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Tag: U.S.

  • Fewer than a quarter of U.S. voters can find Iran on world map

    Fewer than a quarter of U.S. voters can find Iran on world map

    In spite of the U.S. being on the brink or war with Iran, fewer than a quarter of American voters can find the 81-million-person nation on a world map.

    According to a poll by Morning Consult/Politico, that number leaps only slightly when voters were asked to find Iran on a map showing just the Middle East.

    Only 23 per cent of the 1,995 registered voters surveyed properly placed the Islamic republic between Iraq and Afghanistan.

    That number jumped to 28 per cent when the study’s participants were given a map focusing specifically on the part of the world where Iran is located.

    Nevertheless, more participants in the study support the controversial air strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad last week than oppose it.

    According to the Morning Consult/Politico study, 47 per cent of registered voters were for the targeted killing and 40 per cent were against it.

    The strike was backed by 85% of Republicans polled and 70 per cent of Democrats.

    Iran responded to Soleimani’s killing by firing a dozen missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq Tuesday.

    The Morning Consult/Politico study was concluded prior to that offensive.

    There were no reported casualties.

    Men correctly identified Iran’s borders at twice the rate of women, the research found.

    Just under half of the total respondents reported hearing “a lot” about the killing of Soleimani.

    Support from President Donald Trump has not been impacted by the U.S.’s Jan. 3 strike, according to a separate Morning Consult finding.

  • U.S. court rejects Exxon, Shell’s bid on $1.8b award against NNPC

    U.S. court rejects Exxon, Shell’s bid on $1.8b award against NNPC

    A United States (U.S.) judge has rejected ExxonMobil Corp’s and Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s effort to revive a $1.8 billion arbitration award against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    The award stemmed from a dispute over a 1993 contract to extract oil near country’s coastline. U.S. District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan cited public policy and due process considerations in deciding not to enforce the October 2011 award against NNPC which was subsequently set aside by courts in Nigeria.

    “While this court may have inherent authority to fashion appropriate relief in certain circumstances, exercising that authority to create a $1.8 billion judgment is a bridge too far,” Pauley wrote in a 50-page decision.

    The firms said last November that the award had grown to $2.67 billion, including interest. Exxon spokesman Todd Spitler said the oil major disagreed with the decision and was evaluating its next steps. Shell and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    “NNPC is very pleased with the decision, and was always confident that there was no basis for a U.S. court to confirm the award,” its lawyer Cecilia Moss said in an interview.

    According to court papers, the 1993 contract anticipated that Exxon and Shell affiliates would invest billions of dollars to extract oil from the Erha field, about 60 miles (97 km) off Nigeria’s coast, and share profits with NNPC. But the affiliates, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co Ltd, accused NNPC of unilaterally “lifting” more oil than was contractually allowed, at the behest of Nigeria’s government, depriving them of billions of dollars of oil.

    Pauley said Exxon and Shell still have “multiple appeals pending” in Nigeria, and rejected their argument that it might be difficult to collect there. Exxon and Shell “executed a contract in Nigeria with another Nigerian corporation containing an arbitration clause requiring any arbitration to be held in Nigeria under Nigerian law, and it then sought to confirm the award in Nigeria,” Pauley wrote.

    “(They) cannot now reasonably complain that (their) efforts to collect will be frustrated in Nigeria.”

    In an Aug. 7 regulatory filing, Exxon said it did not expect the case to materially affect its operations or financial condition. The case is Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd et al v Nigerian National Petroleum Corp, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No.

  • Travel ban: Atiku commends U.S

    Travel ban: Atiku commends U.S

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the U.S for imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.
    Abubakar made the commendation in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Wednesday in Abuja.
    Abubakar, who was the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the February election, commended the U.S for standing with the Nigerian people against undemocratic forces.
    He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying that the efforts of those that fought for true democracy would not be in vain.
    NAN recalls that a statement by the Spokesman of the U.S Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, on July 23, says that as Nigeria marks the 20th anniversary of her democratic rule this year, the U.S remained committed to advancing democracy in the country.
    “As Nigeria marks the twentieth anniversary of a return to democratic rule this year, we remain committed to working together to continue to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.
    “We condemn those whose acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption harmed Nigerians or undermined the democratic process.
    “The U.S. government said that we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – For individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organising election-related violence.
    “To that end, the Secretary of State is imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

  • 2019 polls: U.S. imposes visa restrictions on 'saboteurs' of Nigeria’s democracy

    The U.S. Government has imposed visa restrictions on “individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process”.
    A spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, Ms Morgan Ortagus, who announced this in a statement on Tuesday, said the action applied to those responsible for election-related violence.
    Ortagus said the unidentified individuals had “operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and undermined democratic principles and human rights”.
    Recall that no fewer than 39 persons died in violence related to the last general elections in the country.
    The action, according to the spokesperson, is in fulfillment of the U.S. government’s earlier promise to consider sanctions against anti-democratic forces, including organisers of election-related violence in the country.
    “In a Jan. 24 statement, the U.S. government said that we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organising election-related violence.
    “To that end, the Secretary of State is imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.
    “These individuals have operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and undermined democratic principles and human rights,” she said.
    The spokesperson emphasised that the restrictions targeted at specific individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people or the newly-elected government.
    She explained that the decision reflected the Department’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government in its anti-corruption crusade and efforts to strengthen democracy, accountability and respect for human rights.
    “The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy.
    “We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the February and March 2019 elections and have worked to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions and processes.
    “As Nigeria marks the 20th anniversary of a return to democratic rule this year, we remain committed to working together to continue to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.
    “We condemn those whose acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption harmed Nigerians or undermined the democratic process,” the spokesperson added.

