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Tag: UK

  • Sad as Nigerian woman dies one month after arriving UK

    Sad as Nigerian woman dies one month after arriving UK

    Olubunmi Okeniyi, a middle-aged Nigerian woman, has reportedly died almost a month after relocating to the United Kingdom with her two children.

    According to report, the mother of two arrived in the country on September 16, 2024, but died on Sunday, October 13 in Sunderland.

    Confirming her death, the founder of Nigerians in the UK Community, Oluomo of Derby, in a statement on the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter, pleaded with the public to donate for her immediate burial.

    He wrote: “With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mrs. Olubunmi Okeniyi, who tragically passed away on the 13/10/24, at 4:30pm in Sunderland, UK. Mrs Olubunmi, who arrived from Nigeria with her two sons on 16/09/24, is survived by her husband, Mr. Jacob Okeniyi. We are urgently seeking donations to assist with her immediate burial, as her husband cannot afford the costs.”

  • Tinubu departs UK for France

    Tinubu departs UK for France

    President Bola Tinubu has departed the United Kingdom for Paris, France according to his Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Kabir Masari.

    The presidential aide posted the information on his verified X handle, @KabirIbrah64, Friday evening.

    “Today, I had the honour of visiting President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu GCFR at his private residence in the United Kingdom, where we engaged in productive discussions. We then departed for Paris, France, for another important engagement. ”

    The president departed Nigeria on Wednesday, October 2, for a two-week working vacation in the UK as part of his annual leave.

    At the time, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had said the president was on annual leave.

    “He will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms. He will return to the country after the leave expires.”

  • Finally, real reason why Tinubu travelled to UK exposed

    Finally, real reason why Tinubu travelled to UK exposed

    Ex-Presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, has revealed major reason President Bola Tinubu travelled to the UK, so he could have time to himself for a review of his administration so far.

    Okupe slammed Nigerians criticising Tinubu’s trip to the United Kingdom for a two-week holiday.

    According to him, the president wants to avoid “undue interference from political associates”, as he seeks to rejig his cabinet.

    Okupe said: “I have read many uninformed criticisms of the President’s holiday trip abroad.

    “Personally, from my understanding of how Presidents behave in periods of national crisis, I believe the President has willfully separated himself from officials, friends and associates to reflect and review the last 17 months and chart a new way forward for his administration.

    “At the same time, it is to carefully avoid undue interference from political associates, in his thought process to rejig his cabinet.”

  • Bilateral Relations: UK, Nigeria trade volume jumps to £7.1b

    Bilateral Relations: UK, Nigeria trade volume jumps to £7.1b

    Bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and Britain have reached £7.1 billion, according to British Deputy High Commissioner Johnny Baxter. He announced this at the Nigeria-Britain Association (N-BA) 2024 Presidential Cocktail held at his residence in Lagos.

     

    The event, organized in collaboration with the British Deputy High Commissioner, SCIB Nigeria & Co Limited, NEM Insurance Plc, and Sola Oyetayo & Co, provided a platform for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas.

     

    In his address, Baxter highlighted the deep-rooted connections between Nigeria and Britain, emphasizing the significant ties between the two nations, including the impact of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK and the strong educational and cultural exchanges. He applauded the close bilateral trade relations, now valued at £7.1 billion, and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms.

     

    Earlier, N-BA President Sola Oyetayo welcomed attendees and articulated the Association’s mission to strengthen cultural ties and business collaborations between the two countries. He noted that 2024 marks the Association’s 55th anniversary, reflecting its commitment to fostering partnerships and friendship. Since 2023, the Association has supported over 300 entrepreneurs and students.

     

    Oyetayo also announced the launch of the N-BA secretariat building project, symbolizing the Association’s dedication to promoting Nigeria-Britain friendship and serving as the hub for all its activities.

     

    N-BA Patron Chief Emeka Anyaoku stressed the significance of the Association in strengthening Nigeria-UK relations. He highlighted extensive ties in education, trade, and culture, praising the N-BA’s role and sharing personal anecdotes to illustrate cultural differences.

     

    In her goodwill message, Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John, represented by her Special Adviser on Policy and Legal Services, Jibike Teniola, praised the N-BA for fostering cultural and national connections, and promoting cultural exchange and business partnerships.

