Graduating from university is normally an occasion for a family get-together.

And this was certainly a big celebration for the Ogunsanya quadruplets who were handed their well-deserved degrees from the same university on the same day.



The 23-year-old quads, identical sisters and the oldest by four minutes, Toks and Temi Ogunsanya, and identical brothers, Tobi and Tolu, graduated from Warwick University with Master Degrees.




Quadriple grads

Fabulous foursome! (Left to right) Tolu, Toks, Temi and Tobi have walked away with degrees and City jobs

And there was not a jot of sibling rivalry as all four have landed jobs in the City already.

Toks graduated with an MEng in manufacturing and engineering and Temi, Tobi and Tolu all gained an MSC in management from Warwick Business School.

‘The fact we all chose to study at the University of Warwick was a natural decision,’ says Tobi, who thinks a bit of sibling rivalry is essential for success.

‘We are a close-knit family and were all attracted by the strength of the courses on offer.

Quadriple 2

Quite brilliant quads: The foursome, originally from Nigeria, all went to boarding school before heading to Warwick University

‘We all gravitated to similar courses because we’ve always been interested in business and management and our father is a successful businessman in Nigeria.’

The quads, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, have been living in the UK since the age of seven when they began boarding schools. Since leaving university they have all landed top city jobs.

Quadriple 3

No sibling rivalry: The brothers and sisters are so close they were even attracted to the same sort of courses

Toks is due to started working for RBS in London after graduation, Temi, who interned at Santander over the summer, has been offered a permanent position with the bank, and Tolu soon strated working for one of the ‘Big 4’ accountancy firms in the City.

‘Our parents are four times as proud of us,’ added Tobi, who is mulling over two offers from two major City firms.

‘They’ve supported us financially and have encouraged us all the way – without their help we wouldn’t be here today.’


 http://www.clickadu.com/?rfd=yPr

The  Federal Government has released the statement below detailing assets recovered from corrupt officials of the past administration.

Read full statement below.
The Federal Government made cash recoveries totaling:
  • N78,325,354,631.82 (Seventy eight billion, three hundred and twenty-five million, three hundred and fifty-four thousand, six hundred and thirty one Naira and eighty two kobo);
  • $185,119,584.61 (One hundred and eight five million, one hundred and nineteen thousand, five hundred and eighty four US dollars, sixty one cents);
  • 3,508,355.46 Pounds Sterling (Three million, five hundred and eight thousand, three hundred and fifty-five Pounds and 46 Pence) and
  • 11, 250 Euros (Eleven thousand, two hundred and fifty Euros) from 29 May 2015 to 25 May 2016.

In a statement in Lagos on Saturday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also disclosed that Recoveries Under Interim Forfeiture (cash and assets) during the period totaled N126,563,481,095.43 (One hundred and twenty six billion, five hundred and sixty three million, four hundred and eighty one thousand, and ninety five Naira, forty three Kobo; $9,090,243,920.15 (Nine billion, ninety million, two hundred and forty three thousand, nine hundred and twenty Dollars, fifteen cents; 2,484,447.55 Pounds Sterling (Two million, four hundred and eighty four thousand, four hundred and forty seven Pounds, fifty five Pence) and 303,399.17 Euros (Three hundred and three thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine Euros, 17 cents ).

According to the statement, which is based on the interim report on the financial and assets recoveries made by the various government agencies from 29 May 2015 to 25 May 2016, the Funds Awaiting Return From Foreign Jurisdictions total $321,316,726.1 (Three hundred and twenty one million, three hundred and sixteen thousand, seven hundred and twenty six Dollars, one cent); 6,900,000 Pounds (Six million, nine hundred thousand Pounds) and 11,826.11 Euros (Eleven thousand, eight hundred and twenty six Euros, 11 cents).

It showed that Non-Cash Recoveries (Farmlands, Plots of Land, Uncompleted Buildings, Completed Buildings, Vehicles and Maritime Vessels) during the period total 239.

INTERIM REPORT ON FINANCIAL AND ASSET RECOVERIES MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA FROM 29 MAY 2015 TO 25 MAY 2016


 Cash Recoveries










These women who show serious passion, drive and tenacity cover this week’s Vanguard Allure.....

