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Tag: Bianca Ojukwu

  • Awka community condemns Soludo’s rejection of Bianca Ojukwu’s chieftaincy title

    Awka community condemns Soludo’s rejection of Bianca Ojukwu’s chieftaincy title

    Concerned sons and daughters of Awka Ancient Kingdom, the capital of Anambra State, alongside advocates of Igbo cultural heritage, have strongly criticised the Anambra State Government for dismissing a chieftaincy title conferred on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. 

    The group rejected what it described as unwarranted interference by the state government in the conferment of the revered title Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora (Light of the Community) on the widow of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi.

    The chieftaincy title was bestowed late last year by His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe, MON, JP, Ezeuzu III of Awka, in recognition of Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s contributions to Ndigbo and to Nigeria at large. 

    However, the Anambra State Government subsequently disclaimed the conferment, branding it “fake” on the grounds that the traditional ruler who conferred it was an “impostor.”

    In response, the Awka community described the government’s action as an affront to their cultural autonomy and an unacceptable intrusion into matters exclusively within the purview of the Awka people. In a statement issued by Professor Emmanuel Obi on behalf of Awka sons and daughters, and in solidarity with Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe, Ezeuzu III, the group said the attack on Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the traditional institution was unjustified and dangerous.

    “The traditions, customs, and cultural practices of Awka are not subject to the whims of state bureaucracy or political expediency,” the statement said. “They are sacred elements of our identity, handed down through generations, and they remain the exclusive domain of the indigenous sons and daughters of Awka. It is the Awka people who possess the authority to select, crown, and affirm our leaders in accordance with our ancestral laws.”

    The group explained that Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe was unanimously elected and crowned Ezeuzu III by the Oha Awka (Council of Elders), the Ndichie (titled men), and the wider community following extensive consultations, rituals, and traditional affirmations. “Any attempt by the state government to describe this leadership as ‘unrecognised’ or ‘fake’ is an insult to our autonomy and sets a dangerous precedent that undermines Igbo traditional governance,” the statement added.

    The group further described the conferment of the title on Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu as both appropriate and deserving, noting her status as a prominent daughter of Igboland, widow of the Ikemba Ndigbo, and a national figure of service and dignity. “As Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, she continues to project Anambra State and Igboland on the national and international stage,” the statement said. “The title Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora was conferred during a public ceremonial event in Awka, witnessed by multitudes, and it carries the full cultural legitimacy of our people. To discredit it is to undermine the very essence of Awka’s cultural sovereignty.” 

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    The group reminded the state government that traditional rulership in Igboland predates colonial and post-colonial governance structures and does not derive its legitimacy from modern political appointments or administrative recognition.

    “The role of government should be to protect and support traditional institutions, not to interfere in them for partisan reasons or to settle ongoing disputes,” the statement warned. “History shows that such interference breeds division and weakens communal harmony.”

    The Awka community called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his administration to retract any statements or actions discrediting the chieftaincy title and to respect the decisions of the Awka people. “The unanimous crowning of Ezeuzu III stands as a testament to our unity, and no external force can overturn it,” the statement concluded. “Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s title remains valid, honoured, and celebrated by those who truly understand and cherish our traditions.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu: Bianca Ojukwu advises Ndigbo 

    Nnamdi Kanu: Bianca Ojukwu advises Ndigbo 

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu has advised the South-East people to use dialogue and peaceful means to tackle the recent imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    Ojukwu gave the advice at the 14th edition of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Day Celebration held at Ojukwu Memorial Library, Owerri on Wednesday.

    She said though the court of first instance had sentenced Kanu to imprisonment, all hope are not lost, saying with, dialogue and peaceful means, Nnamdi Kanu could be released from the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ojukwu annual memorial day was instituted by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the founder of Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASOB).

    The event is usually attended by some Igbo people across the five states of the South-East and beyond.

    Mrs Ojukwu in her address called for a minute silence for the late BBC journalist, Mr Frederick Forsyth, whom she said resigned her job to cover all things that happened during the 1967 to 1970, Biafra and Nigeria civil war.

    According to her, Nnamdi Kanu is in the prison, we should not get angry and it is not issue to use knives, gun or fighting ourselves in order to solve it.

    “This coming Christmas all of us should endeavour to meet with our National Assembly members and our governors, ask them the way forward to ensure that Kanu is freed from the prison.

