News
Nigeria nominates Olufemi Elias as candidate for World Court
Nigeria has formally presented Olufemi Elias as the country’s candidate to lead the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, Netherlands, for the term 2027 to 2036.
The ICJ is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, which was set up in 1945, after the World War II, to settle disputes within states, in line with international law.
The World Court has a panel of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms. An election for a seat at the Court is expected to hold in 2026.
Elias is currently Judge Ad Hoc at ICJ and a full member of the Institut de Droit International and has extensive experience as a lawyer and leader in various international organizations including serving as a UN Assistant Secretary-General and as the Legal Adviser and Director at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at The Hague.
At an event to formally present Elias to the UN diplomatic corps at the Nigeria House in New York, the Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Ambassador Samson Itegboje gave reasons the Nigerian candidate should be elected to the World Court.
Itegboje informed the gathering that Nigeria had become a party to the Statute of the ICJ in 1960 upon independence, the same year it became a member of the United Nations.
The Nigerian envoy also said that Elias was well read and knowledgeable in the field of law and already had considerable experience in the field, having had a long service at the United Nations.
“Since 1960, Nigeria has been making significant contributions, both in terms of participation in cases before the ICJ and in promoting the ICJ’s role in global dispute resolution.
Through these efforts we can state without being immodest that Nigeria has contributed significantly to the development of international law.
“It is important to recall that our legal experts and diplomats have participated in legal submissions, particularly in cases dealing with territorial disputes, human rights and maritime law.
” The Nigerian diplomat added that Nigeria had fully abided by all decisions of the ICJ that were binding on it, pursuant to Article 59 of the Statute of the Court.
News
Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions for Wednesday and Thursday Project Commissionings
The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for Wednesday, April 8, and Thursday, April 9, 2026, in preparation for the commissioning of several key infrastructure projects by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the state Ministry of Transportation, partial road closures and diversions will be implemented in affected areas to ensure smooth movement during the events, which include the inauguration of the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge and other major projects such as the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building in Alausa and the Tolu Schools Complex.
On Wednesday, April 8, diversions will be enforced around venues for the commissioning ceremonies, while on Thursday, April 9, restrictions will apply between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the Tolu Schools Complex event and additional project unveilings.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. The government urged residents and commuters to cooperate with traffic management officials and security personnel deployed to the areas.
The projects form part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and education facilities across the state. Further details on specific diversion routes are expected to be released by the Ministry of Transportation in the coming hours.
Commuters are encouraged to monitor official announcements via Lagos State traffic radio and social media handles for real-time updates.
News
Abiodun Presents Ceremonial Sword to Tinubu, Urges Sustained War on Crime
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has presented a ceremonial sword to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, symbolically conferring on him the title of “Jagaban” (leader of warriors and conquerors), while calling for continued aggressive action against crime and insecurity across Nigeria.
The presentation took place during President Tinubu’s official visit to Ogun State on Saturday, where he was received warmly by the governor and other dignitaries.
Governor Abiodun described the sword as a mark of appreciation and a charge to the President to press on with his administration’s security efforts.
In his remarks, Abiodun reminded Tinubu of the strong political and personal ties between them, noting that Ogun State was where the President had previously made significant declarations.
He urged Tinubu to maintain the momentum in the war against criminal elements, banditry, and other threats to national peace.
President Tinubu, who has repeatedly vowed to defeat insecurity by mobilising all military and law enforcement assets, received the gift amid smiles and applause. His administration has emphasised reforms in security architecture, including procurement of new equipment for the armed forces and enhanced coordination among agencies.
The event formed part of a broader visit during which the President is expected to commission key infrastructure projects in the state, including developments linked to the Gateway International Airport. Governor Abiodun used the occasion to commend Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as foreign exchange unification and fuel subsidy removal, describing them as necessary steps that are already yielding positive impacts.
Security analysts view the symbolic gesture as a show of solidarity between the state and federal government in tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. The “Jagaban” title, rooted in Yoruba cultural and warrior traditions, underscores expectations of strong, decisive leadership in the ongoing fight against crime.
The Presidency has not issued a detailed official statement on the sword presentation, but sources close to the visit described it as a morale-boosting moment that reinforced the alliance between the two leaders.
This development comes as the federal government continues to prioritise national security, with recent commitments to equip the military and intensify operations against threats in various parts of the country.
News
BudgIT appoints Nigeria Country Director
He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.
BudgIT has appointed Mr. Vahyala Kwaga as Country Director for Nigeria.
The appointment took effect on April 1, 2026.Kwaga was appointed following a leadership transition within the civic-tech organisation.
He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.
Since joining BudgIT in 2021, Kwaga has held several leadership roles, including Senior Researcher, Head of the Open Government and Institutional Partnerships (OGIP) Unit, Group Head of Research and OGIP, and Deputy Country Director.
In these positions, he contributed to strengthening BudgIT’s research output, deepening its policy engagement, and improving coordination across programmes.
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