The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ambassador

  • Ambassador advises politicians on environmental laws

    • Envoy condemns burning of used tyres

    Ecuadorian Ambassador to Nigeria Leopoldo Verdesoto Rovayo has urged  Nigerian leaders to take issues of environmental pollution seriously. He advised them to ensure that laws on environments are implemented to save the earth and climate from further depleting.

    Ravayo spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers  State capital, when he partnered, a Rivers lawmaker, Hon. Victoria Nyeche on a campaign on “Sustainable Lifestyle on Environment”, to plant trees at Elekahia Secondary School, in Port Harcourt Local Government Area at the weekend.

    The campaign was an offshoot of the just concluded Port Harcourt Environmental Summit by members of the State House of assembly, and the brain child of Nyche.

    He said the government, multinational companies as well as residents in the state have roles to play, if the environment must be saved.

    He condemned the practice of indiscriminate emission of hydro carbon chemical and other harmful chemicals, elements into the earth and atmosphere through, oil exploration activities, and  burning of  used and dumped motor tyres, on meats and for wires, and charged the government to rise up against that to check the menace.

    “There is need for politicians to implement the laws on environment, and oil exploitation companies to do what is right in the way they carry on their businesses in the state to save the environment and the people from the effects of harmful emissions into the environment.

    “Also other people doing business in the state should also know that they have roles to play in the quest to saving the environment, sometimes people should think beyond making huge profits in their businesses and think about the implication of their activities on the environments and its inhabitants.

    “Imagine people recycling used and condemned tyres into firewood to burn meat for consumption and to get wires out of them, all these have huge negative implications on the environment and the people, the atmosphere is contaminated, people eat and inhale the contaminants and get sick and so on, so there has to be another better way of burning animal fur and extracting wires out of these tyres instead of this very cheap and crude way that is causing more havoc to the environment and its residents.

    “Again, educating and sensitizing the people on the effects of their negative activities on the environment to the atmosphere, water bodies and directly on human beings and the way to save the environment from further damage cannot be over-emphasized.

    “This is the reason we chose a school to start with, because if we should educate the young ones, we would have captured them while they are young and they will go out there and educate their parents and other people within their neighbourhood. We want to make them ambassadors of green and safe environments.”

    The lawmaker urged children to imbibe the habit of saving the environment from all forms of pollution, including tittering of the surroundings, especially with material that are not decomposable.

  • Efe named Youth Ambassador of Nigeria

    Efe named Youth Ambassador of Nigeria

    Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has made Efe Ejeba, winner of Big Brother Naija, Nigeria’s Youth Ambassador.

    Efe’s appointment was announced when Efe, 23, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

    ‘Efe Ejeba is today a voice that reminds every young person that no matter your humble beginning, your dreams are valid,’ Dalug wrote in a Facebook post.

    ‘On this note, Efe Ejeba the winner of Big Brother Naija is today pronounced & decorated; ‘NIGERIA YOUTH AMBASSADOR’. Congratulations and we wish him well. God bless #NigerianYouths.’

    The Minister also announced via Facebook that Efe has been selected with other Nigerian youths to represent the country at Berlin Entrepreneurship Summit in Germany.

    “Based on Logistics”, the Minister quipped after Efe’s popular slang, “I have directed the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports to include the newly decorated ‘Youth Ambassador of Nigeria’ Efe Ejeba, the winner of Big Brother Nigeria on the list of youths that will participate in the Berlin Youth Entrepreneurship summit taking place in Germany next month,” he wrote.

    Immediately after he won the reality television show, the Plateau State government had also announced Efe as its ambassador. Efe, an Economics graduate, grew up in Jos, Plateau State. The indigene of Delta State was also honoured by the Delta State government, including being bestowed a chieftaincy title

  • Nigeria protests to U.S. over Embassy’s violation

    Nigeria protests to U.S. over Embassy’s violation

    The Nigerian Embassy in Washington has protested to the U.S. Government over the violation of its premises by the Secret Service agents following fracas between two local workers.