Omoni Oboli, Adesua Etomi, Linda Ejiofor and Chioma Onyenwe are four pro-active women that have put in their best in to their art.

Omoni’s electrifying performance in ‘Fifty’, Adesua in ‘Falling’, and Chioma Onyenwe steering the ship in her directorial debut ‘8 bars and a clef’ starring Linda Ejiofor have most certainly proved that they are forces to be recognised for the hard work that brings out the best in their art.

These women have shown serious passion, love and drive for their art and chosen career. In this week’s Vanguard Allure, the ladies also chose stylish looks serving their fiercest poses yet for the magazine while discussing about their careers and more.

Check out their stunning photoshoot for the magazine.




Omoni Oboli


Linda Ejiofor


Chioma Onyenwe


Adesua Etomi


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Photo 1 of 8  
Image Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla
The best thing about Michelle Obama is that when she means business, she wears a bold look to show it. The first lady hosted an event in the State Dining Room at the White House, announcing company pledges to hire and train military vets. For the FLOTUS, the moment was just as good as any to pull out a bright, sleeveless Spring dress, which she polished off with a thin belt, Hearts on Fire diamond hoop earrings, and sparkling rings.
Michelle knew better than to cover up with a blazer — not when she had a full midi skirt of pleats to flaunt, proving she's mindful of this season's trends. Read on to see Michelle attract attention from all angles, then shop for a printed design that doesn't feel dizzy but instead appropriately festive for the occasion.
LONDON (AP) — The Latest on President Barack Obama's visit to the United Kingdom (all times local): 9:15 p.m. The "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom seems to have put President Barack Obama in a gift-giving mood.
President Obama visit to UK
President Obama visit to UK
President Obama visit to UK
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales
(1 of 14) Britain's Prince Harry, left, stands with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, right, outside of Kensington Palace in London, with United States President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, prior to a private dinner, Friday April 22, 2016. Obama stepped into Britain's debate about EU membership and many other topics, as he starts a three day visit to Britain. (Chris Radburn/Pool via AP)
The White House says Obama presented Prime Minister David Cameron with a custom Shinola watch engraved on the back with the presidential seal. Obama also gave Cameron a bison leather duffel bag, monogrammed with the prime minister's initials and featuring a luggage tag with the presidential seal.
The duffel bag has three cans of tennis balls from the U.S. Open and a pair of sport towels personalized with U.S.-U.K. friendship flags. During a slightly belated birthday lunch with Queen Elizabeth II, Obama gave her a photo diary of her many visits with U.S. presidents and first ladies.
8 p.m.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are at Kensington Palace for dinner with Prince William, his wife, Kate, and his brother, Prince Harry.
William is second in line for the throne after his father, Prince Charles.
The presidential motorcade arrived at the palace under a steady drizzle. Obama held an umbrella over the first lady as Prince Harry leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. The trio of royals seemed to feel no need for an umbrella as they walked down several stone steps to greet the Obamas.
The men went semiformal with jackets but no ties, while the first lady wore a light terra cotta-colored coat and dress. Kate wore a teal and purple printed dress.
6:20 p.m.
President Barack Obama is sidestepping a question about whether he'll become the first president to visit Hiroshima during his visit to Japan next month.
Obama was asked about a potential visit during a news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron. He says to wait until he visits Asia before asking him questions about Asia.
The White House has been weighing whether Obama should visit the site when he's in Japan in May for a summit of the Group of 7 industrialized countries. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry paid a high-profile visit earlier in April.
The U.S. attack on Hiroshima in the final days of World War II killed 140,000 people and scarred a generation of Japanese, while thrusting the world into the dangerous Atomic Age.
No serving U.S. president has visited the site, and it took 65 years for a U.S. ambassador to attend Hiroshima's annual memorial service.
6:15 p.m.
President Barack Obama says the death of Prince is a remarkable loss. He's calling Prince a great performer who put out great music.
Obama says he didn't know Prince well but recalls his performance at the White House last year as creative, original and full of energy.
Obama is speaking at a news conference after meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron. Obama says he listened to "Purple Rain" and "Delirious" at the U.S. ambassador's residence on Friday in tribute to Prince and "to get warmed up" before his meeting with Cameron.
6:10 p.m.
President Barack Obama says the United States has looked at other options if a fragile cease-fire in Syria falls apart and "none of them are great."
Obama says the cessation of hostilities has held together longer than he expected. But he says even if it collapses, the U.S. will try to put it back together.
