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Putin in Hanoi after inking North Korea defence pact

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June 20, 2024

Putin in Hanoi after inking North Korea defence pact

Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Vietnamese counterpart Thursday as he began a state visit to Hanoi, a day after signing a mutual defence pact with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

Putin and Kim inked a strategic treaty at a summit in Pyongyang that included a commitment to come to each other’s aid if attacked. Kim also pledged his “full support” for Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Washington and its allies accuse North Korea of supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine, and the deal has fuelled fears of more deliveries.

The US State Department said deepening Russia-North Korea ties were “of great concern” while a top Ukrainian official accused Pyongyang of abetting Moscow’s “mass murder of Ukrainians”.

Putin was welcomed by newly installed Vietnamese President To Lam and a military guard at the presidential palace in Hanoi.

He will hold talks with Lam and later meet other senior Vietnamese leaders including Nguyen Phu Trong, the powerful general secretary of the ruling Communist Party.

Support from Kim

Making his first visit to the isolated North in 24 years on Wednesday, Putin said he did not rule out “military-technical cooperation” with Pyongyang, which like Moscow is under heavy international sanctions.

“Today, we are fighting together against the hegemonism and neo-colonial practices of the United States and its satellites,” Putin said.

The two countries have been allies since North Korea’s founding after World War II and have drawn even closer since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 isolated Putin on the global stage.

Kim called Putin the “dearest friend of the Korean people” and vowed him his “full support and solidarity” over the war in Ukraine, which has triggered rafts of UN sanctions on Moscow.

Putin thanked his host — whose country has been under a UN sanctions regime since 2006 over his banned weapons programmes — saying Moscow appreciated the “consistent and unwavering” support.

Putin called for a review of UN sanctions on North Korea and said the two countries would not submit to Western “blackmail”.

Reacting to the Pyongyang visit, a US State Department spokesperson said no country should “give Mr Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression against Ukraine”.

“Deepening cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is a trend that should be of great concern to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” the spokesperson said.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior aide to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, told AFP that North Korea was abetting Russia’s “mass murder of Ukrainians”, and called for greater international isolation of both countries.

Trade and arms

Putin received a rapturous reception in the North Korean capital, embraced by Kim as he stepped off his plane and greeted by cheering crowds, synchronised dancers and flag-waving children.

His reception was more reserved in Vietnam, a major global manufacturing hub that has carefully hedged its foreign policy position for years, seeking to be friends with all but beholden to none.

In particular, it has sought to avoid picking sides in the growing US-China rivalry even as both superpowers look to boost their influence in Southeast Asia.

US President Joe Biden visited Hanoi in September to promote ties as his administration seeks to build up Vietnam as an alternative supplier of key high-tech components to reduce American dependence on China.

Beijing swiftly followed suit, with President Xi Jinping making his own state visit barely three months later.

Russian officials say Putin’s visit will focus on economic, education and energy issues.

Trade between the two countries stood at just $3.5 billion in 2022 — a tiny fraction of Vietnam’s $175 billion trade with China and $123 billion with the United States.

But observers say that in private, Ukraine and defence cooperation are likely to be on the table.

Vietnam has abstained in UN votes condemning the Russian invasion, and in an op-ed in the communist party mouthpiece Nhan Dan newspaper, Putin thanked Hanoi for its “balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis”.

Russia and Vietnam have deep ties dating back to the 1950s, and for decades, Moscow was Hanoi’s leading arms supplier.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at Australia’s University of New South Wales, said Vietnam has stopped “big ticket” military purchases since 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Russia and Vietnam have a mutual interest in resuming arms sales but Vietnam is hamstrung by the threat of US sanctions,” he told AFP.

AFP

How I survived death at Ebonyi building collapse – Labourer

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June 20, 2024

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How I survived death at Ebonyi building collapse – Labourer

A labourer, Nkwegu Shadrach, has narrated why he was not affected by the building collapse that occurred on Tuesday evening in the Abakaliki metropolis of Ebonyi State.

The three-storey building located within the premises of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki I, Ebonyi State, collapsed when some construction workers were working inside it.

The building, which collapsed to the foundation level, is owned by the member representing Afikpo North/East State Constituency in the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Hon. Ukie Ezeali.

