News
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu: The quintessential Nigeria’s Minister Of State, Foreign Affairs, By Emeka Monye
On Monday, October, 21st, 2024, President Bola Tinubu made a policy announcement in a major cabinet reshuffle, among which was the appointment of former beauty queen, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of state, Foreign Affairs.
Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, by routine, replaced former Women Affairs Minster, barrister Uju Kenedy-Ohaneye, from Anambra state, who had occupied that office since August 2023.
Bar. Ohanenye’s removal didn’t come as a surprise. It was much anticipated because of her many controversies while she held sway in the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Ojugwu’s appoinemt though didn’t come with much surprise, but some party members of the All Progressive Congress, APC faulted her appointment, citing some infractions to party membership before one could be offered such a position.
Their argument is that Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu isn’t a full APC member and therefore shouldn’t have been appointed a Minister.
While some APC caucus members in the state acknowledged the president’s prerogative in ministerial appointments, they nonetheless express their concerns about the potential for discord within party ranks of the party, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
Their arguments appear plausible in principles, and their grievances seem genuine, however beyond party politics and sentiments, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has very much to offer this present administration in terms of image building, brand positioning, goodwill, and building alliances, both domestically and globally for obvious reasons – she is experienced, exposed, skilled, competent, and has built capacity over the years, both in her private and public lives.
Her appointment by the Tinubu-led administration is a testament of her good work and as a woman who has distinguished herself in both private and public sectors in Nigeria.
Bianca is a remarkable figure celebrated not just for her stunning looks but also for her extraordinary achievements across various fields. She is more than just a beauty queen; she’s a dynamic politician, diplomat, lawyer, and businesswoman.
Through her various roles, she has effectively bridged cultures and represented her country with elegance and authority, solidifying her status as a multifaceted leader. Bianca’s journey is a powerful blend of beauty, intellect, and dedication to public service, making her an inspiring role model for many. (Saturday Independent)
The widow of former Biafra president Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, she is a multiple international pageant title holder, having won Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 1988, Miss Africa, and Miss Intercontinental.
The former beauty queen once served as a presidential adviser, Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana and Spain in 2012 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Certainly, reminding one of her distinguished tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, between 2012-2015, is a clear reference point of her exceptional leadership, diplomatic prowess, and dedication to promoting Nigeria’s interests in the global community.
Her successes as Nigeria’s ambassador resonate in many ways, including fostering bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and showcasing Nigerian culture, certainly serves as a strong foundation for her success in this new role.
Born into the influential Christian Onoh’s family on August 5th, 1967, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu attended the University of Buckingham, University of Nigeria, Nigerian Law School, Alfonso X El Sabio University
As Minister of State, I have no doubt Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu will bring the skills, experiences, competences, capacity and exposure to play in contributing to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, strengthen international partnerships, and yield tangible benefits for our nation.
Emeka Monye Is A Journalist, Works With ARISE NEWS
No fewer than 40,000 families may benefit from the Aliko Dangote Food Intervention Programme.
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum said the donation of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Borno State by the Aliko Dangote Foundation(ADF) will help cushion economic hardship in these families.
The Governor made the statement at the flag-off of the Food Intervention Programme on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation penultimate week commenced the distribution of one million bags rice worth N16billion across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
The Governor was represented by the Director General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) Mr. Ali Abdullahi Isa.
He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.”
The Governor said the generous donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.
“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy.
”He urged the people of Borno State to continue to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the state and country.
In his early remarks, representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Usman Muhammad, said the gesture is aimed at supporting government effort, adding that the Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
Mr. Muhammad said the donation is targeted at the poor and the vulnerable persons in the State.
A beneficiary, Ms Aisha Modu, 50, said as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF will go a long way in alleviating her economic hardship.
In the same vein, another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he will use the rice to feed his six children, while praying God to continue to bless the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, over the passing of her daughter, Mrs. Bisola Kola-Daisi.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the death as an unexpected and heartbreaking loss.
“In a poignant conversation with the bereaved mother on Thursday, President Tinubu conveyed his deep sympathy to the family during this time of profound loss, acknowledging the unexpected and heart-wrenching departure of a cherished daughter, devoted wife, and mother of three,” the statement read.
The President also extended his prayers and support to Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s husband, family, friends, and associates, describing the deceased as warm-hearted, industrious, and charitable.
Highlighting her achievements, Tinubu noted her contributions as a successful businesswoman and trusted public servant.
“Her wise counsel in budgeting and finance was invaluable,” the statement added.
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort and strength for the bereaved family while asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“President Tinubu prayed for Almighty God’s grace to receive her soul and provide comfort and strength to her survivors,” Onanuga stated.
Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s passing has been met with widespread condolences from family, friends, and political associates, many of whom have described her as a compassionate leader and dedicated professional.
News
Governor Oyebanji Raises State’s monthly Subvention By N438.9 million
Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved a major increment in the monthly subvention to the Judiciary and the legislative arm of government as well as the subvented institutions in the state.
The increment which amounts to N438.9 million monthly is to enable the institutions take care of the new minimum wage and the attendant consequential adjustment for workers.
In a statement,Olayinka OyebodeSpecial Adviser (Media) to the Governor, disclosed that the
beneficiaries of the increment include the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice; Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Others are Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, (EKSU); Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polythecnic, Isan Ekiti; College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and associated Institutions.
Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers, in fulfilment of his promise to defray all outstanding entitlements of workers inherited from previous administrations.
While restating the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing and welfare of workers and retirees, Governor Oyebanji says efforts are being made to ensure payment of all outstanding entitlements including gratuities in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the government.
He urges workers in the state to remain focused on excellent service delivery and to see themselves as strategic stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.
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