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Tinubu achieves a significant agreement with the UAE, resulting in the removal of the visa ban imposed on Nigerians

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met in Abu Dhabi on Monday to solidify a historic agreement. This agreement has led to the immediate lifting of the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers.

Furthermore, as part of this momentous accord, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines will promptly resume their flight schedules to and from Nigeria, without any further delays.

The Nigerian economy, spanning various sectors such as defense, agriculture, and more, will benefit from investments made by the Government of the United Arab Emirates through its investment arms.

Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to announce the successful negotiation of a collaborative foreign exchange liquidity program between the two governments.

Detailed information on this program will be released in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, President Tinubu expresses his gratitude to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering friendship and determined efforts to fully restore and elevate the standard of relations between these two significant nations to excellence.

 

President Bola Tinubu secures landmark deal with United Arab Emirates across sectors; Visa ban on Nigerian travellers is lifted immediately

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President Bola Tinubu secures landmark deal with United Arab Emirates across sectors; Visa ban on Nigerian travellers is lifted immediately

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.

 

Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.

 

As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

 

In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

 

Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.

 

In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 11, 2023

Wike’s actions appear to be undermining the PDP in preparation for his potential 2027 presidential bid, according to a supporter of Atiku

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Pedro Obaseki, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, of scheming to weaken the PDP’s internal structures in preparation for his own presidential run in 2027.

Obaseki, who previously served as the Director of Planning and Strategy for the PDP’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, characterized Wike as an individual who initially rode on the party’s structures and the support of its leaders to attain power but later betrayed them when he reached the top.

Obaseki made these statements during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, responding to Wike’s call to suspend Atiku Abubakar from the PDP.

Wike, appearing on the Channels Television program “Politics Today,” criticized the PDP for losing elections in certain areas due to high-handedness, greed, and impunity, and urged the National Working Committee to suspend Atiku and others like Aminu Tambuwal to rebuild the party.

Obaseki countered Wike’s intentions, asserting that Wike’s primary goal is to become the President of the country.

Obaseki argued that Wike is actively working to weaken the PDP to ultimately weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) and create a path for his presidential bid in 2027.

Obaseki emphasized that Wike’s actions are not going unnoticed and called for caution in dealing with his actions.

He also highlighted Wike’s political journey, from being a Local Government chairman to Governor of Rivers State and now the Minister of the FCT.

Obaseki contended that Wike’s ambition has a history, citing his efforts to remove Uche Secondus as PDP chairman to eliminate an obstacle to his 2023 presidential aspiration.

He claimed that Wike has been inconsistent in his support and has disrupted the party’s unity.

Obaseki further stated that Wike’s demand for the suspension of Atiku Abubakar is misplaced, and instead, it is Wike himself who should face suspension from the PDP.

Obaseki accused Wike of creating divisions within the party and campaigning against it, leading to the defection of several prominent PDP members to other parties, including Bello Matawalle, David Umahi, and Prof Ben Ayade.

Tinubu scheduled for discussions with UAE officials today to address visa and diplomatic tensions

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President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to hold discussions with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates at 5 pm UAE time today.

The purpose of this meeting is to address the suspension of Emirates Airline flights to Nigeria, visa bans, and other diplomatic matters.

The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, made a trip to the Middle-East country on Sunday night to meet with President Tinubu, who had a stopover after attending the G20 summit in India.

In a conversation with our correspondent, Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed his travel and the planned meeting, which is set to take place at 5 pm today.

Keyamo stated, “I am in Abu Dhabi to join Mr. President in resolving the dual issues of Dubai visas and Emirates flights to Nigeria. Both leaders will meet today at 5 pm.”

The UAE had imposed a visa ban on Nigerians in October 2022, following the suspension of Emirates Airlines flights to Nigeria.

This move was reportedly in response to Nigeria’s failure to repatriate a substantial amount of funds.

Nigerian carrier Air Peace, which also operated flights to Dubai, had to suspend its services due to the UAE’s halt on visa issuance to prospective travelers.

During a recent meeting with UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, President Tinubu had directed that issues affecting relations with Emirates Airline and the issuance of visas to Nigerians be resolved immediately.

He emphasized the need to address these matters as a family and find amicable solutions, likening the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE to that of a family living under one roof.

On Sunday, Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale announced President Tinubu’s upcoming meeting with UAE authorities regarding these issues. Further details will be provided later.

