The Nation Newspaper

Tag: British

  • Theresa May to seek Queen’s permission to form government

    Theresa May to seek Queen’s permission to form government

    British Prime Minister, Theresa May, is to ask Queen Elizabeth for permission to form a government at 11:30 GMT on Friday.

    A spokesman from May’s said, after she failed to win an outright majority at a national election.

    British voters dealt May a devastating blow in a snap election she had called to strengthen her hand in Brexit talks, wiping out her parliamentary majority and throwing the country into political turmoil.

    With no clear winner emerging from Thursday’s election, a wounded May signaled on Friday that she would fight on.

    Her Labour rival Jeremy Corbyn, once written off by his opponents as a no-hoper, said May should step down and he wanted to form a minority government.

    In the aftermath of one of the most sensational nights in British electoral history, politicians and commentators called May’s decision to hold the election a colossal mistake and derided her performance on the campaign trail. She appeared determined to tough it out, however.

    “Theresa May has no intention of announcing her resignation later today,” BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg told BBC radio.

    With 649 of 650 seats declared, the Conservatives had won 318 seats.

    Though the biggest single winner, they failed to reach the 326-mark they would need to command a parliamentary majority. Labour had won 261 seats.

    With complex talks on Britain’s divorce from the European Union due to start in 10 days, it was unclear who would form the next government and what the direction of Brexit would be.

    From the EU’s perspective, the upset meant a possible delay in the start of Brexit talks and an increased risk that negotiations would fail.

    “We need a government that can act.

    “With a weak negotiating partner, there’s a danger that the negotiations will turn out badly for both sides EU Budget Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said.

    The EU’s chief negotiator said the bloc’s stance on Brexit and the timetable for the talks were clear, but the divorce negotiations should only start when Britain is ready.

    “Let’s put our minds together on striking a deal,” Michel Barnier said.

  • British parliament rejects bill on sexist dress codes

    British parliament rejects bill on sexist dress codes

    British Government on Friday rejected calls to outlaw sexist dress codes which laid down what women should wear at their workplaces.

    Over 150,000 people signed a public petition to the British parliament, urging action after Nicola Thorp was told to go home from work without pay after she arrived at PriceWaterhouseCooper to work as a temporary receptionist in flat shoes.

    Thorp refused to comply with the demand that she wear shoes with high heels.

    However, the government promised new guidelines on dress codes would be issued in the summer, following the outcry.

    The media in London reported that the government response to the petition meant employers could continue to insist that female employees must wear heeled shoes, provided it was a job requirement and men were made to dress to an “equivalent level of smartness.”

    According to the government, existing laws are adequate and already prevent companies from gender-based discrimination.

    As an alternative, the Government Equalities Office called on all employers to review their dress codes and consider whether they remained relevant and lawful.

    The issue was discussed in parliament and women and equalities committees of the House of Commons who made recommendations to the government on workplace dress codes.

    A parliament spokesman said that the government undertook to produce guidance during the summer and to explore other options for raising further awareness on the law on dress codes.

    The Equality and Human Rights Commission had already run a social media campaign aimed at young women to promote awareness of the law.

    According to MP Helen Jones, chair of the Petitions Committee, the petition and the inquiry had already done a great deal to improve public awareness of the law.

    MP Maria Miller, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, also said they welcome the commitments made by government to increase awareness of those rights.

    “Hope that the next Government will monitor how this changes women’s experiences of the workplace,’’ Miller said.

  • Elegushi, British envoy endorse Imperial Business City

    Elegushi, British envoy endorse Imperial Business City

    The infrastructural investment of the Lagos state government along the Lekki/ Ajah corridor has been applauded by the Elegushi of Ikate Land and Environ, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Kunsenla III.

    The Monarch, who spoke while receiving the Director, Department of International Trade, British High Commission in Nigeria, Ahmed Bashir in his palace last Monday, said government’s investments along the axis are justifiable, given that a World Bank report rated the corridor as the fastest developing corridor in West Africa, saying the corridor that used to be a rural area  has now grown to become an urban mega city.

