The Nigerian Diaspora Movement on Saturday expressed optimism that Africa could benefit significantly from the new administration in the US led by President Joe Biden.
The Chairman of NDM, Prof. Apollos Nwauwa, expressed the optimism in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
The NDM has nearly 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora as members working together to build a progressive nation where every citizen is empowered to become and give the best.
Nwauwa, who is also the Secretary-General of African Diaspora Congress, said members of the movement were elated that Biden won the election and was duly sworn in as the 46th President of the US.
He said: “Nigerians in the US have great expectations of the Biden administration.
“Already, he has demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, improving race relations, and advancing the policy of inclusion of all peoples in his government.
“Granted that the complexities of the US and its deep-seated social divide may frustrate progress, but there is no question that President Biden is one the most black-friendly US leaders to date.
“Under Biden, the culture of systemic racism and disrespect targeted at Nigerians and other Africans will be addressed.
“He has already indicated there will be zero-tolerance of disrespect and prejudices among his government officials.
“President Biden’s foreign policy is based solidly on building relationships among nations, reasserting American leadership, and the use of soft-power in international diplomacy.
“Based on the high premium that Biden places on the humanity of blacks and Africans, it is our expectation that he would be most willing to re-establish closer relations with Nigeria in particular, and the rest of Africa generally in direct contrast to the snobbish posture of the Donald Trump regime.”
Nwauwa said Nigerians in the US had already indicated readiness to work closely with the Biden administration to actualise a mutually beneficial agenda.
He lauded Biden for appointing three Nigerian-Americans as members of his cabinet, saying it was an indication that the US recognised the place of Nigeria as the most strategic stakeholder in Africa.
He said: “It is heart-warming to note that Biden has already appointed three Nigerian Diasporans to his cabinet – one as Deputy Treasury Secretary, the second as White House Counsel and the third as a member of the US COVID-19 Response Team.
“This is certainly an indication that Nigerians have a friend in President Biden’s administration.
“As a country Nigeria should position itself politically and economically to tap from the forward-looking administration.
“Ostensibly, new vistas of trading partnership and diplomatic relations are more than likely to flourish under the Biden administration, and Nigeria should take advantage of this development.”
NAN reports that African Diaspora Congress is a coalition of the various groups and concerned citizens from Africa and African Diaspora.
NAN.
Ogun orders psychiatric test on virginity test Principal of possible mental health check
In a statement by the Commissioner of Education and Technology, Segun Odubela on Tuesday, the Ogun State government said it made the decision to test the principal’s mental stability after perusing an appraisal report submitted by a three-man panel headed by Ambaliu Ishola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The report recommended that Ms. Aladeojobi be demoted to grade level 15 from grade level 16. The principal, the report recommended, should also go back to the Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, headquarters if found to be sane.
The government also accepted the panel’s recommendation that the two health workers who collaborated with the school Principal in carrying out the virginity test should be referred to the Ministry of Health for disciplinary action. They will also be redeployed from Ajuwon High School.
The affected students, the report recommended, are to be referred to the State General Hospital for proper medical check-up and counselling.
The Commissioner for Education, Segun Odubela, and Chairman, Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Bukunola Onabanjo, were also directed to meet with and address members of the Parents Teachers Association, PTA, staff and students of Ajuwon High School so as to douse the tension generated by the virginity test issue.
According to the state government, all teachers who have spent up to five years in the school including the affected guidance Counselors are to be redeployed immediately.
The Ogun State government had set up a panel comprising officers from Ministry of Education and TESCOM to investigate the case against the principal.
The committee was mandated to determine the veracity of the allegation against Ms. Aladeojebi and to recommend appropriate disciplinary action, if she was found guilty.
Man arrested for allegedly killing toddler by smashing him on floor
Detectives in Ondo State have arrested a middle-aged man, Ayelehin Kehinde, for allegedly causing the death of a two-year-old in Supare, Akoko area of the state.
The suspect, who is now in police custody, reportedly pulled the baby boy, who was sleeping, from the back of his mother and smashed him on the concrete floor.
Witnesses say the suspect accused the mother of giving out information about him to police detectives who recently raided his house.
As gathered, some detectives recently stormed the area after some leaders in the area complained about unwholesome acts by some residents.
There were rumours that someone told the suspect that his name was mentioned to the detectives who visited the area.
Perhaps irked by this information, the suspect was said to have stormed the woman’s residence and accused her of giving false information about him to the police.
Witnesses say an argument ensued, which later degenerated to a fight.
The suspect, overwhelmed by anger, pulled the baby from his mother’s back and smashed his head on the concrete floor, a witness, who sought anonymity, said.
Blood furiously gushed out from the nose, ears, and mouth of the toddler.
The suspect, witnesses say, attempted to flee but was overpowered by the neighbours who took him to the police station where he was detained.
Neighbours rushed the baby to the hospital, but he died on the way and was confirmed dead in the hospital.