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☆ African leaders spearhead efforts to tackle terrorism across the continent
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Abuja, Nigeria CNN —African leaders discussed anti-terrorism solutions on the continent during a high-level security summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja Monday amid a rise in terror attacks. According to the African Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), Africa witnessed an average of eight terror-related incidents and 44 daily casualties in 2023. Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and organizer of the summit, Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the urgent need to combat terrorism in Africa. Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the chair of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, urged the proper establishment and strengthening of a regional standby military force. “The moment has come to work out an all-encompassing Continental Strategic Plan of Action to effectively fight against terrorism across Africa,” Faki said.

Persons: Ribadu, ” Ribadu, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Faure Gnassingbe, African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, ” Faki, Tinubu, Faki, Africa’s Organizations: Nigeria CNN —, African Center, Research, Terrorism, Nigeria’s National Security, West African, ECOWAS, United Nations, African Union Commission Locations: Abuja, Nigeria, Nigerian, Africa, Africa’s, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togolese

☆ Tunde Onakoya: Nigerian chess champion breaks world record for longest chess marathon
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Ifeanyi Abraham | For Cnn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate Tunde Onakoya has broken the record for the longest chess marathon after playing for an extraordinary 60 hours nonstop under the bright lights of New York City’s Times Square. The Guinness World Record organization has not yet confirmed Onakoya’s attempt, which can sometimes take weeks, but for many Nigerians, the 29-year-old is already considered something of a national hero. Onakoya played against Shawn Martinez, a US chess champion, in accordance with the Guinness World Record guidelines that any attempt to break the record must be made by two players who play continuously for the duration. Onakoya founded Chess in Slums Africa, which seeks to empower children in underprivileged communities by using chess to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, in Lagos. People celebrate as Tunde Onakoya marks 46 hours for consecutively playing a chess game in Times Square, Friday, April 19, 2024, in New York.

Persons: Tunde, Onakoya, Hallvard Haug Flatebø, Let’s, Shawn Martinez, Martinez, Davido, Adekunle, Bola Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, “, Tinubu, Yuki Iwamura, Solomon Passy, Russell Makofsky Organizations: CNN, New York City’s, Guinness, Nigeria’s, Champion, People, Times Locations: Nigerian, New York, Africa, Norway, Manhattan, Nigeria, Lagos, Berlin, Bulgarian, US

☆ Critics are calling Netflix's 'Ripley' a stunning Hitchcockian thriller. But like its criminal anti-hero, it ends up overstaying its welcome.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The series is a slow-burn thriller that might not work for everyone. NetflixAs many critics have pointed out, "Ripley" indulges in every minute of its almost eight-hour run time. It may take a few episodes to engross audience members, but it's well worth the ride. "This kind of meticulous artistry deserves equally attentive viewing," Lena Wilson argued for IGN, adding: "Despite streaming in full on Netflix, 'Ripley' works best when watched in moderation." However, Aramide Tinubu, writing for Variety, disagreed, arguing that "the episodes are painfully overlong and full of dead space."

Persons: Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Andrew Scott, Ripley, Dan Einav, Lucy Mangan, Lena Wilson, Aramide Tinubu, Maurizio Lombardi, —, Brian Lowry Organizations: Netflix, Financial Times, The Guardian, IGN, Variety Locations: Ripley, Dickie's

☆ Nearly 300 abducted schoolchildren released by gunmen in Nigeria, governor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Sophie Jeong | Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Nearly 300 schoolchildren kidnapped in Nigeria earlier this month have been released, the governor of the country’s Kaduna state said in a post on X on Sunday. “The abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed,” Uba Sani said, without providing further details. Some students were rescued but 287 of them had remained with the kidnappers – around 100 were from primary school and the rest from secondary school. Kaduna state, which borders the Nigerian capital Abuja to the southwest, has grappled with recurring incidents of kidnappings for ransom by bandits and has witnessed several mass abductions in recent years. This is a developing story and will be updated.

Persons: “, ” Uba Sani, Sani, Bola Tinubu, ”, Mansur Hassan, Nuhu Ribadu, ” Sani, Mariya Knight Organizations: CNN, Secondary School, country’s National, Nigerian Army Locations: Nigeria, Kaduna, Kuriga, Kaduna’s Chikun, Abuja, Princewill

☆ Nigerian Army Hunts for Kidnapped Students, Parents Seek Answers
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

The source said the army's Kaduna-based One Division was leading the operation and "will soon have the bandits in their sights". "The security agencies and the state government are working tirelessly to ensure the freedom of all the abducted students and pupils. We are making progress," said Muhammad Shehu Lawal, a spokesperson for Kaduna state governor, without giving details. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesThe mass kidnapping last Thursday, the first since July 2021, shattered the dusty town of Kuriga, 90 km from Kaduna state capital, with parents waiting for answers from authorities. According to Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence 4,500 people have been kidnapped throughout Nigeria since Tinubu took office last May.