The construction workers who were inside the building when the disaster occurred included a mason man, Celestine Arua and a physically challenged labourer, Egwu Ogbonnia.

The two workers were trapped inside the building and were rescued after some hours through an operation led by officials of the state Ministry of Capital Territory, Ministry of Works and security agencies.

According Metro reports the rescued labourers are currently hospitalised at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the AE-FUTHA II and were responding to treatment when our correspondent visited them on Wednesday afternoon.

Nkwegu, who supplied mixed concrete to the two workers inside the building, thanked God for saving him and the two workers.

He said, “I was there when the thing happened. It was the last bucket of the mixed concrete that I was trying to carry. When I turned back, I saw the building collapse.

“I was not affected but two persons were affected, the mason man and another worker who is deaf and dumb.

“It was only the mason man and the deaf and dumb worker who were inside the building when it collapsed. I was outside the building trying to carry mixed concrete to meet the mason man when the building collapsed.”

Meanwhile, the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria has described the incident as a huge disaster.

The council alleged that the materials used for the building were substandard wondering why people erecting structures should not comply with building guidelines.

The Zonal Coordinator of the council, Nwekete Chinasa-Jonathan, while speaking to journalists at the scene, also alleged that the mixtures of materials for the building were not good in addition to the poor workmanship.

“We have experienced poor workmanship here and some of the materials were not standard. Substandard materials were used, and the mixture was not too wonderful,” he said.

The Commissioner for Capital Territory, Development Authority, Sunday Inyima, corroborated the council, adding that two persons had been arrested over the incident.

He observed, “Two arrests have been made, people who are directly or indirectly attached to the building and that is the truth. We have told the owner of the building to please make himself available for explanations.

The police are already investigating the matter while professional bodies are also investigating it.”

French journalist forced to leave India after work permit denial

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June 20, 2024

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French journalist forced to leave India after work permit denial

Critics say that media freedom in the world’s most populous democracy is increasingly under attack, with journalists who touch on sensitive topics often subjected to government rebuke.Sebastien Farcis, who worked for Radio France Internationale and other major French-language media outlets, said he had left India earlier this week after having been informed in March that his routine journalist permit extension had been denied.

“This work ban comes as a big shock,” he said in a statement issued in Paris.

“It was communicated to me on the eve of the Indian general elections, the largest democratic elections in the world, which I was hence forbidden to cover. This appeared to me as an incomprehensible censorship.”

He said that no reason had been provided “despite formal and repeated requests”, and that he had applied for a new work permit.

But until that was granted, the refusal prevented him from “practising my profession”, obliging him to leave India, he added.

Without “work nor income, my family has been pushed out of India without explanation”, he said.

Farcis is married to an Indian national and has Overseas Citizen of India status, which allows him to live and work in the country but requires a special permit for missionary activities, mountaineering or journalism.

“This denial comes in a worrying context of increasing restrictions on the work of foreign journalists,” Farcis said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been accused of stifling independent media, with India slumping to 159 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.

In February, French journalist Vanessa Dougnac left India, where she had worked for more than two decades after authorities threatened to expel her for what they termed “malicious and critical” reporting.

In April, Australian ABC journalist Avani Dias said she was effectively pushed out after she was told her routine journalist visa extension would be denied.

Dias was issued a temporary visa less than a day before she was scheduled to leave, but departed anyway as she said it “felt too difficult to do my job in India”.

AFP

FG’ll convert Zaria Hotels to classrooms, hostels for aviation college – Keyamo

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June 20, 2024

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FG’ll convert Zaria Hotels to classrooms, hostels for aviation college – Keyamo

The Federal Government is to convert Zaria Hotels in Kaduna State to classrooms and hostels for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, has said.

Keyamo told newsmen in Zaria on Wednesday that the Zaria Hotels had been acquired as an annexure to the NCAT to widen its growth potential.

He spoke shortly after a familiarisation tour of the institution.

Keyamo said that NCAT remained the best institution for the aviation industry in Nigeria and West Africa.

“The landmass we have here is enough for expansion, so the potential for the college, in terms of expansion, is great.

“But, despite that, we have also acquired Zaria Hotels as an annexure to the college. We want to add to the facilities on the ground,” he said.

