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High Expectations As Okonjo-Iweala Becomes WTO DG Today

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High Expectations As Okonjo-Iweala Becomes WTO DG Tomorrow

The world looks up to former Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to improve the fortunes of global trade as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) names her as its Director-General today.

A notice posted on the international trade body’s website last Tuesday contained a hint of Okonjo-Iweala’s confirmation as the DG.

WTO said in the statement: “The WTO’s General Council will hold a special meeting on 15 February at 15:00 Geneva time to consider the appointment of the next Director-General. The meeting will take place in a virtual format.”

If announced as the Director-General, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will be making history as the first African and the first woman to occupy the exalted office.

The race for a new DG for WTO started in May 2020 following the announcement by the former incumbent, Roberto Azevêdo, to step down on August 31, 2020, a year ahead of the expiration of his tenure, as the body called for nomination.

The nominees were pruned from the initial eight to five and eventually two; Okonjo-Iweala and South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee.

Okonjo-Iweala enjoyed massive support across the region and was set to emerge as the new DG but the United States, under former President Donald Trump, did not support the former Nigerian finance minister candidature and that created a hiatus since the practice in is that the DG must be a product of consensus.

READ ALSO: How 11m Girls May Be Out Of School – World Bank

Mr Joe Biden’s administration has, however, lent its support to Okonjo-Iweala, which set the stage for Okonjo-Iweala to emerge as the consensus candidate.

Yoo Myung-hee, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s major rival, officially withdrew from the race last week, and said in a tweet that she would “work closely with the new DG.”

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AMCON Denies Dispute With Heyden Petroleum

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The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has denied having any dispute with Heyden Petroleum Limited.

In a statement by Jude Nwauzor, Head, Corporate Communications of AMCON, he said that the attention of the corporation had been drawn to a publication in the media regarding a pending litigation between it and Heyden Petroleum Limited .

The statement read: “We hereby notify the general public that AMCON and Heyden Petroleum Limited have settled all issues between them amicably, and Heyden Petroleum Limited has demonstrated commitment to meeting their obligations and has been making payments accordingly.

“Given this latest development, AMCON has formally discontinued its pending litigation against Heyden Petroleum Limited, particularly Suit No. FHC/AMC/67/2024.

“As a responsible debt recovery agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is not the practice of AMCON to engage in a media trial of obligors who are meeting their obligation. Accordingly, the general public is urged to disregard any negative commentaries on the relationship between AMCON and Heyden Petroleum Limited.”

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BREAKING: Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja Is Dead

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By John Michael Ojo

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is dead.

Lagbaja’s death was announced by President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by his aide on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

It reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

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New Education Minister Rejects 18-year Age Limit For University Admission

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Why I Stopped Using Social Media - Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

It is victory  for university admission seekers who are below 18 years of age as the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has abolished the policy barring them.

Alausa also noted the possibility of reviewing the nation’s education policy. But he ruled out the reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from some “fake” universities in neighbouring Togo and the Benin Republic.

Alausa spoke on Tuesday at his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja.

He stated that practical education would help to address the unemployment situation in Nigeria, as tertiary institutions would not continue to churn out graduates every year without providing jobs for them.

The minister said that the federal government would collaborate with private sector operators to train students and realise their potential.

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