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Nigeria’s CG to Southwest/Northwest Cameroon, Bappah gets Exequatur

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The Nigeria Consul-General for the North West and South West regions of the Republic of Cameroon, Hon. Lawal Bappah, has been presented with an official letter of Exequatur by the Cameroon Governor of the South West region, Bernard Okalia Bilai.

Speaking during the official ceremony designated for the handing of the “Exequatur” to the newly appointed Nigerian Consul General, Bilai hailed the excellent diplomatic, economic, social relationship between both countries thus far.

According to him, the Republic of Cameroon has remained a strong ally and strategic partner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the African continent. “By choosing to be an ally of Cameroon, Nigerian Head of States have shown the world the kind of influence Cameroon has in trade and political relationship. However, it has not been without challenges of security but both nations continue to fight together,” he said.

Bilai said, both governments have continued to show resilience through the Trans-border Security committee.

“This expresses the zeal to maintain confraternity as people who have coexisted even before the establishment of both modern states,” he added.

Upon handing the Exequatur, the governor enjoined Consul Lawal to promote and conserve the economic dynamism of Nigeria in Cameroon and ensure the preservation of its interest as stipulated in the Exequatur, and coordinate the activities of the Nigerian community in his area of jurisdiction. He also called on Nigerians to always collaborate with the CG in the excise duty which is to be executed in strict compliance with the laws and regulations.

It was a colourful event that brought scores of regional administrative and traditional authorities together, such as the Nigeria High Commissioner to Cameroon, Amb. Abayomi Olonisakin, Consul General of Nigeria in Douala, Queen Efe Alexandra Clark-Omeru, Defense Adviser, Captain (NN) Bimbo Agunbiade, members of the Consular and Diplomatic Corps, members of the Nigerian community, collaborators of the governor, religious and traditional leaders, executive directors of companies and international organisations, Bappah’s wife, children, relatives among others.

In his remarks, CG Lawal Bappah counted it a great honour and privilege to have been graced by the presence of the Governor of the South West Region, H.E. Bernard Okalia Bilai, he expressed appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Geoffrey Onyeama for finding him worthy of appointment as the Consul General of Nigeria to the North West and South West Regions of the Republic of Cameroon. He also appreciated His Excellency Paul Biya, for graciously signing and transmitting his Exequatur through the Ministry of External Relations to the Governor of the South West Region.

“This benevolent act of the President of the Republic of Cameroon is a clear and undeniable expression of the excellent and unique bilateral relations that exist between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon,” he noted.

Consul Lawal did not leave out the contributions of the Nigerian foreign envoys to Cameroon to the success of his ceremony.

“I thank His Excellency Gabriel Abayomi Olanisakin, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Cameroon, HRM (Hon.) Queen Efe Alexandra Clark-Omeru, the Consul General of Nigeria to Littoral and West Regions of the Republic of Cameroon and all distinguished guests, both from within and outside Cameroon, who spared their precious time to attend today’s ceremony.

“Undoubtedly, the Republic of Cameroon is home away from home. It is in that light that I see it as a unique privilege for me to have been called to serve in the South West and North West Regions of the Republic of Cameroon to complement the efforts of our indefatigable High Commissioner with a view to strengthening and deepening bilateral relations with Republic of Cameroon; especially by addressing the consular needs of Nigerian nationals in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963,” said Bappah.

“As we continue to work and collaborate together in moving our two friendly countries forward, I wish to testify, without any reservation, that Buea is indeed a City of Legendary Hospitality and the entire Republic of Cameroon is Home away from Home,” Bappah concluded.

The newly installed CG H.E Lawal Bappah, was born on July, 2, 1962 in Bauchi State. Before coming to Cameroon he had served with the Nigerian foreign service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the then secretary of the consular and immigration department from 1988-1991, he was later appointed as second secretary at consular officer at the Consulate of Nigeria in Kuwait, 1992-1995, from then he was appointed as first secretary and counselor at the directorate to the ministry of foreign affairs.

From 2003 to 2007, he was appointed Minister High Commissioner at the Nigerian Consul in Accra Ghana, other similar appointments and recognitions followed until his appointment as Nigerian Consul General for the South West and Northwest regions in 2021 following the departure of former Consul-General Ibrahim Bashir.

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Pelumi Nubi: Pioneering Adventure from London to Lagos

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In a world of 195 countries, the name Pelumi Nubi stands out. At the youthful age of 27, she had already set foot in 77 of them, spanning six continents. But it wasn’t until January 24th that Nubi embarked on a journey that would etch her name in the annals of history as the first Black woman to travel from London to Lagos by road.

Setting out from London, Pelumi Nubi, a UK-based Nigerian global traveler and content creator, embarked on a monumental adventure fueled by a desire to inspire others and showcase the beauty of Africa. Her journey spanning over two months.

The route was ambitious, stretching from England to France, then down to Spain and Morocco. From there, Nubi navigated the treacherous terrain of the West Sahara desert before crossing into Mauritania, Senegal, and a host of West African countries, including The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, and Benin, not just passing through each city, pelumi ensures she spend a couple of days showcasing the food, tourist attraction and hospitality of Africans

However, the road was not without its challenges. Pelumi encountered obstacles such as a 24-hour hold at the Liberian border and being denied entry to Sierra Leone. In Ivory Coast, she faced a terrifying accident that damaged her car. Yet, undeterred by these setbacks, she pressed on, fueled by determination and the unwavering belief in her mission.

After covering a staggering 10,000 kilometers (over 6,200 miles) in her trusty purple Peugeot 107, affectionately named « lumi, » Nubi finally arrived at her ultimate destination – the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. Her journey was not only a testament to her resilience but also a celebration of African diversity and unity.