    “Also all of us should come together, plan ourselves on how to use peaceful means to settle this matter, we should plan how to meet with President Bola Tinubu and amicably resolve this matter,” she said.

    She added that the people of the South-East should imitate other zones and learn to solve any of their challenges through dialogue and peaceful ways.

    The  minister, expressed dissatisfaction that majority of the Igbo children these days don’t speak Igbo language as their  parents don’t even teach them how to speak their language.

    She advised Igbo parents to teach their children how to speak Igbo language, saying that mother tongue has huge impact in the upbringing of children

    She expressed dissatisfaction that even during the Nigeria civil war, Igbo people were not killing themselves or kidnapping people for ransom, adding that what is happening in the zone presently is strange.

    She urged the youths of to be patient and embrace peace and dialogue as that was the best way to achieve progress and peaceful in life.

    She said that after the civil war her late  husband, Ojukwu was in exile for many years, but with peaceful means and dialogue, the late former President Shehu Shagari was able to grant him unconditional pardon.

    Ojukwu decried the low business activities being witnessed in the zone now due to the Monday sir-at-home, adding that this was as a result of insecurity in the area.

    She explained that since killing and kidnapping became common in the zone socio-economic activities had gone down, noting that investors are now investing in others zones.

    “Before foreigners such as Cameroon, Ghana, Togo among others were coming to invest in the  South-East, but since  insecurity started many of the investors both foreigners and local had withdrawn from  the area”.

    Chief Ugwunna Ajaelu, who was the chairman of the occasion, called on South-East people to be patient and adopt diplomatic measures on the issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment,

    “All hands must be on deck to ensure that he is released in no distant time,”

    (NAN)

  • Bianca Ojukwu, NTAC DG partner to expand Nigeria’s global technical cooperation

    Bianca Ojukwu, NTAC DG partner to expand Nigeria’s global technical cooperation

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Yusuf Buba Yakub, have initiated plans to promote Nigeria’s technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives on the global stage.

    The move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s international cooperation and development partnerships.

    Since its establishment in 1987, NTAC, the agency responsible for advancing international cooperation, has deployed over 10,000 Nigerian professionals to more than 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

    According to a statement by Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, Head of Information and Public Relations at NTAC, the collaboration plan was unveiled during a working visit by the NTAC Director-General to Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.

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    “The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration and discuss ways to enhance Nigeria’s international cooperation and development. Both leaders exchanged views on how to further promote Nigeria’s technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives globally,” the statement noted.

    Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Yakub for his leadership and the progress recorded by NTAC, reaffirming the Ministry’s support for the agency’s mandate.

    The NTAC boss, in his briefing, outlined key achievements and challenges over the past two years and presented an account of his stewardship to the Minister.

  • Bianca Ojukwu urges ECOWAS committee to ensure fairness in allocation of statutory positions

    Bianca Ojukwu urges ECOWAS committee to ensure fairness in allocation of statutory positions

    Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ad Hoc Committee on the rotation of statutory positions to uphold fairness, equity, and inclusivity in the distribution of positions among member states.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the appeal on Tuesday during the opening session of the committee’s meeting in Abuja.

    The committee, comprising representatives from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, has been tasked with reviewing and considering proposals for the allocation of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions for the 2026–2030 term.

    According to the minister, the committee’s work carries great significance due to the sensitivity and importance of the appointments.

    The current appointees’ tenure, which began in 2021, expired in June 2025 after completing a non-renewable four-year term. The ad hoc committee is expected to submit its report by December 2025.

    She said, “We are fully aware that the appointment of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions remains a matter of considerable importance and sensitivity among Member States. This issue has become even more delicate in recent times, given the reduction in the number of statutory positions available following the implementation of the ECOWAS institutional Reforms.

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    “In this context, our Committee must be mindful of the need to uphold fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of the statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions.”

    She therefore warned that aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources, should not be trampled upon.

    According to her, “It is also essential that the aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources, but who have nonetheless demonstrated unflinching commitment to the organization, are duly recognized and accommodated.

    “It is equally important to underscore that our membership in this Ad-hoc Committee should not be construed as a pathway to positions of leadership within the ECOWAS Institutions. Rather, our engagement should be guided by the principles of regional solidarity, prioritizing the collective interest of the Community above national aspirations. In doing so, we will contribute to fostering deeper unity, mutual trust, and a shared sense of purpose among our citizens.