The president says his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday was intended to emphasize the importance of maintaining the ceasefire.
Obama has faced repeated questions about his "Plan B" if the cease-fire the U.S. and Russia brokered fails. Obama has accused Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime of violating that ceasefire amid renewed violence within the country. The Islamic State group and the al Qaida-linked Nusra Front are not part of the ceasefire.
6:00 p.m.
President Barack Obama says North Carolina's law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people is wrong should be overturned.
Obama is criticizing the state law and others targeting LGBT people during a news conference in London. He says they're in response to politics and strong emotions. Obama says some of the proponents are good people but that he disagrees with them.
Obama is commenting after the U.K. put out a travel advisory warning British citizens about possible discrimination if they travel to certain U.S. states. Obama says Americans in those states are "wonderful people" and that British citizens should feel free to come and enjoy themselves. He says they'll be treated with "extraordinary hospitality."
Obama says the U.S. isn't unique in having a federal system where states can make their own policies.
5:50 p.m.
President Barack Obama says he keeps a bust of Winston Churchill right outside the door of his private office on the second floor of the White House.
He says the primary image that he sees every day before entering what is referred to as the Treaty Room is the bust of Churchill. Obama says, "I love the guy."
Obama is responding to criticism from London's mayor. Boris Johnson said earlier that removing the bust of Churchill from the Oval Office was a symbol of the "part-Kenyan president's ancestral dislike of the British Empire."
Obama says that as the first African-American U.S. president, he thought it was important to have a bust of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Oval Office. He says that's to remind him of the hard work of people who came before him that allowed him to have the privilege of serving as president.
5:45 p.m.
President Barack Obama says leaving the European Union would send Britain to the "back of the queue" for a trade deal with the United States.
Obama is answering questions after telling a news conference with Prime Minister David Cameron that he hopes Britain will stay in the EU. Obama says "I don't think the EU moderates U.K. influence in the world — it magnifies it."
Those who argue for an exit from the 28-nation bloc sometimes claim Britain could easily negotiate new trade deals if it leaves the EU's free-trade zone. But Obama says it would be at the back of the queue because the U.S. priority would be cutting a deal with the much bigger EU.
5:40 p.m.
President Barack Obama says that participation in alliances such as the United Nations and NATO means the U.S. doesn't get 100 percent of what it wants, but its participation helps make the world better off.
He says NATO formalizes the architecture that deters aggression and that participation in the International Monetary Fund helps produce an orderly financial system.
Cameron is making clear that the UK's participation in the European Union is "our choice, nobody else's." But he says as the U.K. makes that choice, it makes sense to hear from its friends.
5:35 p.m.
President Barack Obama says the United Kingdom is at its best when it is leading a strong Europe as part of the European Union.
Obama is giving a strong defense of arguments for the U.K. staying in the 28-nation bloc during a joint news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron. He says the U.S. wants a strong U.K. as its partner.
Obama says EU allows the U.K. to spread British values across the continent. He says the single economic market brings "extraordinary economic benefits" to British citizens. Obama say that, in turn, is good for the U.S.
Obama says Americans want Britain's influence to grow, including within Europe. But he says ultimately the decision is up to the British people.
5:30 p.m.
British Prime Minister David Cameron says the U.K.-U.S. "special relationship" is strengthened by Britain's membership in the European Union.
Cameron is speaking in a joint news conference with President Barack Obama. The U.S. leader has stepped into Britain's debate about EU membership — and angered opponents of the bloc — by saying it is in U.S. interests for the U.K. to stay in.
The issue has overshadowed a trip on which Obama and Cameron discussed thorny topics including the fight against the Islamic State group, the European migrant crisis and global corruption.
Cameron is hailing the trans-Atlantic relationship and says "our collective power and reach is amplified by Britain's membership of the European Union."
He says EU membership is "a powerful tool to deliver on the prosperity and security our people need and to stand up for the values our countries share."
5:15 p.m.
President Barack Obama says Queen Elizabeth II is truly one of his favorite people and a "real jewel to the world," not just the United Kingdom.
Obama says he must confess that part of the reason for visiting the UK is to wish the queen a happy 90th birthday. He and first lady Michelle Obama met with the queen Friday and gave her a custom photo album.
Obama is speaking at a press conference with Prime Minister David Cameron. The president says that if he is fortunate enough to reach the age of 90, he hopes to be as vibrant as the queen.
3:20 p.m.
President Barack Obama has opened a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing St.