The minister assured the management of the college that the government would keep working on areas that needed improvement.

On reports that the college’s fire simulator and other facilities are to be relocated elsewhere, the minister said that there was no such plan.

“There is nothing like that; if we do it, where are we going to take it? NCAT is the training hub for the aviation industry; the rumour is being spread by mischief makers,” he added.

In his remark, acting Rector of NCAT, Mr Joseph Imalighwe, commended the minister for the visit and support for the college.

NAN

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Police hunt hit-and-run driver over killing of travellers in Ogun

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June 20, 2024

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Police hunt hit-and-run driver over killing of travellers in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has initiated a manhunt to fish out a suspected hit-and-run driver who struck and killed two male travellers, identified as Yahaya Suleiman and Emeka, after knocking them off the overhead bridge at the Kara Market on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Our correspondent gathered on Tuesday that the incident occurred around 3:30 pm on Monday when the driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed into the three travellers who were waiting for a commercial bus.

According Metro also learnt that the third pedestrian, identified only as Ishola, is currently in the hospital fighting for his life.

Issa, a satchet water seller, who witnessed the incident, told our correspondent on Tuesday that the three pedestrians were struck by the driver, and two of them fell from the bridge due to the impact of the vehicle.

“The driver was speeding, and I think he lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the three people who were waiting by the roadside to board a bus. The impact of the hit knocked two of the three travellers off the bridge. The driver sped off immediately after,” Issa told According Metro.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Tuesday and revealed that Suleiman and Emeka, who were knocked off the bridge, died in the hospital.

She said, “They were taken to the Lagos State Emergency Clinic at the old toll gate in the Ojota area of Lagos State. The two travellers who fell off the bridge were confirmed dead minutes after they were rushed to the hospital.

“The driver was believed to have lost control of his vehicle before ramming into the three travellers who were waiting to board a vehicle on the bridge. The third traveller, Ishola, sustained serious injuries. He is still in the hospital.

“The corpses of the victims have been taken to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in the Sagamu area of Ogun State for preservation and autopsy. We are making efforts to trace the family of the deceased to inform them about the incident. We are also working on identifying and arresting the driver.”

When our correspondent contacted the spokesperson on Wednesday as a follow-up to the incident, Odutola assured the state police that they were not leaving any stone unturned to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

“I can assure you that we are doing everything within our powers to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice. We have capable officers in command. Just like our divisional police officer in Igbeba, who, despite being a woman, is doing exceptional work by combining intelligence to track criminals within her area, others, including those in Ojodu Abiodun, are making similar efforts. Our officers will track and arrest the suspect.

Between January and June 2024, at least four pedestrians were killed by suspected hit-and-run drivers on major highways in Ogun State.

In January 2024, a Nigerian Police Force Inspector named Bulus Joel was reportedly killed by a suspected hit-and-run driver on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Earlier this month, a 22-year-old traveller, Elizabeth James, was killed after being knocked down on the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

SEforALL Board Approves Term Renewal of CEO Damilola Ogunbiyi

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June 20, 2024

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SEforALL Board Approves Term Renewal of CEO Damilola Ogunbiyi

Ms. Ogunbiyi becomes the first CEO to be renewed for a second five-year term reflecting tremendous results and impact under her leadership

President Bola Tinubu: Her re-appointment is not just a win for Nigeria but for the world as well.

The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Governance Board has approved Damilola Ogunbiyi for a second five-year term as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following great strides the organisation has made under her leadership to enable just, equitable and sustainable energy transitions that ensure better quality of life and opportunities for people living in developing regions. Recognised as a trailblazer during her first term, which began in 2020, Ms. Ogunbiyi, who is the first CEO to have her appointment renewed, led an ambitious expansion of SEforALL’s global influence and country support, providing clear pathways to accelerate progress towards universal energy access and advancing a just and equitable energy transition in countries that stand at the greatest risk of being left behind. In this period, SEforALL, through a range of innovative programmes and initiatives, established working relationships with over 200 partners, and supported over 90 countries globally.

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organisation that works in partnership with the United Nations and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 – in line with the Paris Agreement on climate. SEforALL works to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfill their potential.

