The Manager of the England football team, Gareth Southgate resigned days after the defeat at 2024 Euro to Spain.
Recall that Spain on Sunday defeated the Three Lions 2-1 to lift the 2024 Euro triumph.
The coach had earlier admitted that his team had limitations at the just-concluded final in Germany.
The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, Simon Ekpa said he has returned all the medals he won for Nigeria back to the country amid intensified call for Biafra Independence.
Ekpa disclosed this in a statement through his official X handle.
The international and Indigenous medals were sent through a logistics company from Finland on Friday last week and were delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja Nigeria on Monday, 15th July.
He said the move was to further denounce Nigeria.
“I have successfully returned the medals I won for Nigeria during my athletic days, the medals were delivered today(Monday) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
“With this development, every tie between me and Nigeria both in sports, spiritually and physically is hereby cut off completely.
“The medals are as follows.2003 African Junior SILVER MEDAL; ExxonMobile track and field GOLD MEDAL; ExxonMobile track and field SILVER MEDAL; Other medals have nothing to do with Nigeria, so I retain them”, he said.
The development comes after Ekpa denounced Nigerian citizenship in 2022 over his allegiance to Biafra Liberation.
The Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has warned the traditional ruler of Obinze Autonomous community in Owerri West Local Government of Imo State, Nigeria, Eze Aaron Enyinnaya to reinstate a forcefully evicted a window back to her house.
The Prime Minister of BRGIE, Simon Ekpa disclosed this on Friday in a statement through his official X handle.
Ekpa gave the Eze Enyinnaya to reverse the Window’s eviction within 24 hours.
He said that the widow had lived for over 50 years in the said house before she was forcibly displaced by Eze Enyinnaya on July 8, 2024.
He explained that without regard to the window’s condition, Eze Enyinnaya went ahead to build another house on her property.
Ekpa urged and called on the Obinze Community to stand up for the Widow.
“The attention of the Biafra government has been drawn to The evil of the traditional ruler of Obinze autonomous community in Owerri West LGA, former Imo State, Eze AARON Enyinnaya.
“This video evidence shows that the so-called Eze evicts the widow of his elder brother on July 08, 2024, putting all her properties outside under the rain. According to the investigation, She has lived in the house for over 50 years. The Eze built another house on the hereditary land of his elder brother, leaving the poor Amputee widow outside under the rain.
“The Biafra Government hereby calls on the so-called Eze to immediately reinstate this woman back to her house within 24 hours of this update.
“We call on the community to be on the lookout and to report whatever action the Eze will take after this ultimatum elapsed.
“The Biafra Government will evict you after 24 hours and this woman is not back to her house.
“You are no longer in Nigeria where your evil will strive”, he said.
Recall that a now trending video showed a gory situation of an amputee widow suffering under the rain after she was evicted from her house by Eze Enyinnaya, who happened to be her late husband’s brother.
Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has said that the United States of America government will soon issue favorable statements backing Biafra liberation.
The Prime Minister of BRGIE, Simon Ekpa disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to him, the planned support for the Biafra declaration comes amid a series of meetings by US congressional officers, lobbyists and BRGIE’s stakeholders.
He noted that the development showed the successes recorded so far by BRGIE in achieving Biafra Independence.
“In the week of July 8, 2024, the Prime Minister of Biafra, Ekpa Simon Njoku and members of the cabinet had a series of high-level meetings, arranged by BRGIE lobbyists, with prominent international journalists, senior U.S. Congressional officials, and senior Washington, DC think-tank leaders.
“These discussions yielded important outcomes, such as interest by U.S. officials in issuing favorable statements regarding the BRGIE and Biafra-related matters over the coming months.
“The results already achieved demonstrate the success of my administration as the Prime Minister of Biafra with my ‘multi-dimensional approach’ to achieve Biafran independence, and the importance of the lobbying effort”, he said.
The development comes weeks after the US Department of Justice officially registered the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, BRGIE, as an entity for Biafra Independence.
Recall that in Nigeria’s public, there has been a resurgence of the call for Biafra Liberation and the release of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
President William Ruto of Kenya on Thursday fired all his cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General of the country amid a youth protest.
Ruto disclosed this in a countrywide broadcast on Thursday.
He however spared Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Ruto has been under intense pressure from the citizenry to resign amid his response to the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protest which led to the death of many.
Ruto said, the now withdrawn Finance Bill, which required reorganization of Kenya’s budget and fiscal management, has brought the country to a reflection point.