Obama arrived via motorcade after flying back to London via helicopter from Windsor Castle, where he had lunch with Queen Elizabeth II.
Cameron greeted the president and the two leaders exchanged small talk about sports and keeping their kids out of trouble.
The two leaders plan to discuss a range of pressing security and political issues, including the campaign against the Islamic State group and the U.K.'s deliberations about remaining in the European Union. Obama and Cameron will take questions from reporters together after their meeting.
3 p.m.
To commemorate her 90th birthday, The White House says President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have given Queen Elizabeth II a custom photo album chronicling her visits with U.S. presidents and first ladies.
The queen's first visit to the United States was in 1951 as Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh. She toured Mount Vernon and met with President Harry S. Truman. Since then, the queen has met with nearly every U.S. president.
Her first visit to the United States as queen occurred in 1957 when she met with President Dwight D. Eisenhower and former President Herbert Hoover.
The White House says the collection of historical photos highlights the enduring close friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
2:45 p.m.
London Mayor Boris Johnson is drawing a storm of criticism for suggesting President Barack Obama may have an "ancestral dislike of the British Empire" because of his Kenyan roots.
Obama has urged Britain to stay in the European Union, angering Johnson and others who want the country to leave the bloc.
Writing in The Sun newspaper, Johnson recounted a claim that a bust of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was removed from the Oval Office after Obama was elected and returned to the British Embassy. Johnson wrote that some said removing the bust "was a symbol of the part-Kenyan president's ancestral dislike of the British Empire, of which Churchill had been such a fervent defender."
Former Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell says Johnson's comment are "an unacceptable smear," while Labour Party lawmaker Diane Abbott says that "Boris dismissing president Obama as 'half-Kenyan' reflects the worst Tea Party rhetoric."
The White House has said that the Churchill bust is still in a prominent place in the presidential residence.
2:00 p.m.
It's hard to make arriving via helicopter for lunch with the queen look like a casual affair, but Queen Elizabeth II nearly managed it.
Tying a scarf over her head, the queen and Prince Philip came out in light rain to meet President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as Marine One landed outside Windsor Castle.
After quick but warm greetings, the four got into a black Range Rover. Philip drove and Obama joined him in the front seat. Britain's longest-serving monarch sat in the back.
At the castle, the 90-year-old queen got out of the SUV largely by herself, nearly before Obama could assist. Inside, she could be heard noting almost apologetically that "this room is full of mirrors" and asking Obama where he'd like to sit.
The first lady's office says her magenta and black floral print dress was made by Oscar de la Renta. She wore a black, Narciso Rodriguez overcoat.
The queen wore a smart, blue suit and black, square-heel pumps. Her head scarf was a small, floral print.
1:20 p.m.
After dinner with two princes on Friday, President Barack Obama will dine with an ambassador and a prime minister the following day.
The White House says U.S. Ambassador Matthew Barzun will host Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron for dinner Saturday at his London residence, Winfield House.
Set amid 12 acres (5 hectares) of grounds in London's Regent's Park, the 1930s neo-Georgian mansion is palatial. But it's not as historic as 300-year-old Kensington Palace. That's where the president and first lady Michelle Obama will dine Friday as guests of Prince William, his wife the Duchess of Cambridge and his younger brother Prince Harry.
1:00 p.m.
President Barack Obama has arrived in Windsor, England, for a royal lunch with Queen Elizabeth II.
The two heads of state were sitting down at Windsor Castle, just west of London, on Friday. It's the day after the queen and much of Britain celebrated her 90th birthday. First lady Michelle Obama and Prince Philip, the queen's husband, were joining the meal.
Obama says he'll wish the queen a happy birthday in person.
The queen and Prince Philip came out to greet Obama and the first lady in a light drizzling rain as they disembarked from Marine One at Windsor Castle.
Obama's socializing with the British royals was continuing later Friday over dinner with Prince William, his wife Kate and brother Prince Harry at Kensington Palace in London.
He was meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron in between the royal engagements.
9:00 a.m.
Campaigners for a British exit from the European Union are expressing anger at U.S. President Barack Obama's call for the U.K to stay in the bloc. U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage says Obama should "butt out."
Obama due to meet Prime Minister David Cameron later Friday.
London Mayor Boris Johnson, a leader of the exit campaign, says Americans "would never contemplate anything like the EU for themselves." Writing in The Sun newspaper, Johnson said Obama's stance "is a breathtaking example of the principle of do as I say, not as I do."
8:50 a.m.
President Barack Obama is urging Britons to vote to stay in the European Union, saying the challenges in the world require allies to "stick together."
