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Tag: ambassador

  • Ambassador: A tribute JTF Iyalla

    On behalf of ARCAN, it is my distinct privilege and honour to pay the following tribute to Amb Joe Iyalla, OFR, a former permanent secretary in the then Ministry of External Affairs.

    News of his death on Jan 30, at 90, was received by his former colleagues in the diplomatic service and throughout the country with great shock and sadness, even though he had been ailing for a while. His death evoked among his former colleagues an overwhelming outpouring of grief and a deep sense of loss even among those who barely knew him in the Foreign Ministry. Such was the measure of this great man, an outstanding public servant, a towering and iconic figure in the Nigerian diplomatic service, where he served with great distinction and patriotism.

    Amb Iyalla had a good start in life. He was a precocious lad and after a brilliant academic record at Okrika Grammar School, he entered the Yaba Higher College at 19 in 1947, as a pioneering student. It was from there that in 1948 he entered the new University College, Ibadan, also as a pioneer, graduating from the University in 1951 at 23 with a special bachelor’s degree in Latin. He entered the old colonial civil service thereafter and had a meteoric rise there. In 1960, he took over as Secretary of the Federal Civil Service Commission from the departing British colonial civil servant. He was the 2 first Nigerian civil servant appointed to that revered and powerful position. This brought him into direct contact with the top echelon of the federal civil service. In 1962 he transferred to the Ministry of External Affairs where his heart had always been, serving as deputy permanent secretary to Mr. Francis Nwokedi.

    In 1964, after only two years in MEA, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa approved his appointment as the first Nigerian Assistant Secretary General at the OAU in Addis Ababa, where he served under Diallo Telli of Guinea. With his considerable administrative experience he laid a solid and enduring admistrative structure and foundation for the Organization. Two years later, at the request of Chief Simeon Adebo, the legendary PR at our UN Mission in New York, Amb Joe Iyalla went to New York as Amb and DPR. It was a formidable Nigerian diplomatic representation at the UN.

    In 1968, he was posted to Washington as Ambassador to the US. This was a challenging posting as the Nigerian civil war had started and he had to contend with strong public support in the US for the secessionists. In fact, President Nixon came quite close to giving the secessionists official US support and recognition. Amb Iyalla worked tirelessly to avert that potentially damaging diplomatic tragedy for Nigeria.

    In 1972, two years after the end of the civil war, Amb Iyalla was recalled to Lagos as the permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry, a fitting reward for his diplomatic 3 success in Washington. Gen Gowon had a knack for picking the right men for the top jobs in the civil service. The Foreign Ministry had survived the war, but badly weakened, depleted and its staff demoralized. This was caused by the uncertainties of the civil war, with many of its senior staff having defected during the war. It needed massive structural reforms. It was to Amb Iyalla that Gen Gowon turned for the much needed reforms in the Foreign Ministry. Amb Iyalla was a reform minded permanent secretary and he began introducing some of the changes badly needed in the Ministry and the Foreign Service. It was in this period that I became really acquainted with him as he put me in charge of senior staff discipline in the Ministry. He disliked sloppy political reports sending several back with his corrections.. I was much impressed by his diligence and his eagle eye for details. He read virtually all political reports before sending them to the Foreign Minister, Dr. Okoi Arikpo, with clear advice. The divisions in the Ministry were expanded to departments, and new departments were created, with some of our senior ambassadors being recalled to head them. It was the first time this had happened in the Foreign Ministry.

    New staff were recruited and many of them were sent abroad for training in foreign languages, particularly French. For the first time the Foreign Service had officers who were bilingual, or even multilingual. Regrettably, some of these changes did not go down well with his senior colleagues in the MFA. Some of them 4 believed him to be going too far and two fast. This unfortunate situation led a few of them to write a formal petition against him, that he was highhanded and was pushing them around. In 1975, he was with General Gowon in Kampala, Uganda, for an OAU summit when the government fell to a military coup and was replaced by the Murtala/Obasanjo regime. I was serving in Uganda at the time. Amb. Iyalla was promptly retired as permanent secretary with several other Federal Permanent Secretaries. The new military regime was determined to take over complete control of the Foreign Service and Foreign Policy The Foreign Service became a new source of patronage for the military. There was no room in the new military regime for an independent permanent secretary as Amb. Iyalla. His removal was, perhaps, inevitable. Amb. Aminu Sanusi, father of the current Emir of Kano, replaced Amb. Iyalla as permanent secretary. But he did not fare any better, I was his senior special assistant and he complained bitterly to me on one occasion after I had accompanied him to Dodan Barracks, that he was not being treated with respect by the new military regime. He decided to resign from office rather than face the humiliation of retirement by the military.