Persons: Garba Muhammad, Hamza Ibrahim, Muhammad Shehu Lawal, Bola Tinubu, Bala Ibrahim, Ibrahim, Tinubu, Ikemesit Effiong, MacDonald Dzirutwe, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Reuters, SBM Intelligence, Security Locations: Hamza Ibrahim KADUNA, Nigeria, Kaduna, Nigerian, Kuriga, Chibok, Borno, Niger, Birnin, Lagos

☆ Nigeria battles to halt spiraling currency crisis and rising food insecurity
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

IBADAN, Nigeria - Feb. 19, 2024: Demonstrators hold placards during a protest against the hike in price and hard living conditions in Ibadan on February 19, 2024. Inflation hit an annual 29.9% in January, driven by soaring food prices that have triggered a cost-of-living crisis in Africa's largest economy. The naira currency, meanwhile, plunged to an all-time low of around 1,600 against the U.S. dollar in late February. "With about 8 percent of Nigerians deemed food insecure, addressing rising food insecurity is the immediate policy priority." IBADAN, Nigeria - Feb. 19, 2024: Demonstrators are seen at a protest against the hike in price and hard living conditions in Ibadan on February 19, 2024.

Persons: Samuel Alabi, Bola Tinubu's, David Omojomolo, Olayemi Cardoso Organizations: Afp, Getty Images, International Monetary Fund, U.S, Bloomberg, Getty, Washington, D.C, IMF, Central Bank of, Capital Economics Locations: IBADAN, Nigeria, Ibadan, Getty Images Nigeria, Africa's, LAGOS, Lagos, Africa

☆ Some fans are calling 'Where Is Wendy Williams?' documentary 'exploitative' and hard to watch
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The documentary was initially conceptualized as a way to follow Williams' career comebackWendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?" AdvertisementAs Williams' erratic behavior intensified, the doc's focus shifted to her family's concernKevin Hunter Jr. in "Where Is Wendy Williams?" Producers said they wouldn't have filmed Williams if they were aware of her dementia diagnosisWendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?" Wendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?" Williams is now at an undisclosed medical facilityWendy Williams in the documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?"

Persons: —, Wendy Williams, Watchers, Wendy Wiliams, Williams, Sabrina Morrissey, Mark Ford, Ford, Kevin Hunter Jr, Will Selby, Shawn Zanotti, Tommy Williams, Tommy Williams Jr, Wanda Finnie, Alex Finnie, Travis Finnie, Producers, Aramide Tinubu, Wendy, Today.com, Hunter, I've, Wanda, Alex Organizations: Service, Business, TMZ, Hollywood Reporter, E Television Networks, Lifetime, Variety Locations: New York, Williams ' New York

☆ Nigeria customs confirms deaths in stampede for discounted rice
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Abuja, Nigeria CNN —The Nigeria Customs Service has paused the sale of seized bags of rice to needy residents amid growing hunger in the country, after confirming people were trampled to death during a deadly crowd surge at its Lagos office Friday. “The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. Nigeria is battling one of its worst cost-of-living crises that has seen inflation rise to nearly 30% - the highest in 30 years. ‘End hunger’ protestsFresh protests broke out on Tuesday as labor unions mobilized for nationwide demonstrations to rail against the economic hardships. The government also endorsed a 2012 recommendation from a presidential committee that recommended cuts to government staffing levels.

Persons: Abdullahi Maiwada, regrettably, ” Maiwada, EndHungerProtest, Bola Tinubu, Tinubu Organizations: Nigeria CNN —, Nigeria Customs Service, World Bank Locations: Abuja, Nigeria, Lagos, Africa’s, West, India

☆ Nigeria customs investigate deadly crowd crush during sale of seized bags of rice to stave off hunger
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The Nigeria Customs Service says it is investigating reports people were trampled to death during a sale of bags of confiscated rice amid growing anger over skyrocketing prices of food in Africa’s most populous country. Long queues have formed outside the Lagos customs office since the commencement of the sale as thousands of locals struggle to grab a bag of the 25-kilogram rice selling at a discounted price of 10,000 naira ($6.80). The customs service said the distribution of the seized bags of rice was part of the government’s plan “to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity.”The cost of rice, a staple food in Nigeria, has surged in recent months. The customs service says it has been confiscating contraband rice from smugglers following restrictions on foreign rice imports by the Nigerian government. Analysts welcomed the rice distribution initiative but questioned its viability in tackling Nigeria’s worsening food insecurity.