In an op-ed published in the Telegraph newspaper, Obama says Great Britain's presence in the EU "magnifies" Britain's influence and helps spread "British values."
The piece was published Thursday evening as Obama arrived in London for a three-day visit. Some have speculated that the trip is timed to boost the campaign against the so-called "Brexit" ahead of a June referendum. Not all Britons are welcoming Obama's opinion.
Obama writes he's offering his view "with the candour of a friend" and notes the decision will affect U.S. interests.
He writes, "The U.S. and the world need your outsized influence to continue - including within Europe."
DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — The latest developments from the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where top executives and world leaders are gathered this week. All times local.
Mauricio Macri, David Cameron
Justin Trudeau
(1 of 9) Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao speaks at a special session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. World leaders are holding a flurry of diplomatic meetings at the World Economic Forum and worried CEOs are debating about how to deal with this year's volatile markets and low oil prices.
10:55 p.m. Philanthropist George Soros says he believes Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump doesn't have "any chance of being elected." Soros, who was speaking at the World Economic Forum at Davos, said Trump is doing the work of the Islamic State group by "fear mongering."
Soros said the popularity of Trump will lead to a "landslide" for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, saying she is "campaigning for the general elections and the Republicans are fighting in the primary.
10:35 p.m.
The United States says it will no longer oppose lending to Argentina from multilateral banks.
The U.S. Treasury statement follows a meeting between U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew and Argentine Finance Minister Alfonso Prat-Gay at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday.
It says the policy change was prompted by the Argentine government's "progress on key issues and positive economic policy trajectory."
Argentina is in the process of renegotiating about $10 billion of unpaid debt to US hedge funds that refused to give it debt relief at restructurings in 2005 an 2010.
Market-friendly Mauricio Macri took office as Argentine president in January, replacing Cristina Fernandez, who frequently clashed with Washington.
9:15 p.m.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden saw something surprising at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos.
Argentine President Mauricio Macri asked political rival Sergio Massa to join him and Biden in a photo during a meeting Thursday. Massa ran against Macri in last year's presidential election.
Biden commented, "I want the American press to observe something. The new president brought a member of the opposition with him. That's what we've got to do at home."
Biden had a day packed with diplomatic meetings in Davos on Thursday, including talks with leaders of Israel, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Cyprus.
8:15 p.m.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government is working on ways to boost the economy beyond a previously planned $10 billion deficit.
Speaking Thursday to The Associated Press at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Trudeau said, "We will do what needs to be done." He didn't elaborate.
The drop in oil prices has hit Canada's economy hard, and the Canadian dollar is diving too. Trudeau has vowed to spend billions on infrastructure in an effort to stimulate the economy in a budget being announced in the coming weeks.
Trudeau also said Canada is "committed to continuing" in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State extremists, even though there Canada is pulling out warplanes. Speaking to young entrepreneurs in Davos, he said, "Yes there's a need for ... military engagement."
He also described Canada's decision to welcome refugees from Syria's civil war as "a punch in the face" to the Islamic State group.
6:55 p.m.
On the day the World Food Program joined more than 100 other humanitarian agencies in an appeal to bring about an end to the conflict in Syria, the U.N. agency's top official says 400,000 people in the country remain isolated in 15 besieged areas.
In an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin says recent cease fires that have allowed the organization to reach places like the town of Madaya "must be expanded further."
Cousin said the WFP is reaching, along with partners, around 3.9 million people in Syria and supporting approximately 1.9 million people outside Syria with food assistance. The challenge, she said, is that over 7 million people need assistance.
The WFP is a regular presence in Davos and Cousin says its presence allows it to "give visibility" to issues business people don't see.
She says donors have "never been more generous but the challenges have never been greater."
6:40 p.m.
Argentina's President Mauricio Macri has met with British Prime Minister David Cameron in an attempt to improve relations that have long been frosty, especially over the disputed Falkland Islands.
Macri says he wants the two sides "to talk about all of the pending issues," including the Falklands. Britain lost and then recaptured the South Atlantic islands after an Argentine invasion in 1982.
Macri says the two sides are acknowledging differences, but are talking.