    The Oba said the Elegushi Royal Family has thrown its weight behind the development of the Imperial International Business City (IIBC) project, assuring that the project is expected to give birth to the development of a brand new city on 200 hectares of land to be attained by dredging of  the Lagos Lagoon, which will in effect expand the ancient Ikate city and also extend Lekki phase 1. The dredging will be between two and 2.5 metres above sea level to avoid flooding, which is a common feature on the Lekki axis.

    The IIBC being built on the Lagos lagoon, will run from the end of Freedom Road to the end of NICON town; streching, from freedom road to Kunsenla Road, to Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi Road, through Lekki Phase 1 ( Lekki Third Roundabout). Its access routes will be through fourth Roundabout of Lekki-Epe high way, by Spa Supermarket before Jakande bus stop.

    “We always go with the trend and the best. We talk about change in Nigeria and I think its high time the change gets started. This IIBC project is all about leaving a legacy and by doing this in this corridor, we would have shown that Nigerians can achieve same feat , as is achieved in other developed climes,” Oba Elegushi said.

    Also, Bashir said the  Commission can collaborate with the developers of IIBC in areas of Infrastructural development on the project such as energy, efficient transport and ICT.

    At the meeting Bashir assured Oba Elegushi that the UK Department of International Trade will lend a helping hand and allow the developers to leverage on its experience and contact in making the IIBC dream a reality.

    The Department, he also revealed, will introduce the project developers to willing investors from the UK. He said that Lagos state is a fast developing economic nerve centre of Africa; hence, such laudable projects should be encouraged if the state is to meet the housing needs of its growing population and its demands for wold class infrastructural developments. This he stressed also fits perfectly with the plan of the UK government in helping emerging economies grow faster and also fully develops its potentials.

    The Royal Father assured that the IIBC upon completion, will not pose any infrastructural challenge to the Masterplan of the axis, but rather complement it, adding  that already, there are two extra roads that are about to be constructed by government- a coastal road and an inland road. This is aside the proposed fourth mainland bridge to be built which will also serve the corridor.

    The Managing Director of ChannelDrill Resources, Femi Akioye, said since IIBC is a new city being built from the scratch, the firm has decided to make it a fully planned city with distinct zones and building regulations. Each zone, he said, will have low, medium and high density areas with water view.

    “The Lekki-Epe corridor is reputed as the fastest growing city, not only in Nigeria, but in the whole of West Africa, with the biggest seaport, airport, refineries and other infrastructure coming up.

    “The people who will work there must live somewhere, and this is a motivation for developers. The future demand of the Lekki Free Trade Zone will only increase demand for comfortable homes within the metropolis,” Akioye said.

    Expressing optimism on the prospects of the IIBC, the ChannelDrill boss, said the new city will correct some of the mistakes recorded in the development of Lekki Phase 1. The project, he further explained, gives the developers the opportunity to build smart and go-green for the future.

    Akioye assured that the city will be well planned and will be Africa’s first eco-friendly city. This will be achieved with the creation of lakes and waterways within the city, as well as underground drains, the first smart shopping mall in the country and the first six-star hotel in Africa to be built.

    Other infrastructure to be put in place by ChannelDrill includes a 250-metre entrance road. The road network will include walkway and bicycle way; waterway and lakes; underground drainage, sewage treatment, potable water and water treatment plant, independent gas fired electricity and cooking gas piped to every house, including fibre optics cable. Others are cloud enabled communication network and smart city/house infrastructure for willing subscribers; mini-marina and water park, Mini Gulf course;  Shopping Mall; among others.

  • The British were once here

    I was born in Idanre, a hilly ancient town in Ondo State but I have spent more years in Lagos than in any other city in the world.

    Since the early sixties when I used to spend holidays with my cousin, Professor Ayo Akinbobola, Lagos along with another cousin of mine Chief Babu Akinbobola, Lagos has always been my focus.

    No matter my sojourn in the country be it in Eket, Calabar, Ogoja, Katsina, Bendi, Akure, Owerri, Maiduguri, Sokoto and many other cities in the country including of course Abuja—that artificial city—I always love to come back to Lagos—a city that never sleeps.

