The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current director-general, as the sole candidate for the position.

According to a statement from the organisation on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala confirmed her willingness to serve a second four-year term on September 16.

The WTO formally began the process to appoint its next director-general on October 8, allowing members until November 8 to submit nominations.

In a message to members, Petter Olberg, chair of the WTO’s general council, announced that no additional nominations were received by the November 8 deadline.

“Under the procedures for the appointment of Directors-General (WT/L/509), I am required to communicate to Members a consolidated list of candidatures received for the post of Director-General immediately after the close of the nomination period, in this case 8 November 2024,” the statement reads.

“I would like to advise members that at the end of the nomination period the only candidacy received for this post is from Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent director-general.

“The notification received from Dr Okonjo-Iweala pursuant to paragraph 12 of the Procedures in WT/L/509, was circulated to all Members together with my communication in document JOB/GC/406, dated 16 September 2024.”

The organisation noted that the general council chair would communicate the next steps in the process soon.

WTO added that Okonjo-Iweala’s current term will come to an end on August 31, 2025.

On February 15, 2021, Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as the director-general of the WTO.

She made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.

Okonjo-Iweala’s second-term bid had been in doubt after Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential election on Wednesday.

Trump’s administration blocked her nomination in October 2020, in support of Yoo Myung-hee, former South Korean trade minister.

However, after losing his second-term presidential bid in November of the same year, Joe Biden’s administration backed Okonjo-Iweala for the WTO DG job.

Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos, has asked Nigerian youths to remain in the country despite economic challenges.

In recent times, there has been a wave of migration by Nigerians who are seeking greener pastures abroad. “Japa” is a popular word used to describe migration in the country.

Speaking on Saturday at the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies of Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo state, Fashola encouraged the youth to strive for positions of influence in the country instead of seeking opportunities abroad.

He said leaders don’t run away even when things are tough.

“Why did Mrs Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi, who has contributed to Nigeria, not run away? Why are they still here?” Fashola asked.

“Times were equally tough in their younger days. The youths have become leaders in the Nigerian household, and therefore, they must embrace that responsibility.

“Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University.”

 

Michael Ade-Ojo, the founder of Elizade University, expressed satisfaction with the institution’s mission to produce world-class graduates and support the nation’s education system.

Ade-Ojo encouraged the university to prioritise research and entrepreneurship training, noting  that it would equip students to make contributions to national development.

“I have been intentionally sacrificial with my investment in the university. It, therefore, gladdens my heart to see the seeds I sowed to humanity already bringing forth useful fruits,” Ade-Ojo said.

“My vision has always been to provide world-class education right here in Nigeria, and while there’s still work to be done, I am pleased with how far we have come.”

Kayode Ijadunola, the university’s vice-chancellor, said the institution is committed to producing graduates with skills to address Nigeria’s economic and technological challenges.

“With new developments, a growing research portfolio, and strong community ties, Elizade University is poised to continue its upward trajectory in Nigerian higher education,” Ijadunola said.

Musiliu Akinsanya, former chairman of the Lagos chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has been elected as the national president of the union.

Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, was the sole candidate in the election which took place at the union’s zonal secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun state.

Delegates from the four south-west states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti participated in the election.

The election, which was held during the union’s quadrennial delegate conference, was monitored and observed by Aliyu Issa-Ore, the acting national president of the transport group.

Speaking with the delegates, Issa-Ore said the union’s constitution stipulates that the zone permitted to fill the national president’s position would elect its preferred candidate and present them to the national body.

The acting NURTW president, represented by Adedamola Salam, head of finance at the national headquarters in Abuja, said the south-west zone has fully complied with the constitution in electing Oluomo as president.

The delegates also elected Tajudeen Agbede as vice-president, south-west, while Akeem Adeosun was chosen as trustee from the zone.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Akinsanya said members of the NURTW must ensure that they are committed to the preservation of the union.

“I have forgiven everyone who has offended me, and I hope those I have offended will forgive me as well,” he said.

“This is our union, and we must be committed to preserving it. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.”

In 2022, the NURTW suspended Akinsanya over alleged misconduct, insubordination and incitement but the suspension was lifted in 2023.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu says she is not involved in organising a national prayer.

Tinubu and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), were reportedly billed to lead a national prayer over the challenges plaguing Nigeria.

The 7-day event, titled ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs’, is said to be organised in conjunction with Christian and Muslim leaders.

Segun Afolorunikan, director-general of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), who announced the initiative, said Christians would meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week-long intercession while Muslims would gather at the National Mosque in Abuja.

But in a statement on Saturday, Busola Kukoyi, senior special assistant on media to the first lady, distanced her principal from the organisation of any prayers.

Kukoyi added that though Tinubu is an advocate of prayer, she “believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly”.

“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue,” Kukoyi said.

“This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON is not organizing a National Prayer.

“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms are unfounded and misleading. Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.

“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her Office through Official channels. Kindly be advised accordingly.”

Meanwhile, the first lady was reported as leading, not organising the prayer session.

Kukoyi did not state whether Tinubu would partake in the event and in what capacity.

Chidimma Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has shared her inspiring journey to the Miss Universe 2024 stage. 

Last month, Chidimma arrived in Mexico to represent Nigeria at the global competition, with the final showdown scheduled for November 16 at Arena CDMX.

In a recent Instagram post, Chidimma reflected on her seven-year wait to represent Nigeria at the global competition.

The 21-year-old model recounted the challenges she faced, including “tears, pain, and trauma.” She said despite feeling unworthy and doubting herself, she persevered.