Thursday's meeting took place during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. A spokesperson for Cameron said the prime minister maintained Britain's position and that a recent referendum showed "the islanders wish to remain British."
6:25 p.m.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing down an Israeli plan to seize 370 acres (150 hectares) of West Bank land, calling it a "routine" survey of land whose fate hasn't yet been fully determined.
The Israeli leader spoke to reporters Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he had meetings with business and world leaders including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry.
The U.S. State Department has condemned the planned expropriation of land in the West Bank near the city of Jericho as incompatible with Israel's avowed commitment to a two-state solution. Palestinians and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the plan announced Wednesday by Israeli's Defense Ministry.
Netanyahu said "there has been no decision on what to do with this land" and reiterated his longstanding "open call" for peace talks with the Palestinians.
5:45 p.m.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is encouraging the leaders of ethnically split Cyprus to seize the positive momentum in ongoing reunification talks.
Ban lauded Nicos Anastasiades, the Cyprus Greek Cypriot president, and breakaway Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on making significant progress in eight months of talks and for demonstrating that they can reach compromises on thorny issues.
But he acknowledged after meeting both men Thursday in Davos that a "number of sensitive and difficult issues" still remain.
The U.N. chief also urged international actors, especially Cyprus' guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and Britain, to do their utmost to support the leaders in the talks.
Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup aimed at union with Greece.
5:10 p.m.
The vice president of China says the country "has the confidence and capacity to maintain medium to high growth."
Concerns about a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy have roiled financial markets in recent weeks. China's growth fell to a 25-year low of 6.9 percent last year.
Li Yuanchao said that after years of super-high growth, China is entering another phase, dubbed the "new normal."
The country is trying to shift its focus from an overreliance on manufacturing toward more consumer spending and small business. Li said: "The economy will grow more steadily and have more diversified driving forces."
4:30 p.m.
The office of the U.N. special envoy for Syria says peace talks initially scheduled to start Monday between government and opposition representatives in Geneva are likely to be delayed by a few days.
Jessy Chahine, spokeswoman for special envoy Staffan de Mistura, said in an email Thursday that the start date was likely to slip "for practical reasons" — without elaborating — but that "we are still aiming for that date and we will in any event assess progress over the weekend."
The intra-Syrian talks are set to become the third in Geneva since the conflict erupted nearly five years ago, leaving at least 250,000 dead. Diplomats and other officials say the makeup of the invitees list is among the sticking points.
The annual World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos is about global diplomacy.
In Davos, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the talks will likely be delayed "a day or two." Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davotoglu, Syria's northern neighbor, insisted no "terrorist groups" should be allowed to take part.
2:45 p.m.
British Prime Minister David Cameron says he is not asking for anything "outrageous" from European Union leaders so that he can campaign for the country's continued membership in the 28-country bloc.
In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Cameron said Thursday that his aim is to "secure the future of Britain in a reformed European Union."
He said that if a deal does not emerge at a February summit of EU leaders then he can wait. His party's manifesto pledge was to hold a referendum by the end of 2017.
If offered a good deal at the summit, Cameron said he would take it.
Cameron laid out his four reform proposals. He wants changes to rules affecting migration and benefits; to "hard-wire" competitiveness into the EU's DNA; to make sure non-euro countries like Britain aren't discriminated by the 19 EU countries that use the euro currency; and to get Britain out of the idea of an "ever-closer union."
1:20 p.m.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says his country is increasingly determined to fight extremism after a university attack by Islamic militants that killed 21.
Sharif, speaking Thursday in the Swiss resort of Davos, said, the country's resolve to fight against these elements is "getting stronger every day."
He said the attack was the result of "blowback" after Pakistani authorities' efforts to dismantle extremists' infrastructure and hide-outs.
Even as his country mourned the students killed at Bacha Khan university in the town of Charsadda, Sharif insisted that the extremists' "ability to strike back has been considerably destroyed." The terrorists are "on the run," he insisted.
Sharif was speaking at a debate moderated by The Associated Press at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
1:10 p.m.
US Treasury chief Jack Lew says the beneficial effect of lower oil prices on consumers may not yet be fully apparent.