    “As we prepare to commence deliberations on the Memorandum before us, I encourage us all to approach our discussions with unflinching commitment, open-mindedness, and a spirit of constructive dialogue. Let us remain focused on ensuring that the outcomes of our engagements are both meaningful and impactful for the future of our region.”

    The Minister also assured the gathering that Nigeria will, as a traditional leader, engage with all member states to build consensus and ensure collective decisions for the future of the community.

    “We would also recall that Nigeria, as a long-standing and committed Member State, played a significant role in shaping and supporting the institutional reforms which culminated in the current and more streamlined structure. Excellencies, these reforms were aimed at reducing operational costs, optimizing administrative efficiency, and enhancing the effectiveness and impact of ECOWAS programmes across the region.

    “I want to, therefore, assure you that as part of our enduring commitment to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity, Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all Member States to build consensus and ensure that our collective decisions reflect both equity and a shared vision for the future of our Community.”

    The minister also commended the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and his team for the comprehensive and well-prepared Memorandum provided to guide the deliberations of the committee over the course of the two-day engagement.

    “The document thoughtfully reflects the relevant legal framework governing the allocation of statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions, and will no doubt serve as a valuable reference in facilitating our discussions,” she said.

    In his earlier remarks, Touray urged the committee to do its work with the broader interest of the Community at heart.

    He reminded the gathering that the Council of Ministers was informed at the 94th ordinary session of the impending end of the mandate of the current management of ECOWAS Institutions by July 14, 2026, in compliance with the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions in ECOWAS Institutions.

    This, the ECOWAS Commission President said, culminated in the setting up of the six-member ad hoc committee.

    He stressed that, “Article 14, paragraph 3 of the Supplementary Act mandated the Council to recommend the allocation of the positions to the ECOWAS Authority based on a proposal to be submitted by the President of the Commission.

    “To facilitate this process, Council, in June, established this six-member ad hoc committee, comprising the Republics of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, to review the proposed allocation of the Commission and submit it to Council for consideration, and ultimately to the ECOWAS Authority for decision.”

    He also added, “During this meeting, the Commission will be presenting a memo setting out the framework for the allocation of the statutory positions for your consideration. The memo was prepared taking into account the provisions of the 2012 Supplementary Act and historical data on the allocations of the statutory positions of the institutions since 1975.

    “It is the expectation that the ad hoc Committee will review this proposal with the broader interest of the Community at heart.”

  • Release Nnamdi Kanu to Bianca Ojukwu, Ohanaeze PG, Onoh pleads with Tinubu

    Release Nnamdi Kanu to Bianca Ojukwu, Ohanaeze PG, Onoh pleads with Tinubu

    Former campaign spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in the Southeast Josef Onoh has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Amb. Bianca and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata.

    Onoh also suggested that each of the Southeast Governors shall nominate the chairmen of their respective traditional rulers council to be led by the Obi of Onitsha, HRH Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, to sign the undertaking with the National Security Adviser (NSA) in the bail bond.

    He said that his nomination of Bianca Ojukwu and Azuta Mbata is because of their unassailable integrity, deep-rooted commitment to Igbo heritage, and proven track record as non-partisan stewards of peace.

    He stated that his choice for Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was not because of his relationship with her but because she is the widow of the Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the architect of Biafran resilience and a symbol of Igbo identity.

    Onoh said that Bianca’s appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs positions her uniquely to bridge federal and regional divides, while Senator Mbata as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide holds the trust of the Igbo nationality.

    “Unlike partisan actors, entrusting Mazi Kanu to these custodians, Mr. President would preempt any risk of his release being politicized by Southeast politicians eyeing 2027 polls or internal rivalries.

    “Senator Mbata’s role transcends electoral cycles, allowing him to facilitate community reintegration without the taint of personal ambition. His leadership in mobilizing Ndigbo for civic duties, such as voter registration, further proves his dedication to democratic participation over separatist extremes,” Onoh said.

    Onoh said that President Tinubu should leaverage on his administration’s renewed hope agenda, particularly as its emphasis inclusive governance and conflict resolution to grant the plea.

