Ademola Rasaq Seriki, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigeria Ambassador to Spain is dead.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ambassador Seriki succumbed to death on Wednesday in Madrid, Spain after battling an undisclosed ailment.
He was aged 63. Born 30th of November 1959, Seriki passed away surrounded by his family.
TNG reports Seriki was a former Minister for Defence.
Details later…
Families of Late Ambassador Blessing Clark last Sunday held a service of songs for the career diplomat.
See photos below
Front Row (L-R): Arc. Charles Majoroh (PGWW), Chief Joseph Akpieyi (Past PGWW), Prof. Olu Akinyanju (1949), Uncle Sam Amuka (1949), Engr. Eddie Agbahor (1951), Engr. Emma Ofoche (1952), and Most Snr. Evang. Roy Odoko (SG) at the Service of Songs & Tributes for Amb. Blessing Clark (Sunday, 4th December, 2022) at the Victoria Island, Lagos residence of the late Chairman, GCUOBA Board of Trustees. It was organized by GCUOBA WorldWide in collaboration with GCUOBA Lagos Branch. Roy Odoko 69
Ambassador Blessing Akporode Clark, the younger brother of South-South leader and a former commissioner for information, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, is dead.
This was disclosed to newsmen in a statement signed by Dr. Christopher C. Clark for the family. According to the statement, he died in Lagos state, yesterday the 26th of July 2022 at age 92.
The statement read, “The Bekederemo-Fuludu-Clark family of Kiagbodo Town in the Burutu Local Government Council of Delta State, announce with profound sadness, the passing onto glory of Nigera’s foremost Diplomat, Ambassador Blessing Akporode Clark, CON, today, 26th July, 2022 in Lagos. He was aged 92 years.
“At several times in his Diplomatic career, he was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Nigerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York.
“He was one of Nigeria’s leading multilateralists and rose to become Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of External Affairs. He was, one of the critical global personalities in the fight against Apartheid and Racial Discrimination; and a leading world expert on Disarmament.
“Since 1999, until his death, he served as Member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Foreign Relations.
“Ambassador Clark was a mentor to Nigeria’s Diplomatic Service, and for 50 (fifty) years, helped to shape Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“He is survived by his elder brother, Elder statesman Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark and other members of the family.
The body of a former Nigerian diplomat, Ambassador Ejeviome Otobo, who was last seen in the community on June 15, has been found by the Police in Tuckahoe, New York, United States.
The Tuckahoe Police Department on June 19 announced in a Facebook post that Otobo was missing and requested information from the public.
Otobo, who was 70-year-old at the of his death, served as the Director and Deputy Head, Peacebuilding Support Office at the United Nations headquarters in New York between December 2006 and October 2013.
On June 24, the police announced that Otobo had been found dead and sent condolences to his family.
A statement by the police department read, “The Tuckahoe Police Department regrets to inform members of the community that Mr. Ejeviome Otobo was located yesterday afternoon and is deceased.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that the Ambassador was last seen on June 15, 2022.
“We would like to thank those of you who offered tips and tried to assist with the investigation. Our thoughts go out to the Otobo Family during this difficult time,” the statement asserted.
Until his death, he was a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in Peacebuilding and Global Economic Policy at the Global Governance Institute in Brussels, Belgium.
From February to August 2009, Otobo acted as the Assistant Secretary-General at the UN.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (with international political economy, as an area of policy concentration) from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Otobo was member of the Prime Business Africa Editorial Board.
The widely-read scholar and diplomat suddenly went missing on June 15, 2022. In the US where he lived with his family, the Tuckahoe Police Department on June 19 had announced in a Facebook post that Otobo was missing and requested information from the public.
Sadly, On June 24, the police announced that Etobo had been found dead and sent condolences to his family.
The post read: “The Tuckahoe Police Department regrets to inform members of the community that Mr. Ejeviome Otobo was located yesterday afternoon and is deceased. We would like to thank those of you who offered tips and tried to assist with the investigation. Our thoughts go out to the Otobo Family during this difficult time.”
Until his death, he was a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in Peacebuilding and Global Economic Policy at the Global Governance Institute in Brussels, Belgium. Importantly, Otobo was on the Board of Newstide Publications Limited, publishers of Prime Business Africa, PBA.
Otobo (born 1951) in Otibio-Owhe (Otor Igho), Isoko North LGA, Delta State of Nigeria. He is residing in New York, USA and he is currently a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in Peacebuilding and Global Economic Policy at the Global Governance Institute, Brussels, Belgium.
He had previously held the position of Director and Deputy Head, United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) of the Peacebuilding Commission at the United Nations Headquarters, New York City,(Dec. 1st, 2006 – Oct. 31st, 2013), He was succeeded by Mr. Kenny Gluck.