    The Acting Ambassador/Charge d’Affaires, Hakeem Balogun, told the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a “protest note” had been transmitted to the U.S. Department of State.

    Balogun condemned the violation of the diplomatic protocol over altercation by two Embassy drivers adding: “The embassy has as well transmitted a protest note to the U.S. Department of State.

    “We have sent a protest note in respect of the entrance by the police into the embassy. It is against diplomatic protocols.

    “They are not supposed to enter the embassy. The protest letter is in respect of the entrance of the police into the embassy,” Balogun said.

    The Nigerian envoy also said that he “has since taken appropriate and timely, administrative and diplomatic steps to address the incident.

    “These measures include the immediate and indefinite suspension of the two local staff members involved in the fracas.

    “There is the establishment of a Committee to investigate and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions against the two locally-recruited staff members involved in the fracas.”

    Balogun dismissed the publication by a Nigerian newspaper alleging that “the United States Police was called in to restore order in the Embassy as a result of ‘a physical fight’.

    The ambassador also described as baseless, claims that the fracas took place “in the full glare of dozens of guests and visa applicants”.

    “To buttress its report, the Newspaper attached a photograph claiming to be the ‘chaotic situation’ that erupted as a result of the fight,” he said.

    According to him, however, the dispute between two of its drivers took place in the basement area of the Chancery where Embassy drivers are stationed.

    “The physical encounter was, therefore, not in the full glare of the public as to have caused a chaotic situation.

    “A cursory look and careful analysis of the picture attached by the Newspaper will reveal to anyone conversant with the Embassy’s premises that the picture used has no physical connection to the Embassy.

    “This was clearly an effort at deception,” the ambassador said.

    On the issue of the nationalities of the Embassy’s local staff members, he said the primary qualification for employment into the non-diplomatic workforce is knowledge of the job, not the nationality of the applicant.

    “The Newspaper went further to question the composition of the nationalities of the Embassy’s locally recruited staff”.

    “This is an international best practice. Be that as it may, it is important to inform that out of the Mission’s current local staff strength of 44, there are 37 Nigerians.

    “Seven are non-Nigerians from India, The Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka,” he said.

    Balogun assured that the Mission would continue to do everything within its mandate to protect and defend the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians in the U.S. (NAN)

  • Methuselah Ambassador

    It is indeed curious President Muhammadu Buhari has re-nominated for Senate screening and confirmation, 82 year old Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor (rtd) as a non career ambassador. In a letter to that effect dated March 29, the President was silent on the reasons for Nsofor’s re-nomination.

    When the nominee appeared before the Senate on March 23, he was rejected due to his refusal to respond appropriately to questions posed to him during the screening exercise by members of the committee on foreign affairs. The committee chairman, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu had then said Nsofor was not rejected because of his age even as he walked in looking frail and was supported as he was not able to walk on his own.

    According to him, “his responses to issues raised were either not answered or devoid of details and mostly satirical. When we asked him to recite the National Anthem, he said we should have sent him a syllabus”. A member of the committee asked him if he knew about IT. He asked what is IT and I told him Information Technology and he said “it’s for your age and not mine”. Also when asked if he was not too old, he said we should go and ask Mugabe who is still working.

    For this inability to respond to questions in the appropriate manner for reasons best known to him, the Senate refused to approve his nomination for the ambassadorial position. Now that the President has re-nominated him, what assurances are there that he will not again ask to be sent a syllabus when asked to recite the National Anthem, refer them to Mugabe when issues are raised about his age and tell the committee that information technology is for their age and not his?

    Even if a new set of questions are asked him by committee members, what guarantee is there his responses will not toe the same evasive pattern? This poser has been raised to underscore the inappropriateness of his re-nomination by the President. From all indications, Nsofor is neither prepared for the job nor is his age best suited for it. At 82, and given the committees’ characterization of his appearance, it is obvious he has no business with that job. Perhaps, he knows that too well and that may have accounted for the manner he responded to questions posed to him by members. A nominee who felt so confident to tell the Senate committee members that information technology is for their age and not his has no business taking up appointment either as a career or non-career ambassador.

