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Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed as WTO Director-General

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By Adenike Lawal

 

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed for a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

 

The decision was unanimously endorsed by the WTO’s General Council during its session on Friday.

 

Her new four-year term is set to commence on September 1, 2025, extending her leadership of the 166-member organization.

 

In her official statement following the announcement, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WTO member states for their continued confidence in her leadership.

 

“I am deeply honored by the trust and support of our member nations. Together, we will continue to strengthen the multilateral trading system to ensure it works for all,” she stated.

 

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, has been credited with steering the organization through a period of global trade uncertainty, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and reform.

 

Her reappointment signals strong support for her agenda to address pressing challenges such as trade disputes, supply chain disruptions, and the integration of developing economies into the global trade framework.

 

The WTO General Council noted her exceptional performance during her first term and highlighted her role in advancing significant negotiations, including agreements on fisheries subsidies and the WTO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

As she prepares for her second term, Okonjo-Iweala has pledged to build on her administration’s progress while tackling emerging global trade issues.

Defence and Security

Refusing Police Entry, Exit from Your Home Is an Offence —Police PRO

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By Our Correspondent 

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has stated that refusing police officers entry or exit from a residence is an offence.

Reacting to a viral video on X showing young men denying access to individuals dressed as police officers, Edafe noted that while wearing masks is prohibited in the Nigeria Police Force, blocking officers’ access is unacceptable.

The video showed the men claiming to be content creators, not internet fraudsters, and expressing unease over the masked appearance of the armed men. One officer fired a shot before another scaled the fence to enter the premises.

Addressing the situation, Edafe wrote, “Wearing a mask as a policeman is a red flag and not allowed in policing. However, locking the police either outside or inside is an offence on its own.”

He confirmed investigations were ongoing to verify the location and details of the incident.

Edafe also questioned the men’s assertion about not being fraudsters when no such accusation had been made.

 

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Impeachment Not End of the World, Says Obasa

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By Our Correspondent
Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has described his recent impeachment as politically motivated, dismissing the corruption allegations against him as baseless and unsubstantiated.
Addressing supporters at his Ikeja residence, Obasa criticized the manner of his removal, alleging that due process was not followed.
He accused the State Commissioner of Police of facilitating the process and claimed that security agents invaded his homes in Agege and Ikeja, detaining his family with over 200 officers involved.
Obasa, who was impeached on January 13 by over two-thirds of the 40-member House for alleged misconduct, stated: “If I am no longer Speaker, it’s not the end of the world. If you accuse me of corruption, then prove it.”
He dismissed claims of misappropriation, including allegations of spending N16 billion on gate construction, sarcastically referring to it as “the wall of Jericho.”
The former Speaker emphasized his commitment to the integrity of the legislative institution, warning against discrediting the Assembly.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly is a symbol of excellence, and I will not partake in its destruction,” he said.
Obasa, first elected in 2007 and re-elected six times, acknowledged the support of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he described as a brother.
His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was sworn in as the new Speaker, becoming the first female to lead the Assembly in the South-West region.

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President Tinubu to Attend Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania

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By Our Correspondent 

President Bola Tinubu will travel to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025.

The summit, co-hosted by the Tanzanian government, the African Development Bank, and the World Bank, seeks to advance “Mission 300,” a continent-wide initiative aimed at providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

Leaders, private sector stakeholders, and development partners will collaborate on strategies to enhance energy access, renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and private sector investments.

President Tinubu will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, reaffirming its commitment to universal energy access and highlighting its clean energy initiatives and leadership in Africa’s energy sector.

The event will also feature the endorsement of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a roadmap for achieving the summit’s energy goals.

Nigeria’s delegation includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja after the summit.

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