Otobo served as Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) (Feb. 2nd, 2009 – Aug. 31st, 2009), between the departure of Dr. Jane Holl Lute and the appointment of Ms. Judy Cheng-Hopkins. At this position, he assisted in developing peacebuilding strategies, which included issues of governance reforms and economic reforms for countries on the agenda of the PBC (Burundi, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Sierra Leone); and supervised the work related to the follow-up, monitoring and periodic reporting on the implementation of the peacebuilding strategies.
Before joining PBSO, he served in various departments of the United Nations, including the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) in New York City; UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in New York; and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At ECA, DESA and OSAA, Mr. Otobo worked on economic policy issues, encompassing economic reforms, international and regional trade, foreign direct investment and corporate governance.He served as the ex-officio Secretary to the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Panel on International Support for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)-2004-2006.
He contributed to African Development Bank’s African Development Report 2001on fostering good governance in Africa. African Development Bank’s African Development Report, 2007 on Natural Resource for Sustainable development in Africa. His commentaries on Africa and international issues have been published by The Guardian (of Nigeria), This Day, Premium Times, Financial Times and Jeune Afrique.
Otobo joined the United Nations after a distinguished career in the diplomatic service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. During the course of his diplomatic career, he served on the Policy Planning Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Office of The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), represented Nigeria in several countries, and participated in various bilateral political and multilateral economic negotiations. In recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s diplomacy and foreign policy, he was appointed ambassador-in-situ.
The Ambassador served as an Honorary Member of Advisory Board for the World Conflict Report 2012 and, from 2014 to 2016, served as a member of the External Experts Advisory Board of the Informing Conflict Prevention, Resolution and Response: The Role of Media in Violent Conflict (INFOCORE)Project called the Seventh Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development which was funded by the European Union.
…insists his over three decades in public service will come to bear
Ambassador Jameel Waziri, a gubernatorial aspirant in Adamawa State, has stated reasons why he wants to be the state’s number one citizen, vowing he would industrialise agriculture in the agrarian North Eastern state of Nigeria.
Waziri, in a chat with TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) said he has all it takes to transform Adamawa state from “rurality to urbanity because my state is blessed with multi-talented people who will support my ideals to make a unique difference.
The career diplomat of more than 30years explained that “Adamawa is predominantly an agrarian state. With my international exposure and knowledge, I will bring to bear my public service experience to revolutionise the agricultural sector via well articulated mechanised farming methods.
“We have arable lands across the state and animal husbandry will be properly harnessed to ensure we have enough to eat and to even explore exportation of our produce.
“Do you know that virtually all the parts of a cow is commercially viable? From its bones which pharmaceutical companies use, and even chalk we use to write, to the skin, are useful even the bones. This I will equally explore if voted Governor by the grace of God.”
Asked why he is aiming to govern Adamawa state, Waziri explained that: ” Adamawa has the human resources to equal any other state in Nigeria. And if you go back to history, you will see the kind of people that Adamawa state has produced.
“I will use my local and international exposure, of over 30years experience, to prop up Adamawa, via international standard practice.
“In most of Western Europe, agriculture is the mainstay of their economy. Agric business, animal husbandry is the key to development and Adamawa has that in abundance. We don’t have to go cap in hand to meet the Federal Government to beg for resources.
“We can generate enough resources to develop Adamawa. We have enough human resources to tap into this and we can galvanise my state to greater heights.
“I have always stated that government has no business being in business but it can produce the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. That is the kind of programme we want to bring.
“If we put Adamawa and Taraba states together, we can produce enough meat for Nigeria instead of importing meat from South Africa and Namibia, when we have it in abundance.
“To my people of Adamawa state, we know where we have been. We know where we are now. But it is not clear we know where we are going, I have the clear vision to take governance to a greater height in Adamawa state.
“My covenant with Adamawa people is to grow an egalitarian, politically and economically independent state and I promised we can collectively achieve this.”
The Kenyan Ambassador to Nigeria, Wilfred Machage is dead.
His death was confirmed in a statement, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that after he collapsed at his home, he was pronounced dead at hospital in Abuja on Saturday.
It was stated in the statement that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets to announce the sudden death of Hon Dr. Ambassador Wilfred Machage, Kenya High Commissioner to Nigeria and accredited to 12 other countries in Central and Western Africa which occurred today.
“Ambassador Machage collapsed at home and was pronounced dead at hospital shortly thereafter at around 12.30pm this afternoon in Abuja, Nigeria. His wife was with him when this unfortunate incident happened.
“Confirming the passing of Amb. Machage, the Principal Secretary Ambassador Macharia Kamau said the Ministry, and the country had lost a dedicated and committed leader.”
Meanwhile, his twin brother, Sospeter Magita, who is also a former Kenya Ambassador to Russia told press men that the commissioner collapsed and died at his home after taking lunch.