    But more importantly, at 82, it is ridiculous that somebody is still considering the retired judge for such appointment. There are other ways of helping him if someone is interested in his welfare rather that make a mockery of that sensitive office. The situation is even more disconcerting when it is recognized that such appointments are made on representative basis.

    Imo State which he is being appointed to represent has a surfeit of high level, energetic and well-qualified manpower for such positions. It is a slap on the collective psyche of people of that state that a retired 82 year old judge is the person found fit and proper to fill its slot at the ambassadorial level. What a shame!

    So the issue is not just about his inability or refusal to address questions posed to him in the appropriate manner. Even if he was able to answer the questions to the satisfaction of the committee members, his age cannot possibly permit his approval for that position. The Senate should not hesitate to reject him on account of old age even if he now answers questions to their satisfaction.

    President Buhari should be asked to nominate a more suitable candidate from Imo State for that position. We cannot continue recycling people who have served out their terms in their chosen fields in the face of the spiraling unemployment challenges that pose the greatest challenge to order, peace and stability in this country.

    The re-nomination of Justice Nsofor is a sad reminder to the controversy generated by the re-nomination of the acting chairman of the EFCC Ibrahim Magu who was equally rejected for non-satisfactory performance during screening in addition to the damning report on his credibility to lead the anti-graft war. Since the second rejection, we have been made to believe that a proper interpretation of the constitution shows clearly that the President does not really need the approval of the Senate to appoint the EFCC chairman.

    Yet, in the past, that tradition had been followed without any adverse consequence. We are not looking at the overall intendment of the act setting up such bodies in stipulating that their heads should be approved by the Senate. We now show scant interest in the principles of separation of powers, checks and balances and their overall capacity to check abuse of power which corrupts absolutely.

    In a bid to find escape route, we had to scrutinize the constitution to find a way out. And our researches paid off in section 171 of the constitution which they said empowers the President not to seek Senate approval for Magu’s appointment. We are now only interested in working from the answer so long that answer enables us achieve a predetermined end. That is the interpretation of the legal opinion offered by Femi Falana and copiously adopted by the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo that the EFCC chairman does not need Senate confirmation.

    But, Magu’s name had been sent to the same Senate on two consecutive times and rejected. Had he been confirmed, perhaps nobody would have cared to search the constitution to seek and explore loopholes. Given the above, it could be safely concluded that the whole idea is to have Magu on the EFCC seat by all means. But the interpretation of that part of the constitution by Falana and its adoption by Osinbajo is still not the end of it all. The final resolution of the matter lies with our courts.

    It is true that when any law clashes with the constitution, the latter takes precedence. But that is not the only issue that will be taken into account when the matter comes before the courts. The courts will also consider issues of public interest, what stood to be gained or lost by subjecting such appointments to Senate confirmation. They may also consider the dangers inherent in having the executive solely appoint heads of such sensitive bodies on the overall assignment they have to prosecute.

    Besides, it has been argued that section 60 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) empowers the Senate and the House of Representatives to make rules to guide their activities. It is further being contended that section 60 is not inferior to section 171 and that the rule of the House is subsidiary legislation deriving its powers from the grand norm, which is the 1999 constitution.

    The above point underscores the contention that the interpretation proffered by Falana and adopted by Osinbajo is still largely provisional as it cannot be the final position on the matter. The issue should be challenged in the courts for us to get to know the true position.

    But then, should we undertake all this trouble just because Magu is involved? Must he stay in that office by all means? These are the issues to ponder especially given the valuable energy dissipated on this singular appointment. Even if he does not need Senate approval to retain his job, has he cleared himself of the damaging allegations against him by the DSS?

