The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Paris

  • Buhari returns to Abuja

    Buhari returns to Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after participating in the “One Planet” summit in Paris, France.

    The President’s aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 4:35 p.m. on Thursday.

    Buhari was received by senior government officials including his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Musa Bello.

    While in Paris, President Buhari had appealed to the international community to support Nigeria’s commitment to reduce the negative effects of climate change.

    Buhari told participants that Nigeria could not implement its Nationally Determined Contributions without adequate financial, technical and capacity building support from developed nations

    He said Nigeria had already ratified the Paris Agreement in May 2017 but its Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce emission by 20 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2030 could not be attained alone.

    Read also: Buhari seeks global support to tackle climate change effects

    According to him, the country is not under illusion of the challenges it is facing, having just come out of recession.

    The summit with the theme “Climate Change Financing,” was attended by over 60 heads of state and governments, as well as representatives of non-governmental and private organisations.

    NAN

  • APDA to Akeredolu: Reduce your travels to focus on governance

    APDA to Akeredolu: Reduce your travels to focus on governance

    The Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance ( APDA ) in Ondo State on Tuesday advised Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu to reduce his frequent travels outside the state to focus on governance.

    Mr Dele Ogunbameru, the State Publicity Secretary of APDA, in a statement in Lagos, said that the frequent travels of the governor were affecting governance in the state.

    Akeredolu, on Monday, December 11, travelled to Paris, France, to attend a four-day summit on climate change by One Planet Summit.

    The governor had attended the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York held from September 12 to September 27.

    Ogunbameru said that since Akeredolu’s inauguration in February 2017, he had not stayed “at home to address the problems being faced by the people that voted him into power.’’

    “Aside from foreign trips, it is now a tradition for Gov. Akeredolu to leave the state on Thursdays and come back on Tuesdays, spending only two working days in the state.

    Read also: ‘APDA not in merger talks with PDP’

    “This action has really caused hardship on the masses who queued in the sun to vote for him on November 26, 2016.

    “As at today, December 12, Ondo State workers have not received November salary aside from the five months salaries and pensions arrears owed the workers and retirees,’’ he said.

    Ogunbameru advised the governor to cut down on his incessant travels to focus on governance and reduce the hardship on the people, who he said, were mostly tstate workers.

    He said the current petrol scarcity in the state was artificial and urged the government to check the excesses of petrol stations as we approach the Yuletide.

    NAN

  • Buhari for ‘One Planet Summit’ in Paris

    Buhari for ‘One Planet Summit’ in Paris

    President Muhammadu Buhari will participate alongside over 50 world leaders in the One Planet Summit in Paris, France tomorrow.

    The summit, jointly organised by the United Nations (UN), the World Bank Group and the French Government in partnership with non-governmental organisations concerned about reversing the negative effects of climate change, like Bloomberg Philanthropies, holds at the eco-friendly La Seine Musicale, situated on the picturesque Seguin Island in western Paris.

    The main focus of the summit, with the theme, “Climate Change Financing,” according to the organisers, will be to innovatively pool public and private finance “to support and accelerate our common efforts to fight climate change.”

    Recognising that all countries are affected by the effects of climate change under “One Planet” but some are more vulnerable, the summit seeks for tangible collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    The President, who will depart for Paris today, accompanied by the governors of Adamawa, Kano and Ondo states, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment, will return to Abuja on Thursday.

  • Buhari for ‘One Planet Summit’ in Paris

    Buhari for ‘One Planet Summit’ in Paris

    President Muhammadu Buhari will participate alongside over 50 world leaders in the One Planet Summit in Paris, France on Tuesday.

    The summit, jointly organised by the United Nations, the World Bank Group, and the French Government in partnership with non-governmental organisations concerned about reversing the negative effects of climate change, like Bloomberg Philanthropies, holds at the eco-friendly La Seine Musicale, situated on the picturesque Seguin Island in western Paris.

    The main focus of the summit, with the theme, “Climate Change Financing,”according to the organisers, will be to innovatively pool public and private finance “to support and accelerate our common efforts to fight climate change.”

    While recognising that all countries are affected by the effects of climate change under “One Planet” but some are more vulnerable, the summit seeks for tangible collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Before heading for the Summit venue, a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that the Nigerian leader will attend a lunch hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France for Heads of State and Governments at the Elysee Palace.

    President Buhari and other world leaders and participants will make presentations under four sub-themes namely: Scaling-up Finance for Climate Action; Greening Finance for Sustainable Business; Accelerating Local and Regional Climate Action; and Strengthening Policies for Ecological and Inclusive Transition.

    It would be recalled that while signing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the sidelines of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2016, President Buhari had said it “demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts to reverse the effects of the negative trend.”

