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Tag: Addis Ababa

  • Tinubu departs for France ahead of AU summit in Addis Ababa

    Tinubu departs for France ahead of AU summit in Addis Ababa

    President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for Paris, France, on a private visit en route to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

    “In Addis Ababa, President Tinubu will join African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled for Feb. 12th to 16th.

    “The president will arrive in Addis Ababa early next week for the AU summit,” Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

    He said while in France, President Tinubu would meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron.

  • What Buhari said about Tinubu in Addis Ababa

    What Buhari said about Tinubu in Addis Ababa

    President Muhammadu Buhari has given a word of assurance on the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu in far away Addis Ababa.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman in a statement, said the president made his feelings known in a video clip to woo voters for Tinubu on Sunday.

    The Nigerian leader, who is in Ethiopia, attending official engagements, said the currency swap policy was meant to bring ”overall improvement to the country” not hardship.

    In the video recording to shore up support for Tinubu, in the upcoming elections a few days ahead, the president thanked Nigerians for electing him to be President for two terms.

    He urged them to vote for the APC flag bearer because “he is reliable and I know he will build on our achievements.”

    In the campaign message to voters, the president specifically put a call on “our traditional rulers, religious leaders and parents to warn their followers and wards alike, to not allow themselves to be used by a few to foment trouble.

    “I want to assure you that the Government has taken adequate security measures to allow everyone to come out and cast their votes. I am therefore appealing to everyone to give them the necessary support.

    “Fellow Nigerians, I want to use this opportunity to once again thank you for electing me to be your President on two occasions.

    “I am not a contestant in this election, but my party, the All Progressives Congress, has a candidate in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As I mentioned before, Tinubu is a true believer in Nigeria, who loves the people and the development of our country.

    “I am calling on all of you to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is reliable and I trust he will build on our achievements.

    “Finally, I want to once again assure you that I am fully aware of the current hardship you are facing as a result of some policies of the government which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country.

    “I am appealing to you to exercise further patience as we take appropriate measures to ease these hardships. God willing, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”

    The president emphasized that the APC presidential candidate had demonstrated his commitment to the development of the country and the well-being of its people.

  • India 2022: Flamingos defeats Ethiopia1-0 in Addis Ababa

    India 2022: Flamingos defeats Ethiopia1-0 in Addis Ababa

    Prolific striker Opeyemi Ajakaiye took her goals’ tally to six in the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup African qualifying series when she scored the only goal as Nigeria edged hosts Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Friday afternoon.

    In the final round, first leg duel staged at the Abebe Bekila Stadium, both sides had failed to make hay from a number of opportunities in the first half-hour, but the lithe forward struck in the 36th minute after she was put through by diminutive midfielder Taiwo Afolabi.

    The goal meant Ajakaiye had scored in each of the Flamingos’ five matches of the qualifying series so far, including a brace against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 5-0 spanking in Benin City.

    Omowunmi Bello, who scored three of the goals in Nigeria’s 6-0 aggregate thumping of Egypt in the earlier round, came close to increasing her own tally in the campaign, only to see her 35 –yard shot rock the upright in the 50th minute.

    Kumneger Kebede, Emush Daniel and Bethelem Germa all had chances to equalize for the homers in the second period but met with an unyielding Nigeria rearguard and an inspired goalkeeper Faith Omilana who had an excellent game.

    Both teams will clash again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 4th June with the winner on aggregate qualifying as one of Africa’s three representatives at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in India.

  • India 2022: Flamingos jet out to Addis Ababa on Wednesday

    India 2022: Flamingos jet out to Addis Ababa on Wednesday

    Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has picked 22 players for Friday’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification final round, first leg match between Nigeria and Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. The delegation will travel to Addis Ababa on Wednesday.

    Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has picked 22 players for Friday’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification final round, first leg match between Nigeria and Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. The delegation will travel to Addis Ababa on Wednesday.