     

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the strong partnership between the State and the Association, commending its efforts in fostering cultural, social, and educational connections.

     

    Other distinguished guests included N-BA Vice President and Director of the British Council in Nigeria, Lucy Pearson; Special Adviser on Investment to Ogun State Governor, Sola Arobieke; diplomats from the German, Danish, Guinean, and Liberian missions; key government officials from Nigeria and Britain; leaders of prominent multinationals operating in Nigeria; and members of the N-BA.

  • Just In: FG issues warning to Nigerians planning to visit UK

    Just In: FG issues warning to Nigerians planning to visit UK

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned Nigerians wanting to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) against increased risk of violence in the place.

    Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, Spokeperson of the Ministry disclosed this in a statement on Monday, in view of violence alert to citizens planning to travel to the UK.

    “There is an an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of three young girls at a concert.

    “The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on Law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.

    “To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant, avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches.

    “Avoid crowded areas and large gatherings, be vigilant and self aware at all times.

    “Contact the High Commission with a view to passing information that could be of interest via e-mail and telephone hc@nigeriahc.org.uk, +442078391244,” he said

    The spokesperson said demonstrations by far right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large and in some instances unruly.

    According to him, these disturbances have only been aggravated by the unfortunate deaths of the three girls.

    “It has spawned an anti-immigration narrative, with particular emphasis on Muslim immigrants or persons of colour being targeted.

    “This advisory remains under review,” he added.

  • Nationwide protest: US, UK, Canada issue security alerts

    Nationwide protest: US, UK, Canada issue security alerts

    Following the planned nationwide protests slated for August 1, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued security alerts to their citizens in Nigeria, warning of potential violence during the demonstration.

    In separate travel advisories, the three countries cautioned their citizens to avoid areas where confrontations between security agencies and protesters might occur.

    In its advisory, the US Mission in Abuja urged Americans to avoid the rallies, advising them to steer clear of crowds and demonstrations and stay updated via local media.

    The alert highlighted the potential for roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations, stating, “According to media reports, nationwide protests may occur in Nigeria between July 29th and August 5th, 2024. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations”.

    Similarly, the UK High Commission warned that protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in major cities like Abuja and Lagos. British nationals were advised to exercise caution, avoid large crowds, and stay informed through media reports, noting that previous protests have turned violent with little warning.

    The advisory read, “Political rallies, protests, and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid. Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety”.

    The Canadian government also alerted its citizens about the demonstrations, cautioning them to expect disruptions in traffic and public transportation and warning that protests could become violent unexpectedly. They advised vigilance, adherence to local authorities’ instructions, and continuous monitoring of local media for updates.

    The advisory noted, “Nationwide demonstrations are planned between July 29 to August 5, 2024. They could disrupt traffic and public transportation and could turn violent at any time.”

    These advisories reflect heightened concerns over the planned nationwide protests and their potential impact on safety and security in Nigeria.

     

  • Court dismisses Emefiele’s application to travel to UK for medicals

    Court dismisses Emefiele’s application to travel to UK for medicals

    A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by  the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele  to travel  to the UK medical treatment.

    The EFCC charged Emefiele   with criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

    Among the allegations was that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

    Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

    Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on February 8, 2023 knowingly obtain, by false pretence, $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive.”

    Justice Hamza Muazu,dismissed the application in a ruling.

    Muazu held that though the applicant stated that he would be away from July 28 to Sept 10, there was no medical appointment or invitation brought before the court.

    He held that though, the court had the discretion to grant leave but the applicant is standing trial in various charges in three courts, two in FCT and one in Lagos.

    ” The letter of invitation for medical follow up is not attached.

    ” As it stands now, I can not use my discretion to grant the application and he is standing trial in three courts.

    ” The application is hereby dismissed and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands” he held.

    At the proceedings of June 25, Enefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, informed the judge of the defendant’s application for medical leave.

    The judge adjourned the hearing of the application until July 8.

    On July 8, Emefiele through his lawyer, Labi Lawal, urged the court to release his passport, previously deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable him to travel to the UK for medical treatment.

    However, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, argued that no medical report was presented to the court showing that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria.

    He added that the defence did not present any medical report showing that an ailment plagued Emefiele.

    Lawal told the court that there was also no evidence to show that his ailment cannot be treated in Nigeria.

