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Tag: London

  • Sosoliso Airlines chairman dies of COVID-9 in London

    Sosoliso Airlines chairman dies of COVID-9 in London

    Chairman of the defunct Sosoliso Airline, Chief Victor Ikwuemesi, has died of COVID-19 in London.

    Family sources and associates confirmed he died on Monday few days after he was diagnosed with coronavirus.

    A source close to the family disclosed that Ikwuemesi was admitted into an unnamed London hospital after a brief illness.

    He later tested positive for COVID-19 in the result that was released on Tuesday.

    He was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on oxygen since he arrived the London hospital.

    “But, when the oxygen was removed for him to eat he couldn’t breathe on his own.

    “So they put him on a ventilator and he died shortly after,” the source disclosed.

    It was however learnt that his son and the Managing Director of the defunct airline, Oscar Ikwuemesi, is in the United States as there are no international commercial flights operating globally.

    Sosoliso, which was based in Enugu started operation in July 2000.

  • COVID-19: Trump sends two therapeutic companies to London to assist ‘critically ill’ Boris Johnson

    COVID-19: Trump sends two therapeutic companies to London to assist ‘critically ill’ Boris Johnson

    President Donald Trump said he has asked two therapeutics companies to ‘contact London immediately’ about assisting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s treatment

    Johnson, who was diagnosed with coronavirus about 11 days ago was admitted into the ICU of St. Thomas Hospital as his health took a turn for the worse.

    ‘I want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine, and a friend to our nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson,’ Trump said.

    ‘We are very saddened to hear that he was taken into intensive care this afternoon a little while ago. And Americans are all praying for his recovery.

    ‘He has been a really good friend pretty something special. Very strong. Resolute, he does not quit. Does not give up.’

    ‘I have asked two of the leading companies – these are brilliant companies, they have come up with solutions and just have done incredible jobs – I have asked them to contact London immediately.

    ‘They speak a language that most people do not even understand – but I understand something that they have really advanced there, therapeutically, and that they have arrived in London already.

    ‘The London office has whatever they need. And we will see if we can be of help. We have contacted all of Boris’ doctors, and we will see what is going to take place. But they are ready to go.

    Trump added: ‘But when you get brought into intensive care, that gets very, very serious with this particular disease.

    ‘So, the two companies are there. And with what they are talking about, and it is rather complex, and has had really incredible results.

    ‘We are working with the FDA and everybody else, but we are working with London with respect to Boris Johnson.’—Daily Mail

  • COVID-19: Europe’s busiest airport to close runway

    COVID-19: Europe’s busiest airport to close runway

    London’s Heathrow airport will close one of its two runways on Monday after flight numbers dropped due to the coronavirus crisis.

    “It is about increasing resilience and security for employees, passengers, and cargo during the Covid-19 outbreak,” a spokesman for Europe’s largest airport said late Thursday evening, the Britain’s news agency PA reported.

    The spokesman said that the airport would remain open even if there were significantly fewer flights worldwide, PA news reported.

    The airport forecasted a 53 per cent surge in weekly cargo movements as it has started to prioritize flights with medical supplies, a letter from Heathrow officials said on March 27.

    “Whilst passenger travel remains restricted for many, we’ll continue to play a key role in safely keeping the UK’s supply chain alive,” Heathrow airport said on Twitter Thursday.

    Heathrow, a major international hub, says it is the busiest airport in the world, handling more than 80 million passengers last year.

    In total, more than 475,600 planes take off from the airport in 2019.

    A total of 90 airlines operate out of Heathrow, servicing more than 180 destinations.

    More than 33,000 people in Britain have been infected with Covid-19 as of Thursday, local sources said.

    The number of deaths rose by 569 in one day to bring the total count to 2921.

  • Prince Harry meets African leaders in London

    Prince Harry meets African leaders in London

    Britain’s Prince Harry attended a summit for leaders of 21 African countries in London hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

    This happened the day after he spoke of his sadness that he would shortly be giving up royal duties.

    Harry said on Sunday that there was no option but for him and his American wife Meghan to step back from their royal roles in a deal with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth and senior Windsors that would allow them a more independent future.

    The new arrangement, which will see them split their time between Britain and North America where they will be mainly based, is due to come into effect in the Spring of this year.

    In the meantime, Harry will continue with official duties and on Monday met the presidents of Malawi and Mozambique and the prime minister of Morocco at the African investment summit.

    Buckingham Palace said that the prince, who visited Malawi and other African countries in October 2018 in what is set to be his last official overseas tour, has been heavily involved in causes in Africa for many years and his love for the continent was well-known.

    His high-profile speech on Sunday was made at an event for Sentebale, a charity he co-founded which helps children affected by HIV in Africa.

    At the summit, Johnson called for deeper investment ties between Britain and Africa, as part of a drive to develop trade ties after the UK leaves the EU at the end of the month.

    Johnson called for Britain to be the “investment partner of choice” for Africa.

    Buckingham Palace and the queen announced on Saturday that Harry and Meghan would no longer be working members of Britain’s monarchy, and no longer use their “Royal Highness” titles.

