The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ambassador

  • KSB relishes status as Ambassador

    KSB relishes status as Ambassador

    KENNY Saint Best, a leading gospel artiste, has been made the ambassador of Children Living With Cancer Foundation, a non-governmental organisation based in Lagos.

    She was presented to the media during the week.

    Speaking, the amiable singer expressed her delight at being chosen as face of a group that genuinely caters for the needs of vulnerable members of the society.

    “I feel very happy to be made the face this organisation because it is a big news to me that we have children living with cancer in the country. I was very sober when I learnt about it and was convinced that this is a foundation I would want to be identified with.  When the story of my life would be written, I would want this to be part of it.

    “I am happy to be part of it because together we can restore the hope of our children, save those that have the chances of surviving, and help those that are now likely to survive to pass on without stress. It is a new day, a new assignment and calling for me. I am therefore using this opportunity to call on government at all levels, and kind-hearted Nigerians to support this noble organisation.”

    Enumerating her plans for alleviating the suffering of victims of childhood cancer, she said: “We already set out to organise an inter school childhood cancer singing competition which will feature some established artistes and celebrities in the entertainment industry. The aim is to raise funds to support these children that are suffering from this dreaded disease. Aside from music, we would also be organising series of creative programmes to raise money for these kids.”

    Speaking on the choice of KSB as face of the organisation, the Executive Director, Dr Nneka Nwobi said: “ We chose her because she naturally has a soft spot for the less privileged. Before we met her, several other artistes demanded for money to be our ambassador but she did not ask for a penny before accepting to be our ambassador. She heartily agreed to be the face of the organisation the very moment she heard the kind of people and project that we are into.

    “So many artistes come to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to celebrate their birthdays with these kids just for the purpose of attracting attention to themselves but we have in KSB, a woman, a mother and a minister of God who is selflessly and genuinely concerned  helping to touch the lives of the kids.”

  • Xenophobic attacks: Nigeria recalls ambassador

    Xenophobic attacks: Nigeria recalls ambassador

    The federal government yesterday recalled Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa as an immediate fallout of the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in that country.

    Acting High Commissioner Martin Cobham and Deputy High Commissioner Uche Ajulu-Okeke were directed to return home for consultations in the latest sign of African countries’ discontent at Pretoria’s handling of attacks on immigrants.

    “The invitation is in connection with the on-going xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

    Seven people have been killed in attacks on migrants since March 20, when Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini spoke out against foreign workers.

    “Let us pop our head lice,” he said. “We must remove ticks and place them outside in the sun. We ask foreign nationals to pack their belongings and be sent back.”

    He has since said those remarks were taken out of context and that he opposes violence.

    Nigeria had earlier summoned South Africa’s high commissioner over the unrest as protesters picketed the South African embassy in Lagos. A Nigerian group has called for the International Criminal Court to investigate Zwelithini for “hate speech”.

    South Africa has deployed troops to try to quell the violence, after criticism by nations including China and Zimbabwe for failing to protect their citizens against armed mobs.

    South African firms such as mobile phone giant MTN and supermarket chain Shoprite have significant interests in Nigeria.

  • Nigeria-China trade volume hits $16b, says Ambassador

    Nigeria-China trade volume hits $16b, says Ambassador

    The Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Olusola Patrick Onadipe, yesterday said trade volume between the nation and China rose from $3billion to $16billion in eight years.

    He said Nigeria’s foreign policy had expanded beyond the Afrocentric policy it pursued between the 60s and the 90s.

    Onadipe spoke at the opening of a training session on Economic Diplomacy in Beijing for 30 Nigerians. It is organised by the Academy for International Business Officials(AIBO).

    He said Nigeria remains open to international investors in line with its new change in foreign policy focus.

    Represented by Mr. Euche Abu Obe, the Ambassador said: “Our engagement with China has recorded positive trend. The trade volume between the two nations has grown from $3billion in 2006 to $16billion in 2014.

    “For many years, Nigeria favoured a foreign policy that was largely Afrocentric. This was then necessitated by the need to rid Africa of colonial rule which had been largely achieved.

    “The end of apartheid in South Africa has made Nigeria to be more interested in the affairs of the world as envisioned in 1960 by the nation’s late first Prime Minister, Sir Tafawa Balewa.

