friday.
This came as the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, who doubles as the Chairperson of the Campaign Strategy Team for Okonjo-Iweala, Amb. Mariam Katagum, said Friday at an emergency virtual meeting that she convened that Nigeria had reached out to the United State, the main opposotion to the emergence of Okonjo-Iweala as WTO’s DG.
The President is leading Nigeria’s charge for Okonjo-Iweala, the country’s former Minister of Finance, to emerge as the first black and female WTO DG. But the bid has been opposed by the United States.
Buhari thanked the European Council for its support for Nigeria’s candidate.
The minister at her conference said, “Nigeria is currently reaching out to all members of the WTO including the United States of America and South Korea to overcome the impasse as well as persuade the United States to join the consensus in adopting the recommendation of the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as DG-WTO.”
A key group of the WTO ambassadors had proposed Okonjo-Iweala to lead the trade organisation on Wednesday, expected to clear the way for her to emerge the first African to head the global watchdog in its 25-year history.
The candidacy of the former World Bank director had received a boost last Monday when the 27-member states of the European Union backed her for the job.
The 55-member African Union also supported the former Nigerian finance minister over her sole remaining opponent, Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea.
Okonjo-Iweala had also won the goodwill of a group of Caribbean and Pacific States as well as others from Asia.
The US representative at the special WTO Head of Delegations’ meeting in Geneva was the only strong opposition to Okonjo-Iweala’s confirmation after the last round of consultations with member-countries.
The US faulted the outcome of the consultations, despite that all other member-countries present were unanimous in their insistence the rules were transparent.
The US government said it opted to root for the Korean Trade Minister as the next WTO director-general because of her credentials as a trade expert, who has distinguished herself as a successful trade negotiator and trade policymaker.
Other issues discussed during the conference with Buhari are debt relief for Africa, EU-African relations and recharge of the Lake Chad.
The Lake Chad has shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size, thus throwing about 130 million people that depend on it into dire straits.
Recharge of the Lake Chad is an issue the Nigerian President has vigorously canvassed at diverse global forums, according to the statement.
Buhari expressed appreciation to Michel for the expected positive developments on the issues.
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JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week
JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Sunday to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
President Tinubu touched down at 2:14 a.m. local time and was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” this year’s ADSW summit will see President Tinubu highlighting Nigeria’s achievements and reforms in energy sufficiency, transportation modernization, public health improvements, and economic development.
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His presence underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global challenges through sustainable and cooperative strategies.
During the summit, the President is expected to hold bilateral discussions with UAE leaders, focusing on strengthening ties and exploring shared opportunities.
President Tinubu is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and other senior officials.
He is slated to return to Nigeria on Thursday, January 16.
ADSW 2025, a globally recognized event for sustainability innovation, brings together business leaders and civil society representatives to advance sustainable development and foster economic progress.
Over its 15-year history, the summit has established itself as a key platform for forging partnerships and driving impactful initiatives in clean energy and global growth.
JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week
News
Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information
Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information
Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevweri, has sacked his Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza.
The governor has reportedly directed the state Commissioner for Works (Rural roads), Charles Aniagwu, to take over the affairs of the ministry.
Director General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communication, Dr. Fred Latimor Oghenesivbe, confirmed the development.
“Charles Aniagwu will take over the two ministries (Works and Information) for the meantime,” he stated.
It was learnt that Osuoza was sacked after a series of complaints of alleged incompetence.
Aniagwu had served as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and Commissioner for Information during ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s eight year tenure.
News
Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support
Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has assured Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama, that he can count on Nigeria’s support.
The remark was made on Tuesday during Mahama’s inauguration ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra.
He noted that Ghana has answered the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavors, and that it is time for Africa’s critics to stop asking the continent to prove itself.
The Nigerian president emphasized the importance of African unity and cooperation, adding that the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is a guiding spirit for African progress. Tinubu urged African nations to avoid conflict and choose peaceful dialogue to resolve differences while resisting external forces that seek to divide them.
Addressing Mahama, Tinubu said, “My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you.”
Tinubu’s remarks read:
It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.
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We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.
The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.
While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.
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The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.
May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders.
Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.
Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.
President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.
May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region.
I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.
Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.
May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.
God bless Ghana and its Beloved People.
God bless Nigeria and its Beloved People
God bless ECOWAS
God bless our Beloved Africa.
I thank you for your kind attention.
Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support
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