    And also they would now pay their own way in life, freeing them to forge what they call a “progressive new role”.

    The new arrangement was struck to end a crisis the couple sparked by announcing earlier this month they wanted to cut down on official engagements and spend more time in Canada and the U.S., while remaining active royals.

    In a speech to the Sentebale charity on Sunday, a clearly upset Harry said that the final outcome was not what he and his American wife, a former actress, had wanted.

    “Our hope was to continue serving the queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations without public funding.

    “Sadly that wasn’t possible,” the prince, the sixth-in-line to the throne, said.

    “I’ve accepted this knowing it doesn’t change who I am, or how committed I am.

    “But I hope that helps you understand what it had come to, that I would step back from all I have ever known to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.”

    Under the arrangement, Harry will remain a prince and the couple will keep their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they begin a new life split between Britain and North America, where they will spend the majority of their time.

    But they will not take part in any future ceremonial events or royal tours.

  • Buhari jets out to London today

    Buhari jets out to London today

    President Muhammadu Buhari will today depart Abuja for London to participate in the inaugural UK-Africa investment summit scheduled for Monday.

    The President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the summit is expected to bring African leaders, international business chief executives, heads of international organisations together “to create new partnerships that will deliver more investments and jobs” in Africa and the UK.

    “Apart from highlighting new perspectives on UK-Africa Partnership for Prosperity, issues of Sustainable Finance and Infrastructure; Trade and Investment; Future African Growth Sectors and Clean Energy and Climate,

    are expected to dominate presentations and discussions during the Summit.

    “With the expected take-off of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in mid-2020, the London investment summit will provide Nigeria with the opportunity to project itself as a leading investment destination for new industries.

    “In addition, the summit will deepen Nigeria-United Kingdom investment ties post-Brexit given that Africa currently represents just two percent of British trade activity, with Nigeria accounting for only 10 percent of that total.

    “The Nigerian delegation to the investment meeting will further showcase what the Federal Government has done through policies and legislations to improve the investment and business climate in the country,” Adesina said.

    According to the statement, Buhari will also hold a meeting with Prince Charles, head of the Commonwealth, in Glasgow, Scotland, as well as a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and heads of multilateral organisations.

    Among the Governors that will accompany the President are Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

    The Ministers on the trip are Geoffrey Onyeama (Foreign Affairs), Nìyí Adebayo (Industry, Trade and Investment) and Zainab Ahmed (Finance, Budget and National planning).

    Others are the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar.

    The President is expected back in Abuja next Thursday.

  • Nigerian Governor hospitalised in London

    Nigerian Governor hospitalised in London

    Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State has been hospitalised in London for an undisclosed illness.

    This was revealed in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media Mukhtar Gidado.

    The governor’s message was aimed at reassuring the people of the state of victory in the election dispute between him and the immediate past governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mohammed Abubakar heard at the Supreme Court on MOnday (today).

    “I am in hospital in London but we strongly believe that Allah is sufficient for us and He is Able and Capable to give us victory! Cheers, success shall be ours InshaAllah! Cheers to you all,” the governor said in a message to the people of the state.

    The Supreme Court heard the appeal filed against his election today, along with five other appeals against the election of incumbents in Imo, Kano, Sokoto, Benue and Plateau states.

    Bala Mohammed in the statement released by Gidado, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the lofty ideals of new Bauchi Movement, pledged to lead with justice, equity and humility.

    He however promised to recognise and reward those who contributed positively to his movement and show loyalty to him and the Bauchi Project.

    According to him, the period of the supreme court judgement is a moment that God has shown him his real supporters while “it is also the time when detractors, within and outside his fold are exposed”.

  • London street bans petrol, diesel cars

    Petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned from a street in central London in an innovative attempt to reduce pollution, local authorities said.

    Officials said Beech Street, which runs underneath the Brutalist designed Barbican Estate, would become Britain’s first “24-7 zero-emission street”.

    During an 18-month trial starting next year, the area will be restricted to electric or hybrid vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, the City of London Corporation announced on Monday.

    However, access will be given for refuse collection and deliveries, for those using car parks off the street and emergency vehicles.

    “Drastically reducing air pollution requires radical actions, and these plans will help us eliminate toxic air on our streets,” said the chairman of the corporation’s environment committee, Jeremy Simon.

    Officials said they expected a reduction of 90 to 95 percent in traffic on Beech Street, and an improvement in air quality around the immediate area, which includes two schools.

    “The scheme aims to bring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels within air quality guidelines set out by the European Union and World Health Organisation,” a corporation statement said.

    The trial is separate from the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) introduced across the centre of London earlier this year, for which motorists in older, more polluting vehicles must pay a charge to enter.

  • London police arrest 2 men over racial abuse during football match

    London police arrest 2 men over racial abuse during football match

    Two men were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault at Saturday’s FA Cup qualifying match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town in North London, the capital’s Metropolitan Police said.