“Upon reflection, listening keenly to what people have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges, I have today in line with the powers given to me by the constitution, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and of course, the Office of the Deputy President,” he said.
This move comes after Ruto earlier withdrew the controversial Finance Bill which was meant to impose more taxes on Kenyans despite economic hardship.
Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has rejected the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry in southeast, south-south and all Biafranlands.
BRGIE prime, Simon Ekpa disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday through his official X handle.
BRGIE’s comment comes hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry on Tuesday.
However, BRGIE condemned the establishment of the ministry, warning that the Ministry would not exit in Biafra land.
Ekpa-led BRGIE frowned at the speed with which the Livestock Ministry was created and prioritized by the Tinubu’s government.
Consequently, BRGIE warned that Biafralands should not be included in the scheme of things regarding the Livestock Development Ministry.
“You can create a Ministry of terrorists called (ministry of livestock) in Nigeria, not in Biafraland.
“If you create it in any Biafra territory, will not allow it. Do not include Biafra territory in your so-called livestock.
“The Fulanis called for the creation on June 23rd, 2024 and the President prioritized it by creating the ministry on July 9, 2024, in less than a month.
“We will not accept anything associated with it in Biafraland”, he said.
Recall that in June last Month, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN beaconed Tinubu to create a Livestock Development Ministry.
However, outside Ekpa-led BRGIE, Nigerians have criticized the importance of the Ministry amid the need to cut down on the high cost of governance in Nigeria.
For instance, Kalu Aja, a financial analyst condemned the ministry creation stating that the government is uninterested in budgetary discipline but in reelection.
Meanwhile, farmers under the aegis of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria said on Wednesday that the creation of the Livestock Ministry will end Farmers-herders conflicts.
With the creation of the Ministry, Nigeria now has a total of 50 ministries resulting in an additional recurrent expenditures burden.
Biafran Republic Government in-Exile has warned Southeast governors, and leaders to stay clear of negotiation for Biafra declaration and the release of Nnamdi Kanu with Nigeria.
The Prime Minister of BRGIE, Simon Ekpa disclosed this in a statement on Sunday through his official X handle.
This comes as Southeast governors, groups from the region and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi recently drummed support for the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a panacea to peace in the region.
However, BRGIE, headed by Ekpa has warned southeast governors, and leaders against negotiation for a political solution and Biafra Liberation as they lack legitimacy.
According to him, it is only BRGIE that has the legitimate right to call for the release of Kanu and Biafra’s declaration.
He noted that those parading in the name of negotiating for Nnamdi Kanu’s release are sabotaging Biafra liberation.
“Those selfish politicians and traditional rulers who are now jumping up and shouting negotiation with Nigeria after sabotaging the Biafra liberation are warned never to speak again. The warning will not come again, this is the last warning, none of you have the mandate to speak for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or Biafrans.
“We will not allow anyone to negotiate anything from tonight (Sunday).
“The Biafra Republic Government In Exile remains the only legitimate entity to do that. Those selfish individuals now taking center stage and shouting negotiations should stay away or you disappear. Biafrans are not joking”, he said.
Recall that in the past week, the call for Kanu release resonated in the media space after Southeast governors met in Enugu state. In a communique read by Governor Hope Uzodinma after the meeting on July 3, 2024, the governors resolved to meet with President Bola Tinubu to secure Kanu’s release
The National Commissioner/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vincent Olatunji has been nominated for the Giovanni Buttarelli Award 2024. The award through the Global Privacy Assembly recognizes an individual’s outstanding leadership and exceptional efforts in fostering international collaboration. This nomination highlights Dr Vincent’s commitment to driving innovation, expanding global partnerships, and promoting a collaborative approach within the data privacy and protection ecosystem.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vincent, the Data Privacy ecosystem in Nigeria has witnessed remarkable growth through key milestones such as deepening the knowledge of data protection and privacy in all public and private institutions, judicial recognition of adequacy principle in cross-border data transfer, playing key roles in regional and global data privacy ecosystem, commencement of bilateral cooperation with other jurisdictions, licensing of data protection compliance organizations, the commencement of national data protection certification process, among others. Dr. Vincent’s strategic and innovative initiatives have been instrumental in forging strong international partnerships, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of collaboration that has not only propelled the NDPC to new heights but also set a benchmark for international cooperation and industry standards.