 

Shehu Sani applauds Tinubu’s initiative to resolve the Dubai visa ban issue

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Former Kaduna Central Senator, Senator Shehu Sani, expressed his support on Monday for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to lift the Dubai visa ban imposed on Nigeria by the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE immigration authorities had announced the visa ban in October 2022, with no given reason, only stating that all applications were on hold pending resolution of issues between the UAE and Nigerian governments.

Sani welcomed Tinubu’s actions but advised the Federal Government to also address the criminal activities within the country to improve the effectiveness of its efforts.

He acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to engage with the UAE Government to lift the visa ban but emphasized the need to tackle the actions of unscrupulous individuals within Nigeria.

Sani stressed that responsible countries would not tolerate actions that tarnish their reputation or undermine their hard-earned progress.

He called for the identification and blacklisting of individuals involved in violent crimes, drug trafficking, or racketeering by the Nigerian Immigration Service, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement within the nation.

Customs authorities held a meeting with non-compliant banks regarding the remittance of duties

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The Nigerian Customs Service announced on Sunday that it recently deactivated only two banks due to their failure to remit collected duties.

The service also reported these banks to the appropriate financial authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, and ongoing discussions are in progress among all parties involved.

According to Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of NCS, the acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the deactivation of certain banks for their duty remittance failures.

When asked about the number of banks affected and the undisclosed amount involved, Maiwada confirmed that two Deposit Money Banks were impacted.

Maiwada explained, “We deliberately chose not to disclose the specific amount involved. Regarding the steps taken, aside from blacklisting the banks, it’s important to note that we engaged in extensive discussions with them before resorting to blacklisting.

We are currently in ongoing discussions with the banks, and recently, we reached a reasonable conclusion.

They are willing to rectify the situation, and soon, they will be back on track. There are two banks in question.”

When questioned about whether the service had informed the CBN about the banks’ infractions, Maiwada stated, “We are actively engaging with relevant systems, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, to ensure resolution.

It’s crucial to note that the purpose of our press release was not to damage the reputation of any bank.

Rather, it was meant to express sympathy for importers affected by the situation and to find a solution for traders who should not suffer due to the shortcomings or incompetence of a particular institution.

Why Nigeria Received an Invitation to the G20 Summit – Insights from President Biden

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United States President, Joe Biden, met with President Bola Tinubu on Sunday at the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, where he reiterated the United States’ commitment to the US-Nigeria relationship. In a statement released on the official White House website, Biden praised the Tinubu administration’s efforts to implement economic reforms in Nigeria.

Biden expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s strong leadership as the chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and his dedication to defending democracy and the rule of law not only in Niger but also in the broader region.

Regarding Nigeria’s invitation to the G20 Summit, Biden recognized Nigeria’s significant global role as Africa’s largest democracy and economy.

President Tinubu attended the summit at the special invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by key ministers from Nigeria, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Industry, Trade, and Investment.

During bilateral meetings, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of attracting major manufacturers like Volkswagen to invest in Nigeria, introducing new incentives to boost economic growth. Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, acknowledged the mutually beneficial nature of strengthening economic ties with Nigeria and expressed his intention to visit Nigeria in October to advance these initiatives.

After departing from New Delhi, President Tinubu is scheduled to have a technical stopover in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, where he will meet with UAE leadership.

Pa Akintola Williams Passes Away at the Age of 104

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The accounting industry’s revered figure, Pa Akintola Williams, has peacefully passed away at the remarkable age of 104.

Channels Television has confirmed that this iconic chartered accountant celebrated his 104th birthday on August 9, marking a profound legacy as the first Nigerian to achieve this prestigious qualification.

Ranks Africa’s Engine Room spotlights White Money, Mercy Eke & Cynthia “CEEC” Nwadiora

In this week’s highly anticipated edition of “Engine Room,” where we illuminate the unsung heroes propelling brands to greatness, the brilliant minds orchestrating behind-the-scenes marvels, and the outstanding leaders setting new industry standards, our focus takes an exciting turn.

We delve headfirst into the alluring realm of the ongoing BBNaija reality show to shine an incandescent spotlight on three extraordinary housemates whose charisma not only captivates us on screen but also demonstrates their remarkable entrepreneurial prowess. Among these exceptional individuals are Mercy Eke, White Money, and Cynthia “CEEC” Nwadiora, each a star in their own right and collectively, a testament to the boundless potential of ambition, innovation, and drive.