Under Ms. Ogunbiyi’s leadership, SEforALL has prioritised evidence-based support to in-country capacity building that is driving policy, project, and ecosystem action with sustainable energy solutions towards climate and development priorities. This led to securing $1.3 trillion commitments through Energy Compacts to support the achievement of SDG7, in partnership with UN-Energy, enabling the first-time capture of energy specific voluntary SDG7 commitments, aligned with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Through this, 129 million people have gained access to electricity while 22 million others gained access to clean cooking through the Energy Compact commitments.

The organisation also raised $40 million as subsidy to bridge the gap for new mini-grid and high-capacity standalone solar systems that supported Sierra Leone, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Nigeria through the Universal Energy Facility (UEF), a results-based financing facility and multi-donor platform managed by SEforALL while 330 young women from the Global South have been trained in the sustainable energy sector and benefited from career development. The organisation, under her leadership, supported eight Presidencies of the G20 and the UNFCCC COP – Saudia Arabia, Italy, Indonesia, India and Brazil under G20 and the UK, Egypt and the UAE under COP to advance just and equitable energy transitions.

The organisation also supported Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Barbados and Sierra Leone to develop Energy Transition and Investment Plans, thus providing an opportunity for these countries to build energy systems that support economic and social development and achieve net-zero emissions. Additionally, SEforALL supported the development of national integrated energy plans (IEPs) to help direct resources effectively and efficiently to help Malawi, Nigeria and Madagascar achieve goals for electrification and clean cooking access.

Reacting, Damilola Ogunbiyi, said “It is an honour to be appointed for a second five-year term as the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All. I look forward to continuing my SEforALL and UN Energy roles and working with leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to end energy poverty and accelerate a just and equitable energy transition. I am committed to working with countries around the world, ensuring that all people irrespective of where they currently live, can lead dignified, productive and healthy lives powered by sustainable energy.”

Praising Ogunbiyi’s re-appointment, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu said her re-appointment was not just a win for Nigeria but for the world as well. “With the support of Sustainable Energy for All, the Nigerian Government designed the first-of-its-kind Energy Transition Plan to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change and to deliver SDG7 by 2030 and net zero by 2060. Through Damilola’s leadership, SEforALL continues to offer support to the country through the Energy Transition Office as well as through programmes such as the Universal Energy Facility. Her reappointment is not only a win for Nigeria but a win for the world,” Tinubu stated.

According to Francesco Starace, Chair, Governance Board, SEforALL,“Sustainable energy is the solution we need to stave off the climate crisis and build a better future for both people and planet. And that is why the right leadership is necessary to lead Sustainable Energy for All, which is mobilizing finance and partnerships to help countries achieve their energy, climate and development goals. Damilola has been this kind of leader, focused on impact and going beyond rhetoric. As a Governance Board, we are confident that she provides the leadership needed to take Sustainable Energy for All to the next level.”

Also speaking, Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, said:

“Sustainable Energy for All is forging strategic partnerships and alliances for expanding sustainable energy solutions. Damilola’s reappointment at Sustainable Energy for All will further support our collective efforts to develop and scale up sustainable energy solutions in Africa.”

On her own, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, said “Barbados has an ambitious target of reaching 100 percent renewable energy and full electrification of our island’s transport sector by 2030, and Sustainable Energy for All through Damilola’s leadership, is supporting the country to develop its Energy Transition and Investment Plan, which will help Barbados build clean energy systems. I welcome Damilola’s reappointment and look forward to our continued partnership,” while Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, submitted that “Ghana’s commitment to a just and equitable energy transition has translated to an ambitious plan that builds a case for change across Ghana’s entire energy system. The plan would not have been possible without the support and commitment of key partners such as Sustainable Energy for All. Through Damilola’s leadership, this relationship continues to be instrumental in driving sustainable development in Ghana, and I welcome the CEO’s reappointment as she continues to steer this great organisation.”

“Congratulations on your reappointment Damilola. Your dedication and strategic insight have been an invaluable resource to the World Bank and the Private Sector Investment Lab. I look forward to continue working with you on the Lab and other initiatives to mobilize private capital for financing urgent development challenges in emerging markets,” Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group, stated in his reaction while Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, said “The world doesn’t have to choose between ending energy poverty and slowing the climate crisis. As SEforALL’s work with The Rockefeller Foundation, GEAPP, and many other stakeholders demonstrates, we can develop the solutions we need to achieve universal energy access, avert climate catastrophe, and advance human opportunity. Damilola’s tireless devotion and extraordinary leadership is exactly what we need in this moment, and I look forward to continuing our partnership.”

