Queen Mother’s Legacy: Prince Harry to Benefit from Significant Inheritance on His 40th Birthday
London, UK — Prince Harry is set to receive a substantial inheritance from the late Queen Mother as he celebrates his 40th birthday on September 15. Reports indicate that the Duke of Sussex will benefit significantly from a trust fund established by his great-grandmother. The Queen Mother, when she was ninety-four in 1994, set up the trust, which is said to have allocated approximately £19 million—about two-thirds of her wealth at that time—for her great-grandchildren. According to The UK Telegraph, Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, are to receive their inheritance in two payments: one at age 21 and another at 40. The New Daily Prime has learned that the trust was designed to provide tax-efficient financial support to the Queen Mother’s great-grandchildren while preserving a portion of her estate for them. The brothers received £6 million each when they turned 21 and are expected to receive an additional £8 million each upon turning 40. Prince William, who turned 40 in June 2022, has since taken on the titles of Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, and received £23.6 million from the estate the previous year. Other beneficiaries of the fund include the Duke of York’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie; Princess Margaret’s children, Viscount Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto; and Zara and Peter Phillips, the children of the Princess Royal. Additionally, following the death of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, 23 years ago, the princes each received nearly £6.5 million. At age 30, Prince Harry inherited approximately £10 million from this amount, which has grown significantly. They were also given Diana’s iconic wedding dress—designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, famed for its intricate pearl work, layers of silk, and 25-foot train. As Prince Harry approaches this milestone birthday, the inheritance from his great-grandmother is expected to be a significant highlight, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Queen Mother’s generosity.
President Tinubu Lauds 478 Police Cadets at Graduation Ceremony
Lagos, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu commended the 478 Regular Cadet graduates for completing their demanding academic and professional training at the police academy in a speech delivered by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima during the graduation ceremony. “Mr. President, the academy is proud to present to you 478 Regular Cadet graduands, who have successfully completed both their rigorous academic programs in various disciplines and their police professional training,” stated the institution’s spokesperson during the event. President Tinubu stressed to the newly graduated students the importance of upholding justice, peace, and national security. He challenged the graduates to embody the values of justice and to take a leading role in promoting law and order. “Continually strive to be an excellent representative of this magnificent institution, your loved ones, and the Nigerian Police Force,” the President declared. He emphasized the need for integrity and commitment in their future roles, highlighting the importance of honesty, patriotism, fairness, and mutual respect. Additionally, President Tinubu reminded the graduates that their commitment to public service extends beyond their official responsibilities. He emphasized that it also involves making personal sacrifices and engaging in humanitarian efforts, reinforcing the broader impact of their roles in society. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the new officers, who are now poised to begin their careers in law enforcement with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The President’s speech underscored the academy’s mission to develop leaders equipped to face the challenges of modern policing with integrity and compassion.
No Price Guarantees: NNPC Says Local Refining Won’t Automatically Lower Fuel Costs
Lagos, Nigeria — The NNPC has clarified in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, that global market forces will continue to dictate the pricing of petroleum products in Nigeria. The impact on domestic refineries, including Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery Ltd (DRL), will be significant in terms of domestic petrol pump prices. The NNPC emphasized that despite local refining capabilities, consumers should not expect guaranteed reductions in fuel prices, as domestic production does not inherently lead to lower costs at the pump. Recent fluctuations in petrol prices have not altered the operational landscape for DRL or other domestic refineries within Nigeria. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has made it clear that these price variations do not impede domestic refineries’ access to the local market. The DRL and other domestic refineries retain the flexibility to engage directly with marketers on a willing buyer, willing seller basis. This practice aligns with the current deregulated market framework, allowing refineries to navigate market opportunities effectively. While high global prices present challenges, they also offer domestic refineries the chance to potentially offer lower prices within Nigeria, thereby balancing market dynamics. The NNPC’s stance is clear: the corporation will only fully purchase Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from DRL if prevailing market prices exceed domestic pump prices. The NNPC Ltd has no intention of assuming the role of a sole distributor within a free market environment, emphasizing its commitment to market-driven practices. The corporation’s strategic position reflects its focus on maintaining a competitive and equitable market structure for all stakeholders involved.
Speculation Grows as Ajuri Ngelale Steps Down: Health Concerns or Political Fallout?
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has announced his resignation from the role, effective immediately. The decision, which also includes his departure from his positions as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, was disclosed in a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday. Ngelale’s resignation comes as he faces urgent medical issues affecting his immediate family. According to the statement, he submitted a formal memo to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, requesting an indefinite leave of absence to address these pressing concerns. “I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate nuclear family,” Ngelale stated. “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision—entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Official Spokesperson of the President, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen—was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.” Ngelale, who has been a prominent figure in Nigerian media and politics, requested privacy for his family during this challenging time and expressed hope for a return to national service once circumstances allow. His sudden departure has sparked a flurry of speculation on social media, with many Nigerians suggesting that the move may be linked to internal conflicts within President Tinubu’s administration. Critics have alleged that Ngelale’s resignation could be a result of disputes with key figures within the Aso Rock cabal, though no official confirmation has been made regarding such claims. Ngelale’s tenure as Special Adviser to the President began on August 1, 2023, with his appointment officially taking effect from July 31, 2023. His role was set to continue through the end of the current administration, barring any changes. In addition to his media and publicity role, Ngelale was appointed as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action on May 19, 2024, and was also tasked with chairing the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. Born on November 13, 1986, in Platteville, Wisconsin, Ngelale has a diverse background, with a Nigerian father from Rivers State and a German-American mother. He has had a notable career in journalism, previously serving as a senior reporter and presenter at Africa Independent Television and Channels Television. Before his role with President Tinubu, he was the Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs to President Muhammadu Buhari and a co-principal spokesperson for the Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 election. The resignation of Ajuri Ngelale marks a significant moment in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, raising questions about the future of the key positions he held and the implications for the ongoing initiatives he was leading.