    In the past, Ikoyi was the best place to be in Lagos, hence my disappointment that the names of places we cherished in the past have been changed. A fact that can’t be erased is that we were once colonized by the British and Lagos was also once the capital of Nigeria. Another fact was that some streets in Lagos especially in Ikoyi were named by the British to remind us that they were once here.

    Cameron road was named after Sir Donald Charles Cameron (1872-1948). He was a British Colonial governor. In April 1925, Cameron became the second governor of the British mandate of Tanganyika, taking over from John Scott, who was acting governor for Sir Horace Byatt. From 1931 to 1935 he was governor and commander-in-chief of Nigeria.

    Glover road was named after Sir James Hawley Glover (1829-1885). He was a Captain in the British Royal Navy and later a colonial governor. On April 21, 1863 he was appointed administrator of the government of Lagos Colony.

    Victoria Island in Lagos was named after Queen Victoria (1819-1901) who was the Queen of the United Kingdom and Ireland from June 20, 1837 until her death. From May 1, 1876, she adopted the adopted the additional title of Empress of India.

    Milverton Road in Ikoyi was named after Baron Milverton. Baron Milverton, of Lagos and of Clifton in the City of Bristol, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1947 for the colonial administrator Sir Arthur Richards. He had previously served as Governor of Nigeria. As of 2010, the title is held by his eldest son, the second Baron, who succeeded in 1978.

    Moloney Street in Lagos was named after Sir Cornelius Alfred Moloney KCMG (1848-13 August 1913) who was a British colonial administrator. He served as British administrator of The Gambia from 1884 to 1886, Governor of Lagos Colony from 1886 to 1890, Governor of British Honduras from 1891 to 1897, Governor of the Federal Colony of the Windward Islands from 1897 to 1900, and Governor of Trinidad and Tobago from November 1900 to 1904.

    Clifford Street in Lagos was named after Sir Hugh Charles Clifford (1866-1941) who was a British Colonial administrator. In 1903, he left Malaysia to take the post of Colonial Secretary of Trinidad. Later he was appointed Governor of the Gold Coast, 1912-1919, Nigeria, 1919-1925, and Ceylon, 1925-1927.

    Eric Moore Street in Surulere, Lagos was named after Eric Olawolu Moore, a member of the colonial legislative council and the first Lagos member of the united committee of experts and adviser on Labour conventions and regulations. He was the father of Kofo Moore, the wife of Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, first Chief Justice of the Federation, who also established New Era Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos.

    Denton Street in Ikoyi was named after George Chadin Denton (1851-1928) who was the Colonial Secretary of Lagos in 1900.

    Freeman Street was named after Sir Henry Stanhorp Freeman (1831-1865) who was the first Governor of Lagos (1862-1865). He took over from acting Governor William Mccorskty.

    Alexander Avenue was named in honour of Cyril Wilson Alexander (1879-1947) who was Governor of the Southern provinces of Nigeria between 1929-1930.

    Egerton Street was named in honour of Sir Walter Egerton(1858-1947) who was the first Governor of the colony of Southern Nigeria between 1906-1912.

    Osborne in Ikoyi was named after Jack Osborne who died on August 15, 2012 at the age of 103. He served with Chindits behind enemy lines in Barma, commanding Nigeria troops during World War Two. Lugard Street in Ikoyi was named after Sir Frederick John Dealtry Lugard (1858-1945), former Governor General of Nigeria. Sir Lugard also named Port-Harcourt in honour of Sir Lewis Vernon Harcourt (1863-1922) who was the British Secretary for the Colonies between 1910-1915. Lord Harcourt’s nickname was “Loulou”.