    He noted that the prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021, has cast a long shadow over the Southeast, while his charges of terrorism and treasonable felony have not only exacerbated insecurity but also allowed opportunistic criminals to masquerade as separatists, fueling violence, economic sabotage, and the displacement of people. 

    Onoh extended his gratitude to the president for the timely diplomatic efforts he made to bring to justice the Finland based Nigerian leader of the dreaded armed breakaway gang of IPOB the ESN, and especially the leadership of the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu-led NSA. 

    Speaking further, Onoh said that he’s aware that president Tinubu knows that the release of Mazi Kanu is not merely a legal or humanitarian imperative but a strategic pathway to de-escalate tensions, unmask genuine agitators from bandits, and restore investor confidence in the southeast. 

    “In this spirit, I respectfully urge Mr President to exercise his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy and release Mazi Kanu unconditionally—but with a deliberate handover into the personal custody of two exemplary figures: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata. 

    “This approach would transform a potentially divisive act into a unifying gesture, ensuring that Mazi Kanu’s reintegration serves the collective good rather than narrow ambitions. This handover would signal your commitment to inclusive federalism, honor the Southeast’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, and align with global best practices for resolving separatist tensions through trusted mediators.

    “Releasing Mazi Kanu under these safeguards would not only quench the fires of agitation but also fortify the Renewed Hope agenda, proving that Nigeria’s unity thrives on justice, not coercion. I stand ready to support this process in any capacity and beseech you to act swiftly,” Onoh pleaded.

  • Bianca Ojukwu distances self from online offers, demand for payment

    Bianca Ojukwu distances self from online offers, demand for payment

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has distanced herself from an online request for cash transfer or participation in some empowerment schemes.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the minister described the request as fake.

    She said the website was designed to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that some unscrupulous persons had floated the programmes purportedly with her endorsement and established phoney bank accounts and social media accounts in her name.

    The statement by her media aide, Mr. Magnus Eze, reads: “This notice became necessary after the minister discovered that some persons had floated programmes purportedly with her endorsement and established phoney bank accounts.

    “Specifically, it was discovered that some people had created fake social media accounts in her name, promoting empowerment schemes with mouth-watering offers. They range from trade exhibitions, agricultural grants to Nollywood events, among others.

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    “Ostensibly, these platforms are designed for defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

    “This development was drawn to the attention of the minister after several unwary Nigerians had lost their life savings to the scam.

    “’I have no hand in these social media platforms. Whoever is dealing with them is doing so at his/her own peril. My certified and active social media handles are: Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu (Facebook) and biancaodumegwuojukwu (Instagram), both with verifiable thread of long years of use and not just concocted. Please, beware.’

    “Recall that the minister assumed office on November 4, 2024 and, within this short period, some gullible Nigerians have fallen victim to the activities of fraudsters who are using her name for pecuniary reasons.

    “Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu does not transact official government business on social media platforms.

    “Explaining the nature of some of these scam messages trending on social media, the minister said: ‘The scammers will tell you about a Federal Ministry of Agriculture or World Bank intervention grant that entitles you to sums ranging from N1 million to N50 million.

    “’They will ask you to contact a certain Dr. Michael Gogo on 08133565420 and pay some money into an account in order to access the funds.

    “’Many people have reached out to me regarding their interaction and unfortunate experiences on Facebook Messenger with these scammers, including Nigerians in Diaspora. In fact, many Nigerians in the United States have been ripped off by these prowling fraudsters.

    “’I repeat: this is a scam. Please, ignore their communication promoting various fraudulent schemes in order not to fall victim to their criminal activities.’

    “The minister, therefore, urged any persons who need clarifications regarding any communication in the social media purported to have emanated from her office to contact the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on Communication and New Media via 08033223554 (WhatsApp) and email: majeze1969@gmail.com.”

  • Bianca Ojukwu disowns fake cash transfer, empowerment scheme

    Bianca Ojukwu disowns fake cash transfer, empowerment scheme

    Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has disassociated herself from an online scheme soliciting cash transfers or participation in empowerment programmes.

    In a statement, the minister described the request as fraudulent, warning that the website promoting it was created to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

    She revealed that some fraudulent individuals had launched programmes falsely linked to her, using fake bank accounts and social media profiles in her name.

