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Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu: The quintessential Nigeria’s Minister Of State, Foreign Affairs, By Emeka Monye

Published

10 months ago

October 27, 2024

52 Views

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

News

NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation

Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.

Published

14 hours ago

August 22, 2025

OCHEFA

23 Views

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) advises Nigerians to be vigilant and avoid purchasing counterfeit 12g Cowbell “Our Milk” sachets circulating across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency explained that the counterfeit product imitates the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk” packaging, which Promasidor Nigeria Ltd stopped producing in September 2023.

The legitimate product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.”

The fake sachets unlawfully bear the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number and packaging design, despite not being manufactured or distributed by Promasidor.

The counterfeit products currently in circulation are imitations of the discontinued ‘Our Milk’ packaging and are not manufactured or distributed by Promasidor,” the agency stated.

“They bear unauthorised use of the brand name, NAFDAC Registration Number, and packaging design.”

The regulator raised concerns over the health risks posed by the counterfeit product.

“Risk Statement: Consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients.

Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.

Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” NAFDAC warned.

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Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work

Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.

Published

20 hours ago

August 22, 2025

OhiBaba

27 Views

The Japanese government has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official “hometown” for Nigerians seeking to live and work in Japan

Japan also unveiled similar hometown designations for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique in Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari, respectively.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), a move aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy, promoting economic growth, and enhancing workforce productivity.

Under the new arrangement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented Nigerian youth. Artisans and other blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also be eligible to live and work in Kisarazu under the special visa dispensation.

“Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.

The designation of Kisarazu builds on historical ties between Nigeria and the city.

The Nigerian Olympic contingent trained in Kisarazu during preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes acclimatised before moving to the Olympic Village.

Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, who received the certificate from the Japanese government alongside Mrs. Adeseke, expressed optimism that the initiative would boost the city’s population and contribute to regional revitalisation efforts.

News

BREAKING: FG, state, local governments share N2.001trn July revenue

Published

23 hours ago

August 22, 2025

Charles Flames

37 Views

The three tiers of government—federal, state, and local—shared a total of N2.001 trillion from the Federation Account as revenue for the month of July 2025, according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The allocation was made during the FAAC meeting held in August 2025 in Abuja, with details released in an official communiqué.

The distributable revenue included:

N1.282 trillion in statutory revenue
N640.610 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT)
N37.601 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL)
N39.745 billion from exchange rate difference

Out of the total distributed funds:

The Federal Government received N735.081 billion
State Governments received N660.349 billion
Local Government Councils received N485.039 billion
N120.359 billion was shared to oil-producing states as 13% derivation revenue

Revenue Breakdown:

Statutory Revenue (N1.282 trillion):

FG: N613.805 billion
States: N311.330 billion
LGs: N240.023 billion
13% Derivation: N117.714 billion

VAT (N640.610 billion):

FG: N96.092 billion
States: N320.305 billion
LGs: N224.214 billion

EMTL (N37.601 billion):

FG: N5.640 billion
States: N18.801 billion
LGs: N13.160 billion

Exchange Gains (N39.745 billion):

FG: N19.544 billion
States: N9.913 billion
LGs: N7.643 billion
13% Derivation: N2.643 billion

The total gross revenue for July was N3.836 trillion, down from N3.485 trillion in June. Cost of collection deductions amounted to N152.681 billion, while N1.683 trillion was allocated for transfers, refunds, savings, and interventions.

FAAC noted improved collections from Petroleum Profit Tax, Oil and Gas Royalties, EMTL, and Excise Duties, while Companies Income Tax and CET Levies declined slightly. VAT and Import Duties saw marginal growth.

The committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency in the allocation of national revenues across all levels of government.