    Olowookere’s girls are also to be dreaded, having scored 14 goals and conceded none in their four qualifying matches so far. They defeated DR Congo 8-0 on aggregate and handed Egypt a 6-0 aggregate spanking in the third round.

    Friday’s match will hold at the Abebe Bekila Stadium in Addis Ababa starting from 4pm Ethiopia time (2pm Nigeria time) and will be superintended by Namibian officials. The return leg is already scheduled for the National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 4th June.

    FLAMINGOS HEADING TO ADDIS ABABA:

    Goalkeepers: Faith Omilana; Linda Jiwuaku, Jessica Inyiama

    Defenders: Comfort Folorunsho; Tumininu Adeshina; Olamide Oyinlola; Josephine Edafe; Miracle Usani; Confidence Nwoha; Mistura Yusuf

    Midfielders: Blessing Emmanuel; Taiwo Afolabi; Chidera Okenwa; Joy Igbokwe

    Forwards: Omowunmi Bello; Mercy Itimi; Alvine Dah-Zossu; Anastasia Atume; Opeyemi Ajakaiye; Yetunde Ayantosho; Bisola Mosaku; Raheemot Adebayo

  • Buhari returns to Abuja after attending AU Summit in Addis Ababa

    Buhari returns to Abuja after attending AU Summit in Addis Ababa

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday returned to Abuja after participating in the 35th Ordinary Session of Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello, Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, were among those who welcomed the president at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    While in Addis Ababa, the Nigerian leader, apart from participating fully in the 35th Ordinary Session of Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government, held various bilateral meetings with some African leaders.

    The theme of the deliberation was: “Building Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthen Agriculture, Accelerate the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development.’’

    Buhari, who also met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, commended him for maintaining peace and unity in that country, and for ensuring fairness and justice in development.

    The two leaders also agreed that African growth and development would require strong, visionary leadership that will cater for the needs of the people, and effectively strengthen institutions that encourage peaceful co-existence, while providing disincentives to conflicts and coups.

    Buhari also received a comprehensive briefing on the coup attempt to oust President Umaru Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, on Sunday.

    The coup was, however, aborted by loyal forces in that country.

    The Nigerian leader met with Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, Suzi Barbosa, who made a graphic presentation of the attempt to overthrow the constitutional order in her country.

  • Buhari arrives Addis Ababa ahead of 35th AU session

    Buhari arrives Addis Ababa ahead of 35th AU session

    President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Africa Union Heads of State and Government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president’s arrival in the Ethiopian capital was captured in pictorial reports released by one of the President’s Personal Photographers, Mr Sunday Aghaeze, late Thursday evening.

    The Nigerian leader was received at the Addis Ababa International Airport by the Ethiopian Minister of Education, Prof. Berhanu Nega, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama and Minister of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq.

    Others at the airport included Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Victor Adeleke, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire as well as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Muhammed Abubakar.

    According to an earlier statement issued by the president’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari while in Addis Ababa, would join other African leaders in finding solutions to political, economic and social challenges facing the continent.

    The theme of the deliberation is: “Building Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthen Agriculture, Accelerate the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development.’’

    Buhari would on the sideline of the AU meetings, hold bilateral meetings with some leaders, with shared interest in improving trade relations, partnering to tackle security challenges and maintaining relations with multilateral institutions for sustainable development.

  • Photos: Buhari arrives Addis Ababa for AU’s Ordinary Session

    Photos: Buhari arrives Addis Ababa for AU’s Ordinary Session

    Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ahead the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

    He was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.

    Grand reception for Buhari in Addis Ababa

    Buhari introducing Nigerian delegates to the Ethiopian Prime Minister

    Buhari introducing Nigerian delegates to the Ethiopian Prime Minister

  • Buhari departs Abuja for Addis Ababa today

    President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja Friday (today) to attend the Thirty-third (33rd) Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    President Buhari will join leaders from the 55-member countries of the African Union to participate in the Summit with the theme, “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development.”