Persons: Abdullahi Maiwada, “, ”, couldn’t, Sam Amadi, Bola Tinubu, Tinubu, Babajide Sanwo, Olu Organizations: CNN, Nigeria Customs Service, World Bank, Analysts Locations: Africa’s, Lagos, West, India, Nigeria, Nigerian

☆ Africa's largest economy is battling a currency crisis and soaring inflation
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

With annual inflation nearing 30% and a currency in freefall, Nigeria is facing one of its worst economic crises in years, provoking nationwide outrage and protests. The currency is down around 70% since May 2023 when Tinubu took office, inheriting a struggling economy and promising a raft of reforms aimed at steadying the ship. In a bid to fix the beleaguered economy and attract international investment, Tinubu unified Nigeria's multiple exchange rates and enabled market forces to set the exchange rate, sending the currency plunging. In January, the market regulator also changed how it calculates the currency's closing rate, resulting in another de facto devaluation. Years of foreign exchange controls have also generated enormous pent-up demand for U.S. dollars at a time when overseas investment and crude oil exports have declined.

Persons: Bola Tinubu, Tinubu Organizations: U.S, greenback Locations: IBADAN, Nigeria, Ibadan, freefall, Nigerian

☆ Coup juntas threaten to quit West Africa bloc: Here’s what it means for the region — and Russia
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

ACCRA, Ghana - ECOWAS flag with member flags at the second extraordinary summit on the political situation in Burkina Faso, in Accra, Ghana, on February 3, 2022. OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso - Jan. 20, 2023: A banner of Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen during a protest to support the Burkina Faso President Captain Ibrahim Traore and to demand the departure of France's ambassador and military forces. Mali has ruled out leaving WAEMU, while Burkina Faso is considering it. "Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger will likely draw on the extractive sector to improve their weak economies. A recent UN Development Programme report surveyed 5,000 people who had directly experienced a recent coup or unconstitutional change of government, including citizens of Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan.

Persons: NIPAH DENNIS, Bola Tinubu, Vladimir Putin, Captain Ibrahim Traore, Alex Vines, there'd, Tinubu, Ouattara, —, Vines, Mucahid Durmaz, Verisk Maplecroft, Durmaz, Balima Boureima, insurgencies, Wagner, Niger, specter, Mohamed Bazoum, Rey Byhre Organizations: Getty, Economic, West African States, ECOWAS, Nigerian, Africa, Chatham House, CNBC, Algeria —, West, Cote D'Ivoire, Anadolu Agency, Getty Images, Wagner Group, West African Economic, Monetary Union, CFA, National Council for, UN Locations: ACCRA, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Accra, AFP, Mali, Niger, Sahel, Mauritania, OUAGADOUGOU, Chatham, France, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, Malian, Russia, Bamako, Mucahid, West Africa, Togo, Benin, Cote, NIAMEY, NIGER, Niamey, West, U.S, Moscow, WAEMU, Seme, Chad, Guinea, Sudan, The Gambia, Tanzania, Kati

☆ US Determined to Remain Strong Security Partner for Nigeria -Blinken
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

ABUJA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said the United States is determined to remain a strong security partner for Nigeria, whose military is backed by the U.S., Britain and other allies in a long war against Islamist insurgents. "The United States is determined to be and remain a strong security partner for Nigeria," Blinken told reporters. Blinken added that he discussed how it is vitally important there be a focus on ensuring civilians are protected and humanitarian considerations. The coup in Niger was one of a series of military takeovers or attempted power grabs that occurred in West and Central Africa over the past three years. So far, about $2 billion of the backlog across sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, and petroleum have been paid, CBN spokesperson Hakama Sidi Ali said in a statement.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Blinken, Bola Tinubu, Mohamed Bazoum, Hakama Sidi Ali, Chijioke Ohuocha, Felix Onuah, Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis, Ismail Shakil, Mark Porter, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Islamist, European Union, France, Central Bank of Nigeria Locations: ABUJA, WASHINGTON, United States, Nigeria, U.S, Britain, Niger, West, Central Africa, Abuja, Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Angola, Jan, Africa's, Washington