The plunge in oil prices has unnerved financial markets in recent weeks as investors worry it means the global economy is weakening and requiring less energy.
But in a panel in Davos, Switzerland, Lew stressed how the drop in oil prices acts like a tax cut for the majority of people and countries, which are net oil consumers.
He said consumers "have more money in their pockets" and that people are either spending or improving their household finances by saving or reducing debt. In either case, he said, that strengthens the economy in the longer term. "I don't think that money is just evaporating," he said.
12:30 a.m.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras says the European Union needs to come up with a comprehensive package of measures to deal with its migrant crisis — including more involvement by Europe-wide bodies in transit countries like his and a properly thought-out and paid-for relocation and resettlement plan.
Dismissing suggestions that his country has been reluctant to allow a bigger EU involvement in the eastern Greek islands, Tsipras said Thursday that Europe has to cooperate more on the many difficulties it faces, not least the refugee crisis and the economic problems afflicting the euro currency.
Greece has been at the heart of both crises, and last year Tsipras signed the country's third international bailout agreement in a little more than five years.
Tsipras told a panel at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos that "we need more Europe" that is focused on building democracy, solidarity and employment.
12:15 p.m.
European leaders said they will do what they can to make sure British Prime Minister David Cameron can support his country's continued future in the European Union in a referendum expected this year.
Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime minister whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the 28-country EU, said Thursday he's "fairly optimistic" a deal with Britain will emerge in February, but that he's "not absolutely sure."
Addressing a panel at the World Economic Forum at the Swiss ski resort of Davos, Rutte voiced his strong support for Britain's continued membership of the EU as the country is outward-looking and trade-oriented.
Cameron is seeking a series of reforms on things like benefits, powers for national parliaments and movement of people. He has voiced his hope that a successful renegotiation will lead to the British people backing Britain's future in the referendum that is expected this year.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said it would be a "tragedy" if Britain left the EU — so-called Brexit.
11:45 a.m.
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble says Europe will have to invest billions to deal with the refugee crisis that it's faced over the past year.
Schaeuble indicated his strong support for efforts to deal with problems in the transit countries at the forefront of the crisis, such as Greece and Italy. He didn't respond to a question on how many more refugees Germany can take in the current year.
At a panel at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, Schaeuble said Thursday it would be a "disgrace" if Europe became a fortress.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said Europe has to come up with a comprehensive strategy to deal with the refugee crisis within the next two months.
Rutte said nobody was talking about ending the Schengen Agreement, which allows free movement of people across European borders.
11:15 a.m.
Christine Lagarde has received the backing of both Britain and Germany to head the International Monetary Fund for a second term.
British finance chief George Osborne issued a statement Thursday saying his government nominated her to stay in the post. The German government quickly followed, with a finance ministry statement saying Lagarde "was a circumspect and successful crisis manager during the difficult period after the financial crisis."
Countries individually nominate their preferred candidate.
At a panel in Davos, Switzerland, Lagarde said she was honored but did not want to confirm yet whether she would agree to stand again. She later told reporters that she was prepared to stay in the post if IMF member states would like her to stay.
The IMF has typically been run by a European official, while its sister organization, the World Bank, by an American. Developing countries have increasingly opposed this informal arrangement.
Lagarde, who is French, was in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, a meeting of business leaders and public figures.
11:00 a.m.
A Chinese market regulator says the country has no option but to support growth this year, using its large financial reserves if needed.
As concerns over a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy roil markets, Fang Xinghai, from China's Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs, said Thursday: "We cannot afford to let growth rate to fall too sharply, because that would ignite a lot of financial problems inside China. So we will have appropriately expansionary fiscal and financial policy this year."
At a panel in Davos, Switzerland, Ray Dalio, the chairman of Bridgewater Associates, said the biggest concern was China's currency. As it weakens, that will weigh on the global economy.
He said: "That happens at a time there is a weakness in the rest of the world."
10:00 a.m.
The annual elite economic gathering in the Swiss Alps resort of Davos is about global diplomacy, too.
War and diplomatic tensions from the Mideast to South Asia are high on Thursday's agenda. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is meeting with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and later Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu — all of whom are holding a flurry of talks with other envoys as well.