  • 30 Nigerian students get full U.S. govt scholarship

    U.S. government had given university scholarship to 30 outstanding Nigerian students to enable them to study in the U.S and other countries.
    The scholarship is in furtherance of the Education U.S.A Opportunity Funds programme.
    Ms Malia Heroux, the Deputy Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy in Abuja made this known on Friday during the pre-departure orientation for the students.
    Heroux said that 35 students applied for the 2019 scholarship programme but only 30 of them were selected, with 27 of them going to the U.S. while the remaining three got the prestigious Mastercards to Ghana.
    She said that the students were selected across schools in Nigeria based on academic excellence, demonstrated leadership potential, ethos of giving back to community extracurricular achievement, and talent.
    She explained that although the programme was spearheaded by the U.S. embassy in Nigeria, the scholarship and funds were provided by the institutions it partnered with.
    “The scholarship is for students who are incredibly high achieving academically but come from backgrounds which are not economically conducive to paying for school fees,” she said.
    Heroux said that the scholarship equally cut across students considered to be leaders in their communities and seeking to make a difference in their communities.
    “Academically, Education U.S.A. has over 400 advising centres in different countries and we have a larger number of advising in Nigeria because we have such a rich body of created and talented people.
    “The funding comes from the school themselves this is why we like to work with the students to identify not only what programmes they want to study but universities that offer such programmes and also in financial position to provide for scholarships.
    “So the embassy only pays for opportunity students, pay for some of the small fees as well as the standardise testing, airline tickets.
    “We have 30 students who are benefiting from the education U.S.A opportunities funds grants programme.
    “We work with many more students throughout the year whose parents can either fund or who are seeking partial scholarship,” Heroux said.
    Also speaking, Mr Anton Smith, acting Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Abuja said that the U.S. was interested in providing opportunities for exceptional students to study and return to develop their country.
    Smith said that the scholarship programme also created opportunities for students to learn more about America and the culture which would further help in strengthening ties between Nigeria and the U.S.
    “The main interest is providing opportunities for some of the best performing students in the world and particularly from Nigeria.
    “To come and spend time in the U.S. so that they can gain the cultural insight and cultural exchange that helps us draw people together.
    “And to give the high performing students an opportunity to gain from some of the best education in the world across the world.
    “So that the Nigerian students going to study can have the American experience, come back and help Nigeria to succeed, to create opportunities for aligning on issues of mutual importance or creating opportunities for growth and prosperity.
    “All of that helps America when they help Nigeria so it is a win win situation that is very easy for us to see the return on investments” Smith said.
    One of the beneficiaries, Abraham Ojodomo, praised the U.S. government for the opportunity and the U.S. Embassy’s Education U.S.A. Advising Centre for providing him with the opportunity to make his dreams come true.
    Ojodomo said that he was benefiting from a 76,000-dollar full-funded scholarship to study Computer Science at Franklin and Marshal College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
    He said that he graduated from Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuse, but never expected to further his education since his mother was a petty trader, who sold tigernut drink, a local brew.
    He said that he planned to return to Nigeria after his studies and establish an Information Technology school in a rural community where the less privileged, intelligent students could have the opportunity to study and achieve their dreams.

  • U.S. Universities Offer $7.5m in Scholarships to Nigerian Students

    U.S. Universities Offer $7.5m in Scholarships to Nigerian Students

    More than 303 Nigerian students from the 17 states of southern Nigeria have received no less than $7.5 million in full or partial scholarships from 225 American universities and colleges to study in the United States for the 2019-2020 academic session.

    Acting United States Consul General Osman Tat disclosed this in Lagos on Tuesday during the 2019 EducationUSA pre-departure orientation for students who have received offers of admission and scholarships to attend U.S. colleges and universities this fall.

    Noting that the U.S. remains a top destination for international students, Acting Consul General Tat explained that the list of acceptances for Nigerian students for the upcoming academic year has been quite impressive, cutting across many of the 50 U.S. states.

    “I congratulate each one of you on your tremendous success. This is a very important step in your life. I encourage you to make the most out of your time in the United States to acquire the requisite skills and knowledge needed to support Nigeria’s development,” Tat told the group of U.S.-bound students.

    The students have been accepted for undergraduate and graduate degree programs at top notch U.S. institutions ranging from Ivy League universities, liberal arts colleges, women’s colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to community colleges.

