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Wike, Ortom, Makinde, Others at Crossroads over Tinubu, Obi

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Following a statement by the presidential candidate of the PDP Atiku Abubakar that he had moved on, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his camp are said to be weighing other options ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Others in his camp are Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).
THISDAY gathered that the PDP and its presidential candidate have concluded that the five governors would not be backing the party’s candidate in the presidential election.
It was learnt that Atiku is still pushing forward to have his way in the five states despite the opposition by the governors.
Wike had on Friday doubled the number of his special assistants to monitor the political units to 200,000, to maintain a substantial presence of ground troops in the war ahead.

The special assistants according to Wike, are to guide him and the state on how they would vote in the presidential election.
THISDAY learnt that there are suspicions that Wike appeared to have made a deal with Tinubu, but there are indications that it would be difficult for him to pull off the deal in Rivers given the popularity of Atiku and Obi in the state.
Also given that the Rivers governor has lost most of his foot soldiers in the persons of Lt. General Kenneth Minimah (rtd), Austin Opara, Lee Maeba, Celestine Omehia, the Sekibos and several others to Atiku, it will be difficult for him to defeat Atiku in the state.
Makinde also appears to have already made up his mind to back Tinubu given his presence by proxy at the residence of Pa Fasoranti when Afenifere endorsed Tinubu.
THISDAY also gathered that the other governors in the group may reluctantly back Obi.
Ortom said recently that Obi is the best presidential candidate of the lot but diplomatically pulled back a full endorsement, saying that he belongs to the PDP.

Tambuwal, Lamido, Ayu in Closed-door Meeting with Bauchi Gov

Meanwhile, despite Atiku’s position that he had moved on, efforts to resolve the internal crisis rocking the PDP continued on Saturday with its National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and a former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, meeting behind closed door with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The delegation met with Governor Mohammed Saturday evening.
Speaking, Ayu described Mohammed as one of the major national stakeholders, who have contributed immensely to the development of the party.
He said the meeting was also to rally support for Atiku.

According to him: “We are here to brief you on some of the developments that are going on in the party, nationally and to seek your wise counsel because you’re not just the Governor of Bauchi, you are a leader in this country –very experienced. In all the places you have served, you gathered the experience. And we thought people like you in this campaign from time to time we need to come around and consult, brief you on some things.”
After the closed-door meeting, which lasted for about one hour and 30 minutes, Ayu declined to brief journalists on its outcome.
But Mohammed, who spoke briefly, said that delegation was in Bauchi to discuss issues of the party, the campaign and elections.
“They came to Bauchi to discuss some grey areas concerning my position as Deputy Director General of the Campaign Council in charge of the North,” he said.

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diplomacy

Equatorial Guinea 2035: A Bold Vision for Sustainable, Inclusive, and Globally Integrated Growth

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Straddling the strategic heart of the Gulf of Guinea, Equatorial Guinea is leveraging its institutional stability, rich natural endowments, and prime geographic location to chart a decisive path toward becoming an emerging, diversified, and resilient economy by 2035. This ambition, formalized in the National Sustainable Development Strategy “Agenda Guinea Ecuatorial 2035” (adopted in 2021 following the Third National Economic Conference), aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It marks a deliberate shift from hydrocarbon dependence toward a balanced model of growth that prioritizes people, productivity, and planetary health.

The strategy rests on four interconnected pillars that mirror the user’s outline, providing a coherent roadmap for transformation in a region—and a global context—marked by energy transitions and economic volatility.

Eradicating Poverty, Social Inclusion, and Lasting Peace

Equatorial Guinea has anchored its development in social cohesion and stability as non-negotiable foundations. With poverty rates hovering around 50-57% amid recent economic pressures, the Agenda 2035 prioritizes massive investments in education, vocational training, healthcare access, and targeted inclusion policies for youth and women. These efforts aim to address multidimensional poverty, including nutrition, water, and basic services, while fostering a peaceful environment that attracts long-term investment.

In a volatile Gulf of Guinea region, the country’s relative institutional continuity offers a comparative edge, enabling a focus on shared prosperity rather than conflict. Progress here is essential: recent World Bank assessments highlight that sustained gains in human capital and social protection will be critical to reversing poverty trends exacerbated by food inflation and hydrocarbon decline.

Boosting Productivity, Economic Diversification, and Industrialization

Oil and gas have long dominated (still accounting for a large share of GDP, exports, and revenues), but maturing fields and declining production—evident in recent contractions—underscore the urgency of transformation. The Agenda 2035 drives a strategic pivot through:

– Development of industrial zones and local processing
– Modernization of ports and logistics
– Sustainable agriculture and agro-industry expansion (including revival of cocoa, coffee, and value chains like coconuts)
– Support for innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging sectors such as the green, blue, digital, and “yellow” (likely agro/mining-related) economies

The goal is clear: generate quality jobs, add value domestically, and position the country as a competitive hub in Central Africa. Reforms to improve the business environment, financial inclusion, and infrastructure are underway, complemented by efforts toward WTO accession and private-sector-led growth. Non-hydrocarbon sectors are already showing resilience, though challenges like governance gaps and infrastructure deficits remain.

Environmental Sustainability and Territorial Development

With exceptional biodiversity—from tropical forests to marine ecosystems—Equatorial Guinea is embedding sustainability at the core of its vision. Priorities include preserving forests (via REDD + initiatives), advancing renewable energy, promoting balanced urban planning, and developing responsible ecotourism. Sites on Bioko Island and mainland national parks hold untapped potential as authentic, high-value destinations.