    The statement, signed by her media aide, Mr. Magnus Eze, emphasized that she has no connection to the scheme and urged the public to disregard it.

    The statement reads: “This notice became necessary after the minister discovered that some persons had floated programmes purportedly with her endorsement and established phoney bank accounts.

    “Specifically, it was discovered that some people had created fake social media accounts in her name, promoting empowerment schemes with mouth-watering offers. They range from trade exhibitions, agricultural grants to Nollywood events, among others.

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    “Ostensibly, these platforms are designed for defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

    “This development was drawn to the attention of the minister after several unwary Nigerians had lost their life savings to the scam.

    “I have no hand in these social media platforms. Whoever is dealing with them is doing so at his/her own peril. My certified and active social media handles are: Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu (Facebook) and biancaodumegwuojukwu (Instagram), both with verifiable thread of long years of use and not just concocted. Please, beware.”

    “Recall that the Minister assumed office on November 4, 2024 and within this short period, some gullible Nigerians have fallen victim to the activities of fraudsters who are using her name for pecuniary reasons.

     “Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu does not transact official government business on social media platforms.

    “Explaining the nature of some of these scam messages trending on social media, the minister said: “The scammers will tell you about a Federal Ministry of Agriculture or World Bank intervention grant that entitles you to sums ranging from N1million to N50 million.

    “They will ask you to contact a certain Dr Michael Gogo on 081 33565420 and pay some money into an account in order to access the funds.

    “Many people have reached out to me regarding their interaction and unfortunate experiences on Facebook Messenger with these scammers including Nigerians in Diaspora. In fact, many Nigerians in the United States have been ripped off by these prowling fraudsters.

    “I repeat, this is a scam. Please, ignore their communication promoting various fraudulent schemes in order not to fall victim to their criminal activities.”

    “The minister, therefore, urged any persons who need clarifications regarding any communication in the social media purported to have emanated from her office to contact the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on Communication and New Media via 08033223554 (WhatsApp) and email: majeze1969@gmail.com.”

  • Bianca Ojukwu’s sons withdraw joinder application in suit

    Bianca Ojukwu’s sons withdraw joinder application in suit

    Afamefuna and Nwachukwu, sons of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu,  have  withdrawn their  application before a Lagos High Court  in which they were seeking to be joined as parties in a 2011 suit filed by Ogbonna Ojukwu and others against the Ojukwu Transport Limited, (OTL) and others.

    Justice Adebayo Oyebanji  will on March 10, 2025, entertain the withdrawal of the joinder application  filed before his court.

    The application, dated December 16, 2024, seeks to withdraw their earlier request to be joined as parties in the property dispute suit involving Ojukwu Transport Limited (OTL).

    The originating suit, marked LD/794/2011, was filed by Ogbonna Ojukwu and others against OTL, while  judgment was delivered in 2018.

    Justice  Oyebanji had while delivering judgment in the suit, granted possession of Ojukwu Transport Ltd properties in Lagos to OTL including No 29 Oyikan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos.

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    Until his death in 2011, the Late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was a party to the suit.

    OTL, sequel to the judgment of the court, had executed a warrant of possession on all its properties in Lagos with certificate of completion of execution of warrant’ obtained in July 2022.           

    However last year, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu applied before the court to be joined as “Interested parties in the matter” and also be exempted from the already executed warrant in the case which judgment was delivered in June 2018.

    A  twist was introduced into matter last month when the duo filed a ‘Notice of Withdrawal’ of their earlier application seeking to be joinder before the court.

    The application dated December 16, 2024, seeks to “wholly withdraw their motion for joinder in the suit against the claimants/respondents.

    At the last hearing  of their application for  joinder on April 22, 2024, OTL Director, Dr. P. Ike Ojukwu, their agent, Mr Massey Udegbe and lawyer, Chief Ifeanyi Okumah were in court while Bianca, her sons and their lawyers were absent.

    Justice A. M. Lawal had, in the 2022 judgment, granted a restraining order against interference with Afamefuna and Nwachukwu’s possession of the properties pending the  harmonisation of Ojukwu properties by OTL.

    Afamefuna and Nwachukwu,  claiming  to be unaware of the matter before Justice Onyebanji, had last year served a ‘Notice of Disobedience of Court order’ on OTL, the Ojukwu and other tenants of the property.