    This poser is germane given that Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF who was earlier cleared by the President together with Magu on the allegations made against him has now been suspended from duty and being investigated. If the government has seen reason even very belatedly to suspend Lawal, it needs to revisit the Magu saga instead of exploring loopholes in the constitution to retain him by all means.

  • Ikpeazu as good brand ambassador

    Ikpeazu as good brand ambassador

    SIR: Brand ambassadors, also known as Corporate Ambassadors, are hired by organisations to represent brands positively as well assisting companies to increase the awareness of brands to promote sales.  Few characteristics mark out brand ambassadors. One is that they should have an appreciable knowledge of the core principles of marketing. Another is that they should reach out to a wide range of people.

    Also, brand ambassadors have the capacity to influence people’s perception of products as well encourage them to patronise the product. Another important function of brand ambassadors is to foster strong relationships between the customers and the brand. They also gather feedback from customers about a product. This will enable the firm to improve on their products and services.

    These and more are what Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State is doing for the made -in- Aba wears as brand ambassador. The governor has not relented in his efforts to ensure that these products capture the global market and attract huge patronage. He has taken advantage of every opportunity to market the made-in – Aba wears. One of the occasions is the 2016 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum held in Lagos recently where Ikpeazu did not take chances to launch made-in -Aba shoes. This excited former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as one of the panelists, to place an order for pairs of shoes.

    This also prompted the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to urge other military and paramilitary outfits in the country to emulate the army by immediately banning the purchase of all imported foot wears in preference for locally produced ones.

    While Governor Ikpeazu is fulfilling his beat in marketing the brand “Aba”, the federal government should not hesitate in fulfilling its own beat. There have been calls from several quarters on the federal government to ban importation of all goods that Nigerians have the capacity to produce locally.

    The former Senate President, David Mark in 2013 during a trade fair to launch made-in Aba products in Abuja described Aba as the “catalyst of industrial revolution in Nigeria” and urged the federal government to discourage importation of foreign goods because Nigeria has no business importing those goods which do not measure to the quality being produced in the country.

    Abians have no other option than to  assist this great brand ambassador (Ikpeazu) in this his marketing efforts, especially now that serious pressure is exerted on our currency (the naira) because of import dependency .This situation is necessitated by weak, narrow export base where revenues generated from oil and gas account for over 70 percent of our foreign exchange earnings.

    The time is ripe for us to encourage made-in-Aba goods. This effort if implemented will go a long way in ameliorating the economic woes of the country by saving the nation the foreign currencies expended on importation of good and services( even those we have the capacity of producing).

    • Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu,

    Umuahia, Abia State.

  • AKPORORO NAMED HUMAN RIGHT AMBASSADOR

    AKPORORO NAMED HUMAN RIGHT AMBASSADOR

    FOR not forgetting his roots, Jephthah Bowoto, aka Akpororo, who has always made it clear he represents the people of Okokomaiko, a Lagos community where he grew up, has been named the Human Right Ambassador for the people he stands for.

    The new title which was recently given to the comedian by the Constitutional Rights Awareness and Liberty Initiative, confirms his status as a voice for the society.

    The comedian whose wife was recently delivered of a baby boy, is also set for the annual gospel concert, Ojo Mega Praise Jamz, billed to hold December 18, at the Starjen International Hotel, Okokomaiko, Lagos.

    Other artistes billed to peform at the show include Chioma Jesus and Frank Edwards.

    Akpororo is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, vocalist and actor.

  • Timaya now Glo brand ambassador

    Timaya now Glo brand ambassador

    Bayelsa State-born dancehall star, Timaya, has been signed on by the telecommunication giant, Globacom, as a brand ambassador.

    A statement from Globacom said the popular artiste (real name, Inetimi Alfred Odon) was signed last week to become one of its brand ambassadors.

    The company said Timaya’s diligence, creativity and success in the music industry were factors considered in selecting him. Globacom said Timaya has been a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerian youths, especially in the South-South part of the country.

