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BENIN REPUBLIC DEMANDS NIGER REPUBLIC COOPERATE OVER CRUDE EXPORTS

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President Patrice Talon on Wednesday demanded Niger’s military rulers collaborate and reopen their side of the border if they want Benin to let ships load Nigerien crude exports at its Seme port.

Benin has eased trade restrictions on its side of the Niger border since sanctions were imposed on Niamey following a coup in July last year that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.

But Talon said military leaders in its northern neighbour were treating Benin like an “enemy” and not cooperating to restore ties and formally normalise trade rather than allow informal border crossings.

Landlocked Niger runs a pipeline from its oilfields to Benin’s Seme port on the Atlantic coast to export its crude.

“If you want to load your oil in our waters, you must consider that Benin is not an enemy country and that the territory of Benin cannot be the subject of illicit trafficking or informal exchange,” Talon said in a declaration released by the presidency.

“If tomorrow the Nigerien authorities decide to collaborate with Benin in a formal manner, the boats will be loaded.”

The Benin president did not directly state Niger’s oil shipment loadings had been stopped or blocked.

In December, Benin lifted its suspension of imported goods transiting to Niger through the port of Cotonou, that had been part of sanctions imposed by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS following the coup.

The closure of its northern border with Niger hit Benin’s government revenues and also impacted the cost of food goods.

Talon last year had been among the most vocal regional leaders calling for relations to be swiftly re-established between his country and neighbouring Niger.

Niger — one of the world’s poorest countries – has been able to sell crude on the international market for the first time via Seme port.

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Pastor Chris Okafor weds fiancée amid ongoing controversy with actress Doris Ogala

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Pastor Chris Okafor has officially tied the knot with his fiancée, a development that comes amid the ongoing public drama involving Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.

The wedding comes weeks after Doris Ogala went public with claims that she dated the clergyman for several years and was promised marriage — allegations she repeated during a live session with Daddy Freeze, where she shared detailed accounts of their relationship and fallout.

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Ooni Of Ife Installs Ghanaian President Mahama as Aare Atayeto Oodua (Photos)

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Monday underscored African unity while conferring the prestigious chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source on Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that Africans are “one people, one family” beyond colonial-era borders.

The ceremony, held at Afewonro Park within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, attracted traditional rulers, political figures, and cultural dignitaries from both Yorubaland and Ghana, highlighting Ile-Ife’s historical significance as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.

Receiving President Mahama with full honours and tight security, the Ooni, who also serves as Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, described the Ghanaian leader as a symbol of cultural continuity, economic reform, and Pan-African solidarity.

“This palace is familiar to you. You have been part of our journey and have grown with us,” Oba Ogunwusi remarked, acknowledging Mahama’s enduring connection with Ile-Ife even prior to his return to the presidency of Ghana.

The monarch further stressed that artificial boundaries imposed during colonial rule should not diminish Africa’s shared heritage, citing linguistic and cultural ties between the Yoruba and Ghana people.

“In Ghana, you say ‘Akwaabo,’ and here we say ‘Ekaabo.’ Are they not the same? We are one people, one family,” the Ooni declared.

 

Oba Ogunwusi recalled that during a previous visit to Ile-Ife after leaving office, prayers were offered with a prophetic declaration that Mahama would return to leadership, a prophecy he noted has since come to pass.

“To the glory of God, you are now a true reformer. Upon assuming office for a second term, Ghana’s economy witnessed a remarkable turnaround. We are immensely proud of your leadership,” he said, commending Mahama’s economic achievements and expressing confidence in his potential influence on the African Union.

In his acceptance address, President Mahama expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife, emphasising the ancestral links between Ghana and Nigeria.

“The people of Accra trace their lineage to Ile-Ife. We are one family,” Mahama affirmed, dedicating the chieftaincy title to all Ghanaians.

He also pledged to leverage his new role to strengthen bilateral relations and foster reconciliation within West Africa.

“As long as I serve as President of Ghana, I will work to deepen ties between our nations and bridge divides within ECOWAS,” he promised.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR IFEANYI ARARUME ON HIS BIRTHDAY

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President Bola Tinubu felicitates Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume, astute politician and accomplished businessman, on his birthday, December 16.

Senator Ararume’s odyssey in politics began in the late 1980s, when he served as the State Treasurer of the Liberal Convention in old Imo State. He later joined the National Finance Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention.

He represented Imo North in the 9th National Assembly. He was first elected in May 1999 and re-elected in April 2003. He also served on several committees and held other official roles.

President Tinubu commends the former senator for his years of service to the nation and contributions to its peace, unity, and progress.

The President describes Senator Ararume as a resolute and shrewd politician, highlighting his courageous and remarkable political journey through the years.

President Tinubu wishes Senator Ararume a happy 67th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health and strength.

 

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