    Macgregor Street in Ikoyi was named after Sir William Macgregor (1846-1919) who served as Governor of Lagos Colony Niger from 1899-1904 where he instituted a campaign against the prevalent malaria. Thompson Street in Ikoyi was named after Sir Graeme Thomson(1875-1933). He was appointed as Secretary for Ceylon in 1919, then Governor of British Guiana in 1922 and of Nigeria in 1925. Adeniyi Jones Street in Ikeja was named after Dr. Curtis Crispin Adeniyi-Jones (1876-1957), a Nigerian doctor and politician. His son Femi is at present a member of guild of Stewards at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. Macpherson Street in Lagos was named after John Stewart Macpherson (1898-1971). He was a British Colonial administrator who served as Governor General of Nigeria from 1948-1955. He was responsible for the introduction of the 1951 constitution, Macpherson constitution which provided for “semi-responsible government”. His ADC during his tenure was General Johnson Thomas Umanakwe Aguiyi Ironsi(1924-1966) who later became the Head of State of Nigeria from January 1966 to July 1966.

    Carter Bridge in Lagos was named after Sir Gilbert Thomas Carter (1848-1927). Carter was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of Lagos on February 3, 1891. Carter ordered an attack on the Ijebus in 1892. Carter travelled to various parts of Yorubaland, accompanied by soldiers, in an attempt to demonstrate the might of the British. Initially, Carter was not well received at Oyo, and the Egba chiefs advised him not to interfere with slavery, while the Ibadan chiefs said they were afraid that their slaves would “assert their freedom by running to the Resident” – and they refused to sign a treaty with Carter. However, in January 1893 the Egba chiefs signed a Treaty of Independence with the British Government. It was agreed that freedom of trade between the Egba Nation and Lagos was to be guaranteed by the British Government, in return for which no road would be closed without the approval of the governor. They further agreed that complete protection and “every assistance and encouragement” would be afforded to all Christian ministers”. The British agreed that “no annexation on any portion of Egba Nation shall be made by her Majesty’s Government without the consent of the lawful authorities of the nation, no aggressive action shall be taken against the said nation and its independence shall be fully recognized.” He was promoted Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) on June 3, 1893, “in recognition of his services in conducting a mission to the Yoruba country which resulted in the negotiation of important treaties and brought to an end a long-standing war”.

    The British did it their way when they were here and what they did is part of our history which we are still coping with today. In his book titled, “CHARACTER AND OPINION”, George Santayana (1862-1952) wrote that “things have their days and beauties in that day. It would be preposterous to expect any civilization to last forever”.

    • Teniola, a director at the presidency, resides in Lagos.

  • We stand with Nigeria in battle against Boko Haram –UK

    The United Kingdom (UK) says it is supporting Nigeria in the ongoing war against the Boko Haram insurgents.

    UK Minister for International Development, Nick Hurd, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that UK had a very long cordial relationship with Nigeria.

    “The very long partnership between UK and Nigeria matters a great deal to us; even my Prime Minister has made it very clear that we stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in the battle against Boko Haram.

    “We understand how many thousands and millions of peoples’ lives have been devastated by the atrocities in the North East.

    “We are determined to help our own friend and partner to defeat that barbaric group,’’ he said.

    Hurd said at the moment, the UK’s support took the form of a big commitment to training and capacity building in the military.

    He said that his country was pleased with the successes so far recorded by the military against Boko Haram insurgents recently.

    On the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, Hurd said UK was always supportive of the determination to ensure the safe return of the girls but challenged Nigeria to lead the girls’ rescue.

    “My Prime Minister, the British Government and the British people are fully supportive of the determination to bring the girls home.

    “They have empathy with that but this (rescue) needs to be led by the Nigerian government, there has to be a Nigerian solution to this.

    “I made it clear to the Vice-President that we will help but we are going to follow a Nigerian lead,’’ he said.

    On a report that the UK knew the whereabouts of the girls, Hurd said: “My information is constrained by the fact that I’m International Development Minister.
    “I’m not into greater deal into the military intelligence cooperation. I don’t have a full answer to that question.’’

    On the humanitarian assistance, the envoy said that UK was increasing its commitment with another 33 million pounds.

    He said the increased fund was informed by the assessment that was carried out about the needs in the north eastern part of the country which were around nutrition, food and protection.

    He said UK was interested about the stability and real development of the region and called on the international community to be more effective in its response.(NAN)

  • British invasion: ‘Beware of desperate politicians’

    There is a twist in the controversy surrounding the British invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897.