    Timaya joins other accomplished stars as Patience Ozokwor, popularly called Mama G, Omawumi, Ego, Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buhari, MI., Basketmouth, Bovi Ugboma, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Hadizah Blell (Di’ja) who are Glo ambassadors.  Other accomplished personalities include Funke Akindele, Ime Bishop, Odunlade Adekola, Bovi, Bimbo Oloyede, Ego Ogbaro and Flavour, among others.

    Timaya’s hits include  De Rebirth, LLNP and Upgrade True Story, Gift and Grace. He founded the South-South hip hop group, Dem Mama Soldiers. The artiste who has won many awards including the Nigerian Music Award and four Headies Awards has also been a Peace Ambassador for the Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) since 2011.

  • KUNLE AFOLAYAN: A CULTURE AMBASSADOR NEXT DOOR (2)

    WE have had a couple of fun times together during local and international film festivals and other events that took the African cinema on tour, and many would tell you that the presence of filmmaker Kunle Afolayan usually adds glitz and entertainment to every outing, a situation which sets him aside an in-born entertainer. But the first time I took a notice of his more diverse creativity was in 2014, at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) which held in Calabar, Cross River State.

    Afolayan and his Dazzling Mirage spouse, Kemi Lala-Akindoju took to the stage when it appeared the band members at the Tinapa Lake Hotel were tired. From Kcee’s Limpopo, which Lala remixed into reggae to Victor Olaiya’s Baby Jowo which Afolayan led, and several other contemporary and highlife tunes, both artistes showed that their talents aren’t limited to acting – it was the best of duets by these artistes who merely improvised to make the evening tick, and fellow artistes not only cheered them to high heavens, they danced emotionally to the songs.

    Again, away from his promotion of the African culture through his films, Kunle Afolayan, last month, made debut with a magazine entertainment event which targets the renaissance of the African tradition through a potpourri of exciting offerings such as local food and drinks, music, dance and poetry.

    Tagged Kulture Centrik, the aura at the pool side of Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of the event, on September 29, 2016, brought so much to desire of life before the massive rural-urban migration.  Afolayan’s opening signature at the show was greeted with loud applause, as he arrived paddling a canoe.  This was just as masquerades and a troupe of dancers announced his grand entry.

    The cultural fanfare continued with performances by Nigerian soul singer, GT Da Guitarman, performing his hit single, Ejika; Adekunle Gold with his rave songs; the legendary Jimi Solanke ever green show; Salawa Abeni with her classics and Seyi Solagbade’s popular songs which he jointly performed with Afolayan.

    It is very likely that this monthly event will celebrate the foods, drinks, music, dance and splendour of other ethnic groups in the country, going by what the convener described as a goal to celebrate the arts, culture, and heritage of the great people of Nigeria.

    Another strong incident that defined this filmmaker’s passion for tradition was his recent trail of Yoruba deities; considered as the original religions of Africa which he said have been declining over time owing to the influence of western acculturation by Christianity and Islam. Ifa, the original religion of the Yorubas, is one of such African religions caught in this erosion and Afolayan thought it would make an interesting exposé if reasons leading to this are revisited and presented in film documentary. The result was a series of lessons on Yoruba traditional religion that made debut on Mnet on January 1, 2013.

    A young and curious filmmaker; the creative ingenuity of Afolayan is so riotous to the degree that some feel that playing along the edge of the rule is precarious. But the young man has got the creative license to provoke thoughts.

    At the wake of 2013, the native of Igbonna, Kwara State, thought of the traditional connection of the Yoruba race with Brazil, and decided to travel to Rio, armed with still and video cameras.

    Six hours by flight to South Africa, five hours of waiting to connect, another 10 hours by flight to Sao Paolo, eight hours of waiting to connect, yet another 1 hour’s flight to Rio, Afolayan made for himself another family of Ifa worshippers, spending seven days as a sojourner. Yes, their language is Portuguese, but like a Muslim who may not speak Arab but recites the Holy Quran fluently, these families who do not speak Yoruba recite the Ifa verses in Yoruba language. A stunned Afolayan could not believe this.