☆ Nigeria’s president calls for investigation after drone attack kills 85
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Reuters —Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called for a thorough investigation into a military drone attack that the state emergency agency in northern Kaduna state said killed at least 85 people at the weekend. The state’s governor, a religious leader and witnesses told Reuters on Monday that dozens of civilians were killed following the military drone attack that was targeting insurgents and bandits on Sunday night. The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency said on Tuesday at least 85 people had died during the attack, giving the first official confirmation of the toll from the weekend incident. “The President directs a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and calls for calm while the authorities look diligently into the mishap,” said Ngelale. The Nigerian Army is yet to comment on the incident but the Air Force has denied being involved in the mission that led to Sunday’s attack.

Persons: Reuters —, Bola Tinubu, Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, ” Organizations: Reuters, Emergency Management Agency, Zonal, Nigerian Army, Air Force Locations: Kaduna, Dubai, Tundun, United States, Britain, Abuja

☆ New book reignites British royal race row
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Michael Holden | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The couple declined to say which unnamed royal had made the remarks, although Winfrey later clarified it was neither the late Queen Elizabeth nor her husband Prince Philip. Harry, the younger son of King Charles, said in a subsequent 2023 TV interview, neither he nor Meghan had accused anyone in their family of racism. But a new book about the royals written by journalist Omid Scobie has brought the issue back to the fore, making front page news again Britain this week. KING IN DUBAIIn his TalkTV show on Wednesday, the royals allegedly involved were also named by British broadcaster Piers Morgan, a vocal critic of Harry and Meghan. Neither Buckingham Palace nor any of the royal family's offices have commented on the book, but the Daily Mail said officials were considering all options, including legal action.

Persons: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess, Sussex, Meghan's, Oprah Winfrey, shockwaves, Archie, Winfrey, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince William, Harry, King Charles, Omid Scobie, Scobie, Charles, Xander Uitgevers, there's, Piers Morgan, Bola Tinubu, Buckingham, Michael Holden, Alison Williams Organizations: Mental Wellness, U.S, RTL, KING, DUBAI, Daily Mail, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Buckingham, Britain, Dutch, British, Dubai

☆ Britain's King Charles in UAE to Urge Action on Climate at COP28
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander CornwellDUBAI (Reuters) - Britain's King Charles began a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, during which he will advocate for greater global action and accountability on climate change at the COP28 summit. It will be his first major speech on climate change since he became monarch in September 2022. Other world leaders including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are also expected to attend the talks. After a year of record temperatures, the pressure is on for this year's summit to accelerate action to limit climate change. Countries, however, are divided over the future of fossil fuel - the burning of which is the main cause of climate change.

Persons: Alexander Cornwell DUBAI, Britain's King Charles, Narendra Modi, Rishi Sunak, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, King Charles, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Nahyan, Simon Stiell, Bola Tinubu, Irfaan Ali, Watt, Alexander Cornwell, Barbara Lewis Organizations: Reuters, United Arab Emirates, India's, Britain's, U.S, United Arab, Organization of, Petroleum, UAE Prime Minister, First Nations, Scottish, Heriot Locations: Gulf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, United Nations, British, UAE

☆ Britain's King Charles in UAE to urge action on climate at COP28
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Alexander Cornwell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DUBAI, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Britain's King Charles began a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, during which he will advocate for greater global action and accountability on climate change at the COP28 summit. It will be his first major speech on climate change since he became monarch in September 2022. After a year of record temperatures, the pressure is on for this year's summit to accelerate action to limit climate change. Countries, however, are divided over the future of fossil fuel - the burning of which is the main cause of climate change. [1/6]Britain’s King Charles arrives to meet the students at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, during the COP28 summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 30, 2023.

Persons: Britain's King Charles, Narendra Modi, Rishi Sunak, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, King Charles, Alexander Cornwell, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Nahyan, Simon Stiell, Bola Tinubu, Irfaan Ali, Watt, Barbara Lewis Organizations: United Arab Emirates, India's, Britain's, U.S, United Arab, Organization of, Petroleum, Heriot, Watt University Dubai, REUTERS, UAE Prime Minister, First Nations, Scottish, Thomson Locations: DUBAI, Gulf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, United Arab, United Nations, British, UAE

☆ Gunmen Kill One, Kidnap at Least 150 in Nigeria's Northwest, Residents Say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Hamza Ibrahim and Ahmed KingimiKANO, Nigeria (Reuters) - At least 150 people, including women and children, were abducted with one person killed in a coordinated attack by gunmen on four villages in Nigeria's northwest Zamfara state, residents said on Saturday. The Zamfara police spokesperson did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the attack, which took place late on Friday. Residents told Reuters that gunmen on dozens of motorcycles stormed the villages of Mutunji, Kwanar-Dutse, Sabon-Garin Mahuta and Unguwar Kawo in the Maru local government area of the state. Dankandai Musa, a resident of one of the villages, told Reuters he managed to slip away unnoticed during the chaos. "I managed to escape after they were regrouping us and the people from the three other villages that were attacked," he said.

