Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

UN Secretary-General Appoints Nigerian Diplomat Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa

Eziakonwa, a seasoned UN official, takes over from Cabo Verde’s Duarte with mandate to deepen Africa-focused initiatives

Published

1 day ago

on

Eziakonwa, a seasoned UN official, takes over from Cabo Verde’s Duarte with mandate to deepen Africa-focused initiatives

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Nigerian diplomat Ahunna Eziakonwa as his Special Adviser on Africa, the global body announced on Friday. The announcement was made in New York, with Eziakonwa set to replace Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde in the influential advisory role.

Eziakonwa, who is currently serving as Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brings nearly thirty years of experience within the UN system. She has been responsible for overseeing development support across forty-six African countries, making her one of the most senior Nigerians in the international body.

According to a statement by the United Nations, Eziakonwa has played a significant role since 2018 in shaping economic and political development strategies that impact millions across Africa. Her work has focused on supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and driving forward the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both central frameworks for development on the continent.

“Since 2018, she has helped shape UNDP’s strategic approach to economic and political development across the continent,” the statement read. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s representation within key UN leadership positions while bolstering Africa-focused policy advice at the highest levels.

With her new mandate, Eziakonwa will be expected to provide counsel on regional priorities and support efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and inclusive growth in Africa. She is also tasked with engaging governments and stakeholders across various sectors to ensure that development initiatives are responsive to local needs. The United Nations noted that her previous experience positions her well for advancing collaborative partnerships between African nations and international partners.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/un-appoints-nigerias-eziakonwa-africa-special-adviser/

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Insurgents Attack Chibok in Borno, Kill One and Set School Block Ablaze

Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA

Published

46 minutes ago

on

June 14, 2026

By

Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA

Suspected insurgents launched a fresh attack on Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State on Sunday, killing at least one person and burning down a block of classrooms at a local school. The incident occurred late evening, causing panic among residents and raising new concerns over persistent insecurity in the region.

According to community members, the attackers stormed the area firing sporadically and setting fire to part of the secondary school before fleeing. The military responded to distress calls, but the assailants had already left by the time security operatives arrived at the scene. This latest assault comes despite ongoing military operations targeting insurgent hideouts in Borno and neighbouring states.

Chibok has become synonymous with insecurity since the 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, drawing international attention to the North-East’s security challenges. Many residents say repeated attacks have disrupted education and forced families to flee their homes, with rebuilding efforts hampered by fear of further violence.

A senior security official, who confirmed Sunday’s incident, said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible. “We are working closely with community leaders to gather information and ensure such attacks do not happen again,” he stated. Residents are calling on both federal and Borno State governments to increase patrols and invest more in local security infrastructure.

As at press time, authorities had yet to announce any arrests linked to the attack. The incident highlights ongoing threats faced by communities in Borno State, even as government claims progress in counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887578-one-killed-as-insurgents-attack-chibok-again-burn-school-block.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Chimamanda Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence in Son’s Death, Alleges Inquest Delay

Renowned author publicly shares letter to Euracare, claims facility is obstructing inquiry into circumstances of son’s passing

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 14, 2026

By

Renowned author publicly shares letter to Euracare, claims facility is obstructing inquiry into circumstances of son’s passing

Award-winning Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has openly accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos of medical negligence and attempting to frustrate an official inquest into the death of her son, Nkanu Nnamdi. Adichie made these allegations public on Saturday, 14 June, by releasing a letter she addressed to the hospital’s board in April via her verified Instagram account.

According to Adichie, Euracare initially supported calls for an inquest after what she described as ‘rumours of negligence’ surrounding her son’s passing. However, she claims the hospital later began to hinder efforts aimed at clarifying the circumstances that led to his death. In her statement, Adichie said she decided to publish the letter because maintaining silence would amount to enabling wrongdoing.

Adichie wrote: ‘I wake up every single morning with my heart racing. Did this really happen? My precious son, Nkanu Nnamdi. My KanKan, my diokpala. The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that.’ She further stated that her decision to go public was motivated by a desire for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to issues of medical accountability and transparency in private healthcare facilities across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. Many Nigerians have long expressed concern over alleged lapses in duty of care at some private hospitals and the perceived reluctance by such institutions to submit themselves fully to regulatory scrutiny following medical tragedies.

Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has not issued a formal response as at press time. Calls for greater oversight and reforms within Nigeria’s health sector continue, with stakeholders urging authorities to ensure prompt and impartial investigations in cases involving alleged medical negligence.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/chimamanda-adichie-finally-speaks-on-sons-death-accuses-euracare-of-delaying-inquest-2026061412373166963

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Nollywood Actress Toyin Adewale Recalls Mistaking Davido for Scammer in Lagos Encounter

Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 14, 2026

By

Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016

“I WAS THERE WHEN DAVIDO CALLED MAYORKUN FOR THE FIRST TIME “ – Nollywood Actress, Toyin Adewale.


Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has revealed she first suspected music star Davido was a scammer when he reached out to her son, singer Mayorkun, via social media in Lagos. Adewale made the disclosure during a recent interview, recounting how the family’s doubts gave way after Davido personally contacted and later met with Mayorkun in 2016.

According to Adewale, neither she nor Mayorkun believed the direct message sent by Davido was genuine at first, suspecting an impersonator was trying to deceive them. “After the cover he did went viral, he was with his brother when Davido sent a message, but we thought it was a scammer. Davido later said he would call. I was there when Davido called him, and he was so excited he almost went crazy,” Adewale said during the interview.

Mayorkun, who had posted a cover of Davido’s song ‘The Money’, caught the attention of the award-winning artiste, leading to an invitation to meet in person. During their meeting, Davido reportedly praised Mayorkun’s talent, gifted him money and other items, and facilitated his signing to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). Shortly after, Mayorkun recorded his breakout single ‘Eleko’ under the label and moved into Davido’s residence alongside his brother.

Adewale described how her initial fears subsided after visiting her son’s new home. She commended Davido’s respectful demeanour and support for Mayorkun’s career growth. “When I got there, Davido was very pleasant and respectful,” she said. The partnership propelled Mayorkun from relative obscurity to mainstream success in Nigeria’s music industry.

Mayorkun remained signed to DMW from 2016 until 2021 before moving on to release subsequent albums under Sony Music West Africa. His achievements include winning the ‘Next Rated’ award at The Headies in 2018. The singer holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/we-thought-it-was-a-scammer-mayorkuns-mother-recounts-first-encounter-with-davido-2026061411533143331

Continue Reading