    “We are ready to continue to promote economic cooperation between Nigeria and many countries. We want to open our economy to others because we have huge potential. We will encourage the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to achieve this global perspective.”

    The Vice President of AIBO, Mr. Zou Chuanming, said since 1998 about 20,000 people, including ministers all over the world ,  from 106 countries had benefited from 800 training sessions of the institute as at March 2015.

    He said since 1971, China has had a robust diplomatic relationship which is still being cemented.

    He said: “The two nations have similarities to make their diplomatic relations sustainable. China and Nigeria are both regional powers with large population and they are also developing nations.

    “These traits have assisted the two countries since 1971 to develop economic relations steadily and healthily. We are ready to cement the diplomatic relations for the benefit of our people.”

    The Minister of National Planning, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, said: “The major lesson we as Nigerians can learn from this great Asian country is that  huge population is an asset and not a liability.

    “China, reputed to be one of the nations with high population density running into billions, has succeeded in using it maximally rather than seeing it as a disadvantage.

    Represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Alh. Abdurrahman Abdulrauf, the Minister also said China had achieved the feat of a global player because of less emphasis on certificate.

    He added: “Further to this, China, from history flourishes as a result of its emphasis on skill rather than certificate. This is one area we should explore critically.

    “ Laying emphasis on certificate rather than skill will not carry us anywhere. This is why the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to give attention to artisans through a revolving loan to the small and medium scale industry owners.”

    He pleaded with the incoming administration of the President-elect to sustain some of the poverty alleviation programmes of Jonathan administration.

    The Minister said: “For effective management of the economy, the incoming government cannot afford to jettison some of the poverty alleviating programmes of the outgoing administration.

    “While one cannot totally rule out some of the present policies, throwing away the baby with the bath water won’t do the incoming government and the entire Nigerians any good.

    “The National Integrated  Master Plan(NIMP), like any other project, must be worked on to achieve the right result because it is neither about President Goodluck Jonathan nor the President- elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. Rather, it is all about Nigeria.”

     

     

  • Ambassador joins sexagenarian club

    Ambassador joins sexagenarian club

    Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner in Australia Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni celebrated his 60th birthday and retirement  last Sunday at the national headquarters of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ebute Meta, Lagos, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was a day of thanksgiving and praises to God for Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, former Nigeria’s High Commissioner in Australia.

    He celebrated his 60th birthday and retirement last Sunday at the national headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Throne of Grace Parish in Ebute Meta, Lagos.

    He was clad in blue Agbada with a wine cap and a pair of black shoes. He sat in the front pew of the church with his family members.

    Many guests came to greet him on his seat.

    The event began with praises. It was led by the church choir.

    Kayode Ojo was the Master of the Ceremony.

    After the praise session, BJ Sax led the gathering in another round of praises with his saxophone.

    A musician, producer, songwriter and son-in-law of the celebrator, Cobhams Asuquo also led guests in praises, singing and playing the keyboard.

    Special Assistant to RCCG General Oversser (Administration and Personel) Pastor Johnson Odesola, in a sermon, told the celebrator that life begins at 60.

    He spoke on the need to be rightly positioned, saying  it will determine possession in life.

    “You must have something to offer; you must apply your heart to wisdom and we must ensure love among ourselves because with love, the world would be a better place,” he said.

    The cleric, who is also the pastor in charge of Region 1, prayed for the celebrator and his family afterwards.

    The celebrator said life is great at 60.

    “I don’t feel 60, I feel 16 and I thank God for good health. I feel excited and I have begun another race. I still have a lot to do in terms of my contribution to the country.

    “My retirement now gives me the opportunity to start a new life. Based on my experience in the Foreign Service, I want to contirbute to the nation in the area of development, culture, environment, education and may be civil society groups.”

    His wife, Yemisi  thanked God for His faithfulness and for the grace to build the family.

    She described her husband as her dearest friend, soul mate, lover, baby, sweetie and all in all. She thanked him for being a wonderful and caring husband, and for being a loving father to the children.

    She said their journey in marriage of about 45 years has been interesting, full of memorable experiences, great achievements and challenges and gave all the glory to God that they are still standing in Him as a family and as husband and wife.

    RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife Folu were represented by their first son, Pastor Adeolu Adeboye. He congratulated the celebrator and thanked God for His grace and mercy on his life.

    He said the celebrator loves dancing, adding that is one part of him that no one can beat.

    “You travelled to different parts of the world while in the civil service; you should be a missionary in the second half of your life. We love you,” he said.

    Ambassador Michael Ononaiye said it is the grace of God that has kept the celebrator till now.

    According to him, the celebrator served excellently well in the civil service, he distinguished himself and he was an energetic worker.

    “I am happy to have come across  him. I wish him well and pray that he will continue in the blessings of God,” he said.

    Dr Adegbenga Sun-Basorun told the celebrator that this is the time to serve God with all his strength having retired from service.

    A friend, Mr Bunmi Makinwa, who has known the celebrator for over 45 years, said Olakanni is an entertainer.

    “He loves dancing and no body can compete with him. When we were in St. Lawrence’s Grammar School, Ilesa between 1968 and 1972, he loved dancing like the late Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, musician, Fela Anikulapo. Ayo would dance in front of the class, in parties and he still dances up to today.

    “He is a socialist and he would only be either first or second in every competition. He is a super star, he has done well for all and we want him to continue to serve us in a better way.

    “He is a man that would never allow anything to go wrong, he is always ready to help, care and assist,” he said.

    His first daughter, Mrs Ojuola Asuquo thanked God for the life of her father and prayed that he would live for another 60 years.

    She said her father is loving, nice, generous, open hearted, optimistic and practical.

    “Words cannot fully convey how full of gratitude I am for your love, acceptance and encouragement. May God grant you more wisdom, influence, new experiences and enjoyment,” she said.

    Mr Asuquo said his father-in-law is exceptional, special, and dear to  him.

    “He is such a man that you want to have a long relationship with, I wish him the best. He has achieved so many things and I plead to him to share his words of knowledge to our generation,” he said.

    The celebrator’s brother, Mr Dele Olukanni said him as warm, handsome, a giver, a mentor and approachable, adding that he can be looked up to.

  • Genevieve goofs as Amstel Malta’s ambassador

    Genevieve goofs as Amstel Malta’s ambassador

    Nollywood actress and Amstel Malta brand ambassador, Genevieve Nnaji, goofed while presenting the Best Actor award at the AMVCA.

    The actress was accompanied on the stage by the managing director of Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe. In her opening remarks before the award presentation, Genevieve insinuated that category winners who got free supply of the malt drink would get fat.

    “Amstel Malta has been known to encourage those who try to be the best that they can be,” she said.

    “And that is why, this year, this category, the winner would be awarded or rewarded with a cash prize of one million naira and six months of Amstel Malta. So, get fat.”

    Surely, the Amstel Malta brand which prides itself on its low sugar non-alcoholic content would hardly make anyone fat.

  • Filmhouse unveils Ali Nuhu as brand ambassador

    Filmhouse unveils Ali Nuhu as brand ambassador

    It is a season of celebration for Kannywood actor, Ali Nuhu, as he has been named brand ambassador for Filmhouse Cinema, Kano. The award winning actor was ushered into his new role on Thursday.

    The new cinema house, which was opened at Ado Bayero Mall, Kano, followed the opening of an outlet in Apapa, Lagos, recently.

    The actor took to his Instagram page to share the news with his fans, saying, “Brand Ambassador Filmhouse, Ado Bayero Mall, Kano, as it opens today.”

    Nuhu’s appointment is coming shortly after his recent victory at the 2015 edition of the MTN/Kannywood awards, where he was given the Best Actor (Popular Category) at the ceremony.

    An excited Nuhu had also showed off his award on Instagram, clutching his plaque with the caption; “Just won the Best Actor award (Popular Category) in the MTN/KANNYWOODS 2015”.

    Born in March, 1974, Nuhu is a Nigerian actor, producer and director who is generally regarded as one of the most prominent figures in Kannywood. To his credit, he has won the Best Upcoming Actor award at the 3rd Africa Movie Academy Awards. He was also nominated as the Best Actor in a supporting role at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards and won Best Actor in a film at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

  • Ambassador Heights wins property award

    Ambassador Heights, the luxury residential development rising adjacent to the Moevenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, was awarded an International Property Award.