Britain's David Cameron, China's Vice President Li Yuanchao, and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are taking the stage later Thursday at the World Economic Forum.
And U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, fresh from talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is joining Davos with a full schedule.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Leading business groups, often at odds with President Barack Obama, are looking to give momentum to one of his priorities before he leaves office: approval of a trade pact linking 12 nations along the Pacific Rim that make up 40 percent of the world economy.
John Engler
(1 of 1) Business Roundtable President John Engler talks with members of the media, in Washington. Leading business groups, often at odds with President Barack Obama, are looking to give momentum to one of his top priorities before he leaves office: approval of a trade pact linking 12 nations along the Pacific Rim that make up 40 percent of the world economy. Engler said his organization is hoping Congress will approve the pact before its August recess.
The Business Roundtable, made up of chief executive officers from large U.S. companies, will endorse the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement on Tuesday. A trade group representing manufacturers did the same Monday.
Their influence could make supporters in Congress more eager to take the agreement up in an election year. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently urged Obama to hold off on sending the agreement to Congress before the elections, warning that it didn't have the votes.
John Engler, president of the Business Roundtable, and a former Republican governor of Michigan, said his organization is hoping Congress will approve the pact before it heads home for its August recess.
"The hope is to send the signal now that we're getting pretty comfortable with the agreement and let's get ready to give it serious consideration," Engler told The Associated Press. The trade agreement took more than five years to stitch together. Participating nations would reduce or eliminate thousands of tariffs that apply to foreign-made goods. The agreement also rolls back regulatory requirements, such as the need to establish an office in a particular country or partner with a local entity, in order to access their markets.
Several presidential candidates in both parties as well as members of Congress have panned the Trans-Pacific Partnership since agreement on the deal's terms was announced in October. Donald Trump said it's a "terrible deal." Democrat Hillary Clinton said "it didn't meet my standards."
That's led to questions about whether Congress would pass the trade pact, even though lawmakers just last year passed legislation designed to speed TPP's passage without the threat of amendments or filibuster. Support from business groups could ease some lawmakers' concerns about the political environment.
The trade group representing manufacturers came out with its endorsement Monday. The group's president and CEO, Jay Timmons, said that without the agreement, the United States would be ceding economic leadership to other global powers, letting them set the rules of economic engagement in the region.
The group has frequently clashed with the Obama administration over new environmental regulations and recently sued to stop stricter limits on smog-causing pollution. Labor unions have come out overwhelmingly against the trade agreement, saying it will drive wages down, and it's clear that for Obama to get a legacy-setting victory, he'll have to rely on the Republican party to push the legislation to victory. Engler said he's confident that the pact would end up getting more votes than the fast-track legislation that passed last year.
He said not all members of the Business Roundtable supported TPP, but there was broad consensus. "We cannot have a robust economy if the goal is to make things here and sell it to ourselves," Engler said.
The White House said it welcomed the endorsements and that it showed that companies big and small feel the agreement is vital to their ability to compete globally. "We look forward to working with Congress to ratify this agreement as soon as possible, so that these job creators can begin to take advantage of the 18,000 tax cuts within the agreement and support more higher-paying American jobs," said White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine.
HANNOVER, Germany (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators have turned out in the German city of Hannover to protest a planned U.S.-Europe free trade agreement, a day before President Barack Obama arrives. Police said Saturday that more than 20,000 people gathered for the demonstration.
(1 of 4) Thousands of demonstrators protest against the planned Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, ahead of the visit of United States President Barack Obama in Hannover, Germany, Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Many in Germany regard the planned Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, with suspicion. Protesters Saturday carried placards with slogans such as "Yes We Can — Stop TTIP!" Proponents argue that the agreement would boost business at a time of global economic uncertainty, but critics worry that it would erode consumer protection and environmental standards.
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