Read About Mercy Eke Jnr Here

Mercy Eke, a name synonymous with empowerment and success, has risen to prominence not only as a captivating BBNaija housemate but also as a thriving businesswoman. Her journey from the BBNaija house to becoming the CEO of her fashion line, “MNM Luxury,” is a story of resilience and determination. Through MNM Luxury, Mercy has not only established herself as a fashion icon but also as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that dreams can be transformed into reality with unwavering determination.

Read About White Money Jnr Here

White Money, with his infectious personality and culinary skills, has carved a unique niche for himself in the hearts of BBNaija viewers. Beyond the reality show, he has taken the culinary world by storm, showcasing his culinary talents and entrepreneurial acumen. His culinary brand, “White Money’s Jollof,” has become a symbol of innovation and gastronomic excellence, serving as a reminder that passion and skill can pave the way to entrepreneurial success.

Read About Cynthia “CEEC” Nwadiora Jnr Here

Cynthia “CEEC” Nwadiora, a true embodiment of vision and determination, has not only left an indelible mark on the BBNaija stage but has also proven her mettle in the business world. As the founder of CEGAR, a leading Nigerian athletic brand, and PRIMETake Productions, a dynamic film production company, CEEC’s entrepreneurial journey is an inspiration to aspiring business leaders. Her commitment to quality, innovation, and storytelling has positioned her as a trailblazer in both the fashion and entertainment industries.

In “Engine Room,” we celebrate excellence, and these three exceptional individuals—Mercy Eke, White Money, and CEEC—undoubtedly embody the essence of excellence in their respective endeavors. Their stories serve as a reminder that within every individual lies the potential to achieve greatness, to transcend boundaries, and to inspire others.

At Ranks Africa, we will establish contact with these remarkable individuals, aiming to illuminate their narratives within the pages of our Africa Catalyst magazine. Through comprehensive interviews and firsthand accounts, our goal is to vividly portray tales of achievement and success.

Engine Room: Mercy Eke, The Serial Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Behind Lambo Homes & MnM Luxury

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In our celebrated “Engine Room” series, we consistently illuminate the trailblazers propelling brands to new heights, the maestros orchestrating the magic behind the scenes, and the pioneers who set remarkable standards. In this week’s edition, we plunge into the captivating world of the ongoing BBNaija reality show to cast a radiant spotlight on Three exceptional housemates who not only captivate us on screen but also possess the entrepreneurial spirit. Among these remarkable individuals is Mercy Eke, a serial entrepreneur extraordinaire. Notably, she is the founder of Lambo Homes, a thriving real estate company, MnM luxury fashion and clothing brand, and the benevolent heart behind The Mercy Eke Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to giving back to society.

At the forefront of our spotlight is the multi-talented Mercy Eke, a household name renowned for her entrepreneurial prowess. Beyond her captivating presence in the BBNaija house, Mercy has demonstrated her mettle as a serial entrepreneur, leaving an indelible mark in various industries.

Lambo Homes – One of Mercy’s flagship ventures is Lambo Homes, a dynamic real estate company that has been making waves in the property market. Under her visionary leadership, Lambo Homes has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

MnM Luxury Fashion: Where Style Meets Elegance – In addition to her real estate endeavors, Mercy has ventured into the world of fashion with MnM luxury fashion and clothing brand. This brand showcases her impeccable taste and fashion-forward sensibilities, earning her a dedicated following among fashion enthusiasts.

 

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The Mercy Eke Foundation: A Heart of Gold – But Mercy Eke’s entrepreneurial journey is not just about profit; it’s also about making a positive impact. She founded The Mercy Eke Foundation, a charitable organization that exemplifies her commitment to giving back to the community. Through this foundation, she has touched countless lives, providing assistance to those in need and championing various noble causes.

The BBNaija reality show has not only been a platform for entertainment but has also emerged as a springboard for young entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. As we continue to watch the drama and camaraderie unfold within the house, we should also keep an eye on the entrepreneurial stars who are using this platform to elevate their brands and make a difference.

Mercy Eke journey from the BBNaija house to becoming a serial entrepreneur and a philanthropist serves as an inspiring example for aspiring business leaders everywhere. As we follow the ongoing BBNaija reality show, let us celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that thrives within its walls, for it is a testament to the endless possibilities that await those with vision, determination, and a heart to give back to society.