    In its quest to discover the best developers in Africa, the International Property Awards in London pursued development companies to present their finest works. Entries were received from companies in 13 countries across the continent.  The judging committee chaired by three members of the House of Lords scrutinized hundreds of entries and Ambassador Heights won an African Property Award in the category of “Residential Development.”

    A host of Africa’s finest developers, architects, interior designers and real estate agents gathered in the Joharah Ballroom at the MadinatJumeirah in Dubai on Thursday, December 4. There, in the presence of the Earl of Caithness, chairman of the judges for development categories, the results of the African Property Awards were announced.

    Sales Manager for the project, Robert Davis, commented: “Our team is honoured to win this coveted award which further validates Ambassador Heights’ position as the most exclusive and luxurious residential offering in Ghana.”

    When complete in the 4th quarter of 2015, Ambassador Heights will stand as the only true 5 Star mixed use project in West Africa.  Homeowners will enjoy unparalleled location within the city, world class build quality, attractive rental management options, and access to the amenities and services of the surrounding hotel.

    Ambassador Heights presents the opportunity for a select few to own within a globally recognized and award winning residential real estate development.

  • Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru 1948-2014

    Death is an inevitable end. Life itself is like a stage and each of us has a role to play before we exit from the stage. The Yoruba people have a saying that death does not announce the day it is coming neither does illness announce the month it will come; what will be will be. The question of death has been problematic to all mortal beings from time immemorial. We all know that one day or the other, the owner of our lives will come for them but in most cases we are usually not prepared for that eventuality. In Yoruba religion, it is generally stated that heaven is our home and that the earth is a market place where we come to buy and sell temporarily but inevitably return to our home in heaven. We also say that heaven is anxious to have us come home even though heaven itself knows that we will all eventually go there.

    When the Christian and Islamic religions came to our shores, the concept of the Almighty God did not seem strange to us. Yoruba people believe in a pantheon of gods and that the Supreme Being is indeed supreme over all other gods and over all creation. As Muslims and as Christians, Yoruba people now believe in a monotheistic God who is indeed jealous of other gods and would not tolerate our worship of other gods. Christians and I believe Muslims know that there is a correlation between what we do on this earth and what we will do in eternity in heaven. This is why we try to live according to the holy books of our religion because what will a man profit if he gains this whole world and loses eternity.

    As a Christian, I share in Martin Luther’s concept of a priesthood of all believers. This is to say all Christians should behave in such a way that the Holy Spirit will live in us and the Holy Spirit cannot live in a sinful body. By living the life of a good Christian, you will gain this world and you will gain eternity. We cannot gain eternity unless we die. In other words, it is through death that the transition to eternity takes place. That is the hope that we have when we lose a dear one. This concept also permeates the two other monotheistic religions of Judaism and Islam.

    I had known that Gbenga Ashiru had been ill shortly after he was removed as Foreign Minister by President Goodluck Jonathan some two years or so ago. What immediately came to my mind was that he was fatigued by his constant travelling and that he needed to rest. My friend, Bolaji Akinyemi also had the same experience of fatigue when he was foreign minister. So it never occurred to me that this illness was unto death. A student of mine had a few weeks ago told me that she would like to do a thesis on Gbenga Ashiru and the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy. I told her that would be no problem and gave her a guarantee of direct access to Gbenga Ashiru. Gbenga Ashiru was like a younger brother to me and I am sure he related to me too on that same basis because I had known him since he was in high school in Ijebu-Ode and I had also watched him grow into a brilliant and easy going diplomat. He always had something going for him because of his sociability. He was good looking, likeable and a good mixer and an extrovert. These attributes are very important in diplomacy where the machine of diplomacy is oiled by entertainment. Gbenga Ashiru also comes from a remarkable family of the Ashirus of Ijebu-Ode where education was given the pride of place among competing brothers and sisters. His mother had retired as a nursing sister while his father had taught in Ijebu-Ode Grammar School before going into business and making a success of it. Gbenga went to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School like his father and the University of Lagos and after graduating, he went into the Foreign Service. He served in such places like London, Stockholm, Bangui and became high commissioner to South Africa which was his last diplomatic posting before retiring from the ministry of foreign affairs.