Persons: Hamza Ibrahim, Ahmed Kingimi KANO, Garin Mahuta, Dankandai Musa, Lawali Damana, Bola Tinubu, Elisha Bala, Mark Potter Organizations: Reuters, Residents Locations: Nigeria, Nigeria's, Zamfara, Mutunji, Sabon

☆ Nigeria lawmakers pass 2024-2026 budget framework with naira at 700 to dollar next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ABUJA, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Nigeria's lower house of parliament passed the medium-term expenditure framework for 2024-2026 on Tuesday, a set of assumptions that will be used to prepare the country's budget over the next three years. The naira last week briefly slumped to a record low of 1,105 against the dollar on the official market, bringing the official exchange rate within touching distance of the parallel market rate. The fiscal framework must also be passed by the upper chamber of parliament. Tinubu is also due to send the country's 2024 spending plan of 26 trillion naira ($34 billion) to parliament for approval. Below are some of the assumptions in the medium-term expenditure framework:Reporting by Camillus Eboh in Abuja Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha Editing by Alexander Winning and Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Bola Tinubu's, firming, Camillus, Chijioke, Alexander Winning, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Thomson Locations: ABUJA, Tinubu, Camillus Eboh, Abuja

☆ Nigeria and Germany sign $500 mln renewable energy and gas deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Felix Onuah | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany's DWS Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on renewable energy. The agreement seeks to harness $500 million in investment in renewable energy projects across Nigeria, mostly in rural communities, spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement. A second MoU on gas export partnership was agreed between Riverside LNG of Nigeria and Germany's Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG. Under the accord, Nigeria will supply 850,000 tons of natural gas to Germany annually which is expected to rise to 1.2 million. Under Tinubu, Nigeria has embarked on the boldest reforms in decades, scrapping a popular petrol subsidy and lifting restrictions on foreign exchange trading.

Persons: Olaf Scholz, Bola Tinubu, Fabrizio Bensch, Ajuri Ngelale, Germany's Johannes, Ngelale, Tinubu, Elisha Bala, David Evans Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Union Bank of Nigeria, Germany's DWS, Riverside, Germany's Johannes Schuetze Energy, AG, Africa, Thomson Locations: Africa, Berlin, Germany, Rights ABUJA, Nigeria, Riverside LNG, Tinubu

☆ Liberia’s President George Weah concedes victory to political rival
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-18 | by ( Stephanie Busari | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Liberia’s President, George Weah, has conceded defeat to opposition candidate Joseph Boakai after a tight run-off election. Weah, a former soccer star, called Boakai after the country’s National Elections Commission (NEC) released provisional results on Friday. Therefore, a few minutes ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. President Weah was voted into office in 2018 and will step down in January. A run-off was triggered when Weah, 57, secured a victory in an earlier October poll with a margin of just 7,000 votes over his political rival, Boakai.

Persons: CNN —, George Weah, Joseph Boakai, Weah, Joseph N, Boakai, ”, Bola Tinubu, Weah’s Organizations: CNN, Elections Commission, NEC Locations: Liberia, West, Central Africa, West Africa

☆ Mass visa cancellations at Saudi airport puts relations with Nigeria in spotlight
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Abuja, Nigeria CNN —Diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have come under scrutiny after 177 Nigerians were refused entry to the country on Monday. The mass cancellation of visas occurred as Nigera’s President Bola Tinubu was still in Saudi Arabia after holding bilateral talks with the Saudi government. “There was a total lack of sensitivity (by Saudi officials) because the president (of Nigeria) was visiting that country,” Okhai said. Saudi Arabia is a popular pilgrimage destination for thousands of Nigerian Muslims. However, Monday’s deportation of Nigerian nationals is not the first time travelers have been refused entry to Saudi Arabia.

