The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Equatorial Guinea

  • Jonathan secures Nigerian prisoners’ release in Equatorial Guinea

    Jonathan secures Nigerian prisoners’ release in Equatorial Guinea

    President Goodluck Jonathan has secured the release of 10 prisoners held by Equatorial Guinea for various immigration offences, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.

    It said the release of the prisoners was the outcome of President Jonathan’s two-day official visit to the country between March 21 and 22.

    “The host Minister of National Security disclosed that such a gesture had never been officially extended to any illegal immigrant in Equatorial Guinea from any country.

    “Due to the small size of the population of the country, the government was out to keep the influx of foreign nationals in the country at the minimum,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the ministry as saying in the statement.

    The statement said the Equatorial government extended the gesture because of “the high esteem and respect” held for Nigeria and President Jonathan.

    The government also approved the immediate issuance of one-year resident permit to the freed Nigerians and directed its ministry of national security to work closely with the Nigerian embassy in the country.

     

  • Jonathan begins two-day visit to Equatorial Guinea

    Jonathan begins two-day visit to Equatorial Guinea

    …Uduaghan, Geidam, others on the trip

    President Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday embark on a two-day state visit to Equatorial Guinea, the Presidency has said.

    A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the visit was in continuation of Federal Government’s efforts to boost economic and trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

    Abati said the president would, in the course of the visit, hold talks in Malabo with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on various issues of mutual interest to both countries.

    He said the issues included the enhancement of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, exploitation of oil and gas resources and the enhancement of developmental cooperation between both countries.

    “It is expected that new agreements on strengthening of economic relations and developmental cooperation between both countries will be concluded and signed before the end of the visit on Friday,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Abati as saying in the statement.

    The presidential spokesperson also noted that the president would meet with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Abuja.

    He said Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ibrahim Geidam of Delta and Yobe States as well as Sen. Ibrahim Gobir and Mr. Cyril Egwuatu would be on the president’s entourage.

    Also on the entourage will be the ministers of petroleum resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, trade and investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, aviation, Princess Stella Oduah and culture and tourism, Dr. Edem Duke.

    The Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Olusola Obada and the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, are also on the trip.

     

  • Ikhana reads the riot act

    Ikhana reads the riot act

    • Oparanozie, Ordega join  camp 

    Super Falcons’ coach, Kadiri Ikhana said he needs unwavering commitment from his wards as they head into the final camping for the 2012 AWC in Equatorial Guinea next month.

    The team resumed camp officially on Sunday with 23 out of the 27 invited players.

    Ikhana said it is straight to business so as to cover enough ground before the competition starts.

    “We didn’t get enough time as we would have loved to, so our programmes start immediately.

    “The tournament is just five weeks away so we have a short time to train and choose the best players to represent the country in Equatorial Guinea,” he said.

    Ikhana invited nine players, who featured for the Falconets at the just-concluded FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.

    The Falcons’ gaffer congratulated the side for their performance at the tournament which saw them finish fourth behind winners, USA, Germany, and hosts Japan.

    “The Falconets did the country proud at the Under 20 World Cup and I would like to congratulate them. I watched the team and I was impressed by the players I saw, which is why I have invited nine of them to join us.

    “Those players have already proved themselves at the Under 20 level and I hope they would measure up to the standards we require at the level of Super Falcons,” he said.

    Ikhana insisted on total commitment from his wards.

    “We want to retain the AWC title so nothing short of 100% commitment is needed. I hope you will make it difficult for me to choose my final team for the tournament,” he said.

    The AWC will take place in Equatorial Guinea from October 28 to November 11.

    List of players in camp:

    Josephine Chukwunonye, Ngozi Okobi, Cecilia Nku, Ugo Njoku, Asisat Oshoala, Esther Sunday, Gloria Ofoegbu, Eberechi Maraihe, Gladys Akpa, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Ngozi Ebere, Ulumma Jerome, Joy Jegede, Chiudo Ehiudo, Stella Mbachu, Onyinyechi Ohadugha, Glory Iroka, Shola Oyewusi, Tshola Tawa, Tochukwu Oluehi, Ifeoma Emenike, Sharifat Saheed and Precious Dede.

    Expected in camp: Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega and Osinachi Ohale.