Tag: ambassador
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D’Banj named BoI brand ambassador
MULTIPLE awards winning super star, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’Banj is not doubt one of Nigeria’s most resourceful entertainers. Today, D’Banj seems to be very happy with the part he chooses as he declares he has no regret. His earnings have increased and he’s gained more international recognition.
His road manager revealed that D’Banj now charges N8, 000,000.00 and $100,000.00 outside Nigeria. His bank account is about to grow healthier as he was recently named a brand ambassador of the Bank of Industry (BOI).
D’Banj confirmed the cheering news via his twitter handle recently: “Beginning of a new era. BOI Ambassador… Osheeeee!!! Thank you lord,” he tweeted.
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‘Achebe was Africa’s literary ambassador’
The Principal of the Kings College, Lagos, Otunba Dele Olapeju, has described the late Prof. Chinua Achebe as Africa’s cultural ambassador.
The Principal of the college, Otunba Dele Olapeju, spoke while distributing copies of the book to the pupils during the school’s cultural programme.
Senior Secondary 1 and 2 pupils of the college will write a test on the late Achebe’s first novel, Things Fall Apart, on April 22.
Olapeju said: “Welcome back test on the book will hold April 22 for SS1 and SS2 students. We are not giving you the book for the fun of it. It is a compulsory test to promote the reading culture.”
He said the school would give copies to parents and others who love to read.
He said the books were distributed to inspire the young ones to read and write like the late Achebe, describing the late literary icon as Africa’s cultural ambassador.
“Achebe remains the cultural ambassador of Nigeria. We recall he started as a young author. His books are found in the nooks and crannies of the world. After his death, we read his profile during our assembly. Learning that he had written a lot of books, many pupils were challenged to achieve similar feat,” he said.
One of the pupils, Izuchukwu Nneji, said he looked forward to reading the book having watched the movie produced long before he was born.
“I hear he was a prolific writer. I have watched the film. My mother kept the CDs and she also told me the story. Now that I have the book I will read so I can enjoy it more,” he said.
Anambra State indigenes living in Aba, Abia State also described the late Achebe as a literary icon.
In a tribute by the Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU), its president, Dr. Sylvester Okolo and secretary, Dennis Okafor, described the renowned writer as a man who transformed the landscape of the contemporary African literature.
The union said the late Achebe used his works to redefine African literature, highlighted Africa’s heritage, history and culture.
The group said the late author used Things fall Apart to reunite Nigerians and Africans at home and in the Diaspora.
The statement reads: “He was responsible for redefining African literature and highlighting African’s glorious heritage, history and culture especially when juxtaposed with modern consideration, colonialism and post colonialism.
“It changed the perception of Africa as a people without a culture. His book, Things Fall Apart as Maya Angelou once said ‘is a book wherein all readers met their brothers, sisters, parents, friends and themselves along the Nigeria road’.”
The group said the late Achebe would be missed for his outspokenness against bad governance and lack of leadership.
“He rejected two high National Honours (2004 and 2011) third highest honour in the country, citing pervading corruption and other issues.
“Truthful and fearless, his voice always resonated with an authoritative candour on matters that affect the nation or Africa.
“He was a doughty and dogged fighter who didn’t shy away from the battle arena once he perceived any decadence in the moral fabrics of the society.
“Nigeria nay Africa, in fact the world will miss this great and intellectual writer and fighter whose sand print will continue to traverse the universe for eternity.”
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Nigeria to expand military cooperation with Pakistan- Ambassador
The Nigerian Ambassador to Pakistan Dauda Danladi has called for more military collaboration between Nigeria and Pakistan.
He made the call during a meeting with President, National Defence University, Islamabad, Lt.General Nasser Khan Janjua last Monday.
Danladi noted that the two countries enjoy very cordial military relations since 1960 and have been playing a vital role in promoting peace in the world by participating in military peace keeping under the United Nations Security resolutions.
Over the years, many Nigerian military officers have been trained and are still undergoing training in various Pakistani military institutions while the Nigeria hope to benefit from Pakistan’s experience in the areas of training and counter-terrorism.
Lt. General Nasser Janjua commended the excellent performance of the Nigerian Military Officers undergoing training at the National Defence University.
Both leaders agreed that mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Nigeria need to go beyond training aspect and could extend to other areas for mutual benefit.
Lt. General Nasser Janjua, President, National Defence University, Islamabad briefed the Nigerian Ambassador about the military training facilities at National Defence University which were lauded by the Nigerian diplomats.
The Nigerian Ambassador Dauda Danladi delivered his lecture about the security environment in the African Continent to the foreign military participants under training at National Defence University, Islamabad.