    He followed that significant step by signing the Instrument of Ratification of the Paris Agreement on March 28, 2017 at the State House, Abuja, making Nigeria the 146th party to the Paris Treaty. It became binding on the country effective June 15, 2017, one month after the submission of the Ratification instrument to the United Nations on May 16, 2017 by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande.

    The participation of Nigeria’s delegation at the One Planet Summit will reinforce the country’s commitment to realising the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

    The President, who will depart for Paris on Monday, accompanied by the governors of Adamawa, Kano and Ondo States, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment, will return to Abuja on Thursday.

  • Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s surrogate spotted

    Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s surrogate spotted

    Reality queen Kim Kardashian and her Grammy winner husband Kanye West’s surrogate carrying their third child has been pictured for the first time.

    According to MailOnline, Kim confirmed the news that she and Kanye are having a third child, on Thursday night.

    The reality TV couple were said to have paid the surrogate an estimated $75,000 in June to carry a sibling (due in late January) for their daughter North, four, and son Saint, 21 months.

    Pictured in September, this is the first sighting of the expectant African-American 27-year-old following Kim’s confirmation that they are having a third child.

    The secret surrogate wore a white T-shirt over her five-month bump, cuffed blue jeans, and black sandals, while strolling through a playground in September.

    ‘She’ll also receive a $4,500 monthly “discomfort” allowance; if she gives birth by cesarean, she’ll earn a $2,000 bonus and she’ll receive a $5,000 bonus if she has twins,’ an insider told Radar Online.

    ‘Kim liked her immediately and Kanye thought she looked a little like Kim, which no doubt helped her get selected.’

    The stay-at-home San Diego woman was previously paid to be a surrogate in 2014, and it didn’t hurt that she’s a big fan of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

    ‘She’s watched all of the shows, and Kim’s vanity was touched when she found out,’ a source added.

    Also, TMZ recently reported that the surrogate, a registered Democrat and college graduate has two sons of her own with her husband of five years, and their marriage is ‘solid.’

    The 36-year-old mother-of-two confirmed the baby news Thursday by sharing a preview for the 14th season of her E! series airing Sundays on cable TV, with her 188.1million social media followers.

    Kim, a devout Atkins dieter who finally whittled her surgically enhanced 5ft3in figure down to 115lbs, cannot carry anymore children due to complications from pre-eclampsia.

    It comes amid mounting speculation that her 33-year-old sisters, Khloé, as well as her 20-year-old half-sister Kylie Jenner are pregnant from NBA basketball player Tristan Thompson and Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott, respectively.

    They are both reportedly due in February; one month after Kim’s surrogate will give birth to a daughter, if sources are to be believed.

    The most famous, wealthy and entrepreneurial of her siblings, Kim has a net worth of about $175 million.

    Over the last year, Kim made $45.5 million, making her the 47th richest celebrity on the Forbes list of the 100 highest-earning celebrities in 2016.
    Kim was robbed at gunpoint in her hotel in Paris, during Fashion Week in October 2016 .

    The robbers stole nearly $9 million worth of jewelry including a $4 million diamond engagement ring from Kanye.

    Known for her frequent use of social media, Kim kept a low profile in the months after the traumatic event and has since recounted the robbery in detail on the family’s show.

    NAN

     

  • Paris-bound Nigerian wrestlers to leave on Monday

    Paris-bound Nigerian wrestlers to leave on Monday

    Reprieve has finally come the way of the Nigerian contingent to the World Wrestling Championships in Paris, France, who had flight delay as they will now depart on Monday evening aboard Air Ethiopia.

    The contingent had experienced flight delay in the hands of Air Maroc in the early hours of Monday and had to find an alternative.

    The three, according to the President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, they are to weigh-in for the competition on Tuesday afternoon.

    Igali told NAN on the telephone from Paris that when the wrestlers got to the airport in the early hours of Monday, they were told that Air Maroc had a defective aircraft on Sunday.

    He said that because the aircraft was small, it only picked a few passengers for Sunday, leaving those for 4 a.m. flight on Monday stranded.

    However, in a twist of events, the NWF said it had secured four tickets aboard Ethiopia Airlines aircraft to convey some of the country’s contingent to the championships.

    Igali told NAN on the telephone from Paris that three wrestlers and a coach would now travel on Monday evening.

    “We have been able to get four new tickets on Ethiopia Airlines for them. They should hopefully arrive in Paris by 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

    They will undergo a weight exercise tomorrow compete on Aug. 23.

    NAN reports that six wrestlers, including four females and two males will represent the country at the competition.

    The male wrestlers are Amas Daniel (65kg) and John Emmanuel (70kg), while the female are Blessing Oborududu (63kg), Adekuroye Odunayo (53kg), Mercy Genesis (48kg), and Aminat Adeniyi (58kg).

    The wrestlers are being tutored by the head coach of NWF, Victor Kodei and a female coach, Purity Akuh.