    He also stated that Emefiele posed a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad and ongoing trials in three different courts.

    However, the defence counsel faulted the prosecution’s arguments as speculative.

    He said an international red alert could ensure Emefiele is returned if he did not comply after the medical trip.

  • UK Labour Party victory tonic for Nigeria’s counterpart – LP leader

    UK Labour Party victory tonic for Nigeria’s counterpart – LP leader

    Hon. Afam Ogene, Leader of Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, has commended UK’s election process which led to victory for LP over the ruling Conservative Party.

    Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, said the opposition party’s victory should be a tonic for action for the Labour Party in Nigeria in the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement issued in Awka on Friday the lawmaker said that the election “tells vivid tales of hope for the opposition, competence and integrity of the electoral umpires in the UK.

    The UK opposition Labour Party won a huge parliamentary majority in the country’s general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years in control.

    While the Labour Party got 412 seats, the incumbent Conservatives got 121.

    Ogene congratulated Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party in Britain and new Prime Minister, for his party’s victory Rishi Sunak.

    Ogene said victory was not only a win for the opposition party in Britain but that of all believers in democraticy, transparency and integrity.

    “The process in UK was free of glitches, as about 40 million voters took part, polls closed around 10 pm on Thursday and by daybreak the results were out.

    “There was no judicial ambush, as immediate transition took place to the admiration of all lovers of democracy and free and fair elections”, he said.

    “If we must practice democracy, we must also love, copy and abide by the transparency and accountability of democratic institutions in nations that allow the rule of law and democratic principles to thrive.

    “The British Labour Party’s victory inspires hope and optimism, demonstrating that positive change is possible, when people come together with a unified objective.

    “I urge the Nigerian Labour Party to draw inspiration from our British counterparts, close ranks, rally the people, and prepare to take the reins of power in 2027,” he said.

  • US president Biden, promises to support new UK PM

    US president Biden, promises to support new UK PM

    President Joe Biden has expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, aiming to bolster the relationship between the US and the UK during Starmer’s tenure.

     

    On his X page, President Biden congratulated Starmer on his new role: “Congratulations to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I look forward to our shared work in support of freedom and democracy around the world, and to further strengthening the special relationship between our two countries.”

     

    Starmer, the Labour Party candidate, was elected into office yesterday after securing the necessary 326 parliamentary seats. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd in Central London following his victory, Starmer said: “We did it; change begins now. It feels good; I have to be honest.”

     

    The outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, acknowledged his responsibility for the Conservative Party’s defeat.

  • UK election gives hope to first-time immigrant voters

    UK election gives hope to first-time immigrant voters

    Voting for the first time in a British election, Prathesh Panjak and other immigrant voters are excited to take part in the July 4 ballot, hoping they can influence change in the country that they have chosen to call home.

    The opposition Labour Party is widely expected to win by a landslide, replacing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party which has been in power for 14 years.

    Refugees and immigrants from Commonwealth countries, mainly former territories of the British Empire such as Nigeria, India, and Malaysia, are eligible to vote in British elections.

    Panjak, 27, who came to Britain in February last year, said he was excited to cast his vote after missing the election in his native India.

    “In my country, they don’t allow people from other countries to vote … I came here on a student visa, but they are giving us an opportunity, like British citizens,” said Panjak who works part-time as an ambassador at his university in Manchester, northwest England.

    Teh Wen Sun, a 33-year-old Malaysian student from Salford, not far from Manchester, said she did not see much difference between the two main parties, but she was keen to vote for a party that is more receptive to immigrants.

    Immigration is an electoral battleground in Britain, with Sunak promising to cut net migration levels if the Conservatives win, amid concern from many British voters that it was too high and put excessive pressure on the state-run National Health Service, housing, and education.

    Sunak has since tightened visa rules and made international headlines for a policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

    Oyinkansola Dirisu, 31, a support worker from Manchester who came to Britain in 2022, said she was looking forward to voting for Labour and said she wanted whoever won the power to make it easier for people like her to move to Britain.

    Others, like Esther Offem, 26, who came from Nigeria last September, are still undecided: “None (of the parties) have done much in the areas I am most interested in.

    “But at the moment, I would probably go for the Conservatives … I’m not sure yet.”