    Amb. Iyalla was only 47 when he was retired, and his retirement presaged the rapid decline of the Foreign Service during the long period of military rule in our country. Amb. Iyalla was proud of the Foreign Service and wanted to develop a Foreign Service of which our 5 country could be proud, one which met all international standards of professionalism, integrity and competence. Regrettably, he was denied that opportunity and did not quite achieve his dreams and ambitions for the Foreign Service. But his legacy and ideas have proved to be enduring. They remain a reference point for needed reforms in our Foreign Ministry. He was in the Foreign Ministry for only 15 years and was permanent secretary only in his last three years. It is incredible that he achieved so much in his brief tenure as permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry. As he is laid to rest, our thoughts go to his wife, Mrs. Mabel Iyalla, his children and family. We share in their pain and grievous lost. May his soul rest in peace.

     

    • Ambassador Fafowora is

    National President of the

    Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN)

     

  • Nigeria is a priority for Kuwait diplomacy – Ambassador

    Kuwait’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Abdulaziz Albisher, spoke to Yusuf Ali, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, on the significance of the month of February to his countrymen and the state of his country’s relations with Nigeria.

    Why is February special to Kuwaitis?

    We meet in this month which is regarded by the Kuwaitis as the month of Jubilation for we celebrate two dear occasions, the National Day achieved on 25/02/1961, and the liberation Day achieved on 26/02/1990 from the invasion suffered in 1989. From that period Kuwait assumed a high position in the international community under the wise leadership ship that calls for moderation in its policy supporting world peace and stability.

    What are your aspirations regarding the bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State of Kuwait?

    – As a matter of fact, Nigeria has a unique place in the priorities of Kuwaiti diplomacy, its geographical location, population, endowment with huge natural resources and investment opportunities in the fields of  oil and gas, various minerals, industry, transport, energy, agriculture, tourism, telecommunication, and banking made it an attraction to policy makers and investors.  Its regional, continental and international roles are very much commendable, our diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of Nigeria are indeed distinguished and brotherly relations, deeply rooted and dating back to the sixties, they were on the popular level, they then metamorphosed into diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries in 1971. Nigeria opened its Embassy in Kuwait officially in December 1980, which was reciprocated later on by Kuwait opening its embassy in Nigeria in May 2005. These ties include wide range of cooperation in various fields, this cooperation was well consolidated in the near past by several visits of Nigerian officials to the State Kuwait, to mention but a few the visit of the honourable minister of State for Trade and investment Mrs Aisah Abubakar to attend the 2nd session of the International Trade Fair of members countries to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held during the period from 6-10 February 2018, followed by the visit of the honourable minister of state for Foreign Affairs Mrs Khadeihja Bukar to Kuwait on 13/02/2018 to attend the ministerial meeting of the International Alliance against ISIS. The peak of these visits was that of the former Nigeria Vice president His Excellency engineer Namadi Sambo in November 2013 to attend the 3rd Arab – African Summit held in Kuwait city under the kind supervision of His Highness Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad AlJaber AlSabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait (may God protect and guide him). These distinguished relations witnessed continuous and fruitful cooperation in all the international organizations such as the UN, OPEC. it also covers mutual exchange of expertise between the two countries as well as the presence of many Nigerians experts in different fields such as medicine, engineering, education and many others. My country always offered Scholarships to Nigerian Students officially or through other charity institutions. I would like to thank the Nigerian government for the support accorded to the Kuwaiti candidate for membership of the non permanent seat of the UN Security Council session (2018-2019), I also hope to improve on the existing relations between our two friendly countries and take it to the highest level, together with attracting investment to Nigeria.

    We hope to agree in the near future to adopt the drafts of the bilateral agreements to expedite their enforcement.

    There are thoughts in the horizon regarding completion of twining agreement between some Nigerian States and Kuwaiti districts.

    The embassy of the State of Kuwait in Nigeria will invite Kuwait investment Authority (KIA) to avail itself of trade and investment opportunities in the federal Republic of Nigeria. It shall also work with the Nigerian side to ensure coordination and consultations in respect of means of cooperation in the economy between business men from the two countries through chambers of commerce and industry.