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Samsung names Kate Henshaw ambassador
SUPERSTAR actress, Kate Henshaw has joined the likes of Banky W and Sasha to clinch an endorsement deal with Samsung Electronics West Africa for its Mobile Division. Kate Henshaw and Banky W will be working together to raise awareness for Samsung mobile products
Henshaw was officially unveiled as brand ambassador at a media breakfast meeting organized by Samsung recently. Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Brovo Kim stated that Henshaw and Banky W represent the values that Samsung has stood for over the years.
“The Samsung brand stands for qualities of innovation, change, discovery, self-expression and excellence in performance. And these very same qualities are epitomized by Banky W and Kate Henshaw, whose quality and depth of work as well as versatility as artistes have endeared them to Nigerians today. We are indeed very proud and privileged to have them as our Brand Ambassadors,” he said.
Kim further described its signing of Kate Henshaw as an opportunity for Samsung to reach out to its customers through Nigeria’s movie industry. “We want to further connect with our customers at all touch points, especially through film as it is one of the passions of people in West Africa,” he explained.
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Anyim bags pan-Igbo cultural ambassador award
Councils of South-East Traditional Rulers and the Pan-Igbo Tourism and Cultural Foundation, Nigeria, yesterday announced that it would bestow on Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, with its highest title as the Pan-Igbo Cultural Ambassador during a cultural fiesta scheduled for January 26, 2013. President Goodluck Ebere Jonathan, GCFR is expected to declare the event open as the Special Guest of Honour.
Chairman of the foundation, Chief Hon Justice Ezebuilo Ozobu, announced this yesterday during a courtesy call on the Executive Vice Chairman of National Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah in Abuja.
Ozobu, who is also the Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, said that businessman, Chief Sony Iwedike Odogwu, will get the Tourism Ambassador of the Association.
Other prominent Nigerians that would also be honoured at the event scheduled for Enugu State include the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Right Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission , Dr Eugene Juwah, Director-General NAFDAC , Dr Paul Orhii and the Vice Chancellor, Federal University , Oye Ekiti, Prof Chinedu Nebo. Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar and Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi , Ozobu spoke through the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Dr Dave Ugonna.
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J-Martins picks African Music Ambassador Award
ADDING another feather in his cap, award-winning artiste and producer, JMartins, has been named African Music Ambassador by the organisers of Golden Icon Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) which took place at the Morris Cultural Center, Houston, USA recently.
According to the organisers, the afro pop singer who recently dropped a new single, Kpomo, was accorded the honour based on his outstanding achievements in the African music industry. Speaking at the event, the music maker thanked his numerous fans and supporters who have stood by him throughout his almost fifteen years career.
“It is a privilege to be here today and to be honoured by the organisers of this event. My immense gratitude goes to my fans who have stood by me every step of the way. God bless every one of you,” said JMartins.
Golden Icon Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) is an annual awards event designed to celebrate the very best of Africa’s rich culture of entertainment as well as to honour excellence and creativity in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Other recipients of the awards were Nollywood artistes Stella Damasus, Ramsey Nouah and Big Brother All-Stars Winner, Uti Nwachuckwu.
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Ambassador Aworabhi steps out in Italy
ON October 18, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary, Eric Tonye Aworabhi, the Nigerian envoy to Italy, presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the Italian Republic, Mr. Giorgio Napolitano.
The Ambassador was accompanied on the visit by top level diplomats from the Embassy of Nigeria in Rome, including the Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador (Mrs) M. Gereng-Sen, a Minister at the Mission Mr. Folorunso Isola Elutilo and the Head of Chancery, Mr. Mustapha Tunde Mukaila.
The Nigerian Ambassador inspected a guard, while President Napolitano held dialogue with the envoy on matters of mutual interests.
Ambassador Aworabhi, who is concurrently accredited as the nation’s envoy to Albania, travelled in August to the capital, Tirana where he also presented his Letter of Credence to President Bujar Faik Nishani.
Since his arrival in Rome on July 31, 2012, the Ambassador has met with members of the Nigerian community in Italy. During the nation’s 52 independence anniversary celebration, he had the opportunity of meeting with Nigerians and underlined the need to continue to hold the country together as an indivisible entity.
“Our unity and progress as a people, as one indivisible Nigerian nation, sharing a collective destiny, must be held as a sacred, sacrosanct duty for all, never to be doubted, prevaricated upon or by any means negotiated from the stand point of pessimism, no matter what challenges we face today,” he noted.
He reminded his compatriots that: “On the African and global levels, Nigeria has invested heavily and continues to invest in the interest of freedom, liberty, peace and progress for humanity.”
While saluting the resilience of every Nigerian, he implored each one “to demonstrate commitment to the lofty ideals of our compatriots that have passed on in the process of concretising Project Nigeria.”
Among prominent Nigerians in the gathering were Cardinal Francis Arinze, Nigeria’s envoy to the Vatican, Ambassador Francis Okeke and Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD.