“2017, I had this dream of walking the Miss Universe stage with no idea of what it means to be a Queen. 7 years later, in just exactly 8 days I, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina will be walking the Miss Universe stage,” she wrote.

“Win or not I am so proud of myself and filled with so much joy and fulfilment for I am about to accomplish what once seemed impossible. I envisioned this moment and I’m about to make it a reality.

“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma. The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving, however I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.

“This achievement is not just mine but it’s for NIGERIA, it’s for AFRICA. Your support and encouragement has been the fuel to my fire.

“To anyone who has ever doubted themselves, I see you and i believe in you . Your dreams are valid. Dont let fear hold you back.

“Don’t let doubt whisper you can’t because YOU CAN The journev will never be easy.”

At least 15 people have been killed in an attack by Lakurawas, a new terrorist group, on Mera village in Augie LGA of Kebbi state.

In a phone interview with TheCable on Saturday, Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Kebbi state police command, said the attack occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday.

“The terrorists attacked the village around 2 p.m. on Friday,” Abubakar said, adding that a significant number of cows were also rustled during the assault.

He said Bello Sanni, Kebbi state police commissioner, has mobilised a team of officers to the area “in an attempt to apprehend the perpetrators”.

“Investigations are still ongoing and the findings will be made public,” he added.

The 15 victims were buried on Saturday in a funeral attended by several prominent figures, including Abubakar Tafida, the deputy governor of Kebbi state; Samaila Mera, the Emir of Argungu; and the state’s police commissioner.

The government of Canada has announced the cancellation of the 10-year multiple-entry visa for Nigerians and citizens of other countries.

The authorities said that the cancellation of 10-year multiple-entry visa is part of the government’s efforts to curb immigration after experiencing a post-COVID population surge. 

While the multiple-entry visa previously allowed holders to enter and leave Canada freely, a government update said that the 10-year multiple-entry visa is no longer viewed as the “standard document.”

The update by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) added, “Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document.”

The IRCC further stated that immigration officers now have the discretion to decide between issuing single-entry or multiple-entry visas and to determine their validity periods.

Recall that in October this year, the IRCC announced a revised target for permanent residents, reducing the goal for 2025 from 500,000 to 395,000. 

The target for 2026 will drop from 500,000 to 380,000, and in 2027, Canada plans to admit 365,000 permanent residents.

Banky W, the famous Nigerian music executive, has said that Wizkid started his career as a studio rat.

Banky W stated this while reflecting on Wizkid’s early struggles before fame.

In a viral video on social media, Banky W, who was pivotal in launching Wizkid’s career through his record label, Empire Mates Entertainment, EME, disclosed that Wizkid spent hours hanging around various studios because he couldn’t afford studio time.

The music executive who described the afrobeat star as a studio rat, acknowledged the singer’s commitment and skill.

“Wizkid for a long time in his life was not fortunate enough to afford studio time.

“So he was a studio rat as he will go to any studio where they will let him hang out and he will hang out all day waiting, hoping and praying that engineers and producers to just pity him and say oya, come and record for 15 or 30 mins because he could not pay for his session.

“So, all day long, he would be working on hooks and melodies and just coming up with things in case he was given the opportunity to jump on the mic for five minutes.

“He didn’t have time to think about what to write at the moment, so that became his process.

“And now he is one of the fastest songwriters that I have ever encountered in my life, he will just sit, listen, and start freestyling a melody that would become a song that the whole world would want to sing. That is where the name Wiz started from,” he said.

Wife of the sacked Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, ANIF, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has been caught in extra-marital affairs.

Video footage emerged of Engonga’s wife having an intimacy with another man.

This was disclosed by popular social critic, Martins Ortse aka VeryDarkMan via an Instagram post on Saturday.

Sharing pictures of the Engonga’s wife from the video footage, VeryDarkMan said: “Just when I thought it was all over about this Equatorial Guinea man, the whole thing is getting more interesting. l just saw a video of his wife and another man, if you watch this video; it’s crazy. If you see how another man was na*cking his wife.”

Engonga was recently caught with about 400 sex tapes with several women during an investigation into a fraud case.

The leaked videos have continued to generate controversy via the social media space.

Reacting, First Lady Constancia Mangue Obiang expressed outrage over the scandal during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue.

Mrs Obiang called for immediate government intervention to uphold the dignity of Equatoguinean women and protect their privacy in the digital age.

Following the discovery, Engonga was relieved of his duty and subsequently arrested.

Aliyu Yaro, a 19-year-old boy in Adamawa State has allegedly killed a child born to his girlfriend.

The incident occurred in the northern Adamawa town of Mubi, where the teenage father, Aliyu Yaro, reportedly went to the house of his girlfriend, who had previously expressed frustration with the infant, urging him to take responsibility for the child.

According to police investigations, Aliyu claimed that after receiving repeated calls from his girlfriend to take the baby, he went to her house at night. After sending her on an errand, he took the three-day-old infant from her home.

Aliyu admitted that he brought the baby to his own house, where he fed the infant with sour milk, leading to the baby’s death by the following day.

He said he then buried the baby’s body around 9:00 p.m. in the Girpata area of Mubi.

Aliyu explained that he had impregnated his girlfriend, Safiya, and that after she gave birth, she frequently called him to take responsibility for the child.

He claimed that Safiya had threatened to harm or abandon the baby if he didn’t assume responsibility, which compelled him to go for the child.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Morris Dankombo, has ordered that the case be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and prosecution of both Aliyu and Safiya.