    How do you see the way Nigeria is tackling terrorist activities?

    –             Nigeria is very much on the right track, and its wise leadership enjoys support from the international community, its recent efforts in fighting terror under the wise leadership of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari proved that it is all out for serious business, and the successes achieved by the Nigerian Army are quite encouraging, however efforts to dry up all the financial resources of the extremist together with applying a rigorous intelligence method will surely put an end to their destructive activities.

    In what ways can the Kuwaiti government assist the African economies?

    –             Kuwait has always had Africa at heart, that need not to ne underlined, for it fashioned numerous contributions and initiatives meant to enhance Africa’s development,  the presence of my government‘s developmental efforts is well recognized, let me first of all throw the light on the Arab-African Summit held in Kuwait during which His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait gave his directive to the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development to facilitate grants and concessionary loans to African countries to the tune of two billion U.S. dollars reserved for investment and development spread over five years, it is meant to support the efforts of the African countries towards realizing their developmental aspiration in various fields particularly infrastructure.  As this initiative is to be executed through the Kuwait Fund it goes through legal procedures. In line with the interest of His highness on Africa He attended the 19th African Union Summit held in Ethiopia as guest of honors where he offered to well equip the then newly build African Union secretariat. the same summit witnessed granting the State of Kuwait membership to the African Union in the capacity of an observer,  let me also make mention that the Emir of the state of Kuwait has also announced the intention of his country to grant an Annual Prize of one Million U.S. dollars in the memory of late Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumit, this prize is meant for development researches and research projects in agriculture, health and Ebola eradication this prize is under the auspices of Kuwait Scientific Institution and the theme for the 2019 prize is food security.

    What roles does your country play in the humanitarian fields?

    My country‘s roles in the humanitarian fields are well recognized worldwide, they touch lives in many ways and these remarkable efforts made the former Secretary of the U.N General Mr. Ban Ki-moon to award our leader His Highness Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait (may God protect and guide him) a certificate on behalf of the United Nation in recognition of his continued support to the international humanitarian system naming him a “HUMANITARIAN LEADER” and the State of Kuwait as “UNIVERSAL HUMANITARIAN CENTER” the ceremony took place at the united Nations premises in New York City on Tuesday September 9th, 2014. Kuwait is diligently enlarging its humanitarian contributions in many areas in the world maintaining its international rating as “world humanitarian centre”

    What role can the Kuwait fund play in  Nigeria’s development? 

    I hope to see a joint cooperation between Kuwait Fund for Arab economic development and the friendly Federal republic of Nigeria. As it was not given the chance right from its inception to contribute in development projects in Nigeria. As you know the fund engages in joint cooperation with many countries in different continents Out of which 40 countries in Africa only.  The fund executed over 700 development projects. I would like point out the participation of the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development in the high level conference held in Berlin – Germany from 3-4 September regarding lake Chad region which was jointly presided over by The United Nation, Germany, Norway and Nigeria. The summit worked towards gaining financial and political support with the view to responding to the humanitarian needs of the residents of Lake Chad basin.

    What is your perception about Nigeria and Nigerians?

    Nigeria in my opinion is the giant of Africa, with huge potential that made it a pioneer in regional, continental and international scenes; it has already assumed remarkable roles by maintaining peace and stability through financial and human sacrifices.  As for the Nigerians they are indeed hospitable and friendly. In fact we share a lot in terms of culture and cherished values. Nigeria is a very special country endowed with numerous resources that will undoubtedly enable it to be one of the top world economies in the near future, its cultural heritage is exceptional, the roles played by its successive governments and the current able Government in particular on the regional continental and world levels maintaining peace and security are very much appreciated.

  • Minister, ambassador decry state of Lagos-Badagry road

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyema, and Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Mr Kayode Oguntuase, have decried the deplorable state of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they addressed reporters yesterday on the side-lines of the opening of the Joint Border Post by Nigeria and Benin Republic at Seme-Krake, Badagry, Lagos State.

    Onyema, who noted that the facility would have positive economic impact on both countries, said the envisaged free movement of persons, goods and services would be hindered by the condition of the road.

    He said: “It is totally unacceptable; the condition of the road from Lagos to this place. Something has to be done to address it.

    “You cannot be talking about the free movement of people and goods without the prerequisite infrastructure to facilitate that free movement.

