By Francesca Hangeior

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has described the passing of the Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, Adewunmi Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, as a great loss.

According to the minister, Onanuga’s death was shocking and devastating. She would be greatly missed for her contributions to governance and her role as a strong advocate for women’s inclusion in politics.

Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim also condoled the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, and the good people of Ikenne, Sagamu Remo, which she represented.

The statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, on Thursday reads in parts:

“On behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs, I express my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, who passed away yesterday after a brief illness.

“As a champion of women empowerment and social welfare, Hon. Onanuga’s contributions to the 9th and 10th National Assembly will never be forgotten. Her leadership and intellect earned her admiration from colleagues and constituents alike.

“I am not unaware of her several initiatives aimed at promoting women’s rights and empowerment. Her passion and dedication to the cause were inspiring, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women leaders.

“I mourn the loss of a true advocate for women’s empowerment and a dedicated politician.”

Onanuga passed away on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on December 2, 1965, Onanuga was first elected to the House in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. She served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly and was re-elected in 2023, taking on the role of Deputy Chief Whip in the 10th Assembly.

By Francesca Hangeior

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on Thursday on an unannounced visit to shore up support for Ukraine after nearly three years of war, officials said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been holding a flurry of meetings with his country’s allies ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House next week.

Starmer is expected to sign a “landmark 100-year partnership to deepen security ties” between the UK and Ukraine and meet with Zelensky, Downing Street said in a statement.

“Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure,” Starmer said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

“Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level,” he added, referring to the accord.

Zelensky had earlier said that he and Starmer would discuss the possibility of having Western troops stationed in Ukraine to oversee a ceasefire agreement, a divisive proposal initially put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The visit comes at a precarious moment for Ukraine on the battlefield.

Fighting has escalated ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as both sides seek to gain the upper hand in anticipation of potential negotiations aimed at settling the war, launched by Russia in February 2022.

At several key points in the northern Kharkiv and eastern Donetsk regions, Russian forces have been able to steadily advance by exploiting their advantages in manpower and resources.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Government on Thursday reacted to recent remarks by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who commented on the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sanusi II, who spoke at a public event in Lagos on Wednesday, acknowledged the necessity of the reforms but revealed his decision not to publicly advise the government, citing personal reasons.

In a statement released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government acknowledged Sanusi’s right to express his views.

However, it criticised his admission of withholding support, suggesting it stemmed from personal grievances rather than an objective assessment of the policies.

It urged the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run.

“However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.

“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

“This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated,” the minister noted.

The government reiterated the necessity of the reforms to address Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges.

Idris noted, “The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a ‘necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management’ more than anything else.”

It pointed to achievements such as the unification of exchange rates, which has increased investor confidence and foreign reserves, and the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has freed up resources for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Projections from international organisations, including the World Bank, were cited to demonstrate the positive impact of these measures on the country’s economic recovery.

The statement expressed disappointment at Sanusi’s perceived shift in loyalty, urging him to focus on contributing constructively to national development.

“We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

“Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions,” he noted.

The government stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among leaders during this critical period, emphasizing that divisive rhetoric undermines public trust and progress.

Tinubu’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable economy, welcoming constructive dialogue with stakeholders.

The government concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritise collective prosperity over personal or partisan interests, highlighting the shared goal of a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.