    The President will attend the 29th Forum of Heads of State and Government of Participating States of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the 27th Session of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (AUDA-NEPAD). The meetings will precede the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly.

    In Nigeria’s capacity as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council, President Buhari will participate in the High Level meeting of the Peace and Security Council on the situation in the Sahel and Libya, and High Level Ad-Hoc Committee on South Sudan.

    On the margins of the Summit, the President will deliver a keynote address at a High Level Side Event on “Stop the War on Children: Dividend of Silencing the Guns.” The event is co-sponsored by the Governments of Nigeria, Uganda and Norway, and Save the Children International.

    President Buhari and the Nigerian delegation will also participate in other High Level Side Events in furtherance of Nigeria’s national, regional and international goals, priorities and aspirations namely, peace and security, countering terrorism and violent extremism, economic development, asset recovery and fight against corruption.

    The President will also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the margins of the Summit.

    At the end of the AU Summit on February 10, the Nigerian President will commence a State Visit to Ethiopia on February 11, at the invitation of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed.

    The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia and reinforcing cooperation in key areas of mutual interest between the two countries.

    Before returning to Abuja, President Buhari will also interact with the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia.

    The President will be accompanied by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State; Senator Adamu Mohammed Bulkachuwa, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Yusuf Baba, Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

    Others are: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minister of Defence, Major-Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd); Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; and Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Nigeria.

    Also on the President’s entourage are, the National Security Adviser, Major-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

    President Buhari is expected back in Abuja on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

  • Greeting Buhari at Addis Ababa does not underestimate importance of my letter – Obasanjo

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has said the fact that he exchanged pleasantries with President Muhammadu Buhari at the African Union summit concluded in Addis Ababa does not underestimate the issues addressed in his open letter to him (Buhari).

    The former Nigerian leader also said the letter was not borne out malice or ‘bad belle’ but out of his deep concern for the situation in the country.

    He said this on Thursday at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oke Ilewo area of Abeokuta, shortly after the Coalition for Nigeria Movement was inaugurated in Ogun State, and he was registered as a member of the movement, after formally filling the registration form.

    Obasanjo’s registration came almost 24 hours after the CNM was inaugurated in Abuja.

    Obasanjo arrived the venue at exactly 12.44pm in company with former governors of Cross River and Osun States, Donald Duke and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola respectively, among others.

    The former president while addressing scores of potential members who had gathered at the venue, said he was surprised that many Nigerians were worried that he had exchange pleasantries with President Buhari at the African Unity summit at Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, few days after he wrote the open letter to him(Buhari).

    He noted that he never condemned the Buhari-led administration in totality, as he explained he gave him commendation in areas where it had performed well.

    Obasanjo, however, spoke in parable, hinting that big masquerades have taking the centre stage, and the small masquerades must quit the stage.

    He said, “Last week, I issued a statement which I did not do lightly or frivolously but out of deep concern for the situation of our country.

    “I wonder why some Nigerians were worried why I had to pay respect to the Nigerian President at Addis Ababa. That’s my own upbringing as a well-born and bred Yoruba boy.

    “That doesn’t mean that what I have said about the President, which I did not say out of bitterness and hatred. It is evidence that the President has performed, in some areas, good enough.

    ” In other areas not good and a proper advice which he may take and he may not take.

    “I didn’t do that out of malice or out of ‘bad belle’; I did it out of my respect for that office and my interest and I hope in your interest and the interest of Buhari in Nigeria.”

  • Buhari returns from Addis Ababa

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday returned to Abuja after a successful outing at the 30th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he was conferred as the anti-corruption Champion.

    The President’s aircraft landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi International Airport Abuja at about 2.20p.m.

    The Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, Inspector-General of Police Idris Ibrahim, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Musa Bello, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr Ahmed Abubakar and other presidential aides were at the airport to welcome the President.

    President Buhari had on Jan. 27 started his four-day engagement in Addis Ababa when he joined 14 other members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to discuss conflict and crisis situations across the continent.