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WTO General Council reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as DG for a second term

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The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025.

This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.

The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline,

Dr Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).

During a special General Council meeting on 28-29 November 2024, Dr Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO.

Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus. Ambassador Ølberg praised her achievements, stating: The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term.

Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.

Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”

He continued: “As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven.

Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”

Background

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.

Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025.

Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.

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President Tinubu’s visiting Turkiye tomorrow

The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021.

Bayo Onanuga , Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy), said that during President Tinubu’s visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment.

The agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others.

A business forum will bring together investors from both countries to explore areas of interest during the visit.

Members of the President’s entourage participating in the bilateral discussions include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

Others are: Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.

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Lagos Fire Service Contains Warehouse Fire at Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Area (Photos)

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The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) responded to a distress call at 20:29 hours regarding a fire outbreak at an expansive warehouse located on Coker Market Road, Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, Mile 2, Lagos.

Firefighting crews arrived the scene promptly at 20:40 hours. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa Fire Stations were immediately mobilised to combat the blaze.

The affected warehouse was stocked with chemical materials stored in hundreds of 200-litre drums, posing significant risk.

Through swift and coordinated intervention, the fire was brought under control, preventing further escalation and damage to adjoining facilities. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be ascertained, as investigations are currently ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges residents and business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations at all times.

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Senator Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Human-Centered Approach to AI in Education on International Day of Education 2026

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In a message issued to mark the International Day of Education, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urged Nigerians and the global community to prioritize human agency amid the rise of artificial intelligence in learning environments.

This year’s observance, held annually on January 24 under United Nations auspices, carries the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

The First Lady emphasized that education continues to serve as the most powerful instrument for equipping individuals with knowledge, values, creativity, and ethical judgment essential for success in a fast-changing, technology-driven era.

“As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” Senator Tinubu stated.

“Humans must remain the drivers of AI, harnessing innovation while preserving the values that define us and sustain development.

”Highlighting Nigeria’s national priorities, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in quality and inclusive education that enables children and youth to develop critical thinking, act with responsibility, and approach the future with confidence and compassion.

The First Lady’s message aligns with broader global discussions on balancing technological advancement with the irreplaceable role of human insight in education systems.

She concluded her address with warm greetings:

“Happy International Day of Education 2026.

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