More than 30 aspirants to the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo, Paramount Monarch in South-West Nigeria have been screened.
Prior to the commencement of the screening, about 119 princes had signified their interest to ascend the throne and presented themselves for the exercise.
The Alaafin stool became vacant as a result of the demise of the last Paramount Ruler, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III who passed away on Friday, 22 April, 2022
According to the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the screening commenced at the ancient palace of Oyo and had each aspirant facing the panel with 2 witnesses each.
Durojaiye said: “The contestants arrived one after the other at the palace accompanied by some of their relations. They interacted freely amongst themselves and embraced one another devoid of ill feelings, rancour and enmity.“
Durojaiye added that the screening was conducted by members of the Oyo Traditional Council known as the Oyo Mesi, led by Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka.
He explained that the screening was observed by officials of the Atiba Local Government Council led by its Chair, Hon. Kafayat Olakojo.
The screening exercise continues on Monday, 12th September till Thursday, 15th September 2022.
The Federal Government says over 40 percent of teachers have been wiped out over the last twelve years in the North-East as a result of insecurity.
The government also said that about $80b (about N31.35 trillion) would be required to effectively transform the Boko Haram-ravaged region.
Mohammed Alkali, the managing director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), stated this at a briefing organised by the Presidential Media Team, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the commission would source about 80 percent of the development funds from the private sector and global donors, including development partners.
The commission which was created in 2017, with its headquarters in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is an intervention agency established to receive funds for the development of the region, consisting of six states – Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Gombe, with a total of 112 local government areas.
Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II had died — bringing to an end a 70-year reign. Elizabeth was the UK’s longest reigning monarch, taking the throne in 1952 upon the death of her father, King George VI.
She has been succeeded by her own son, Charles, will be known as King Charles III. Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen Consort would stay at Balmoral overnight before returning to London on Friday.
See below for a summary of Friday’s developments:
Gun salutes of 96 rounds
Cannon shots were fired across the United Kingdom – from London to Belfast — on Friday afternoon in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday aged 96.
There were 96 rounds fired to mark each year of her life.
The shots were fired in London at Hyde Park and the Tower of London, but also at the English prehistoric site of Stonehenge and in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, in southern Spain.
Premier League matches called off this weekend
The Premier League has postponed its upcoming round of matches as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
This adds to the cancellation of high-profile golf, cricket and horse racing events across the country on Friday.
England’s top-flight clubs held a meeting on Friday and said they wanted to “pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.”
The English Football League — the three divisions below the Premier League — also called off games scheduled for the weekend.
Bells toll for Britain’s longest-serving monarch
Bells tolled across Britain on Friday in honour of Queen Elizabeth II as the nation started 10 days of mourning for its longest-serving monarch.
In imposing city cathedrals and small-town chapels, the bells began ringing at noon (1100 GMT) as part of a long-planned, carefully organised series of events to mark the queen’s passing.
At the same time, the British Parliament opened a special session to pay tribute to the queen.
An hour later, a special gun salute is planned, with 96 shots, one for each year of Elizabeth’s nearly-century-long life.
King Charles III on route to London
King Charles III has left Balmoral Castle and is on his way to London, where he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Liz Truss and deliver a speech to the nation.
Britain has begun a 10-day mourning period, with bells tolling around the country and 96-gun salutes planned in London — one for each year of the queen’s long life.
The king takes the throne at a time when many Britons are preoccupied with an energy crisis, the soaring cost of living, war in Ukraine and the fallout from Brexit.
No quick changes to British currency featuring Queen’s image
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has left many wondering what will happen to British money that bears her image, and whether it would be replaced by portraits of the new King Charles III.
Financial authorities sought to reassure people that there would be no big changes right away, but said little else.
“Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender,” the Bank of England said on its website. “A further announcement regarding existing Bank of England banknotes will be made once the period of mourning has been observed.”
The Queen was the first monarch to feature on British bank notes after the Treasury gave the central bank permission to use her image for a new 1 pound note issued in 1960.
Businesses, events can be organised during the mourning period, says UK government
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK government issued guidance on observing the national mourning period, stating that businesses can remain open and events like concerts and football games do to need to be cancelled.
“This is at the discretion of individual organisations,” the statement said.
“As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so,” it stated.
“In keeping with the tone of national mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands.”
The English Football League has already postponed Friday’s games between Burnley and Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere and Stockport in League Two.
Queen’s passing is a moment of enormous change for the world, says Archbishop of Canterbury
The head of the Anglican church, Justin Welby, says that the death of Queen Elizabeth II is a moment of enormous change for Britain and the world.
The queen – who was also the supreme governor of the Church of England – was on the throne for 70 years.
Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said that for many people, “a part of our lives we’ve taken for granted as being permanent is no longer there.”
He added that with the Queen’s death “there is an enormous shift in the world around us, in how we see it and how we understand ourselves.”
Buckingham Palace announces seven days of mourning
Buckingham Palace has announced that a seven-day period of mourning will be observed from today, until after the Queen’s funeral, the date of which has yet to be confirmed.
“Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King’s wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral,” the Palace said in a statement.
The period of mourning is to be observed by “members of the Royal Family, Royal Household staff and Representatives of the Royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties,” it said.
Flags at Royal Residences will remain at half-mast throughout the period.
Members of the public who wish to leave flowers have also been guided towards dedicated sites in Green Park and Hyde Park, and at Cambridge Gate in Windsor.
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has called off some weekend events to mark the 50th anniversary of her accession following the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, the palace said Friday.
The Danish queen, Elizabeth’s third cousin, has cancelled a carriage procession through Copenhagen and a palace balcony appearance, while a reception and lunch at City Hall has been postponed.
A scaled-down gala theatre performance in her honour will go ahead at Copenhagen’s royal theatre on Saturday evening.
A lunch with Nordic royals will go ahead as planned on Sunday, as will as a downsized gala banquet at the Christiansborg Palace.
This is the second time Margrethe, who acceded to the throne in January 1972, has had to put off her jubilee celebrations, marking the actual anniversary last January with a smaller celebration due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The full festivities had been postponed until this weekend.
With the death of Elizabeth, Margrethe is now Europe’s longest-serving monarch, just ahead of Sweden’s Carl XVI Gustaf who has been king for 48 years.
Margrethe is also Europe’s only reigning queen, though four countries – Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden – have crown princesses next in line to the throne.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years
All English and Northern Irish Football
and all professional Scottish football has been postponed this weekend as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Ten Premier League and six Scottish Premiership fixtures were scheduled.
EFL games were due to take place on Friday and Saturday, with six Women’s Super League fixtures – the first of the season – on Saturday and Sunday.
England’s National League, FA Trophy and grassroots football is also off.
Friday’s play at golf’s PGA Championship was called off, along with all British horse racing and cricket’s Test between England and South Africa.
British horse racing will remain off on Saturday and return on Sunday.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
The Premier League took the decision to honour the Queen’s “extraordinary life and contribution to the nation” and said updates on future fixtures during the period of mourning “will be provided in due course”.
The league’s chief executive Richard Masters said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.
“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
The government’s national mourning guidance advised that cancelling fixtures was not obligatory, leaving the decision up to individual sports.
Rugby union’s Premiership season is due to begin, with fixtures scheduled for 19:45 BST on Friday, and the Great North Run is scheduled for Sunday.
Government guidance for the day of the funeral also advised that cancellation was not obligatory, but suggested events could be rescheduled so that they do not clash with the timings of the service.
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate
Selling Rate – 702
Buying Rate – 699
The exchange rate between the naira and the US dollar depreciated further on Thursday, 8th September 2022 morning, trading at an average of N708/$1 compared to N704/$1 recorded in the previous trading session.
Leaders from around the world are united in mourning the death of the Queen, who passed away peacefully in Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.
The UK’s longest-reigning monarch was beloved around the globe and travelled extensively during and even before her 70-year reign.
The new King, Charles III, said: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
New Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “We are all devastated by the news that we have just heard from Blamoral.
“The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.”
President Biden said: “Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead.”
He added: “We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
He has ordered US flags be flown at half mast.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first world leaders to pay tribute.
He said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years.
“I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”
Mr Martin said: “The Queen’s reign was one of historic duration, immense consequence and a focus of respect and admiration around the world.
“Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.
“The Queen’s passing is indeed the end of an era.
“Her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour.
“That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen during her time in Ireland.”
Former President Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us … Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humour and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
He added: “As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.”
There will be seven days of national mourning in Jordan, the country’s king announced.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“On behalf of the people, we extend sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Despite the tensions over the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin reached out to King Charles III in a telegram.
Russia’s leader wrote: “The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage.
“I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain.”
Former prime minister Boris Johnson said the death of the Queen would leave a “void” and “this is our country’s saddest day”.
“As is so natural with human beings, it is only when we face the reality of our loss that we truly understand what has gone,” he said.
“It is only really now that we grasp how much she meant for us, how much she did for us, how much she loved us.
“As we think of the void she leaves, we understand the vital role she played, selflessly and calmly embodying the continuity and unity of our country.
“We think of her deep wisdom, and historic understanding, and her seemingly inexhaustible but understated sense of duty.”
Sir Keir Starmer said togetherness in mourning the Queen’s death and celebrating her life is a reminder of what she achieved.
He told broadcasters: “Around the world people are united in mourning and united in celebrating her life.
“This togetherness is a reminder of what she achieved, a reminder of our shared values – values which I know will be upheld by her beloved son Charles, our new King.”
Israel Prime Minister said: “The Queen is an extraordinary figure, a unique leader who symbolized devotion and love for her homeland.”
Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg tweeted: “Over more than 70 years, she exemplified selfless leadership and public service.
“My deepest condolences to the royal family, to our #NATO Allies the United Kingdom and Canada, and to the people of the Commonwealth.”