Nigerian Nurses Face Career Crisis as Verification Portal Closure Forces Return from Abroad
In a significant setback for Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad, the Nigerian government’s abrupt closure of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s (NMCN) verification portal in February has triggered a crisis, compelling many Nigerian nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom and the United States to return to Nigeria. This unexpected development has left healthcare workers grappling with difficulties in renewing their licenses and meeting international regulatory standards. The suspension of the NMCN verification portal has led to severe repercussions for those unable to complete their certification process. Nurses lacking the crucial NMCN verification are now in violation of visa requirements and employment regulations, exposing them to potential legal penalties. According to PUNCH, the portal shutdown has forced several Nigerian nurses abroad to come back to Nigeria. One such nurse, speaking anonymously to avoid public embarrassment, shared his ordeal. After relocating to the UK in September 2023 with high hopes of joining the UK Trust, a renowned healthcare organization, his career aspirations were abruptly halted. Despite having completed exams and navigated complex documentation procedures, he was unable to finalize his registration due to the deactivated portal. Desperate for a solution, he reached out to the NMCN, only to find that the council’s policy precluded any further verification through the now-closed portal. Consequently, the UK Trust terminated his employment for failing to meet certification standards. “The situation is not only disheartening but also devastating. My career is at a standstill,” he lamented. Similarly, another nurse known only as Ovie, currently in the UK, expressed her frustration. She had moved to the UK to pursue a nursing top-up program but found her plans thwarted by the portal closure. Unable to complete her verification, she is now facing uncertainty with her student visa expiring and the looming threat of deportation. In Saudi Arabia, nurse Hannah also shared her distress. After relocating to practice nursing in 2023, she now faces an uncertain future, with deportation fears casting a shadow over her professional prospects. Michael Nnachi, President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and revealed that the association is in ongoing discussions with the government to address the issue. A committee has been established to evaluate the problem, and while Nnachi remains hopeful, he urged affected members to exercise patience. He expressed concern that even when agreements with the government are reached, they often fall short of implementation. Abubakar Shehu, the association’s Deputy National President, voiced his frustration over the delay, criticizing the government’s handling of the portal closure. He noted that other healthcare workers, such as doctors and pharmacists, have not faced similar issues. Despite assurances from the NMCN registrar that the portal will soon be reinstated, Shehu emphasized the significant negative impact the closure has had on Nigerian nurses seeking employment abroad. The New Daily Prime has gathered that the NMCN’s decision to deactivate the portal is perceived by some as an attempt to deter nurses from pursuing career opportunities overseas. Earlier this year, on February 7, 2024, the NMCN introduced revised guidelines and requirements for credential and license approval. These new guidelines stipulate that individuals seeking certificate verification for international nursing boards must have at least two years of post-qualification experience. Additionally, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable fee for each verification application, as outlined on the council’s portal. The NMCN has defended these updated verification guidelines, asserting that they are designed to serve the best interests of the nation.
Paralympics: Onyinyechi Mark breaks record as first Nigerian to win gold
Onyinyechi Mark, a Nigerian powerlifter, won the gold medal in the women’s 61kg powerlifting division at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in France, lifting 150kg. The 23-year-old won on Friday, defeating China’s Cui Jianjin, who took silver with a lift of 140kg, and Mexico’s Amelia Perez, who claimed bronze with a lift of 130kg. In a congratulatory tweet on Friday, Minister of Sports John Enoh praised Mark’s efforts in elevating Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage. He wrote on the platform, “Congratulations Onyinyechi Mark! Today, you hoisted the flag of our great nation at the ongoing Paralympics by winning Nigeria’s first gold medal. Not only did you lift 147kg to break the Paralympic record and win a gold medal, but you also rose to the challenge and lifted 150kg to set a new world record. Bravo!” Mark’s latest victory secures Team Nigeria’s third medal at the 2024 Paralympics. Previously, Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African athlete to earn a medal in Para-Badminton, winning a bronze medal for Nigeria in the Women’s Singles SL3. Bolaji defeated her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna, 2-0 in straight sets (21-9, 21-9). Esther Nworgu won a silver medal in the women’s 41kg para-powerlifting division. Team Nigeria’s para-powerlifters have continued to make history at various tournaments. The team triumphed at the 2021 Para-Powerlifting World Cup in Manchester, claiming eight gold and three silver medals, outshining 18 other countries. Notable team members included Lucy Ejike, Jonah Ben, Bose Omolayo, Tijani Latifat, Yakubu Adesokan, Ibrahim Dauda, and Thomas Kure. Mark was also part of the team, securing a silver medal in the women’s 55kg category, where she was narrowly defeated by Ukrainian competitor Mariana Shevchuk.
