Headline

Don’t Cause Confusion In NDDC, Group Warns N’Delta Minister Over Appointment

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2022

Our Correspondent, Abuja

Group known as South-South Emerging Leaders Forum (SELF) has cautioned the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Umana, not to cause unnecessary confusion in the appointment of new Sole Administrator for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari relieved the Interim Administrator of NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa, of his position and directed the most senior director in the commission to run its affairs.

The minister subsequently announced Mr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, to perform the duties of the managing director in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director and members of the Governing Board.

But in a statement signed Thursday in Abuja by its coordinator, Preye Johnson, Esq., the group said the director appointed by the Minister to succeed the sacked administrator “is not the most senior director as directed by the President. In fact, there are two most senior directors ahead of him.”

The forum named the said most qualified senior directors to include Seigha Glasgow and Prince Alazigha.

The South-South forum, however, threatened to drag the minister to Court if the right thing is not done based on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the forum, if the injustice melted against the most senior directors is not corrected, there will be no proper growth in the the commission, adding that the most senior directors will be disrespected.

The statement also urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to recognise and allow for the change of signature Mr. by Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua.

The statement reads: “As a frontline forum of professionals in the Niger Delta, we are using this medium to call on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana to do the right thing and avoid unnecessary confusion at the NDDC by appoint the most senior director as directed by Mr. President.

“We are making this call because the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua is in contrary to the directive of the President and it is in the public knowledge that there are two most senior directors ahead of Mr. Mr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua.

“We hereby call on the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to recognise or allow for the change of signature by Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua as the acting Managing Diractor of NDDC because he is not the most senior Director in the Commission as stated in the letter signed by the Ministry of Niger Delta and dated 20th October 2022.

“Apart from the CBN, we call on the National Assembly not to have anything to do with the leadership of Mr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua as NDDC’s acting helmsman.

“We also warn that if the right thing is not done we shall have no option than to approach the Court of Law to correct the injustice,” the statement said.

Headline

26-year-old Nigerian Fatally Stabbed In London

Published

45 seconds ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Two individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, southeast London.

The Metropolitan Police reports that detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Ayowale charged a man and woman with murder.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Headline

Trump Threatens 250% Tariffs On Foreign Pharmaceuticals

Published

48 minutes ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.

“We’ll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said in an interview on CNBC.

“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country,” he added.

In the same interview, Trump said he expects to raise the US tariff on Indian imports “very substantially over the next 24 hours” due to the country’s purchases of Russian oil.

While Trump has aimed at products from different countries with varying tariff rates after imposing a 10-percent levy on almost all trading partners in April, these have excluded certain products he planned to target separately.

These sector-specific tariffs have generally come after government investigations that look into the national security concerns surrounding certain imports.

After earlier embarking on probes on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, the Trump administration has signaled plans to wrap up these studies, which could lead to new tariffs.

Already, Trump has slapped steep tariffs of 50 percent on imported steel and aluminum, and also rolled out a separate but lower duty on autos and parts.

AFP

Headline

UK Opens Application For Chevening Scholarships

Published

5 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced that applications for its Chevening Scholarships are officially open, with prospective scholars encouraged to apply between August 5 and October 7, 2025.

The Chevening programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their home countries and globally.

In a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, the Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Emma Hennessey, described the programme as highly competitive, selecting only the most outstanding candidates from across the world.

“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.

“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them — outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills — I strongly encourage you to apply.

“If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive,” Hennessey noted.

According to the statement, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, urged Nigerians with leadership potential to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Chevening is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he said.

“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom to advance your knowledge and skills.

“While there is no ‘typical’ scholar, we seek individuals with the passion, ideas, and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.

“Our alumni network includes dynamic professionals across diverse sectors who are making significant contributions in their fields.

“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7 October 2025 deadline.

“Apply today and take the first step toward this life-changing experience,” he said.

Applications must be submitted online via chevening.org/apply.

Interested applicants are also encouraged to review available guidance at chevening.org/guidance to determine their readiness for the competitive application process.

Since its launch in 1983, the Chevening programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.