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said: “We have lost not just our monarch but the matriarch of our nation, the figure who more than any other brought our country together, kept us in touch with our better nature, personified everything which makes us proud to be British.”
Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said in a statement: “In this moment of mourning and pain, I offer to Your Majesty and to the entire Royal Family, as well as to all Britons, on behalf of the Portuguese people and on my own, my sincere condolences, conveying my deep feelings for the loss suffered “
“I am sure that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain for all an example of courage, dedication, stability and an unshakable sense of public service, as she has been throughout her more than 96 years of life and 70 years of reign.
“For Portugal and for all Portuguese people, the visits that Queen Isabel II made to our country, in 1957 and 1985, will remain in the memory of each of us, with unquestionable affection and appreciation.
“For me, personally, I cannot forget the honor of the meeting held during my trip to London, back in 2016.”
Sept. 8, 1966 – The Severn Bridge is a motorway suspension bridge that spans the River Severn between South Gloucestershire in England and Monmouthshire in South East Wales.
It is the original Severn road crossing between England and Wales, and took three and a half years to build, at a cost of £8 million.
It replaced the 137-year-old Aust Ferry.
The bridge was opened in 1966 by Queen Elizabeth II.
For thirty years, the bridge carried the M4 motorway. It was granted Grade I listed status in 1999.
Following the completion of the Prince of Wales Bridge, the section of motorway from Olveston in England to Magor in Wales was designated the M48.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the nation’s figurehead and a towering presence on the world stage for seven decades, Queen Elizabeth, died peacefully at her home in Scotland on Thursday aged 96. Her eldest son Charles who becomes England’s new king said, “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.” News that the queen’s health was deteriorating emerged shortly after midday on Thursday when her doctors said she was under medical supervision, prompting her family to rush to be by her side. The queen had been suffering from what Buckingham Palace had called “episodic mobility problems” since the end of last year, forcing her to withdraw from nearly all her public engagements. Her last public duty came only on Tuesday, when she appointed Liz Truss prime minister – the 15th of her reign. Speaking outside her Downing Street office where the flag, like those at royal palaces and government buildings across London, were lowered to half-mast, Liz Truss said the death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world. Buckingham Palace said Charles and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, would remain at Balmoral Castle, where the queen died, before returning to London on Friday. On Elizabeth’s death, Charles automatically becomes king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. His office confirmed we would be known as Charles III. Queen Elizabeth II, who was also the world’s oldest and longest-serving head of state, came to the throne following the death of her father King George VI on Feb. 6, 1952, when she was just 25. She was crowned in June the following year. The first televised coronation was a foretaste of a new world in which the lives of the royals were to become increasingly scrutinised by the media. Elizabeth became monarch at a time when Britain still retained much of its old empire. It was emerging from the ravages of World War Two, with food rationing still in force and class and privilege still dominant in society. Winston Churchill was Britain’s prime minister at the time, Josef Stalin led the Soviet Union and the Korean War was raging. In the decades that followed, Elizabeth witnessed massive political change and social upheaval at home and abroad. Her own family’s tribulations, most notably the divorce of Charles and his late first wife Diana, were played out in full public glare. While remaining an enduring symbol of stability and continuity for Britons at a time of relative national economic decline, Elizabeth also tried to adapt the ancient institution of monarchy to the demands of the modern era. Elizabeth was the 40th monarch in a royal line that followed Norman King William the Conqueror, who claimed the English throne in 1066 after defeating Anglo-Saxon ruler Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. Her long reign meant she repeatedly broke records for British rulers. When she surpassed the more than 63 years her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne, she said it was not a landmark to which she had ever aspired.
Dolapo Osinbajo, Wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has called for a collective advocacy and action towards zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices.
Osinbajo made the call while unveiling the Landscape Analysis report on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Harmful Traditional Practices and Obstetrics Fistula at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
The report was presented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with Nigeria, Canada and development partners.
Osinbajo, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said available statistics indicated that GBV was a global pandemic that affected many women in their lifetime.
She said that the statistics meant that 35 per cent of women worldwide had experienced either physical or sexual violence involving a known or unknown person.
The Wife of the Vice President said that concerted efforts were needed to address the ugly trend and save the girl child.
Osinbajo said that the importance of the key report by UNFPA could not be over emphasised.
She said the report would help to guide interventions, provoke effective programmes, improve ongoing programs to curb and eventually wipe out GBV and harmful practices in the communities.
Presenting an overview of the report, Prof. Olabisi Aina, Report Consultant, recommended the empowering of women and girls through promoting and supporting gender education.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, National Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, thanked Osinbajo for standing firm on the programme.
He also commended her for taking three states as the pilot project in the report.
Abubakar said that the event was of great significance in the lives of women and girls.
On her part, the UNFPA Resident in Nigeria, Ulla Mueller, commended Nigeria for the programmes and policies initiated to tackle gender-based violence and harmful practices in the country.
She called on Federal Government to prioritise ending sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
The event attracted wives of Oyo, Sokoto and Bauchi states’ governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, development partners and representatives of the UN stakeholders.
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