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Dangote, Aisha Buhari, Okowa, Zainab Bagudu, Others, to be Honoured as Africa Goodwill Ambassadors

Published

6 years ago

July 18, 2020

Eric

As the heat of COVID-19 is gradually easing across Africa and the world, it is paramount to acknowledge those who play a vital role in ensuring the fight against the deadly virus is successful in Africa.

Though the fight against COVID-19 is not 100% won, these individuals went extreme to make sure the mortality rate of the virus is minimal through donations and selfless humanitarian services.

It’s in this view that Goodwill Ambassador Events Agency dedicates this year’s African Goodwill Ambassador Awards to these individuals who contributed immensely in the fight against COVID-19.

African Goodwill Ambassador is an international body of Humanitarian service providers, excellent leaders, community developers, and Peace Ambassadors. The award’s ceremony is to celebrate the unique attributes of groups and individuals who are selflessly reaching out to those in need positively across the globe.

Those nominated this year under the Covid-19 Pandemic Most Proactive Nigerian State Governor of the Year are: Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gov. Ben Ayade, Gov. Nyesom Wike, Gov. Oluseyi Makinde, Gov. El-Rufai, Gov. Udom Emmanuel, Gov. Prof Babagana Umara Zulum mni, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, Gov. Dr. Bello Mohammed.

More recipients of 2020 AFRICAN GOODWILL AMBASSADOR AWARDS (AGAA) include Africa’s wealthiest man and Chairman of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the Chairman of Air Peace Mr. Allen Onyeama, and Mr. Femi Otedola. These dignitaries are among 30 African men and women of Honour and integrity listed on the African Humanitarian Hall of Fame. It also includes some organisations that are actively involved directly or indirectly in helping the African Continent conquer the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Nigerians nominated for their contributions towards fighting the pandemic are: Deaconess Martha Udom Emmanuel, First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Gloria Douye Diri, First Lady of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Regina Bako Lalong, First Lady of Plateau State; Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, First Lady of Oyo State, Hajiya Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, First Lady of Kebbi State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady, Imo State, Mrs. Betsy Bene Obaseki, First Lady Edo State, Hajiya Aisha Bello Matawalle, First Lady of Zamfara State; Hon. Justice (Mrs.) Eberechi Suzzette Wike, First Lady of Rivers State; Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade, First Lady of Cross River State.

More dignitaries to be decorated include: the chairman of BUA Group Abdul-Samad Rabiu, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the secretary to the Government of the federation and chairman of Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 Boss Mustapha, and Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

The list also recognized organisations including the NCDC, RED CROSS, UNITED NATIONS, ACCESS BANK, LIVING FAITH CHURCH, CNN, BBC, CHANNELS TV, AIT, and NTA,

While addressing newsmen at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the founder of African Goodwill Ambassador Awards (AGAA) Amb. Chris Odey said nominations were done via social media.

“This is another proof that these individuals and organisation truly deserve to be recognised. The outbreak of Coronavirus saw an outpouring of generosity and earnest desire to help others around the world and Africans were not left out in the gesture. While some contributed money and material resources to help the government tackle the rising cases of COVID-19, others were at the forefront of the pandemic offering their expertise and helping people navigate the devastating situation.”

“These individuals played important roles, alongside many others in ensuring that Africa and Africans do not slip into a devastating COVID-19 outbreak.

“Through their donations, expertise, and leadership, the spread of the Coronavirus in this part of the world was reduced to the barest minimum.” He said

Amb. Chris who is also the President International Goodwill Ambassador Club, owners of AGAA said the event was created as a celebration of hope, and acknowledgment of humanity.

He highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of men, women, organisations, The International Community and especially some African celebrities who are nominated for the awards, such as David Adeleke aka Davido, Mrs. Tonto Dikeh, Dj Cuppy Otedola, Runtown and Nollywood Actor Williams Uchemba among others.

The awards and gala night is slated for Saturday the 31st October 2020 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.

The ceremony will be the biggest Humanitarian accolades in Africa judging from the previous 7 editions.

Opera.com

Headline

UK Orders Airspace Restrictions, Road Closures for Tinubu’s State Visit

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have announced temporary airspace restrictions and road closures in Windsor ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to the country.

Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, will host Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle on March 18 and 19, 2026.

State visits represent the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarch.

According to Thames Valley Police, extensive security measures will be implemented in Windsor during Tinubu’s state visit, including an expanded airspace exclusion zone and a large-scale policing operation.

The castle already operates under a permanent airspace restriction, but authorities said the exclusion zone will be extended on March 18 between 07:00 and 23:59 GMT.

Police warned that anyone who breaches the restriction will “likely” face arrest.

Security operations will involve search teams, armed units, mounted officers, and road policing officers. Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator teams will also conduct patrols across the town to deter and detect criminal activity while engaging with the public.

Officials added that Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers will also be used as part of security arrangements.

Ch Supt Adrian Hall of the joint operations unit said:

“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing royal events in Windsor, and significant planning and preparation have gone into this event.

“We will ensure everyone attending the state visit, including dignitaries, spectators, and members of the public, are kept safe to enjoy the historic occasion.”

Authorities said several road closures and parking restrictions will begin on March 17 ahead of Tinubu’s State visit, warning that motorists may experience temporary disruption on roads in and around Windsor.

Some footways and pedestrian crossings in the town centre will also close periodically between 09:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 for a ceremonial procession.

Headline

False and Misleading: Senator Ireti Kingibe Not Suspended, Says ADC

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has dismissed reports that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended from the party, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Kingibe currently represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC is not aware of any decision to suspend the senator and urged the public to ignore the circulating reports.

Abdullahi emphasized that the party has well-defined constitutional procedures for handling allegations involving its members.

“The African Democratic Congress is unaware of any suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe, the distinguished Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

He added that as a law-abiding political party, the ADC follows established internal mechanisms when dealing with issues concerning its members rather than addressing such matters through media statements.

“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC has clear constitutional procedures for addressing any allegations involving its members. Such matters are handled through established internal mechanisms, not through press statements,” Abdullahi stated.

The party therefore called on the public and media organizations to disregard the reports of Kingibe’s alleged suspension.

“We therefore urge the public and the media to disregard the reports suggesting that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended by the party, as they are false and misleading,” the statement added.

Headline

Tambuwal Finally Dumps PDP, Defects to ADC

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress.

“I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective from today,” the letter stated.

Mr Tambuwal stated that the party’s persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and divisions at various levels made it difficult for him to continue his active participation and commitment as a member.

“The ongoing conflicts have, unfortunately, worsened the unity and direction that once defined the party,” the former Sokoto governor stated.

Meanwhile, in a statement on X on Thursday, Mr Tambuwal said he had officially joined the ADC with his associates and supporters.

“I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development.

“I remain fully committed to the service of our country and to the ideals of democracy, justice, and national unity,” the former governor stated.