News

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

Published

9 months ago

October 27, 2024

34 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

NGE Condemns Arbitrary Closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Gov Bago for allegedly promoting violence

Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

Published

3 hours ago

August 2, 2025

OCHEFA

29 Views

• Eze Anaba, NGE President

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State.

In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, NGE President, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, they said that the closure of the radio station was a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.

Ohibaba.com garhered that Governor Bago accused the owner of the Station for incitement of the people against government and directed that the license of the Radio station be revoked.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the radio station, and emphasised the need for the security operatives to profile the owner of the radio station as his station promotes violence”, Ibrahim Said

According to the Guild, this act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.

The association referred to section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.

The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression.

Said the statement : ” The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.

Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.

The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.

Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.

Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken.

We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.

We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.

Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.

The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.”

News

NLC rejects FG’s new policy stopping frequent industrial strikes

” We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache.

Published

6 hours ago

August 2, 2025

OhiBaba

27 Views

• Joe Ajaero, NLC President

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy by the Federal Government.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.

NLC considers the statement by the Federal Government that the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy is aimed at stopping frequent industrial actions, particularly strikes by trade unions, as very reprehensible.

“The statement was part of the press release by the Federal Government at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which took place on 31st July 2025.

“We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache,” he said.

News

Olumuyiwa Adejobi Becomes Deputy Commissioner of Police

The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.

Published

7 hours ago

August 2, 2025

OhiBaba

39 Views

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the elevation of its Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.

Adejobi was first appointed in acting capacity on 16th February 2022 as a CSP and took over from then CP Frank Mba. He was later confirmed by then IGP Usman Alkali (Rtd).

DCP Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction.

Since his appointment as FPRO, he has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, improve accountability, and modernize the force’s communication channels.

DCP Adejobi studied Archaeology and Geography (Combined Honours) from the University of Ibadan.