News

Edo Govt, Namibia Explore Trade, Investment Opportunities In Livestock Farming, Technology, Others

Published

2 years ago

September 13, 2023

Editor

…partnership ‘ll stem protein shortfall in Nigeria – Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has initiated talks with the Namibian Government to explore trade and investment opportunities in livestock production, technology, and management services, among others between the Country and Edo State.

The governor disclosed this when he played host to the Namibia Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, and his wife, Lena, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki called for increased collaboration to drive economic growth and reap other economic benefits that lie in increased bilateral trade relations between the national and sub-national governments.

Obaseki said, “We appreciate you for taking the time to meet with us on a government-to-government basis and explore opportunities available in terms of economy and other forms of cooperation. We have had a cordial relationship with your Country in terms of the struggle for independence to date.

“We appreciate the fact that we are extending the relationship beyond national to sub-national relationships. Businesses and citizens live in the States and I am not surprised that many Countries like yours and diplomats like you go into Countries to see how to do business together, taking advantage of the bilateral agreement and other agreements already established by the two Countries.”

The governor further noted, “Namibia has a strong economy and has challenges like any other African country but has established global competitiveness in other areas and that is where we would like to collaborate with you. We believe opportunities exist in terms of services and I don’t see why we can’t work with some of your professional services firms in the areas of technology, and management services, among others.

“Most importantly, we admire the way you run your livestock industry in Namibia and it is one area, as a State, that we would be exploring opportunities to see how we can collaborate and cooperate to help us stem the protein shortfall in our Country.”

He added, “We would be counting on your support to see how you can partner with us with high-value agricultural regions in Namibia to enable us to establish working relationships with those regions to see how we begin to boost investment and trade. We believe this is the first of many visits, and we would take time out to come and see you in Abuja and commence further conversation on these areas of cooperation.”

In his response, Geiseb said the visit was to explore areas of investment in Edo State, adding, “Our cooperation between Nigeria and Namibia is very good as Nigeria has supported Namibia during its struggle for independence.

“Today, Namibia and Nigeria maintain a cordial relationship and continue to ensure strong cooperation in various areas and this year or next year, we will host the 5th session of the Nigeria-Namibia Joint Commission of Cooperation to discuss cooperation in various areas.”

He further noted, “Our visit today is aimed at strengthening the relationship between Edo State and Namibia and sharing free ideas where opportunities exist. Edo State has a lot of opportunities that Namibia business people could tap into and through that, we are hoping we can come to participate in the Benin Trade Expo taking place this year or next year. This will give us the opportunity to showcase Namibia’s products and also observe products produced in Edo State.

“There are many opportunities for cooperation and bilateral trade in various areas as the governor has expressed the readiness of the State to work with Namibia in the areas of animal husbandry as we work to produce quality beef and export same to the rest of the world.”

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

9 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

9 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.