    “So, we on the Nigeria side have to do something about it.”

    Oguntuase said the current state of the road, which was one of the busiest highways in the West African sub-region, was an embarrassment to Nigeria.

    He said: “We know that government will soon do the needful to fix it. Initially, we heard that it was World Bank, but I understand that it has been transferred to Nigeria because we wanted to expand the lanes.

    “Now that we have taken it over, we should begin action because this is the major linkage to Nigeria and to our commercial city, Lagos.”

    The envoy congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and his Beninese counterpart, Mr Patrice Talon, for the opening of the JBP.

    He noted that it would deepen bilateral relationship between both countries.

    Oguntuase said: “The border post is strategic and the busiest entry point into the country. It is going to ease the movement of persons, services and goods, according to the Economic Community of West African States liberalisation policy.

    “Apart from that, this border is also important for combating, for preventing, for neutralising anything that could be a security threat to Nigeria. That is why we are very happy that the border is being opened today.

    “It will lead to increase in revenue generation because before now, people were using the porous borders to escape from paying some tariffs and custom duties.”

     

  • 2019: America has no preferred candidate – Ambassador

    The United States Government, has in Katsina declared that it has no preferred presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria next year, but that it prefers a transparent and violent free process that ensures the election of a candidate freely chosen by Nigerians

    The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. W Stuwart Symington, who was represented by Mr. Phillip Franz Seitz and Victoria Ibi, told newsmen at the Government House Katsina, shortly after a meeting with the Permanent Secretary, that his government is not interested or giving backing to any candidate but wanted a violent free and credible outcome.

    He said” we are not interested in the candidates and their parties but the processes and the outcomes, that is why we have been traversing the length and breadth of the country and the North, on a productive engagement with the political leaders and stakeholders, to promote the conduct of a peaceful election next year,” he said.

    Earlier the Permanent Secretary at the Government House, AlhajiMuktariLawal, who received the ambassador on behalf of the state governor,Aminu Bello Masari, said the US government has several intervention programmes in the state, including students exchange and agricultural programmes and further requested that the relationship between the two governments be stepped up for enhanced mutual economic and social benefits

     

  • Ja Solar names Annjay ambassador

    Singer, model and entrepreneur, Angela Chioma John, known as Annjay has  been named ambassador for Chinese company, Ja Solar. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

    Nigeria Manager of the Shangai based company, Mr Daniel Mgbada, said that the decision to choose the entertainer comes as a result of shared values the outfit holds with her.

    “Ja Solar is pleased to announce actress, singer, model and entrepreneur, John Angela Chioma, popularly known as Annjay as its brand ambassador,” said Mgbada.

    Founded in 2005, JA Solar Holdings is a solar development company.

    “Our choice of her personality is not farfetched as we share the same values of entrepreneurship, quality and service to humanity. These are principles we believe and we trust that our partnership will further boost our services to the Nigerian people.”

    Reacting to the news, the ‘Man No Be God’ crooner said that she is excited about the new appointment and looks forward to doing a lot with the outfit.

    “Entrepreneurship is one thing I am excited about and I’m thrilled to know that Ja Solar holds the same value,” she wrote.

    “Also, the company’s CSR is something to be proud of. I also look forward to working with them in that regard. As a youth-centric company, we will be relating with the youths of Nigeria to see how we can use technology to move the country forward.”

    Recently, Annjay gave out some JAMB forms to applicants. She also launched her Annjay Hair, a product which she says caters for all females.

  • Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa resigns, set to leave APC

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto has  resigned and is set to quit the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    Ibeto who was a former deputy governor of Niger state was reported to have arrived Nigeria from Pretoria on Sunday and on Monday morning submitted his letter of resignation at the ministry of External Affairs.
    The Ambassador who was in Minna on Tuesday went to his country home in Magama local government area of Niger state.
    Sources close to the former deputy governor disclosed that Ibeto would first resign his membership of the ruling APC but it is not yet certain which party the envoy would join.
    Indications from his close friends and associates said he may likely the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
    It was learnt that Ibeto is considering occupying the number one seat of the state and vying under the PDP.
    Ibeto had resigned his membership of the PDP after he lost the PDP gubernatorial ticket to Umar Nasko in 2015.
    Ibeto was last year appointed an Ambassador and posted to South Africa by President Muhammed Buhari

  • Governors responsible for hardship, says ambassador

    The Nigeria Ambas-sador to Uganda, Etubom (Dr) Nya Asuquo, has blamed governors for the hardship across the nation.