The healthy ties between Nigeria and Italy led to the invitation to Italy of 10 middle ranking diplomats from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, who were awarded scholarship by the Italian government to undergo further training in the country. In addition, some 36 ex-fighters from the Niger Delta are presently undergoing various professional and vocational trainings in the city of Genova.
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Exploits of an ambassador
In 1996, Alhaji (Dr.) Hassan Adamu was appointed by the then Federal Military Government of Nigeria as the country’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America. Ambassador Hassan Adamu remained in Washington Dl.C. and scouted round the United States of America performing his difficult task of re-uniting America with Nigeria in three years of resourceful diplomacy in international relations and international politics.
How Ambassador Adamu eventually won America’s “Handshake” for Nigeria and got America’s political and diplomatic support for Nigeria’s democratization process is now the content of a new book titled: Hassan Adamu: Diplomatic Exploits Of A Nigerian Ambassador In Amercia, written by Dayo Duyile, former Director of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos.
The book, which has recently been released from the printer’s shop is a voluminous and well researched document on how Dr. Hassan Adamu, not being a career diplomat, but was able to soften the stone-hearted America ’s diplomatic moves against Nigeria ; thus making the world’s strongest nation to smile at Nigeria , once again. The diplomatic rows, the inconsistent political transition programmes of the military and other political issues, which angered America and which created bad blood between the two countries, according to the new book, were swept aside with a wave of Ambassador Adamu’s brand of practical international diplomacy. The book deals at length with the genesis of the Nigerian political drama which angered the international and western communities as a whole and which led to keeping Nigeria at bay, turning it into a politically cold region – a sort of Siberia in the African continent!
The author of the book, Dayo Duyile, currently a University Senior Lecturer, Journalist and author of many books on journalism, exsplains that it was the uncertain political clouds and the total neglect of Nigeria by the international community, spearheaded by America and Britain that necessitated the appointment of a non-career diplomat and the preference for an entrepreneurial genius of Ambassador Hassan Adamu’s caliber to proceed to American to dismantle the unpleasant web of international politics and diplomacy in which Nigeria was then encaged.
Dayo Duyile’s book on Ambassador Hassan Adamu, actually was to be released to the public some years ago aftear his assignment, but it has to wait for other reasons which the author says were strategic because all aspects of the Diplomat’s work between 1996–1999 and his other ministerial duties after his diplomatic assignments have to feature in the book, Moreso, the author feels that the book should be of historical reference value and that some of the materials to be used had to be researched in Nigeria and in Washington, D.C. which was the base of operations of the subject of the book.
He said he has taken the pain to document and chronicle Ambassador Hassan Adamu’s successful jobs in America not only because he is a journalist and author and University Lecturer, but because Dr. Hassan Adamu built a modern library for the Nigerian Institute Journalism (NIJ) Lagos on his invitation when he (Duyile) was Director of the Institute from 1990 – 1998. “This apart”, the author further explained, “I have been gathering materials for this book since the Waklin Adamawa accepted the Ambassadorial appointment in 1996. I also went to America a couple of times to gather further materials from the Nigerian Embassay in Washington D.C. for the book. With the assistance of Mrs. Dunn who served as the Ambassador’s Secretary at the Nigeria Embassy, I got a lot of materials for the book which is now being reviewed in the press”.
The book has twenty chapters with chapter 18 and 19 dealing with General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s roles in the political transition, and how former President Olusegun Obasanjo came into office, respectively. Their roles in pre and post transition to democratic dispensation are also explained in the 168 – page book.
Other chapters in the book bear the titles: America ’s diplomacy in Nigeria ’s political process; Hassan Adamu as Ambassador of the year (1999); Hassan Adamu and Koffi Annan, UN Secretary General; When Lagos sent off Ambassador Hassan Adamu; Dr. Hassan Adamu: The Entrepreneurial Diplomat gets the “Green Card”, Ambassadorial job: Hassan Adamu, a good choice; From Carrington to Twadell; From Ambassador to Ministerial job and his agenda for Environmental solutions; Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar: His roles in Nigeria’s political transition; President Obasanjo sailed into office with promises of political reforms; and many other chapters dealing with various diplomatic manouvres brought to play by Ambassador Hassan Adamu in his dealings with American President, Bill Clinton and the White House, the American Congress and the American Communities in United States of America.
The book, “Diplomatic Exploits of a Nigerian Ambassador in America” is a book of history about an African Diplomat who went to Washington with loads of political and diplomatic challenges and conquered all!
It is a published narrative on the activities of a Nigerian Diplomat Par Excellence; a book of reference on Nigeria’s International relations and diplomacy which will be useful for general reading, research in international politics and diplomacy, public policy and as a reference value for libraries. The Foreword in the book is provided by Alh. (Dr.) L.K. Jakande, former governor of Lagos State who is a good associate of Amb. Hassan Adamu.