Persons: Bola Tinubu, It’s, ”, ” Victor Okhai, ” Okhai, Reno Omokiri, ” Omokri, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Organizations: Nigeria CNN —, Air, country’s Ministry, Hajj, Saudi, Jeddah …, Africa Summit, Guinea Bissau, African Diaspora Foundation, CNN, United Arab Emirates, UAE, reoccurrence Locations: Abuja, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, Mecca, Saudi, Guinea, Independence, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

☆ Nigeria gets refineries investment, forex pledge from Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Felix Onuah | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsABUJA, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Friday agreed to a series of investment and cooperation deals, including a pledge by the Saudi government to invest in the revamp of Nigeria's oil refineries and provide financial support to sustain the government's foreign-exchange reforms. Under Tinubu, Nigeria has embarked on the boldest reforms in decades, scrapping a popular petrol subsidy and unifying the country's multiple exchange rates as part of measures "aimed at improving the ease of doing business." Information Minister Mohammed Idris said the Saudi government pledged to make "a substantial deposit of foreign exchange to boost Nigeria's forex liquidity". "Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have always enjoyed a special relationship at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. The two leaders agreed to work together over the next six months to "develop a comprehensive road map and blueprint" to deliver on the investments, Idris said.

Persons: Bola Tinubu, Temilade, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Mohammed Idris, Idris, Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, Boko, Felix Onuah, Elisha Bala, Emelia Sithole, Matthew Lewis, David Evans Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Saudi Crown, Saudi Aramco, Thomson Locations: Abuja, Nigeria, Rights ABUJA, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Africa, Riyadh, Tinubu, Africa's

☆ Canada investigates fatal embassy explosion in Nigeria, issues travel alert
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson said that there were deaths and injuries in a fire on Monday at the High Commission of Canada but did not give any figures. Canada's High Commission in Nigeria, without commenting on the explosion, said on social media that it had "temporarily suspended operations until further notice." The embassy issued a travel advisory, warning against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including capital Abuja, "due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings." Western countries routinely issue warning about travelling to Nigeria, which the Abuja government often dismisses as lacking merit.

Persons: Melanie Joly, " Joly, Bola Tinubu's, Tinubu, MacDonald Dzirutwe, Ismail Shakil, Cynthia Osterman, Sandra Maler Organizations: Ottawa, Washington, Commission, High Commission of, Thomson Locations: LAGOS, Canada, Nigeria, London, West African, High Commission of Canada, Canada's, Abuja, United States, Britain, Nigeria's, Lagos, Ottawa

☆ Nigeria Opposition's Obi Slams Court Ruling Confirming Tinubu Election Win
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

The Supreme Court judgment followed a pattern seen in previous presidential elections that have been challenged in court. Speaking for the first time since the ruling, Obi, a former two-term governor who campaigned as an outsider, told reporters the judgment was a disappointment and contradicted overwhelming evidence of election rigging, false claims of technical glitches, and other irregularities. Obi's supporters, known as the "Obidients", have been vocal in their criticism of the Supreme Court ruling. They have accused the court of being biased and of protecting the interests of the ruling party. Obi's rejection of the Supreme Court ruling is likely to resonate with his supporters, mostly young Nigerians who were attracted by his message of hope and change and see him as a break from the old guard.

Persons: Camillus, Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu's, Atiku Abubakar, Obi, Tinubu, Obi's, Camillus Eboh, Elisha Bala, Emelia Sithole Organizations: Reuters, Labour Party Locations: Camillus Eboh ABUJA, Nigeria

☆ Nigerians outraged over government spending plans as millions face hardship
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Lawmakers rejected the plans for a presidential yacht before approving the N2.1 trillion ($2.7 billion) supplementary budget on Thursday, following a public outcry. Local media reported Thursday that the Nigerian House of Representatives reallocated the amount for the presidential yacht to the student loan scheme before passing the spending bill. Onanuga, who is Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, did not comment on the government’s plan to acquire luxury vehicles for the presidency. Last month, Nigeria’s Senate unveiled plans to acquire luxury vehicles for its 469 members despite the country’s struggling economy. Anti-corruption activist Ogunsanya told CNN that Nigerians were yet to reap the benefit of monies saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Persons: Nigeria CNN —, ”, Reno Omokri, Yomi Ogunsanya, Ken Eluma Asogwa, Bayo Onanuga, ” Onanuga, It’s, Tinubu, Karimi, Ogunsanya Organizations: Nigeria CNN, Lawmakers, Twitter, CNN, World Bank, Nigerian, Nigeria’s Senate Locations: Abuja, Nigeria, India, “, Nigerian

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