This pillar directly tackles climate risks and the post-oil transition, with strategies for low-carbon development and ecosystem services (e.g., wood processing linked to ecotourism and agriculture). An integrated approach—combining land-use planning, clean energy, and sustainable farming—could simultaneously protect natural capital and drive inclusive growth.
A Strategic Magnet for Investors and Tourism

Equatorial Guinea presents itself as an investor-friendly destination through political stability, ongoing economic reforms, modernizing infrastructure, and privileged access to Central African markets. Parallel efforts are elevating tourism with a premium offering: pristine nature, African hospitality, and upgraded facilities. Recent initiatives target barriers to entry and promote ecotourism as a diversification lever, while partnerships in fisheries, agro-processing, and digital sectors broaden appeal.

Outlook: A Model for Balanced African Development

By 2035, Equatorial Guinea aims not merely to adapt but to exemplify a new African development paradigm—one that harmonizes economic expansion, social equity, and environmental stewardship. This vision resonates with broader continental initiatives that seek to accelerate growth, deepen regional integration, and elevate Africa as a hub of innovation and opportunity.

Implementation will test resolve amid real headwinds: declining hydrocarbon revenues, the need for stronger governance and human capital investment, and global uncertainties. Yet the foundations—strategic location, resource base, and explicit policy alignment with global agendas—position the country to attract structuring partnerships and revalue its potential on the world stage.

Equatorial Guinea is more than a destination; it is a compelling opportunity for investors, partners, and visionaries committed to sustainable African success. With disciplined execution, the 2035 horizon could mark the emergence of a diversified, inclusive economy that delivers prosperity for its people while contributing meaningfully to the continent’s rise.

This narrative, rooted in the official Agenda 2035 framework, offers a forward-looking yet grounded perspective suitable for international news or investment publications—highlighting ambition without overlooking the structural shifts required for realization.

By Uche EJIMS
Making Africa Great Ahead
MAGAH

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Business

A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Foreign Missions: MFA, AGF Agree on Timely Fund Release

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a proactive step toward further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions worldwide. This follows a productive engagement between the Ministry and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), aimed at ensuring a more streamlined and timely release of budgeted funds for Nigeria’s foreign service operations.

According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, paid a working visit to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi, on Monday, 8 December 2025.

The meeting focused on strengthening administrative coordination and improving financial processes that support the work of Nigeria’s embassies, high commissions, and consulates across the world. Both offices reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and timely financial releases in line with the Federal Government’s broader reforms in public service management.

The engagement also reflects the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with relevant institutions to elevate Nigeria’s global representation—particularly at a time when new ambassadors have recently been nominated and Nigeria continues to expand its diplomatic engagements internationally.

The collaborative effort highlights the Federal Government’s dedication to ensuring that Nigeria’s missions remain well-positioned to deliver quality consular services, promote national interests abroad, and respond effectively to the needs of Nigerians in the diaspora.

Naija Diaspora Magazine remains committed to bringing credible and positive updates on developments shaping Nigeria’s diplomacy and global outreach.

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Events

Afrique-con Inaugurates New Douala Office to Elevate Customer Experience

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Afrique-con Plc has officially inaugurated its new office in Douala, a modern and comfortable space designed to enhance the experience of its valued customers.
The event was graced by Amb. Francis Ntui Enya, Consul General of Nigeria in Douala, who had the honor of commissioning the office.

The inauguration also attracted prominent members of the Nigerian community in Cameroon, including the community president and executive members, state union chairmen, market union leaders, the patron of the community, key personalities, the family of the CEO, as well as representatives of the media who ensured the event was well-documented.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Amb. Enya delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech. He addressed the gathering in two capacities: as the Consul General of Nigeria in Douala, and as a Nigerian whose hometown, Ikom, shares a border with Cameroon.

While he spent parts of his early life in Cameroon before returning to Nigeria to continue his education and eventually begin his career as a diplomat, it is noteworthy that he was born in Douala, which gives him a special connection to the city. Coincidentally, he was posted back to Douala as Consul General just over a year ago, strengthening his unique ties to both countries. He praised Afrique-con’s initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening cross-border ties and providing essential services to Nigerians living in Cameroon. He assured the company’s management that the Consulate General is ready to assist any Nigerian nationals wishing to return home, especially those without travel documents, by providing temporary documents to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey back to Nigeria.

Amb. Enya also expressed his appreciation to Chief James Kamaha, CEO of Afrique-con, for their strong and cordial relationship, and he prayed for the safety of the agency and its clients, particularly during this peak travel period when many Nigerians return home to celebrate with loved ones.

Speaking at the event, Chief James Kamaha thanked everyone for their support, loyalty, and trust in Afrique-con over the years. He expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian community for choosing Afrique-con as their preferred transport service, acknowledging that their continued patronage has been key to the company’s growth. He also commended his staff and management team for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service to every traveler.

Afrique-con is recognized as a leading transport company in Central Africa, owned by a Cameroonian entrepreneur, offering reliable, safe, and comfortable cross-border travel between Cameroon, Nigeria, and beyond. The new Douala office reflects the company’s commitment to professionalism, comfort, and convenience for its customers, making every interaction a pleasant experience. For many, Afrique-con is more than just a transport provider; it is a trusted bridge between nations, a “flight on land” that connects people, families, and communities.

Naija Diaspora Magazine congratulates Afrique-con Plc on this milestone and reiterates its appreciation to the Nigerian community for their loyalty and support. We also commend the staff and management of Afrique-con for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We wish the company continued growth and success as it strengthens cross-border travel, fosters community ties, and sets new standards in customer service.

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