    A great, great-grandson of Oba Ovonramwen N’Ogbaisi, Prince Samwonyi Ovonramwen, has cautioned the Bini of Edo State to beware of desperate politicians who would not define the issues confronting them as a people.

    Ovonramwen said: “some politicians only hide behind patronage or mercantilist politics of the wasted years to benefit their selfish ends. They are caught by cold, fear and trepidation at the sight of well-rounded contenders for the same office. For God’s sake, leave our great great-grandfather out of the murky waters of politics. Let politicians play politics.”

    He added: “My family line is the only one still bearing the name Ovonramwen and this has ensured that his good name has not been erased from the consciousness of the people. That underscores how proud and honoured we are to be associated with our root.

    “How easy it is to pursue selfish political interest under the pretext of public good! Apart from little known Ovonramwen Street, no other monument of importance immortalises Oba Ovonranmwen in Benin City. I wish deserving effort is directed at correcting this.

    “In 1897, the British invaded Benin Empire, conquered it and carted away its most priced assets. The motive for the invasion was purely economic and political. As earlier correspondences have shown, the invasion and subjugation of the empire was inevitable and only a matter of time.

    “The role of the key actors, including nobles, courtiers and ordinary citizens, were contingent upon the dynamics and exigencies of the time. It can only be understood and appreciated therefrom. And we know for a fact that the character, mood and temperament of 1897 were not captured by anyone and cannot be resurrected with accuracy more than a century after.

    “Over the years, there have been speculations and tell-tales with regard to the role played by some key leaders and participants. The British conquerors wrote from their angle but nobody recorded the views of the Edo participants in the unfortunate episode.

    “However, what can be reconstructed with the tools of research has been accomplished by the most celebrated historian on the subject – Prof. Phillips Igbafe. Let those who seek genuine knowledge submit themselves to the discipline of reading published works.

    “It is barbaric, unjustifiable and pointless to hound anyone or scion of any of the families today on account of the purported role played by his great, great-grandfather. If all of us were to look back into remote history and the role played by our various great, great-grandfathers, Benin City and Edo land would be immersed with vile, hatred, bad blood and vindictiveness.

    “Let us beware of desperate politicians who can hardly define the issues confronting us only to hide behind patronage or mercantilist politics of the wasted years.”

  • British invasion: ‘The Bini rejected Obaseki’s advice’

    A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has said the Bini indigenes of the state suffered humiliation in the hands of British colonialists in 1887 when they failed to listened to the advice of his grandfather, Chief Agho Obaseki.

    Obaseki recalled that when the British entered Benin Kingdom and attempted to do business with the Bini, his grandfather advised the then Oba of Benin, Oba Ovonranmwen Nogbaisi, to sign a treaty with the foreigners.

    He regretted that the Bini did not heed his advice.

    According to him, the result was Britain’s invasion of Benin Kingdom and the looting of its treasure.

    Obaseki, who is also the chairman of the Edo State Economic Team, spoke yesterday in Benin, the state capital, when he hosted some of his relatives.

    The politician said he was ready to add economic value to Edo State.

    On why two Obasekis were seeking the governorship ticket of All Progressive Congress (APC) in this year’s governorship election, Obaseki said there was nothing wrong with the aspiration.

    He added: “The Obaseki family is the largest in Benin Kingdom; even more Obasekis can join the race for the party’s ticket.”

  • British Council holds fair

    Thirty institutions are expected at the Education UK Postgraduate Exhibition 2015 organised by the British Council in Abuja and Lagos next month.

    The Abuja fair would hold November 4,  while the Lagos version holds on 6 and 7.

    The exhibition, in its third year, is designed for prospective students interested in an international education at the postgraduate level.

    They would be able to meet with representatives of the institutions and get direct advice on the opportunities available to them for study in the UK.

    Each year, students from Nigeria study in the UK, joining close to two million local students from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, plus around 500,000 other international students from 200 countries.

    Sephora Imomoh, Project Manager at the British Council said the UK is a popular destination for international students because of its education system is reputed to lead “to internationally recognised qualifications,” which offer good career prospects in Nigeria.