    The men, aged 23 and 26, were arrested on Monday in Chard and Yeovil, in South-Western English county of Somerset, following an investigation into reports of racist comments made during the match, police said.

    The contest was abandoned after 64 minutes of play amid reports of racial abuse against Haringey’s players including Cameroonian goalkeeper, Valery Douglas Pajetat.

    According to reports in British media, objects were hurled at Pajetat and he was spat at by visiting Yeovil fans.

    “There is absolutely no place for racism in football and @Growler1Tom and the #Boro players decided to leave the pitch as a result of the abuse they were subjected to,’’

    The north London club said in a tweet on Saturday.

    “Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon,’’ the club said in another tweet.

    “It must be said that 99.9% of [Yeovil Town’s] fans are also disgusted by what’s happened as much as we are.’’

    The arrests come less than a week after several people were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the racist disruption that marred their Bulgaria’s Euro 2020 qualifier with England in Sofia

  • Why I left Nigeria for long – Aisha Buhari

    Why I left Nigeria for long – Aisha Buhari

    Wife of the President Mrs. Aisha Buhari has given reasons why she stayed for so long abroad.

    Mrs Buhari arrived at approximately 4.30am Nigerian time on a British Airways flight.

    Speaking on why she stayed away for so long, the wife of the President said before the advent of this administration it had always been the custom for her to take a long vacation with her children.

    “Since the president was elected and due to exigencies of duty it has not been possible, however this year I decided to break the jinx and spend time with them, especially since Mr President has graciously appointed Special Advisers and Personal assistants to me,” Aisha Buhari said.

    Mrs Buhari further thanked all Nigerians for their support and encouragement and said she was ready to continue her work with women and children.

    Present at the airport to meet her were the First lady of Kogi State, Mrs Rasheedat Bello, Wife of former Governor of Nassarawa State, Mrs Mairo Al Makura, Chairperson of National Centre for Women Development, Joy Gene Nunieh, wife of Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Mrs Ekaetae Unoma Akpabio, D.G. Womens Development Centre, Mrs Mary Etta, and Senior Special Assistant, Office of the wife of the President, Dr Hajo Sani.

    Mrs Buhari has been away in London for close to two months.

    She returned home to the villa to meet family, friends and associates.

  • $9.6bn P&ID Judgment: Nigerian team departs for London

    A Nigerian legal team has left for the United Kingdom to discuss with lawyers in the UK on strategies to adopt to stave off the $9.6bn judgment debt procured by the Irish company Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) against Nigeria, over a failed gas contract.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), disclosed this Sunday night in an update on the nightmarish judgement given by a UK commercial court judge.

    ‘’All cards are on the table but it all depends on (which is) beneficial, that has potency for setting aside the award, having regards to the applicable law in the circumstances.”

    Malami said no possibility was ruled out including, “possibility of filing new case or using existing proceedings to seek relief of setting aside the award of the contract cannot be ruled out.’’

    The minister had earlier raised posers about the company and the contract:

    *Why the P&ID did not have its own office address at the time of signing the agreement but opted to use the contact address of a law firm.

    *Why the contract was not passed to the Ministry of Justice for vetting if there was record of any capital flow as a result of the contract and why the contract was not taken to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

    *In whose interest the gas contract was awarded and what it was meant to achieve

    *Why the centre of arbitration was taken to London, and not Nigeria, a sovereign nation,

    *Why the NNPC, NPDC and IOCs, who were to have supplied the gas component of the agreement were not made parties to it.

    Malami insisted that the Federal government would not compromise the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians under any guise.

    “I want to state clearly that the Nigerian government will not sell out the interest of the country and the Nigerian people in order to satisfy some elements who are consciously out to extort the Nigerian people for their selfish aggrandisement.

    “It is to be noted that while we are willing and ready to negotiate and meet the terms of agreements reached with all genuine investors which have done business or are still doing business with Nigeria on mutually beneficial terms, we will not allow fraudulent local and foreign collaborators to rip off the resources of Nigeria for no just cause in order to be seen as being nice or ‘investor-friendly,” he said.

    Last week a court in Abuja wound up the British Virgin Island registered P&ID, following its conviction for fraud and tax evasion.

    The court also ordered the winding-up of the firm’s affiliate, P&ID Nigeria Limited.

    Two Nigerian directors of the company Mohammed Kuchazi and Adamu Usman were also convicted by Justice I. E. Ekwo of Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja.

    Kuchazi and Usman were arraigned on an 11-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence; dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licence; money laundering and failure to register P&ID with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) as required by law, amounting to economic sabotage against the Nigerian state.

    On Friday, Mrs. Grace Taiga, a female accomplice in the mega fraud, was remanded in Suleja Prison, on the orders of Justice O.A. Adeniyi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja.

    Mrs.Taiga, a former director, Legal Services in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was a key actor in the fraudulent Gas Supply and Processing Agreement (GSPA) between the federal government and P&ID. She is alleged to have used her position to administer undue favours to the company.

    She was arraigned on an eight-count amended charges, bordering on accepting bribes and other related crimes.