The Giovanni Buttarelli Award celebrates leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and/or promoted collaboration at a regional or international level in the field of data privacy and protection. Nominees are evaluated based on their contributions to projects that have led to the development of innovative concepts or practices, which have significantly impacted the thinking in the international data protection and privacy community, partnerships, and initiatives that enhance global cooperation and development.
In his response to his nomination, Dr. Vincent Olatunji expressed his gratitude and emphasised the importance of collective effort in achieving global progress. “I am deeply honored to be nominated for the Giovanni Buttarelli Award 2024,” said Dr Vincent. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at NDPC. It underscores the power of collaboration and the remarkable outcomes we can achieve when we work together across borders. I am excited to continue our journey, driving innovation and fostering partnerships that make a positive impact globally,” he said.
A cross-section of stakeholders during the awareness technical workshop on Minimum Energy Performance Standards for ACs in Lagos State.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said a review of Nigeria’s minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for air conditioners (ACs) will significantly improve Nigerians’ living standards and drive industrialization.
Assistant director and senior group head of the electrical electronic department at SON, Engr. Ismaila Lawal disclosed recently this during a technical workshop for AC manufacturers, importers, assembly companies, installers and other stakeholders.
Lawal stated that revising the existing standards to align with international benchmarks would enhance energy efficiency and promote climate-friendly air conditioners in Nigeria. “We review standards when there is a government policy change or advancement in technology. The old air conditioners consume a lot of energy and electricity and for the sake of energy management, we need to update these standards to ensure Nigeria is not left behind and not turned into a dumping ground,” he explained.
He highlighted the importance of aligning Nigeria’s standards with international ones, stating, “We have participated at the international level where these standards are being reviewed, so we need to domesticate them in Nigeria. This ensures that whether the air conditioners are locally manufactured or imported, they meet the international standard.”
Discussing the implementation process of the revised MEPS for ACs, Lawal mentioned that the technical committee had recently met in Abuja. The reviewed standards will be submitted to the SON Director-General, who will then present them to the SON Governing Council for approval. “It is crucial to ensure manufacturers, importers, and all stakeholders comply with these standards once approved. This includes protecting the environment by regulating the refrigerants used in ACs,” he added.
Deputy director of the energy transition and linkages unit at ECN, Samaila Gambo Zaku explained that the review of AC MEPS for Nigeria was driven by the impact of climate change and the role of energy in exacerbating it. “ACs are significant energy consumers. Using efficient ones will reduce energy consumption and help save the environment,” he stated. The workshop aimed to create awareness among manufacturers, producers, importers and assembly companies about the revised standards.
National secretary of the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), Wasiu Kadiri Abiodun expressed optimism about the impact of the revised AC MEPS. He emphasized that proper implementation would benefit all citizens by reducing the prevalence of substandard materials in the market. “The market is rife with substandard materials. If these standards are implemented well, it will be immensely beneficial,” he said.
On the affordability of energy-efficient air conditioners, Abiodun pointed out that quality products, though slightly more expensive, offer better value for money. “Quality products are more durable and provide better value over time compared to cheaper, lower-quality options,” he asserted.
Vice-president of the Nigeria Working Committee of the International Electrical Technical Committee (standard), Engr. Gufrah Shuaib explained that Nigerians would save energy and gain economically by embracing energy-efficient air conditioners. “Nigerians import about 1 million ACs annually, each consuming around 100,600 watts. Reducing this consumption will free up energy for other sectors,” she explained.
In his opening remarks at the workshop, SON director-general, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke emphasized the dynamic nature of standards, noting the need for periodic updates to improve efficiency and safety. Represented by the deputy director of lab services Mr. Adeyinka Adetoyi, he commended ECN, UNEP and CCC for driving the MEPS review process and called for increased awareness to ensure broad compliance with the new standards.
Accordingly, the event was organized by SON in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with financial support from the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC) in Lagos, Nigeria.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared invalid the People’s Democratic Party’s Primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as a governorship candidate.
The primary election conducted on February 22, 2024, was voided on the ground that 378 delegates who were supposed to vote at the primary election were unlawfully excluded by PDP.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo invalidated the primary election while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by the aggrieved delegates.
The suit marked THC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 was instituted by one Hon Kelvin Mohammed in a representative capacity.
Justice Ekwo held that both the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and PDP Guidelines were grossly violated in the conduct of the primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
Details later.