    After coming back from South Africa he served as Under Secretary-general in the ministry of foreign affairs. These were specially created positions for senior and able diplomats who would have been permanent secretaries in the home ministries. He was considerably young when he retired after the statutory 35 years in service. It was in retirement that he was appointed foreign minister, a position which he deserved and more than merited. He carried himself with dignity, suavity and sure-footedness as foreign minister. He was in his elements. He brought a lot of innovation to his ministry and I remember once being in his office when he had to pass quick messages to some heads of missions. Right there in his office, he was able to communicate on skype with his ambassadors. I am sure older ambassadors would have been envious of this technological advancement in communication.

    He was loyal to his diplomatic colleagues and I remember he pushed through a policy by which former career diplomats were allowed to keep their diplomatic passports even after retirement to avoid embarrassment meted out to Nigerians at the entry point to foreign countries. One of course is not sure if this measure will work especially these days when hundreds of members of parliament would insist that they should carry diplomatic passport with the effect that the passports do not carry the respect that they ordinarily should confer on them. As foreign minister, he was patriotic in the defence of Nigeria and was particularly critical of South Africa’s treatment of our people which he must have found difficult to do publicly because he had many friends in that country but what had to be done, he did not hesitate to do it. During his term in office, he also ensured that considerably large number of Nigerians got elected and appointed into international bodies and institutions. He was a successful foreign minister who was removed because of intra-party politics and fight among the top dogs in the PDP. Gbenga was of course not a politician but a technocrat. He did his bit and he is now gone, he now belongs to the ages. History will be kind to him and he will live in the hearts of those of us who love him. His death to me is like the loss of a junior brother. I pray that the Ashiru family will be able to bear the loss of this brilliant diplomat and a gentleman. My heart goes to Kehinde his wife and to his young children. Adieu, good man.

  • IHRC appoints company chief North’s Ambassador

    IHRC appoints company chief North’s Ambassador

    The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has appointed the Group Managing Director of Buoshishi Group of Companies, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed Abdullah, as its Ambassador to Northern Nigeria.

    A letter of notification of the appointment reads: “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the constitution of the International Human Rights Commission under Article 18A; Clause 1-8, Read with first and second amendment of 1999 in the constitution passed by the Supreme Council at Rome Italy, I, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Shahid Amin Khan, the World Chairman of the Commission is pleased to appoint and designate Mr. Mohammed Yahaya Abdullah as the Ambassador to IHRC to northern Nigeria with diplomatic identity card: HQ 0000740/14.”

    According to the World Chairman’s letter, “the appointment takes effect from November 13, 2014 until further orders, given under my hand and seal”.

  • Nigerian is Entrepreneurship Ambassador

    THE Managing Director, Montgomery West Africa and Founder of  WOWe (Women of West Africa Entrepreneurship Conference) Tori Abiola, has been appointed as the Nigerian Ambassador for United Nations-United States-based Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, expected to be the largest gathering and recognition of women entrepreneurs globally.

    The Global Ambassador Initiative and Miss Abiola, will work with top colleges and universities, including Stanford, Duke, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, Babson and Oxford, to engage and enrich local communities with the WED movement.

    On the appointment, she said: “ For the past two years, the WOWe conference has been working to raise the profile of women entrepreneurs in the region, by focusing on increasing entrepreneurship capacity and networks for women, providing access to finance and empowering women as the economic drivers of their communities and greater societies

    “My role as an Ambassador for WED Global Initiative for Nigeria, will create an international platform and access for over 30,000 women and men who follow WOWe activities online/via social media, and for our annual event participants and partners, as well as thousands of other men and women who are committed and interested in driving entrepreneurship skills and capacity for women in Nigeria.

    ‘’We are confident that working with WED Global initiative will equip us with the opportunity to garner more support and resources for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria in terms of delivering them with the necessary tools required to realise their entrepreneurship ambition.

    ‘’Our focus will be to create viable market places and networks for women entrepreneurs to thrive, as WOWe launches its own online membership community in 2015, it is only right that we form part of this global initiative to empower women.”