    The competition began on Monday which is for arrivals and end Aug. 26.

  • Nigeria 146th to endorse Paris Climate Agreement – UN

    The UN says Nigeria is the 146th country to endorse the Paris Climate Change agreement as the country presented its endorsement on Tuesday.

    Mr Santiago Villalpando, Chief of the Treaty Section of the UN, stated this at the presentation of the Climate Change Endorsement instrument by Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande.

    The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Paris climate change agreement entered into force on Nov. 4, 2016, with 197 parties.

    NAN also reports that by presenting its endorsement to the UN, Nigeria has deposited its instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the depository.

    Villalpando, at the historic event in New York, commended Nigeria for taking the bold decision and for its commitment to implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

    Speaking with NAN after the presentation, Bande said Nigeria had always lived up to its commitment to the UN and other international obligations.

    “This presentation of the Climate Change Endorsement is our living up to our commitment.

    “We have ratified this agreement and President Muhammadu Buhari has signed it and we have deposited the instrument.

    “This is to underline our commitment to the agreement in Paris and this is important for the world.

    “Climate change is really important, there’s no doubt about it and we are glad that we have become the 146th member of the UN to ratify it.

    “So this is good for Nigeria,” the Permanent Representative said.

    He assured the UN and the international community that Nigeria would fulfill its own part of the agreement but called on other countries to live u to their own commitments.

    “We operate within the commitment of the agreement and we also expect others to do the same.

    “It is important and that is why it took a long time to agree to but we have passed it now. It is just to begin to act within the agreement

    “Nigeria has always shown commitment to international obligations, there’s no question about that. Even through our difficult period, we’re still a very reliable member of the international community,” Bande said.

    NAN reports that the presentation of Nigeria’s Climate Change Endorsement was witnessed by the Deputy Ambassador, Samson Itegboje, Mr Alex Ajayi Minister and Mrs Eunice Umezurike, First Secretary.

    Buhari had signed the Paris Agreement on Sept. 22, 2016 on the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly, saying it “demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to a global effort to reverse the effects of the negative trend”.

    By signing the agreement, Buhari committed Nigeria to reducing “Green House Gas Emissions unconditionally by 20 per cent and conditionally by 45 per cent” in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions.

    The president had also signed the instrument of ratification of the agreement on March 28, making the country one of those that had ratified the agreement.

  • Police arrest 141 people after post-election trouble

    The Police on Monday said a hundred and forty-one people were arrested in Paris after trouble flared overnight following Emmanuel Macron’s victory in France’s presidential election.

    The authorities said those detained in Menilmontant, a north-eastern district of Paris, were accused of offences ranging from throwing missiles at the police to damaging property.

    The demonstrators were protesting both against Macron – criticized by many on France’s far left as a member of a discredited elite in thrall to global capitalism – and against his defeated far-right nationalist rival, Marine Le Pen.

    Macron beat Le Pen by 66 percent to 34 on a platform of market-friendly reform and closer European integration.

    However, an abstention rate of over 25 per cent, and the fact that more than 11 per cent of those who turned out chose neither candidate, pointed to a high degree of disillusionment with the choices on offer in the runoff.

    The hardline leftist CGT labour union planned a demonstration in the capital later in the day against the kind of liberal economic policies that Macron espouses.

  • May Day: Workers’ struggles and hope

    May Day: Workers’ struggles and hope

    The first of May, unlike any other day, is one set apart to celebrate the dedication and consistent spirit of workers around the globe; in this case Nigerian workers.  Out of respect for the day, governments around the world declare it a work-free day.

    Going back to historical antecedents, workers day was promulgated by the International Workers Congress in Paris to commemorate the struggle of all workers for better conditions. It was originally an eight hours work-free period, unlike the 24-hour ‘largesse’ we enjoy today.

    In Nigeria, May Day was first declared by the People Redemption Party (PRP) of Kano State in 1980. It became a National holiday on the first of May, 1981 during Shagari’s administration.

    During the celebration, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, governors, and other dignitaries in Nigeria address the Nigeria workers, especially with respect to some issues bordering on workers welfare, remuneration, nationhood, etc.

    Till this time, workers have continued to demand for their rights from the government and management of organizations alike; their rights to decent wages, opportunities for training and development, and a safe and congenial working environment – these remains in the front burner for labour and its representatives.

    Also issues such as retirement packages, access to fringe benefits such as medical care, housing, transportation, soft loans etc., and compensation plans in case of injuries and accidents on or during work is also a major concern for labour.

    Regardless of the sundry challenges bedeviling the emancipation and evolution of labour, it is important that labour unions sustain their efforts without colourations of partisanship and politics to see that the Nigerian worker is translated from the dark valleys and alleys of stagnation to the joyous daybreak of material and economic prosperity.