Magita said that his brother Gisuka has enjoyed relatively good health.
“It is a very sad moment that I have today lost my best friend and confidant,” he said.
He added that his brother died while in the company of his wife-whom they had been living together with in Nigeria.
Ivorian retired professional footballer, Mr Didier Drogba has been appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Ambassador for Sports and Health.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Drogba was appointed ambassador by the WHO to help promote the benefits of physical activity, healthy lifestyles and the value of sports, particularly for youth.
Drogba, well known for his football career at Chelsea and as a two-time African Footballer of the Year (2006 and 2009), has a long track record of participating in various health campaigns such as healthy lifestyles, anti-malaria and HIV prevention and control.
“I am honoured to team up with the World Health Organization and support its work to help people reach the highest level of health possible, especially young people in all countries,” said Mr Drogba during his ambassadorship announcement event at WHO’s Geneva headquarters.
He added: “I have benefited first hand from the power of sports to lead a healthy life and I am committed to working with WHO to share such gains worldwide.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, hailed Mr Drogba as not only a football legend but a dedicated advocate for the health and sustainable development of communities, and added that his support for WHO can help curb the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, including the benefits of physical activity and sports for all people.
“Didier is a proven champion and game changer both on and off the pitch,” said Dr Tedros. “We are pleased to have him playing on our team, and helping communities worldwide reach and score goals through sports for their physical and mental health and well-being. He will also support the mobilization of the international community to promote sports as an essential means for improving the physical, mental health and social well-being of all people, including in helping COVID-19 recovery efforts.”
TNG reports current global estimates show four in five adolescents, and one in four adults, do not do enough physical activity. Increased physical inactivity also negatively impacts health systems, the environment, economic development, community well-being, and quality of life.
Regular physical activity, including through sports, helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and various types of cancer (including breast cancer and colon cancer).
Mr Drogba’s announcement as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador was made during a ceremony to launch the “Healthy 2022 World Cup – Creating Legacy for Sport and Health” partnership between Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health and its Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, WHO and world football’s governing body, FIFA.
Mr Drogba joins other WHO ambassadors including champion Brazilian footballer Alisson Becker; Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term Mayor of the City of New York; Cynthia Germanotta, President of the Born This Way Foundation; and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
The newly designated Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia, Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi has pledged to ensure an increase and more fruitful bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Speaking during a reception in his honour by his friends in Abuja Tuesday, Ominyi noted that the two countries already had a robust relationship which will be fine tuned for better results. He urged Nigerians, especially businessmen to be ready to do more with Zambia as he would work to ensure an increased trade volume. He pledged not to let the president and the nation down while pleading with all to keep their faith strong in an indivisible one Nigeria as the present challenges are temporary.
In his speech, the Zambian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Solomon Jere noted that there are many Nigerians in Zambia doing legitimate business just as there are many Zambians in Nigeria. He noted that the two countries inter marry and do plenty other things in common. He wished Ambassador Ominyi a pleasant stay in Zambia.
Speaking earlier, Dr Steve Egbo, executive director Administration and Training in Nigerian Television Authority who is the leader of the group of friends of the Ambassador noted that he had no doubt Nigeria will find a good representative in Ominyi.
” He is forthright, a dogged fighter and great mobilizer. We are sure he would deploy all these abilities to work for Nigeria in Zambia “.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from the diplomatic community and top politicians.
First-ever UAE Ambassador to Israel, Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Khaja, on Monday arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
The media reported on Monday.
In mid-February, Abu Dhabi appointed its first ambassador to Israel, six months after the two countries agreed to normalise their ties.
Al-Khaja, the former director of the Foreign Ministry’s office, was sworn in before UAE Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Al-Khaja is also set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi later in the day.
The ambassador will also meet other senior officials, according to Israeli media reports.
Earlier, Al-Khaja held talks with Israel’s temporary ambassador in the UAE, Eitan Na’eh, who is stationed in Abu Dhabi, with the parties having discussed means of developing bilateral relations.
The UAE and Israel struck a U.S-brokered deal, officially known as the Abraham Accords, to normalise their relationships in August and ratified it in October.
The UAE agreed to open an embassy in Tel Aviv, while Israel said it would establish a diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi.
China’s ambassador to Israel, Du Wei, appointed in the middle of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in February is dead.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Du Wei was found dead on his bed at his residence on the outskirts of Herzliya, Tel Aviv, a police spokesman said on Sunday.
No cause of death has been reported yet, but the Israeli police said they are investigating the sudden death.
“As part of the regular procedure, police units are at the scene,” police spokesman, confirming the news told Reuters news agency.
The 58-year-old, appointed in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in February, was formerly China’s ambassador to Ukraine.