    Needless to say that this experience which later took him to Cuba, was the beginning of his studentship of the Yoruba traditional religion, honing his skills around Ifa divination, the Olodumare (self-existing deity) and the Orishas; known to be the intermediaries between Olodumare and humanity. These smaller deities, like you would find in a Babalawo scene in a Yoruba movie include: Esu, (a trickster deity who generates confusion but is also a protector); Ibeji (the deity of twins); Ogun (the god of iron, war, justice); Orunmila (the oracle divinity); Osanyin (the god of magic and medicine); Osun (the goddess of the river Osun); Oya (the goddess of the river Niger); Sango(the god of thunder and lightning; Sopona (the divinity associated with smallpox); and Yemoja (the goddess of all rivers) among others.

    Back in Nigeria, the expedition took him round the South Western states where for several weeks he was the guest of Obas, High Chiefs and Ifa Priests, and other custodians of culture, tradition and religion within the Oduduwa kingdom. The said 26-episode documentary features these Royal Fathers of Yoruba land, Ifa Priests, shrines, cultural festivals, traditional games and the general lifestyle of the descendants of Oduduwa. When next you find yourself in the company of the actor, dial his phone number, and just listen to his ring tone. You may find out that it is an Ifa chant through the voice of High Priest Ifayemi Elebuibon, a famous Babalawo in Yoruba film and title holder of Araba Awo of Osogboland, Osun state.

    This is how personally passionate Afolayan is getting with culture and tradition. He is not only thrilled by his new discoveries, he is excited about its predictive audiences and perhaps the filmic style that will further assert him as a creative filmmaker.

    For this unusual passion in a world widely eroded by western culture, this rave-of-the-moment filmmaker and scion of doyen of Nigerian theater; Ade Love, dumped a promising banking career to promote our culture through arts and entertainment. Indeed, Kunle, as many call him, is a cultural ambassador next door, if only we can see it.

  • 9ICE BECOMES SOCCER JACKPOT’S AMBASSADOR

    9ICE BECOMES SOCCER JACKPOT’S AMBASSADOR

    ABOLORE Adegbola, known as 9ice, has signed up a new contract with Soccer Jackpot, a betting company.

    The singer, who recently dropped a new single titled Olorunsogo, produced by ID Cabasa, is the first brand ambassador for Soccer Jackpot, for the brand new Football season.

    The betting company which started since November 2015, according to a statement, sought out a partnership with the artiste, who has seven albums to his credits.

    “Soccer Jackpot is an opportunity for lovers of football to turn their passion into gold. In a trying time such as this, having a little fun and making a little income on the side is the very best of both worlds”, 9ice said.

    The musician who is fully back to music with a new single “Economy” coming soon, in 2014, went into politics and contested for a seat at the Federal House of Representatives in his native state Ogbomosho in Oyo state under the All Progressive Congress (APC). He lost out during the primaries, but was later named as a Special Adviser to the Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

  • DORIS SIMEON IS MIAMI’S CULTURAL AMBASSADOR

    DORIS SIMEON IS MIAMI’S CULTURAL AMBASSADOR

    NOLLYWOOD actress, Doris Simeon, who recently screened her short movie, The Victim in Orlando, Miami, will be returning home with a new award for her outstanding contribution as an entertainer, activist, and a role model. The actress who was at the office of the Mayor was presented with the Cultural Ambassador award.

    The actress who also had a question and answer session posted on her Instagram page; “And that’s how the show went down in Orlando. It was question and answer session after showing my short film #THEVICTIM.

    “Had fun in Orlando. Lasgidi I know you can’t wait to see this movie The Victim Doris Simeon Productions team rep in America, from this we got the ambassadorial award as the cultural ambassador from Miami Garden City.

    Few days back, the actress also had All White soirée in Miami Florida for her crew and fans.