Echoing the reactions, Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), said: “I congratulate Damilola Ogunbiyi on her reappointment as CEO. Under her inspired leadership we launched the Africa Energy Transition Partnership (AETP) at COP28. This initiative will deliver joint action and improved coordination, by addressing issues that impede access to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructures. I look forward to working with Ms Ogunbiyi and her team to ensure that the clean energy transition delivers for Africa’s economic and social development.”

Also, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said: “I offer my congratulations to Damilola Ogunbiyi for her reappointment to a second term heading SEforALL. The UN Economic Commission for Africa has partnered with SEforALL under her leadership to promote inclusive and sustainable development to accelerate economic transformation in Africa on important issues including energy and the transparent access to critical minerals in the context of the global energy transition. I look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Adeshina thanks ‘sports mother’ who bought her first shoes

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June 20, 2024

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Adeshina thanks ‘sports mother’ who bought her first shoes

Nigerian high jumper and national record holder (indoor and outdoor), Temitope Adeshina, says former African Games gold medallist Doren Amata gave her career a push when she started years back, According Sports Extra.

Adeshina won her second consecutive high jump national title at the just-concluded National Trials in Benin City and was full of praises for Amata, who she said bought her first shoes and kits to compete.

The 25-year-old had qualified for the Olympics before the National Trials and also holds the indoor and outdoor national records, which were previously held by Amata.

“I was here to compete and try if I could scale the 2.00m mark. I want to prove that I can do it and thanks to my coach, Kola Adebayo, who believes in me, if not for him, I won’t be here,” Adeshina told Making of Champions.

“Thanks to Doren Amata, she is my sports mother and has been there for me since day one. She bought me my first high jump shoes and my first complete kits as well.”

In Benin City, the Texas Tech athlete was well ahead of her competitors as she attempted only two heights throughout the competition.

She tied the meeting record of 1.95m to win the title ahead of Francess Ajagbawa in second with a personal best of 1.75m while African Games finalist Peace Ewa took third in 1.70m.

Adeshina is also the first Nigerian jumper to qualify for the Olympics since Amata in 2016.

Asked about her expectations, she noted that her target in Paris is the gold medal.

“You never can tell, I can come home with the gold and that’s my target,” she said.

Although she opened up about the pressure of combining academics and sports, Adeshina has enjoyed a successful debut season in the United State’s National Collegiate Athletic Association where she finished third in the women’s high jump as one of the best representatives of her school.

She also achieved her Olympic qualifications during the NCAA championships earlier this month.

Adeshina is a silver medallist at the 2022 African Championships in Mauritius.

Adesanya tips Whittaker to beat Aliskerov

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June 20, 2024

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Adesanya tips Whittaker to beat Aliskerov

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Robert Whittaker will get the job done against rising star Ikram Aliskerov.

Whittaker was supposed to fight Khamzat Chimaev, however, UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed that ‘Borz’ is out of the Saudi Arabia main event.

White emphasised that Chimaev was ill and wished him a return to good health. Following the news, pictures have emerged on social media of the 30-year-old since he pulled out of the Whittaker contest.

A member of Chimaev’s inner circle uploaded a picture on social media – which appeared to show ‘Borz’ in a hospital bed.

However, the show must go on as Aliskerov will now step in on short notice and go head-to-head with the Aussie superstar. The Russian middleweight contender comes into the contest off the back of a TKO victory against Warlley Alves at UFC 294 last October.

‘The Last Stylebender’ is very much familiar with Whittaker’s game and has fought the Aussie on two occasions. Adesanya emerged victorious in the first encounter, winning via knockout in 2019 to win the middleweight strap. The rematch was a little closer, but the New Zealander went 2-0 in the series – beating ‘The Reaper’ via decision.

Whittaker comes into the clash with Aliskerov off the back of a slick victory against Paulo Costa earlier this year as he got back in the win column following his defeat to the current middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, last year.

Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Adesanya shared his thoughts on the upcoming main event in Saudi Arabia. While Aliskerov is a tough fighter, ‘The Last Stylebender’ expects Whittaker to win this weekend.