    They include Stanford University, The George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, Purdue University, Tufts University, Boston University, Emory University, and Howard University, among many others.

    The pre-departure orientation is intended to assist students to prepare for their move from Nigeria to attend a college or university in the United States. The event included interactive sessions on topics such as travel planning, adjusting to life in America, safety on campus, and F-1 visa rules for international students.

    Participants also had the opportunity to meet with students currently studying in the United States who offered tips on how to prepare for the U.S. academic, social, and cultural environment.

    Among the departing students are 13 EducationUSA Opportunity Fund grantees —10 undergraduate and 3 graduate students, with full scholarships — who received financial aid to cover the up-front cost of obtaining admission.

    Annually, through the Opportunity Fund Program, the U.S. Consulate’s EducationUSA Advising Centre assists talented low-income students who are good candidates for admission to U.S. colleges and universities, by funding their application process.

    According to the latest Open Doors Report, published annually by the Institute of International Education, Nigeria is the 13th highest sending country of international students to the U.S., with about 12, 693 Nigerians currently studying in the United States.

  • Nigerian-born basketball player Calistus Anyichie drowns in U.S.

    A Nigerian born Binghamton University basketball player, Calistus Anyichie has died after drowning at Buttermilk Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York.
    According to a statement from the university, the 19-year-old entering his sophomore year at the university, drowned on Sunday. Anyichie was a member of the men’s basketball team and was majoring in political science.
    Anyichie’s body was found at the base of a 15-foot bank, after crews responded to the drowning at the 300 block of West King Road at upper Buttermilk Falls State Park at around 5 p.m.
    He had attended St. Mary-Assumption High School, where he played basketball for three years, was the team captain and was also selected all-conference as a senior.
    “There are no words. There is no blueprint for how to deal with such a painful loss,” Tommy Dempsey, head coach of the Binghamton University men’s basketball team, said in a statement. “We all loved Calistus so much. He was such a special young man. We are devastated.”
    It was also gathered that the Nigerian NBA prospect averaged 1.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 9.1 minutes per game last season at Binghamton.
  • Iran decries U.S. sanctions as illegal

    Iran decries U.S. sanctions as illegal

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said that recent U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic are “illegal,’’ the Tasnim News Agency reported on Friday.

    “Their new sanctions, like previous embargoes are ineffective and lack any legal basis,“Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying.

    He said that these sanctions are “desperate’’ measures taken by the U.S. President Donald Trump administration.

    On June 24, Trump signed an executive order targeting sanctions on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his office and those closely affiliated with him.

    Washington also announced that it would sanction Iran’s foreign minister in July.

    Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said that fresh U.S. sanctions targeting the country’s senior officials are harmful to diplomacy as a means to settle prickly issues between Tehran and Washington.

  • No debt relief for you, U.S. warns Africa leaders

    No debt relief for you, U.S. warns Africa leaders

    The U.S. top Africa diplomat, Tibor Nagy, warned in Pretoria, South Africa on Monday that African countries running up debt they cannot pay back, including China, should not expect to be bailed out by western-sponsored debt relief.

    The International Monetary Fund and World Bank began the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative in 1996 to help the world’s poorest countries clear billions of dollars’ worth of unsustainable debt.

    But Africa is facing another potential debt crisis today, with around 40 per cent of low-income countries in the region now in debt distress or at high risk of it, according to an IMF report released a year ago.

    Nagy, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa for African Affairs said “we went through this, just in the last 20 years, this big debt forgiveness for a lot of African countries,’’ referring to the HIPC programme.

    “I certainly would not be sympathetic, and I do not think my administration would be sympathetic to that kind of situation,’’ he told reporters.

    Under Donald Trump’s administration, the U.S. has criticised China for pushing poor countries into debt, mainly through lending for large-scale infrastructure projects.

    Nagy has warned that those nations risk losing control of strategic assets if they cannot repay the Chinese loans.

    Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port in the town of Hambantota to a Chinese company in 2017 as part of a plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Sri Lanka owes China into equity.

    U.S. officials have warned that a strategic port in the tiny Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti could be next, a prospect the government there has denied.

    From 2000 to 2016, China loaned around $125 billion to the continent, according to data from the China-Africa Research Initiative at Washington’s Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

  • Osinbajo jets to US, to meet VP Mike Pence, others

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is visiting the United States of America, according to a statement released by the Presidency in Abuja.

    He left Abuja on Saturday.

    The statement, which was signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, reads, “Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will be visiting the United States where he will be meeting with his US counterpart, Mr Mike Pence, and other key groups and interests in the country.

    “Ahead of his meeting with the US Vice-President in Washington D.C on Wednesday, Prof Osinbajo will be meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations on Monday in New York.

    “In his meeting with his American counterpart, VP Osinbajo would be discussing matters of mutual interests between Nigeria and the US, while he would be speaking on Nigeria’s economic prospects and other related matters in his meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations.

    “The Vice-President leaves for US this afternoon and is expected back in Abuja on Thursday.”