    “With a strong reputation for research, innovation and creativity, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. Students are encouraged to express their ideas and think for themselves,” she said.

    Students can register online to attend the fair free of charge.

     

  • British Ecological Society Grants in Africa, 2015

    Applications are invited for British Ecological Society grants from ecologists in Africa to carry out innovative ecological research. The maximum value of a grant is £8,000 for research. An additional sum up to £2,000 may be requested to fund travel to help grantees develop connections with other ecologists outside their usual peer group. Travel funds are available for the applicant to spend time working with ecologists in developed countries where facilities and experience will help the grantee on return to their own institution. Successful applicants also receive two years of free BES membership and free online access to the Society’s journals. The grant can be used to pay for basic tools needed to conduct the research project, travel and in some cases part of the applicant’s salary. It cannot be used for tuition fees.

    The application deadline is 11 September, 2015.

    Study Subject: Funding is available for any area of ecological science excluding research focused solely on agriculture, forestry and bioprospecting. Please note that neither purely descriptive work nor studies that might be considered incremental will be funded.

    Course Level: Grant provides support for ecologists in Africa to carry out innovative ecological research.

    Eligibility: Applicants must:

    • have at least an MSc or equivalent degree
    • be working for a university or research institution in Africa (including field centres, NGOs, museums etc.) that provides basic research facilities
    • carry out the research in a country in Africa or its associated islands
    • The proposed work must be completed within 18 months

    Scholarship Description: This grant provides support for ecologists in Africa to carry out innovative ecological research.

    Selection Criteria: The applications will be judged by a panel of reviewers on the basis of the applicant’s personal qualifications, the scientific excellence, novelty and feasibility of the proposal, and the academic and non-academic impact of the planned research. Applicants need to demonstrate that they have made connections with ecologists in a developed country that can provide advice during the proposed project. If international travel is part of the application, applicants must demonstrate close links with those they propose to visit.

    Notification: University aims to notify applicants if they have been successful or not within two months of the deadline.

    How to Apply:

    • Applications will only be assessed once the online referee statement of support has been received from the applicant’s institution, and if applying for travel funds, from the overseas host institution. This referee statement should include why the project is important, what support will be given to the applicant and a statement that any equipment bought for the project will be made available for anyone in the host institution to conduct ecological research. We will automatically contact the referees using the email addresses provided in the application; both reference statements must be completed online before the application deadline. We cannot accept referee statements sent independently via email or by letter.
    • Applications for this grant must be made using the BES online application form. Important: Only complete questions 3, 3a and 3b if you are requesting additional travel funds.

    Application Form: http://www.britishecologicalsocietygrants.org/Africa/images/logo.gif

     

  • MultiChoice adds British channels to DStv

    MultiChoice adds British channels to DStv

    MultiChoice is making true promises to further enrich the quality of content on the bouquet, which it made during the recent re-launch of its DStv Compact.

    To that effect, the Pay TV Company has announced the addition of two new British channels; BBC Lifestyle and Cbeebies to the bouquet. The channels which were previously exclusive to Premium bouquet subscribers have been included to the over 95 plus channels list on Compact.

    “This further broadens the range of offerings on the Compact bouquet”, said General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho.

    According to Mabutho, “As a leading video entertainment company in Africa, we are constantly seeking ways of providing more value to our subscribers and we do this by structuring content that suit their lifestyles and personalities. The addition of BBC Lifestyle and Cbeebies exemplifies our commitment to continually add value to our subscribers.”

    He described BBC Lifestyle as an international channel that provides six key programming features in Food, Home & Design, Fashion & Style, Health, Parenting, and Personal Development, and Cbeebies as one that offers a mix of mostly UK-produced entertainment and educational output designed to encourage learning through play. Both channels are wholly owned by BBC Worldwide.

    He disclosed that BBC Entertainment which will be renamed to BBC Brit on DStv channel 120 will be accessible to local viewers on Compact, Compact Plus and Premium bouquets starting from 1 September 2015.

    “The channel will become the exclusive home of Top Gear, Undercover Boss and Dragons Den and cover a rich variety of subjects including cars, science, adventure, business, food and life-changing moments,” he said.