In recognition of her remarkable feat, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, honored Pelumi Nubi by naming her as a Lagos Tourism Ambassador. Additionally, she was presented with a house and a branded LAGRIDE vehicle, bearing the custom number plate « NUBI 9JA. »

But perhaps the most poignant moment came when Nubi decided to part ways with her beloved travel companion, lumi. Donating the car to the Lagos State Museum, she expressed her hope that it would inspire others to seek adventure and explore the world.

Pelumi Nubi’s journey from London to Lagos is more than just a road trip; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s boundless capacity for adventure and exploration. Through her bravery and determination, she has not only made history but also inspired countless others to embark on their own journeys of discovery. As she continues to blaze trails and push boundaries, Pelumi Nubi remains a beacon of inspiration for adventurers and dreamers around the world.

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AIR PEACE LAUNCHES LAGOS-LONDON FLIGHT SERVICES: A MILESTONE FOR NIGERIAN AVIATION

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Nigerians are celebrating a significant milestone in the aviation sector as Air Peace announces the commencement of its Lagos-London flight services. Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, revealed that the airline has already sold out tickets for these flights until September, reflecting the overwhelming demand for this new route.

 

The inauguration of the Lagos-London flights on March 30 marked a historic moment for Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Onyema expressed his optimism for the future of the airline, emphasizing its plans to expand its fleet to over 60 aircraft.

 

From the moment Air Peace published its fares, the response has been remarkable. The inaugural flight sold out within days, with bookings stretching all the way to September. Despite the challenges faced in the last 48 hours, including negotiations with Gatwick Airport over security deposits, the airline remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional service.

 

Onyema raised pertinent questions regarding the disparity in security deposit requirements between Nigerian airlines and foreign carriers operating in Nigeria. He questioned whether British Airways and Virgin Atlantic pay similar amounts to Nigerian airports and highlighted the need for fair treatment and transparency in international aviation regulations.

 

The journey to launching the Lagos-London route was not without obstacles. Onyema revealed that it took seven years of perseverance and strategic planning to overcome internal and external challenges. Despite facing setbacks, Air Peace remained determined to provide Nigerians with a world-class travel experience.

 

The overwhelming support from both Nigerian and UK citizens has been instrumental in Air Peace’s success. The airline extends its gratitude to the Nigerian population for their unwavering support and promises to continue making the nation proud.

 

Air Peace made history with its inaugural flight on March 31, as the Boeing 777 aircraft touched down at Gatwick Airport in London. The company has responded to the high demand by increasing seat capacity on the route, further demonstrating its commitment to meeting the needs of travelers.

 

As Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize the contributions of visionary leaders like Allen Onyema. His dedication to advancing the sector reflects a broader commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity in Nigeria.

 

While challenges persist, including disparities in international aviation regulations, there is hope for a brighter future. With continued support from stakeholders and concerted efforts to address systemic issues, Nigerian aviation can reach new heights of success.

 

In conclusion, the launch of Air Peace’s Lagos-London flights represents a significant achievement for Nigerian aviation and underscores the potential for further growth and development in the sector. As Nigerians, we stand united in celebrating this milestone and look forward to a future of expanded opportunities and connectivity in the skies.

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SENEGAL WITNESSES HISTORIC INAUGURATION: FROM PRISONER TO PRESIDENT IN WEEKS

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In a remarkable turn of events, Senegal has witnessed the inauguration of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as its president, marking the culmination of a swift and dramatic rise for the once well-known opposition. Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, assumed office after securing a landslide victory in the March 24 elections, with his reform platform. At just 44 years old, he now holds the record of being the youngest president in Senegal’s history.

Taking the oath of office amidst anticipation and hope, Faye pledged to fulfill his duties as president with unwavering dedication. « Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfill the office of president of the Republic of Senegal, » he declared in Diamniadio, near the capital, Dakar. His commitment extended to upholding the constitution, defending national integrity, and championing African unity.

The transition of power, formalized with outgoing President Macky Sall, signifies a significant moment in Senegal’s political landscape. Faye’s journey to presidency was not without hurdles, notably his recent release from prison less than two weeks before the election, alongside his mentor, Ousmane Sonko, following a political amnesty announced by Sall.

For many Senegalese, Faye’s ascension represents a triumph of democracy and the rule of law, For most Senegalese youth this victory a culmination of a long struggle for democracy and the rule of law… This is a day of celebration for everyone.

The election itself served as a litmus test for Senegal’s democratic stability within West Africa. Months of unrest preceding the polls, fueled by concerns over constitutional term limits and allegations of corruption, underscored the nation’s commitment to democratic principles. Faye’s victory resonated particularly with the youth, who expressed frustration over issues such as unemployment and perceived exploitation by former colonial powers.

In his inaugural address, Faye, affectionately known as Diomaye, reiterated his pledge to combat corruption and implement economic reforms. A practicing Muslim hailing from a modest background, Faye emphasized transparency by publicly disclosing his assets before the election, setting a precedent for accountability in leadership.

The appointment of Ousmane Sonko as prime minister further solidifies Faye’s commitment to inclusive governance and coalition-building. The swift formation of a new government signals a fresh chapter in Senegal’s political landscape, one marked by optimism and aspirations for positive change.

As Africa’s youngest elected president, Faye embodies the hopes and aspirations of a new generation. His rapid ascent from political prisoner to head of state underscores the resilience of Senegal’s democracy and the power of collective determination in shaping the nation’s future.

 

In a gesture of regional solidarity and support, the president of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), felicitated with the new president. This demonstration of camaraderie highlights the interconnectedness of West African nations and the shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity across the region. As Senegal embarks on a new chapter under Faye’s leadership, the congratulatory messages from neighboring states serve as a testament to the significance of this historic moment for the entire continent.

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