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Two-third Nigerian professionals willing to work abroad, says report

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June 20, 2024

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Two-third Nigerian professionals willing to work abroad, says report

Nearly two-thirds of Nigerian professionals and three-quarters of Ghanaian professionals are willing to work abroad, a new report by Boston Consulting Group and The Network has shown.

The report, Decoding Global Talent 2024, surveyed over 150,000 workers in 188 countries and found that younger professionals and those from fast-growing populations were more likely to seek opportunities abroad.

English-speaking countries with strong economies, such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, were the top destinations, with London and New York ranking among the most desirable cities.

The report stated that Nigeria ranked 67th and Ghana 72nd in terms of attractiveness to global workers, while Abuja and Lagos ranked 63rd and 103rd, respectively, in terms of desired cities.

“The world’s most important economies are facing a major challenge: the great shortage of people. This looming gap in the global labour market is primarily due to declining birth rates and mismatches between job supply and demand,” said the CEO of Stepstone Group, Sebastian Dettmers.

“Labour migration represents a prime opportunity to bridge this gap. We must adapt our job markets to be more versatile, enabling workers to move to where they are most needed and where they can find the best positions for their skills and aspirations.”

The top 10 countries Nigerians prefer to work abroad for are Canada, the UK, the USA, Australia, Germany, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and France.

This marks a slight change from the survey done in 2020 that found that people from Nigeria were looking for work in the Netherlands (8th position in 2020), New Zealand (9th position in 2020), and Ireland (10th position in 2020).

Ghanaians’ top 10 countries for work opportunities are Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany, the UAE, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.

The Principal at BCG, Adwoa Banful, stated, “West Africa continues to offer attractive job opportunities for local professionals and for others from the rest of the continent and overseas, who are seeking to advance their careers.

“There are some clear reasons why people are choosing to relocate to Nigeria and Ghana, most notably the quality of job opportunities, and the region’s welcoming culture and family-centric environment.”

According to the report, global talent moves abroad primarily for professional progress, with those willing to do so citing financial and economic reasons (64 per cent of global, 60 per cent of Nigerian, and 69 per cent of Ghanaian respondents).

Also, career considerations such as work experience (56 per cent of global, 69 per cent of Nigerian, and 73 per cent of Ghanaian respondents), better overall life quality (55 per cent of global, 51 per cent of Nigerian and 57 per cent of Ghanaian respondents), and a concrete job offer (54 per cent of global, 51 per cent of Nigerian and 50 per cent of Ghanaian respondents) were their top reasons for doing so.

Nigerian respondents also highlighted better educational and training opportunities (64 per cent versus 37 per cent of global respondents) and more interesting or challenging work (63 per cent versus 48 per cent of global respondents) as top reasons to relocate.

The same goes for Ghanaian respondents who would relocate because of better educational and training opportunities (70 per cent ) and more interesting or challenging work (68 per cent).

“For global respondents who listed a specific reason for choosing a particular country, the quality of job opportunities was the top decisive factor (65 per cent), with quality of life and climate ranking second (54 per cent).

“Other country-specific characteristics, such as opportunities for citizenship (18 per cent) and health care (15 per cent) also play a role but are secondary factors,” the report highlighted.

Reasons to relocate to Nigeria that were highlighted by respondents include the quality of job opportunities (52 per cent of respondents), a family-friendly environment (40 per cent), and a welcoming culture and inclusiveness (34 per cent).

Reasons for choosing Ghana include quality of job opportunities (48 per cent of respondents), a welcoming culture and inclusiveness (40 per cent), and safety, stability and security (38 per cent).

“The biggest reasons highlighted by Nigerian and Ghanaian respondents, who are not willing to move overseas are the inability to bring family members or a life partner with them when they relocate (43 per cent and 50 per cent respectively) and the cost of relocation (39 per cent and 36 per cent respectively),” Banful stated.

Co-managing Director at The Network, Sacha Knorr said, “People don’t associate countries with certain generally attributed advantages and choose them on that basis.

“Instead, they opt for the destination region that most closely matches their criteria for their future job choice. Companies should take advantage of this, as they can score points here with job offers that match talents’ expectations.”