    The President Muhammadu Buhari- led Federal Government, he said, has nothing to do with the situation.

    Speaking with reporters in Calabar, he said: “I think charity should begin at home. I think the question should be what our state has been able to do to make sure that people who are in Cross River State are gainfully employed.

    “It is not Buhari that is controlling the resources of local governments; it is not Buhari that is controlling the resources of the states.

    “Buhari cannot come and develop my village. He does general politics for the whole country for the states and local governments to tap from it and make development available to people.

    “But if the state is only waiting to show us new power bikes in December, then the condition will be as it is.”

    He added: “What I am saying is that we are asking after Buhari but we are in Cross River State. It is the state that has to complement what the federal government is doing. The state has to do its best.”

    He urged Nigerians to hold state governments responsible for underdevelopment at the grassroots because the federal government has never failed in allocating money on monthly basis as revenue allocation to governors.

  • Davido becomes First Bank ambassador

    Davido becomes First Bank ambassador

    Having won several awards this year, Davido is also ending the year on a good note as he signed a contract with First Bank to become one of their ambassadors.

    The Omo baba olowo, crooner took to his Instagram page to share the good news by posting photo of the event, with the caption, “Me and my new family @firstbanknigeria, So many new projects and ideas coming! We also can’t wait for Dec 27th!”

    It has been revealed that the bank has taken over sponsorship of the grand finale of Davido’s ‘30 Billion Concert’ scheduled for December 27, 2017 in Lagos.

    The 30 Billion World tour, which had 28 countries on the list included Europe, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. He also did a total of 13 cities in the US as well as four Canadian cities, four African countries including Djibouti, Ivory Coast and Guinea.

    According to report, the decision to go on the 30 Billion World tour ahead of a project is to create the environment for his sophomore album which will likely be supplemented by yet another tour in 2018.

    Davido was in the news in November when he won ‘Best African Act,’ at the 2017 edition of the prestigious Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, having top leaders in Nigerian sending congratulatory messages to the artiste.

  • Bimbo Akintola appointed CYIAC Ambassador

    Bimbo Akintola appointed CYIAC Ambassador

    Renowned Nollywood actress and director, Bimbo Akintola has been appointed Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption (CYIAC) Goodwill Ambassador to help raise global awareness to promote culture of integrity, curb corruption among children, youth and adults through creative, innovation and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria and Africa.

    The announcement was made last Thursday and by Saturday, Bimbo will join other notable achievers to officially launch CYIAC Corruption Busters (CCB) and to mark United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day. Also, CCB educational series will be available for free download through CYIaC App and website- www.cyiac.com.

    The CCB is CYIAC’s contribution towards achieving global goals in 2030.  In line with Sustainable Development Goal (Goal 4, Goal 5, Goal 16, and Goal 17), CYIAC will achieve culture of integrity and communities free from corruption through educational development in Literary Arts, Paintings, Drama, Digital Communication, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Information Technology.

    In 2013, Bimbo, took part in a walk to raise awareness for Breast and Prostate Cancer which took place in Lagos and a walk for Autism awareness in Abuja in 2014. And every year, she finances and hosts a Christmas party for Children with special needs. Her passion to lead change in Children and Youth began in February 2017 on the platform of Vision of the Child.

  • BBNaija Bisola as education ambassador for UN General Assembly

    BBNaija Bisola as education ambassador for UN General Assembly

    The first runner up of BBNaija, Bisola Aiyeola, who is presently one of the ONE.org ambassadors, will be attending the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York to campaign for girls’ education. The campaign aims to increase the access and quality of education for girls in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the northern part of Nigeria.

    Going as a ONE ambassador, a role she won while participating in the ‘Back to School’ presentation task, during the reality show, Aiyeola called on Nigerian lawmakers to prioritize girls’ education.

    While commenting on the presentation, Serah Makka, ONE Nigeria’s director, said “We are proud to congratulate Bisola! Her presentation was very moving as she highlighted the status of girls education. ONE looks forward to working with her to take our Campaign to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September.”

    “During the UN General Assembly we will ask Nigerian and other African leaders to make education work for every girl by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4. The event which will last for a week will be attended by various world leaders.”

    Other ambassadors for the ONE campaign include Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Bonang Matheba, and Waje.