    In their application seeking to be joined in case before Justice Onyebanji,  Bianca’s sons claimed that they were not aware of the pendency of the suit and were not included as interested parties in the case.

    They argued that it would amount to a miscarriage of justice for the matter to be conclusively decided without their input as the issues in the case affect their interest.

    Meanwhile, OTL had last year, following the judgment of Justice A.M. Lawal, harmonised the management of its assets and reaffirmed Massey Udegbe and Co as its estate agent and published the same in two national newspapers.

    Of the five properties in Bianca and son’s 2012 suit, OTL claims that it had not been paid rent for 12 years (N144m) by Uche Obilor/West African Offshore Limited, occupants of 30 Gerard Rd,Ikoyi, Lagos.

    It also claimed that the occupants of 32a Commercial Avenue,Yaba, Foursquare Gospel Church, has not paid OTL any rent since 2017 while 4 Macpherson Rd,Ikoyi has been under Police ‘lock and key’ since July 2015.

    It also insisted that 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Rd, Ikoyi has been unoccupied for over 20 years while 13 Ojora Rd, Ikoyi is in good condition with good tenant-landlord understanding.

  • Bianca Ojukwu promises to help actualise President’s plan

    Bianca Ojukwu promises to help actualise President’s plan

    The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, yesterday  promised  to bring her wealth of experience to bear in actualising President Bola Tinubu’s 4Ds  foreign policy agenda.

    She  spoke during her assumption of duty at the Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.

    She was received by the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, top management staff of the ministry.

    The former  Ambassador to Spain also said she will work with the Minister, Ambassador, Yusuf Tuggar to ensure that the rights of Nigerians in diaspora are protected.

    She said: “ I call it our ministry because this is essentially my second missionary journey to MFA. And as you can see, it was a very warm welcome, and I feel right at home. I believe that the president knows what is imperative in Nigeria’s foreign policy. I am, of course, yet to be briefed by HMFA.

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    “But essentially, we all in this ministry will be keying into the four tenets of the foreign policy thrust of the president, being democracy, strengthening democratic institutions, especially around the African continent, development, keying into the African continental free trade area to harness our immense economic potentials, and of course, taking advantage of Nigeria’s demography. As you all know, 70% of our population is under the age of 43. So that’s a huge demographic.

    “And we fully intend to harness the immense potentials at their disposal to ensure that our country gets that burst of creative talent, skills, of the vibrant energy of youth and what they bring to a re-dynamic country.

    “Most importantly, we intend to key into the president’s initiatives regarding the diaspora. We all know how strategic our diaspora population is.

    “I mean, the Diaspora remits $22 billion. And you can see what we can achieve if we leverage on their economy and the foreign direct investment that they can help engineer and drive. Something that is very important, I think, to most of us here, and I say this because this ministry has a crop of some of the most dedicated officers.”

    “I have worked with many of them, and they are dedicated to the advancement of the foreign interests of this country. And they are also dedicated, and I saw, during my tenure as ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, really what they were able to bring to bear with very limited funding and how they were able to intervene for the benefit of our citizens abroad. That’s a very, very important aspect for us to ensure that our embassies, our missions really abroad, are run more efficiently, to ensure that they’re able to provide greater services, seamless services to our citizens, and also to ensure that we’re able to come to the aid of our citizens abroad in distress, wherever they may be.

    “So I think, essentially, this keys into and aligns with the President’s foreign policy objectives. He, today, made it clear that we’re facing challenging times, but if we all join hands, commit ourselves to ensuring that we can lift this country from the situation in which we find ourselves, then the sky is the limit for what we’re going to be able to do, especially in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

  • Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, Oduwole, four others for inauguration as minister today

    Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, Oduwole, four others for inauguration as minister today

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today swear in seven new ministers, marking a significant development in his administration’s restructuring efforts.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, poster the information yesterday on his verified X handle.

    The new ministers, who were cleared by the Senate last week, will assume critical roles in various sectors.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will swear in the new seven ministers on Monday. The ministers are: Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Minister of State Foreign Affairs).

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    “Others are: Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State Education).

    “The Senate cleared the ministers last week,” the post said.

    The appointment of the new minister followed calls from many Nigerians for the President to reshuffle his cabinet and inject new blood into his administration.

    The President was said to have selected the new appointees during his two-week working vacation.